Guest Review Replies:

Emerald Moon: Get use to the cliffhangers... because there's going to be more, hehehe.

I know what you mean, compared to the rest of the story, chapter 49 was quite happy.

Zoroark is just mischievous, he'll do anything to cause trouble or to tease Ash.

Charizard has calmed down around Ash enough to listen to him again, but Charizard is FAR from tame, trust me. He's still more than willing to tear out someone's throat, especially if that someone is involved with Team Rocket.

FollowedReader: Yep! A happy chapter at last! (Don't get use to it though...)

And thank you for such a nice review! :)

Pokefan111: Don't worry Pokefan, I have not forgotten about Charizard's mega stone... it's still in the Dragonair-skin pouch on his neck... :)

Guest: Yes, seeing Delia again is really what Ash needs. We'll see their reunion in this chapter. You have a lot of interesting predictions, but I'm not going to say anything because I don't want to spoil anything.

Thank you for the review.

guest: Thank you so much! :)


PLEASE READ:

I just want everyone to know that after this chapter that I'm going to be taking a small break with this story. I promise it won't be too long, just a little breather before we start the next arc, which is going to be very action-heavy. Honestly this break could be anywhere from several days to several weeks, it just depends on how I feel, it might not even be noticeable. Thank you for understanding. :)

But boy, you guys weren't happy with the cliffhanger last chapter... but I'm afraid all I have to say is to get use to it, there's going to be a lot more cliffhangers in the future!

Also, WolfPeakProductions on DeviantArt drew an awesome drawing of Charizard, go check it out before you read the chapter! It's really cool! :D


Chapter Fifty – The Beginning of the End

"M-mom."

The word almost hurt as it left his mouth, so much longing and sorrow packed into one simple sound. Ash could hear the desperation in his own voice as he let his hood fall back, showing himself to his mother. He winced as the light of the room shone on him, illuminating his pale face. Ash's eyes flickered around the room, as if afraid to see what her reaction would be.

But soon they landed on Delia, two sets of brown eyes locking on each other. Ash took in a sharp breath as he found his gaze trapped in hers, her eyes wide, expression almost unreadable. His mother simply stared at him, unmoving. Her whole body was stiff and rigid, as if she were afraid to move.

Ash's mouth was dry, and he was unable to say another word. He could only stand there, shaking, feeling more vulnerable than he ever had in his life. Her eyes flickered across his body, before meeting his gaze once more. Though only seconds had passed, it felt like it had been an eternity until she moved– one foot moving forward, her hands going to her heart.

"A-ash?" Delia whispered, her voice so quiet that Ash barely heard it. His heart thumped at the sound of her voice, at his name on her lips.

Arceus– he had missed her so much.

Still unable to speak, Ash simply gave her the smallest of nods. One hand was brought up to her mouth, tears entering her eyes. She stared at him for a moment longer, then suddenly she was racing at him. Ash stiffened at the swift movements, and her arms were thrown around him. He felt his form being pressed up against her, a desperate embrace holding him close. He could feel her quivering, shaking with silent sobs.

For the first time in years such close contact didn't feel so restraining. Ash blinked, several tears entering his own eyes as he squeezed them shut, leaning against her.

Delia pulled him back, but only far enough so she could look at him. Her hands were placed on his face, tilting his head so they were looking at each other. Ash was startled to find that he was now the same height as his mother, if not taller– which was not something he remembered. She ran a hand over his face, looking into his eyes, taking in every inch of him.

"It is you," Delia whispered. "It really is you."

"M-mom," Ash croaked back, it seemed to be the only thing he could say. So many thoughts running though him, but yet this was the only thing that could get past his lips. She was here, his mother was here.

He found himself being brought back into her tight embrace, and in return Ash wrapped his own arms around her. He buried his head into her shoulder, his arms holding her as if she was going to be torn from him. She pressed a small kiss to the top of his head, her gentle arms holding him just as tightly. Ash felt as his heart was going to burst– not with pain, not with guilt– but with joy.

He squeezed his eyes shut again, trying to hold back the tears, but it did nothing. Within moments Ash found himself crying, sobs rattling his chest as they forcefully escaped him. They were not the frightened sobbings of his breakdowns, or the tears of when he was consumed with the racking guilt. He hadn't cried like this in years, and he wasn't sure if the tears were of joy or of pain.

"Ash?" Delia whispered, and by her voice he could tell that she was crying as well, though not nearly as violently as him. He tried to hold it back, to reign back his escaping emotions, but he couldn't. He continued crying into her shoulder, not wanting to move.

He felt her hands rubbing his back, trying to comfort him as if he were still a young child. And for the first time in years that's how he felt– he didn't want to leave this room. He didn't want to face the cruel reality awaiting him outside. He wanted to stay here, stay safe in his mother's arms, he wanted–

"I want to go home," Ash whispered between his tears, voicing the one desire he had pushed away for so long. His fingers dug into Delia's shoulders. "Mom, please, mom, I can't do this anymore. I– I w-want to go home."

Delia was still, her son clinging to her as he released everything he had been holding back. She looked down at him, mouth part way open, lips quivering as she tried to form a response. You could see the broken look in her eyes, the look of sorrow as she stared down at her shattered son.

"I'm r-right here Ash..." She whispered, refusing to release him. "I'm right here, I swear I'm not going to let anyone take you from me," Somehow, she managed to hug him tighter. "I'm right here Ash, thank Mew you're alive... I'm not going to let go..."

Ash swallowed back another sob, listening to her words. They seemed to pull him from broken mind, and his throat tightened. How could he say that to her? How could he say he wanted to be home when he knew he couldn't? Home wasn't an option, it hadn't been for the last three years. He couldn't do this to her, he couldn't place her in danger.

But still he didn't move, simply hugging his mother.

It was several minutes until they pulled away, but still they were only a step apart as they did so. Ash wiped away a few lingering tears on his sleeve, shaking. This felt so much different than the other times he lost control over himself, when the trauma and the breakdowns would overwhelm him. Instead it felt like a pressure on him had been relieved, the released emotions free at last.

But even still, he couldn't bring himself to relax. He stared at his mother, her eyes red from crying, and he wondered if he looked the same. They were both gazing at each other, as if they still couldn't believe what was in front of them. She touched his cheek, a sad smile on her face. Happy to see her son, sorrowful to see the pain he was in.

"You're alive," She whispered.

"Y-yeah," He muttered, voice hoarse. She looked over him once more, a small frown appearing on her face.

Delia bit her lip for a moment. "...You were Blaze?"

"I– I was," Ash managed to reply, flinching.

More tears then entered her eyes. "That means... everything that Blaze did...?"

She didn't need to say any more for him to know what what she was talking about. The storm was all too fresh in his mind, Ivysaur and the professor finding him before... Ash turned away, heart hammering.

"I'm sorry."

"No!" Delia cried, grabbing his shoulders. She looked sad– panicked. "Don't say that! Ash, I– I–" She pulled back. "I wasn't there for you..."

She wrapped her arms around herself, a look of guilt on her face. Ash took a step towards her, hands shaking.

"You were," Ash whispered, insisting as she turned her head away. "M-maybe you didn't know it at the time, but you were there for me... You talked to me, your story was what I needed to hear then and– and– I don't feel that way anymore. I d-don't think I do..."

Ash fell silent, and Delia turned to face him again. He found a kiss being planted on his forehead. "Promise I always will be there for you, Ash."

Ash could only nod at these words, so many emotions rushing through him. His world spun around him, his mind racing aright alongside his heart. It felt almost like a dream, though it wasn't nightmarish like his dreamscape had been. He grabbed his mom's hand, gripping it tightly. He could have sworn he felt her own heartbeat, or perhaps it was just his own echoing through him. He didn't care, it was enough to tell him that this was real.

"...I love you, Mom," He whispered, the words foreign on his tongue.

Delia smiled, and for the first time there was no trace of sorrow in it.

"I love you more than the world itself, Ash," She replied, rubbing her thumb along the back of his hand, and thoughts of his youth entered his mind. Ash blinked for a moment, and felt his own smile tugging at his lips.

And for once, he didn't resist it.

Ash stepped forward, closing the gap and bringing Delia into another hug. No tears fell from him this time, his emotions feeling too scrambled to settle on one. It felt like it was a lot to take in, but there was two things he did know.

There was no anger running through him, and the sorrow wasn't overwhelming him. And even if it was only for a moment, Ash felt the tiniest flicker of hope.

Ash's eyes opened, and he took this all in. Even after years of being apart, his mother had still accepted him, still trusted him, and had still loved him. He had missed her so much, but he hadn't realized how much he needed her until he was with her again.

Ash let his eyes slide shut, letting himself slip away in his joy.


"There you are, Dawn!"

Max scowled slightly as his sister called out– this was not how he wanted to approach Dawn– but unfortunately May didn't seem to notice the unhappy look on his face. She rushed right up to her fellow coordinator as soon as they spotted her. She sat down at the cafe table, next to Dawn, a cheerful smile on her face. She signaled Max to come over as well, before turning to face Dawn.

Max's scowl deepened, though it wasn't at Dawn or his sister– his eyes were locked on those who were with Dawn.

He didn't want to see Brock right now.

Brock, Gary, Dawn– and now May– were all sitting at a cafe table, the small place pretty empty compared to the many other restaurants around the league. Most people were either grabbing a quick bite at a fast food chain, or they were spending their time and money at the nicer restaurants. Max supposed that was one good thing, that they weren't in a middle of a crowd.

Brock was doing his best to look anywhere but towards Max, his eyes currently fixated on his half-eaten salad. He was next to Gary, who was sitting next to Dawn. Max took in a deep breath, and slowly headed towards his sister. Though things were getting better between them ever since their discussion of Ash, it wasn't perfect yet. May still tended not to notice when something was upsetting him, which unfortunately was happening right now.

Yes, Dawn was probably their next best bet on finding someone who would take Ash's side– but couldn't they wait until Brock wasn't around?

"Hi guys," Dawn said quietly, shifting uncertainly. She didn't make eye contact with them, which made May frown.

"Everything alright?" May asked, and Max tried his hardest not to roll his eyes– how about the fact that she had just been attacked and almost killed nearly two weeks prior? He supposed May was just trying to make conversation, but still...

"She's been like this since... you know," Gary said, glancing towards Brock. "I guess we all have, though."

"Nah," Max said through gritted teeth, standing behind May. "I've actually been doing much better these last few weeks."

Brock raised his head at this, looking surprised. Max adjusted his glasses, glaring at him. May grabbed Max by his sleeve, dragging him into the chair next to her. Max bristled– that left only one chair between him and Brock. At least he wasn't sitting next to him. Max glanced back at Gardevoir, who had been lingering back, silently begging her to come closer. She was really the only one that understood him at the moment.

"Oh, I thought that you'd... be unhappy with what happened," Brock said slowly, and Max tensed.

Gardevoir laid a hand on Max's shoulder, though he didn't relax.

"And I thought that you wouldn't want to talk to me ever again or something," Max spat. Though his words were out of bitterness, there was a truth to them. He thought that Brock would despise him for even considering that Ash was innocent.

Brock took in a deep breath, a look of conflict on his face. "I... I will not hate someone for having a different... opinion. Though I do not agree with you."

Max had a feeling Brock was only saying this because he believed that Ash was still in custody. The thought of Ash still being free brought a smirk to Max's face though, and he sat up a bit.

Max had tried to look at things from Brock's point of view– to him Ash was someone that had killed someone he had cared for, that he was dangerous. Max had tried to remind himself that he to had thought Ash was a killer as well, but still he just couldn't bring himself to forgive Brock.

It was because he had seen Ash's memories– he knew that Brock had lied about Ash– both to his friends and to the court. He had denied someone a fair trial, someone that had turned out to be innocent... Brock had lied to them– and had proceeded to get Ash arrested after he had saved him. Brock just refused to see any other option with Ash, and was willing to lie to those he called friends out of hatred for Ash.

Max gritted his teeth. "Well, for the record, I think that you're a horrible person."

"Max!" May cried, turning to face him, looking shocked at this. Well, everyone looked surprised, all four of them staring at him as he said this. Max merely snorted.

"Don't be suprised May," Max said, crossing his arms. "You said you believed me, you should know how I feel."

Brock's eyes narrowed. "Believe him?" Brock muttered, turning towards May. "Don't tell me you think that– that person is innocent, May! You saw what he did!"

May looked flustered as the focus turned towards her. She hesitated at the attention, briefly glancing at Max. He gave her a meaningful glare– if she was truly on his side then she shouldn't hide it.

"Y-yes, I did see what A-ash did," She gulped. "He saved me and Dawn– and you," She took in a deep breath, and looked up at Brock. "So yes, I do believe Max, and I believe Ash. I think he's innocent."

Max smiled at her words, while Brock recoiled. Dawn was watching May, an uncertain expression on her face, while Gary stared at his plate. Max was glad that May wasn't backing down with the spotlight on her, staying true to what she had said to him.

...Perhaps it wasn't a bad thing having Brock around at the moment– he should know where they stand.

Max knew that he should be trying to get everyone to leave like he had promised Ash, but getting everyone to believe seemed more important. While he knew that there would be no way to change how Brock felt, perhaps there was a chance with Gary and Dawn.

"Thank you May," Max said, a bit louder than necessary. "At least someone here can be honest– unlike someone I know," He focused his glare on Brock. "Isn't that right, Brock?"

Okay, maybe starting fights wasn't what he should be doing, but Max didn't care. Brock had lied to all of them about what had happened to Misty, even if it was just the tiniest change to his story, it changed everything. Everyone deserved to know this, for Ash's sake they deserved to know.

Dawn and Gary blinked, clearly uncomfortable being caught in the middle of this.

Brock gulped. "I don't know what you're–"

"He's talking about what that Porygon said," May growled. "The one that said you lied in court," She hesitated. "Is... is that true Brock? Did you lie just to get Ash in jail? Did you... did you lie to all of us?"

Brock's eyes widened for a moment, looking slightly pale.

"I– the plaintiff said–" Brock began, fumbling for his words.

Max gritted his teeth. "I don't care what they said– did you lie to us or not?"

Everyone was watching Brock, waiting to see what he would say. His eyes were glued down at his plate, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. Finally he took in a deep breath, hands shaking.

"...I just did what the lawyer for the plaintiff told me to do," Brock whispered. "M-misty was already dead when I arrived on scene– but everything else I said was true! They altered my story slightly, and I will admit that I was too angry at the time to care, okay?"

"You lied in court?" Gary muttered, eyes widening. "You lied while under oath?"

Brock looked away. "What else was I supposed to do? I couldn't let him have the chance to walk away–!"

"So you couldn't give an innocent man a fair trial?" Max growled.

"He's not innocent!" Brock snarled, leaping to his feet. He glared at Max. "He's not the same boy you once admired, he's a cold blooded–!"

"He's not a murderer!" Max screamed back, cutting off Brock. "How hard is it for you to see that! Do you want to know what he was doing that day with Misty, Brock? He was protecting her– he was freaking trying to fight off the real killer!" Max cried. "I know, I saw his memories– I saw his memories!"

"That lizard was covered in blood–!"

"From battling the Blaziken that tore Misty apart!" Max cried, and Brock flinched. Lying or not, memories of Misty's body were still painful to him. But Max didn't care, he had worse memories of the event in his mind. "And I know he's not the same person, he told me that himself! He talked to me, he never hurt me..."

Max looked at Dawn and Gary– there was no point in trying to convince Brock.

"Y-you what else he told me?" Max asked, voice cracking slightly. "He said that he doesn't hold anything against us... after everything we did Ash still has forgiven us..." Max gulped. "He told me that he wants all of to leave the league– something's going to happen! W-we need to leave!"

"We're not doing anything that he–" Brock snarled.

"Brock?" Dawn's voice was quiet, causing Brock's gaze to flicker towards her as she spoke. There were tears in her eyes, a look of confusion filling them.

"Y-yes?" Brock asked, flinching back. Though Max didn't relax, he was at least glad to see that Brock looked guilty. Even though he knew it wasn't for what he had done to Ash, at least he felt guilty for lying to them.

"Brock... if Ash is a killer, then why did he save us?" Dawn asked him, fists tightened. "That's what's been bothering me– if he wanted us dead then why did he save us from R-rocket?" She looked up at Brock. "Why did he save you from his Ch-charizard? He had us all right there, he could have– he could have–"

Her voice faltered, and she pulled back towards Gary.

Brock gritted his teeth. "Probably didn't want any witnesses, and we're so close to the league–" Brock's eyes flickered towards Gary. "I mean– he attacked you after the trial–"

Gary hesitated. "...He didn't kill me though. He knocked me out at the lab, he could have ended me there, but..."

Brock stared at Gary. "Don't tell me that... that you're considering that– that A-ash could be innocent because he didn't kill you when he attacked you and broke into your home?"

Gary sighed. "I'm not saying he's innocent... but Brock, you have to be honest– he's not acting like a guilty man. If he really killed Tracey at the lab... then why not me? And to be fair... I was reaching for a knife when he attacked me," Gary shifted. "I honestly don't know what to think anymore– but why would a murderer save you guys?"

"Because he's not a murderer," Max insisted, standing up. Everyone's attention turned towards him. "He protected you, didn't he Dawn? You've been alone with him before and he did nothing to you! And the breakdowns we witnessed– do you think he was faking that?! Why would he draw attention to himself?"

May hesitated for a moment. "He was afraid of my Blaziken guys– the same Pokemon he claimed attacked M-misty. Why would he have to act afraid of them when he's pretending to be 'Blaze'? Where's the logic in that?"

Gary closed his eyes. "The only logic would be that he truly does fear Blazikens, and that would mean he'd have to have a reason to fear them," He hesitated. "Like his best friend being attacked by one..." Gary gulped, glancing towards Brock. "...The only way this makes sense is if Ash is innocent... it's the only way..."

Max felt his heart racing as Dawn nodded slowly in agreement– this was working! They were seeing the truth!

"Gary, he attacked you–" Brock muttered, sounding desperate.

"Brock," Gary said, his voice hard. "If Ash truly was guilty, then why would the plaintiff feel the need to change your story? Why would they need a witness to lie about what they saw?"

Brock looked like he had just been struck.

"I... I–" Brock couldn't seem to say anything. He was looking at all of them, as if hoping they'd take their words back.

Dawn stared down at his hands. "B-but that means... that means we just let them take Ash away... again."

Max opened his mouth, but he wondered if it would be safe to say if Ash was free or not in front of Brock.

But honestly, that didn't matter, because they believed. Two more people knew the truth of Ash's innocence. Max smiled, feeling that for once something was going right.


Looker had to keep his gaze glued to the ground to keep his emotions under control.

Delia and Ash were walking behind him, the two of them walking side by side. Ash once again had Zoroark by his side, the current illusion hiding him giving him the appearance of a young boy with fiery red hair and bright golden eyes. The Zoroark itself was disguised as a Flareon, happily walking at it trainers side.

He hadn't wanted to the end their reunion– both Ash and Delia's, and then his and Barlow's– but he knew the longer he waited the higher chance someone would noticed that the building was in use. It had been for the best, though guilt was running through him knowing that they'd all be separated after this.

Ash couldn't linger around Delia– that would only attract attention. And while Looker could technically take Barlow into his custody, he knew that now wasn't the time to selfish.

He needed to find the other agents and see if they had all received the data.

It seemed that Ash had told Delia that Looker didn't have him under arrest– since she hadn't been fearful or cold towards him since coming to get them. She had even smiled at him, though her full attention was on Ash.

That smile had been painful.

"Where are you going to be from now on?" Delia asked Ash, a small flicker of uncertainty in her gaze. He seemed to be keeping some distance from her– most likely to keep up appearances now that they were in public.

"...I'll be around," Ash replied quietly, though he seemed at ease. His gaze was just locked on his mother's, replying to her every question with little hesitation. "I... have a few things I need to take care of."

"I'll get to see you again, right?" Delia asked.

Ash looked away– torn between being near her, and her safety of being away from him. Ash seemed unable to respond, struggling to come up with some answer. Looker was sure that he didn't want to promise his mother something he couldn't keep, while at the same time Ash clearly didn't want to lose her again.

Looker's hand closed around Barlow's Pokeball– once this was over he would make sure they were never separated again.

"I promise that you two will see each other again," Looker said, entering into their conversation for the first time. He uncertainly glanced back, finding that they were both watching him. His hand twitched, but he forced his gaze back ahead.

Yes, he would make sure that they were together– but beyond that it would not be his place to interfere with their lives. These two were family– and he wasn't a part of it. Perhaps once he had held a role in her life, perhaps he had brought Ash into this world, but he had never been apart of their family. Looker was sure it would be better if he stayed back.

When it was time though, he would at least let them know who he was.

...But perhaps even that was selfish thinking.

"Professor!" Delia called out, snapping Looker out of his thoughts. Delia was waving towards the pavilion as they approached, the older professor looking up at Delia.

Ivysaur was still on the professor's lap, fast asleep at the moment. Professor Oak raised a hand as he saw them approaching. Looker slowed down slightly, hoping to be with just Ash and Delia a bit longer, but Delia increased her pace. She hurried towards the professor, a huge smile on her face.

Professor Oak on the other hand looked nervous– which made sense when Looker thought about it. He believed that Ash had been arrested, and probably thought Delia would be meeting her son restrained, and mostly likely about to be hauled off to a prison. Of course no such circumstances had happened, but the professor was probably expecting the worse.

"Hello Delia," Professor Oak said softly, unable to stand thanks to the napping Ivysaur. "...Did everything go okay?"

Delia wrapped her arms around the professor, several tears entering her eyes.

"He's alive Samuel," She whispered. "He's alive, my baby boy is alive."

"I know," Professor Oak muttered, shifting. "Did you speak to him?"

Delia looked back towards Ash, still hidden away in his illusion. Professor Oak glanced at him as well, seemingly not noticing that this appeared to be a completely different person than who had originally been with Looker. Ash pulled back at the attention, his Flareon-Zoroark pressing up against his leg.

"I did," Delia whispered, and she sat down next to Professor Oak. Unable to directly interact with Ash without arousing suspicion, she took to speaking of what had taken place instead. "Samuel, he's grown so much, and even after all of these years he was still the same sweet boy," She gave a sad smile. "He missed me Samuel, even though I couldn't be there for him he still cared," She looked up at the professor. "He's safe Samuel, my Ash is safe."

It was quite clear their opinions of Ash differed, but Professor Oak still respectfully nodded.

"I am glad it went well," Professor Oak said, laying a hand on Delia's arm, and Looker tensed. Professor Oak then shifted his gaze to Looker. "May I have the Dragonite back now?"

This only made Looker tense more, Barlow's Pokeball was still in his hands. His knuckles went white as he gripped the worn sphere. He had just gotten Barlow back– he didn't want to lose him again!

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Looker said, eyes flickering towards Delia. "As an agent of the International Police I have the right to take custody of combat Pokemon– which I shall do now. Professor Oak, you no longer have the right to Barlow."

Delia took in a breath, tensing at these words. Professor Oak's eyes narrowed.

"The dragon has done no harm–" He began, sitting up, but Looker cut him off.

"And I transfer ownership to the one that should have had him this whole time," Looker finished, and he held out the Pokeball towards Delia. "Barlow is now legally yours, Delilah."

Her birth name slipped through his lips before he could stop it, but she didn't seem to notice. Her eyes widened at Looker's words, disbelief of her face. As quickly as an Arbok she leapt forward, snatching the Pokeball from him. His heart sank a little as Barlow was taken from him, though it quickly rose once he saw the look on her face.

She held the sphere to her heart, looking at it almost as fondly as she did with Ash. She only held it for a moment, and her finger quickly pressed down on the release button. A burst of white light expanded from the Pokeball, and Barlow was released once more.

"Bah!" Barlow cried happily upon being freed from the sphere. A smile spread across his face, looking down at Delia.

"Barlow!" She cried, and the Dragonite quickly scooped her up, bringing her into a hug.

A smile spread across Looker's face as he watched his first Pokemon nuzzle Delia, letting out a happy rumble. For a creature of such awesome power, he was nothing short of gentle with her. Delia wrapped her arms around his snout, looking into his coppery eyes. While she didn't cry like she had upon being with Ash, the same smile was on her face.

"Roo!" Barlow cooed, looking down at her. He set her on her feet, though he pulled close to her. She stroked his head as he leaned down, causing him to rumble happily once more.

"Today... today has been so crazy, Barlow..." She whispered, and she looked up at the towering dragon. "I saw Ash, Barlow," She told the dragon in a hushed tone, tears entering her eyes. "I know you haven't seen him since he was a baby, but he's grown so much, I know you'd love him."

Professor Oak threw a worried glance in Looker's direction– it was quite clear that legally Barlow should have never had any interaction with Ash. Looker didn't acknowledge that he had noticed this however, simply watching the delicate interactions between them. In his memories it was quite clear that Barlow had loved Delilah to pieces, so seeing them together once more made him feel warm.

Barlow looked up as Delia gave him a hug, his gaze meeting Looker's. The Dragonite smiled as their eyes met, and he gave his trainer a small nod. Looker gave a small nod in return– as much as he wanted Barlow back, he knew this was the best place for him to be. Delia couldn't be near Ash for long, so she could at least have Barlow with her.

Looker shifted his gaze to Ash, who was still watching his mother. It took a moment for Ash to realize he was being watched, and Looker tilted his head slightly. He didn't want to do this, but it was time to go. Delia should be safe with Barlow protecting her, and with he and Ash only headed towards danger it would be best if they left.

Ash's lips pressed together, but he nodded in understanding. On the inside Looker smiled, it seemed that Ash now trusted him.

"Wait!"

Looker paused as he turned to leave, Delia calling out to them. He knew that she'd want to say goodbye to Ash, but it was also important to protect his identity. Looker hesitated, but paused to let them say their farewells.

But to his surprise, Delia was looking at him.

Looker stared at her as she approached him, her gaze flickering towards Ash. He could tell that she was torn– wanting to be close to her son, but also wanting to protect him. Ash watched her, but looked away to show that he understood. Delia gulped, before turning her gaze and looking Looker in the eye.

Delia paused as they made eye contact, and Looker's heart raced. She stared at him for a moment, blinking slowly, before finally shaking her head.

"Thank you," She said. "Thank you for letting me see them again."

Looker resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her. "Of course."

"Bah!" Barlow called, looking between them. Clearly the dragon wanted him to reveal who he was, but now wasn't the time.

Delia turned away, this time turning towards Ash. Once more Looker saw that look of hesitation on her, as if she just wanted to race forward and embrace her son once more. Ash watched her with a sad gaze, and she turned away.

"Goodbye," She said softly, fingers trembling.

Ash said nothing, watching her as she headed back towards Barlow. The Dragonite, seeing her distress, quickly held out his arms, offering her another hug. She smiled, but settled for giving him a small pat.

"Let's go," Ash whispered, so quietly that Looker barely heard him. "I don't like seeing her like this– it hurts."

Looker knew just what he meant.

"Where did Agatha go?" Delia asked Professor Oak as she stroked Barlow, clearly trying to form some kind of conversation. Looker turned away from the pavilion, knowing that Delilah would be safe with Barlow.

"She had to leave, there was some dinner event for current and former Elite Four members and champions," Professor Oak replied, stroking the sleeping Ivysaur on his lap. "It's being hosted by the Master."

Ash stopped in his tracks.

Looker paused as well, giving Ash an uncertain glance. Ash's eyes were wide, and he spun around to face Professor Oak.

"What did you say?" Ask asked in a low tone. They were a ways from the pavilion, but still in speaking distance. Professor Oak looked up at him, frowning slightly. Delia and Barlow were watching him as well.

"It's a private event," Professor Oak said. "Nothing to concern yourself with."

Ash turned to face Looker, looking quite pale, even with the illusion in place. He stared up at the agent, mind clearly racing. He opened his mouth, trying to form the words.

"This... this isn't good..." He whispered, gulping. "Th-they've never targeted the elites or champions before... if he's gathering them all into one place–" Ash glanced around. "They– he– he might–!"

BOOM!

The explosion rang out across the league, the ground shaking at the force of the blast. Ash stumbled forward, bumping into Looker as the sounds of the explosion echoed through the forest bordering the league. Looker steadied Ash, eyes looking out towards where the blast had come from.

One of the towering buildings of the league crumbled in on itself, a wall collapsing from the force of the blast. Smoke curled up from the buckling building, and several cries could be heard. Looker stared up at the building, eyes widening.

"What in Arceus' name..." He whispered, hand drifting to his Pokeballs. His gaze flickered to Ash, discovering that the illusion was gone from around him– most likely his Zoroark loosing focus from the explosion they had just witnessed.

Ash pulled away from Looker. "No..." He whispered, staring at the building. He ran forward before Looker could say a word, hand grabbing a Pokeball. "Zoroark! Stay here– protect my mom!"

"Zoro!" The fox cried, and Ash threw a Pokeball up into the air. With a burst of white light Ash's Charizard took shape, the orange lizard's tail lashing as he was released. He turned his head towards Ash, but his trainer didn't even give him a moment to take in his surroundings, leaping onto his back.

"Charizard, fly, now!" Ash cried, wrapping his arms around his neck. Charizard's wings burst open. "Towards the smoke– the building– as fast as you can!"

"Ash wait!" Delia cried, but Ash's Zoroark stepped in front of her. Charizard dashed forward, wings flapping wildly as he threw himself into the air, fueled by the desperation in Ash's voice. Looker could only stare as he watched teen fly off, Charizard heading straight for the smoking building.

Professor Oak was sitting there, as stiff as a statue. The Ivysaur on his lap had woken up, eyes wide and tensed. Looker's hand drifted straight to his pocket, quickly pulling out a small device. Corrupted or not– the agency was needed right now. He pressed a small red button on the side of the machine– which should send out an emergency signal to all other agents, along with his location.

"Wh-what's going on?" Professor Oak stuttered out, eyes flickering from the building, to Zoroark, to Looker.

"Barlow– go after Ash– please!" Delia begged, quickly turning to face the dragon. "Get him away from there!"

Looker's hand went to his belt, pulling out his gun and a Pokeball. Cries of panic could be heard, and his training was starting to kick in. Barlow spread open his wings, ready to follow through on what Delia asked, but Looker sent out his Noivern.

"No, you will stay here with Delilah," Looker snapped at Barlow, who paused. "I'll go after Ash– your only orders are to protect her."

Barlow nodded, pulling Delia into a protective embrace. Looker quickly climbed onto Noivern's back, not bothering to harness himself in. The dragon looked back at him, her eyes alert and ready.

"Noi?" She asked.

"38-5D," Looker replied, knowing that the Pokemon would understand the code for their current situation. The Noivern nodded, and took to the air. Looker kept a hand on his gun as they rose up into the smoke-filled air, not sure of what to expect.


People stumbled from the building, desperately racing past each other to get away from the crumbling tower. It had yet to fully collapsed, but the gaping hole in one of the higher floor's walls had Ash's full attention. His hands were wrapped tightly around Charizard's neck as they flew, the lizard racing towards the building.

Ash pulled his sweatshirt up over his mouth as Charizard flew straight into the smoke, though the fire type faired just fine. Ash's eyes narrowed– smoke, but yet he saw no fire. He saw no hint of flames, though he could see little through the smoke. All he could hear was Charizard's breathing and his wings flapping.

Ash coughed, trying to get a breath of fresh air though the smoke.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry..." He muttered, and Charizard went into a dive. Ash briefly saw a white flash of light as Charizard broke through the smoke, landing.

Ash jumped off of Charizard's back, finding that he had flown into the building. The huge hole in the wall was behind him, and he was currently standing in some meeting hall. Charizard drew up next to Ash, who froze at the sight laid out before him.

Bodies.

They were of both human and Pokemon– strewn across the floor. They didn't move, eyes lifeless, skin pale. Their faces were etched with the emotions of their last moments– horror.

Ash felt himself tensing at the sight of the dead bodies, memories pushing their way to the front of his mind. His eyes darted around, taking in the bodies around him. The room spun below him as he realized he recognized some of them...

Agatha. Cynthia. Lance. Alder. Diantha. Steven.

They were all dead.

Ash coughed as he took in a shaky breath filled with smoke. Charizard leaned down, sniffing the nearest body. He looked surprised, but not horrified. He let out a snort, pulling back, looking at Ash.

They were all dead... yet there was not a single mark on them.

The sound of something shuffling in the corner drew Ash out of his shock, and Charizard let out a low growl. A huge being stumbled forward, a pair of amber eyes watching them. Charizard raced in front of Ash, a Dragon Claw forming over his talons. Ash could only stare, blinking slowly.

It was an Entei.

The legendary was clearly weakened, stumbling and shaking– but like the bodies there was not a mark on him. He seemed to be standing over something, and Ash made out the faint shape of a human. The Entei growled, protectively hovering over the human, who shifted.

Someone was alive.

Ash didn't even care about the growling Entei, he raced forward as soon as he saw the human shift. Entei let out a weakened snarl, but it didn't even look like he could fire an Ember. He stumbled forward, fangs bared.

Charizard sprang forward, slashing with a Dragon Claw. The force of his blow sent the Entei stumbling away, allowing Ash to rush up to the human. Ash quickly knelt down at his side– like everyone else there was no physical marks on him, but he was far from unharmed. His eyes were dull, face tightened with pain. Ash stared down at him, realizing that he knew this man.

It was Harrison.

"Where... is... it...?"

Harrison's voice was raspy, his quiet tone strained. Ash leaned down, trying to catch what he was saying. Ash placed his hands on him, but with no visible wounds there was nothing he could do.

"Wh-where's what?" Ash asked, tone desperate. "What happened here?!"

"It... it was... a monster..." Harrison whispered. Ash stared at him, eyes then flickering across the room, across all of the bodies. Entei had collapsed to the ground, shaking.

"What happened?" Ash demanded, gulping as he watched the light flicker in Harrison's eyes. "St-stay with me, I'm going to help you! Tell me what happened!"

A pair of dim blue eyes watched him, slowly fading.

"A monster..." He whispered again. "It killed, with one... one wave of it's arm... psychic powers... like I've... never seen be... before..."

Ash's heart was pounding– he knew this had Team Rocket written all over it. Harrison's eyes started to slide shut, and Ash quickly shook him, trying to keep his focus. It did little, the man's head rolling to the side.

"W-wait!" Ash cried, having seen this before. "Stay with me! St-stay with me!"

The light leaving Pikachu's eyes... the light leaving Misty's... he had seen this before. He knew that there was nothing he could do, but he still felt a pain building up in his heart as he watched those eyes gloss over. Harrison let out a ragged breath, going still.

He was gone.

Shaking, Ash looked over at the Entei, only to find that the Pokemon was as still as its trainer.

Dead. They were all dead.

"N-no..." Ash whispered, but he could feel the memories rising in his mind. Charizard drew up next to him, watching him with his sharp blue eyes. Ash was shaking, staring down at his hands. Images of Pikachu took hold, the small mouse clutched in his arms, blood running down his golden fur.

"Zar..." Charizard growled, trying to snap Ash out of the memories.

Misty, skin charred, but still alive. He could see the gaze of pain as she shifted, her murderer fleeing... He could hear Brock's footsteps in his mind, the look of horror on the face of the one he had once called brother...

"Zar!" Charizard cried again, giving Ash a jab. The boy still stared down at the body in front of him, unresponsive.

"Ash!"

He twitched at the sound of his name, but it wasn't until Charizard gave him a shove that he was snapped out of the flashback. Ash landed on his back, staring up at the smoke drifting across the ceiling. A monster, Harrison had said... Ash turned his head towards the hole, looking at the vaporized edges. Smoke without fire...

"Ash, are you alright?!"

He finally seemed to realize someone was calling out to him, and his gaze locked onto a pair of cobalt eyes. Sabrina was stumbling towards him, a Metang hovering by her side. Ash stared at her for a moment, a pained expression on her face.

She stumbled forward a few more steps, leaning on her Metang for balance. Her teeth were gritted together, hand clutching her head like she had a searing headache.

"I came as soon as I sensed... the psychic burst..." She grunted. "Her power... is here... this blast is where M-mew's power went..." She let out a cry, clutching her head. "The energy... that remains... here, it hurts..."

Ash looked up at Sabrina, as she struggled against the psychic pressure bearing down on her.

"They're gone, they're all dead," Ash whispered. "The most powerful trainers in the world are dead."

Sabrina shifted as Ash said this, and for the first time she seemed to notice the bodies surrounding them. She stared out at the dead champions and Elite Four members with fear, before cringing as the psychic pressure bore down even more on her.

"...Team Rocket just stripped the world of it's leaders..." Ash muttered, beginning to shake. "It's starting Sabrina– Team Rocket has made their attack– and there's no one left to protect the people."

BOOM!

Ash and Sabrina stiffed up as they heard more explosions– this time coming from outside. The building they were standing in shook at the force, and the two humans looked at each other.

No words needed to be said– Ash sprang to his feet, rushing towards the hole in the wall. Charizard ran after him, wings opening so he could take his trainer out of here. Sabrina stumbled after him, afraid of what they'd see once they stepped outside.


Originally Harrison was going to have Tobias' role in this story, which is why he made an appearance as a champion with an Entei in chapter 12. But as the story progressed he faded out and Tobias came in. I decided to give him one last scene in this story since I already introduced him, even if that one scene was him dying...

Also, since I couldn't really find a place to mention it in the story I'll put it here. The reason why Harrison and his Entei survived longer than anyone else was because his Entei attempted to protect him from the psychic blast that killed everyone else, and being a legendary they were able to last a bit longer, but in the end it wasn't enough.