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Pokemon: The Psychic Wars

Chapter 3

10 years earlier…

*Snap*

"Got it!" grinned a 19 year old Brock Slate as he pulled down his newest toy, a top of the line digital camera, from his face to gaze at the couple in front of him.

"Brock! We weren't even ready!" complained 18 year old Misty Waterflower, leaning affectionately into her boyfriend's embrace and throwing Brock an exasperated look.

"It's no problem Mist, besides candid pictures are the way to go nowadays," offered Brock, fiddling with the various buttons on the touch screen.

"He's right, I'm sure it turned out just fine," grinned Ash, now aged 18, and pulling Misty tighter into his embrace, which caused a soft giggle to bubble from her mouth.

The three teens turned simultaneously and gazed out at the site that greeted them that morning. Gentle rolling waves broke softly against the shore, showering the beaches with a thin mist, before receding back into the green-blue waters that surrounded the quiet seaside town.

After having finished in the top 4 in the Lily of the Valley Conference in the Sinnoh region, Ash had decided that enough time had gone by where he could return to the Kanto region and attempt to gather all the gym's badges to once again try his luck in the Indigo Conference. After coming home for a brief visit with his mother and Professor Oak and after telling them his plans for attempting the Indigo League once more, he set out with Pikachu and hit the gyms in the same order he had during his original journey. It brought back a lot of memories for Ash and he couldn't help but ask when the time came to battle the Pewter and Cerulean gyms if Brock and Misty would like to join him just as they had all those years ago. Without hesitation and only after Ash had beaten the both of them for their respective badges, did they wholeheartedly accept.

Ever since, the three friends had been inseparable, enjoying their new journey, exploring new areas, and meeting new friends along the way.

And, as Brock so often did during their original journey, he was just as adamant about getting a girlfriend, chasing after the ever present Nurse Joys and Officer Jennys that dotted every city without shame or fear of rejection. And with Brock so often distracted by the beauties of the various cities they traveled to, it gave Ash and Misty more alone time to catch up, discuss their respective plans for the future, and maybe even start something that neither of them ever thought possible in their younger years.

Now that both were older and more mature, something had changed between them. Not a bad change, Ash had admitted to himself once, just a change. They argued less and talked more and felt even closer than they had even back when their paths had first crossed all those years ago. Though Ash wasn't quite sure why things were different between them, he liked it nonetheless and felt a constant yearning to be around Misty, to protect her, and do all the things that good friends did.

He realized, however, half way through their journey that he valued her more than he had anyone he ever knew, minus his own mother. But what had brought on this sudden urge to always be around her or had this feeling simply been there all along while he had travelled through Hoenn with May and Max and then through to the Sinnoh region with Dawn?

Was it love? Perhaps…

It had been not too long after Ash had won his rainbow badge (after effectively skipping Saffron City as a result of the political struggles assaulting the metropolis) in Celadon City that he felt the need to make his move. He had thoroughly examined his feelings for Misty and fully understood what it would mean for them regarding their friendship and realized that he was willing to take that risk.

On the night of his confession, he had wanted everything to be perfect with hints of romance throughout, since he knew how much that sort of stuff meant to Misty. So, he had taken her to a nice restaurant at the top of some hill in Celadon City, acted the part of the 'perfect' gentleman, and doted on Misty hand and foot. Of course she knew something was amiss and probably even knew what was to come, but made no moves to try to beat Ash to the punch. This was something that seemed important to him and she wasn't about to ruin his night with her confidence.

After a nice dinner, the two had found themselves on the balcony that overlooked the entire city, lights sparkling in all their glory. And, as the dreaded moment came closer to fruition, Ash's nerves were on edge as he forced himself to grab Misty's hand and, in a failed attempt, try to maintain some semblance of normalcy, as if holding Misty's hand was the most natural thing in the world.

And then he dove head first into something so beautiful, so natural, and so right that the two of them wondered why it had never happened sooner.

Misty had happily and tearfully confessed that she loved him too and so their new relationship had begun.

The three teens were currently in a local seaside town to rest before embarking on their next journey back to Pallet Town. Because of the recent political uprising in Saffron City, courtesy of Sabrina's threats of creating a psychic utopia, everyone was on edge, especially with whispers of an impending war on the horizon. The Elite Four had been seen traveling the region, discussing their plans with the other gym leaders on what the next course of action would be, however, the final decision remained to be seen.

Why the psychic gym leader had, all of a sudden gone rogue, nobody knew, but it was something that kept everybody on edge.

The three teens were currently making their way down the sloping hills of the seaside town towards their destination, the docks where the next ferry would shuttle them back to Vermillion City so they could get back to Pallet Town as quickly as possible. With the threats of war looming in the near future and many of the gyms closing as a result, they figured their best bet was to seek Professor Oak's lab and see if he knew anything more on what the Elite Four's plans were.

"What's going on here?" Brock questioned, lowering his camera to see the throngs of people lined up around the docks. Instead of the ferry that they were so accustomed to seeing along their journey, there floated a massive cruise liner that looked all but empty save for the numerous crew members readying the ship for take-off.

Ash and Misty simply shrugged looking in all directions for the source of the commotion when a middle aged man, a fisherman by the looks of him, answered Brock's question.

"Word is that the Elite Four's in town and that their scouring the region and warning the gym leaders of the possibility of war," he explained, craning his neck to get a better look and trying to catch a glimpse of the infamous Elite.

"But what about the ferry?" asked Ash, also craning his neck to see the members of the Elite whom he had befriended over the years.

"All transport has been grounded until further notice," stated the man, finally giving up his search for the Elite Four and turning to the trio, "The Elite are supposed to be heading towards Cinnabar to have a meeting with Blaine."

Misty turned a worried glance in Brock's direction, "Brock, do you think they've been to Pewter and Cerulean yet?"

"I don't know," he stated worriedly, pushing his way through the crowd and grabbing Misty's hand in the process, "Let's see if we can find out."

With Misty and Ash following, the three shoved their way to the frontlines where numerous guards stood, blocking their path. Nervous chatter filtered the late afternoon air as the people that crowded the tiny dock contemplated the fate of their region, however, things quieted down as the rather loud opening of a nearby door captured everyone's attention. Turning their eyes to the right at what appeared to be the small command center for the dock, strode out a burly older man with short, white hair and a curly white beard to match. He wore a typical captain's uniform consisting of blue and gold garb, saber attached to his hip, and complete with a captain's hat trimmed in gold. His stern look caused a hush to fall across the crowds as he stepped out into the afternoon sunlight, hands placed firmly behind his back with four equally stern figures following his lead.

The first to fall in line after the captain was a young man with tanned, handsome features, bright red spiky hair, and a black and red cape that trailed in his wake. His stern features mirrored that of the captain, with just a hint of something akin to sadness adorning his deep brown eyes.

Recognition immediately lit up Ash's features as the red haired man stoically passed in front of them, "Lance!"

At Ash's call, two of the nearest guards rushed the trio, restraining Ash and pinning his arms behind his back, forcing him painfully to his knees. Brock, Misty, and Pikachu looked on in horror but were pulled back by two more guards that seemingly materialized out of nowhere, with Pikachu firmly grasped in Misty's embrace. Shocked gasps reverberated from the crowd as they formed a semi-circle around the three trainers, too afraid to move lest they incite the anger of the nearby guards.

"Hey, let me go!" Ash gasped as the guards forcefully shoved his neck down towards the ground causing a grunt to escape his lips as he felt a sharp pain lance into his shoulders.

"That's quite enough!" commanded an elderly sounding voice, "Release that young man at once!"

Before Ash knew what was happening, he was released and falling roughly onto his side, grasping his shoulders in pain.

"Ash!" Misty called out worriedly, grasping him by his side and propping him up to a seated position, "Are you alright?"

Ash merely grunted in response, rubbing his shoulders as if the excess friction would help soothe the throbbing pain in his shoulders. Pikachu chattered worriedly in front of his trainer, rubbing his cheek affectionately across Ash's leg as Brock kneeled nearby, assessing the situation.

"This young man has saved this rock of a planet we live on more times than you can count and this is how you treat him!" came the same elderly voice that had saved Ash earlier.

"My apologies Master Agatha," came the response from one of the guards though he sounded anything but sorry.

"Ash Ketchum, is that you?"

Finally feeling the sensation in his arms diminishing, Ash looked around from his spot on the ground and was met with the same red-haired, cape donning dragon master he had met all those years ago at the Lake of Rage when the two had teamed up in an attempt to save the red Gyarados from Tyson and Team Rocket. Ash gave a strained smiled despite his position on the ground, causing a grin to form on Lance's face as he helped the trainer to his feet.

"I thought that was you," he continued, looking the trainer up and down as Ash brushed himself off, "I never forget a face. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, good to see you three too," he finished, acknowledging the two trainers and pokemon, who still looked confused as to what was going on, "You remember my colleagues, don't you?"

Master Agatha, the one who had effectively halted the assault on Ash, gave a slight nod to the youngest trainer and tapped her cane sharply against the pavement several times, "Oh Ash Ketchum, getting yourself into trouble again, aren't you?" she joked, taking Ash's hand and giving it a firm shake, "It's good to see you again son."

"You as well Master Agatha," Ash smiled, returning the formalities and trying to rack his brain as to the last time he had seen the infamous ghost master.

The grey haired Agatha then turned to Misty and Brock expectantly. Brock straightened his posture and gave a firm nod to the master, "Master Agatha, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm B-"

"Oh, I know exactly who you are Mr. Slate," she interrupted, causing Brock to pause in his introductions. Agatha then turned to Misty, "I know who you are as well Ms. Waterflower."

The two trainers looked dumbfounded before Agatha smiled and explained herself, "I make it my business to know the faces and names of the gyms we govern. Your two families have been running the Pewter and Cerulean gyms since the League's inception many years ago. What kind of Master would I be if I didn't at least know that?"

Misty and Brock simply nodded, satisfied with her answer.

"Master Agatha, what exactly is going on?" asked Misty, motioning to the still silent crowds around them and the enormous boat in front of them.

Ash's little run in with the guards had sent the nearby crowds back, forming a ten foot radius around the group and effectively silencing them in the process. Despite the commotion, the crowd continued to gather, whispers of the Elite Four's presence reaching across the tiny town.

"Another story for another time," came a burly sounding voice, the voice of the Captain that Ash, Misty, and Brock had recognized earlier. The Captain, hands still folded neatly behind his back, turned to Lance, "Master Lance, time is of the essence. We must be on our way."

Lance's face fell as he seemingly remembered their reason for being docked in the seaside town in the first place. He ran a hand through his flaming hair and turned to his friends, "I'm afraid he's right. Duty calls. Perhaps our paths will cross again my friend," he nodded, shaking Ash's hand before pulling Ash's shoulder closer to his mouth, lowering his voice to an almost whisper, "These are dangerous times, be safe."

Ash understood immediately and nodded his head, returning his friend's handshake. Lance gave one more nod to Misty and Brock before a curious look crossed his features, "That reminds me. What are the three of you doing here anyways?"

"We're heading back to Pallet Town to regroup and discuss what's been going on with Professor Oak," Ash responded, keeping his voice low so as not to attract the onlookers.

"Pallet Town?" spoke Lorelei, the ice master, for the first time. She was adorned in her typical attire consisting of a mixture of black, blue, and red and looked more like a school teacher than the most revered ice pokemon trainer in the region. She placed a hand to her chin in contemplation, "I do believe that's on the way to our own destination, wouldn't you say Lance?"

Before the dragon master could speak, however, the Captain spoke up once more, his bushy eyebrows knitted in agitation, "Master Lorelei, I would strongly suggest against bringing citizens on board. We have a strict deadline to adhere to."

"A deadline we set forth, if I'm not mistaken," answered Bruno, clothed in his usual attire of judo pants, a studded black belt, and a white jacket that only barely covered his broad chest and shoulders, "I'm sure a minor detour wouldn't be a problem," he finished jovially, extending a hearty grin to Ash, Misty, and Brock.

Lance smiled and nodded at his companions before turning to an irate looking captain, "Captain, please set a course to Pallet Town for our friends. After we drop them off, we can continue onto our original destination."

The Captain merely nodded before heading off towards his ship, his heavy footfalls creaking against the wooden floorboards of the dock. Ash, Misty, and Brock merely looked at one another as the exchange took place, Pikachu hopping on his perch on Ash's shoulder, his ears twitching in anticipation.

"Looks like we're headed to Pallet Town," smiled Agatha, as the nearby guards ushered the three teens quickly onto the League's vessel.

Ash stared out at the blue expanse before him, arms dangling over the railing, watching as the wakes from the cruise ship brought them closer to his home. The gentle sea breeze ruffled his dark locks and caused his black short-sleeved and hooded jacket to flap in the wind. The salty smell of the sea water assaulted his senses, forcing him to remember how good it felt to be on the open water and how good it would soon feel to be back in Pallet Town with his mother.

Pikachu nuzzled his cheek against his master's chin and Ash couldn't help but chuckle, giving his most loyal friend and pokemon a good scratch behind the ears. Pikachu purred contentedly, his lightning bolt shaped tail twitching in the breeze.

"Ah Ash, there you are."

Ash turned to find Lance approaching him, the stern façade of the Captain trailing close behind. Despite this, Ash gave his old friend a smile and handshake inviting him to stand next to him and admire the view. The three men stood in silence before Lance cleared his throat, turning to face Ash.

"I hope the boat is to your liking and you're finding the voyage enjoyable," Lance said, giving an earnest smile, "You know, it's been ages since I've been to Pallet Town. I only wish I could stay longer and chat with Professor Oak."

Ash chuckled and nodded, imagining the good old Professor hard at work in his lab, researching the latest developments in technology and caring for the multitudes of pokemon left at his ranch. Thinking of the Professor caused Ash to think of his mother, whom he hadn't seen in months and it caused that familiar ache to return. He had spoken to her just a few days prior, telling her of their plans to return to Pallet and that Brock and Misty would be joining him. Upon hearing this, his mother had been ecstatic, however, had cautioned him to be careful on his return journey. She, of course, was referring to the struggles assaulting Saffron City.

An easy silence came between the two young men as the boat sped along before Lance spoke again, this time in a hushed, even tone.

"What do you know of what's going on in Saffron City?"

Ash turned to give his friend a questioningly look, pulling his black, short sleeved jacket in closer to himself. He was only mildly surprised at the bluntness of the question, almost as if he were expecting it. Examining the dragon master closer, Ash noted the hint of distress lacing his voice and couldn't miss the signs of exhaustion and stress in his deep brown eyes. He reverted his gaze back to the open waters before him as he answered in the same hushed tone, "There are talks of a possible war because of Sabrina's uprising. Everyone's on edge, I can feel it as we walk through the towns. Something's changed," he finished, his eyes glassy, as if he were seeing an image only he could see.

Lance tilted his head to one side, "What do you mean?"

"I can't explain it, only that something's not right and the people know it, "Ash suddenly turned to Lance, an almost desperate look in his eyes, "I know you're all doing your best to keep this whole thing under wraps, but I think the public has a right to know what's going on. How else will they protect themselves if war comes?"

Lance gave a sad smile and reverted his gaze back to the waters before him, "It's not as easy as all that. There would be mass hysteria, riots, and who knows what else. We're the Elite Four, we're supposed to be their protection, but this is something that has never happened before. One of our gym leaders has never gone rogue. We've tried speaking with her but…"

Realizing that he had been rambling, Lance gave Ash an apologetic glance before sighing to himself, "We're on our way to discuss our plans with Blaine of the Cinnabar gym."

Before Ash could respond, the Captain, who had been a complete statue during the exchange, spoke up, "Master Lance, perhaps it's not wise to confide in mere citizens the information gathered by the League," and it was the way the Captain said 'citizens' that caused the hairs on the back of Ash's head to stand on end. He already knew he didn't like this man (his whole attitude towards them was anything but kindly), but Ash had to remind himself that he worked for the League and that his priorities lay with serving the Elite Four.

"Nonsense," Lance said, waving a hand in front of his face, "Ash is the most trustworthy person I know and I assure you Captain that he's no mere citizen. Perhaps now would be a good time for you to make your rounds so I can speak with Ash in private."

The Captain merely grunted in response, knowing that he was defeated. He bowed to his superior and stalked off, but not before throwing Ash a stern, untrusting look.

"Nice guy," Ash muttered jokingly once the Captain was out of earshot and Lance couldn't help but crack a small smile.

"He's been a loyal servant to the League for years, he's just a very cautious man. I can't really say that I blame him, especially in these times," he finished, his eyes trailing after the Captain's retreating figure.

Ash silently agreed, his agitation with the Captain fading. Remembering their earlier conversation, Ash cleared his throat, "You were mentioning something about Blaine?"

"Hm? Oh yes, about Blaine. We're meeting with him to discuss the possibility of sending our citizens to the island in case war does erupt, but I'm still hoping we can restrain Sabrina before that happens."

Ash nodded, his eyes roving the horizon. The skies, which had been so clear a moment ago, were quickly filling with grey clouds in the distance, an indication of an oncoming storm.

Ash remembered quite clearly his gym battle with Sabrina nearly 8 years ago and all the trouble she had caused him and his friends. He had never once considered skipping her gym for fear of her powerful psychic types and went in with all the confidence a ten year old trainer could muster. He and Pikachu were quickly overwhelmed by her Kadabra's power and were forced to forfeit the match, but not before being teleported into her life like playhouse as punishment for losing. If not for Sabrina's father coming to their rescue, Ash was sure they'd still be trapped in her twisted little toy box.

After taking her father's advice about finding a ghost type, Ash, Misty, and Brock ventured to Lavender Town in the hopes of capturing a ghost pokemon to defeat Sabrina's powerful psychic types. After befriending a local Haunter, Ash returned to Saffron City only to have Haunter go AWOL on him just before the match. On top of that, his pokemon were too scared to fight and, as a result, Sabrina took it upon herself to transform Brock and Misty into dolls as a sort of consequence for entering her gym unprepared.

Just thinking about it gave Ash the chills and to think, the same woman who had seemingly turned over a new leaf, was wreaking havoc all over again.

Ash sighed deeply to himself, watching his blurry reflection in the waters below. If the Elite Four were contemplating evacuation this early in the game, things were worse than he thought. Lance's whole demeanor spoke of someone who was at a loss as to what to do. If Ash were in his shoes, the head of the League and the leader of the Kanto region, what would he do?

A light chuckle escaped Lance's lips as he watched Ash's stern expression, eyes as focused and concentrated as anyone he had ever seen. He felt slightly guilty for venting to the young man, especially when there was nothing to be done about the situation.

"I'm sorry for bringing this on you Ash," and at his words, Ash looked up at his friend, suddenly broken out of his trance, "But it's not often I can vent my feelings to someone other than my colleagues."

Ash merely shrugged, "It's no big deal. I can't imagine what you all must be going through. It's like you said, Kanto's never dealt with anything of this caliber before. And the gym leaders…" Ash lowered his voice once more, "I can't imagine how they must feel to have their trust and confidence betrayed by a fellow leader. In truth, we didn't know it was this bad. We'd been travelling from one town to another the past few weeks and hadn't really heard anything from Brock and Misty's families regarding the situation until we heard today that you guys had been making rounds to all the gyms."

"Yes, it's been quite a shock to our leaders, but I commend them for keeping the peace in their hometowns," Lance said, finding pride in the League's remaining leaders. He crossed his arms and rested them against the railings, "The gyms aren't mere buildings where trainers go to earn their badges, their symbols of Kanto's strength, they're protection for their towns…they stand for justice and honor and the League itself," Lance smiled and turned to Ash, "But I'm sure you already know these things. You don't know how lucky you are to be travelling with such distinguished gym leaders as mentors."

Ash ran a hand through his dark locks and smiled, "Actually, I do."

Before Lance could comment, an ear piercing scream echoed throughout the boat, seemingly coming from the banquet hall where he had left Brock and…

Misty!

Pikachu had already leapt off of his trainer's shoulder and was making a beeline for the banquet hall, Ash and Lance in hot pursuit. Barging through the doors, the two men were taken out almost as quickly as they entered with well-aimed punches to the gut. The two men doubled over in pain and Ash could distantly hear Brock and Misty cry his name, Pikachu's muffled cries joining theirs. Before he could look up, he felt himself being hauled by his shoulders and dragged to the center of the large room. His arms were quickly bound with rope as he was unceremoniously thrown in a heap along with the dragon master.

Ash finally chanced a look up and saw Misty's concerned face staring back at him, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, this hasn't been one of my best days," he grunted, referring to his earlier run in with the guards on the dock. Misty merely shook her head, the fear in her cerulean blue eyes evident.

Seeing that Misty was physically unharmed, Ash chanced a look around and noted that he was amidst Brock, the remaining Elite Four, various League officials, the Captain, and other crewmen that had been aboard the ship, their hands bound similarly to his. Pikachu was trapped within the confines of a glass contraption, trying his best to electrocute his way out, but to no avail. All around him stood about a dozen blood red cloaked and hooded agents with sabers attached to their sides, a full belt of strange purple colored pokeballs attached to their person.

Before Ash could contemplate the strange pokeballs, he heard the sharp click clack of heels along with a second set of softer footsteps striking the wooden floorboards, coming closer to the group of vulnerable trainers.

"Strip them of their pokemon," a feminine voice spoke and Ash looked up to see a black cloaked young women, a set of familiar dark purple eyes staring back at him, her face framed by long green locks and an unrelenting expression dominating her features.

Without hesitation, the agents immediately went about unclipping their belts, shouts of protest following suit from the various crewmen and trainers. They dumped the belts and accompanying pokeballs in a heap in front of their superior with a resounding thud.

"What is the meaning of this?" came Agatha's angered voice behind Ash.

A small scoff and smirk was heard from the young woman in question, the one who had issued the order, "Quiet you old hag. This boat has a new crew and a new captain as of five minutes ago and what a lovely vessel it is," she arced her arm around the room they were situated in to exaggerate her point.

"I am the only captain of this vessel," growled the Captain, struggling against his bonds, staring daggers at the newcomers that dare invade his ship.

"I'm afraid you're losing your touch Captain, allowing all of us to simply teleport onboard without so much as a struggle. And to think, this is a League vessel," she mocked, ignoring the Captain's obscenities and walking calmly over to Lance, taking a knee in front of him as if she were preparing to speak to a child.

Lance returned her gaze with just as much fervor, brown eyes meeting purple, "Why are you doing this?"

"Why else?" she returned, smile gone and eyes seemingly piercing into his very soul, "This League is supposed to be a pillar of strength for the Kanto region, instead it's composed of an old, gnarled hag, a spaced out whore of an ice master, a steroidal nomad with rocks for brains, and…you. Need I say more?"

The insults simply rolled off of Lance as he tried again to reason with the young woman, "Please, we can talk about your concerns with the League together."

She narrowed her eyes and spoke icily, "I'm through with talking," and slowly made to stand up, but not before catching a glimpse of the young trainer to Lance's right.

His dark eyes bored into hers and radiated a confidence she simply loathed. His fists were tightened into balls behind his back and his eyes narrowed as she caught his gaze. His familiar facial features sparked a distant memory within her that seemed ages ago, especially given the fact that that their encounter had happened nearly 8 years prior.

She smiled smoothly at the young trainer, "I know you. You're that scrawny upstart trainer that came to my gym with that insufferable ghost type pokemon all those years ago."

At the mention of the ghost type he had befriended, Ash's eyes changed to concern, "What did you do with Haunter?"

She merely shrugged her shoulders in nonchalance, "I took care of him. That useless excuse of a pokemon should be lucky he's already dead," her tone changed as she looked the trainer up and down. The years of traveling had hardened him and this didn't go unnoticed, "No longer the scrawny trainer you once were, are you?" she smiled, bringing her finger under his chin to bring it closer to her own face.

In turn, Ash pulled his face away, disgusted by her not-so-subtle insinuations. Misty glowered at the psychic trainer, blue eyes threatening.

Ignoring their reactions, Sabrina pushed the flap of her cloak behind her and made to stand. She faced the other person whom had entered with her earlier, the young man standing some distance away assessing the whole situation in silence.

The young man had long black hair fastened into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck, his own red cloak lightly billowing in the breeze coming from outside the hall. Despite his easy going features and chiseled frame, the man radiated authority. His piercing hazel colored eyes locked onto Sabrina's as he awaited her command.

"Captain Damien, escort our guests below decks and make them comfortable. Our men should be just about finished with our little project," she explained, her eyes catching a flash of yellow fur before adding, "And take that pathetic electric rat with you as well."

The man named Damien bowed low, sweeping his cloak behind him, "With pleasure Master."

With a simple snap of his fingers, the agents quickly swept the group of trainers and crewmen into the standing position and herded them below decks, as ordered.

"You won't get away with this you bitch!" yelled the Captain as he struggled against his captors as they dragged him away and out of sight.

Sabrina only smiled, "Seems I already have."

Minutes later, Ash, Misty, Brock, the Captain, the Elite Four, and a few crewmen found themselves sitting in a tight circle below decks in the engine room, the sounds of the cruise ship's pistons reverberating around them. Pikachu's containment capsule was also sitting near the group, his angered pleas going unheard.

Damien circled the group like a vulture assessing its prey, his hands folded neatly behind his back and a stern gaze dominating his young features. His gaze seemed to penetrate each of his captor's individually, as if he were assessing each of their strengths and weaknesses by looks alone.

He stopped in his pacing, standing mere inches from Ash's feet, and stared ahead, "Are you done over there?"

"Yes, Captain Damien. Everything is in place, just as Master Sabrina has ordered," one of the grunts, one whom had been kneeling in a tight corner, stated. He, as well as his two colleagues, came to a standing position to salute their superior. They then stood off to the side, flanking their captain.

Damien allowed himself a wicked smile before addressing his captives. It made a chill run down Ash's spine.

"As some of you may or may not have noticed, we've rigged a very powerful, very time sensitive bomb to your vessel."

A few gasps reverberated throughout the engine room and scared chatter filled the space, mixing with the sounds of the engine itself. Damien merely continued to smile, waiting for the chatter to subside and merely ignored the pleas for mercy and cries for help.

Ash's breath was caught in his throat as he turned the term over in his brain. A bomb…the ship had a bomb onboard. And they were tied together, utterly helpless. Their pokemon were gone and no one on the mainland likely had a clue what was about to take place.

He felt the beating of his heart quicken its pace as the realization of what was happening came tumbling into focus. He turned to his side to find Misty with her eyes squeezed tightly shut as she muttered empty reassurances to herself. She was trembling and he could clearly see the beginnings of tears forming at the corners of her eyes that he knew she was desperately trying to hold in. He wanted nothing more than to embrace her and reassure her.

On his other side, Brock sat in stunned silence, his mouth slightly agape, his eyes staring into nothingness. Brock, one who was normally so composed, was stripped down to his barest form, his inner fears showing through the tough exterior he typically wore. Watching his closest friend so unnerved about their situation, did nothing to extinguish Ash's own fears.

Lance, his look stern yet tinged with fright, spoke up, silencing the terrified group, "Why bother blowing up the ship at all? Why not just kill us and be done with it?"

"The explosion is sure to be seen from the mainland. A fitting beginning to our declaration of war, wouldn't you say?" Damien smirked, "Soon enough the people of Kanto will hear of the deaths of the Elite Four and panic will ensue. We'll use that time to organize our forces and force the citizens to choose…either join Sabrina's cause or die."

Damien snapped his fingers and almost immediately his subordinates filed out of the room. Turning, he tossed his cape behind him and spoke softly to the doomed group, "You have twenty minutes before that bomb goes off," he stated, unstrapping his watch and placing it on the ground in front of the captives, "I suggest you use that time to make peace with whatever demons you have and reflect back on your short, pathetic lives."

And with those parting words, he stepped out of the cabin, slamming the door in his wake.

To be continued…

A/N: So sorry for the long wait! I hope I still have people who are interested in this story, but I've just been so busy with other personal things that, unfortunately, this took a back seat. I actually didn't mean to end it here, but I figured this was a good break in the story and will hopefully help motivate me to finish this really long flashback. Anyway, please review and tell me what you think, but please be tasteful; I have feelings too, ya know!