Chapter Seven: Decisions

"Please, don't do this Lysander!"

"Why shouldn't I?" A knife. A knife was digging into his neck. He could feel the sharp edge pressing against his skin, he knew that just a little more pressure would cut him. He stayed as still as possible, "Let him go!"

It was Gary's voice, and when Ash looked to his side, he found Gary, Misty, Brock and even Clemont, Bonnie and Serena. Are they going to rescue him? Is he going to survive after all?

"Let him go, now." His voice was stern, but Ash saw a metallic object in the brunette's hand. A gun? Where did Gary find a gun? The barrel pointed at Lysander's head, "Don't make me repeat myself. I am not afraid to shoot."

"Is that so?" Lysander gave a breathy chuckle, "Maybe I should slice the freak's head off. Then you can kill me, sound good?" Ash's heart skipped a beat, he gulped and stayed absolutely still. What could Gary do that could possibly end without him being beheaded? The blade pushed a bit further, a slight pinch and something warm and liquidy began to run down his neck. This was it, he had cut him. He wanted to scream, yell at the brunette to hurry, but he knew that he is one outburst away from meeting death again. And he didn't want to go through that… again.

"What are you going to do, shoot me? Come on, Oak. I know you are afraid to hurt your little Ashy." He could hear him lick his lips, "You'd be surprised by my aim. I rarely miss." Gary said, his voice stern, not giving any form or indication of insecurity.

"Please, Lysander—" Serena began, "No!" Lysander roared, the blade pressed deeper into the new wound, making it ooze more of the precious red liquid. Ash shut his eyes tight, he couldn't die. He can't die. He doesn't want to die.

He barely heard the argument ensue around him, the only thing he can think about is not dying. 'I can't die' he thought, echoing around in his mind. Anxiety rushed through his veins, his heart thumped rapidly in his chest, another yell, another press of the blade.

'I can't die, I can't die, I can't die,' His breathing began to escalate, 'I don't want to die, I don't want to die,' Then a loud bang, Gary pulled the trigger.

'I don't want to die, I can't die…'

He missed…

"Ash, wake up!" the shout brought the hybrid's eyes to shoot open. He looked around frantically, his breathing a complete mess. Someone brought him from a laying position into a hug. The smell of cinnamon made him realize that Gary was the one holding him. Ash shook in his arms, but his breathing began to slow down, and so did his heart. It was only a dream, it was only a nightmare.

"Ash, what the hell were you dreaming about?" Gary asked, letting his grip around Ash tighten, "You were crying in your sleep." Was that why his eyes burned? He brought his own arms to take hold around Gary's waist, "Misty, do you mind turning on the light for me?" a female voice came up, who was that?

"Of course, Professor." He tensed, it was Professor Rose. Gary loosened his hold on Ash, on the professor's command, leaving Ash completely vulnerable to her eyes. What did she want?

"Mr. Ketchum, are you feeling okay?" Ash kept his eyes down, he can't let her see him like this. She can't be allowed to see his vulnerable side. But a hand under his chin brought a change of plans, her hand forced his face, and his eyes to stare straight into her blue eyes. He could feel her concern, she didn't have to say anything. But Ash said nothing, he didn't answer her question. His body still shook, he remembered the fear, the knife, the gun. He couldn't calm himself down, he was being hunted. Someone wanted his head, someone wants him dead.

"Mr. Ketchum, please answer me." She begged. He felt a shift on the bed, a hand on his shoulder, "Ash, do you want to talk about it?" It was Brock's voice, "We will understand if you don't." Another shiver cascaded through his body, "D-Do I have a choice?"

Kendo, who had been sleeping on the floor, went to his knees next to the bed. His arms came to rest on the mattress as he then leaned his head onto his arms, "Ash, was it about that guy you told me about?" Kendo asked, "What was his name again? Was it, Lysander?" Ash looked at the arbok-hybrid in shock, how did he know?

Ash nodded, "Y-Yeah, I'm just s-scared… he is h-hunting me down."

"You mean in your dream?"

"No, he had already caught me. He was g-going to kill me…" He fell silent for a moment, "He had a knife… he had a knife against my neck. You were all there, you were going to save me…" He swallowed, "You had a gun, Gary. You had it pointing at his head…" He felt the astonishment flow through the brunette, "You threatened to shoot him if he didn't let me go… he was… He didn't listen… He went completely insane." He decided not to bring up the fact of Gary actually pulling the trigger, he felt that it would make it all the more real.

"Ash, we need you to calm down, okay? I understand you are scared, but so are we. It was just a nightmare—"

"A very vivid nightmare." Ash retorted, "I felt everything… well, almost everything. But I could feel the knife cutting me. The pain was real, Brock. And you can't feel pain in nightmares!"

"Well, as far as you know, Ash." Misty commented, "But that is beside the point, I—we need you to take deep breaths." Gary said, before Misty or Brock could add more, "Lysander isn't here right now, he cannot hurt you here." Professor Rose stared at the brunette in awe, she was an expert in hybridology, but a mere boy was able to calm down a hybrid in distress. Something she wasn't able to do today.

After a few minutes of Gary's calm tone, Ash had calmed down. His body no longer shivered, instead, it felt heavy. He hadn't realized just how tired he really was. Gary could see in Ash's eyes that he had done his job, now the hard part, "Come on, let's go back to sleep okay?"

"But, what if—"

"I will be here, Ash. He can't hurt you here. I promise you, he will not hurt you." Professor Rose removed herself from the bed, letting Gary to reclaim his spot. The brunette brought Ash into his arms, and whispered to him, "He will not hurt you," and "I'm here, everything is okay." Ash felt the last traces of panic evaporate from his being, his eyes drooped and yawned, "I believe you…" Ash said sleepily, his voice resembled more of a young toddler than a sixteen-year-old. Gary grinned, leaning Ash back down. It wasn't long before soft breaths were heard, and a little twitch of the black tail was all the confirmation they needed to know that Ash has fallen into a slumber. With that, the others went back to their respected beds and followed suit.

A knock on the door sounded through the small apartment. Clemont stretched, and walked to the door. He opened the door to find the person he had been expecting, Serena. He motioned for her to enter. The living room was quite dark, due to the fact that it was rather late.

"Sorry I took so long." Serena apologized, taking her pink hat and setting it on the coat hanger that hung beside the front door. Clemont shook his head, "It's no problem, Serena."

"I'm guessing Bonnie is in bed?"

"Yeah, she couldn't stay up. I told her that you would still be here in the morning." Serena nodded in understanding, sitting herself on the couch. Clemont couldn't get his mind off of their conversation over the phone, and he could tell that it was on Serena's mind too.

"Would you like to watch some television?"

"Any word about him?"

"Him who?"

"You know," She trailed off. Clemont stared at her with frustration, what was so bad about saying his name?

"Say it, Serena. It's not like he can put a curse on you by saying his name."

"Still, have you seen him?"

"No. Your guess is as good as mine." He shrugged, "For all I know, Ash could be on the other side of the region, or he could be staying with the Professor. Either way, I bet he is afraid of seeing you."

"What?" Serena said, raising her voice, "How could you say that? You make it seem like it is my fault!"

"Well, the both of you are in the wrong." Clemont scratched his chin in thought, "He lied to you, which is wrong in itself. But you overreacted, you took away his right to see his friends, Bonnie and I. I think you made the situation much worse than it needed to be."

"I was afraid! I thought he—"

"I bet you twisted his words." Clemont accused, "Did he really try to attack you?"

"W-Well, no… but I bet he wanted to!"

"What in the world is going on in here?" a deep voice sounded in the dark room. Meyer stood at the hallway, clad in gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt. His muscular arms crossed across his chest, "Do you two have any idea what time it is?"

"Sorry, Dad." Clemont was quick to say, his voice lowered in volume, just now remembering that his sister is sleeping. He knew that if she were to be disturbed, it will be one heck of a nightmare to make her go back to sleep.

"Sorry, sir…" Serena muttered, "Clemont and I were just discussing—"

"More like arguing to me." Meyer interrupted, "What are you two arguing about?"

"It's about, Ash." Clemont said, seeing a glare come from Serena, "What? I'm not going to lie to my father, Serena."

"Still, this is something that should stay between you and me."

"No, if it involves me, it also involves my family. If you are going to live here, you are going to need to wake up. Ash is my friend, Bonnie's friend, my father's friend. He has every right to be here right now—"

"Speaking of," Meyer interrupted once more, "I found out where Ash is staying."

"What?" Serena and Clemont asked in unison. How did he get that kind of information?

"He called me just before you and Bonnie arrived home. He is with some old friends at the Richissime hotel."

"Where did he get that kind of money?" Serena growled, "He doesn't, his friend booked it." Meyer answered, "I invited him over for lunch tomorrow. We are meeting him at the High Roller Café."

Serena glared angrily at the older man, "Do you have any idea what you have done?"

"Serena, like my son has said, Ash has every right to see his friends. If you don't want to come, we are not forcing you. But Clemont and Bonnie want to see if he is okay. I, as an adult, need to see if he is okay." Meyer walked over to the small digital clock that sat below the television, it read 11:48 pm. Nearly midnight, if he wanted to meet Ash tomorrow, he better get himself and the other two to bed.

"Well, Clemont and I need to get some rest. Do what you will." Meyer said, waving a farewell, before walking down the hallway once more and into his room. With the sound of the door closing, Clemont turned to look at the brunette in the eyes, "Ash is a good person, I bet he lied to you so that he wouldn't hurt you. He always thought of others first; but why would he do that to someone like you?" Clemont muttered, "You changed… You aren't the Serena I met." He then walked down the hallway and followed suit as his father. Serena stared at the wall in shock; the sweet, nerdy Clemont had just scolded her. Her eyes began to burn from the tears that she held back. She felt like a child, and it was a horrible feeling. She breathed in, breathed out, but that didn't help. Her tears began to flow.

Was she really overreacting? Did Ash really deserve what she had done? She then realized that Clemont had made her realize her mistake. No, it wasn't just a simple mistake. It wasn't a mistake at all, she felt like she had betrayed the one person that she thought she loved. Did she still love him? She wasn't sure, but the thought of his Pokémon side still gave her the creeps. What would her mother say?

Why should she care about what her mother would think? She got passed the fact of telling Grace that she wanted to be a performer. Would it be harder to tell her that she was interested in a person who happened to be part Pokémon? She thought harder, but her answer still didn't come. What was more important; love or family?

She didn't have much of a relationship with her father; to be honest, she didn't know her father. According to her mother, he left them before Serena was even born. Her mother was all she had, if Serena lost her, she would be alone. Will it really be worth that for Ash? Or is it worth to forget about her interest in Ash, and focus with what she has now? Maybe it is time to talk it over with her mother.

Morning came too quick for Ash. His eyes still heavy, and slightly sore from crying last night. That nightmare wasn't like other nightmares he has had. In all honesty, he rarely had nightmares. But would he really consider that a nightmare?

"More like a night terror." Ash huffed, before taking a well-deserved stretch. He carefully removed himself from the bed, taking care of not disturbing Gary. He quickly grabbed his folded clothes and went into the bathroom. After a long day of traveling, maybe a shower could ease his nerves.

He stared at himself in the mirror, he took note on how his ears twitched at the slightest noise. He wondered what he was thinking, why he figured that bringing his ears down and topping them with a hat would hide them forever. He sighed, "Everyone will find out eventually… maybe Gary is right, maybe it is time." He shook the thought away, "No, not yet." He muttered to himself. He couldn't decide, and he knew that fear was the preparator. Could he really fight that fear within himself?

He now stood underneath the spray of warm water, his brain was elsewhere, not that he cared at the moment. No one was awake, he is going to take this time to think. He wondered if he had been true to his situation; never hiding, never lying, never fearing, would he and Serena be together right now? Was it the fact that he had lied? Or was it that he had a Pokémon heritage?

"Sometimes, I don't understand you, Serena." He grinned, remembering her giggling at his comment during the intermission at her performance competition. He had told her not to fear what others thought of her. That they are only wasting their breath, and that she would be the Kalos queen someday. His grin then disappeared, why had he never take his own advice? Sure, their situations were different, but he thought it was rather hypocritical; say to never fear, when fear rules over his world.

He decided that the shower wasn't going to help. He was just as confused as he was coming in. He shut off the water, dried off, and quickly got into his clothes. When he came out, everyone was still asleep. He looked to the patio door, it was still dark, but the sun has finally begun to rise. He loved looking at the sunrises. Ever since his mother shown him his first one many years ago, he had always tried to wake up early enough to watch the sky go from blacks and blues to oranges, pinks and reds. But he felt that he couldn't enjoy it today, his mind too full and distracted to even care.

"Maybe a walk will do me good." He whispered to himself, grabbing his pokéball belt along with the now awakened Pikachu. He jotted down a note on a small post-it note that sat on the table, to not worry if he wasn't back before they wake up. He then walked out of the room, quietly shutting the door, then walking briskly down the hallway and to the elevator. Pikachu noticed its trainer's unease, "Pi pika chu ka, Pikapi?" (Are you okay, Ash?)

"I'm fine, buddy. Just tired, overwhelmed, scared…"

"Pika pi pi chu ka pikachu pi." (Talk to them.)

"Didn't I do that last night?"

"Chu ka pi." (Not really.) Pikachu's small shoulders shrugged. Ash knew what it meant, and Pikachu was right. His friends only got his worry for Clemont and Bonnie, but he didn't tell them that he had called Meyer, and got some of the best news he has received in a long while.

FLASHBACK

"You know what, I need to make a phone call." Ash muttered to Gary, as they along with Kendo—who was proficiently hidden beneath his hoodie—walked into the hotel. Gary gave Ash a 'are-you-serious' look, "Ash, do you have any idea what time it is? Who will be awake right now?"

"I know a few people. But this is important… It's about Clemont and Bonnie, I need to call their father. I'm pretty sure Serena hasn't called him yet. He deserves to know what is going on."

Gary nodded, "Alright. You have the key card, right?" Gary asked, in which Ash nodded, patting his pocket, "I'm going to be a while, so you can lock the door." With that, Gary and Kendo took the elevator up, and Ash took to the video phone stall at the corner of the lobby. He grinned happily that he had grabbed change before he left the room. He dug through his pocket, grabbing fifty cents, inserting it into the coin slot. The screen came to life, showing a dial screen.

His hands shook as he pressed the numbers, he couldn't bear the fact that he has to tell a father that his children are missing. He knew that Clemont could take care of himself and Bonnie well, but what if it is more serious than that? Could they have fallen in somewhere? Are they hurt? Have they even attempted to contact anyone?

He pressed the green call button, brought the receiver up to his ear and listened to the monotone ringing. He gulped as he waited, the second round of ringing sounded into his ear. And before the third round could start, the dial screen vanished and a new window opened.

"Ash, is that you?" It was Meyer, and Ash's body froze. Luckily for him, Meyer continued, "I'm so glad you are okay!" Wait, does he know? Did Serena really call him already?

"I… um, yeah, I'm fine, sir." Ash stuttered, his fingers tapped against the desk nervously, "I… I called to talk to you about C-Clemont and Bonnie." He braced for the onslaught of worried yells, but none came, "Oh, those two? They're fine, they are on their way home now."

Ash stared incredulously at the man on the screen. Not only had he known about the situation, but Clemont and Bonnie had called him and they are on their way home now! He let go of his breath, releasing a relieved sigh, "Thank Arceus." His body shook with happiness, with relief. He had to see them.

"When are they going to arrive?" Ash asked, a smile growing on his lips. Meyer shrugged, "In a few hours, but I'm sure they will be too tired for any visitors." Meyer replied, but was quick to add, "How about we meet for lunch tomorrow? High Roller café? I'm buying."

"I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Nonsense! You are practically family." Ash's cheeks went rosy for a moment, he felt honored that his friend's father considered him as family. But that feeling was quick to be demolished by guilt; would he still feel the same way if he were to tell him his secret?

"Ash, is something wrong?" concern filled Meyers voice, as he noticed Ash's sudden mood change. Ash looked into the screen, "It's complicated… but I promise to talk about it tomorrow." Ash replied, giving a false smile, a smile that he knew that Meyer saw through. He felt bad for worrying him, but Ash knew that talking about his secret in the lobby with quite a few people nearby, wasn't the smartest idea.

Despite his worry of Ash, Meyer backed down, "Alright, be sure to rest up. I nor the kids want to see you exhausted. Have a good night, Ash." Ash bid farewell as well, then the screen returned to the dial screen, which was quick to black out. Ash stood up, and walked to the elevator. As he got inside, he made a big yawn, his eyes drooped, and he could feel his muscles start to weigh down on him. Meyer was right, he really does need to rest up.

FLASHBACK END

Just as he ended his train of thought, Ash has reached the elevator. According to the two buttons on the wall, the down arrow glowed, signaling that the elevator was going down. He pressed the down button, giving the elevator the signal to stop at his floor. As he waited, he heard fast footsteps coming up behind him. He turned to find Gary booking it down the hallway. The door to the elevator opened, as Ash walked inside, Gary ran in, nearly running into the hybrid.

Gary bent over, panting for breath. The brunette wondered why he stopped working out, or rather, when. But in his defense, he doesn't travel as much as Ash does, whom has better stamina. But Gary dismissed the thought, focusing on catching his breath.

"Where do you think you're going?" Gary asked, after he finally managed to calm his breathing. Ash shrugged, "Nowhere, really. My mind has been all over the place since yesterday, and I thought a walk would help." Ash pressed the button for the lobby, the doors closed and the elevator descended.

"Then why did you decide to go alone?" Gary asked, and Ash knew that the brunette was legitimately concerned for his well-being, especially now that he is being hunted down. But he isn't entirely alone, right? Pikachu counts, right?

"I didn't want to wake you all up, after I scared you all awake last night. I felt you all needed your sleep."

"You don't look well rested either." Gary pointed out, "And if we need to travel to find your friends and to get your last two badges, you need your rest just as much as we do."

"I know, there's just a lot on my mind right now. It's hard to sleep with a busy mind, you know?" Ash reached his hand up to scratch Pikachu's chin, whom gave a squeak of contentment. Gary nodded, "I understand, but you can't let that get to you, Ash. If you think too much, it will lead to your downfall."

"Wow, that was a bit dark." Ash deadpanned, making the brunette chuckle, "Someone's got to do it, right? And besides, you know I'm right." Gary poked Ash on his shoulder, knowing this action in combination with the right comments will make him smirk back, "Yeah, sure." But that said smirk disappeared, "But there is something I should tell you."

"And that is?" Gary encouraged, the doors opened and allowed the two boys to enter the lobby. Ash made sure that his hat was securely on his head, "It's about Clemont and Bonnie. Remember that I called their father last night?"

"Yeah; how did he take it?"

"Turns out that Clemont and Bonnie are fine, and they were on their way home when I called Meyer. They should be home now."

"Well, you know where they live right? Let's get going—"

"No, Meyer and I want to keep this as much as a surprise as possible. I'm meeting him and the others for lunch in…" He looked up at the large clock that hung on the elaborately decorated wall, which read 8:45.

"A few hours." Ash finished, "I figured a walk will help calm my nerves, before I go to see them. I don't want them to worry about me."

"You never want anyone to worry about you." Gary corrected, "But we all worry because we all care about you, and none of us would want something bad happen to you." Gary placed a comforting hand on Ash's shoulder, "You need to trust them more."

"I know… I know you all care. It's just that I feel awful about lying to everyone."

"Well, you didn't technically lie, Ash. You just never brought it up." That made Ash think for a moment. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that the green-eyed boy was right. Why did he feel like he lied to them then?

"I'm sure it has something to do with… what's her name." Gary muttered, just loud enough for Ash to hear. But Ash also noticed a hint of anger and… jealousy?

"Probably, I mean, Serena did say that I lied to her…" Gary winced, so much for their somewhat good mood. Gary felt that it was unfair for Ash to have to go through that. He was jealous that Ash still loves her. He only has eyes for her, and it makes his blood boil. But Gary shook the feeling away, "Ash, do you still love her?"

"I'm not sure anymore… I mean, I do, but I don't want to be hurt again…" Pikachu rubbed its red cheek against Ash's, trying to cheer the hybrid up. Everyone knew that this is a sensitive subject at the moment. But Gary knew that talking about it is the best therapy, "Makes sense."

"What makes you say that? Shouldn't people feel mad?"

"Not always," Gary thought for a moment, as they resumed walking and straight into the silent yet busy streets outside, "Some people can be sad too. Others could feel many different emotions all at once, like you do."

"I just… I just want to be accepted."

"Exactly, you feel hurt, sad, angry, confused, and yet you still love her."

"I know, I'm crazy." Ash muttered, but Gary was quick to it, "Not at all, you just love her unconditionally."

"What should I do… if I see her again?" Ash asked, looking into Gary's green eyes. Ash never mentioned it, nor has he ever admitted it to anyone, but he loved Gary's eyes. The way they sparkle like emeralds when Gary was sincere, like he was now. He holds so much emotion in them, just as Ash isn't afraid to show his emotions, Gary is more private, secretive even. But Ash is one of the select few who have seen it, and every time he is able to see it, it makes his heart melt.

The brunette has caught him staring on several occasions, but didn't push it. With the hybrid still learning more about how humans are supposed to behave, Gary doesn't have the heart to tell him. Ash waited for Gary to answer, "Well, that is up to you to decide, Ashy-boy. I can't make decisions for you, nor can Brock or Misty." Gary led Ash into a small café, they were quickly seated before the waiter asked for their choice of drink.

"But… can I at least have advice?" Ash pushed, "If I see her again, and she still hates me, what should I do? I… I don't want to hurt her." Gary wondered why Ash was avoiding hurting her, even though she had no qualms against hurting him, breaking him. That Serena girl really doesn't deserve someone so faithful, loyal, and so selfless, like the hybrid that sat in front of him.

"Ash, all I can say is that do what you think is right. If you want to forgive her, fine. If you want to still pursue a relationship with her, fine. If you don't want to give her another chance, that's fine too. Don't worry about what Brock, Misty or I think. Don't worry about Clemont or Bonnie either, this is something that you need to decide on your own." With that, the conversation was dropped, and they continued to talk about Ash's strategy for defeating Olympia.

"I'm not so sure about having Goodra take part in this battle Ash. Sure, it is powerful, but for psychic types, you need speed." The waiter came back to jot their choice of food before running back through the kitchen doors. Ash then picked their conversation back up, "Then how about Pikachu?"

"Pikachu is fast, but if you use Frogadier, which is much faster, might I add; it also has access to double team, which can be put to good use."

"That's right! That's a great idea, Gary!" Ash said, his smile prominent on his face, "And to balance it out, I could use Fletchinder."

"Great thinking, Fletchinder would provide some aerial support. Not to mention its flame charge attack, which will raise its speed, and if they use trick room—"

"It will get slower, but my advantage would be when the trick room ends. Or rather, if I can break it."

"Break trick room?" Gary stopped eating to look at Ash with a confused look, while Ash smirked, "During my battle with Valerie, she has a Spritzee that has the move trick room." Ash began, "I had originally used Fletchinder to try and out speed it when trick room wears off, but Fletchinder was knocked out afterwards. I then used Hawlucha, where she had used trick room again. I had Hawlucha use flying press, but I had it spinning like a drill attack. It broke trick room without a problem."

"Interesting, I never heard of that tactic before."

"Well, I'm more of a last second plan, type of person. I do better when I am struggling," Ash then smirked once more, "Kind of like my battle with you in the Silver Conference?" Gary was quick to exclaim, "That was only pure luck!"

"Pure luck, or strategy?" Ash chuckled, "Come on, Oak. You can't say that I won that out of luck!"

"Touché." Gary brought out his cell phone, checking the time. The lock screen read: 10:30, and the brunette finished his last bite of his food, "You have about an hour and a half before noon. Let's head back so you can make yourself presentable."

"Hey Gary?"

"Yeah?" Gary stood up and brushed off crumbs that managed to land on his shirt, "Would you like to come with me? I mean, you don't have to, but—"

"You're nervous?" Ash hated that he can be read so easily, "Ash, they are your friends."

"I promised Meyer last night to… talk about… you know." Ash muttered, his voice lowering after each word. Gary smiled, "I see, you need some support."

"Yeah… no offense to Brock or Misty, but you have known me for a long time, and you can keep me in check… you know, not blurt anything out."

"I can do that, we just need to let the others know so they won't get worried. Especially that red head."

"Don't remind me," Ash groaned, "The last time I had her worry about me, it ended up with her mallet smashing my head. I was left with a headache for the rest of the day." Ash had to admit, Misty may be a girl, with no muscle whatsoever, but she can give a mean punch.

With that, the two left for the café, Pikachu running behind them.