Authors Note: Yeah, sorry this chapter took really long to update. End of the school year stuff keeps getting in the way, exams, prom, graduation stuff, and now a summer class at the community college. But, I'll try to update regularly from now on! Hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you for your patience!

Chapter 12

The motionless trainer lay there in the tank. All eyes were once again on him as they could hear him take his terminal breath. Ash's body showed no signs of life any longer; he no longer glowed. He was pale. The mist was thinning and seemed to settle. The pokemon confining the friends loosened their grip and allowed them to break free. Misty turned her head from the sight and pressed herself into Brock. She allowed her streaming tears to be absorbed into his blood stained shirt. Brock placed his chin on her head as his arms wrapped around her. He held her close and tight. Even he showed signs of tearing up.

Gary, too, looked away. Placing his palms on his face and pressing them through his autumn hair; he breathed in quickly however breathed out very slowly. His tears flowed out of his eyes, and streamed across his reddened face. "God Ash, no…" He rubbed his eyes. He glared up at Giovanni who preparing to use his Master Ball in capturing Missingno. Gary's left eye twitched as he squinted, "Is this thing, that worth it, that you would kill someone; a boy even?"

Giovanni tried disregarding Gary's interjections.

"Answer me, you bastard!" Gary tried to lunge forward but stopped himself as he caught another painful glance at his old friend in the tank. There was nothing more he could do. Ash was gone, the horrible acceptance lingered.

The Viridian Gym Leader wasn't exactly proud of what he did. He didn't intend to go this far…his thirst was overbearing. He wanted the strongest pokemon in the world at his command…he tried satisfying himself by putting the blame on Ash, who stupidly got in the way. Giovanni stared at his Master Ball; this could possibly be the last step in his long awaited plan in capturing Missingno. Over ten years he waited, and now it was time. That's all he pressed into his mind. He shouldn't cloud his ambition with death; for this could be mere vengeance against Missingno and the boy for killing two of his most trusted team members. He glared down at Gary, "I'm not the only one who stole a life today." He nodded over to the two Rocket bodies of Kendis and Jason.

Gary just allowed his tears to fall, "Ash had nothing to do with those deaths, and you know that."

Kit didn't pay attention to the high risen emotions pouring out through every pore of Giovanni; he was more concerned with Missingno in the tank. Something's not right…I can't imagine Missingno allowing it's prized host to die so easily…Ash can't be dead.

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Ash was once again falling downward into an endless abyss. There was no ceiling, walls, or ground…only nothingness, void. The only familiar thing was fog, which was everywhere. The trainer's eyes were opened ever so slightly, he was no longer in the tank…there were no Rockets…no more pain. It took time for him to focusing. He felt a bit dazed. "Where am I?" He glanced around a couple of times grabbing his head with his right arm. "The last thing I remember is…" A flashback appeared in front of him, the poison surrounding him; and him falling to the ground. He grabbed his throat. "I was poisoned!" He peered around, "Am I dead?"

You are not dead…

Ash grabbed his ears, "Who was that?" The mysterious voice sounded like hundreds of people talking at once, but in harmony with each other; almost like a chorus speaking in minor thirds to each other. Ash was able to stop himself from falling, and brought himself up straight. "Who are you?"

You know who I am…

Ash thought, but his mind was jumbled. "Missingno?"

Mmmmmmmmm…yes.

"Where are we?" Ash tried looking around but only could see a think silvery mist.

We are in your mind…you are not dead: but, frozen in time…a second before you would have died.

Ash's face hardened, "Why have you done this to me? You have enough power to live on your own; why would you attach yourself to me? What do I have that you would possibly want?" The questions had been lingering in his mind for a long time.

I have enough power to destroy anything in my path…I have enough power to teleport through time…I even have enough power to live an immortal…but this means nothing to me. I was created with no intelligence or emotion what so ever.

Ash's eyes squinted, "But what does that have to do with me?"

Humans are interesting beings, in which you can think for yourself. You can understand why things are the way they are…I could not. When connecting with Kit Raleigh, I discovered the physical world, the science behind life itself. I gained knowledge through him; I began to understand theories, discoveries, inventions, and chemistry, even about myself. I knew then that I was nothing but a mistaken science project. But, behind it all I couldn't express feelings. I couldn't understand how to react, to love; to hate…all I gained from Kit was his feeling of fear.

"That doesn't surprise me, Kit is a coward." Ash faced looked disgusted, "But you destroyed cities! That doesn't sound like fear to me."

I tried understanding what fear was…

"Are you trying to tell me you destroyed the cities because you were afraid?" Ash was having trouble accepting the situation at hand, as well as Missingo's story.

I didn't know how to live, what to do. I was afraid and searched for new things to understand. I was created premature and only new how to learn.

"Even with Kit's brain power, you couldn't understand that no one was going to hurt you? Not a single person you killed in those explosions knew what you were!" Ash was tensing up.

I sensed the fear in these cities, and in trying to understand this new emotion I accidentally destroyed them.

"Accidentally, like a child. Ash was slowly beginning to understand.

I sensed a completely different kind of emotion in you; you were fearless. I felt strange emotions with you. I wanted that, I wanted to understand it…you had this fire I didn't find anywhere else. You had a strong love for friends, a slight feeling of longing. I craved for it.

Ash was taken aback. He now felt uncomfortable. "And that is why you reacted to any different emotion I had."

Yes.

Ash was no longer in awe of the moment; he was frustrated "So you ruined my life, to understand human emotions?" Ash grabbed his head in disbelief, "This sounds so ridiculous I can't believe I'm saying it. I'm on the edge of death, and yet you sound so calm. What about my friends, all the pain they went through because you decided to get me involved with your school time!"

I am sorry…

The mist around Ash was thickening, making Ash's clothes feel damp. A bluish tinge filled the room. "What are you planning on doing now, huh? After I'm dead, are you going to find someone else to learn something?" No longer did this trainer have any feelings of sorrow for Missingno. He hated it. "Why don't you go find Kit again, he seems to be the most obsessed with you, or how about Giovanni?"

I am sorry…

"Sorry doesn't give me my life back; you may as well kill me now. I'm going to die when I wake up from this stupid argument anyway." Ash's eyes were dripping with tears.

I can make everything right again.

"Yeah, how? Are you going to kill someone else?"

The mist grew a thick reddish glow. Missingno's choir like voice was now in forte; LET ME SPEAK!

Ash could feel Missingno's frustration like a bullet. He silenced himself.

We need to work together, with your judgment and my power we can bring everything back to the way it was.

Ash was in disbelief, he couldn't imagine anything that could bring everything back to the way it was, but this was Missingno. There weren't many doubts that could follow its name.

I am in full understanding of you Ash Ketchum. I also understand that you had caught me in a pokeball up on Victory Road. I am your pokemon, and I will do as you command.

Ash paused, "Wait, what? Your saying I actually caught you?"

Yes.

"But, you haven't listened to anything I've asked. Why now?"

I was in full awareness that I was the strongest pokemon; to my knowledge. I didn't understand why I should listen to any one person. But, I can admit that I have made many unforgiving mistakes in searching for what I wanted. I can now feel you lingering distrust. You do not want me as your pokemon?

Ash thought even more deeply, "Last time I trusted you, you killed two people…and besides, won't I die when I wake up?"

Not with my powers.

Ash thought a bit, "Will I have control of the situation?"

Yes.

Ash nodded.

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Giovanni stared into the tank. The gym leader had been contemplating his decision for about twenty minutes. Would Missingno just come into the ball? It's still a pokemon right? He was ready to capture Missingno, there was no other way to describe his current state. The mist was still settled at the bottom of the tank. It seemed to have encompassed Ash's body. He motioned to have the Rockets to hold the four friends back as he came down to their floor level. He slowly walked down the stairs gripping the handle on his way down. "Everyone, release you pokemon. If Missingno were to arise, we should be prepared."

The Rockets all released their pokemon as Gary, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu were taken to where Kit was. They were all tied to chairs as well then were left alone with Kit.

"I hope you're happy, you sick bastard." Gary gave a piercing look towards Kit.

Kit felt the look like a thousand knives, "I had just as much control over the situation as any of you."

Gary's emotions were stained; his long lost friend had been found, and then was killed in front of his eyes. He turned back to watch Giovanni's attempt in catching Missingno.

Kit felt the guilt deep in his gut; probably for the first time. "I'm sorry."

Gary didn't turn back. None of the four friends turned towards Kit. Brock was too drawn into the situation at hand while Misty was still mourning over Ash's death.

Giovanni lifted his withered hand, in motion to open the tank. "Open it."

The massive steal and glass walls of the tank began to open slowly. The mist didn't disperse into the room, but remained in the tank. All the eyes of every Rocket and pokemon waited in anticipation. Missingno's lack of movement was concerning.

Giovanni smiled slightly, "I was right. Without its host it is weakened." He lifted his hand and through the ball. The purple and white ball open as it touched the mist and a purplish tint surrounded the fog. It seemed like minutes went by, until finally the ball was thrown back at Giovanni. Missingno was still present in front of him. He had not caught Missingno. "What? No!" He backed up slowly.

As the mist began to rise, Ash's body was lifted into the air. The fog then began to flow into the room towards the pokemon and Rockets. Ash's eyes opened, and a bright flash of white light filled the entire room. A slight grin stretched across Ash's face. He lifted higher out of the tank as the mist around him was now in his full control. Missingno was his pokemon and this might be the most fearsome battle of his life.

"Ash!" Misty, Gary and Brock screamed his name in unison.

Pikachu's eyes widened, "PIKA PI!"

Ash turned towards them and lifted his hand. The bluish tinged once again untied their bonds. Even Kit was released.

Giovanni was appalled, "What, but he's dead. Why would it still be attached to him?"

Ash held up a finger, "I'm not dead!" The choir like voice of Missingno joined ash's voice.

The four young friends stretched broad smiles across their faces. Gary nodded, "I knew he'd figure away through this."

Giovanni pointed towards Ash, "Everyone attack!"

All the Rockets sent their pokemon out towards Missingno. Hyper beams, fire spins, flamethrowers, hydro pumps, razor leaves, and many other power attacks were charging towards Ash.

Misty lunged forward reaching for her friend, "Ash no!"

Ash smiled and reached both hands forward. His hands turned a bluish glow and the attacks all turned into bubble attacks, which were no match for Missingno's barrier defense.

Giovanni stepped back in fear and confusion. "What is going on?"

Misty seemed a bit stunned, "What just happened?"

Kit smiled slightly, "Missingno has the power to teach any pokemon any attacks. It seems it has performed its effect on the Rocket's pokemon when they inhaled the mist. I had no idea it was able to control another pokemon's attacks."

Gary and Brock just continued to watch. Gary noticed Ash's grin; "I think Ash knows more about Missingno than anyone. It looks like they're working together."

Kit was amazed, "This is quite extraordinary!"

Giovanni screamed in a tremble at the Rockets, "Again, do it again!"

The pokemon were ordered, once again, to attack. As they did, they found themselves all using slash attacks. Grass types, Electric types, Fighting types, and just about every other type of pokemon imagined were all using splash attack with all their might. Missingno had another toll on the pokemon. The Rockets were confused, "Boss, I don't think our pokemon know how to fight that thing.

Giovanni was tensing up, sweat was pouring from his brow. His pupils were like snakes. He was embarrassed, furious, and frustrated. "How can that thing possibly take advantage of every single one of you idiots?" He looked towards Misty, Gary, Brock, Kit, and Pikachu. "Fine then, if that is how it's going to be." He threw a pokeball and a Dragonite appeared in a flash of light. "Hyper beam!" He pointed towards the friends standing on the balcony, looking down onto the scene.

Ash noticed what Giovanni was up to and used Missingno's hyper beam to deflect the Dragonite's attack. The beam of light hit right on target, and shot it away from he friends in an explosion.

Giovanni spent no time wasted; "Now everyone strike him now!"

All the pokemon in the room used their most powerful attacks against Ash and Missingno. Giovanni's plan worked like a charm. The hyper beam at the friends was a distraction.

Ash was hit. Missingno's barrier couldn't match the awesome powers of fifty some pokemon. Ash and Missingno were thrown against the wall. The trainer was no longer hovering in the air. He was on the ground. The agonizing pain had returned. The effect of using attacks with his body shot the shooting pain through every nerve of his body. To join that, he now felt the hit of so many pokemon attacks. He was bleeding, and bruised with broken bones. "Missingno…"

Giovanni laughed, "I knew he'd be stupid enough to save his friends." He walked up to the trembling Ash.

Gary, Misty, Brock and Pikachu were stunned but took no time in heading towards Ash. They reached Ash right as Giovanni had. The mist was still present but faint. The slight humming noise lingered in the air. Misty held Ash in her arms. "Are you ok?"

Ash coughed up blood onto the ground, and worked his head up to see her. "Misty?"

Gary walked up towards Giovanni and stared at him in the eyes. Before Giovanni could say a slick remark Gary had swung a hard punch across the gym leader's face. It wasn't long before Gary was shot a punch to the head and stomach by a couple of Rocket members. He was then shoved back towards Ash.

Giovanni rubbed his bruising face, "You idiot. You all will pay for that."

Brock had assisted in helping Gary sit up. He turned, "Do you feel any guilt for what you've done."

Giovanni noticed the dry blood on Brock's face and clothes. "All of your pains are because of your foolish involvement; now back to business." He turned to Ash. "You seem to understand this pokemon, tell me…how do you capture it?"

Misty held Ash every so tightly, "Will you just leave him alone!"

Ash sat up, taking in every painful strike. Every nerve in his body was jolting, "You can't." His voice was just his own once again.

Giovanni tensed, "Don't give me that I kn-"

"Missingno belongs to me." Ash painfully lifted his head towards Giovanni.

"What, how?" Giovanni pointed towards Ash, "If I can't capture it, then you certainly couldn't have! Your attachment means nothing!"

Ash smiled slightly but painfully, "I captured it in a pokeball on Victory Road ten years ago."

Gary and Pikachu stared at Ash. Pikachu had a vivid memory of Ash picking up the pokeball with Missingno inside when on Victory Road. Gary thought back to when he first talked to Ash after finding him. Ash had told him he had caught it, but he thought it meant nothing. They nodded as they processed the current situation.

Giovanni was in disbelief, but was still persistent. "Then Team Rocket will just have to do what we do best: we'll just have to steal it." He pulled an empty pokeball off of his belt. He tossed it towards Ash, "Return your pokemon."

Ash starred at the red and white ball, "What?"

Giovanni pointed to the ball, "You heard me, returned you pokemon or I will kill your friends right here in front of you."

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Authors Note: Yeah, once again sorry this took so long. I hope you enjoyed it! I'll make sure to update the next chapter in less time it took me to update this one. Feel free to review!