Holy fucking shit, there is no excuse.

But it's here. Finally, it's here. At least, that's under the assumption that anyone even bothers to check this freakin' (most likely presumed dead) story.

I hope you enjoy it, despite it's lateness. :P

Obligatory Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Calm Before Storms

Ash stood a step or so behind Cilan, anxiety knotted tight in his stomach like a ball of jumbled yarn. Pikachu sat on his shoulder, ears down and paws kneading into his jacket in an attempt to relieve some pent up stress while Iris stood beside him, twiddling her fingers, Axew shifting about uneasily in her hair.

They'd been at the booth for ten minutes now trying to patch in a call to the Straiton Gym, but so far each one had come back with nothing but a ring tone and an apologetic 'we're sorry'. This was their fifth attempt, and with each missed call, Ash felt the knots in his stomach grow just a little more tangled.

He couldn't even imagine what the suspense was doing to Cilan. He did an admirable job hiding it, but Ash knew the older boy well enough to know that the quick tapping of his heel, the white-knuckled grip on the phone, and the slight, subtle gnawing at his lip all betrayed just how worried he was.

Another bell-toned ring sounded from the machine, and Ash grit his teeth. Another missed call.

Cilan was already re-punching the numbers on the dial pad again, not missing one despite the faint trembling of his hand, heel clapping just a little harder as the call began anew.

"Maybe . . ." Iris ventured slowly, glancing from the blank screen to Cilan, "Maybe they're just sleeping. It is pretty late . . ."

Cilan didn't reply. Ash wondered if he had even heard her.

He caught the girl's eye and the two shared a despairing look, concern and guilt shared in equal measure in their gazes. Concern for Cilan and his family, guilt that they couldn't do more except hope a call went through . . .

Ash hated feeling this helpless . . . he really did.

Then, the call box let loose a low, droning hum, followed by the static sound of a receiver being lifted from its cradle. At the same moment, the blank screen flashed to life to reveal a tired-looking and worn-out Cress, "Hello, this is the Stria-Cilan? Is that you?"

The relief was so strong it was palpable, and Ash felt his body lighten as if a cement block had just been lifted from his shoulders. Beside him, Iris placed a hand over her heart and muttered something like a prayer while Pikachu's ears shot up, exclaiming, "Pika!"

Cilan gave a very visible shudder, face nearly breaking with relief in the most outward display of emotion Ash had seen so far, voice cracking just the slightest, "C-Cress! You're okay!"

Cress lifted an eyebrow, clearly puzzled, "Yes, I'm okay? Was I not supposed to be?"

"O-Oh-" Cilan was trying to school his emotions back into to place so as not to worry his brother, hiding his worry behind a smile even though it might have been too late for such deception, "Not at all! Anyway, I'm sorry for calling so late. I just . . . wanted to see if everything was fine!"

"Everything is . . . quite fine," Cress eyebrow's creased together. It was clear he wasn't falling for it, "Cilan, is something wrong? It's unusual for you to call so late, but not only that, you look awful. All of you do, now that I look. Has something happened?"

Right, Cress was the perceptive one. The really, really perceptive one. Ah, think Ash, what would make this seem perfectly natural without giving too much away?

"Uh, Cilan just-" Iris suddenly leaned over, clamping a hand against the older boy's back, "Had a bad dream! I know it's a little silly, but he just wanted to check to make sure everything was okay!"

"A bad dream?" Cress echoed, a faint underscore of disbelief coloring the words.

"I know, dumb right?" Ash asked, rolling with Iris's plan. He rubbed the back of his head, hoping the action would deflect suspicion, "Sorry about waking you up, Cress."

"It's no trouble," Cress replied, though he still didn't look completely convinced, "But are you sure everything is fine?"

Cilan drew in a quick, silent breath, his and Iris's intervention allowing him some time to regain some composure, before speaking, "Everything's fine here, Cress. It's just . . . been a long day."

"I believe it," Cress said. His face softened, "Well, if that's all, I'll be returning to bed. We have a battle scheduled in the morning, and I have to be up bright and early."

"Of course," Cilan nodded, even though Ash knew he probably wasn't too eager to put the receiver down, "Uh, Cress . . . ?"

"Hm?"

Cilan paused, then shook his head, "Nevermind. Just . . . take care of yourself. Tell Chili that too."

Cress pursed his lips, looking for the world like he wanted to question them more on their strange behavior. But then it vanished, and instead all he said was, "Alright, I will. And the same goes for you. Drink some lavender tea before you go to bed tonight, too. I know that helps you sleep."

Cilan nodded, a small, slightly rueful smile on his face, "Tastefully noted. Goodnight, Cress."

"Goodnight."

With that, the screen went black and the call went dead. As soon as it did, Cilan slumped over with a long, breathless sigh, phone falling with a clatter against the booth while his free hand went up to cover his face, "Thank Arceus . . ."

Ash shared a worried glance with Iris before stepping up, trying to look the other boy in the face, "Hey, Cilan . . . ?"

"You okay?" Iris asked, tentatively placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Pika . . ."

"Ax . . ."

At first he didn't respond. Then, with another long exhalation, he said, "I'll feel better once we take care of the Witch." With more effort than Ash thought was needed, he stood up and faced them, an apologetic, yet strained smile on his face, "I'm sorry. I'm worrying you, aren't I?"

"Well, of course we're worrying about you!" Iris said, frowning, "With all that's going on, why wouldn't we be?"

"Yeah, don't feel bad about it," Ash chipped in. With a punch more enthusiasm-and hopefully encouragement-Ash bawled his hand into a determined fist and added, "Don't worry, we'll stop that Witch, just you wait!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu added, nodding.

Cilan didn't say anything, but a soft glimmer of gratitude appeared in his eyes at Ash's words. Still, his smile failed to reach his eyes.

"Ah, there you are!"

Everyone looked to see that Looker was hurrying towards them, face schooled into a neutral expression befitting his title as 'Detective'. His eyes landed on Cilan, and his eyes softened just a touch, "Did you get in touch with your Gym?"

Cilan gave a short, tired nod, "Yes, I did. Everyone's fine."

Looker smiled, "That's good to hear."

Ash silently agreed, but curiosity pricked at him like a needle until he finally asked, "Did you need us, Looker?"

"Actually, I have some news for you," Looker's smile grew just a little wider, "I got in touch with H.Q, and I was able to convince them to lend me a helicopter. It arrives first thing in the morning, with enough room for all of us!"

Ash felt his own spirits lift. With transportation like that, they could get there in only a handful of hours!

"Really? That's great!" he said, Iris nodding in enthusiastic agreement.

But Cilan was of a different opinion, striding passed the two to stand in front of the detective, voice raised, "Morning? We can't wait until morning! We have to leave now!"

Ash stared at him, stunned. He could recall very few times where Cilan raised his voice like that. But really, Ash had no right to even be surprised. Not with everything that was going on.

Looker kept his cool, only placing a firm hand on the boy's shoulder, "It was the best I could do. I know, in a situation like this it doesn't seem like enough, but unfortunately all we can do for now is wait. I promise, as soon as the helicopter lands, I'll come and get you myself."

Cilan's jaw twitched, and he looked like he was about to argue. Then the logical mind he prided himself saw the rational sense of Looker's words and prevailed over his emotions, for his shoulders drooped in reluctant acceptance, eyes falling to the floor. Looker gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before looking to Ash and Iris, "You all should probably get to bed. It's late, but you'll be getting up early tomorrow."

Ash and Iris nodded, and Ash felt a sudden rush of tiredness prick at his eyes and leech at his muscles. It felt like ages since he'd last slept.

Iris went up and put a hand on Cilan's arm, urging him to follow her, whispering, "Come on, let's make some of that lavender tea . . ."

Cilan followed without complaint, a worrying sign, and Ash really hoped the tea might help, even it was only by a little bit.

"Pika . . ." Pikachu mumbled sadly, worry gleaming in his black eyes.

Ash ran a soothing hand over his back before making to follow, when he paused and glanced around, suddenly aware of an absence he'd failed to notice before in the urgency of the moment. Catching Looker's eye, he asked, "Hey Looker, do you know where Satoshi is?"

Looker crossed his arms, face thoughtful before replying, "Last I saw him, he was heading outside, around the same time you all went to the booth. He should still be there."

Ash nodded, "Thanks, Looker."

He looked over to where Iris and Cilan were headed, pursing his lips in contemplation. For a moment, he felt torn. He needed to find Satoshi, talk with him and figure out what to do when the time came . . . but he also wanted to be there for his friend. Cilan needed all the support he could get right now . . .

A hand appeared on his shoulder, and Ash's eyes fell back to Looker, "I think Iris can take care of him for a little while. Besides, someone needs to find Satoshi and tell him its lights out. He's the one who'll need the rest most, after all," face softening, he finished, "I know things are a little dark right now, but we'll sort this out."

With one last pat, Looker turned and strode away, perhaps to retire to bed himself, perhaps not. Ash stared after him for a few seconds longer, glanced to where Iris and Cilan had disappeared, then finally turned and headed for the front doors.

The air outside was pleasantly cool, although the terrace and surrounding woodland were all unnervingly quiet. Ash looked around at the unmoving branches, the dark green leaves blending into the shadow, and had to fight back a shudder at how similar it looked to the labyrinthine forest they'd escaped from. Luckily, he saw he didn't have to search very far for who he was looking for.

Satoshi stood along the cobblestone trail just before the stairs, his back to the door and ignorant of Ash's presence. To Ash's surprise, he wasn't alone. N was beside him, head tilted in the boy's direction and speaking in a low voice, words unintelligible to Ash's ears. Kyubey sat by Satoshi's feet, ears perked up in interest, face still disturbingly emotionless as he listened. A little farther down the road, Ash could see Anthea and Concordia, both of whom had their eyes fixed on N but making no move to join him.

Curious, Ash took a step closer, and he reflexively froze up when the boards under his foot creaked. N and Satoshi both turned around in startled surprise, but their faces relaxed when they saw who it was. With a smile, N waved him over, and Ash hurried forward until he stood next to them.

"Hey guys! What's up?" Ash asked, looking between the pair.

Instead of replying, N gave a quick glance to Satoshi, who looked away the moment he did. It was then Ash finally noticed his tense posture and unhappy expression, arms crossed and brow scrunched together. Now alert, Ash stood just a little straighter, questioning, "Satoshi, is something wrong?"

"Pikachu?"

"Ask N," was the stiff reply.

Ash turned to N, now very puzzled. The man sighed, "Well, I suppose there's no easing into this now," he looked Ash square in the eye, "I won't be accompanying you to Striaton City tomorrow."

"Huh?" Ash started, staring in shock. True, the man had never openly said he was coming, but after all they'd been through, Ash had assumed he would be anyway, "Why not?"

"He thinks he can help more by hunting Grief Seeds," Satoshi cut in hotly, fingers tightening around his arms, face pinched with anger, "He won't listen when I say that's a stupid idea!"

"What?" Ash asked, looking from Satoshi to N in bewilderment, "Hunt Grief Seeds?! Isn't that dangerous?"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu shouted, standing up on Ash's shoulder, ears straight.

"No more dangerous than running into a Witch's labyrinth," N countered sharply, perhaps a reflex of their earlier argument. He folded back immediately, wincing apologetically, "Sorry. But I have a good reason for why I'm doing this."

"And one I agree with," Kyubey stepped around Satoshi's legs so he could sit within Ash's line of sight, tail curled neatly around his legs, "Witches have come to this world, but that doesn't mean they've come full-formed. Like you saw at the temple, some are still in their dormant state; a Grief Seed. As for how many, it is impossible to guess."

"Well, can't we just use that tracking method you used before?" Ash asked, wondering why they had to separate when the obvious answer was right in front of them.

"That's the problem," Kyubey replied calmly, "You see, that method we're using is a very general sweep, one that can only pick up the powerful signature of a fully matured Witch. While Grief Seeds certainly do give off one themselves, they are so weak that they won't register on the conduit. Fortunately, N has offered to help with that."

Satoshi 'tsked', clearly unhappy with whatever solution N had come up with. Ash was feeling inclined to agree, given all he'd seen.

"Satoshi can't be everywhere at once," N explained, picking up the story, "It would be better to split up and broaden the search. I know what a Grief Seed signature feels like now. My friends and I can look for them while you and Satoshi take care of the Witches."

"But that's crazy!" Ash protested, stepping forward, "What if it hatches? Satoshi won't be there to help you out!"

No one will be . . . was his unspoken statement. He'd been confident that they'd be facing this threat together, where they could have each other's backs if things got too rough. Splitting up like this, for a mission that could easily end in disappearances that no one would be able to explain, just felt wrong to Ash. So unbelievably wrong.

N smiled slightly, "I know you're worried, but I promise, everything will be fine. The Seeds themselves are harmless, and-"

"So long as N stays away from any major cities with large population densities, the eggs won't be able to hatch," Kyubey finished. With a twitch of his tail, he rose to his feet and looked at N, "It's our hope that such a venture is unnecessary, but should he cross one, or even a mature Witch signature, I've requested that he get into contact with us right away."

That wasn't exactly comforting . . .

"These things are a danger to people and pokemon alike," N said firmly, staring at Ash with a serious intensity he'd seen only a few times, "If I can help sort this problem out faster, then that is what I'll do."

His face softened, and his eyes gleamed in the glow if the terrace light, urging Ash to understand, "I promise, we won't take any risks. But this is our decision, and we won't change it."

Ash's hands balled into fists and he looked at the ground. Yeah, he understood exactly where the two were coming from. It would be better to have someone on an active search for Grief Seeds before they had a chance to hatch while another took of Witches that already had.

That didn't mean he had to like it.

But he knew he couldn't stop him. For too long, N had been told what he could and couldn't do by others. It wasn't right for him to start doing the same, however well-intentioned his objections were, " . . . Okay. But you better take care of yourselves. And if you need help, call us right away!"

N's smile grew a little wider, "Of course. Thank you for understanding, Ash."

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu called urgently, leaning over and staring earnestly at the man, "Pikachu!"

N nodded, "I will. You make sure to keep your friends safe," he then placed a hand on Ash's shoulder and the other on Pikachu's head, "That goes for both of you."

For a moment, Ash could only stare at the man, lips pressed into a thin, unhappy line. Why did they have to separate? Wasn't it better to face this together?

But then he looked over N's shoulder and saw Anthea and Concordia still standing where he'd last seen them, their pokemon beside them, watching from the shadows. They did nothing when his eyes connected with their own, but an understanding passed between them, almost unbidden; N wasn't going to be going alone. They would make sure of it.

He half-wondered if the two actually agreed with his plan. From his brief encounters with the pair, he was willing to believe they didn't. But they weren't trying to stop him. Seeing that resolve, Ash finally shook the feeling of anxiety away. N had made his choice. Ash had to respect it, even if he didn't necessarily agree.

It was then Satoshi huffed, and Ash watched in confusion as the boy stormed passed the group and back up the stairs, leaving them in silence. Ash stared after him, feeling N's hand slip away as he did so, "Satoshi?"

"Pika?"

"He . . . doesn't exactly agree with my plan," N explained, watching him go with a trace of melancholy. He looked back to Ash, and this time, there was a solemn glint in his eyes, "Watch out for him too. Satoshi doesn't say it, but . . . I sensed hurt in him. A deep one, one I'm not even sure he's aware of."

Ash listened closely, feeling worry claw at his insides. The worst part was Ash couldn't just dismiss N's worries, not when he'd seen just how reticent and closed off Satoshi was, like a person afraid of being hurt again. The assumption also begged all sorts of hard, troubling questions. What sort of hurt could N mean? How could he find out without pushing too hard? If he found it, could he fix it?

Iris's words echoed from within, more ominous than they'd ever been before; maybe something bad happened to him, and that's why he's like this.

"It wouldn't be implausible," Kyubey chimed in, "Psychological pain is different from physical pain, in that it can remain long after the physical wounds have healed. The transition here certainly wouldn't have helped. However, I wouldn't recommend prodding, at least not yet. Such a distraction could be disastrous in the fight to come."

"Still, keep an eye on him. He might be disinclined to reach out for help, but I know you'll be there if he needs it, whether he asks or not," a nostalgic smile tweaked N's lips, "That's the sort of person you are, after all."

It was a warm compliment, warm enough that it made Ash smile, just a little, "Don't worry, I'll look out for Satoshi. Promise."

N nodded, "I wouldn't expect any less. And now . . . it's time we parted ways."

That caught Ash off guard, "Wha-? Already?"

N nodded, "Yes. We want to start as soon as possible. We have a lot of ground to cover, after all. Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll get in touch with you."

Ash got that, he really did. But still . . . it seemed so soon . . .

"You're not . . . even gonna stick around to say goodbye?" Ash asked.

He shook his head, "No. Besides, I don't think my inexplicable departure will be high on some of your friends priority list."

He meant Cilan. The reminder made Ash's nerves jolt. He really should be getting back . . .

N noticed, "Go on. Your friend needs you now."

"I know . . ."Ash mumbled, feeling despondent. Then, he shook himself. No, now wasn't the time to be acting like a little kid. Looking N right in the eye, he forcefully said, "You better watch yourself out there, okay?"

N's eyes widened slightly, a little taken aback by the force behind Ash's statement. Ash didn't care. He'd rather have a little disapproval than a dead friend.

But then N nodded, understanding clear in his eyes, "I will if you do the same," he held out his hand and Ash accepted it, hating the knowledge that as soon as he let go, N would leave and who knows how long it would be until they saw each other again. But he had to believe they would.

Pikachu suddenly raced down his arm and placed a paw over their joined hands, "Pika!"

The two smiled, but there was a glimmer of sadness in N's eyes when he finally pulled away, "Until we meet again. Best wishes to both of you."

He turned and walked away after that, Anthea and Concordia coming to flank him on either side as they set out down the cobblestone path. The stars that speckled the sky shone down like miniature lanterns, but their illumination could not last forever. All the same, Ash watched dutifully until the three were swallowed by the shadows, vanishing into the night like dust in the wind.

Until they met again . . . he had to believe they'd keep that promise, despite the dangerous paths they now walked. That they both walked. It was all he could do now.

"You should probably head back inside," Kyubey's voice broke the stillness, and he looked down at the small white creature, "You'll need as much energy as you can muster for tomorrow's mission, since I imagine you'll want to be a part of it."

Ash nodded, glancing back down the well-walked path, "Yeah . . ."

Pikachu nuzzled against his cheek, "Pikapi . . ."

He sighed and shook his head, placing a hand on the mouse pokemon's head, "I'll be okay, Pikachu. It's just been a long day."

He headed back up the stairs, floorboards creaking under his weight until he pulled the glass door open and stepped inside. The lobby was empty, half the lights dimmed as the hours crept on into morning.

With a tired sigh, he walked until he found the section of the building where his room was located. Cilan and Iris would be there now, he was sure. As he drew closer, he made sure his pace was quiet, though he doubted either of them would be asleep. Still, if they were, he didn't want to wake them. Not tonight.

He rounded another corner, and froze.

Satoshi was leaning against the wall, arms still crossed and posture still tense. When he saw Ash, his eyes narrowed, "They're gone, aren't they?"

Ash shifted, uncomfortable under the scrutiny, "Y-yeah. But hey, they promised they'd be careful, and that they'd call us first thing, so-"

"That doesn't make it okay!" Satoshi snapped.

Ash's mouth snapped close, though a familiar, confrontational spark was beginning to blossom in his heart. A spark that ignited far more quickly than usual because of his exhaustion, "Hey, I don't like it anymore than you do, but it would have been wrong to stop them! And anyway, N was right about one thing; you can't do all this by yourself!"

"Well, I can try!" Satoshi shot back, pushing himself away from the wall to face Ash more fully, "I'm the only one who can fight the Witches!"

"So what?" Ash demanded, eyes beginning to flash, "I don't care how tough Witches are, that doesn't mean we can't help!"

"You barely beat a few of their minions!" Satoshi pointed out harshly, "What makes you think next time will be different?"

By now, Pikachu had hopped down from his shoulder, staring between the two in dismay. But if he made any pleas for them to stop, they fell on deaf ears.

"If we don't try, we won't get better! This is our home, we should be the ones to protect it!" Ash shouted.

Satoshi bristled, "I can do that on my own! Why can't you just leave it?"

"Because no one can do something like that by themselves forever!" Ash insisted, "Why can't you just let us help you?"

Faster than lighting, Satoshi lashed out and grabbed Ash by the collar, pulling him in until they were practically nose-to-nose and screaming, "Because you could die!"

Ash's words died in his throat, but it wasn't the anger in Satoshi's voice that shut him up. It was the desperation. An emotion mirrored on his face beneath the fury that masked it. And something else, deeper and stronger and more painful than even that.

Satoshi doesn't say it, but . . . I sensed hurt in him. A deep one, one I'm not even sure he's aware of.

He couldn't contemplate it for long, for at that moment a door ten feet further in opened and a startled-looking Iris emerged into the hall, staring at the two in unabashed shock, words colored with anger, "What in the world is happening out here?! What's gotten into you two?!"

Satoshi released Ash at once and all but ran passed him, brushing hard into Ash's shoulder and sending him stumbling before disappearing down the hall without once looking back.

"H-hey!" Iris shouted after him.

Ash stopped her before she could follow, "Wait, Iris! Just . . . leave him alone right now."

Iris huffed, shock abating as irritation took it's place, "For real? Of all the times for you to act like a little kid, it has to be now?"

"Just drop it, Iris," Ash said, only to regret snapping so forcefully. But Iris had already closed her mouth, staring, and he knew it was too late to rescind the words.

But now, there was a small gleam of concern in her eyes, "Ash . . . ?"

"Pikapi . . ." Pikachu murmured from his place on the floor, ears down.

He shook his head, sighing, "Let's just . . . go to bed."

He walked by Iris, feeling too drained to offer an apology. Inside, Cilan looked up from where he sat, a cup of half-empty tea sitting on the drawers beside the bed. He looked tired, too, "Is . . . everything okay?"

Ash shrugged, trying not to outwardly wince. Man, why did he have to get into an argument right outside the room? He was meant to be taking away from Cilan's worries, not adding to them, "Don't worry about it, Cilan."

Iris crept in after them along with Pikachu, closing the door behind her, and Ash could feel her eyes boring into his back, "Ash, just what was that about?"

Ash plopped onto his bed, shoulder sagging, "Can we talk about it in the morning, Iris?"

The girl pursed her lips, but she seemed to realize that Ash was in no mood to talk. So, with a tiny nod, she dropped the subject and went to her own bed. With a brisk hop, Pikachu jumped onto his lap, and Ash accepted the contact gratefully.

"Where's Satoshi?" Cilan asked, glancing at the wooden door as if he expected the boy to come walking in right then. Somehow, Ash doubted that was going to happen. In one part of his mind, he knew he should go and find him. In another, more rational part, he knew he that even if he did, he wouldn't find anything. The best he could do now was wait and hope to talk it out in the morning, where he wasn't in danger of flying off the handle.

"I don't know," Ash replied, kicking off his shoes with a sigh. It felt good to be out of them.

It was only a handful of minutes until everyone was in there respective beds, covers pulled up and lights flicked off, trading whispered 'goodnights' as they lay back against their pillows. Pikachu lay curled up beside his head, and he could hear his friends soft breathing in the quiet darkness of the room.

Tomorrow, they'd leave for Striaton City. Tomorrow, he'd tell them of N's departure. Tomorrow, which seemed so far away and yet so close at the same time, their world would change for good.

Everything would change . . . was changing . . . and would never be the same again . . .

Perhaps that knowledge was why he lay awake for the rest of the night, until the sun started to rise and light the world into morning.

Ba-bum, to Striaton we go.

Action will pick up soon, promise! :)

Oh, and I totally forgot to do this in the last two chapters, but here's the previous Witch's name: Euryale, the Lonely Forest Witch.

Hope you liked this chapter. Rate and review, if it pleases you.