Disclaimer: Don't own Pokemon!
A/N: Well, this is definitely one crazy chapter. Aiden is captured and Ash is stuck between a rock and a very hard place. What will he do? I suppose there's only one way to answer that…
Chapter 13 – When One Falls…
"So, you've killed off my family once again…now, it's my turn…"
Ash's heart stopped at the deep voice that seemed to come from the shadows, deep within the confines of the arena. He clutched a still unconscious Misty tighter to his chest and chanced a glance at the source of the voice – his brother, Aaron.
But, not only did Aaron reemerge from the shadows, he had a small bundle tucked away beneath the folds of his crimson red cloak. As Ash squinted through the harsh darkness of the room, he made out what seemed to be a baby blue blanket, which seemed to conceal whatever lie within Aaron's grasp.
"No…" Ash heard Hikara whisper, a scared urgency to her usually calm voice, "No Aaron! He's only a child!"
"Wh-What are you talking about?" asked Brock, looking between Hikara and Aaron, "What child?!"
"Pika…" Pikachu sniffed the air around it, alert to the urgency filling the air and quickly reared back, cheeks sparking dangerously at Aaron, ears twitching in anticipation, "Pi…" it continued to growl, teeth bared and fur ruffled.
Ash, sensing his faithful pokemon's reaction, looked to it nervously, "What is it pal? What does Aaron have?"
Pikachu propped itself onto its hind legs, not wanting to be the one who told its trainer the heart wrenching news. Its ears lowered in sadness and defeat, momentarily forgetting its anger towards the unwanted Aaron.
"Pikapi…pikachu chu…pika…" it muttered, watching as Ash's face turned to that of complete horror.
Ash's eyes went wide, his breath catching in his throat momentarily, before he had to remind himself to breathe. His head was spinning as he swung his head back in the direction of his brother and took careful notice of the dark tuft of hair that protruded innocently out of the soft blankets.
"Y-You can't…Aaron, please don't…" Ash begged, clenching his fists together in fear for what he had just discovered.
For, in Aaron's cold grasp, was the sleeping form of Aiden, unawares of the danger that lie so dangerously close to him.
"Aiden…" surmised Aly, putting the pieces of the puzzle together, her eyes never leaving that of her youngest brother. She felt nothing but hatred for the man standing before them, an arrogant, yet vicious smirk tainting his handsome face.
She then looked back to her father, gauging his reaction and noticed that he had gone considerably paler. His mouth was slightly agape, mouthing silent words of worry, as his hands had begun to tremble under the intense strain of the situation that sat ahead of them. His brows were knitted with worry as he looked on, at a loss for words, as the youngest of his three children sat in the arms of a killer.
Aly, tearing her gaze away from her father, shook her head angrily, her heated brown eyes staring at the floor irritatingly. She couldn't believe this was happening! Hadn't they already proved themselves worthy of living a normal life? Hadn't her parents suffered enough, without having yet another distraction out to ruin their lives?
Young Aly just couldn't understand it. Aki and Marissa had been defeated for good this time, her father had been cured from the wounds that had threatened his very existence, and everyone seemed, more or less, perfectly fine. But then, as always, there was that one flaw that was, more often than not, overlooked and, in this case, that flaw was Aaron.
And now, her youngest brother's life was at stake. With her own mother temporarily out of commission, could she truly expect her father to fight this war alone?
Of course she couldn't, nor would she allow Aaron to get the better of them. They were a family and families like this always stuck together.
So, with renewed conviction, her anger fueling her inner desires of a life filled with peace, she clenched her fists tightly around the metallic handle of her father's sword and prepared herself.
Andrew stood, a look of fear dominating his young brown eyes, as the older man clutched his younger brother's tiny form in his grasp. It had truly been their greatest nightmare turned reality and he found he could do nothing else but stare blankly at the figure before him.
Andrew could hear his father breathing heavily, probably scared out of his mind for the life of his youngest born and really could not believe how something like this could have happened. They had left Aiden within the confines of his crib back home, safe and sound, with the comforts of friends surrounding him, ever watchful of the toddler.
So how, then, had Aaron gotten a hold of Aiden? And what, exactly, had become of their friends?
As a dark thought entered Andrew's mind, he closed his eyes tightly, trying to relinquish the disturbing mental images of a slaughtered house full of their closest friends. Alex, Jason, Dana, Lexie, Nathan, Togetic…surely Aaron hadn't killed them?
"W-What have you done with our friends?!" yelled Andrew suddenly, catching everyone off guard, even the dark form of Aaron.
Aaron, however, merely shrugged off the outburst, waving a nonchalant hand in the air and replied with a sinister glare, "Your friends? Don't worry; I've left them relatively unharmed."
And it was the way that Aaron had said the word 'relatively' that set Brock on edge. He had left his wife and unborn child there. If Aaron had so much as looked at Dana the wrong way, Ash wouldn't be the only one gunning for his ass…
"You bastard…" growled Brock, causing Aaron to turn and catch eyes with the spiky haired trainer for the first time, "I swear, if you touched my wife, I'll--"
But Brock was cut off as Aaron chuckled jovially at his anger, "Your wife is safe, my breeder friend, but for how long…I suppose only time will tell."
"Bastard!" yelled Brock, infuriated at Aaron's attitude, "Ash may not be up to killing you, but I will! Onix!" with that, Brock turned to his ever faithful first pokemon, rage surging through his normally calm gaze, and pointed a finger in Aaron's direction, "Attack!"
Onix roared loudly, mighty rock tail swinging in anticipation as he gazed upon the much smaller Aaron who, Onix had also noticed, had the tiny baby in his grasp. The rock type let out a growl of confusion, cocking its massive spiked head to the side and looked to its trainer once more, fearing that Brock had not seen the defenseless Aiden.
But, before Onix had time to react, Sakura's voice rang out, "Brock no!" she gasped, throwing herself between Onix and Aaron, arms outstretched on either side of her, her right hand clutching her faithful mystical staff, "What about Aiden?! He'll be killed too!"
Brock grimaced, inwardly scolding himself for even forgetting about the tiny bundle in Aaron's arms, and clenched his fists in anger. His eyes, though, softened a bit and, with a look of shame, he slowly turned to Ash, whose expression of fear still had not changed, and lowered his head in humiliation.
"Sorry pal…I-I just…" Brock trailed off, unable to find the right words to complete his jumbled thought. He looked away for a brief second, afraid to meet, what Brock thought would be, Ash's angry eyes. However, his worries were unnecessary.
"It's okay Brock," came Ash's hoarse reply. And, at that, Brock turned his eyes upwards meeting Ash's. Ash gave him a reassuring glance, though he looked far from relieved, and only nodded at his long time best friend to show he understood, "I know."
Brock only nodded back, giving Ash a weak smile, before turning back to Onix and Sakura, the feeling of guilt that had seeped into his heart slowly melting away at Ash's words. Although his loathing returned when he was faced with Aaron's evil smirk, Brock couldn't shake the feeling of utter helplessness at their current situation. And, as always, Brock knew Aaron could sense this, the results being a taunting grin that sent chills down the breeder's spine.
Aaron's crimson eyes then turned to Sakura, who was still occupying the space between himself and the Onix, back towards him and arms lowered. He noticed the small breath that escaped her as she turned her eyes towards her friends.
The fool! Had she really believed she would not be attacked, especially when her back was so invitingly taunting him to strike? Did she really think he would hesitate in striking her dead where she stood, even if she had stood to defend the tiny baby in his arms?
Aaron's smirk grew wider, more malicious as he held a single arm up, a dark energy emanating from his open palm.
He would strike her down, then her meddlesome partner as well. The breeder would be next, along with the chosen one's children and pokemon. It would all be too easy for him, a task that his master should have accomplished years ago.
But, alas, that was in the past and Aaron only knew of one thing. In the end, he would reign over all. He wouldn't need his precious family. The only person that mattered was himself and his happiness and his rules. There would be no one to share his rule with; he would reign alone, atop everything he ever despised in his dark life.
And no one would be able to stop him. Not his brother, not his wife, not anybody! It would all be his for the taking and he will have accomplished the goals of his fallen masters and avenged their untimely deaths.
So, with a vicious sweep of his darkened hand, Aaron released the energy ball directed at Sakura and listened as she screamed in pain, her surprised body flinging to the side in a still heap.
"Sakura!" and it was Li's voice that rang the loudest, as he ran to his fallen companion, falling to his knees before her motionless body. He gently lifted her head up to rest on his lap and immediately caught notice of the somewhat steady rise and fall of her chest. Breathing a sigh of relief, he carefully brought her closer to his chest, gently hugging her, his face buried within her light brown locks.
"L-Li…" came Sakura's weakened voice, causing the young man to sit up. His deep brown eyes met hers as she gave him a weak smile and leaned into his embrace, "You were crushing me…" she breathed, closing her eyes and nestling her head within the crook of his arm.
Li gave her a half-hearted smile, before a deep growl escaped his throat at the realization of what had just happened. He lifted his head up, eyes dangerously slit at the smirking Aaron. He clenched his fists, trembling slightly at his inability to contain his rage. Never before had he felt such anger and hate towards anyone and now, he was struggling to contain it. And, though Li had always been a master at keeping his feelings in check, he felt his blood burn hotter at the mere thought of what Aaron had done.
He could have killed her! And, to think, he could've lost her without saying those all important words that he had longed to tell her…but that, he supposed, could wait for the time being. What was important was disposing of Aaron whilst keeping young Aiden safe.
The group definitely had their work cut out for them.
And, as Li gently laid Sakura's head down to the ground, he stood to face Aaron, a single hand on his sheathed sword, a grimace masking his usually calm exterior. He let a growl resound from the confines of his throat, mouth set in a straight line, as he stared angrily at the demon who had hurt his friend.
As he looked briefly to Ash, who was still seated on the ground, an unconscious Misty still clutched to his chest, he let his mind wander to their new goal – stopping Aaron.
He had hurt too many people, ruined the lives of his friends, and was a threat that needed to be disposed of, regardless of how Ash felt towards killing his own brother. It needed to be done and quickly if they were to stand a chance at defeating him.
"So, you defy me?" asked Aaron with an air of confidence lacing his voice.
He looked Li up and down, noting the strong surge of magical energy that seemed to surround the young man and wondered why exactly the aura of this one and his partner seemed vastly different from the rest of the group. His aura was something that was not of this dimension, almost as if he was from another place, another world entirely.
And the man's weapon was not like the chosen one's, but of something ancient that spoke of centuries of bloodshed and battle. It had a large black and gold handle, a maroon colored tassel and bell hanging from its end, the metal of the sword glinting dangerously, despite the dimness of the arena.
The young man, named Li, also wore garb of black and gold, symbols embroidered on the sleeves and chest that seemed to resemble that of ancient Chinese, a language and culture that Aaron was not familiar with. His magic, even the mysterious cards that he and his female counterpart possessed, sparked an interest in Aaron and he couldn't help but ask as to where he had acquired them.
"You aren't from this dimension, are you?" Aaron asked suddenly, causing Li to narrow his eyes at what the demon was insinuating.
Instead of answering, Li simply stood there, a glare of hatred glazed over in his dark brown eyes. Aaron, satisfied with his lack of response, nodded to himself, assuming his theory had been correct.
"I see. So, this is why your magic is…different from theirs," Aaron noted, his eyes resting briefly on that of Ash and Misty, "I suppose having help from another dimension, where their magic is foreign here, would help you in your endeavors. You've made some powerful friends, my brother."
Ash only grimaced at this, meeting Aaron's hazy gaze once more, "We probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for Li and Sakura and their magic. Where they're from is something I've never really questioned, because I've always trusted Hikara and our father's judgment. I knew they would never lead us astray and, through everything we've been through, I consider them family," he finished with conviction.
Aaron raised an eye at this and couldn't help the feeling of loathing that sunk into him, causing his free hand to clench in anger.
"Once again you talk of family, of trust and faith, but where were all those feelings when your real family needed you…when I needed you?" he asked darkly, head hanging slightly.
"I told you before that I was always there for you…as much as any child could be for their younger brother. I couldn't help the fact that you saw things differently, that you seemed to think that no one loved you…" Ash had to swallow back the lump in his throat that had formed through the emotions that swelled through him, "…because we did, we all did."
Aaron let out a half-hearted laugh and closed his eyes, shaking his head briskly, his free hand running through his black locks, "Again with the meaningless speeches of love and devotion…" Aaron trailed off, his heart feeling as heavy as his mind, "You'll never understand the pain I went through," and, with an evil smirk that seemed to illuminate his whole demeanor, "Allow me to share a bit of it with you!"
With amazing speed, he raised his free hand and tossed a dark ball of energy, hurtling it towards his brother and still unconscious wife.
Ash's breath was caught in his throat as he clutched Misty tighter and shut his eyes tightly, trying his best to shield her through his own physical weaknesses. He could hear every beat of his heart through each millisecond that passed them since the energy ball had been released and, through it all, Ash was optimistic that something, anything, would happen to spare him and his wife the turmoil of pain that he knew was unavoidable if someone did not intervene.
And, as Ash was starting wonder what had happened, he heard a clash of metal sparking from in front of him and the sound of a resisted grunt met his ears. Opening his eyes, he saw, with a start, that Li had indeed protected them. His sword was sparking indignantly with electricity as he resisted the dark energy that had been hurtled in their direction mere moments ago. Ash's children stood on either side of him and his wife, weapons at the ready and prepared to defend if need be.
"L-Li…" Ash started with an expelled breath he had no idea he had been holding.
"Y-You've done enough for us now…allow me to help just this once," Li replied, tightening the grip on his sword.
Ash allowed a ghost of a smile to radiate from his rugged features and shook his head, this action unseen by Li, as his back was still turned.
Ash knew Li would be unable to do this on his own, especially if his anger was being fueled by the fact that Aaron had blatantly attacked a good friend of his. There would be no chance of Li surviving this ordeal if he did not receive help and, as always, Ash was well aware that his role as 'chosen one' in combination with his supernatural powers would give them the extra edge that they would need in order to bring his brother down.
So, as he laid Misty's head down to the ground gently, Ash painstakingly forced himself to his knees, feeling some of his own energy return to his weakened body. He rested his hands upon his knees and, with a grunt of used energy, lifted up one of his knees so that he was now kneeling.
Upon hearing the familiar grunt, Aly and Andrew turned their eyes to the side to see their father struggling to stand. Their eyes widened as they simultaneously lowered their weapons and moved to help him.
"Dad, w-what are you doing?" asked Aly, eyes wide as she tried to figure what he was trying to do. He was too weak to stand, after all.
"Dad, you shouldn't be standing. You're too weak after what happened," added Andrew, though he moved to help his father, placing a supportive arm around his waist to further prop Ash up.
Ash gave a half-hearted laugh, placing an arm around Andrew's shoulders, while giving his two children a knowing, yet confident look.
"What have I always told you two about never giving up? Don't want to be labeled a hypocrite now, do I?" he smiled, hoisting himself up with both Aly and Andrew's help.
"But Dad--"
"Let him," interrupted Li sternly, getting a shocked look from Aly in the process.
"But--"
"Regardless of what I might think, I can't do this alone. He knows that," explained Li quickly, his back still to the trio, "And besides, he's the chosen one, right?" he finished, a tiny smirk coming to the corners of his lips.
"I guess…" consented Aly, though she was still unsure as to how her father could help in his weakened state, "But--"
Once again Aly found herself being interrupted, only this time, by her father.
"Don't worry about me. I can hold my own perfectly fine," Ash winked, finally able to stand on his own two feet, albeit a bit wobbly, "Besides," he added, a darkness passing over his eyes, "Aaron's my brother…he's my responsibility and I refuse to let anyone else be hurt by his hands," he finished, taking a glance at Misty's still figure lying on the ground so helplessly.
"Brock," Ash called, motioning to Misty and giving his best friend a silent nod. Brock understood immediately and gave a nod of his own, moving closer and kneeling next to Misty's body, cradling her gently in his arms.
"Just…whatever you do Ash, please be careful," warned Brock, giving his friend a hard stare before reverting his attention to Misty's closed lids and soft features, "For both our sakes," he added, almost as an afterthought.
"Name one time I'm not careful," Ash shot back, a smirk gracing his features as he released his two supports, his children. Brock smiled at him and gave him a confident nod, one that seemed to say 'I know, but be careful all the same.'
Ash nodded back and shook his legs out a bit to regain some of the circulation that he had lost whilst on the ground for so long. Feeling the blood rushing through his veins at a more even pace, he raised his right hand in front of him, palm up, and produced a small blue flame, a test of his own powers.
"Impressive…" murmured Aaron, viewing Ash's recovery and seeing that most, if not all, of his energy had been returned to him, "Very Impressive…"
Ash brushed himself off, rolling his shoulders back to relieve some of the tension in his muscles, and finally faced his younger brother, an unreadable look dominating his features.
"Let my son go," Ash demanded calmly, not wanting to anger Aaron further, especially when he knew Aaron's sole advantage lie within his very grasp.
Aaron smirked at this and shook his head, pulling his gaze away from Ash to look at the still sleeping Aiden in his arms.
"You think it's bad enough with just myself fighting to get my son back," Ash paused for a second before continuing, "Just wait until his mother wakes up and you'll wish you would have listened to me."
"You think this is a joke?" asked Aaron, a biting tone lacing his voice.
"No, this is life and death…and I don't want my son's life to be some prize that's to be won…it's more precious than that to me," Ash explained, taking a step forward, "Please don't do this to me again, Aaron. The lives of all my loved ones have been fooled with today, don't you think it's time we--"
"No…" Aaron murmured, interrupting Ash's speech, a sudden darkness passing over his face, "I won't give up, not when you've destroyed my family. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take yours from you."
Ash sighed sadly, dropping his head and truly feeling a deep sense of sympathy for his brother's outlook. It was really disheartening to hear that Aaron had such a deep loathing towards Ash and that, through the years that separated them, the loathing had only served to increase his hatred towards his 'true' family. However much Ash would've liked to save his brother from his own inner turmoil, his own family would have to come first. It was Misty, Aly, Andrew, Aiden, Brock, Sakura, and Li that were his main concern. His brother would be a close second.
"I'm not going to stand here and try to explain myself to you, especially when you've already been corrupted by Aki's power and persuasion. I can't help the fact that you thought we had abandoned you when we clearly did not. I can't help how you feel about me, whether it's hatred or jealously or whatever! I can't help you with any of that Aaron," explained Ash, taking yet another step forward so that he was side by side with Li, "I'm sorry. I failed you as a brother…as a friend and it's something I know that I can never redeem."
Aaron narrowed his eyes and grimaced, "You're damn right you failed," he swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, surprised at his own weaknesses and feeling the sting of emotions enveloping himself as his brother had spoken to him, "You were my older brother; I looked up to you. You should've been there for me…then, maybe then, you could've saved your son!"
With that, Aaron enlarged a dark sphere within the palm of his free hand and aimed it at the still sleeping Aiden, a malicious look in his crimson eyes.
"Aaron, no!" yelled Ash, reaching an arm out, but before anyone had the opportunity to act, a sparkling trail of light streaked through the sky, striking Aaron's shoulder and causing the sphere to dissipate.
Aaron howled in pain and immediately saw the source. A glowing arrow protruded from his now bleeding shoulder, its light pouring into his wound and searing the tender skin that lay beneath it. The light attempted to purify his darkness and, along with it, his demonic powers.
He ripped the arrow from his body, ignoring the burning of his own flesh as the arrow painfully left the opening. Throwing the now bland arrow onto the ground, his eyes immediately shot to the source of his agony, but what he saw shocked him and caused a growl to resonate from the confines of his throat.
"Bitch…"
Ash, too surprised at the turn of events that had just transpired, finally whipped his head around to be met with the form of his wife, arm outstretched, bow firmly in hand. From the look of shock on Andrew's face, she had, apparently, ripped the bow from his grasp to quickly save the life of her third born.
Ash had to bite his lip to suppress the swell of pride and love that had just overcome him at seeing his wife alive and well. Mere moments ago she had been knocked unconscious through her attempts at saving his own life and now, here she was, defending him yet again. But he knew that, deep down, she had other, more pressing priorities that needed her immediate attention. Though, he still couldn't help the small smile that found its way to his lips, for it was the first time he had truly seen her (when his own life was not flashing before his eyes of course) in what felt like forever.
"Misty…you're okay," Ash spoke softly, causing Misty to nod in response, though her eyes never met his, for they were still focused on that of Aaron and Aiden.
Ash let out a solemn breath, seeing the look in Misty's eyes, the one emotion that she had become all too familiar with in her life after the whole chosen one prophecy had begun. Her blue eyes wavered slightly, almost as if she were on the verge of tears, but Ash knew, she would not cry. She wouldn't let a single tear drop until the moment when her little boy was brought safely back to her. And it scared Ash to think that, Misty, of all people, felt the need to restrain her emotions when she so desperately needed a shoulder to cry on.
"Mist--"
"I don't care what we do Ash," she interrupted, her eyes still focused on a fuming Aaron, "As long as my baby is safe, that's all that matters. We have to get him back Ash."
And the way Misty had said his name so desperately, put a serious amount of pressure on Ash's shoulders, almost as if she were relying on him to make everything better. If he failed, Misty's trust and, possibly her love, for him would waver, something that, throughout all their years of marriage, had never happened. He just couldn't let her down. Ash wouldn't be able to live with himself if anything ever happened to Aiden, especially if he had the opportunity to prevent it.
He would, undoubtedly, risk his life for his son.
"We will…" Ash nodded. Misty finally turned her eyes to his, lowering her arms to her sides, and giving him a pleading, yet hopeful look, "I promise."
As soon as the words left his mouth however, a sinister chuckling could be heard from Aaron's side.
Both Ash and Misty turned their heads in unison to find Aaron's lips pull into an evil grin.
"Another broken promise, Ash?" asked Aaron tauntingly, completely aware of the time when Ash had broken his promise to Misty the day before.
Ash, furious, clenched his fists in anger, his eyes dangerously slit in his brother's direction. He was now trembling at Aaron's remark, infuriated that he could reveal something so private. But, was Ash truly angered by the fact that Aaron had reminded him of his so called 'broken promise' or was he more mad that it might be true?
Before Ash had time to contemplate this, he felt a gentle hand close around his own hand, instantaneously ceasing his trembling and causing him to look to the source.
Misty was standing at his side, her hands closed gently around his own as she rested her head against his arm and closed her eyes. She lightly caressed his arm in a comforting manner, sedating his anger all at once while whispering comforting words to him.
"It's okay," she had said, a sense of calm filling her voice, "It's already been forgiven. Don't let what he says deter you from what needs to be done," she opened her eyes, looking into his own, "We can do this…the promise won't be broken if we succeed, right?"
And, with that, she gave him a tiny, reassuring smile, allowing a single tear to fall from her unguarded eyes.
Ash looked into her eyes sternly, silently vowing to bring Aiden back, unharmed, while assuring himself to not break his promise to her again. He knew it would break her heart, but, Ash knew better than anybody, that nothing was guaranteed and he just hoped that Misty understood that.
Almost, as if reading his thoughts, Misty gave him a light nod, as if to reassure him that she trusted him and that, whatever happened, he was not alone.
"Touching…" sneered Aaron, his shoulder still oozing crimson red liquid down his arm, as both Ash and Misty turned their heads in Aaron's direction, "If only you gave me the same love and devotion that you give her…but no, your life, every morsel of your being belongs to that girl…"
"That's not true," argued Misty, "You only see the things you want to see and fail to realize the obvious. Your mother, your father, Ash…they all loved you, but you--"
"Enough!" yelled Aaron, causing Misty to jump in surprise and halt in mid-sentence, "His love for you ran deeper than it ever would for any member of his real family."
"You can't possibly know that!" Misty countered, her voice laced with emotion, "How could you possibly think that?! I met him when I was twelve…by that time, you were already gone. I could never replace you in his life," she said, softening her tone a bit. She looked to Ash for confirmation and nodded, "And he knows that."
"No…no! Lies, all of them!" growled Aaron, though his tone suggested something different.
Misty took a tentative step forward, hearing the pleading cries of a young child trapped deep within Aaron's corrupted soul. She could clearly hear the sorrow in the young man's voice and her heart truly went out to him. After all, it wasn't his fault that he hadn't felt loved. He had been a child; he had been vulnerable and ready to run to anyone who offered him power and protection.
Aki had offered him that love; he had offered Aaron an eternity of power and the ability to kill off the pain that had crept into his defenseless heart. Of course Aaron hadn't known the love that awaited him back home, how could he? He was a young child, convinced that his own parents had abandoned him for his older brother instead. Misty had to wonder how her own children would have responded had they been placed in a similar situation.
"I'm sorry Aaron…" Misty uttered softly, dropping her head slightly, "I'm so sorry…"
Aaron raised an eye at her sincere apologies, allowing some of his pain to reflect, "Why?"
"Because you believed, for so long, that no one loved you and I can't imagine how that must feel, especially as a child," she elaborated, meeting the crimson red of his cold eyes, "I just…I don't understand and for that, all I can say is, I'm sorry."
Aaron's eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly at her apology, almost as if he were considering accepting it. But, as much as he may have wanted to actually believe her regret, she was the last person he had expected to admit guilt. Even through the darkest depths of Aaron's heart, he felt a yearning to believe her gentle words and soothing tone. She was beginning to accomplish what he would have never thought possible and that was his ability to change.
"You…you don't know me, yet, how can you make me feel so-so…" Aaron bit his lip, at a loss for words and feeling the strange sensation of understanding dawning on him.
"I'm a mother," Misty finished, sensing where he was going, and giving him a lifting smile, "I know what it's like to raise a child, while simultaneously trying to find space for the rest of my life. It's hard and I can see where children oftentimes think they're overlooked, but that's not the case," she looked to her own children, who stood off to the side, listening intently, "I love all of my children equally and I can't imagine your mother feeling any different."
Aaron shook his head, his eyes tearing away from hers to look at the tiny bundle in his arms.
"Your mother accepted me as one of her own," Misty continued, watching Aaron carefully for she knew her son was not out of the woods yet, "When Brock and I first met her, she was every little kid's dream mom. She welcomed us with open arms and consistently thanked us for keeping Ash on track," she paused a moment to collect her thoughts before taking a shaky breath and continuing, "She's a loving person and I couldn't have chosen a better mother in law had I picked her myself."
Shaking his head to rid his mind of her strange, yet comforting words, Aaron could feel his heart, a part of him that he had ignored for the greater part of his life, pounding within his tightened chest. He felt a strong pull in her direction, a surge that seemed to come from within and lead him. The feeling gave him direction, something that his life had been lacking up until the point when he first met Aki and Marissa.
Aki and Marissa…
They were the infamous duo that had introduced themselves to him in his time of need. They offered him everything Ashton had gotten and more. He was promised power and glory and everything that came with being number one, but there had always been that hole in his heart that could only ever be filled with the love of a mother. But, when he was introduced to that wondrous feeling of power and darkness, he couldn't ever look back.
This power…
It gave his life meaning. It gave him a purpose. These people feared him because of his overwhelming knowledge and strength in the study of dark magic. Why would he ever give something like that up?
Torn between his decision to tread the unknown and keep to himself, he, finally, looked up at the faces that surrounded him.
Concern. Anger. Fear. Anxiety. Hope.
Aaron could read each of them like a book and could feel their emotions swirling about them in an endless rush. They now surrounded him, all eyes on what would, undoubtedly, be his next move.
Aaron's crimson eyes finally caught his brother's deep brown ones. He stared, though not menacingly, and tried to decipher the look on his eldest brother's face. The, almost, concerned look in his eyes forced Aaron to wonder if his worry was towards his wife or the outcome. He, after all, still held the tiny child within his grasp as they stood, helpless, to do anything about it.
Ash's eyes continued to stare into Aaron's, unwavering and impossible to discern what exactly was rushing through his mind. Aaron had to remind himself that his brother was nothing special, that he was given all those things because of pure, dumb luck and that he did not feel any remote amounts of love towards him. All he cared about was his own family, a group where Aaron could find no place in. He had a wife, three children, and friends that would sooner take a bullet than live to think about it and yet, it seemed his brother yearned for more.
Why couldn't Aaron have achieved all those things? It was he who wanted a beautiful, loving wife. He wanted children to nurture and carry on his legacy.
It was Aaron who, desperately, wanted a family to call his own.
He shut his eyes tight and clenched his fists in agony, "No…"
Misty tilted her head to one side, a distressed frown pulling at her pale cheeks.
"Please Aaron!" Misty cried, her feelings finally getting the better of her.
A dark flame surrounded Aaron's body as he shook in anger, "NO!" he screamed, eyes wide, a growl forced in the direction of Misty's form.
Ash watched as Misty jumped back at Aaron's outburst and it was all that needed to be done before he rushed to her side, wrapping his arms protectively around her frame. He looked to Aaron, readying himself for some kind of attack and perfectly willing to take an attack head on if it would ensure Misty's safety. Still, he stroked her back comfortingly as her body began to tremble with the beginnings of tears and, as he looked at her distraught face, his heart sank.
Misty's tears ran freely down her pale face as her normally sparkling blue eyes were clouded over in disbelief and directed at a furious Aaron. Her mouth was slightly agape as her quiet sobs racked her body and yet she could find no comfort within the arms of the man she loved. There was only one thing that could calm her heart and mind, and that was the knowledge that her baby boy would be released to her, unharmed.
Watching Ash and Misty, locked in a protective embrace, caused Aaron's cold eyes to soften in midst of his outburst.
They have each other to lean on, he thought, his crimson eyes flickering in recognition, they will always have each other to lean on.
That girl, his brother's wife, gave him strength, a strength that, no matter how hard he tried, he could never possess. But he wanted it, wanted it so badly it tore him up inside. He wanted that single person to rely on, that support beam that he knew he could trust, and the ability to believe that anything was possible, especially with her by his side.
And it was then that Aaron's mind was made up.
His eyes dropped to that of Aiden, still asleep and oblivious to his environment and the potential dangers that awaited him, "I'll make a trade."
Ash picked his head up at the almost inaudible words of his younger brother, narrowing his eyes carefully, unsure of whether or not he had heard correctly.
And, as if Aaron could read Ash's mind, he picked his head up and reiterated, "I'll trade you."
Ash shook his head angrily, "You're cra--"
"For what?"
Ash's eyes widened as his head shot down to his wife's form, unable to believe the words that had just escaped her lips. But, regrettably, Ash recognized that oh so familiar look in her eyes that simply screamed that she was serious. Either way, he wasn't about to just sit idly by and watch her condemn herself to his psychotic brother.
"Misty, please, think about what--"
"I don't need to think about this Ash," she cut him off, her eyes meeting his in a pleading sort of way that made Ash's heart sink deeper, "That's our baby…our child and I'll do anything to get him back. We give up on him and…" Misty looked away, biting her lip to suppress the ever present tears that tore at the insides of her eyes, "…and it would be like giving up on each other. I can't do that."
Ash dropped his head in defeat, knowing full well that when Misty had her mind set on something, there was no way in hell he'd be able to change it. But, nevertheless, he gripped her tighter, relishing in the feeling of their closeness and unable to believe that this could possibly be happening. He brought his face to bury within her soft locks and closed his eyes, taking in her familiar scent of fresh cut flowers and ingraining it within his memory if this was the last time he held her.
In theory, Ash didn't actually know what Aaron wanted in return, but he had an idea and it scared the hell out of him.
Misty, too, embraced her husband of 12 years, as if this were her last goodbye. She wanted to remember every inch of him if she never saw him again and it tore her heart to think that she could, potentially, be torn away from his arms yet again. She buried her face into his strong chest and closed her eyes, finding strength within his warmth, giving her the courage to do what she knew had to be done.
Aly, Andrew, Brock, Li, and Hikara watched the couple and Aaron with bated breath, wondering what on Earth Aaron would want in return for Aiden's safe return. It had seemed that Ash and Misty knew exactly the price they would have to pay and it confused the group to no end as to what exactly he yearned to take from them. What could Ash and Misty possibly offer that would be the equivalent to Aiden's life?
Finally, after what seemed like forever, Misty picked her head up to stare into Aaron's eyes and sighed sadly, "What is it you want?"
Aaron's gaze did not waver as he gazed back at her, the red haired beauty with the sparkling blue eyes that had caught his attention since he had so unexpectedly ran into her that day at the store. She looked back at him, her eyes showing nothing but fear and sadness and it was then that he realized that he could never take his brother's place in her life.
But he would try. He would be stronger than the chosen one if she were by his side. He would teach her to love him, force her even. Whatever it took, he would take drastic measures to make it happen, for she had something special about her. She had an aura that surrounded her with something that Aaron had never seen before. Her power was enormous, but what fueled that power is what intrigued Aaron the most.
For, her powers did not merely stem from her inner strengths, but from an emotion that seemed so alien to Aaron.
Love.
The love she held for her family and friends pushed her to do things that would put her own life in danger if it meant that those she cared most for, would remain safe. And it amazed him that, at times, her powers surpassed even that of her husband when she was fighting for that unfamiliar emotion that caused Aaron's blood to stop cold.
And, as he looked to his brother and his wife, he suddenly wondered why love made them do crazy things. Why was it that a single emotion could make someone stronger, just by feeling it? Would he be stronger if she loved him?
Deciding that, yes, he could become stronger with a head-strong woman like Misty by his side, he motioned his head in her direction, eyes void of emotion, "I want her."
Misty visibly gulped, though she did not let his declaration falter her. She knew it had been coming, after all, and, thus, she knew what had to be done.
She closed her eyes and nodded her head solemnly, clenching her fists in fear and frustration. She wished, prayed, that there was another option but, for the life of her, she could find none and, with that, she swallowed down the last of her fears and took a step forward.
But, as soon as she had done so, a strong hand grabbed her left wrist, halting her in her progression towards Aaron.
Misty looked down at her hand and gave a faint smile when she saw the wedding and engagement rings glittering on her finger, a reminder of who her heart truly belonged to, as he was the one that was currently holding her back. She looked at his own hand, his tight grip secured around her wrist, as his own wedding band shone back at her, almost as a startling reminder of what she was leaving behind.
And, all at once, she let her tears fall in full, allowing her true emotions to shine through, though she did not sob. Her tears merely trickled down her pale face and down to the ground below as her eyes remained on the clasped hands of her and her husband. She couldn't shake the thought of never seeing him again, for she had endured it all before. She had gone seven years without him by her side and, all the while, she had thought him dead, a mere sacrifice in Aki's quest for power. She almost didn't survive it…and she wasn't sure if she could again.
But, for the sake of her son, she would try.
Misty bit her lip, trying to ease the quivering, "Please Ash…p-please…let me go…"
It pained her to say it for, in actuality, she did not want him to let go. She wanted Ash to hold her forever and never let her go because he was her wall of strength. He was the reason she fought and he was the source of all her powers. His faith and love in her allowed her to be whole and, without him, her life was simply incomplete. He would always remain a part of her, no matter where she was. No one would ever be able to take his place in her heart, though Aaron, she knew, would try.
Still, Misty found that Ash had not released her hand and she couldn't resist the weak smile that pulled at her lips.
Ash was the only one who could ever bring out the best in her. He was the one that could make her laugh uncontrollably, even if it was at him. He was the only one that could make her heart melt on the spot with his warm, loving smile. He was the only one that she could yell at and know that, at the end of the day, his arms would be wide open, accepting her as he always had.
And, most of all, Ash was the only person who could ever hold her heart, for it had belonged to him from the start.
And now, she was forced to leave all that she loved, forced to leave him, for the sole purpose of saving her son and fulfilling Aaron's twisted beliefs on what he thought was right.
So, as Misty's tears continued to cascade down her cheeks, she brought Ash's hand up to her lips and gently kissed it, as if sealing their fate and silently bidding him farewell.
She couldn't even find the strength to look at him as she released his hand, his warmth still tingling against her skin, and turned on her heels. However, she did not walk; she merely stood there, staring at the ground, her shoulders trembling in pain before she uttered the three words that never ceased to pass between their lips in almost all the years they had known each other, "I love you."
Ash swallowed the lump in his throat as he heard Misty's almost inaudible words flow freely through the air. The words found his ears with ease and made him shudder, for it sounded like her last goodbye. She hadn't even looked back at him, a clear sign that she was scared, for if she had looked into his eyes, all she'd see would be fear too…fear of the unknown, fear of what was likely to happen, and fear for all those involved.
And Ash wasn't sure if he could bear to see her like that. Those crystalline blue eyes that had captured him from day one always seemed to speak louder than her words ever could, yet, he knew she wouldn't turn on her own, for fear that she would run back into his arms once again.
It was, after all, where her home was, within his loving grasp and under his protection.
But he couldn't protect her this time and it made Ash cringe in self-loathing. He felt weak, helpless, and just plain frustrated that he could do nothing but watch as his wife gave herself up to his brother to save their son because Misty had always put family first before her own desires.
And, as her steps towards Aaron pulled Ash from his reverie, he hoarsely responded back to her earlier statement with one of his own, "I love you…" he murmured, causing her to stop in her advances, though her back was still to him, "…forever."
He watched as her shoulders trembled with hidden tears, the shaky nod coming afterwards as a sort of recognition to his words. She had heard him, of course, but her mind had been made up and she could no longer prolong the inevitable.
"No…" Aly whispered, watching the exchange between her distraught parents, "This-this isn't right…" she had to bite her lip to suppress her tears at what was happening and how, exactly, it was happening.
Andrew's head dipped low, for he felt defeated as well, "I don't know…" he muttered and, though it didn't seem to make sense, Aly understood.
Aly had seen enough as she clenched her fists in frustration, "D-Dad, you can't let Mom do this!"
Ash and Misty turned to their oldest, watching as she progressively lost it in front of them. Aaron, for his part, merely stood, unfazed and uncaring as to the sudden outburst, for it did not affect him.
"I can't do anything about--"
"Of course you can!" shouted Aly, cutting her father off, "You just won't!"
Ash's eyes slit in anger, an anger that really wasn't meant for his daughter, but he let loose all the same, "You think I want this?! You think I want to watch your mother walk away from me, knowing that I may never see her again?! You don't get it, do you Aly?" Ash marched up to his angry daughter, towering over her slim frame, "I can't do a goddamn thing to change anything! If I could, I would gladly take your mother's place, but I can't!"
"So, you're just going to let her walk away and…and that's it?! Game over?!" she screamed, tears trickling down her tanned cheeks as she glared at her father determinedly.
Ash could only stare back, her dark eyes boring into his own with urgency and fear. Perhaps she was right…maybe, he was giving up on her, but it was not as if he could do something about it. Misty was ready and willing to give herself up for Aiden's safety and no amount of persuasion could get her to think otherwise. Still, it chilled Ash to the bone to think that Aly believed he was giving up on her.
Because, in all his life, he had never given up on her.
He let his eyes wander to his daughter's features, every single one reminding him of how he and Misty were physically and emotionally connected. She had that same fiery gaze and fierce temper that Misty had. She had his own determination and belief that you should never give up, no matter how grim the situation. And it was that stubbornness that the couple shared that fueled Aly's anger and resentment, for her parents were being forced apart against their will.
"I will never give up on your mother," he responded, tone light and airy, a stark contrast to what it had been a moment ago. Aly's eyes softened at the sound of her father's weakened voice as she continued to listen to him. "I love her more than anything…you know that Aly…you know that…"
Aly could only nod, her look of dejection evident on her young features.
"But I can't save her this time, as much as I want to," he explained, turning slightly so that he could see both Misty and Aly, "She won't listen to me anyway. Her mind's already made up."
Aly's watering brown eyes met the ground, unable to face her parents and the situation before them. She was so angry and had no one to vent her anger to, but it was understandable, wasn't it? She was close to losing her mother, again, and still she could do nothing, again. She felt useless to her parents and, all at once, she felt a small glimpse of what her father might have been feeling.
Her parents had done everything to ensure their safety throughout all of this, but, it still wasn't enough. Aaron had slipped by them, taking Aiden in his wake, and now, it had seemed, they were back at square one. What were they to do now? Just give in, let Aly's mother go with him, while their broken family continued to struggle without her? It wasn't an option…or shouldn't have been, in any case.
Realizing she had been wrong in her outburst, Aly lowered her head further, "Sorry Dad…"
Ash did nothing else but nod at his despondent daughter, since he knew her outburst was nothing personal. He knew she was frustrated, as he was, but nothing could be done…until Aiden was back within their grasp, that is.
Misty turned back to Aaron and gazed at his cold eyes, silently pleading with him, "Please Aaron…please, give my son back to me."
Aaron looked at her and watched as she took a few more steps towards him. He then looked to the still sleeping bundle in his arms, truly envying the tiny baby, for it had people that loved him. His parents loved him enough as to sacrifice their own lives for his well being. What kind of devotion would need to be present for that type of love?
Aaron nodded calmly, "Of course," he, all of a sudden, let go of Aiden, though he did not fall. Surrounding him was a red aura that seemed to aid in the baby's levitation. He slowly floated past Misty and into Ash's arms, his sleep undisturbed during his flight, "The trade's been made."
Ash cradled Aiden gently, kissing him lightly on the forehead, unable to believe that his little boy was back amongst them…but, it had cost Ash a high price and, as he looked up, he cringed at seeing Misty so close to Aaron, her eyes brimming with unseen emotion. She had her hands calmly folded in front of her, her eyes glued in front of her, though she did not seem to be focusing on anything.
Ash then focused on Aaron, his eyes slit in anger at his brother and what he had done. This wasn't over for Ash, not by a long shot. His deadly glare boring into Aaron's being, Ash handed Aiden over to Aly and walked to the forefront once more, eyeing the situation in front of him.
It was true that Aaron may have had the upper hand, with his capture of Misty and her safety being a huge concern to Ash, but he wasn't about to give up on her. So, as he stared Aaron down, he silently vowed that, at the end of the day, he would be walking out of this hell with Misty, his children, and friends by his side.
He would regret nothing.
So, as Ash clenched his fists together, blue flames surrounded his hands, the glow giving his face an eerie look.
Aaron, seeing this change in his brother's demeanor, raised an eye in wonder.
"She belongs to me now," he stated easily, "How does it feel to have something you care about so much, ripped from your grasp? Do you even feel an ounce of what I felt when we were growing up or is that lost on you now?"
Ash didn't answer. He merely stood there, as if the questions had flown over him, completely unaffected.
Aaron probed further, "What is she to you? It's useless, you know," he said, emotionless. He walked closer to Misty and lifted he left hand up for Ash to see, "You cannot win, not without her anyway. I will not allow her to leave my side."
With that said, he ripped Misty's engagement and wedding rings from off of her finger, much to her shock, and tossed them carelessly in Ash's direction, "She's mine…you no longer have a hold on her," he hissed, grabbing her wrist forcefully as she was left to watch, helplessly, as her rings, symbols of love from Ash, rolled across the floor to come to a stop in front of her husband.
Misty let a strangled gasp escape her lips as she heard the metallic 'clank' of her rings striking the floor and watched as they rolled away from her and towards Ash. She thumbed her left ring finger gently, unnerved by how bare it felt after so many years of wearing her treasured rings. Not a second went by that she didn't wear them and she marveled at how naked she felt without them, as if Ash himself had left her. But she knew that, deep down, Ash would never leave her.
Watching as the rings came to a stop in front of Ash, she could clearly remember the day he had proposed rather untraditionally. He hadn't been on bended knee, nor had he gotten her a dozen roses laced with words of longing and jubilation. Instead, he had kissed her, the first kiss they had shared in nearly seven years, and asked her to marry him. He had said that he couldn't stand being away from her any longer and that he loved her just as much as the day they had been separated. And, in those few short moments, they were engaged.
It was a moment that truly cemented Misty's future and her love for the man that fought for her well being.
With those thoughts firmly implanted in her memory and her belief that anything was possible, she looked to Ash determinedly, knowing that if anyone could save her, he most definitely would.
Ash's blood was boiling now as he watched his wife's rings, items he had given her so long ago to seal their love for one another, roll carelessly to the floor. She never took them off and now, as it was Aaron that had forcibly removed them, Ash's anger grew, his blue flames of power growing a darker shade to symbolize his own emotions.
"Now leave…" growled Aaron, pulling Misty back a bit, "Spend time with your loved ones while you can…for the world will be mine soon enough."
Ash ignored this and looked down at Misty's rings with a mix of emotions filling his mind and heart. He kneeled down to pick them up with the utmost care, as if they were the most fragile items in the world, and held them in the palm of his hand, staring at them with a combination of sadness and anger, though he was unsure as to which emotion he felt strongest.
"You won't get away with this…" Ash growled, the depth of his own voice surprising him as it had been the first words he had spoken in a while. He tore his gaze away from his wife's rings and pocketed them safely away, making sure they were kept out of harm's way until they were returned to their rightful place on Misty's ring finger, "I'll see to it personally."
Aaron gave him a smug smile, "Will you now?"
Ash grunted as an answer to Aaron's question and allowed his blue flames to ignite once more, this time, casting an eerie glow about his whole body.
Everyone awed at Ash's power, even Aaron, who had retained a smug look until now, widened his eyes in worried surprise at the power his brother held. He hadn't known his brother harbored such power and was pleasantly surprised at the increase of strength just by provoking him the wrong way.
And it was then that Aaron's smirk returned. How much stronger would he be if he could somehow get his hands on that power? He already had his wife, one of the sources of his brother's amazing power, but what more could he take from him to limit his powers whilst strengthening his own?
His family, his children, his friends…They were all of the highest value to the 'chosen one,' each one of those people holding a special place in his heart. They each held the key to his power without even knowing it and yet, their deaths would most certainly spell doom for his brother. With Ashton's death, that unlimited power would all be his.
Just then, a timid voice rang from behind Ash, "Dad…?"
Turning, Ash caught the eyes of Aly, who had given Aiden to Brock to hold, standing with her single arm outstretched, his sword clutched in her palm. She gave him an unreadable look, her gaze unwavering and strong for her age and it made Ash wonder if she had adopted that same look from him whenever fear had stared him in the face.
"Get Mom back, Dad," she paused before adding, "I know that's what you're thinking."
Ash gave her a gentle nod before placing his hand over Aly's, which was currently over the handle of the sword. He rubbed her hand comfortingly, silently reassuring her that he would get their mother back, unharmed. Aly nodded at him in turn, an understanding coming between father and daughter, and released the sword into his possession.
Ash fingered the sword delicately, feeling its familiar warm steel against his hands once again. He gazed at the sword that had once belonged to his father and felt a strong power surge through the mighty weapon, flaring his own powers and filling him with strength. Turning around to face Aaron once more, he held the sword in his hands, a mysterious darkness bubbling from the ground beneath Ash's feet.
All at once, he was engulfed by a dark flame, his body completely unseen within the darkness. A worried gasp was heard from Misty, but she remained motionless for fear of what Aaron would do. She had never seen anything like this before and hoped that the phenomenon had been planned but, as soon as the flame subsided, her worries were instantly put to rest when she saw her husband's form, though his attire was drastically different.
Ash still held his sword in his grasp, though he was now dressed in the black, magic resistant uniform Hikara had given him all those years ago when he had dropped his current name and assumed his alias, Darren. His cape, the cape of purity that had once saved Misty's life in their younger years, billowed gently in the unseen wind as Ash stood, glaring at Aaron ruthlessly, a hidden smirk beneath his cloaked figure.
Misty couldn't help the small smile as she looked on with nothing but relief at her husband as he reemerged from the darkness, apparently stronger than ever. She felt a strong surge of pride fill her, knowing that he was not only fighting against his brother to overthrow him, but to save her as well. It was one of those well known facts about Ash. If one of his loved ones was in danger, he would do next to anything to get them out of it.
And Misty was, most definitely, at the top of that list.
With that being the case, Ash knew there were no room for mistakes. He needed to be flawless in his actions, quick with his attacks, and clean in every motion, for he knew Aaron would be expecting them all.
"Impressive…" muttered Aaron, though he sounded anything but impressed, "You're kidding yourself if you think a simple clothes change can help you."
Ash gripped his sword tighter, "You know as well as I do that this cloak is imbued with the power of our father. He's fighting alongside me…two against one."
"Foolish," Aaron gave a half-hearted grunt, folding his arms in front of him, "Very well. If you wish your life to end so quickly, so be it. I'll give you what you desire."
And, as Ash was about to make a move towards Aaron, a quick movement to his right made him flinch and look up, causing all of his attention to be focused on what had appeared in his peripheral vision.
And there, standing with a smug on her perfectly dangerous face, was Mari.
Ash raised a brow, for he hadn't seen her since she had disappeared sometime during Aki's power trip. At the time, he had wondered what had happened to her, but could not dwell on the unimportant things, for there were greater worries that needed to be dealt with. But now, with her sudden appearance and look of smugness dominating her features, something was definitely amiss.
However, before Ash, or anyone for that matter, could question her further, a soft, almost hesitant voice rang out from beside Mari, the figure hiding within the confines of the shadows of the arena.
"A-Aaron…is that you…?"
A/N: Phew…I finally finished it! I thought it would be forever until I finished this chapter. Every time I thought I was going to end it, it got even longer! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this one and go tap that little button at the bottom of the page that says 'review.' I swear you will all be my best friends if you do ^^.