I was sick today, so i thought, why not trying to continue this story. And hey, it worked. I'm actually pretty pleased with how this part of the story turned out. And sorry now already to everyone who is a fan of Drew.

In this chapter, he gets his and his Roserade's butt kicked. Why? Well, I've never been a big fan of him.

If you have a problem with that, stop reading the story.

I want to thank

sorarocks531

CrazyCharlette-Real Reloaded

Mewtwo MLG

Starlighz

JLgods01

HP-DG-SB-HA-RR-KB-NT-TD-LL-AJ

Swagnilla-Ice-1985

DavidShawnMichael

for their Reviews to the last chapter and every Reviewer I've had till now for reviewing the story.

THANK YOU!

Info:

"normal speaking"

"pokemon speaking"

thoughts

"mental speaking"

Pokémon doesn't belong to me.

R&R please.

"How are we supposed to explain this to Ash's mother?"

May looked up from packing up her things to look at Mew. She stared at MewTwo and Lucario, who both gave tired shrugs in answer. That was when Entei said: "My siblings and I will tell her. We were supposed to protect him after all."

The legendary Pokémon stared at him in shock and Ho-Oh shook his head. "No Entei. I asked you to be his protectors, that is true, but we all were supposed to keep the Chosen One safe. And, as much as I would like to take the whole blame onto my very own shoulders, I cannot."

"Agreed", said Latios from where he shook Latias awake. "We are the protectors of this world and decided to rely on the Chosen One. It was our all duty to protect him. Not one of us failed in this, it was everyone who had a chance of helping him."

May turned away at that and gulped. She had been with those of the group who put the whole blame on the legendary Pokémon. But now, seeing how much they blamed themselves already, she felt guilty for how she'd thought of them. The legendary Pokémon all tried to do what was best for their home, for its inhabitants, and they all cared for Ash just as much as all of his friends and Pokémon. She looked up again, to get a heart-breaking sight.

Manaphy crouched on the ground in tears while Ninetales comforted the young water-type legendary. Pikachu talked intently to Ho-Oh, who seemed to argue with him about something. Charizard was with Entei and Moltres, the three Fire-types seemed to try to lend each other power. Luxray was in a heated argument with Zapdos, who time and time again attacked the lion with electricity. Finally Lucario was still with MewTwo, both standing close and whispering to each other, their movements showing nervousness and urgency.

"How can it be…" May yelped and jerked up, startled at the fact that mew suddenly was next to her. Mew gave her a sad grin, then repeated: "How can it be, that Ash's Pokémon, even Pikachu and Ninetales, who care such a great deal about him, have an easier time understanding that we tried our best and accept it, despite the pain. How can they not put the blame on us, but you humans and your Pokémon do?"

Mew kept her unwavering blue eyes locked on May, who was at loss for words. Finally the young coordinator stammered out: "W-w-why are y-y-you-u e-even ask-asking m-me?"

At this a small spark of amusement flashed through the Psy-cat's eyes and she answered: "You have a strong to connection to Ash May. The others to, but for some reason you are different. I cannot not tell what the future will hold for you, but your and Ash's future are enwound in a way I haven't seen it for centuries."

At these words a deep blush appeared on May's cheeks. Uh, get it out of your head May, berated the teen herself. Ash is a good friend, nothing more. Mew gave her another small smile, then floated away. May stared after the Psychic-Type for a while, before Max's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Earth to May! Wake up!" "What…" May blinked rapidly and shook her head confused, to lock eyes with her brother. "Yes Max?"

"Sheesh, sis you spaced out for about five minutes. What got you so worked up?"

Another blush appeared on May's cheeks and she answered quickly: "Nothing Max, really, it was nothing."

The younger boy raised an eyebrow at her, but wisely decided to not bother her about it anymore. "Fine…so, you done. We're just waiting to move out."

"Back to Pallet Town", sighed May.

Max placed a hand on her shoulder and answered: "I'm scared too sis, but Ash's mom deserves to know."

May smiled sadly at her brother. It still hurt her very much, that her little brother had gotten pulled into something like this. "I know Max…thanks." She pulled him into a short hug, before standing up and shouldering her backpack. "Let's go!"

Somewhere in an unknown location, in a royal looking room, a groan sounded through the silent air. In the room that held different shades of blue, from a bright ice-blue to a dark night-blue, stood a queen-sized bed with silver sheets. On the bed lay a sixteen years old, raven haired teen, the covers tucked neatly around him. His arm, forehead and chest bandaged up. A few bruises still showed on his tanned skin. Another groan sounded through the air, coming from the boy and he stirred. I was the first time ever since he'd been brought here that he moved, besides the rhythmic fall and rise of his chest while breathing. Again he stirred and groaned louder, moving a bandaged hand out from under the covers, to rub his forehead.

One last groan and the boy's eyes fluttered open, revealing a deep auburn colour.

The setting Sun turned the sea the boat crossed glow orange. May held onto the railing of the ship tightly. The farther they left Sevii Islands behind, the closer they got to Pallet Town. The ship would cruise directly to the closest harbour to Pallet. Yet, the farther they moved away, the more May's heart ached. It felt like they were abandoning Ash.

Sure, the legendary Pokémon had assured they'd found out he was safe, but they wouldn't say more. May bit her lip to fight back her tears. Against to her brother, Misty and Dawn, she hadn't cried once ever since ash had disappeared. Zoey hadn't because, though she and Ash were friends, she was closer with Dawn. Brock hadn't because he'd tried to be strong for the rest of them, like May had tried it for her brother.

"Hey May." May looked up and back at Max. The boy yawned and said: "I'm…gonna go to bed."

Managing a warm smile, May answered: "Go ahead Max. I'll come soon too."

Max nodded and walked off, into the cabin he shared with his sister. May sighed deeply and leaned against the railing, watching how the nose of the ship but through the water. She stood there for a long time, letting her thoughts wander, remembering all the nice times she'd had with Ash, her brother and Brock on their journeys. The sun was long gone already and it became cold quickly, yet May never moved.

It must have been close to midnight, when a blanked was draped over her shoulders. May looked up, to find Lucario looking back at her. "You should go inside May", advised the Pokémon softly. "It's getting really cold by now."

"How can you know", muttered May. "Ice-Types are weak against you."

To her unhidden surprise, Lucario chuckled at this. She hadn't had much contact with him ever since he came back, mostly she'd either seen him talking to MewTwo, meditating or training Riolu and Ash. Each and every time she'd seen him then, he'd appeared like she remembered him. Strict and stoic, yet with unhidden loyalty to those who earned his trust. To now hear him expressing his amusement like this was a strange experience.

"That may be so", answered Lucario finally. "But that doesn't mean I don't know the cold. I can read it in your Aura May. It turned from the bright azure every living being has to ice-blue. That's a clear sign that your cold and I don't want you freezing." He looked to the horizon with a small smile, looking completely at peace. Something May couldn't understand, especially with Ash being gone.

She looked at him, then asked: "What happened?" Lucario turned to face her fully and raised a questioning eyebrow. "I mean, why are you…so different from how you were when we met the first time. Not to mention how ridiculous it is that you can be so relaxed with Ash being who knows where!.." Lucario allowed her to rant for a while, before placing a paw on her shoulder, effectively silencing her.

"I shall tell you", stated Lucario. "But you are not to talk to anything I tell you to anyone but me and me only, do you understand?"

He narrowed his ruby eyes at her and May gulped. Did she really want to know? Yes, thought the teenager and answered: "I promise Lucario." Lucario nodded and turned back to the sea, staring at the moon.

"I am…'so relaxed' as you call it", he gave her and amused glance, having May blush in embarrassment, "Because is simply found peace. In this cave, where Ash other Pokémon, Ho-Oh, Suicune, Raikou, Ash himself and myself were kept captive, I had time to think and…came to a realisation. I will not go into detail May. This is private. But it made me realise one thing. Sir Aaron may be gone from this world, but a part of him will always be with me. Be it within my Aura, Ash's or anything else that has a part of him. Since then…I've felt different. Stronger, more in control of my Aura, if you wish to say so. The world was different. I'm not certain how exactly, it just was, and still is." Lucario locked eyes with May now. "Do my words even make sense?"

May couldn't help but smile at him now and answered: "I think they very well do make sense Lucario. Can't say how exactly myself, but I got a feeling that you're right." Lucario smiled back at her, then turned to look at the moon once again.

"Why I'm at peace right now, although Ash should be troubling me like it troubles you, is that I know more about his disappearance than you. The legendary Pokémon wished that no human besides Ash's mother should know the details and…" May's angry growl cut him off. She was fuming. They were all so worried and still, the Pokémon had stayed quiet. Hadn't tried to ease their worries. After a short while, Lucario picked up speaking again. "They decided so, since we don't need the Dark-Sides probably figuring out his location before us May. It's not that they don't trust you, but to inform all of you, we would need to repeat our findings again and again, risking the Dark-Sides listening in on them. They might not see Ash as a real threat, but they know not to risk anything with someone the legendary Pokémon put so much trust into. Do you understand?"

May looked at Lucario, trying to understand. "So, you keep this hidden from us…so you won't get Ash into any more danger?"

"Him and his friends", agreed Lucario. He shuddered all of a sudden and continued darkly: "I do not want to imagine what they would do to you or anyone else because you know his location."

Understanding finally hit May and she smiled. "That's very sweet and thoughtful of you all", assured the brunette and pulled the blanket Lucario had brought her tighter around herself. He was right. It was pretty cold by now. Lucario smiled back at her, then offered: "Let me guide you to your cabin." May nodded in thanks and together coordinator and Pokémon made their way over the deck. In front of the cabin she shared with Max, May bid Lucario good night and walked in. When she turned around to close the door, the Pokémon was gone already.

One last groan and the boy's eyes fluttered open, revealing a deep auburn colour. He glanced around tiredly, then slowly sat up and brushed his bandaged hand through his raven hair. When he pulled it back, his gaze locked on the bandage and his eyes widened. Swiftly the teen checked himself through, staring at the bandages over his worst injuries in confusion. With a frown the teen closed his eyes and tried to remember what happened.

Flashback

Dammit, thought Ash while he collapsed against a wall of the Pokémon Centre. That was it. I can barely stay conscious. Shaking his head, Ash tried to get rid of the dizziness, but it only intensified. Closing his eyes, he leaned back and, against his will, his body relaxed. He let out a sigh and a second before he slipped into blissful nothingness, he heard Riolu's voice. "ASH!"

End of Flashback

"ASH!" The teen's eyes snapped open once more and he looked around. The shout had sounded so real. Or was it really just his imagination. "Ash you're finally awake!" A door the teen hadn't seen before burst open and Riolu rushed in, his eyes sparkling with joy, his movements wild with excitement. A happy smile was plastered over the Pokémon's face and it leaped onto the bed and into the stunned teen's arms. "I was so worried", cried the small creature. "You were out for more than a day. We didn't know when you would wake up! Never scare me like that again Ash!"

Ash simply stared down at the Pokémon, then answered: "R…gh…u."

"What?", asked Riolu.

Ash coughed a few times, then repeated: "Riol-u, what happ-ened, where a-re we?" His voice hitched from not using it for a while.

Riolu simply grinned up at him and turned back to the door. Ash followed his gaze and his jaw dropped at who he saw there. The one in the door smiled at Ash warmly and greeted: "I see you are finally awake. I feared for you Chosen One. You were close to death when I brought you and Riolu here. Yet I am very thrilled to see you again, friend."

"May! Wake up May! We're almost there!"

"Mhhh, five more minutes dad", groaned the teenager out.

"May I'm not dad and if you don't get up I get Gardevoir to Shock-Wave you out of the bed."

May blinked her eyes open, to find Max standing over her. May pushed the 13 years old away and rolled over. "Shut it Max and let me sleep."

"May we're gonna be at the harbour in a few minutes. We gotta get off this ship!", argued Max and pulled his sister's blanket away. May groaned and reluctantly sat up.

"Alright, alright I'm up. Give me a few minutes to change", sighed the girl and stretched.

Max nodded and left the cabin. As quickly as possible, tired as she was, May changed, gathered her things and left the cabin as well, to follow Max to the others. Their friends, as well as all of Ash's remaining Pokémon besides Charizard waited on the deck.

Charizard had flown back with the legendary Pokémon, since he was just too big. Ninetales had joined Zoey, Luxray Dawn and Pikachu posed as either May's or Max' Pokémon. Lucario had effused to pose as the Pokémon of anyone else, so they decided they would simply say the truth. He belonged to a friend who wasn't capable of taking care of him this moment.

Right now Pikachu sat on Luxray's back, but once he saw May and Max coming, he leaped from the lion to the teenage-girl, settling down on her shoulder. May smiled and scratched him between the ears. "Chaa", cooed Pikachu and rubbed his cheek against hers. The siblings shared a glance, both smiling. The fact that Ash's Pokémon had managed to maintain a more the less good mood lifted everyone's spirits.

That was when the ship docked and the humans and Pokémon started leaving it. Once down from the ship, the group immediately made their way into the direction of Pallet Town. However, luck wasn't on their side, when just a minute before they managed to leave the harbour fully, someone blocked their path and held a red rose in front of May. May leaned back in bewilderment, before seeing that it was Drew, who greeted her like usual.

"Well hello May, funny meeting you here", said the green-haired teen, pressing the rose into her hand. May heard a low growl and found Lucario scanning the other coordinator, hostility in his red eyes. Drew had heard the growl as well and his jaw dropped at the sight of the fighting-steel-type, before he stated: "A Lucario, finally a nice catch of yours."

"Hey just a moment Drew", cut Max in. "Lucario is not May's Pokémon and can we move on now? We've got to get back to Pallet Town!"

With that the younger boy ripped the rose from May's hands and threw it away. Drew glowered at May's little brother and asked: "What exactly do you think you're doing boy?"

"Protecting my older sister", snapped Max back.

The rest of the group watched in bewilderment how the two boys shouted at each other, then May murmured to Brock. "What got Max so angry?" Lucario raised an eyebrow at her, as if to say 'You didn't figure it out yet?' Brock chuckled and murmured back: "May I'm not sure if you realised it, but Drew attempted to flirt with you before Max cut him off."

This made May's jaw drop now. Drew had tried to…flirt with her. Wow, no wonder Max is angry. He's always been protective of me with that, thought the coordinator. Suddenly she saw Drew pulling out a Pokéball and growling: "Alright kid, you and I have a battle, now."

"I can't", answered Max. "My Pokémon aren't fully recovered from their last battles yet."

That was true, no Pokémon, not even the legendary Pokémon, was.

"You're just scared", argued Drew.

May saw Zoey stepping forward, ready to give him a piece of her mind, but Lucario was faster. With a deep growl the Fighting-Steel-Type marched forward and pushed Max behind himself protectively. "I shall battle for you Max", snarled Lucario. "I may not be fully recovered yet either, but this boy needs to learn a few lessons."

Drew had grown pale when he'd heard Lucario's voice for the first time, but soon smirked and stated: "Alright, Roserade!" His first Pokémon appeared with a spin and landed gracefully in front of Lucario, who raised an unimpressed eyebrow and asked: "Entrance for one of these contests I heard about?"

"Pretty much", answered Max, before asking: "Uh, Lucario you're sure you want me commanding you?"

Lucario smirked back at him and answered: "Don't you worry, when you think you can't go on, I'll continue alone. Ash and Sir Aaron were the only ones so far to completely and correctly command me in battle."

May remembered that. It had been a few days before Ash's disappearance. Lucario had battled against Ash's Pokémon, with Ash commanding him, to make sure he was used to having a trainer when it was necessary. The two had harmonised like they'd battled together for years already, although it was easy to see that the concept of a Pokémon battle in this time kept Lucario busy. After the two had been done, Brock had commanded Lucario, per his and Ash's request, and Ash had used Lucario. The battle was close to a disaster, since Brock hadn't managed to get in sync with Lucario like Ash had done.

"This is a one on one battle between Drew and Max." Brock's voice snapped May out of her musings. "Both trainers have one Pokémon. The battle continues till one Pokémon is unable to battle or the trainer forfeits. Begin!"

"Roserade use Toxic Spikes", called Drew. May saw Dawn frown and frowned by herself. That move had caused Ash much trouble in his battle against Paul. Yet, much to everyone's surprise, Max and Lucario smirked. "What's so funny?", snapped Drew.

"Oh you'll see", answered Max. "Lucario use Shadow-Claw!"

Lucario's smirk turned into an evil grin and he crossed his arms in front of his chest, before drawing them back and dashing off, the purple claws flickering into sight. "Max don't", called Dawn. "When Lucario steps onto a Toxic Spike…" That was when it happened.

The ground under Lucario flashed purple, engulfing the Pokémon in the light. But Lucario just ran on, drawing one hand back for his attack. He collided with Roserade and slashed at her twice, before leaping into the air and doing a back-flip, before landing on front of Max again. Once again Toxic Spikes got activated, but Lucario seemed to ignore it. "Use Flash-Canon", shouted Max. Lucario nodded and clasped his paws together. Moving them apart, a glowing white sphere appeared. The Pokémon shot the silverish-white beam at Roserade, who dodged in the last second and sent Petal-Dance back at Lucario.

Without waiting for Max' order, Lucario activated his Shadow-Claw once more and struck against the Petals, slashing them apart. "Now use Aura-Sphere", shouted Max. In less than a second Aura-Sphere blasted forward, hitting Roserade dead-on.

"Roserade use Giga-Drain!", shouted Drew. Roserade grunted, but shot green light at Lucario, who didn't have time to dodge. Slowly Giga-Drain took away Lucario's strength and gave it to Roserade. "Lucario", exclaimed Max. That was when, once again, Lucario took the initiative and sent out a pulse of Aura that shook Giga-Drain off. Then he dashed forward, his Shadow-Claws once again fading into few, and delivered a few strong slashes against Roserade.

Roserade backed off, then purple illuminated both Pokémon, yet only Roserade seemed to suffer from Toxic Spikes, Lucario continued like nothing happened. "Why isn't he affected", asked Dawn.

Suddenly Zoey smirked and snapped her fingers. "Of course, Lucario is half a steel-type." "And?", asked May on. "Poison-Type moves have no effect on steel-types", answered Zoey with a grin. May grinned as well now, just realising what a stupid idea Toxic Spikes actually had been. Drew frowned as well, obviously also just having remembered that as well.

"Lucario let's end this", called Max. Lucario gave a nod and backed off a few feet. "Dragon Pulse!", shouted both and the Dragon-Type attack shot forward. It hit Roserade, who finally broke down, out cold. Drew stared for a second, before growling and recalling his Pokémon. Then he ran off. May smiled, then heard Max gasp and looked at him, to gasp as well.

Lucario tumbled a bit and finally fell onto one knee.

"Are you alright Lucario", asked Brock worriedly.

Lucario waved him off and answered: "Fine, but the fact that I'm not fully recovered yet, had my own attacks damaging me as well." Then he got up, only to tumble once more. May grabbed his arm gently and helped Lucario steadying himself. "Thank you May", answered the Pokémon.

The girl smiled at him warmly and then they continued their way, hoping to find a Pokémon centre soon.

She wasn't certain Lucario would make it till Pallet Town in his state and no one had any medicine or berries left.

Ash gaped at who he was looking at, then stuttered out: "You…how…why…what…" Then the teen shook his head and ruffled his raven hair. "What with Arceus just happened?", wondered the teen once more. He remembered being in a battle, but had no idea how he got…wherever he actually was now. Or why Riolu was with him.

"You passed out during a battle against the Dark-Sides Chosen One. I managed to get you and Riolu out of the fight and to this place just in time."

"Just in time?", asked Ash.

"Ash we were about to get blasted to bits by Dark-Latios Dragon Rage…that and you were starting to lose too much blood", explained Riolu frowning.

At this Ash frowned as well, then asked: "But…who took care of my wounds?"

"A few of the Pokémon that live here. I instructed them to do so. You were asleep for a long while Chosen One. Your young friend here almost went insane with worry."

Riolu blushed at that, before he hugged Ash strongly once more. Ash hugged him back now, then finally asked what had been on his mind for quite a while now: "So, what now?"

Legendary Pokémon and Dark-Sides that appeared in the story already:

Mew - Dark-Mew

MewTwo - Dark-MewTwo

Celebi - Dark-Celebi

Manaphy - Dark-Manaphy

Suicune - Dark Suicune

Raikou - Dark Raikou

Entei - Dark Entei

Articuno -

Zapdos -

Moltres -

Ho-Oh -

Latias -

Latios - Dark-Latios