A/N: This next chapter slightly tells you more about Ash but no that much. You've noticed that he doesn't particularly like the Confederacy and anything or anybody that Ash sees as just the same. It's just telling you more of the plot in the future.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Standing Up
Some rookies were still on edge on having two of the most powerful members of the Armada stare at them. The rookies felt so small in comparison and also felt unworthy to be even standing in the same room with them.
"Kukukuku so this is the young bugs known as the rookie eh?" a foul-looking man with a hunchback and a deformed face with white eyes said as he appeared, he had on a white jacket that had bug Pokemon such as Weedle, Caterpie, and Wurmple crawling all over his body. Some of the girls with one look at the disgusting looking man couldn't help but let out a small girlish yelp in fear of the man especially Misty who screamed the loudest and ran behind Ash, most of the boys were freaked out too by this guy watching with their eyes widened as bugs crawled all over the freaky Armada member as he chuckled in a very weird way maintaining the freaky smile.
"Did my bugs scare you little girl?" Misty held her grip tighter on Ash as they watched in horror while a Caterpie just went right through his right ear and out his left. How was that even possible! Several people couldn't stop gaping at the man; he was the definition of freak!
"That's a guy I don't want to meet in a dark alley." Misty said shivering in fear watching the bugs crawl over the man's body. Ash nodded but remained silent, they let just anybody in the Armada?
"Oh don't be scared if them little girl, they won't harm you unless I, Mukori, tell them otherwise...kukukuku." the hunchback said chuckling evilly, Misty's eyes widened in fear and her grip on Ash's shoulders tightened even more.
"OW! Misty! Your xenophobia hurts!" Ash yelped in pain, Misty didn't hear him; she was too scared out of her mind at the moment to notice she was hurting Ash.
"I don't blame them for being scared of the guy." Lance whispered to Wes. Wes pointed to Mukori who was staring at Lance with a wicked grin. Lance's face paled, he heard what he said about him.
"What was that Lance? Don't tell me you want to play with my Ariados again? It's been begging me to have it's favorite playmate to come out and play with it again kukukuku." Mukori said to Lance with a huge sadistic grin, eying Lance with those freaky white eyes. Lance sweated beads and he took the cue to immediately shut up. Misty's eyes widened, she saw pictures of Ariados and she did NOT want to meet one on her journey.
"Misty? Could you please let go of me?" Ash asked trying to ignore the pain. Misty nodded to Ash very quickly.
"What if one of those bug Pokemon come and eat me Ash?" Misty said in fear. Ash sweat dropped, this xenophobia thing Misty had was really illogical. Ash sighed as he forced Misty off of him and reassured her that it will not happen. She hesitated at first before finally calming down her nerves a bit but without feeling uneasy about the bugs.
"Alright everyone. If you're wondering why some Armada members are here, they are here for security measures." Lance sighed, he's going to hate this part. "Now our very own Rui will be your proctor for the Elimination Round of the Rookie-"
"FINALLY YOU CALLED ME!" a female voice yelled out of nowhere. Everyone searched for the source of the voice and to there surprise a girl with red hair on a black motorcycle wearing a helmet was hovering above them. The Rookies watched in awe and horror as she just jumped over them and the Armada members that were on the ground floor dropped onto the ground.
Wes' jaw dropped in disbelief. She was riding HIS motorcycle of pure awesomeness! Without HIS permission!
"Rui! That's my motorcycle!" Wes yelled gaping as he watched Rui ride on his motorcycle like a maniac. Lance watched the scene with anime like white eyes clearly in disbelief, some of the Elites on the balcony found this amusing while others just watched not very interested. Wes watched in horror as Rui jumped out of the motorcycle just before she lost control and crashed.
Rui was scratching her head as she watched the bike burn in funnels of flame. Rui turned around nervously laughing as she watched Wes run over towards her like a madman.
"Are you alright?" Wes yelled. Rui's eyes widened, Wes actually asked her if she was alright! She slightly smiled thinking that maybe Wes is finally coming around.
"Yeah I'm fine Wes." Rui said blushing a little, surprised that Wes is actually concerned for her safety.
"Not you!" Wes said knocking Rui out of his way so he can get to his burning motorcycle. Rui popped a vein when she was knocked onto the floor. So much for coming around.
"My Ultima 500mph 10v engine limited edition black XLX1500 with nitro, state of the art GPS system, custom upgrades, one-of-a-kind design, built-in satellite TV, handles that works as radios, voice activated ignition, the best of the best tires, with a signature by John the Devil Motocrosser himself Motorcycle! RUINED!" Wes yelled dropping to his knees as he watched his motorcycle of pure awesomeness burn. Almost everybody in the room sweat dropped as Wes began to weep for his lost bike.
"Why must the good die young? WHY?" Wes yelled to the sky mourning for his motorcycle. Everybody sweat dropped even more, Rui got up and began to growl aiming blood lust at Wes. She could not believe that he cared more for a broken bike than her!
'You are going to soooo pay Wes!' Rui thought with a demonic look stomping towards the group. The Rookies with one look in her eyes thought she was even more scarier than Dawn!
'Whoa at first I thought that girl was hot but she is an absolute lunatic!' Brock thought as the girl came closer with an irritated look, Wes weeping in the background. Lance went to comfort Wes in his time of grief.
"Oh lord! Give mercy to my motorcycle!" Wes cried out with his hands up in the sky. Rui threw her helmet as Wes' head in anger, Wes replied with an "Ouch!" as he started to rub his head.
"Get over yourself! It's just a damn motorcycle! Geez..." Rui yelled with her hands on her hips. Wes glared at her, she destroyed his bike and she's the one who's mad? Women.
"Enough of this foolishness, or are we not going to start the exams?" Wes, Lance, and Rui stopped and stared at the owner of the deep rugged old voice. The voice belonged to the man with the fine expensive suit and the glasses with a goatee.
Ash observed the man, he activated his Aura Vision and saw that he was without a doubt very red. He stood very official like with both his hands holding each other behind his back, seemingly glaring at the rookies with so much contempt and coldness like he could care less of the lives of anyone in this room.
'He's like an older version of Paul. Not good.' Ash thought as he is seeing an enemy on his own side other than Paul.
"Our apologies Commander." Wes, Lance, and Rui said at the same time bowing to show respect. Wes stopped weeping and gave his motorcycle one last good-bye as two white shirted men began to extinguish the fire.
"Commander?" Ash asked himself. 'Great. It's worse than I thought' he thought
"Yeah, that's Delanzo Devinichi Commander of the Poketopian Central Military Defense or the P.C.M.D., he is a well known war hero famous for the use of Psychic Pokemon in battle, and is also the Head of Sinnoh." Kenny explained. Ash narrowed his eyes.
"So he's Dawn's stepfather." Kenny nodded, he turned his sight over to Dawn's direction and furrowed his eyebrows.
Ash looked at Dawn who was at the far right of where he was standing next to a calm looking Paul glaring at Delanzo with incredible malice, coldness, and murder written all over her face. That's the kind of look Ash use to give to that man but he put his hatred away and looked to the future of happiness. Dawn however had a death glare that was so genuine to the point it looked as though she would follow this man into hell to kill him.
Ash remembered when Leona told him an "evil stepfather" who was partly to blame for Dawn's attitude. Ash could tell that what this man had done to Dawn for her to hate him so much, it must have been extremely horrible to hurt someone as confident and proud as Dawn so emotionally.
"So it's my turn right Lance?" Lance sighed and slowly nodded, Rui smiled before giving the Rookies a devilish look, most flinched at the look she was giving to them.
"But remember Rui, they are just Rookies so don't-"
"ALRIGHT! Line up you beslobbering, beef-witted barnacles!" Rui yelled, everyone without a single thought got into lines very quickly except for Ash, Dawn, and Paul who took there time getting in line. Some of the Elites on the balcony began to chuckle a bit while some sweat dropped a little at the choice of words.
"Scare them..." Lance finished with his eyes twitching before he and and Wes face palmed at the same time.
"Man is she scary..." Brock said to Ash. Rui wrenched her head abruptly in their direction and then thundered towards them. She stood directly in front of Brock. He looked as though he was going to pee his pants in fear.
"Scary am I" You don't know the definition of the word! Come here!" Rui jerked Brock to come closer to her, she began to whisper something in Brock's ear and he started to sweat beads as he heard the words from Rui mouth. Misty, May, and a few others started to laugh under their breaths at Brock's situation.
"Now! Puny man! Tell all your buddies here what I just told you!" Rui ordered. Brock did what he was told and stood in front of everybody nervously.
"Yes ma'am" Brock stood up straight, very embarrassed while hearing giggles and snickering in the crowd.
"The almighty Rui has told me that anyone who says anything about her majesty will get their balls cut off or their hair cut off depending on gender." the crowd immediately stopped laughing and cringed. Rui smiled, she got just the reaction she wanted. Brock returned to his spot next to Ash but came back losing some of his dignity.
"Alright you weedy wagtails! I'm going to tell all of you cocka-doody heads the rules for the elimination rounds!" Weedy wagtails? Cocka-doody head? Everybody just wanted her to stop talking.
"The first round will be a single Pokemon Battle with one Pokemon each! The loser will automatically be eliminated from the Rookie Exams and will have their first rank recorded on the Regional, National, International, and Systematical ranking database!" Rui yelled out. Rui gave Wes a nod, he nodded back and he pushed a button near him. Machines came out in front of every rookie surprising them holding a white card. Ash took the card and read what it said aloud.
"A-7" Ash said
"Mines A-11 Ash.' Misty told him.
"A-17" Brock announced
"The number that is on your cards is the elevator you are going to! The elevators will then randomly match you guys up and will meet each other to do battle! Approximately half of you will be eliminated from the exams! Understood you rapscallions?" The Rookie sweat dropped again at Rui's weird choice of words, once Rui stopped talking she gave Lance a nod that was giving her a strange look.
"What?" Rui asked in confusion narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing Rui just make sure you get yourself some help when this is over." Lance joked, Rui growled as he walked by her, Wes snickered at the joke, Rui glared at him and he began to whistle innocently.
"Before we start the first round! We have some security issues we need to talk about with all of you, that is why some members of the Armada's Elites are here, Commander if you please?" Lance asked the commander politely.
"Yes but before I start..." Delanzo said adjusting his glasses, he walked calmly towards the group of lined up Rookies to the back where Paul and Dawn were. Everybody who was from the Sinnoh region tensed as he came closer to his stepdaughter, knowing that this wasn't going to end well.
"Good to see you again sir." Paul said politely, bowing down showing his respect. Delanzo nodded accepting Paul's greeting but then he turned towards Dawn who was giving him the coldest glare you have ever seen.
"Weird how those two guys seem to respect each other too well.' Ash thought suspiciously.
"Good day Miss Berlitz, I expect to see great things from you in these exams." Delanzo greeted matching his cold glare with Dawn's. Dawn spat onto the ground in disgust.
"Don't you ever say my last name you worthless filth!" Dawn yelled, her Kido began to slightly flare. Delanzo said nothing but give her the cold calm stare. Every Rookie except Ash who wasn't from Sinnoh eyes widened at the sudden words of hate Dawn expressed.
Two Armada members came forth from the balcony and drew their weapons and began to flare their huge amounts of energy coming forth throughout the huge battle dome, most Rookies were in awe at the Armada member's powers.
"How dare you disrespect the Commander, for that you will die!" Kaliam of the Elites said coming towards Dawn with his partner Bolt of the Elites. Kenny began to get into position just in case he would have to fight a suicide battle against two Armada members to protect Dawn.
Kaliam and Bolt wore the usual Military outfits but Bolt had a huge thunderbolt logo on the back of his uniform that gave him uniqueness compared to Kaliam. Bolt had yellow wild hair, wore yellow contacts in his eyes, and had a freaky grin that could match Mukori's. Kaliam wore a much serious expression and he had blue spiky hair with a tattoo that showed the Kanji for "Loyalty" on the back of his neck.
"Stop. Sheathe your weapons, do not worry, I know how to deal with the likes of her, besides I am her legal Guardian after all." Delanzo said giving them the hand sign to lower their weapons. They obliged and withdrawn their weapons. Delanzo stared back towards Dawn giving her the utmost attention while she kept glaring at him.
"Apologize young lady, I will not tolerate such disrespectfulness while I am on duty, apologize or there will be consequences for your actions." Dawn scoffed and clenched her fists with her look of defiance.
"Kiss my ass, why should I ever apologize to you! You should be apologizing to me for ruining my life! You cold hearted waste of space!" Dawn yelled in fury. Ash got ready knowing full well what people like Delanzo would do to Dawn. Everyone watched the scene with interest as Dawn and Delanzo had a glaring contest.
"Very well." Delanzo said calmly adjusting his glasses. In one swift motion he raised of of his arms and using Kido he lifted Dawn's body up choking her at the same time. Everyone gasped as they watched Dawn struggle for air.(Psychic power not like Ash's Dark Aura move)
"Now do you see the consequences of your actions?" Delanzo said with malice in his voice as he started to slowly crush Dawn's neck with his powers as she levitated.
Misty, Brock, May, Brendan, Drew, Kenny, Zoey, and Leona watched as he was actually trying to kill her before hundreds of witnesses. Ash had seen things similar to this before.
"Now have you learned your lesson princess?" Delanzo said still holding Dawn with his powers. Dawn slowly lifted her head down towards Delanzo and gave him a cold glare despite being hurt, she spat on his glasses, the icky goo sliding down the lens as he furrowed his eyebrows.
"Go..to..hell!" Dawn barely said through her weak voice. Delanzo narrowed his eyes even more and stared at Dawn in disgust like he was holding trash.
"You know I don't believe in religion, there is no such thing as a Heaven or a Hell." Delanzo with one flicker of his index finger made Dawn fly all the way towards a steel wall in the battle dome.
'Now! Aura Agility!' Ash thought as he speed on a position between the steel wall and a flying Dawn. Dawn hit Ash and they were both sent sailing to the steel wall creating a huge crater but Ash taking all the damage.
"Ash!" Misty, May, and the others yelled as he got hurt badly. However Ash sudden got up and dusted himself off as if it didn't hurt him at all. He looked at Dawn who was on her knees coughing as she began to breath heavily trying to get oxygen. Ash had to admit it that he was proud of what she did.
"Religion is just a way for fools to justify their actions and to find ways to console themselves into something that doesn't exist, what a pathetic way to live." Delanzo said going back to his original stance, both arms behind his back. Ash then walked back to the lines ready to tell this bastard some things about his words.
"To punish someone by hurting or even attempting murder. Such is the ways of the Separatists." Ash said while giving Delanzo a glare.
Suddenly Ash got lifted up in the air by his throat by Bolt who had his weapon pointed at him.
"How dare you compare the Commander to the Traitors you scum!" Bolt said. The Rookies(you know which ones) were now worried about Ash's life.
Ash however stayed calm.
"I would appreciate it if you would...LET GO!" as Ash said the last two words his left eye turned a cold golden color with Haou's symbol red on his pupil. Suddenly Bolt let go just like that. Everyone even Kaliam and delanzo were surprised that he just did that. Then Ash continued his speech.
"Now as I was saying you are exactly like the Confederates. You hurt people on a whim that will make others fear you if they even do the slightest of offense. Oh and by the way about your speech on religion you are no different than the ones who believe in them." Ash said making Delanzo angry at that last thing Ash said.
"What do you mean, boy?" Delanzo asked with malice in his voice.
"What I mean is that you justify your violent and cruel actions just like they would. You are just another fool thinking you will not suffer the consequences of your actions because of your position or did you already have with your handicap." Ash said pointing out that Delanzo needed a cane to walk.
"What is your name boy?" Delanzo asked or rather ordered wanting to know the name of the boy who dares call him a hypocrite.
"My name is Ash a simple aspiring trainer." Ash said calmly.
"Well Ash do you want to become your own name?" the Commander asked. Misty, May and everyone else got scared for Ash at that death threat.
Ash just smiled. "You'll only be proving your point that you are just another religion believing Seperatist." Ash said knowing he could not do it.
Delanzo groaned in anger as he will only be proving this boy that he's right. Everyone believed that it was a miracle that Ash didn't get killed again!
However Delanzo smiled evilly. "Kill the boy Kaliam." he ordered suddenly. Almost everyone's eyes widened at the suddenness, Kaliam drew his weapon again staring at Ash who was surprisingly still calm. Lance teleported in front of Ash protecting him.
"What are you doing? He's just a kid!" Lance yelled blocking Kaliam's way,
"No, I will follow the Commanders command, get out of my way Lance or you will be tried for treason for going against my commander's orders." Kaliam said coldly
"Don't bother Lance, this guy is acts just like a droid would." Ash said making Kaliam angry for calling him that.
"You're not helping Ash!" Lance said thinking Ash is crazy for continuing to goad people into killing him.
"Well it's not like I'm a threat to him." Ash said saying a half truth. Delanzo sensed Ash's battle energy and started to believe that this boy wasn't a threat, but Delanzo has many experiences to not jump to conclusions on the potential of someone. He once foolishly challenged the man who would become the Pokemon Master and suffered pain beyond his belief and was severely crippled for life.
"Yes I agree with you on that boy, but I know from experience that there is more to people than meets the eye." Delanzo said with a glare at Ash. He didn't know how right he was. Delanzo did a hand sign for Kaliam to stand down, he obeyed and teleported away from his commander with Bolt.
"I will spare him Lance for now, but if he ever shows disrespect to me again, I will have you removed and replaced as an Elite in the Armada understood?" Delanzo said with nothing but pure fact. Lance tensed as he stared at his cold eyes, he knew he was very serious.
"Humph another-" a hand was placed on Ash's mouth from continuing. "SHUT UP!" Lance said now thinking that Ash was absolutely insane. Ash sighed and nodded not to continue even though he had more pride hurting things to say to the Commander. So he then decided to change his target to Paul who did absolutely nothing to help his girlfriend when she needed it.
Ash who had enough and decided to let loose his outrage at Paul who just stood their without a care in the world.
"Ash wait!" Misty said holding her hand out; she did not want Ash to increase his death wish that is already that big.
"Ash! What are you doing?" Lance said noticing Ash walk towards Paul. Lance was about to stop Ash before he causes more trouble but Delanzo stopped him with a smirk on his face.
"Be still Lance... let Paul handle him.." Delanzo smiled. Lance wondered what was he up to with this. Lance had an odd suspicion that he wants Ash to get hurt by this kid. Paul noticed Ash coming towards him but he didn't move a single inch.
Ash got up into Paul's face with an angry glare in his eyes, Paul stared at him with cold indifference.
"What is it?" Paul calmly asked despite having Ash's angry glare facing him. Ash had only one thought, Oh he is so asking for it.
"What is it? Well let me refresh your so obviously slow mind. Your "girlfriend" was just almost killed by her stepfather and you did absolutely nothing but just stand there and watch like it was some kind of rehearsed play!" Ash's voice echoed throughout the Battle Dome hall.
'Come to think of it those two seem like they have more of a connection than what it appears.' Ash thought now very suspicious of Paul and Delanzo.
"Oh boy! Looks like a fight is about to happen! And here I thought being a proctor would be boring!" said an excited Rui. Wes glared at her, she saw the glare but she just shrugged it off and continued to watch the confrontation with everyone else.
'He just doesn't know how to stay out of things does he?' Gary thought shaking his head, this must be the fourth time in a row that Ash got into things that are none of his business, Gary wondered if Ash was too crazy to know what "Back down" means.
"So? Do you honestly expect me to do what you foolishly have done? To try and save her from someone who is obviously superior to me in every way because she is my girlfriend? Only crazy fools based their judgement on emotions, a true warrior does not base themselves on such things, Dawn knows we fight and kill without mercy nor regret, we think through our decisions and not let our emotions cloud our thoughts, something a failure like you would never understand." Paul said coldly to Ash. Ash just laughed at Paul which caused him to get a little angry.
"Hehehe, that's what you believe? You're a bigger idiot than I thought. What you described was not the way of the warrior. What you described was the way of a monster. Only complete morons think without emotions, a true warrior would fight to protect what is precious to them no matter what opponent they face. They think through their decisions and let their emotions show the best results for a beneficial outcome, something a cold-hearted, pathetic, waste like you would never understand!" Ash said smirking. Now Paul was visibly not pleased with what Ash had just said. How dare this nobody say that his way is wrong. ONLY THE STRONG IS RIGHT. Ash's friends both in Hoenn and Sinnoh smiled approvingly to his way of the warrior.
Paul then raised his hand secretly right below his waist a purple energy coming forth with enough power to kill someone. Mostly everyone's eyes widened as they felt the deadly sneak attack coming. Misty, May, and the others knew they had to do something to save Ash! But their reaction time was too late, as it would be impossible to get to Ash just in time to save him.
"Ash! No!" Misty yelled trying to save him knowing full well she was too far from him. It seemed like everything was in slow motion as Paul was about to hit Ash. Delanzo smirked knowing it is the end of that boy's life, and he didn't have to lift a finger.
Ash was about to do something to counter but to everyone's surprise a blue blur that was Dawn came out of nowhere and stopped the attack form its destination. She then tried to backhand Ash in the face with weaker force than usual but Ash jumped back a few feet away near Misty, May, & the others.
"(Ash!)" Pikachu yelled as it got from where Misty was and ran to his trainer.
Paul narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Dawn and Delanzo frowned not pleased that Dawn had interrupted at the wrong time. It just seemed to everyone that even though she tried to hit Ash, it would appear that she tried to save him.
Misty let out a sigh of relief while comforting Ash, she asked if he was alright to which he replied he was.
"I thought I told you not to insult or hurt Paul or else! Your lucky that I am too weak right now to use my full strength or you would be sent flying far peasant!" Dawn said glaring, her clothes still dirty with all the rubble and cement that she was in also. She began to wipe the white dust off of her clothes, Misty couldn't understand this girl, can't she see that this Paul is not who she thinks he is?
"He was only trying to help you!" Dawn turned her ice-cold glare at Misty after her shout, but Misty was unfazed as she wasn't afraid of Dawn like the others.
'Misty! Don't let yourself become a target!' Ash thought concerned about Misty getting involved.
"Tell your boy-toy that I don't want his help because I can't be helped!" Dawn was now beginning to yell. Misty's expression started to change from a puzzled one to a one of anger.
"Boy-toy?" Misty expressed angrily. This girl had a real nerve calling her best friend a boy-toy when he was just trying to help her.
"Why do you waste your time on this girl Ash? Let's just leave her alone and let her be happy with the purple-haired manipulative bastard in back of her!" Misty said having a glaring contest with Dawn. Ash could not tell Misty why he wanted to help Dawn. Dawn let out a mocking smirk aimed at Misty who was really starting to make Misty mad to the point where she wants to fight to the death.
"Your friend is right! Why do you want to help me anyway? I constantly insult you, nothing is gained by you getting killed, and didn't I crush the most important thing to you? Your goal to become the the greatest Pokemon Trainer ever was extinguished by the very person who you are trying to help." Dawn explained. Ash sighed as she brought that up again.
"I told you, my goals are important but it's not the most important thing to me." Ash replied, Dawn raised an eyebrow, she was very curious as to what was more important to him than that goal he said about.
"Tell me what's more important than your dreams? And how does it involve me?" Dawn asked. Everyone waited for Ash's answer to the question as most who knew Ash was wondering the same thing.
"Protecting my friends and innocent lives which are more important to me than my goals, and Dawn... this may sound really strange in a way but in order to protect what matters to me is to protect you as well." Dawn's eyes widened, Paul raised an eyebrow, Lance narrowed is eyes in suspicion wondering what he meant by that, mostly everyone was thinking the same lines. Why did Ash have to protect Dawn in order protect his friends and loved one?
In the back of the line of the Rookies, "Abby", the red haired girl who Kendra was disguised as smiled. She was watching everything, analyzing Ash and his friends for her plan. She of course knew what Ash was talking about, Dawn was one of the Princesses of Light, so of course he would have to protect her to save everyone. "Abby" smiled as she looked around within the room of her mortal enemies who would never have guessed that one of there most feared and hated enemies is in the very same room watching their every move.
"Abby" looked at a pair of plain looking boy and girl both with black hair and wearing identical school clothing who were staring at her.
"When shall we execute our mission my lady?" Suzuko's voice said telepathically to their disguised mistress.
"Very impatient I see... do not worry, you will spill May's blood soon, but you and Koetsu will have to wait until she is alone to slay her, right now is not exactly the best time, wait for further order." Kendra told them back in their minds. The disguised Koetsu and Suzuko nodded in their short plain looking boy and girl forms and turned back to watch the events that was unfolding.
"What are you talking about? Protecting me to protect your loved ones? Are you mentally insane?" Dawn sneered.
"You have no idea how many times someone has asked me that question." Ash said rubbing the back of his head.
"You can't help me Ash and you sure can't protect me either, it was too late for any of that, I can only protect myself." Dawn continued on talking as she saw that Ash was about to disagree. "Let me show you why you can't help me Ash." Ash was slightly stunned that Dawn actually called him by his name and not by "Peasant" as she usually calls him. Dawn took off the beautiful Necklace of Destiny she wore around her neck, then took off her long pink scarf, and what everyone saw except Ash, Paul, and Delanzo shocked them beyond their belief, and horrified them more than any ghost could.
Dawn's neck was covered with long scars, evidence of gashes and wound cuts all over her neck, she had whip marks and marks that seemed to have been from a knife, and bruises of hand prints like someone kept on choking and punching her, it was if she was suffering torment most of her life.
"You know I'm really not surprised." Ash stated with a hint of pity. Mostly everyone who never seen marks before was horrified and was for a loss of words.
'What happened to her?' Rui thought clenching her fists, she may not have known Dawn but whoever did this will not be forgiven!
In all the years Lance and Wes were in the Armada never before have they seen a child abused so much in their lives. Lance could only stare in horror as he analyzed what could be whip marks and evidence of beatings. Zoey turned away not wanting to see anymore, Leona had her hands on her mouth, and Kenny looked as though he was about to explode in anger! Gary for once in his life started to feel sorry for someone. May, Brendan, and Drew was for a loss of words at the sight.
'What terrible person would do such a thing?' Brendan thought staring at Dawn's marks. Ash knew right away who was the culprit.
"Let me guess it was that guy." Ash said pointing to Dawn's stepfather. Dawn nodded.
Everyone except Ash and Paul's eyes widened, even Kaliam and Bolt were shocked, Mukori gave the Commander a strange glance even for him! They all stared at him in horror and disbelief. Delanzo just stood there in his ever-calm position.
Rui was very heated and the only thing holding her back from punching Delanzo is her fear of being killed or imprisoned. Kaliam could not believe that his "noble" Commander could do such an inhumane thing to a child no less! Even though Ash didn't show it he was in the same boat as Kenny, he just wanted to go over to that man and kick the crap out of him!
''Cruel as always I see Delanzo. Just like the Seperatists.' "Abby" thought
"My stepfather ever since he got married to my mother years ago would torture me everyday without mercy, he whipped me almost every night, he slapped me when I disobey him and would sometimes even use me as training for his Pokemon, he made me do grueling unbearable chores that took days, he always called me "Whore" or "Slut" or "Bitch" as pet names for me, he would hire men to pick me up from school then beat on me for hours, and one time I would never forget." Dawn continued as tears flowed through her eyes, "One time he hired men who tried to rape me." Everyone gasped as she continued on, "They would have succeeded if it wasn't for Paul who saved me by defeating the men without breaking a sweat even without his Kido, he saw me and saw that I was weak and he offered me to become stronger, I said yes wanting more power, he taught me Martial Arts and trained me piously to become stronger, without Paul I would still be that weak little girl crying in her bedroom at night, and do you why he did all this to me?" Dawn said as she wiped her tears off her face, she looked at Ash with so much sadness that it reminded him of what he went through before he met Daitokuji-sensei in person. May being the very sensitive one couldn't stop her tears from falling from hearing such a sad story and she was glad that her little brother Max wasn't with her to hear all of this.
"Because I would never change my last name from Berlitz to Devinchi like my mother did, he hated me and constantly tortured me because I wanted to keep my father's last name, all he wanted was his name to go down the family line, and to add more power, my so called mother did absolutely nothing to stop him, he told me he would stop hurting me if I changed my last name, but I never gave into his demands, I will always be a Berlitz whether he likes it or not!" Dawn said her hands shaking a bit. The people was quiet listening to Dawn's unbearable story.
"Now do you see? Paul, no matter what you guys say, saved me from that hell, if I never have met him I would have never gone onto the road of power to fulfill what I will soon make into reality!" Dawn said as she turned and gave Delanzo the fiercest glare you will ever see that could give most serial killers and Demons a run for their money.
"To kill Delanzo Devinchi for the horrible crimes he has done to me!" Dawn roared, sending a message to Delanzo that his time to die will soon come by her hands.
Delanzo said nothing but furrow his eyebrows.
"The Necklace of Destiny and my last name are the only two mementos of my father. My father told me to give the necklace to someone who will always protect, love, and care for me always, soon I will give to Paul, he deserves it." Dawn said staring at the shining necklace. Ash had thoughts while he stared at the amazing necklace and then at Paul.
'I once thought the same way she does now thinking that killing the ones who did such cruel things to me would solve all my problems. There's also the almost rape incident. It was kind of too convenient that Paul would save her when that happened since he would not care about what happens to anybody unless he knows he can benefit from. It's as though he knew it would happen. I wonder...' Ash thought as he thinks that something stinks about all of this.
"If Paul is who you chose to give that necklace to, then why haven't you given it to him already?" Ash asked, Dawn's eyes widened, she never thought of that! Paul glanced at a shocked Dawn, he was wondering the same thing as well, what was holding her back from giving him the necklace? Dawn never told anyone that even though Paul was the one who changed her life, she was uncertain if Paul was really the right one to give the necklace to, and every time she stared at the necklace it was like it was trying to tell her that the Necklace of Destiny did not belong on someone like Paul and that he wasn't really the one for her.
"I-"
"SILENCE!" Delanzo's voice thundered in anger clearly having enough.
"Enough of this useless reminiscing! The Exams must go on! Everybody get back onto your lines now!" The Rookies did as they were told, Ash thought that he started all of this in the first place as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder and went back to his spot next to Misty.
"And you! Cover yourself up!" Delanzo said angrily to Dawn, "When the exams are over, you and I will have a little talk." Dawn clenched her fists angry that he said her father's last name out of his unworthy tongue again! Dawn put back on her long pink scarf and the Necklace of Destiny around her neck as she walked towards near Paul with an angry murderous look.
Everyone except Paul, Kaliam, and Bolt were staring at Delanzo with anger and fear in their eyes and expressions, they were absolutely disgusted that this guy could get away with such a crime as child abuse and not be in front of a judge right now because he is the Commander of the P.C.M.D.
Kendra disguised as "Abby" was very amused and interested in the events that was happening before her. She licked her lips clearly loving every moment of it.
'All of this could work to my advantage.' "Abby" chuckled to herself. The humans made things far too easy.
'What was that?' Ash thought as he sensed a whiff of malevolence that wasn't from Paul or Delanzo. There were too many people in the area to use Aura Vision so he could not pinpoint it.
Dawn still weak from being hurt by Delanzo, mumbled "Come on out" and instantly white particles came out of her body and formed a blue penguin-looking Pokemon with metal all around it called Empoleon.
Empoleon!" The Pokemon replied with its name.
"Take a rest Empoleon." Dawn said as she pulled out a red Pokeball and called Empoleon back into it.
"Now before all of the nonsense started to happen, I was suppose to tell you about some more nonsense, but before I do allow me to introduce to you the project of the P.C.M.D., come on out now Kira!" Delanzo announced with a smile on his face turning around to the darkness, everyone followed after him and stared at the darkness. Then a twenty tone something looking man came out of the darkness walking slowly with almost everyone marveling at his appearance.
The man had long locks of dark hair that fell savagely above his shoulders and he had penetrating, stunning, cold different colored eyes. The left eye was blue and amazingly the right one was of red color. He wore black as coal clothing to match his hair, and had five red bracelets on his right arm and five blue ones on his left. He stood very proud and manly and as he walked like a noble and and revered king. What Ash noticed most of all was the sword he had on his side. It had no sheathe and Ash saw every detail. It was really amazing.
The silver blade was over three feet long, double-edged, and honed razor-sharpness like no other, and could by the looks of it be resistant to high temperatures. It sparked a pretty blue and red color if you were to slightly turn your head as you watched it. The sword was a work of art and Ash could tell that it was probably very powerful. Ash stopped staring at the sword when he realized that Kira was staring at him with no expression shown.
'Is it just me or is that guy staring specifically at me?' Ash thought
'So this is the project... I wonder what he can do and just how powerful is he?' Lance wondered eying Kira.
"This is the ultimate project we have created to fight and take down our most powerful and hated enemies." Delanzo said walking around Kira.
"He will bring Mankind to our safety and protect us all for what is to come from any evil, Kendra and Jyggalag will stand no chance against the power of our creation!" Delanzo said proudly with a smile. "Abby" scoffed.
'The humans and their science projects, do they honestly believe that a creation of Mankind will defeat me?' Humans are such fool' Kendra thought smirking
'Yeah right! This things just another droid. And I've seen droids especially the Maverick models of the Separatist armies! This thing does not stand a ghost of a chance!' Ash thought thinking that Delanzo IS just like the Confederates.
"Of course I don't expect any of you Rookies to be able to even fight him equally, so if any of you gets into a fight with him, if you want to live, I suggest you forfeit the match, you will never win against Kira and his powers." Delanzo advised adjusting his glasses. Most Rookies stared at Kira with awe and fear, most knew that he was suppose to enter and they knew his power was leagues away from there's and would never win against his power.
The only human thinking otherwise of course was Ash, who had to beat this guy. The future of the Pokemon Trainers was at stake. Ash was still uneasy as Kira kept on staring at him like he knew that Ash was different. Delanzo sighed as he snapped his fingers, white particles came out of his body revealing an Alakazam coming out.
"Alakazam" the yellow psychic said.
"Before we start the exams I have been ordered to tell the new trainers, even though it's a waste of time, of the ones who can use the power of Aura." Delanzo stopped to adjust his glasses. Delanzo could not believe that they had ordered him to talk about those people.
May and mostly every other girl perked up when he mentioned the legendary protectors of the Republic. Some started to squeal because they all remembered when their parents or grandparents told them about the stories of the fabled ones. The boys except Ash and Paul rolled their eyes and shook their heads. Ash gulped hoping no one would figure out he was an Aura user, especially with all these girls around.
"They are the Aura users, since the beginning of the Republic so many years ago they were it's defenders and were proven to be the most powerful human beings to ever exists. Fools like the old coot Professor Oak believe that without them the Republic will surely be doomed, but to me this is all a bunch of nonsense like that Legend of the One." Delanzo ranted, Ash didn't like this guy even more now and prayed that he will get what's coming to him.
The girls squealed once again at hearing their most favorite romantic legend. The boys except Ash and Paul rolled their eyes again. Now Ash really did not want them to know anything now.
"The Aura users predicted that a so-called "Chosen One" will come before the end of all life and with the power of Aurora, defeat the darkness that threatens us. If any of you, which I highly doubt it, finds any Aura user or even this so-called "Chosen One" will have to report to us immediately." Delanzo chuckled to how ridiculous he sounded. Paul frowned when he heard their name and the fictional story that they made up being told to him.
"Does the P.C.M.D. really believe something that a probably now extinct race of people made up that was once called a fairy tale for little girls to be true?" Paul sneered. Delanzo laughed. Ash wished that he was evil so he would totally waste the both of them.
"No in fact only a few people believe this story to be true, I hate to admit it but the Aura users did know how to get results and have the faith of the entire Republic. The Republic believes that the Aura users are needed and wish to recruit more if there are any anymore and would believe anything that they would say even something completely ridiculous." Most people agreed with him. " But we do not need to rely on them anymore or their beliefs, religion of the Creator Pokemon, or hope! We do not need a savior who doesn't exist to protect us, if anyone is our savior it's people like Kira! Our Military! Science! The power of Mankind! Why should we believe in some crazy tale supposedly told to us by them, the Pokemon, and our ancestors that our means can't stop Destiny?"
Although Ash agreed about being able to choose your Destiny he didn't like the fact that this guy continuously insulted his people.
"Commander what about Pokemon? We have seen Shadow Pokemon before which was told in the legend, and Pokemon can sense when something that will affect the natural order will occur, Pokemon created the stone tablet of the legend with the Aura users, Psychic Pokemon that are able to tell the future, isn't that proof enough that this may be true?" Lance said unsure, Delanzo scoffed.
"Pokemon are nothing more than inferior species to mankind, they came here before us for the specific purpose of being used as tools and power for humans, why do you think Kido exists?" Delanzo explained countering Lance's explanation. The room was shocked he did not just say that Pokemon are tools?
"Okay, now I know you're a retarded Separatist!" Ash said very angry at this guy's stupidity. Kaliam reached for his weapon.
"Say one more thing out of your mouth boy and I will give Kaliam and Bolt permission to satisfy their blood lust." Delanzo replied. Ash just rolled his eyes not afraid of his threat as Kaliam gave Ash a death glare and Bolt licking a dagger like a ice-cream, he said nothing while glaring at Delanzo.
"Sir if this Chosen One actually even exists then how will we be able to identify him?" Gary spoke up.
"Alakazam if you please." Delanzo told Alakazam, it nodded and started to wave its spoon creating a gold large screen T.V. like image on top of Delanzo's head. It showed a picture of the Z-Saber with the three jewels as well. "Abby" frowned for some reason when the image of the sword was displayed, Ash observed the sword and confirmed that it was indeed the Z-Saber.
"This is an image of the legendary Z-Saber, the Chosen One who is suppose to be an Aura user is the only one who can use the fabled sword, it is said the sword can change it's shape into any other type of weapon depending on the elemental power the Chosen One would obtain and can amplify any Aura technique. It is also written that the sword can make the connection between the humans and Pokemon stronger." Everyone stared in awe when the powers of the sword was announced. Ash thought it was good to know and that this fool was the one who told him.
Misty stared at the sword, it looked so familiar to her for some reason.
"Ash I think I've seen that sword somewhere before.. but I can't place it.. have you seen that sword before?" Misty asked, she didn't know why she asked Ash, but for some reason her subconscious was telling her that Ash was the one to ask.
"Uuuh no I've never seen that sword in my life." Ash lied as he tensed, Misty stared at Ash strangely but then dropped her thoughts to Ash's relief. Ash was starting to get worried. If everyone knew what the sword looked like then how will he be able to use it without his secret being revealed?
Paul let out a small amused laugh.
"Too bad a wonderful sword like that doesn't exist." Paul got the attention of everyone in the room. Delanzo nodded agreeing with Paul, this was all nonsense as far as he was concerned.
"I am now finished the elimination round starts now!" Delanzo announced. Rui jumped up when she heard her cue.
"You heard him! Go to the elevator that has your number you lumpish, beetle-headed, canker-blossoms!" She bellowed, the thrill of commanding in her voice. Once again everyone sweat dropped and wanted her especially Lance and Wes to shut up.
Each Rookie went to their designated elevator.
Ash went into the A-7 elevator with Pikachu, the doors closed behind him as it started to lift him up to his destination.
"So are you ready Pikachu?" Ash said. "(Yeah!)" Pikachu let out a bolt of confidence out of his body. The elevator stopped. Ash waited for the door to open, there was nothing but silence as he waited.
All of a sudden the door opened revealing a bright light blinding him, the elevator room disappeared and created a platform that moved on Ash's feet towards the center of the bright room. Ash opened his eyes and saw he was in a large blue battle room with empty seats in the arena and was in a trainer box.
Ash looked up to see a smiling red-haired beauty smiling at him from the other trainer box. Ash wondered why he was getting a funny feeling when he noticed her. It was "Abby" and what Ash didn't know it was pure evil in disguise.
"So it looks like I'm battling the crazy guy eh? My name is Abby, it's nice to meet you Ashy." "Abby" joked. Ash got embarrassed by being called that name again.
"How did you know-"
"I heard the cute nickname from your friends Ashy." "Abby" smiled innocently. Ash groaned, he decided that Brendan was going to pay later.
"Trainers! Please swipe your trainer I.D. to begin the battle!" The computer screen said. Ash swiped his card into the machine and "Abby" did the same thing.
"Welcome Ash from Pallet Town and Abigail Herman from Sootopolis City! To the Viridian City Underground Battle Dome! This is set to be a one on one match, no time-limit, please choose your Pokemon to begin!" The computer announced. Ash of course chose Pikachu since he didn't want anybody to know of his other five right now until the finals. Pikachu did a back flip off of Ash's shoulder and landed on the battleground. "Abby" Smirked and pulled out a weird-looking black ball.
"What kind of Pokeball is that?" Ash asked suspiciously, he never saw one like that before. "Abby" spun it around like a basketball with her index finger.
"It's called a Dark Ball, when a Pokemon is captured by it the Pokemon's power increases to the highest level." Ash narrowed his eyes. It seems so unnatural. He use Aura Vision on her but to his surprise she was colored white.
'That's strange. The only way that someone is white is that either that person is neutral or that person can hide their true self' Ash thought being more suspicious of her but did not know her at all or had any evidence that she's up to no good. Maybe he was being paranoid again.
"Abby" smirked, she didn't mention that the ball also makes the Pokemon evil, loses its soul and obeys all commands of its master/mistress. She knew someone as noble and honorable as Ash would have a fit by now if she told him.
"Now let's see if your trainer skills are good as you look cutie." "Abby" said while she threw the black ball, Ash dismissed his disbelief that another girl automatically liked him already as a black shadow like beam come out of the ball revealing a very feisty evil-looking Chikorita. Pikachu flinched as it stared into the evil smile of the Chikorita.
"Chikorita!"(Come on wimp!) The Pokemon Challenged stomping its feet. Pikachu begun to flare electricity studying Chikorita for weaknesses.
'So I have the type disadvantage. Interesting. However there's something strange about that Pokemon' Ash thought eying Chikorita. They were suppose to be docile but this one was anything but friendly.
"Ash vs Abigail Herman! Begin!" Ash got into battle mode when the computer was done announcing the beginning of the battle.
"Ladies first! Chikorita Razor Leaf now!" "Abby" commanded pointing towards Pikachu, Chikorita obeyed and with a mighty swing of its leaf shot leafs towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu fry some and dodge the others!" Ash yelled, Pikachu zapped the first leaves that were too close together to avoid and jumped away at the more separate ones.
"Quickly Chikorita Vine Whip!" Chikorita with an evil smile used Vine Whip catching Pikachu in the air.
'As I thought, Razor Leaf was a diversion.' Ash thought
"Now let's give Pikachu a trip around the world Chikorita!" "Abby" said, she sounded like she was having much fun playing around with Ash.
Chikorita began to slowly spin Pikachu around in the air, then it picked up speed. Chikorita using the momentum slammed Pikachu hard against a piece of metal very brutally. Chikorita didn't stop as it lifted Pikachu up once more and slammed him to a piece of metal again and again like a ping-pong ball. Chikorita having fun ended the toture by throwing Pikachu's body near Ash.
Pikachu got up and flared it's electricity again as if he did not get hurt at all.
"Now Chikorita Razor Leaf!" Abby" commanded not giving Pikachu time to rest. Chikorita once more shot leaves at Pikachu with deadly accuracy.
"Pikachu duck!" Ash yelled, Pikachu ducked as the leaves went over him.
"Now Chikorita use Vine Whip once more!" following "Abby's" command she executed the Vine Whip attack. Ash expected her to use that again.
"Pikachu grab them and pull back hard!" Ash order, when the vines came close to Pikachu he caught them before they hit him and pulled on them with all his strength. Now the two Pokemon were locked in a tug of war with Chikorita's vines.
"Hey what are you doing?" "Abby" asked
"Teaching you that it's not a good idea to use the same plan twice in a row. Pikachu Thunderbolt!" Ash yelled. Pikachu launched the attack but it traveled from Pikachu to Chikorita via her own vines making dodging useless.
"Very good Ashy, but it's not over yet." "Abby" said as Chikorita wasn't that affected by the Thunderbolt.
"I know, Pikachu let go." Ash commanded calmly. When Pikachu let go of the vines they shot backwards right into Chikorita's face causing her to skid back.
"I merely use Thunderbolt to distract Chikorita that she was still pulling and now she hurt herself causing normal damage." Ash explained
"You're so deceptively clever Ashy, I like it." "Abby" said while licking her lips and looked at Ash lustfully.
'That's the look I always try to avoid getting, but with no luck.' Ash thought as he sighed but then remembered he had important things to worry about. May's and Dawn's lives were at stake and who knows even Misty could probably be in trouble in these Exams soon too! It's just a way that Ash thinks that fate sucks.
"Let's just continue this battle." Ash said
"Very well, your funeral." "Abby" said smirking
Pikachu got into battle position again as Chikorita got up.
"(You bastard!)" Chikorita said as they continued to battle.
"I think it's about time we finished this! Chikorita Leech Seed now!" Pikachu watched as two seeds hit his body as vines came out of them and constricted him while draining his energy and giving it to Chikorita.
"Ah Leech Seed! A useful technique that slowly drains the vitality of the target Pokemon and gives it to the user!" "Abby" explained. Chikorita began to mockingly spin her vines. Ash began thinking of a plan that would counter that.
'That's it!' Ash declared in his mind, he began to spike his Aura a bit. "Abby" feeling the spike narrowed her eyes wondering what Ash could be planning. She dismissed it though knowing there was nothing Ash could do to come back.
"Pikachu ran towards Chikorita until you come into contact with her!" "Abby's" eyes widened. Just what was he up to?
Pikachu using his quick speed enhanced with Ash's Aura ran towards Chikorita and before she could do anything she got tackled. What was more surprising is that the Leech Seed vines let go of Pikachu and wrapped around Chikorita. "Abby was shocked.
"What did you just do?" she asked as she's been tricked. "Why use her own power against her." Ash said.
"While the Leech Seed is draining her of her vitality it is also at the same time giving it back to her, however while the loop is happening she is completely immobile for her to do anything." Ash explained
"You came up with something very ingenious! Pretty Impressive Ashy!" Ash ignored the embarrassing nickname ready to finish the battle.
"Now Pikachu! End this with Iron Tail!" Ash commanded. Pikachu's tail glowed white as it became hard as steel and turned with force as his tail hit the immobile Chikorita hard smacking her against the floor so hard it caused an explosion that caused large smoke to form.
When the smoke was cleared there laid Chikorita who fainted in the large hole on the ground with spirals replaced for eyes.
"Winner! Ash of Pallet Town!" the computer announced having Ash's picture of him show up with Winner beneath of his name. Ash smiled.
'Very good Chosen One' "Abby" thought watching Ash hug Pikachu in his arms. She called Chikorita back into the Dark Ball.
"We won Pikachu!" Ash said happily as he was embracing his partner. Pikachu embraced Ash back until he lost consciousness.
"Pikachu?"
"He needs rest Ash, you and Pikachu did very well." "Abby" said offering a handshake. Ash accepted the handshake but then felt something weird.
"Well I guess I'm out, that sucks." "Abby" frowned trying to sound like a teenager.
'Why do I get the feeling that she's not all that depressed?' Ash thought
"Don't worry about. I think you're lucky since the exams will get more dangerous from now on." Ash said scratching his head. "Abby" smiled at Ash's words
"Thank you Ash, I hope we meet each other again very soon..." she said sweetly as she came closer to Ash. Ash nodded as he was about to leave with Pikachu in his arms, but to his surprise "Abby" spun Ash around and kissed him on the lips.
The kiss was not a passionate one like his first kiss with her, this one was filled with nothing but lust and desire. She explored Ash's mouth with her tongue waiting for the surprised Ash to respond. His mind was going error, error, error as this was not right. Ash had mixed emotions right now, he wanted to stop the kiss but at the same time didn't. He could guess that his demon instincts were to blame. Ash's body moved by itself and embraced the kiss by going into "Abby's" mouth with his tongue, he felt some kind of weird light but pleasing burn on his lips as he kissed her, but after five seconds her lips were gone. He opened his eyes and she was nowhere to be found.
Ash was slightly confused and shocked at how fast the girl moved, and was also shocked that he just gave in, it just felt so right but at the same time something was wrong. Ash left his thoughts, picked up Pikachu and headed for the elevator with a mix of emotions and questions in his mind.
'Damn that Meggiddo!' Ash thought angrily. Unbeknown to Ash, he was just marked by Kendra as her intended mate.
Ash left the elevator still deep in thought back into the large hall. He noticed that many trainers including all of his friends were already done with their matches. Misty came running up to Ash when she saw him.
"Ash! Are you and Pikachu alright?" Misty asked hoping this wasn't a sign that Ash lost. Everyone turned towards Ash to see his Pikachu out cold immediately bringing to there heads that he must have lost the battle. Ash nodded at Misty and looked around that he noticed half of the trainers were missing including Brock and he also saw Kira standing near a wall with his eyes closed waiting patiently.
"Ha! I told you the dweeb would lose in the eliminations!" Gary shouted smirking. Ash and Misty glared at him.
"Are you retarded? Of course I won you idiot." Ash said back at him. Gary frowned for a while but then smirked again.
"Well looks like I underestimated you dweeb! But there is no way your going to survive the next rounds that's for sure!" Ash rolled his eyes, doesn't he ever stop talking. May and Brendan ran over to Ash.
"Ash can I hold Pikachu?" May asked, Ash gave her a puzzled look but he looked at Brendan who nodded telling him it was okay. Ash gave her Pikachu, May sat Pikachu gently onto the ground and she put her hands together and closed her eyes concentrating her Kido.
"What is she doing?" Misty asked, Brendan smiled. "You'll see.", May opened her eyes and touched Pikachu. To Ash's, Misty's, and the people watching amazement, Pikachu began to glow a bright gold color healing all of his injuries. Pikachu awoke from his slumber completely healed & rejuvenated.
"Pika?" "Wha?" Pikachu said around the room confused.
"There, good as new!" May proclaimed standing up.
"Glad to see a Kido move that's not destructive." Ash said
"Yeah, it's one of my Kido powers, I can heal Pokemon and people too." May replied
"That must be very useful since you won't have to go to the Pokemon Center to heal your Pokemon!" Misty complimented wishing she had that power.
"That's only if my energy isn't low or I want to save some of it, I still go to the Pokemon Center just in case and from using up my energy." May explained.
"Well with that you have my thanks." Ash said to May while taking a bow.
"Oh it's nothing." May said blushing
"So I would assume that you won all your matches." Ash said
"Peace of cake." Brendan answered smirking
"It was no sweat." May replied smiling innocently giving Ash the peace sign
"No problem Ash." Misty replied with a wink.
"So Ash since Pikachu got injured you must have battled a pretty strong trainer?" May asked
"Yeah, she was really tough especially with her weird Pokemon." Ash replied
"Knowing the kind of luck Ash has, I wouldn't be surprised if he was battling an SSS being Kendra!" Misty joked as they began to laugh, Misty didn't know just how right she was.
They began to talk about their battles and how they won, Paul was watching them from afar with Dawn with a frown on his face. He glanced at Dawn who was preoccupied with combing her hair.
"Dawn we need to talk." Paul declared with his deep voice. Dawn stopped what she was doing wondering what he wanted to talk about.
"What is it Paul?" Dawn asked as she stared at him and continued to comb a lock of her shiny-looking hair.
"Remember earlier when you got that kid away from me?" Dawn tensed and she stopped combing her hair. "I know you were able to feel my energy Dawn and both times I was planning to kill that kid but both times you got to him first." Paul seriously said, Dawn knew where he was going with this.
"Were you protecting him from me?" Paul asked crossing his arms. Dawn looked down not wanting to see Paul's expression.
"I'm sorry I won't lie to you, I stopped you from killing him both times, but I promise you there won't be a third time Paul." he narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"But why would you stop the attacks, I thought you hated him?" Dawn once again tensed.
"I don't know... even though I say he can't help me with my problems and that I feel strongly only you can... there's some deep voice inside of me telling me he can help me... it's just a weird feeling I can't explain Paul." Dawn said, Paul arched an eyebrow.
"You're talking nonsense woman, get rid of whatever emotions or "Weird feeling" you have for the kid or do you want to become weak like all of the rest of these fools in this room?" Paul said darkly, Dawn's eyes widened and then had a look of seriousness.
"Your right Paul, in this world there is no need for such mercy, next time I will let you kill him, and if chance allows it, I will kill him myself." Dawn said, she had strong malice in her voice. Paul gave her a rare smile before leaving Dawn to her hair combing.
What Dawn and Paul didn't realize was the Necklace of Destiny flickered an ominous white light around her neck.
'Gee. They sure are kind and caring people.' Ash thought sarcastically as he used his Aura to enhance his hearing and heard the conversation.
Brock came out of one of the elevators smiling proudly.
"Let me guess Brock you won." Ash said. Brock gave him a thumbs up.
"It was close though, I thought I was a goner for sure, but my Geodude came through for me." Brock said. Ash was happy that everybody he knew made it to the next round of the Exams.
"PAY ATTENTION YOU HASTY-WITTED FLAPDRAGON!" Everyone became silent and paid attention to the owner of the voice, most of them sweat dropped. Lance and Wes stared blankly at Rui.
"Well? What are you staring at me for? Start the next round already?" Rui yelled in Lance's face, his eyes twitched, he was not in the mood for Rui's attitude right now.
"To everyone who is still here, congratulations you made it to the next round of the Exams! Everyone who lost was immediately brought back via-elevator to Viridian City, and now I shall reveal to you the next round of the Exams! Behold the Underground Viridian Forest!" Lance announced. A huge door began to open revealing the entrance to huge trees that blocked the sun, all you saw was some sunlight but mostly darkness.
'Damn! That's the forest where May gets killed! So much for security!' Ash thought clenching his teeth.
"The rules, there are none, Kido is also permitted, your going to need it in this forest..." Lance drifted. The Rookies tensed.(Ash for another reason)
"Excuse me why would we need our Kido for anything other than against ourseleves?" Lance, Wes, and Rui had on devilish smiles.
"Because this isn't just any old forest, it's filled with thousands of high level very easily-tempered Pokemon including Onyx, Steelix, Grayados, Primeapes, Weeviles, Golems, Tyranitar, Rhydons, Nidokings, and much, much more for you to enjoy!" Lance said smiling wickedly. Mostly everyone's jaw dropped to the ground.
'That's the least of my worries.' Ash thought, everyone thought that they were insane people. Ash remembered something that Kira was still with them meaning he's participating in this round. He wondered what kind of powers this guy had and why he was feared even by some members of the Armada.
Dawn hearing the dangers of the forest called out her Empoleon. After saying her Kido chant the Pokemon fused with her gaining back her super strength powers.
"Well this is good for me since I travel the world all the time." Brock declared knowing he has the advantage. Misty rolled her eyes.
"Yeah we all know about your world travels to meet and peek at women all around the world Brock." Misty said, Brock glared at Misty but he had to admit she was right about him peeking on numerous women.
"Now since we want all of you to be alone at the start of your travels, Delanzo's Alakazam is going to teleport you to various parts of the forest." Lance nodded at Alakazam and it started to wave its spoon around.
'Damn! I was hoping to convince May and the others to join together!' Ash thought in frustration
"I will be expecting you to meet me at the exit Ms. Berlitz, failure will not be tolerated." Delanzo said with his cold glare, Dawn for once ignored him and waited for the round to begin.
"Have fun!" Rui said with a wave as they all teleported in a purple flash into the forest. Rui felt someone stare at her, she turned around and saw it was Wes.
"What?"
"We need to talk abot payment on my bike Rui." Wes said crossing his arms. Rui's eyes twitched.
"Your still on that?" Rui said irritated, Wes glared.
"Yes I am! That was a 100,000 dollar bike you destroyed!" Wes almost yelled.
"So? It just a bike."
"Just a bike? That was an Ultima 500 mph-" Wes started
"Okay we get already!" Lance stared at the two while they argued. He noticed that Delanzo, Kaliam, and Bolt were already gone.
"Guys stop your bickering! We have to go to the exit to meet the Rookie!" Lance said, Wes and Rui stared at him for a while then went back to arguing again. Lance sweat dropped.
"Your paying for a new one Rui! Whether you like it or not!" Wes yelled
"No! It's not my fault your motorcycle sucks!" Wes growled and they started to argue with each other over again. Lance watching became irritated.
"Wes! Rui! Stop arguing over some motorcycle already and come on!" Lance yelled, they finally listened to him and began to follow him but Wes was glaring at Lance.
"It's not some motorcycle, it's an Ultima 500 mph-"
"OKAY WE GET IT ALREADY!" Lance and Rui yelled with big anime like heads. Wes transformed into chibi form and ran away from them.
Ash opened his eyes and saw that he was surrounded by nothing but large trees, he cursed to himself as he started to run holding his map, May could be in danger right now and he had to move fast.
"Pikachu we need to find May, Fast!" Ash told Pikachu running as fast as he can, trying to sense where May was before it's too late.
Paul immediately started to glide through the trees seemingly flying as he jumped from tree to tree effortlessly, he felt someone's energy close by and smirked.
"You found me rather quickly Dawn." Paul said looking back at Dawn as he jumped. Dawn was right behind Paul and she smiled.
"It was nothing in fact I already know where the exit is, but I wanted to have some fun first." Dawn said ominously, Paul smiled, he knew where she was going with this.
"You want to take out some of the Rookies just for fun eh? I like the way you think Dawn." Paul said smirking, Dawn also smirked.
"You take the right, I will take the left after the day is over we head for the exit, show no mercy to anyone you find." Paul told Dawn. Paul sidestepped to his left and Dawn flipped to head towards her right, both heading towards very unlucky trainers.
"Hmmm I just been giving orders Koetsu by her highness!" Suzuko hissed as she transformed into her real form, Koetsu following suit, "It's time for us to carry out our mission! I sense her energy westward let's move!" Suzoko and Koetsu immediately jumped up to glide through the branches with unrivaled speed.
Ash trying to May, Paul and Dawn's hunting, and Koetsu and Suzuko's mission, and the goal to the exist before 48 hours all leading to inevitable battles within Underground Viridian Forest.
And I'm done. Ash will also fight using his words against the Republic heads and their corrupt ways.