Guest review replies: (For now on I'll be only putting the name of the guest reviewer and then my reply, rather than the whole review to save space.)

hooshi: Thank you. Unfortunately I probably won't be updating as often due to my classes.

Guest (1): Thanks!

guest (2): Thank you. :)

PokeLover3: I'm glad you enjoyed it, even if this story does have a sadder plot.

Ember: Yeah, this story needs a lot of editing, and the early chapters probably need to be completely rewritten, but for now I'm focusing on getting it done. I'm glad you like it though. :)

Sorry for the long spaces between updates again, I've just been really weighed down recently. I meant to have this chapter up sooner, but I found out earlier this week that two people had stolen one of my one-shots and had posted it on another website. Luckily the website took them down once I reported it, but it was still a hassle. Then between my classes and a cold I just wasn't able to finish this chapter as soon as I liked, but now it's done.

Anyways, here chapter 36!

Ivysaur quietly trailed behind Professor Oak and Blaze as they made their way through the Indigo Plateau's streets, heading towards the pavilion. The professor always met Delia there in the mornings, and Blaze seemed to barely have the will to do anything but to follow. The fierce storm from last night was gone, leaving only a few lingering clouds and small puddles across the roads, reminding everyone of the downpour that had clashed with the night. With the rain now in the past, the league had surged to life, competitors and spectators swarming the streets. Salesman lined the roads, clearly trying to make up on lost time that the storm had cost them. Ivysaur didn't paid attention to any of them though, he only had his eyes on the hooded boy in front of him.

Ash.

The grass type shuddered as the name echoed through his mind. The confirmation that this boy was his former trainer had shaken Ivysaur. After pulling down the boy's hood last night he had found himself unable to move for a while, just staring at the pale face in shock. Even with his suspicions, the reality had still hit hard, Ash was right in front of him. He had soon thrown the hood back over "Blaze's" head, and had retreated to the couch, wide awake for the rest of the night.

A part of him had wanted to wake up Professor Oak right away, to warn him of the danger that had entered their hotel, but several things kept Ivysaur back. The first thing was the state they had found Ash in, how broken he had been... It was frightening how far the boy had gone, and he didn't know how he'd react if approached. And then there was the fact that Blaze- Ash- had protected him at the hearing, had stood up for him... and lastly...

The doubt.

Ivysaur was sure that everyone that Ash had known had doubted his conviction at some point or another, but never had Ivysaur hesitated this much until now. It now wasn't just a small wonder in his mind that had been swallowed away by the surety that Ash was guilty, but now, as he watched Blaze, fully aware of who he truly was, remembering the delicate interactions he had with the professor and his mother, Ivysaur just couldn't help but wonder if they had been wrong...

Ivysaur gulped, anger and fear gnawing away at his stomach that he stiffened with a yawn. He was exhausted, but too stunned for it to consume him. His bruises from Serperior's attack ached with each step, and now that he thought back on her words, they now made much more sense, along with the reason for her attacking... Serperior was Ash's Snivy, and she now saw him as a traitor, he had attacked Ash after all, he had abandoned his trainer... Snivy- Serperior- had every right to be angry with him in that regard.

Tension slowly built up in the grass type, no... she had no right! Ash had attacked Gary, had stolen from the lab, and fled from the law! He had done the right thing!

Ivysaur shifted a bit, scratching at the ground uncertainly. Were these thoughts ways of him trying to cope with everything that had happened? With justifying his actions? Even though everything that had happened during the battle was long over, Ivysaur seemed unable to move on. Nobody looked at him the same anymore after using combat force, he saw the weariness in people's eyes. He felt exposed and alone, like everyone suddenly expected him to turn and attack. Less like a living being and more like a force of destruction.

He wondered if that's how Ash felt.

Ivysaur winced, looking at Ash. No matter how fragile Ash seemed, he couldn't ignore what Serperior had become during these last few years. The way she had talked... she was dangerous and smart- not a good combination. She had a crazy look in her eyes when she had attacked- when she had tried to kill him! No one even seemed aware of that fact except him and Ash... Ash knew was she was capable of, he must of trained her to that level. Even earlier he had admitted to the professor that his Pokemon were combat trained! Ivysaur thought back on what Professor Oak had said about combat Pokemon- if not properly treated and cared for they could start to mentally lose themselves. Was that the reason on why one of his Pokemon had attacked Ash?

If so, then who was it?

It couldn't have been Serperior, she didn't have claws to make the marks he had saw on Blaze. Serperior's attitude still made her seem likely... Or perhaps Ivysaur didn't like thinking back on what she had said to him. Serperior had brought something to his mind that he had never thought of before: He had left Ash.

Yes, Ash was a criminal; and no, he didn't want to travel with someone like that. But the fact still remained that he had turned against his own trainer, even if it was for the right reason. Loyalty had always been a trait he had been proud of, but could that still apply for him now? They lived in a society were Pokemon were belongings, things owned by humans. Yes, belongings that had feelings, but still possessions. A Pokemon had no choice if they were caught or not, and could only return to the wild if their trainer released them. A trade to a new trainer was completely legal without the Pokemon's consent.

And as Ivysaur had witnessed first hand, they were expected to remain quiet and restrained when it came to their fate in anything that involved human laws. Had "Blaze" decided not to defend him he probably would have been hauled off to who-knows-where. In reality the only thing a Pokemon could do was stand with their trainer. Why should they care about what human laws deemed criminal or not when those same laws gave them no rights? What else they could do but remain loyal next to the one that gave them strength through a unique bond, to protect the person they called a friend? But Ivysaur hadn't.

The doubt built up again, if Ash had been found guilty, and if this new... possibility, was correct, then it made sense for him to run, right? Who'd want to go to jail for something they didn't do... But if that were true then Ash had then damaged any chance of people believing him. Heck, him running was one of the things that had secured Ivysaur's belief in his guilt!

But it was him seeing the results of that running that was making Ivysaur doubt that guilt now...

Smack!

Ivysaur let out a yelp as he suddenly ran into a lamp post- too caught up in his thoughts that he failed to pay attention to his surroundings.

"Are you okay, Ivysaur?" Professor Oak asked, pausing as the grass type regained his balance. He gave the professor a hasty nod, not wanting the attention to linger on him. The old professor hesitated for a moment, before continuing on towards the pavilion. Ivysaur let his gaze focus on Bla... Ash, who had only glanced at him. Perhaps there was some ulterior motive for him, a more sinister one to explain his reactions so for. Lying in wait to strike!

But all Ivysaur could think of was of the breakdown he had the first time they had gone to the pavilion, there was no way that had been faked. Ivysaur had felt the fear that had come from Ash when he had saw the Blaziken, the way it had consumed him. "Blaze" had truly wanted to leave the pavilion then, he hadn't wanted to be there around everyone. That hadn't be a set up by him, he had been wanting to avoid them. And if the reaction to the Blaziken had been real, then that must have meant that he had a reason to fear them. Ivysaur felt his stomach slowly growing heavier, Ash had said that a Blaziken had attacked Misty, not Charizard...

Charizard, the topic Ivysaur had wanted to avoid in his scrambled mind. It had been some time since he had last seen the lizard, three years ago at the lab... Charizard had burst in right after he had attacked Ash, and the fire type had in turn attacked him, only stopping at Ash's orders...

"Gary... Gary is alive. He needs help, but... But I need to leave," Ash had told him back at the lab that day. Ash had the opportunity to take Gary's life, but he hadn't strike. Instead he had told him that Gary needed help, like he hadn't wanted Gary to be hurt in the first place. Ivysaur shuddered as he thought back on Ash's last few words to him: "No... No hard feelings."

No mockery for losing the fight against Charizard. No anger for attacking him and siding with Gary. Only a somber look and the 'no hard feelings', and even after all he had done to him Ash had chose to protect him from the International Police after the battle with Serperior... He had stuck true to his last words, Ash didn't seem to feel any bitterness towards Ivysaur for his betrayal, or if he did he wasn't acting on it. Whether guilty or not, the last few years clearly had destroyed Ash, but still he showed little hostility towards Ivysaur, and any he did was clearly to just protect his identity.

Ivysaur closed his eyes, if Ash was a murderer, striking out with anger at those he was close to, then it made no sense for him to spare him. He had many times to get his revenge on Ivysaur, and he had seized none of the opportunities. The only one to take advantage of that was Serperior, and in that case Ash had protected him. Protected him, the traitor, from a Pokemon that had stayed loyal to him.

'Ash isn't guilty, is he?' Ivysaur asked himself quietly, and as the words left his mouth, he knew it was the truth. Ivysaur lowered his head, shaking. Ivysaur had thrown years of friendship away for a sense of justice. Justice that saw him as an object.

A sickening feeling rose within him. The guilt slowly began building up, sticking to his heart like tar, dark and sticky, spreading with each step. Ivysaur began to tremble, stomach churning as his mind raced, starting to take in what he had just accepted, as it tried to comprehend the guilt he was feeling. He had been wrong. He had spent all these years going on with his life, leaving someone behind that would have done anything for him. He forced himself to look up at Blaze one more time, shaking uncontrollably. Ivysaur gulped.

It's not like he could do much but stay quiet. One wrong action and someone might stumbled across the same conclusion he had about Blaze's identity, but without looking for another view. For now the only thing he could seem to do was stay out of the way, Serperior had tried to kill him, and there was no saying that the rest of Ash's team wouldn't try to do the same.

So Ivysaur simply took in a deep breath, trying to focus, but it was hard to with the sickening heaviness of the guilt rushing through him. They had arrived at the pavilion, which was empty except for two girls. Delia was sitting next to a crying May, trying to comfort the young coordinator. Blaze raised his head slightly, watching them for a moment before staring back down at his feet. Professor Oak took a deep breath, and headed towards them.

"No sign of Max, I take it?" Professor Oak asked quietly to May. Delia looked away, and May let out another sob.

"I- I- I just want to think that he ran off..." May whispered, "T-took off on a journey or something, b-but..." She hiccuped, "B-but he was so excited f-for the league..." She lowered her head, sobbing, "I shouldn't have said those things to him...!"

May took in a struggling breath, and to Ivysaur's relief there was no sign of her Blaziken out. Professor Oak glanced back at Blaze, who had stopped at the edge of the pavilion, leaning against one of the brick pillars holding up the covering, staring off into nothing. Ivysaur heard him let out a shaky breath as the professor turned, sitting down.

"...What happened to M-max?" A quiet voice asked.

Ivysaur shivered as Ash spoke, his first words since he had thanked the professor back at the hotel. His voice sounded so different than before he had ran... It was deeper, steadier, lacking the excitement that the old Ash use to have, but there was still a familiar tone to it. Ash simply shifted as everyone turned to look at him, looking down at his feet.

May sniffed before replying, "Max has been gone the last few days..."

Ivysaur watched Ash for some reaction. His arm twitched, touching his wounded shoulder, "I'm sorry..." He whispered, quietly, voice lost in thought.

Did Ash care? Was he worried too? Angry? Or perhaps joyful to see someone that had left him was suffering? Ivysaur didn't know how much these years had changed him- perhaps for the worst. Maybe Ash just was as dangerous as they originally thought, and was now seeking revenge for everyone turning on him!

Ivysaur forced himself to shake off the thought, it was like he couldn't accept that he had been wrong! He had to stop assuming, that's what had started this whole thing! Assuming something to be the truth before they even had the chance to see another view. He couldn't make that mistake again.

Speaking of which...

Ivysaur shifted uncertainly as he saw Brock approaching the pavilion, a man in a trench coat and a hat following behind him. Brock seemed surprised by everyone that was there, but then simply turned his focus to May, whom he had seemed to be expecting. Brock had spent a lot of time trying to help find Max, but the sight of the former gym leader made Ivysaur stiffen. Where did Brock fit into this whole mess? He had been the sole witness to the murder of Misty, the person that had revealed Ash's 'true' nature. But if Ash was innocent, then where did that leave Brock?

Ash was the next person to notice Brock after Ivysaur, and there was no denying the fear that ran through the boy, even with his face hidden by the hood. Ash quickly took a step back as soon as he realized who Brock was, his whole frame tensing up as if ready to run. Even though Brock didn't even seem to focus on 'Blaze', Ash turned slightly, as if he were a cornered Pokemon, staring at the pillar next to him, a noticeable tremble in his hands. Ivysaur watched Ash take a few more steps back, amazed at how the presence of one person had changed him.

Brock, on the other paw, was completely different to the last time Ivysaur had saw him. He worn a deep scowl on his face, fists clenched in anger. His neck seemed to have a twitch in it, teeth grinding together with each step. You could see the tension running along his clenched jaw. Ivysaur flinched, startled at the pure amount of hatred coming from someone he had been pretty close to these last few years. The man following Brock wore a face of stone however, showing no emotion unlike his companion. He had dark black hair like Ash, though flecked with gray, making it more charcoal in color. The man glanced around, eyes looking into Ivysaur's for a moment, then the Pokemon recognized him.

It was Agent Looker, from the International Police. Ivysaur felt a growl building up in his throat, and he forced himself to choke it down. This had been the man that had tried to take him from the professor, ready to throw out the fact that he had been acting in self defense simply because he had once been Ash's Pokemon! Bitterness ran through him, was that the justice system he had been depending on?!

"Brock... Are you alright?" Professor Oak asked, sounding slightly startled at how angry the Pokemon doctor looked.

Brock seemed to struggle for a moment before answering, as if trying to force himself to be calm, "N-no sir," He muttered, "I've definitely seen b-better days," He turned towards May, looking slightly pale, and Ivysaur frowned, "May," Brock said, and she looked up at him, unsurprised by his presence. She must have told Brock that she would be here, "This is my f-friend, Looker," He nodded towards Looker, "He... H-he-"

"I can handle this Brock," Agent Looker said, voice a void of calmness, "You just sit down," Looker pulled out a wallet from his pocket as Brock sat, flipping it open and showing May a badge within, "I'm Agent Looker, a member of the International Police, and an old friend of Brock's. He told me about your brother, and I believe that this could possibly have some connection to my current case," Looker sat down across from May, "If there's anyway you can tell me what happened exactly, I might be able to help you. If I can't, I can then help you get in contact with another agent that could help you f-find your brother."

May looked up at Agent Looker, hope in her eyes for the first time in days, which seemed to make the agent look away. Ivysaur let out a low growl, he didn't trust this man.

"T-thank you," May choked out, "I w-wasn't sure of what I w-was going to do-"

"You should always contact an Officer Jenny at the slightest suspicions," Agent Looker said, "Even if everything turns out to be alright, being safe is better than waiting, which leads to situations like this," His voice seemed hollow, like he was trying to be steady, but didn't believe what he was saying. The agent's hesitations seemed to go other everyone else's head, but to the suspicious Ivysaur, nothing slipped past his gaze.

She muttered quietly, "Max has been gone for about t-three nights now... We got in a fight and he ran off to train in the forest, probably just trying to take his mind off of everything..." May gulped a bit, "He's just been taking everything so personal lately, and has been so tense, and I guess I just made him snap. But he never came back after his training... I've been looking for him, but I haven't found anything," She let out another sob, "Now I'm just worried that I've waited too long to do something about him being gone!"

"Ma'am," Looker said, "Please just focus on me. Did he say anything on how long he was going to be gone?"

May shook her head, "No... I just assumed he'd be back by that night, since he had left behind his Pokemon egg, which isn't something he'd do for days on end," She looked at the orange Pokemon egg sitting in front of her, tucked away safely in an incubator.

Looker leaned back, closing his eyes, watching at Brock with knowing look, which made him clench his fists even tighter, knuckles starting to turn white. Did they know something? "I don't like the way this looks..." The agent muttered, but then quickly put on a calm face, giving May a forced smile, "Has Max been acting strange lately? Or perhaps talking to someone you think you don't know?"

May shook her head, "No, he's just mostly been around me, or off watching the battles. He loves Pokemon battles, took on the gym challenge back in Hoenn," She seemed a bit calmer, no longer crying, but she still took in ragged breaths. Ivysaur wished that Max could see May right now, and realize how much his sister truly did care about him.

Agent Looker tapped his fingers against the table for a moment, thinking, "I also don't like the fact that there was a storm last night, probably wiped away any sort of trail to follow..." He muttered, he turned to face Brock, "I could see if my Arcanine could pick up on anything..."

"D-do you think he simply got caught in the storm?" May asked quietly, but Ivysaur knew that couldn't be it, Max had been missing from even before the storm hit.

Agent Looker look a deep breath, then turned to face May, "...Ma'am, I think it is possible that we could be dealing with a much more serious issue," He hesitated, "...Is it possible that I could ask you several questions?"

"Yes...?" May said uncertainly, since he had already been doing that.

"So from what I understand from Brock, Max traveled with you when you first started your journey, correct?" Looker asked, and Ivysaur frowned, what did this have to do with anything going on now? May nodded after a moment, "And who else traveled with you during that time?" He asked in a way that suggested he already knew the answer.

May gave Brock a sideways glance before answering the agent, "Me, Max, Brock..." She looked at Delia, who was still sitting next to her, "...And A-ash."

Ivysaur looked towards Ash as she said this, and he couldn't cover up a flinch as his name was mentioned. Luckily no one was looking in his direction, and Ivysaur refocused his attention on the agent so he didn't draw any unwanted gazes towards Blaze. Ivysaur felt his eyes narrowing, Looker had clearly brought Ash up on purpose. He had done the same thing back at his hearing, and that couldn't be a coincidence...

"Were Max and Ash close in any particular way?" Looker asked.

"...Max looked up to him, at least... until the i-incident..." May shifted, "What does this have to do with Max being missing?"

"Either nothing," Looker said quietly, "...Or everything."

May froze as he said this, "W-wha-?!"

Delia's eyes widened, while the professor's narrowed. Ivysaur shuffled uncertainly, now realizing why Brock seemed so angry, and why this agent seemed obsessed with Ash. They thought Ash was involved with Max. Did that mean that they knew that Ash was here in Kanto? He risked another glance at "Blaze", who haven't even reacted. He just stood there, unmoving, like he didn't even care that they had just accused him of Max's disappearance. Ivysaur gulped, did that mean he knew what was going on, or...?

"It is a possibility," Agent Looker said quietly, watching everyone's reaction, "I... I have reason to believe that Ketchum may be in the areas surrounding the league, which the forest does fall into. He does have a history of-"

"Are you stupid?" A quiet voice growled, interrupting Looker. Everyone's attention shifted towards Delia, who was quivering with rage. Ivysaur gulped- Delia rarely got angry, "Do you honestly think my son would return to Kanto after everything that's happened to him here?!"'

Looker watched her for a moment, eyes narrowed, "Anything is possible, ma'am. You learn with my job that these kinds of people often don't have clear ways on how they think," He scanned Delia for a moment, frowning in confusion. He looked over her again, before shaking his head, continuing, "You're the boy's mother, and the only known living relative of Ash Ketchum. I'd like to ask you a few questions as well, Delilah."

Delia stiffened for a moment, but couldn't seem to bring herself to look Looker in the eye, "...My name is Delia," She replied coolly, a quiver in her voice. Ivysaur frowned, and Professor Oak clenched a fist, opening his mouth to speak, but was cut off as the agent continued.

Looker adjusted his hat, "Yes, legally 'Delia Ketchum' is your name, but according to the records I have your birth name was in fact Delilah Ketley, until you applied for a name change at the age nineteen, which also happens to only be a few months before Ash was born."

"And I don't see how that's any of your buisness," Professor Oak said, glaring at the agent, "You have already attempted to take an important Pokemon out of my possession, I will not have you harassing my neighbor."

"Harassing? I was merely stating a fact," Agent Looker replied calmly, "I have come across a few of her records while looking through Ash's history. Delilah's parents died when she was only twelve in a car crash," Delia flinched as he said this, "She was placed in foster care since her aunt wouldn't take her in, and was denied a license to train Pokemon..." He shifted his gaze from the professor to Delia, who was looking more vulnerable by the minute, "You then ran away from a foster home at age thirteen, and wasn't seen again until nearly six years later, now nineteen, being several months pregnant with the boy we now know as Ash. You arrived in Pallet Town in late winter on a combat trained D-dragonite," Looker paused for a moment, frowning. He blinked several times, shaking his head and continuing, "...Which now legally resides in the possession of Professor Oak on the terms that it is isolated from people and other Pokemon and not use in battle."

Delia winced, then quietly whispered, "Barlow."

Ivysaur twitched, he had seen a Dragonite with the professor several times, but he had never seen the creature up close. It didn't seem to like anyone, including Professor Oak, and spent most of its time in a Pokeball. Ivysaur frowned, was that the reason the professor had been allowed to keep him after he used combat force? Since he already owned a combat trained Pokemon? And why had someone so sweet like Delia been with it?

"You also have a sealed case on your records, one that even I wasn't able to even access, since it was demanded unrelated to my case" Agent Looker finished, looking intently at Delia, "Now Delilah, you were one of the few people, perhaps the only one, to support Ash during his trial. If there was anyone he'd go to while on the run, I believe you'd be the first one he'd approach," He stared at her, making his intent for what he wanted quite clear.

"I haven't seen Ash in three years," Delia replied quietly, looking shakened.

Looker shrugged, "Maybe you haven't... but then again perhaps you have."

"And what makes you think that I'd sell him out if I had?" Delia snarled, trembling, but was unable to make eye contact. Looker blinked as few times.

It took all of Ivysaur's willpower not to look back towards Ash. How would the agent react if he knew the person he was looking for was literally right in front of him?

"I am confident that I will have Ash in custody soon," Agent Looker replied calmly, "With or without help in locating him. However, the sooner I am able to apprehend him the better," He focused his gaze on Delia, "I will have a lot of influence on what will happen to Ash after his arrest," He said quietly, "Including if he will have visitation rights, or if he will be placed in solitary confinement, and such. Depending on how you interact with me could determine what happens to him after his arrest."

Delia wrapped her arms around herself, "I-"

"If you have any information regarding him, Delilah," Looker continued, "It may be in his best interest in the long run. And perhaps your own if you truly care for someone like him."

Professor Oak looked like he was ready to strangle the International Police officer, like with Ivysaur he only has had negative experiences with Looker, and the way he was treating Delia wasn't helping. Ivysaur had grown fond of Ash's mother these last few years, she treated him like her own Pokemon even if he had been against her son. Ivysaur was ready to step forward and chew out this agent, even if he couldn't understand him, but it was neither him or the professor that spoke up.

"Leave. Her. Alone." Blaze growled, voice deadly quiet. Ivysaur felt chills racing up his spine at the raw hatred coming from Ash. The boy didn't back down like he normally did as everyone's gaze turned towards him, but rather he took a step towards the table. Was Ash crazy?! This man was looking for him, Ash shouldn't be drawing attention to himself!

That's when Ivysaur finally saw something that truly reminding him of his old Ash- even if he was at risk, this was his mother- there was no way Ash would just stand by.

"I don't believe this is any of your business," Agent Looker said, scanning Ash, recognizing him from the hearing, then frowning once he realized he couldn't even see a hint of his face. Ivysaur didn't know how Ash did it, but that hood was impenetrable, "Blaze, was it?"

"It became my business the moment you threatened her," Ash hissed, voice unwavering, ignoring the question, "You're clearly supposed to be tracking down a criminal, but instead you're sitting here threatening a woman who has done nothing," Ash took a step forward, "I honestly hate unsurprised I am, but this is the true face of the International Police," He snorted, "Can't even get through a job without threats and manipulating."

"I have not stepped outside of the law," Looker replied.

"And you don't see a freaking problem with that?!" Ash screamed, taking another step forward, and several of them winced by his tone, "That it is completely legal for you make threats against someone about their child when they have nothing against you- when they're someone that probably doesn't even have the information you want! The International Police has too much power, no one to keep it check, and has been doing nothing but abusing the power that comes with the job!"

Looker's calmness slowly left his face, a smoldering anger taking it's place, "The members of the Agency are highly regulated, and the lives we lead are very stressful. We do not take our positions lightly, nor do we take advantage of it. I am currently tracking down a highly dangerous individual, someone that has killed in the past and is now doing it again, and I will take any advantages of any leads I have for the safety of the people I serve. There is a young boy missing, and I intend to find him."

Ash snorted, "Well, if your so determined to Max, then why don't you just look behind you?"

A frown crossed Looker's face, and a quiet voice said from behind them said, "...Hi guys..."

May let out a yelp, jumping as she heard the voice. She looked up, hope in her eyes as they darted around and landed on a worn out-looking Max. His shirt was wrinkled, pants caked with mud, and his shoes were wet, but he was there. May leaped to her feet, relief spreading across the coordinator's face. Ivysaur blinked, wondering how long Max had been there for, and how long Ash had known he had been there.

"Max!" May cried, racing towards her brother, throwing her arms around the young boy. He didn't put up a fight as he was crushed in her grip, tears of joy pouring from his eyes. Relief broke out across Brock's face, the intense anger seeping away. May pulled back, looking over Max, straightening his glasses, "Do you know how worried I was!?" She cried, though she wasn't truly angry, "Three nights Max! Three whole nights you were gone! Where on earth were you?!"

Max pushed her away, "Wasn't my fault," He muttered, adjusting his glasses, not making eye contact with her, or anyone for that matter. Brock approached the two siblings.

"Max," Brock said, "You don't know how glad I am to see you," Max took a step back as Brock approached, "May was barely eating she was so worried," He gave Max a level look, "In fact, we were all like that. Max, where were you?"

Max glanced behind him, to where a woman was standing off to the side. She had long green hair that was draw back, and a pair of dark blue eyes. She wore a sun hat on her head, and a Gallade stood guard next to her. Ivysaur frowned, knowing he had seen her before.

"I was with her," Max muttered quietly, eyeing Brock nervously. He took another step away from the Pokemon doctor, inching back towards the woman, only to be stopped as May pulled him into another hug.

Shivers raced through Ivysaur as he recognized the girl, she was one of the creepiest humans Ivysaur had ever met, even if it had been years ago. The grass type couldn't help but take a step back, and she looked towards him, eyes narrowing, before sweeping back towards Max, May, and Brock.

"...Sabrina," Brock muttered, recognizing her as well. His voice was steady, but he couldn't hide his nervousness, and Ivysaur couldn't blame him. When Ash had challenge her to a gym battle so long ago... He shuddered.

Sabrina gave Brock the dryest smile she could manage, "Ah, hello Brock. It's been awhile, hasn't it? I haven't seen much of you since you gave up your title as gym leader to your little brother," She placed a hand on her hip, scanning him, eyes glowing slightly, "Well well, it looks like people can change!" She said in mocked surprised, "It looks like you haven't done as much lying lately!"

A frown flickered on Brock's face, and he tensed, "...What do you mean?"

Her smile flickered into a smirk, "Ah, you were doing so well too! We both know that's a lie- you know what I'm talking about," She took a step forward, and Brock stiffened, "I mean, everyone lies in their lives, but what you did..." She clicked her tongue, shaking her head in a mocking manner, then she winked, "Don't worry, I'll stay quiet- for now. It's not like anyone would believe a psychic like me. But one day everyone will know what you did. I wonder if they'll forgive you..." She smiled again, "I wonder if he'll forgive you."

Brock shuffled back, eyes flickering down to his feet guiltily. He gave a small gulp, looking up slightly as people began to watched him uncertainly. Ivysaur glanced around; Looker had pushed himself to his feet, Ash had his gaze fixed on Sabrina, and Max was chewing on his lip.

"What are you talking about?" Max asked Sabrina quietly.

She gave him a smile, "You're not stupid Maxy," She replied, "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, just give it some thought," Her eyes glowed again, making Ivysaur shiver once more, "Oh yes, Max, I believe you left your Pokeballs in your backpack, in case you think you've misplaced them."

Ivysaur blinked in confusion, but Max slide off his backpack, practically diving into it like Sabrina had told him that there was a legendary in there. Max pulled out a Pokebelt that had five Pokeballs attached. Relief spread across his face as he hooked it around his waist.

"Max," Brock said horsely, "Why were you with- with her?"

"May I ask the same thing?" Looker asked, taking off his hat and approaching Sabrina, eyes cold, "While I'm glad to see that the boy is indeed unharmed, I cannot feel the same about him being in the company of a psychic. Especially one who has history with the police."

Sabrina gave Looker a small wave, "Hello! It's been some time since I've talked with International Police member, though I don't think I know of you personally. Though it seems you have heard of me," Her mocking tone faded away, "And the reason why Max was with me is really none of your business, Officer, but if you must know I found him unconscious in the woods. I kept an eye on him until he woke up, and by then the storm had hit, so we had no choice but to wait it out until now," She shrugged at Looker's doubting glare, "Don't believe me? Ask the boy."

Looker glanced at Max for confirmation, who simply shrugged, "Yeah, that's the... basics."

Ivysaur frowned as Max refused to look anyone in the eye. There was a slight tremble to the boy, shifting as if on edge. There was a far off look to his gaze, lost in thought as he tried to keep up with what was happening around him.

"Now I was planning on taking my leave once I got you here, Max," Sabrina said, adjusting her bag, eyes focused on something in the distance, "I took you back to the league, as promised, but it seems I have another problem on my hands," Her gaze narrowed, "And just what do you think you're doing out here, Blaze?"

"...None of your buisness, Sabrina," Ash replied tensely, a new tone in his voice. It was still angry, but there was a layer of nervousness underneath. He turned away, bitterness entering his voice, "But I'm sure you'll just take your liberty of your powers and find out anyways, right?" He snapped, wheeling away from her, sorrow now developing in his tone, "Barge into my life you always do! Because since when I ever get a freaking choice on what happens to me!"

Sabrina blinked, and Ivysaur looked away as he realized that Ash's emotional shield was fading away. The psychic's tone softened, "Blaze, what's going on-?"

"Oh! Asking now, are we?" Ash snapped, turning to face her, fists clenched, "That's a first!"

Max was staring at Ash, flinching at every word that came from the boy. Ivysaur frowned at this, and risked approaching Ash. His former trainer whipped his gaze towards him, the dark void of his hood glaring into Ivysaur's eyes. While Blaze's voice screamed anger, the way he held himself seemed to be crying fear. Ash stared at Ivysaur for a few more seconds, before quickly turning away from him and everyone else.

"Blaze," Professor Oak began, but Ash just cut him off.

"Not now, Professor," Ash muttered, leaning up against a post of the pavilion, "Arceus, please, not now..." He slammed a palm against the brick, "I just- I just- Just leave me alone!" He sobbed, shaking harder.

Sabrina stared at him, "Blaze, what happened?" She asked, tone hardening again.

Professor Oak stood up, "Sabrina, correct?" He said tensely. She nodded, keeping her eyes on Ash, "I don't know your relationship with the boy, but I must ask you to leave him alone. Now is not the time to approach in the manner you are, nor do I think anytime is," Professor Oak's gaze turned cold, "In fact, considering that he spoke negatively of you to me earlier today, I'm going to ask you to stay out of his way entirely. Respect his choice to be left alone."

Sabrina frowned, eyes glowing slightly, and Blaze tensed. The glow died down, and Sabrina turned to face Professor Oak, "He's not alone right now though, is he?" She replied, "And as you said, you don't know my relationship with the boy, but I can guarantee that I know more about him that you do- and more than you'd be willing to accept. If anyone is going to asked for someone to stay out of his way, it's going to be me requesting that of you, Professor," Her gaze turned back towards Ash.

She seemed unconcerned about everyone else around them, the way Max was rocking back and forth as if he were queasy, or how May couldn't seem to believe that Max was right in front of her. Delia was the only one who remained sitting down, staring at Agent Looker with fear and uncertainty, and how Professor Oak couldn't seem to decide who to have his focus on, his eyes flickering about. Brock stood next to Looker, not quite sure of what to make of the new situation.

"Blaze, what happened?" Sabrina asked again, voice cold, "I can sense that-"

"That what?" Ash snapped, "That your stupid little psychic barrier is gone? Well, it is. Apparently the trauma I went through last night was enough to shatter it, at least according to our little 'friend'," He pointed to his head, "Thank you for blocking him out without even mentioning it to me," He snarled, taking a step towards Sabrina, "Because, you know, having those nightmares every time I went to sleep was just so helpful!"

Sabrina stiffened, "You've had contact with it?"

Ash turned away, "Yes. To have all of this dumped on me after... after..." Ash lowered his head, voice trembling, on the verge of tears. He wrapped his arms around himself, "...A-after he a-attacked me..." Ash whispered, shaking, "Sabrina, he a-attacked me, and I d-don't know what to do... I don't k-know..."

Suddenly Ash broke down into sobs, his emotions crashing down on him, shattering his cold facade. Ivysaur's insides twisted, wanting to race forward and try to comfort him, but... But Ivysaur was afraid. He had no right to go near Ash, not after what he did... Not after he had turned against Ash...

Max took a step forward, and Sabrina held out a hand, "Let me handle this Max," She growled, all coldness slipping away from her. Sabrina's eyes glowed for a moment, but then faded, as if she had decided not to use her powers, "...Blaze, who attacked you?" She asked quietly, worry in her tone, and she took a step forward, "Was it-?"

She was cut off as a bright white light erupted from Blaze's bag, accompanied by the sound of a Pokeball opening. Ivysaur scrambled back, half expecting Serperior to come bursting out and slash him with a Leaf Blade. Instead though, a sleek black fox materialized in front of Blaze, it's ears up and eyes alert. Blaze inched back, while the Pokemon whipped his red mane around, eyes fixated on something in the distance.

The Zoroark was unfamiliar to Ivysaur- he knew that Ash had never caught one before- but who was to say that he hadn't gotten more Pokemon while on the run. The illusion fox Pokemon sniffed the air, eyes wide and hopeful, 'Mama,' He muttered, suddenly taking off.

Ash stiffened as the Zoroark bolted away from the pavilion, darting down towards the streets. Ivysaur hesitated, before charging after the much faster dark type, who had already reached the bustling streets of the league, where people were quickly moving out of the speeding Zoroark's way, whose gaze was focused on two humans.

One was a woman with dark purple hair and bright golden eyes, who was walking with a young child with bright green hair. A scraggly looking Pansage sat in the boy's arms, who looked alarmed at the sight of the Zoroark barreling right at him. The woman paused, eyes widening as the Zoroark suddenly slammed into her, knocking her to the ground. Ivysaur winced, while the crowd let out startled gasps.

The Zoroark looked happily down at the woman he had pinned to the ground, watching as an illusion faded away from around her, revealing a shiny Zoroark in her place, 'Hi Mama!' Zoroark cried happily, a craggy grin on his face.

You guys wanted to see what was going on with Ivysaur... So you got a whole chapter from Ivysaur's POV! (Originally it wasn't going to be, but it ending up flowing quite nicely that way, and it was nice to see all of the characters from fresh POV.) Max has finally been reunited with the group, we learn a bit about Delia's past, and a certain shiny Zoroark makes her second appearance!

I hoped you guys enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you next time! :)