Chapter 4 ~ The Forgotten

"All the things one has forgotten scream for help in dreams." Elias Canetti

It was the final battle. He barely glanced twice at the tall lanky boy who was on one side, constantly pushing his glasses up his nose as he called to his Gardevoir. The dark man's attention was focused on the two battling Pokémon, the psychic humanoid and a large rock dinosaur. Once again his gaze shifted over the trainer, a boy his age with spiky brown hair and a Pikachu with a tufted head.

Ash was patient. He had learned that from J. He knew not to rush things, to take his time and estimate his opponent's strengths before acting. He had scouted out the league from top to bottom, the plan clear in his mind as he appeared near the top of the complex, looking down on the rocky field down below. It allowed him an aerial view of the champion and elite's box and he smiled to see that Lance was there, six Pokéballs hidden under the long black cloak he always wore.

The dark man was silent as he prepared himself for the capture. His eyes was not just on the target but his gaze flickered over the two battling Pokémon, both extremely well trained. He cursed as the psychic Gardevoir blinked and looked in his direction and he ducked out sight. He listened to the loud ringing voice of the MC as he announced the psychic type had been recalled after some disobedience and Ash swore. He just hoped Max hadn't found out that he was here through telepathy.

It turns out he wasn't the first thief to act. The Team Rocket trio had given up selling their food and drinks on the side-lines and wanted attention. Ash watched in amusement, hidden from the shadows as their balloon appeared from the shadows, long arms reaching out to grab the Tyranitar from where he was waiting for his next opponent.

Silhouetted against the sky two people posed, a cream cat standing on two paws balanced on the edge of the basket. The woman had long purple hair and blue eyes that sparkled as she stood back to back with her partner who had short, straight icy lavender hair and green eyes. He brandished a red rose in his hand as he began to recite their new motto they had rediscovered from old.

While the trio where shouting out to the confused crowds Ash slipped back into the shadows, a red and white sphere already enlarged in his hands. He vanished into the darkness and let the ball open on his palm, a large blue dragon materialising in front of him. The narrow part of the complex below the stands allowed the light from the outside world to filter through the metal structure to where the ground and dragon type stood, fangs bared as Ash hopped onto his back. Raichu took up his position at the top of Garchomp's neck, just above the long, scarred fin that jutted out like a shark. A shark of the air, shark of the land…

"Prepare for trouble, Make it double," The two humans took alternate lines as they began reciting.

"To save the world from devastation, to unite all people within our nation,"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love, to extend our reach to the stars above,"

"Jessie! James! Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

The scratch cat brandished his claws, preparing for his line as a blue blob appeared behind him much to the Jessie's annoyance. The red rose was thrown from James's gloved hands as they prepared for the last line. The cat opened his mouth to talk but paused and looked around before speaking in his quaint accent.

"Uhhh Jimmy-boy…why are we sinking?"

"Chomp," From behind the Meowth shaped balloon an even fearsome shadow loomed, dark blue with a blood red belly and blunt nose hiding razor sharp fangs and gleaming incisors. He gave a guttural snarl, almost as if it was bored as his long tail whipped back and forth, slicing air. On his back Ash sat, hidden by his hood and cloak that he had donned for once. His eyes were covered by his dark glasses that were busy scanning the crowd as the balloon in front of him began sinking as the large tears in the back began releasing air.

He narrowed his eyes as Jessie and James stopped beating up Meowth to look up, faces wide as he tossed a ball into the air, not even bothering to give a command as Raichu leapt of his shoulder, tail glowing.

"RaiChu!"

"CarrRio!"

The gleaming tail sent to balloon flying off to one side and the glowing blue sabre that had materialised in Lucario's hand destroyed the large mechanical arms that clutched at the large rock Pokémon. The Tyranitar let out a roar as he landed heavily on the ground. In the distance Team Rocket could be heard crying out in pain and anger as a Thunder sent them flying high into the sky. They were spinning, eyes closed as they looked at the swirling world around them.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

"Wobbuffet!"

Ash narrowed his eyes as Garchomp descended. When still high above the ground he threw himself off to the side, his arms outstretched and cloak billowing in the wind as he fell the six metres to the ground. As he landed, bending his knees and crouching low to the ground in front of the surprised Tyranitar, he was grateful that his reputation as a Pokémon Hunter was unknown in Kanto and that Barry wasn't anywhere nearby to differ. From the battling pitch, Richie was running over, Sparky by his side as he smiled in thanks. Ash stood up and the brown haired boy froze as Ash raised one arm pointing to the large rock dragon.

"It's nothing personal," he muttered; the stranger's voice husky and low but clear to hear as his left hand was brought around, activating a small button that shot out a beam of light towards the rock Pokémon who froze upon contact, his body turning to stone, eyes still glazed with shock. The large overlapping scales ceased their movement and the large heavy tail slowed its sweeping as the stone crept along the body, freezing the muscles as the large rock and dark type was turned to its element. Nothing personal Ash echoed in his mind as he let a dark smile play across his hidden features.

It never is.

That was when the screaming began.

By Ash's side Garchomp thudded down, sending small clouds of dust into the air. As Ash slowly lowered his arm to his side the dragon let out a low roar, opening his mouth to reveal a bright ball of flames. Closing his maw with a snap the large dragon let out a fearsome snarl rise in his throat, his yellow sclera's gleaming as his focussed his eyes on the crowd. Next to him Lucario stepped forward, brandishing his bone club like a sabre, spinning it around in quick, darting movements creating a blue blur of colour. Raichu was on all fours, his cheeks sparking as he let out a low growl, whip like tail brandishing in the dirt as small static charges ran over his body. The most threatening figure though was the Pokémon Hunter, his face shadowed by his hood and glasses, his dark, cold imposing figure icy and threatening.

Ash had to admit that the elites were quick to act. While Max and Richie stood staring at him with shock, the latter trying and failing to recall the frozen lizard into his ball. The crowd had rose together, screams and cries of anger falling upon his ears as their mixed reactions merged to one when surrounding the dark man four shadows appeared. He blinked his mismatched eyes calmly as around his, a dark ghostly Gengar, a four armed fighting Machamp, a small black Umbreon with yellow ringed paws and ears and a tall, totem bird, wings outspread as the Natu let out a low call that echoed through the complex. Their job was not to attack him and this became obvious as the call echoed through the complex. Ash gritted his teeth and stuffed his fingers in his ears as the crowd's yells quietened. They seemed to relax and walk, as one large body towards the exits. The Pokémon Hunter let his eyes snap closed as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, no longer listening to the low call.

"Natu-u-u Tu-u-u," The low power hypnosis attack echoed through the stadium, the main aim of getting the innocent crowd out from harm's way. The purple haired masked psychic elite had hoped of hitting the dark man who stood there, threatening their yearly battle but as he ran down yet another flight of stairs he saw that this had failed. He rounded the corner with the other elites, cursing that they had made this place so tall as they began to near the Pokémon Hunter.

Ash closed his eyes, picturing the world in black and white as he let his mind wander for a split second in the realms of dreams and ideals before his eyes snapped open. His gaze was focussed on a blonde haired woman, a purple haired boy and five people who stood behind them ears plugged, the woman keeping them from leaving. He opened his eyes and met her pale grey gaze for an instant, his gaze hardening as he turned away, his fingers seeking out another small, hidden button on the grey mechanical device strapped to his arm. A small red light lit up, sending out a signal to the team to move in with the removal truck to take away the statue of the large rock lizard that stood there, frozen in stone.

Richie stepped forward angrily, "Who are you? Let Cruz go!" he shouted and Ash raised an eyebrow at the stupid nick name. He found no need to reply and sighed, releasing three balls from his belt, flicking them into the air and directing them towards the elite's Pokémon who surrounded him, their gazes watching him with anger and hatred.

"Get them out of the way," he muttered as Infernape, Floatzel and Espeon materialised in front of him. They didn't need to be told twice as Espeon released a psychic attack on the ghostly apparition, Infernape let out a mouthful of flames to where the fighting and moonlight Pokémon stood. Floatzel summoned a jet out water between his paws which he threw towards the psychic bird, freezing it with a lethal ice fang as he tossed it forward.

To finish it off Raichu let out a paralyzing thunder wave and the four Pokémon froze as static charge surrounding their bodies. Ash turned away, hardly need to communicate with his friends as Lucario summoned a blue ball of aura between his paws, throwing into a rock, shattering it into pieces and masking the cloaked man for a few crucial seconds. A few crucial seconds was all it took for him to appear on the other side of the field, leaning casually against the wall as he watched the scene. He sighed impatiently as a voice echoed through the stadium.

Cynthia's voice was tense as she snatched the microphone from the surprised MC, "Stop it Raven or I'll tell them who you are."

The stadium was empty now, and the small powered microphone was only loud enough to be heard by the few people who remained. The blonde haired woman was staring at him sadly as he looked at her. It was meant to be a threat but once again Ash merely sought out her gaze, mouthing, "And?" mirroring his uncaring attitude as he brought his wrist up, aimed towards the Gengar as his goggles beeped, matching a request. The dark man clearly heard the old lady call out in pain as the purple poison and ghost type became one huge lump of solid rock.

Max was standing beside Richie, shouting something but Ash wasn't listening, his gaze focused on a purple haired man who was walking forward leaving the five remaining people at the edge of the field, wanting to flee, wanting to help but told to stay there by the Sinnoh Champion and the Pyramid King. Ash smirked, meeting Paul's gaze as the Frontier Brain pushed Max and Richie back, directing them to where the other five were standing nervously. In front of him a large black weasel stood, claws extended and red feathers blowing in the breeze that had picked up, whipping at the dark man's cloak.

"Espeon – Psychic," Ash suddenly noticed how silent it was, only pierced by his command and the loud echoing footsteps of the racing elites, still two levels up from the ground floor. He wondered why they had not used their Pokémon to get down, finding it pathetic that as elites they had failed in their job. Only Lance had taken a risk, leaping down from the two floors, landing on his feet and appearing by Paul's shoulder.

Around the raven haired boy his six Pokémon surrounded him, hackles raised and various body parts glowing but it was the purple cat who leapt forward towards Weavile, the purple beam from her mouth catching at the dust and dirt on the floor and whipping it up around the ice and dark type.

Paul hissed as he ordered a shadow claw and Weavile leapt forward smirking as his claws extended into shadows as he lunged forward. He skidded to a halt as the purple fox was no longer there, creeping up behind him, ears pressed flat against the wind and tail flickering as a purple and black ball formed in her mouth.

The large weasel spun around, too late to stop the Shadow Ball that was hurled at him, sending him flying backwards. Ash was waiting; right arm pointing towards the Pokémon but a thin beam of light snaked down, transferring the Pokémon back to energy before the blinding white light could penetrate. Ash sighed and nodded respectfully at Paul who was considering him quietly before stepping back to let Lance move forward.

The red hair man was glaring at him as he threw forward two balls. Ash's eyes focused briefly on the sparkling red sea monster but he turned his gaze away as Lance called to him. "Give up – you're surrounded,"

Ash let out a small sigh, "But that's when things get fun," he muttered, too quietly for them to hear. He let his gaze wander over the capable elites who had reached the ground floor, fanning out and surrounding him, pressed back against the wall of the complex.

Lance took a step forward, "Let them go!" he beckoned to the two stone statues of the Gengar and Tyranitar. Ash tilted his head on one side considering before narrowing his eyes as an answer. Frustrated by the lack of any response Lance let out a frustrated hiss, "What kind of job is this for a man?" he challenged, tossing forward two Pokéballs from his belt.

Ash smiled, "I'm only eighteen and it's not a job that I chose willingly," he explained quietly and Lance did a double take as Raichu leapt forward towards the orange dragon with blue wings and a small horn on the top of his head.

"RaiRaiRaiRaiChu!" The orange mouse became surrounded by a veil of yellow aura as he ran forward in a volt tackle. The dragon master's attention snapped around, focussing on protecting the powerful Dragonite, his attention focussed elsewhere, forgetting about the large red shiny lizard that was still writhing as it waited for orders. That was when Ash moved, his right arm pointing towards the Pokémon, clicking a button, entombing the red sea monster in stone as the Atrocious Pokémon's roars ceased.

Cynthia appeared now, her hair falling over her eyes as she slowed to a halt. She made no move to attack but stared at Ash with panic in her eyes, "Please," her mouth formed, begging him, pleading with him but the raven haired boy lost sight of her as the wall to the left of him crashed open. Through the rising dust and rubble a large dark shape emerge, engines purring quietly as it pulled up beside him. He nodded with satisfaction as the back of the armoured vehicle lifted up, allowing three flat disks to slip out and begin gliding towards their stone parcels.

He could hear the shocked cries as the circle Ash had formed around himself prevented the elites from moving towards the large glass cages that slid towards the truck. The dark boy paid no attention to the procedure, hating to see the stone statues swallowed by darkness.

Ash stepped forward, taking a stand in front of the large armoured truck as his team moved around him. He stared venomously around at the people who had gathered. Lance and his top four elites, Agatha, Bruno, Karen and Will were trying to get past his fire monkey's and purple fox's defence while Cynthia and Paul stood watching quietly. It was then that the raven haired man noticed the approaching shadows from behind.

Lance ducked an ice fang that Floatzel aimed towards him and looked up, hissing while Ash guarded the escape. "Who are you?" the red haired man spat as he made a valiant attempt to straighten his cloak.

Thudding footsteps appeared through the hazy dust as the people waiting at the side-lines raced forward, unable to stop themselves interfering. "That's Raven – he's J apprentice, a Pokémon Hunter from Sinnoh!"

Ash bit his tongue to stop himself correcting them, telling them that technically he was from Kanto; J was from Hoenn and half the henchman had been recruited from a pub in Johto. The large black ship went wherever there was business; having travelled to Hoenn, Johto and Sevii in the time Ash had been there. Their main haunt was Sinnoh only because of the outrageous but well-paid jobs Team Galactic managed to come up with.

Cynthia whirled on the new arrivals, her eyes wide as she stared at Ash's former friends. Her gaze ran over Gary, Misty and Brock who were off to one side before flickering to May, Max and Dawn. Richie too was standing there, unable to see his Pokémon shipped away. The blonde elite opened her mouth to ask them but Ash beat her to it, snapping at her coldly.

"Now do you understand?"

Lance let out a hiss of frustration as he and his Dragonite dodged an aura sphere from Lucario, stepping backwards as his large red Gyrados floated into the truck. Ash took this opportunity to recall three of his Pokémon: Infernape, Espeon and Floatzel. The fire ape, psychic fox and water weasel vanished in red beams as the remaining three moved closer around him.

Lance's voice was full of frustration as he spoke, "You're the worst kind of thieves!" he spat, anger in his tone. He made as if to step forward as both Garchomp and Lucario vanished to their respective balls leaving Raichu, cheeks crackling. Behind Ash the dust was still clearing, wafting into the air turning the world pale brown as the engine was started again, whirring into life as the back slammed shut, like the closing of a PokéBall as it drove away, target acquired, leaving a large escape route behind him as he stepped backwards towards it.

Ash let out a dark glare and Cynthia stopped Lance, pushing him back as she pleaded to the dark man, "Please, stay and explain. We can help you! Just listen to us – don't make us force you! I know we can't imagine what you've been through but -"

"-No, you can't," Ash's tone was cold and icy as he interrupted her, his clenched fists the only thing that stopped dark blue-black balls of aura forming there. Cynthia breathed inwards quickly, her gaze flickering beyond him and the dark man froze for a split second, realising that he had let down his guard.

Who had ever said that the Sinnoh Champion came here alone?

He was half turned around, still projecting the shield from his mind as the attacks hit him. It felt like he had been punched in the chest and sent him flying backwards, away from the escape the large armoured truck had taken. Ash cursed as the flames, psychic, bug, ground and dragon attacks hit him. His eyes snapped closed as his back hit a large solid pillar and he slid to the floor blood running from his lip as he winced in pain.

"RaichiRai!" Raichu let out an alarmed chirp and raced over to his fallen master. From the ragged hole in the battle complex four people emerged, a man with a red afro, an elderly lady, and a young man with green hair and a man with dark glasses. The man with the red afro and yellow shirt grinned sheepishly as he looked at Cynthia. He scratched his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"Sorry Cynth…didn't mean to hit 'im that hard, I swear on my 'fro!" In his other hand he held an enlarged red and white sphere that held a large flamethrower Pokémon. The other Sinnoh Elites Pokémon had also been recalled, none of them willing to sacrifice their best battling partners to stone. Lance was already racing to the fallen criminal, his large yellow dragon padding after him sedately as his gaze fell on the yellow mouse still standing guard, tail whipping back and forth with annoyance.

"Get that rat out of the way," Lance snapped to nobody in particular. Nobody listened to him.

Once again Cynthia pushed Lance back. The red haired man snapped something at her and motioned to his elites to mingle with those from Sinnoh, guarding any escape routes. Paul walked forward slowly, eyes narrowed at the man who was half leaning against a large stone pillar of rock, eyes closed. Behind him trooped Misty, Brock, Gary, May, Max and Dawn. They stared on with shock as Cynthia walked forward towards the fallen man who looked dead to the world, his hood knocked back of his face revealing his spiky raven black hair although the dark glasses were still on, hiding his eyes.

They watched in silence as his electric mouse backed up, his long tail brushing against the grey device on his right arm, a small spark of static passing along his tail, frying the circuits and making the device a useless chunk of metal. It fell to the ground and a sweeping iron tail knocked it into the wall where it crumbled into small, useless parts. The mouse gave a satisfied chirp and sat back on his hind legs, watching Cynthia calmly with bright eyes.

"Ash?" Cynthia's voice was cautious as she spoke his former name. Those who had known him blinked in surprise and Paul let out a smirk as they voice their doubts.

Dawn was the one who stepped forward, "That's not Ash," she spoke calmly, barely concealing her anger, "Raven was the one who killed Ash," her voice dropped in volume as she swallowed a lump in her throat.

On the floor the dark boy stirred, propping himself on his gloved hands. "Sorry to disappoint, sister," Ash snarled, his eyes flickering open as he propped himself up, wincing and asking, "Did you have to Cynthia?" referring more to hitting him with the quadruple attacks as opposed to the revelation.

Dawn's hand flew to her mouth and she stood there stupidly, staring at the raven haired man. Cynthia rolled back on her heels and glared at the dark man who was smirking at her coldly, "Explain," she demanded, tapping her foot impatiently.

Ash then did his annoying response of silence, taking the opportunity to rise to his feet, breathing heavy and leaning on the pillar for support as he looked around. Paul was the one who broke the silence, a loud laugh echoing around the empty stadium.

He couldn't contain himself as he bent over in two, chuckling, "I can't believe they didn't recognise you!" was all he managed to gasp before another fit of laughter shook him. Dawn momentarily awoke from her shock to snap at him.

"I think that's the most emotion you've ever shown," she growled before turning to Cynthia and stating calmly, "That's not Ash," she spat, motioning towards where Ash was leaning against the pillar.

Brock nodded in agreement, "Ash would never do things like that monster has done,"

The dark man could barely hold back a snarl of anger as his cold gaze stared daggers at the two of them. Misty noticed his cold glare and shifted uncomfortably, spitting at him angrily, "You could never be like Ash," she snarled at him as Cynthia looked on in sadness.

She was muttering to herself, "When one life meets another …"

She was interrupted as two voices snapped together, "something will be born,"

Ash and Paul found themselves smirking as they met each other's gaze. Ash snorted with laughter and looked away as Cynthia clenched her fist in frustration. "Tell us what happened!" she pleaded but this time Gary interrupted her.

The researcher's hair was spiky as he smiled at Cynthia, "I know they look the same and all, but that's not Ash, trust me, I know he was my rival and all but I've known him since we were kids," he explained calmly.

Max backed him up, "Ash is dead – you have to accept that,"

Only May stayed silent, her gaze fixed on the dark broken man who let a small smile play over his lips. On the ground Raichu let out a puzzled chirp as Ash spoke up, his voice laced with barely concealed anger, "Your choice Gary-boy." Gary flinched as Ash added, "Looks like you're still pretty stupid then,"

There was an audible inward breath from Gary as he heard the old inverse use of his nickname. Everyone else's gaze was fixated on the orange mouse, larger than before with a long whip like tail. Lance was watching calmly, knowing that this was Cynthia's job to deal with a criminal from Sinnoh. It didn't stop the Champion's mind from hoping his Gyrados would be safe.

Ash was frustrated at the slow conversation and gritting his teeth he turned to Cynthia, "Well?" he challenged, his voice low and he let out a deep cough as dust rose in his throat. His gaze fell on the nine people before him, blocking his escape route as he lent against the block, still recovering from the multiple attacks.

The blonde haired champion was gazing at him with pity that was evident in her voice as she spoke. "Ash, let us help you. We can work something out and maybe if you help us we can work out how to kill J!"

"Get in line," Ash snarled, bile rising in his throat and he coughed again. Raichu gaze a small chirp and hopped up onto his shoulders chirping in his master's ear.

Misty stamped her foot on the ground, "You're just evil!" she shouted, turquoise eyes wide as she glared at the Pokémon Hunter. Cynthia was the one who answered, sensing the pain and anger from J's apprentice.

Her grey eyes were sad as she spoke, almost apologetic, "It is Ash though... He's just…changed," It badly summed up the difference in the dark boy who was still glaring at Misty before giving up, blinking and half closing his eyes as he thought.

May shook her head in shock, tears refusing to fall from her eyes as sorrow rose up around her, all that she had pushed down and hidden as she stared at the man in black who was leaning heavily on the pillar, his breath slowing. Misty had stepped back in shock, Brock reaching out comforting arm but it wasn't necessary for Misty was already sobbing into Gary's shoulder.

Cynthia turned to Lance, sadly. The red haired champion was staring hard at the second most wanted person in Sinnoh, trying to match up the features. He let out a gasp of shock as Ash pulled his dark glasses of his face which miraculously were still there, unscathed. Irritated Ash stuffed them into a pocket and looked at Cynthia, waiting for her to comment or ask the questions he knew were coming.

"Why?"

He wasn't prepared to answer that one and kept silent. Cynthia sought for another option.

"Will you help us then?"

This time Ash smirked, his mismatched eyes examining the blonde woman carefully for a moment before nodding, retorting softly, "If I didn't I wouldn't still be here would I?" he questioned and the black cloaked woman took the subtle hint as a low snarl came from behind her and she turned as a stream of grass, fire and water attacks came blasting past her. When her attention turned back to where Ash had been he was gone.

"Sneaky," Paul drawled as he focussed on an area just behind him where Ash was standing beside his three Kanto giants. His hand was running along the smooth scales of the lizard as he murmured something in the dragon's ear. Charizard let out a disgruntled roar and a whiff of smoke rose from his nostrils, turning and spiralling in on it as it rose upwards.

Cynthia gave a frustrated hiss as she saw Ash standing behind her, on his terms, still staying to see her plan through. He had taken support on the large shell shocker whose blue smooth skin offered a cool surface to cool his hot hands. He had avoided major damage by projecting a low power aura shield over him, he hadn't had enough time to fully extend it and this was evident in the limp that wracked at his right leg, jolted in a sprain from the earth attack.

Dawn who had backed away turned to stare at Ash. "What did you mean…sister…?" her voice was questioning and the raven haired boy's gaze snapped up to look at her with interest as he studied the unknown member of family.

Ash sighed and from his pocket withdrew a brown envelope and tossed it lazily over to Dawn. Paul reached out and caught it, passing it to Dawn with a winning smile. The blunette smiled quietly back at him as she opened it, tears forming in her eyes as she viewed the photograph's within.

The Battle Pyramid King looked over her shoulder at the picture of the dark haired man pictured beside a woman with blue hair. An Umbreon and Glameow sat at their feet, the dark moonlight Pokémon by a man who looked startlingly similar to Ash. Another picture showed the man with his Umbreon winning a large trophy, then another image of Delia with a small baby wrapped in a bundle in her arms. They continued, all with direct links to Ash and Dawn's shared and unknown father.

Dawn closed her eyes and pressed them to her chest as she knelt down, weeping. Paul moved to comfort her, ignoring the shocked looks Brock directed and the knowing smirk from the Pokémon Hunter. The blunette looked up, "Did you..." she began, her eyes watering.

"He's dead," Ash spoke softly, directing his words only to Dawn and allowing a small trace of sorrow to creep into his words. His eyes blinked slowly and his gaze looked up to examine the faces of his former friends. It flickered past Brock and Max, both of who were still disbelieving and rested briefly on Misty and Gary, pressed together before falling on where May was standing, her hand tightly clenched around something. The Pokémon Hunter's gaze fell on her clenched fist and May thought she saw pain flit across his expression for a moment but it was gone as soon as it appeared. The brunette brought her clenched fist to her heart, letting her fingers open a crack so the glint of gold in them became visible. A glint of gold from the cut ribbon. Ash froze as he saw it.

Then he was back, the cold dark man that nobody recognised, returning the three giants to their balls and slipping them into their places on his belt. Lance let out a growl of disapproval to see the twelve balls there and he commented on this.

"You're only allowed six Pokémon at a time," he hissed, blinking in annoyance as the irony of the situation occurred to him. He was complaining to a Pokémon Hunter over how many balls he carried, where Hunters could just steal what they wanted. He shook the thoughts from his head, glaring at Ash.

Ash gazed at him calmly, "They're all I have left," he spoke quietly, barely above a whisper and Brock shook his head, denying this and letting out a small smile.

"Then you aren't Ash – he had more Pokémon than twelve!"

Ash didn't reply and only Cynthia, Paul and May saw how much it was hurting him to be here, re-facing the past that had abandoned him. Paul shook his head in disbelief.

"You know what? I can't believe he was right. None of you even recognised him!" he directed this comment to Ash's former friends who surrounded him.

They turned their noses away barring May who was clutching the broken ribbon in her gloved hand and Brock who turned to ask in disbelief. "And you did?"

Both Paul and Cynthia nodded.

Ash walked away, his black cloak billowing out behind him as he walked to a small white rectangle at one end of the battlefield. His gaze swept once along the empty stands as he stood there, as if waiting for a battle. His gaze met Cynthia's and she narrowed her eyes in confusion but when he gave a confident nod she walked forward, tossing a ball in the air.

"Gastrodon, Battle Dance!" she called as Lance and Brock shot her a confused look.

Lance's jaw dropped open as he saw Ash flicking forward a ball, "You're having a Pokémon battle?" he asked in disbelief and Ash gave another nod, maintaining his silence. The dark boy knew that his disappearance would have been noted by J. With the destruction of the grey arm device for turning Pokémon to stone they would come to here, this last signal. With the eight elites still watching suspiciously from various exits, their loyal partners all by their sides with the exception of Agatha whose ghostly demon was currently a stone statue somewhere, he would be unable to leave. Ash knew they would trace the last signal, coming here, ship and all so they could leave.

That was part of the reason he was staying here, wasting his time by testing his skills. Any sign of talking with the 'enemy' would arise suspicions so he enlarged a ball, sending forth Meganium who stood in front of him, soft green fur fluffed up for warmth. Ash looked up at the dark clouds gathering in the sky and winced, wondering if Cynthia had called for a Rain Dance on purpose.

He stuck his hands into his pockets, pulling out the odd piece of rubbish that was there before relaxing and shouting out a command, "Meganium, return and let Raichu go out there,"

The large green herb leaf Pokémon walked to his side, nuzzling him gently until he pushed her away, watching intently as Raichu hopped forward as the first large water droplets began to fall. He smirked as the large rodent didn't wait for an attack, throwing itself into the air, cheeks sparking as he released a thunder attack.

Cynthia smiled at the inefficiency of the attack that was redirected to the field, crumbling some rocks on the ground as Gastrodon let out a low cry. The pink and brown sea slug gave another low cry as she summoned up a wave of muddy water, bringing it down on the orange mouse that looked like it was grinning.

Ash's cold eyes were dancing with amusement as he called out, "Volt Tail," Raichu was already racing, leaping upwards, in a yellow blur as he span, mirroring a flame wheel as he surrounded himself in yellow aura, his glowing tail striking a pattern through the yellow wheel. The Muddy Water attack fell harmlessly to the ground, breaking up more rocks. The rain continued to fall down mercilessly, loud drops pounding at the ground.

"RAICHU!" The mouse let out a loud cry as he brought his empowered tail down to the ground, slamming onto the dirt creating a miniature earthquake, shattering the remaining rocks and throwing them up into the air. The pink sea slug cried out in shock as first it was hit by the wave of power spreading out from Rai's point of impact as them the vicious stones that were sent flying up in a make-shift stone edge attack. Ash smirked.

Cynthia swallowed, instinctively waiting for the referee's call and when none came she raised her arm, Gastrodon's ball in her hand. The sea slug was lying still; normally black eyes faint swirls as it lay there, breathing heavily until the ball's beam transferred his body into pure energy. Cynthia gritted her teeth as she sent out another Pokémon. Meganium was back on the field, throwing her head back in a loud cry.

"Megaa!" she called, her yellow antennae pricked forward as the Jubilee Pokémon was sent out. Her yellow eyes briefly considered her opponent; she had never laid eyes on a Togekiss before. For Misty and Dawn waiting at the side, one felt sorrow and the other felt recognition. The Pokémon mirrored a bird, coloured white with red and blue tipped spikes on her head, the middle one white and multiple red and blue triangles on her body. Her short wings were stuck out to the side as she gave a graceful chirp.

Her black eyes blinked as she hovered there. "Toge," she chirped, curling her feet into her body as she floated in mid-air. Meganium gave a confident cry as Ash gave her an order. The rain was still falling, dark cloud rumbling ominously in the sky.

"Petal Dance," he called, cautious and tense while he started off. From the large pink flowers around his herb dinosaur's neck a stream of pink petal appeared, encircling the Jubilee Pokémon who gave a low cry as she was surrounded.

Cynthia flung her arm out to the side as she called out, "Use Air Slash!" Her voice was desperate as her white spike ball Pokémon summoned up a ball of air, throwing it through the dancing petals toward Meganium who was standing there, blinking her yellow eyes calmly.

Ash smirked and Cynthia frantically ran through what might have gone wrong but as a barrier sprang up around Meganium she realised the herb leaf Johto starter was protecting itself. "Use Return!" he called making Lance and Brock look up. Their disbelieving stares fell in shock at the creature that, surrounding itself in a bright white light charged at the Togekiss who had escaped from the dancing petals.

Lance let out a huff, calling out, "Return only works if your Pokémon care for you," he called, slightly mockingly but he was left to stare in shock as the bright white, charging Meganium knocked Togekiss backwards, fainting the trapped Jubilee happiness Pokémon on the spot.

Ash crossed his arms, proving an unstated point as he returned Meganium to her ball. As Cynthia called out her Garchomp a blue and black jackal was released, kneeling quietly, the black appendages on his back rising slightly before he opened his bright red eyes.

"Carrio Carr!" he growled and Ash smirked.

Running a hand through his spiky black hair Ash nodded, "Let's get this done then – was it a three on three? Then I'm free to go," He silenced Cynthia's questioning gaze with a glare as Lucario summoned up a blue bone sabre, reading Ash's aura for the attacking plan.

The dark boy sighed; a bit disappointed that such a weak fight had been put up. He didn't want to destroy Cynthia's Garchomp so it was a relief when the low humming came to his ears. It was both a relief and an annoyance. He tensed. He now had two choices, to leave now, to his new life, or make the stand he had been avoiding for so many years. He already knew his plan, the reason he had wasted time by battling Cynthia, pretending to be held up. Now J had come to them.

Wait. His mental message to the Aura Pokémon made the Bone Rush dissolve as suddenly the wet sand and dirt around them whipped up into a small damp sandstorm. Ash stepped back in preparation and Cynthia wisely followed suit, her Garchomp shifting her weight uncomfortably and then wisely making an escape underground, using Dig to avoid getting squashed by the large invisible machine the landed there.

Gary let an annoyed hiss as the dark ship of the infamous Pokémon Hunter's aircraft materialised on the battleground. It was an awkward fit, and stuck out awkwardly sideways. The large arena was now half covered by the large craft and Ash wisely walked around to the front of the aircraft to where the ramp lowered. He was blocked off by Lance who gave him a calculated look as, on cue, the ramp descended and a silver haired woman descended. Her goggles were on but her ice blue eyes were visible as she scanned the area, noting how Ash hung back, glaring at the Kanto Champion.

She smirked as her gaze fell around the arena, taking in the huddle of former friends and the two Champions. She noted the guarding Elites and sighed, still unknowing to the reason her apprentice was still standing there, almost relaxed amongst their company. She sought out his gaze and he gaze back, eyes radiating hatred and icy cold anger that for the first time, made her turn away, looking instead to Cynthia.

She gave a dark glance towards where her apprentice stood, both unwillingly and at his own accord as he shifted uneasily, weight causing the dirt beneath him to crack with the pressure.

"Raven," her voice was low and she turned to the blonde Champion, "Are you finished?" he voice was like ice and Cynthia clenched her fist in annoyance.

Ash sidestepped past Lance, walking to one side casually. He didn't say anything as Cynthia stared sadly after him.

"What did you do to Ash?" Cynthia hissed, frustrated and J let out a delighted smile at the fact that they knew. Ash flinched at the sound of his old name.

J turned to Ash, her ice cold eyes twinkling. "Do they know everything then? Have you told them it all?" she let out a low chuckle. "Have you told them how easy it was for you to fall – how easily you broke?" A shiver ran up the group's spine at her words.

Ash turned back to her quickly, releasing the blue sphere that had been forming on his palm. Lance jumped back in shock as it whistled past and most of the people gave a double take at the aura sphere. It purposely missed J as he hissed under his breath, refusing to communicate with the evil sadistic woman. This just sought to please her and she let out a small chuckle.

"Do you want me to show them – tell them the story? I admit, it's a sad one," Her tone was dark and slightly mocking as she looked around at the group.

Ash narrowed his eyes, his gaze cold and he stared at her calmly, emotionlessly. Cynthia looked on in shock as from nowhere J brought forth a dark ball, black and grey that she flung forwards revealing what looked like a dark cloud. A white head and malicious eyes showed the Sinnoh Champion that this was a Darkrai, the bringer of nightmares.

J smiled as a dark wave was emitted from the creature, making the nine people within close range wince and clutch their heads in pain as they fell to their need, herself and her apprentice the only exceptions as the world around them changed and flickered to black and white.

Dreams and ideals ruled as the nightmare took hold.

Thank you for the reviews!

Replying to some...

XxVintageModxX - Thank you so much! You persuaded me to bother to post the remaining chapters of the story!

theguythatisnotyou - I know, I always rush stories. It's the trap I always fall into. I have tried to make the scenes change slowly, but overall, the generall timing of this story gives no hint as to time passing because I simply had no idea as to what to put in, to fill up the years that have passed.

wolfreader - I agree, RayShipping is a good pairing. Unfortunatly this isn't AshXCynthia, although I have used Cynthia as an understanding character to help with the revelation. Sorry for the weird way in which she discovers its Ash, I couldn't think of anythign without literally having Ash blab it out, which he would not do, and for her to recognise him wouldn't make sense because his friends didn't. I would give Ash a Zorua, but I haven't included the Unova Saga in this and since the movie with the Illusion Foxes hasn't happened... :(

Anime FanFic Fan - The only other story with Ash as J's Apprentice that I have read was one with a PearlShipping. I have seen Johan's story but never read it so i don't know what it is like. This story was mostly inspired by 'The Champion is Never Forgotten'. A great read. Sorry about killing the pokemon, I needed something to make Ash completely give up. It worked, and I saved the Johto trio because I figured J would be obsessed with sets, like the Kanto trio. If Ash stayed with her I wouldn't be surprised if she made him have all the Eeveelutions. I also hated killing them though... I'm sorry but they won't be coming back. :'( I agree that it would make a great twist, but if it helps, the pokemon that he has released will come back.

Hope you didn't mind Pikachu's evolution, I figured it would help to make Ash more unrecognisable. Also I know Riolu evolved rather quickly, but I had the scene with him as a Lucario written out for some time before I merged it with the story. So I had to make a quick evolution.