At the Schnee Manor, a portal opened up and Ash, Pikachu and Winter walked out of it. After it closed, they were right in front of the manor. They saw many people going in.
"Shall we?" Winter asked. Ash nodded and they made their way towards the manor. They were immediately greeted by Klein.
"Ah Ash, and Ms. Winter! It warms my heart that you made it. But, where's Weiss?" He asked.
"Unfortunately, she was unable to make it due to the Vytal Tournament and tending to her teammate. So it's just me and Winter." Ash explained.
"I see. The family is waiting for you two. Come, I'll take you to them." Klein offered. They nodded and Klein escorted them through the people that were celebrating the news of Torchwick's death.
The main events were being taken place at the ballroom on the other side of the manor. The three broke off from the rest that were heading for the main room so that the rest of the Schnee family could see them.
They found them waiting outside of Jacques office. Whitley, on the other hand, was absent from them.
"Ash, my boy! Good to see you once again. Winter, we've missed you so much." Jacques said as he and Winter hugged each other.
"I've missed you all too." Winter said before hugging Crystal. "Is my dress ready?" She asked.
"It sure is. Get going." Crystal said. Winter smiled and walked off.
"Where is Whitley?" Ash asked.
"He's sulking in his room. He says that he is very disappointed that Winter invited you here." Klein said.
"He doesn't like me, does he?" Ash asked with an annoyed look.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu yelled.
"No, unfortunately not. You look great by the by Ash." Crystal complimented him.
"Much obliged." Ash said with a smile. He then turned towards Jacques. "Can I ask you all kind of a dumb question?" He asked immediately.
"What is that?" Jacques asked. Ash took a deep breath before he asked.
"Was Winter really the original suitor?" He asked. The three of them were puzzled by this until Jacques cleared his throat.
"Yes, yes she was the original suitor. The reason for that is because she is of age and we are hoping to continue with the family business sooner than later. Since you were the one that showed great skill of causing Torchwhick to be arrested, and how sophisticated you seemed when we first met, she immediately took noticed of this and she was impressed by your capabilities. However, since Weiss was the first to win you over, it was a win-win for the both of us. Although, it seems that Winter has yet to understand this. Why do you ask?" He asked.
"It's just that…I remember Whitley saying that Winter was the better suitor. I can actually tell that he wasn't lying. Don't get me wrong, she's nice and beautiful and all, but…I rather not cause any problems that's going to make all of us do something that we are going to regret, especially for this family that has suffered too much because of the White Fang." Ash explained.
"Pikachu." Pikachu agreed.
"And we couldn't appreciate it more. But in any case, why don't you head towards the ballroom. Everyone is having the time of their lives. Plus, many can head out back where they can sit by the ocean." Crystal suggested.
"Sounds great." Ash said.
"Have fun. We'll tell Winter where you're at." Jacques said. Ash nodded and he and Pikachu went to join the others.
Upon arrival at the ballroom, he saw many humans and Faunus socializing. Some were dancing and others were gazing at some pictures. The theme of the ballroom reminded him of Snowpoint Temple with sculptures that looked like ice was forming on the pillars around the room.
What really caught their eyes was a beautiful painting of Beacon Academy. They stopped by and looked at it.
"You remember when we arrived at Beacon for the first time bud?" Ash asked.
"Pika Pikachu." He said as he nodded.
"Yeah. Quite the experience that was. I made so many great friends and more." Ash said while looking back at the picture.
They then went outside to go check out the ocean. Upon arrival he and Pikachu sat down by the edge and just relaxed.
Suddenly, he sensed something fast and small going by them. Ash looked down with a raised eyebrow.
"Pika Pi?" Pikachu asked him.
"I just sensed something moving fast down there. Eh…probably just a Remoraid or something." He said as he shrugged it off until it swam by again, only this time it was closer. "Okay…maybe that's a little smaller to be a Remoraid." He said as he decided to take his hat off and dipped his head into the water to get a better look.
Meanwhile back in Winter's room, she had just put on her dress and was putting on some makeup. She wore a beautiful off shoulder elegant dark blue dress with long dress gloves of the same color. She wore long black leggings and wore dark blue heels. She wore a necklace with the Schnee Dust Company crest on it and she wore sapphire earrings.
After she put on the makeup, she looked at herself in her full size mirror.
"Minccino darling, what do you think?" She asked her Pokemon while presenting herself in her dress.
Winter's Minccino LVL 35 Normal Cute Charm Silk Scarf
Tail Slap Charm Swift Baby-Doll Eyes
"CINO!" It said with glee.
"Thank you. You think Ash will be head over heels when he sees me? Oh, I hope he does!" She yelled with excitement. She returned it and she made her way towards the ballroom.
When she arrived, she looked around to look for Ash. He was nowhere to be seen.
"Ms. Winter! You look very beautiful." Klein said as he approached her.
"Thank you Klein. Have you seen Ash?" She asked.
"Yes I have. I saw him heading out towards the ocean. It seems he's quite interested at whatever he is seeing out there." He said as he showed Winter what he was doing outside. Winter tried to hold in a chuckle, but she failed as she saw him with his face in the water.
"Oh my. I best go make sure he doesn't fall in." Winter said with amusement as she went to him.
Back with Ash, he continued to look around in the ocean. He then saw something swimming fast towards him.
"Whoa!" He yelled as he pulled his face out of the water. Suddenly, something jumped out at him.
"MANA!" It yelled as it latched itself onto Ash's face.
"GYAAH!" He shouted as he stood up and tried to get whatever it is off of his face.
"PIKA PI!" Pikachu shouted with fright.
"Ash!" Winter yelled as she ran towards them.
Ash then stopped flailing around and grabbed the Pokemon and pulled it away from his face.
"HEEERRRRRRRRGGGHHHHH!...OI!" Ash yelled as he pulled the Pokemon off of him with a popping sound. "Why you…" He said with a bit of anger until he saw the Pokemon just smiling at him.
"Manaphy missed you!" It said.
"Manaphy!?" He asked with shock.
Manaphy LVL 80 Water Hydration
BubbleBeam Aqua Ring Rain Dance Heart Swap
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu said with happiness that an old friend has returned. Ash and Manaphy shared a hug.
"Oh Manaphy! It is you!" He said.
"Manaphy love you papa!" Manaphy said. The words that came out of it were very heartwarming, and welcomed.
"Papa loves you too." He said.
"Ash! Are you okay?" Winter asked as she stopped right by them.
"Yes, I'm am fiiiii-hello." Ash said with surprise as he saw the beautiful specialist standing right in front of him. Winter chuckled a bit from his expression.
"Like what you see?" She asked as she spun around a bit.
"Sure do. By the way, this little one is an old friend of mine. Manaphy, the Prince of the Sea." Ash said as she showed Winter Manaphy. Winter gasped at the sight of the legendary Pokemon.
"I've heard of stories of this one, but I never thought I see one in person." Winter said with amazement.
"Mana?" Manaphy asked while looking at Ash.
"Don't be nervous Manaphy. This is Winter. She is a friend." Ash said. Manaphy looked towards Winter for a moment.
Winter stepped forward and reached out to touch it. Upon contact, Manaphy was greeted by a gentle rub on its onion shaped head.
"Well, anyone or any Pokemon that is a good friend of Ash is a friend of mine. Come on inside and join us." She offered Manaphy.
"Mana Mana!" It squeaked with happiness from the offer.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu yelled as Manaphy will be joining the group.
The four of them rejoined the celebration. Pikachu and Manaphy went to go get some food. Meanwhile, Winter took Ash to the dance floor.
"May I please have this dance Ash?" Winter asked as she was about a foot close to him. He slowly nodded and they took each other and they began to dance. "Listen Ash…I'm sorry from yesterday. About the whole…kiss thing." She said.
"Well, that was a very unexpected move you did. But the thing I really want to know is…why? Was it because you were the original suitor?" He asked.
"Yes. I'm sure father told you?" She asked. He nodded.
"I can understand that you would be the original suitor, but Weiss was the first. I'm not saying that you are not nice, but I knew her better. I am willing to still help with this family, just as long as no one in this family uses me for my powers." Ash said.
"Most of us won't, but father dose. He believed that with this power, the White Fang will never dare go against this family business again." Winter explained.
"What!?...I always knew there was something up with him." Ash said with a slight bit of anger. He remembered how Jacques behaved and what he sensed from him the day they met. But having Ash being used for his own purpose? He would not allow that.
Winter got a little closer to him and held him a bit tighter.
"Ash, let's not worry about it. For now, let's just enjoy the night." She whispered.
"I guess you're right. I could use a breather." He whispered back. They began to do a slow dance.
Meanwhile back at Team RWBY's dorm
Raven had just finished her story as to why she had to leave. Since she was the Branwen Tribe's leader, she guaranteed her families safety, Yang's especially. She was able to keep them in check and to keep a low profile of her family.
"I can't believe that my own mother was a bandit. Why didn't you tell me the truth dad?" Yang demanded.
"Because I feared that you would be more like her. It would devastate me the worst if you did. That's why me and Qrow trained you, and kept this horrible truth a secret." Tai said.
"He's right. I rather you not do anything stupid like what she did." Qrow added. Yang just looked at the ground for a moment, until she shot her head towards Raven with glowing red eyes.
"Do you not understand on how much I've wondered about you? Do you really think I can just simply brush this off? Well I got a newsflash for you 'mother,' if you sided with the bandits, you are no huntress….you are no mother of mine." Yang whispered while shaking her head a bit.
Team STRQ's hearts twisted from those words, Raven's especially. She gasped at what her daughter had said. Raven then broke down into tears and fell to the floor with a hand on her mouth and the other clenching her heart. Even Ruby, who was able to build enough strength to return to her dorm, along with the rest of her team, with Emerald included, was sad to see Raven like this.
"Yang…please stop it." Ruby begged.
"Ruby's right. This is only going to make matters worse for all of us. Ash wouldn't want you to do this." Summer stated while holding Yang's arm.
Yang gasped from the mention of Ash's name. She still feared as to what he meant by 'or else.'
"XEDREK HELP!" Yang screamed as she too was collapsing onto the ground and broke into tears.
Suddenly, a portal opened up and Xedrek appeared. He was using Nightmare Realm as a cane for he had not yet recovered from Ruby's silver eye attack.
"Xedrek!" Raven yelled a bit as she got up and hugged him. Yang looked up and saw him. He gently returned it.
"What are you doing here?" Yang choked while wiping tears away.
"I came when I heard you call." He said while smiling. Yang's eyes widen.
"How!?" She yelled with pure confusion.
"Not important. I assume that she told you everything of her past?" He asked her.
"Yes she did. I'm still having a hard time forgiving her." Yang told him.
"Well then. Then I suppose it's better to show you." Xedrek said before walking towards Taiyang.
"Wait…I can't bear to see them a second time." Raven whimpered a bit.
"Raven? What are you talking about?" Summer asked. She didn't say a word to Summer.
"Raven, I can explain it to them. If you wish to step out, then so be it." Xedrek said. Raven nodded and she left the room. She took one final look at Yang, Xedrek and Taiyang before stepping out. "Now then." Xedrek said before looking back at him.
"I don't want them to be scared." Tai said while holding his arms.
"Dad?" Ruby asked.
"What is going on?" Yang demanded as she stood up. Tai was getting more worried.
"They are going to find out either way." Xedrek said.
Tai sighed and rolled up his sleeves. Everyone gasped at the cut marks that have become scars thanks to Xedrek's cure spell. Qrow dropped his flask onto the ground with shock. Good thing it was closed. Summer got up and walked towards Tai. She looked closer at the cuts.
"This can't be true. Tell me this isn't true." She whimpered as she looked straight into his eyes.
Taiyang closed his eyes and slightly shook his head. Summer broke and hugged him while crying into his chest. Ruby and Yang hugged their father with just as much sadness.
"Dude, if you were having problems we could've talk about this." Qrow said as he picked up his flask.
"If there is one thing I despise the most is the effects of depression." Weiss said while shedding a few tears of her own.
Xedrek just looked towards them with a blank stare.
"If I had a heart, I too would be shedding tears myself in sadness." Xedrek said. That very comment gained the attention of everyone.
"That reminds me, what exactly did you meant from when you said, 'A Nobody cannot 'feel' anything?'" Emerald asked.
"It's better if I not only tell you, but to show you." Xedrek said. Before he began, he let Raven back in. As she entered, Yang walked up towards her.
"Mother…I'm sorry." Yang said.
"I know…me too." Raven said. They embraced each other for the first time in their lives.
"Now then." Xedrek began to tell them the same thing he told Ash earlier today.
Meanwhile elsewhere.
Cinder was screaming in pain as a man named Dr. Arthur Watts was tending to her wounds.
"Ms. Cinder, you must try not to move." He said as he attempted to bandage her now missing left eye with a patch.
"That's easier said than done Watts." She growled. After Watts placed the patch on her eye, she felt the pain disappear. He then got to work on her arm.
"Well at least the arm is not as bad. I just can't believe that something like this happened to you." Watts said while tending to the wounds on it.
"And yet it did. Ruby Rose…the daughter of Summer Rose is a silver eyed warrior. We must eliminate them." She said.
Watts injected her with some healing serum that will tend to her wounds on her arm.
"If you wish, I can make a cybernetic eye to replace the one that you lost." He offered.
Cinder got up and looked at herself in the mirror. She brushed her long hair aside and saw the patch.
"I suppose a replacement could suffice. But for now, I think this will do." Cinder said as she began to channel her Fall Maiden's power. A flame erupted from her good eye as her anger grew.
Imagine her with the same injury on her eye and without a Grimm arm, she still has her arm, only damaged in bandages. Plus, she is still wearing her volume 1-3 dress along with her long hair.
Back with Ash and Winter, they went to a balcony and looked at the stars on a bench. Pikachu was on his usual spot and Winter was holding Manaphy.
"You know Winter, you're alright. I actually needed this, a breather." Ash said.
"I agree. And thank you for giving me a great night." Winter said as she gotten a little closer to him.
Ash and Winter looked at each other and smiled. But then, something was going through Winter's mind.
"Ash…do you mind if I…?" Winter asked while looking at his shoulder.
"I suppose." Ash said.
Winter then leaned onto his shoulder and smiled. Ash looked at the specialist and slowly wrapped an arm around her. 'If there is one thing that I've always wondered is if I am being way too nice for my own good. Is this an example, or is being angry not really my thing?' He thought to himself.
A few minutes past and she finally sat back up.
"You know Ash, you really are a worthy opponent. Do you suppose that maybe you and I can be sparring partners in the future?" She asked.
"Sure. I enjoyed our match, even though I hardly used half of my strength." Ash admitted.
"What!? You mean you've held back!?" Winter yelled at him with shock and anger. Manaphy was getting worried and jumped onto Ash's lap.
"It's okay Manaphy. Don't be scared." Ash said as he comforted it.
"Mana Mana." Manaphy said while snuggling onto his arm.
"In my defense Winter, it was only meant to be a demonstration, a chance to show off a bit of what the championship match would be in store." He explained. Winter just looked at him with more anger. "Alright, what's it gonna take for you to calm down?" He asked.
"One kiss, and it better be a good one." Winter answered. Ash kinda saw this one coming. He let out a big sigh.
"Pikachu, Manaphy, will you excuse us for a moment?" Ash said.
"Pikachu." Pikachu said as he took Manaphy towards the hallway.
Ash and Winter got up and she got right in front of him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him towards her. They closed their eyes and their lips met. The kiss started simple, until it turned into a passionate kiss.
Winter deepened the kiss as she pushed Ash towards a wall and slammed him onto it. Ash, on the other hand, did return the kiss, but he didn't hold her. He did imagine him kissing Weiss instead of Winter.
After about a minute or two of kissing, they broke apart. Winter looked right into his eyes and smiled.
"Satisfied?" Ash asked.
"Yes. The next time we fight, don't hold back anymore." She almost demanded. Ash sighed a bit from what she said.
"Your funeral then." He said.
Just before Winter could ask what he meant by that, her scroll was going off. She quickly answered it.
"What is it?" She said.
"Ms. Winter, you and Ash may want to come and see this. It seems we may have some visitors in Atlas." Klein spoke from the other line.
"We'll be right there." Winter said before hanging up. "It looks like something's up. Come on." Winter said before grabbing his hand.
"Right. Come on Pikachu and Manaphy!" Ash yelled as they ran down the hall. Pikachu and Manaphy jumped onto Ash and they arrived at the ballroom.
They all looked up a giant monitor and to many surprise, they saw what appears to be a scorpion Faunus dragging a girl that Ash immediately recognized. She was bloodied up and looked like she was out of energy. Pikachu and Manaphy jumped onto a table to get a better view next to Ash.
"Hey wait I know that girl. She was with Torchwick from the docks in Vale some time ago." Ash stated.
"That's Neopolitan, but everyone calls her Neo. But I've never seen that Faunus before." Winter said as she eyed the Faunus.
They all watched as the Faunus threw Neo to the ground and she was barely moving. Ash began to feel his nerves pulse from seeing this.
"No…" Ash said softly before summoning his Keyblades. Pikachu and Manaphy noticed this and they looked concerned for him. Ash began to get angry.
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu yelled. Winter took notice of Pikachu's yell.
"Ash? What's wrong?" Winter asked as she approached him. Ash didn't say anything back to her. His anger grew. He then created a portal.
"NO!" Ash screamed as he ran towards it.
"Ash WAIT!" Winter shouted at him. Ash didn't stop and he ran through the portal and it immediately closed. Winter just stared at the location where the portal was at in shock.
"What the hell are you doing Ash?" Winter asked as she looked back towards the monitor.
With the Faunus and Neo, Neo looked up at the Faunus and she was shaking.
"Nothing personal little girl. Tyrian is just following orders. Any last words before you join Torchy?" The Faunus named Tyrian asked Neo. Neo raised her arms at him, begging to spare her despite the fact that she couldn't speak. "Oh right…you don't talk." Tyrian sneered before chuckling madly.
Tyrian then raised his wrist blades and readies to go for the kill. Neo silently screamed as she tried to shield herself since her umbrella was nowhere to be seen.
Just before Tyrian attempted to end Neo's life, someone screamed nearby. His blades then met both Divine Elemental and Oathkeeper.
"What the?" He asked as he looked at the source. He saw Ash with glowing red eyes and red aura was erupting out of him. It intensified as he screamed at him. "AAAAHHHHH!" Tyrian screamed with fright as he jumped backward several feet away as he eyed the Keyblade Master standing guard in front of Neo.
Neo looked up and saw Ash. She gasped at the sight of him.
"Okay Mr. Skorupi Man…" Ash growled at him as his aura faded from him.
"Hey…That's actually a nice nickname. But for argument sakes, the names Tyrian…Hello…prey!" Tyrian spoke as he aimed his stinger at Ash.
"Very well then. Mr. Tyrian Skorupi Man, what the hell are you doing?" Ash asked.
"What does it look like bitch? I'm taking out the trash. That little midget is no longer of any use to us. Now that Torchwick is dead, she's pretty much useless, and we can't have her just running around now can we?" Tyrian asked.
"You are a sick Faunus. Who tasked you to do this? No wait, let me guess…Salem?" He asked. Tyrian grunted from that.
"How do you know about our queen!?" He yelled with fright.
"A little birdie told me about her. If you want to kill Neo, then you got to go through me first. Plus, I'll even give you an opportunity. If you win, you kill her and I'll come quietly to Salem. But if you lose, you'll leave her be and never return." Ash offered.
Neo's eyes widen from those words. When they first met, they saw each other as enemies. But now, he's protecting her.
"Oh? This would be enormous. My queen would reward me handsomely for delivering you to her. Fine then, but just so you know, I don't play fair." Tyrian sneered at him before chuckling like a madman.
"I figured as much, which is why I've learned a few new tricks so we can make this more of an even fight. But first, STOPGA!" Ash yelled as he aimed Divine Elemental at Tyrian, causing him to freeze.
Ash then looked down at Neo, who looked back up to him with fright. Her heterochromia pink and brown eyes met his chocolate brown eyes.
"Don't be scared Neo, I'm here to save you. Do you trust me?" He asked as he knelt down towards her. Neo looked at him for a short moment before looking back at Tyrian. She then nodded at him and reached out for him.
Ash picked her up and took her towards a tree from a far distance where she can be safe.
"Just sit tight, I'll make this quick." Ash whispered to her. He then went back towards Tyrian.
Tyrian was now able to move again. He readied his wrist blades and Ash got readied to strike. Tyrian screamed as he charged forward and commenced the first strike.
Ash saw how agile he was and with practically three weapons to use, his wrist blades and his stinger, this wasn't going to be easy.
The two warriors finally had their weapons in a lock. Ash grunted while gaining the advantage. Tyrian was snickering and almost getting into his face.
"How do you function?" Ash asked.
"Lots and lots of CRACK!" Tyrian shouted before thrusting his stinger into Ash's stomach. Ash screamed in pain while Tyrian laughed more maniacally.
Back at the manor, many were screaming in fear of seeing Ash getting impaled.
"NO ASH!" Winter screamed as she felt her heartbeat faster.
"PIKA PI!" Pikachu screamed while Manaphy was crying.
Back with Ash and Tyrian, Tyrian was laughing more maniacally while Ash was able to pull the stinger out and collapse onto the ground.
"This poison will paralyze you and Her Grace will reward me for delivering you to her. Any final words?" Tyrian asked.
"You…really think…this is…FUNNY!?" Ash shouted as he clenched his stomach. Tyrian went back to laughing.
Unbeknownst to Tyrian, the Winter Maiden's powers began to take effect on the poison. Ash felt colder around his lower torso. It lasted for a few seconds until he felt the power finish its job. The warmth coming from his heart rebalanced is body temperature.
"Seriously, do you find it funny?" Ash asked as he stood upright before healing himself. Tyrian began to lose his laughter until he began to yell in surprise that he was functioning just fine.
"But…how? Why? WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING!?" Tyrian screamed in terror.
"Simple. Thanks to my dear friend Aurora, the Winter Maiden, I've gain the immunity to all poisons, burns and paralysis. But I'll say one thing for you though, that hurt like hell." Ash explained.
Tyrian screamed as he went back to attacking Ash. This time, he has gone more hostile. Ash noticed this and Tyrian has gone more aggressive. Tyrian got a good distance away from Ash until he fired off guns from his wristblades.
"Reflega!" Ash yelled as he created his shield that deflected the shots.
"Now…TIME TO DIE!" Tyrian screamed as he charged forward just as Ash lowered the barrier. They got into another lock.
"ENOUGH!" Ash shouted before kicking him off and activating his shotlock command. His body and Keyblades began to charge electricity. "Let's end this." Ash growled before his body dashed towards Tyrian. His attacks were successful and Tyrian fell to the ground onto his knees.
Ash got right on top of him and aimed his Keyblades at him.
"Have…mercy?" Tyrian whimpered in pain. Ash glared at him for a short time until he gotten a few feet away from him.
"Leave now and never come back." Ash demanded. He then turned away and walked off. Suddenly, Tyrian got up and began to aim his weapon at Ash.
"DIE!" He screamed.
Suddenly, a gunshot rang out and Ash gasped at the sound. He slowly turned around and saw Tyrian gagging as he was shot in the back while lying on the ground.
Ash then sensed a presence worse than Tyrian. He saw a man with red and brown hair wearing mostly black clothing. Ash saw bull horns on his head and a White Fang mask covering his eyes. He was holding a blood red blade in one hand, and a rifle in the other hand.
He then walked towards Tyrian and looked down at him.
"Failure." He said before firing at him once again, killing him. Ash saw the kill and gasped. He then glared at the Faunus. He looked at him for a moment until he put the pieces together.
"And you? You're…you're Adam aren't you?" Ash asked. Adam smiled from his question.
"It seems my reputation precedes me. Hello Ash. So…we finally meet." Adam said before putting his weapon away.
"Why are you here?" Ash asked.
"I was only tasked to make sure that Tyrian here didn't go overboard to kill you. We need you to be alive Ash. You should be thanking me. Have no fear though; you are not important right now. He failed his mission, and he got what he deserved." Adam explained before walking off.
"She'll never forgive you after what you've been doing you know!" Ash yelled out. That comment stopped Adam in his tracks.
"And who, pray tell, are you referring to Ash?" Adam asked while looking back at him.
"I think you and I know exactly who we are talking about. Can't you see that the Faunus have been at war with themselves for far too long? The White Fang has turned all of you into killing machines. I've seen many humans and Faunus working together, training together, and even living with each other." Ash explained.
"Get to the point!" Adam demanded.
"Blake! She was one of the first friends I've made when I returned to the public eye. We have been good friends for some time. Until…she chose me!" Ash said before showing Adam the kiss bite Blake gave him.
"What!?" Adam yelled as he saw the mark. Ash then adjusted his suit and looked back at him.
"Leave now Adam, I think you've done enough here." Ash demanded.
"I'll leave. I have more important things to handle with right now." Adam said before whistling loud. Ash sensed a flying Pokemon coming in fast. "We'll meet again Ash. But next time we meet, you will meet a very, very sticky end when we are through with you." Adam finished before a Noivern swooped past Ash and Adam jumped onto it.
Adam's Noivern LVL 84 Dragon/Flying Infiltrator Dragon Fang
Tailwind Super Fang Dragon Pulse Boomburst
Ash watched as they were flying away while dismissing Oathkeeper. As he was out of sight, he went back to Neo. Neo looked up to him and smiled a bit.
"You're safe now. Let's get you out of here." Ash said before creating a portal. She nodded and she tried to get up, only for her to be too weak. Ash picked her up and they walked through the portal.
A portal opened back at the ballroom where he was immediately greeted by everyone that saw his fight. Ash sat Neo down on a chair for her to rest. Winter hugged him on the spot.
"Ash, I was so worried. What were you thinking?" Winter asked as she let go of him.
"It was just my instincts. Plus, I can safely say that Neo is one of us now." Ash said while looking back at the injured Neo as she was greeted by Pikachu and Manaphy.
Soon after, Ash and Winter decided that it was time for them to return to Vale. Winter changed back into her uniform. After they said their farewells to the family and Klein, Ash created a portal and he, Winter, Neo, Pikachu and Manaphy went through it.
A portal opened up and the five of them exited the portal and it closed afterwards.
"Ash, thank you for a great night." Winter said while smiling.
"Sure thing…listen Winter, if it will set your mind at ease, if something did happen to me and Weiss and it doesn't work out, then maybe I'll keep you in mind. How about that?" Ash asked. Winter gasped at the request.
"What? You mean that?" She asked.
"Just as long as you accept that Weiss is the current suitor at the moment and support her." He said. Winter nodded and they shared one final hug before returning to her ship.
Neo got right in front of Ash and placed a hand on his heart. She looked up at him and smiled.
"I'm just doing what's right. So what are you going to do now?" He asked her. She pointed at herself and she pointed right back at Ash. She then smiled and had her hands behind her back. "You're staying with me? Well I guess I could use a right hand. Plus if you know anything we need to know, you can tell us." Ash concluded.
Neo hugged him tight and held his arm. She was happy that Ash understood her since she was a mute. Ash took her to a spare room where she can stay and rest. She winked at him and waved as he was leaving.
Ash, Pikachu and Manaphy returned to his room they saw Blake laying on his bed in her yukata pajamas waiting for him.
"Ash…I've been waiting for you." Blake purred as she got up and hugged him.
"Hey Blake. Where's Emerald?" He asked while returning the hug.
"She elected to stay with the team tonight to help make sure that Ruby is okay overnight. She's a bit of a night Noctowl." Blake said.
"I've missed you guys." Ash whispered. He then pulled back and kissed her.
"Mana?" Manaphy asked Ash.
"Oh, Blake I like you to meet an old friend of mine, Manaphy, the Prince of the Sea." Ash said as he held Manaphy for Blake to see. Blake gasped at the sight of Manaphy.
"Oh Ash, it's so cute. May I?" She asked. Manaphy jumped into her arms and Blake held it gently. Manaphy loved the attention it was getting. Until suddenly…
"Manaphy love you mama!" Manaphy said out of the blue.
Blake gasped loudly from not only Manaphy talking but what it just said.
"Did…did you just call me…mama?" Blake asked it. Manaphy used its antenna to bring it closer to Blake's head and hugged her.
"You are a better mama. New mama makes me happy." Manaphy said.
Blake felt like her heart just grew warmer. She began to shed tears and hugged it more.
"I love you too Manaphy." Blake whimpered. Ash joined the two of them and held them both. Blake looked up at Ash and kissed him. "Are you Manaphy's papa?" She asked.
"It has indeed seen me as its surrogate father." He said.
Ash then went to his closet and took out a couple of spare pillows and a blanket for Manaphy to sleep. After Manaphy gotten comfortable and Pikachu joining it, Ash sat on his bed and Blake sat on his lap and held him.
"So how did it go?" She asked.
"It was definitely eventful, up until I was forced into yet another combat situation." Ash stated.
"Nya?" Blake asked. Ash sighed a bit and told her bits and pieces of what happened. "I remember that girl Neo. She was Torchwhick's personal assistant. Even she didn't deserve this, but at least she's safe here now." Blake said.
"I agree. As for the one who killed Tyrian…you won't believe who it was." Ash said. Blake was getting more worried now.
"Please…tell me it wasn't who I think it was." Blake begged as she felt her heart beginning to twist in fear.
"Blake…it was Adam that killed him." Ash said while looking away. Blake knew it. Adam really has become a monster.
"No…" Blake whimpered and she cried a bit into Ash's neck. Ash held her gently and rubbed her head.
"You and I will deal with him when the time comes. I promise." Ash said. Blake looked at him and smiled. "After all…you chose me." Ash reminded her as he showed her the kiss bite. Blake began kissing the kiss bite.
After Ash got changed, he and Blake got into bed and Blake slept on his shoulder and wrapped her arms and legs around him. She was happier when she was in his arms, and since she is not participating in the rest of the tournament, she and Ash can hang out more if she wanted. She smiled and fell asleep.
Back with Cinder and Salem, Cinder was fully healed but she still had her arm in bandages.
"Cinder, you must not start a scene except on the battlefield. And make sure that your team that you all dubbed as Team CMDS (Commands) stays in check. Are we clear?" Salem asked as her eyes glowed red.
"Crystal. If I'm in the finals, I'll just take my anger out on Ash instead." Cinder growled a bit while flames ignited on her hand.
"Just make sure he functions afterwards, otherwise you will share the ultimate punishment." Salem reminded her.
"No need to tell me twice." Cinder said before pulling out a Dark Ball and she sent out a Moltres, which screeched that echoed all around them.
Cinder's Moltres LVL 90 Fire/Flying Pressure Power Herb
Flamethrower Sky Attack Sunny Day Overheat
Cinder mounted Moltres and they flew off back towards Vale.
"Don't disappoint me Cinder." Salem whispered as she watched as they were flying out of sight.
With everything and everyone calming down, and recovering from the silver eye attack earlier that day, the tournaments can proceed as planned. The rest of the Teams Match will begin bright and early tomorrow, and the Doubles Round will begin shortly after. And now that Manaphy has joined the group, it has chosen Blake as its new mother, making Blake feel closer to Ash than ever before. What will Ash's friends and girlfriends think of Neo and Manaphy? Find out more as the story continues.
Another chapter down. This one was by far one of my favorite chapters that I've ever written because I do like a damsel in distress situation every now and then. I would like to give a special shout out to DragoonSensei on Fanfiction and Chann1 on Deviantart for the ideas for the event. Thanks a bunch. Next time, the continuation of the Vytal Tournament and the Pokemon Tournament. TheD-Rock900 is signing off.