Ash woke up the next morning feeling nice and refreshed. He knew that at long last, the worst was finally over. He got ready for the day and he departed to the Xiao Long residence. When he arrived, he saw Zwei doing his business. When he was done, Zwei barked happily and ran to Ash.

"Hey boy! Good to see you again Zwei." Ash said as he knelt down and Zwei jumped into his arms. Zwei began licking him playfully. "Zwei! Come on, let's go inside." Ash said as he got up and they headed inside.

"Morning Ashy." Ruby said as she skipped to him and hugged him. Zwei then licked her face. "HAHAHA, Zwei!" Ruby yelled from the tickle of the lick.

"Hey Ash!" Yang said as she turned the corner and kissed him.

"Sup you two? What did I miss?" Ash asked when he put Zwei down and he ran off.

"Actually, there was a public announcement of a celebration for you Ash winning both the Vytal Tournament, and becoming the Pokémon League Champion. It's gonna be in a few more days. Not only that, but they have just sent Schnee and Watts to the deserts of Vacuo at the brink of dawn. They ended up getting killed by a Blind Worm Grimm mere seconds after the Atlesian forces banished them." Yang explained.

"How's Weiss taking this?" Ash asked with a bit of concern.

"While she is happy that they got the justice they deserved, as a daughter she's still devastated. In fact, I overheard her talking to her mother that Whitley has taken it the worst. Then again, Whitley has hero worshipped his father. So I guess without a father figure and a motivator, he probably has nothing now." Ruby explained.

Ash sensed Weiss outside on the rooftop with Meloetta in her arms looking out in the distance. He saw sadness flowing through her, but he couldn't blame her.

"Where's everyone else?" Ash asked while looking back at the sisters.

"They're actually help tending to the last of the damages that Vale has suffered. Like Ruby said, the damage wasn't so bad except by city hall where Xedrek detonated. But Glynda was able to restore that location with her telekinesis semblance and her Pokémon by herself within a couple of days." Yang answered.

"That's good. I hope she doesn't get fired from what everyone learned from the trial yesterday." Ash said with a bit of worry.

"Actually, she informed us earlier that the Grand Council has dropped the charges. She's safe." Ruby said with a smile and wagged her tail.

"Can this day get any better?" Ash asked with excitement.

"Nope. They're gonna want you to give a speech at the celebration." Yang said. Ash fell over anime when she said that. "Don't worry, we'll help you out." Yang said while pulling him up.

Suddenly, Ash's stomach growled. Ash blushed from that loud growl.

"Yeah you're right Ash's stomach. We should eat first. Everyone will be home within an hour." Ruby said while chuckling a bit.

After they ate some breakfast, Ash decided to head up to the rooftop to check on Weiss. He saw her continuing to stare out into the horizon with Meloetta in her arms.

Weiss slowly looked over and saw Ash looking at her with a bit of sadness.

"Ash…good morning." Weiss said softly before looking back to the horizon. Ash sat next to her and looked out to the horizon with her. "Ash…can you do me a favor?" Weiss asked.

"Of course Weiss name it." Ash said before looking back at her.

"Will you stay with my family forever? Losing my father had a bigger impact on me than I thought. Mother and Winter took a major loving to you and I really don't want to lose you again." Weiss said.

"The way I've been seeing it Weiss, I'm stuck with you guys for life. If anything, I see you guys as my family before we started dating." Ash said.

Weiss looked at him and smiled. She scooted closer to him and leaned on him while Meloetta snuggled up in between them.

A few days later with Vale completely restored, the celebration is about to get underway. Ash and his apprentices were at City Hall. Winter, Penny, High Leader Sienna Kahn, General Ironwood and the Ace Operatives were there joining them. Ash and his apprentices even had their Pokémon out as well. Ash collected nearly all of his Pokémon, minus Torterra who was still recovering in the Eternal Forest, and they were all around City Hall.

Ash approached a podium with a speech ready.

"Greetings Kingdom of Vale!" Ash yelled to the citizens. They all cheered when he commenced his greetings. "Friends, colleagues, families, and acquaintances, it has been a very rough couple weeks after the war in Vale hit us. But look at how well we've recovered. The war may have taken its toll on all of us that fought to save the lives that lived here, but we made peace with those that have sacrificed their lives to give us this fighting chance. You all have given us the strengths to fight and we give you hope in return. I also want to give the Atlesian Military for getting involved with the aide for Vale, as well as the late Keyblade Master Xedrek for providing reinforcements a huge thanks for their actions, Xedrek most of all. His sacrifice gave us the biggest edge in our fight with the Heartless, Grimm and the White Fang that were being corrupted to fight on the wrong side. But I'm sure that one of my special guests, the High Leader herself Sienna Kahn will see to it that those that sided against her will be dealt with on the spot." Ash was saying before turning to Sienna. She nodded slightly with a smile. "But enough of all bad things that has happened. Today is a day for a wonderful celebration now that the true threats are now a thing in the past. Enjoy the day and remember, let your heart be your guiding key!" Ash finished.

Everyone cheered as Ash finished up his speech. He and his apprentices summoned their Keyblades and aimed them at the sky.

"BEAM OF LIGHT!" They shouted as a ring of light formed around the tips of their Keyblades. A light began to form on the Keyblades. "FIRE!" They shouted as the lights shot out of the Keyblades. They're Pokémon fired off beams and energy blasts into the air.

Suddenly, a beam of twilight energy fired off from a nearby building. They noticed that Derek was on a rooftop nearby and he was firing said beam from his mouth like he did against Zachuria several days ago. He and his Pokémon were doing the same. Ash smiled that he made it.

The attacks connected and an explosion of light filled the sky and the celebration commenced. After everyone dismissed their Keyblades, Ash took noticed that Ironwood was eyeing Derek with concern.

"General, you have nothing to worry about. He's on our side." He said to the timid General.

"Perhaps, I'm just trying to keep my cool. Anyway, we best be off. Ace-Ops, dismissed!" Ironwood said while turning to them.

"Sir!" They yelled and they departed.

Ironwood turned back to Ash and they shook hands.

"I'm sure that Ozpin would be very proud of what you, your apprentices, and Derek have done Ash." Ironwood said.

"Yeah. I'm sure he's smiling down at us. As for Derek, he's good people. You gotta love him." Ash said before looking back at Derek, only to lose his smile when he saw him looking away and just stared out into the distance, exactly like what Weiss did a few days ago.

"Ash? What's up?" Yang asked after Ash releases Ironwood's hand. Ash gestures to her and the others of what he was looking at, and they saw Derek. "Maybe we should talk to him." She suggested.

"Yeah, come on." Ash said as they left to meet up with Derek.

With Derek he and his Pokémon continued to look out to the distance. He heard footsteps coming his way. He looked and saw Ash and his apprentices.

"Hey guys. Have you come to join me and my Pokémon?" Derek asked.

"Actually, we wanted to talk to you. According to what I learned, you've been acting very…negative lately. What's eating you?" Ash asked.

"Or better yet, why aren't Melanie and Militia not up here? Aren't you three inseparable?" Ruby asked as everyone sat around him.

"They couldn't make it due to their jobs. To answer your question Ash, it's just a big and painful decision I made before we returned from Radiant Garden. Perhaps most of it is better if I just showed you." Derek said as he dug into his pocket and pulled out a strange book. It was black with golden chains decorated around, and has the X-Blade on the cover.

"A book?" Yang asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. The twins suggested I hold onto it as evidence. You may look at the book, but don't open." Derek said as he handed the book to Weiss.

Weiss looked at the cover and on the back.

"The Secrets of the Keyblade." Weiss said the title of the book. "Hey, there's no author name anywhere!" Weiss exclaimed.

"The name that you do not see is Master Xehanort. Ash, I trust by now you are aware of the name?" Derek asked as he got the book back.

"Yeah. Amber told me about him." Ash said.

"This book contains of course knowledges and secrets that the Keyblade holds. While it does give you focus and makes you stronger, it come at a terrible price. It's like a drug, you crave for more. The more you learn and crave for more of its knowledge, the more you begin to lose yourself to anger and power hungry. In short, it transforms your light into darkness. This is the source of how Xedrek came to be." Derek explained while looking down.

"What do you mean?" Blake asked.

"Yeah, this doesn't make any sense. Surely you think that you're just overthinking it?" Emerald asked.

"Don't need to think of it when you are a victim of it firsthand. You see, years ago my father's closest friend and a mentor of him named Master Eraqus was struck down by Xehanort. Not a day later, Aqua and Terra gotten into a fight at Radiant Garden and they disappeared. My father sent me out there to see if everything is alright. I was there to meet up with a friend of ours named Ansem the Wise, a very well respected scientist. One of his apprentices named Even, or Vexen as he is now, told me that he was tending to one of his own from the incident that happened. I told him that I would wait in the library until he's available. There is where I found this book. I was curious about it and I read it. As I read those pages, I learned great knowledge. Terrible things would happen a year later during my Mark of Mastery exam. I used this knowledge when my father and I sparred. When he took noticed how violent I've become, he lashed out that the knowledge was forbidden and Xehanort was the one that written that book. I begged for help, but….I was overpowered and was dumped off to a dying world that was falling into darkness. The rest…you know." Derek explained in great detail of what has happened.

"Thus Xedrek was created and your Heartless roamed free." Ash said as he put the pieces together.

"That explains why you and Xedrek seemed different personality wise, and how you saw the world." Emerald said with shock.

"It gets worst though. When me and the twins arrived to Radiant Garden once again, we met up with Ansem the Wise once again. I told him about the book and it needed to be destroyed. When I was about to do it, the twins suggested I hold onto it as evidence if people didn't believe me. As for the reason why I'm staying here on Remnant, aside from you guys and the twins, I knew that out of all the worlds Xedrek has been to, I knew that this world has suffered the worst and I knew that I was responsible for the lives that were in danger and even deaths." Derek said while gripping the book tight.

"What are you getting at Derek? You're scaring me man." Ash said.

"To put it simple and clean…" Derek began as he stood up. "I am forbidden for returning to my home. So, I'm staying here on Remnant in exile." He finished.

Everyone froze at what he said.

"No, no you can't be!" Yang yelled with fright.

"But why choose exile?" Ruby asked while whimpering a bit.

"Because this world went through too much pain and suffering that has happened all because the Heartless were drawn to Xedrek here. I am here to regain the pain they have received as punishment." Derek stated.

"Do the twins know about this?" Blake asked.

"No, and it's probably better if it stays like that." Derek said while looking away a bit.

"I cannot believe what you're saying. You're a good person, and none of us blame you. Are you alright Weiss?" Ash asked as he sensed Weiss's emotions getting worst. She had her head down and her hair was covering her eyes.

"Weiss?" Ruby asked when Weiss started shaking a bit.

"NO!" Weiss screamed as she got up and jumped onto Derek. She threw her arms around him and cried.

"What?" Derek asked with confusion while gently holding her.

"This is NOT a place of exile! This is NOT for a punishment! This is a place you can call home!" She yelled.

"Weiss…I…" Derek was saying at first. But then, it hit him. 'WAIT!' Could this be what Xedrek meant when he told me to return to Remnant where my newfound friends would be at?' He thought with shock. Once this finally began to settle in, he smiled and held Weiss tighter. "Perhaps you're right Weiss. This is…a place to call home." Derek whispered.

"Derek…" Weiss said while they continued to share a hug. When they broke the hug, she smiles right at him. "I know you'll get through this." She said.

"With friends like you guys, it'll be easier." Derek said.

"Derek…I'm so sorry from before." Ruby said with her ears drooped and tail down. "I was just so depressed and devastated that I lost Uncle Qrow that I just snapped." She finished.

"It's alright, all water under the bridge." Derek said while rubbing her head.

"Come on Derek, let's go join the others." Ash said while they departed the rooftop and returned to the celebration.

-The Next School Year-

Ash, Emerald, Neo and Amber made their final preparations to go through the initiation. There's will be held after the first year initiation.

They were launched into the Emerald Forest and they fought their way through the Emerald Forest and they slaughtered every Grimm that got in their way.

Emerald did not hesitate to use her Hallucination semblance to confuse her enemies to get in quick kills with Thief's Respite. Amber loved using her ways of magic and wouldn't hesitate to use her staff, to which she calls Elemental Restraints, to kill Grimm from a distance. Neo with the use of Overactive Imagination she can use the Grimm's imaginations as a decoy to get in easy kills. Since she's Ash's right hand, she can get him out of danger with relative ease. Ash, with his new Keyblades and newfound potential, pretty much became feared by the Grimm due to how more powerful he has become with the destruction of Salem.

When they completed the initiation, they met up with Glynda and everyone else in the amphitheater.

"Ash Ketchum, Neopolitan, Amber Rosetta, and Emerald Sustrai. The four of you collected the white king chess pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team AANE (Axinite), led by Ash Ketchum." Glynda announced.

Everyone cheered as their initiation was a huge success.

-Two Years Later-

"Team JNPR. Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Pyrrha Nikos, and Lie Ren. Here are your official Hunters licenses." Glynda said as she pushed a button on her scroll and their scrolls became licenses. They exited the stage. "Team RWBY. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long. Here are your official Hunters licenses." Glynda said as she did the same for them. Team RWBY exited the stage. "And finally, Team AANE. Ash Ketchum, Amber Rosetta, Neopolitan, and Emerald Sustrai. Here are your official Hunters licenses." Glynda said as she once again did the same to them.

Ash looked at his arm with the scroll function being used and saw his license. He looked back at Glynda and they smiled. She brushed her hair to the side with her left hand, which revealed an engagement ring on her finger.

As they left, Emerald took his hand. Ash saw the hand with an engagement ring as well. Amber and Neo also had rings like hers. The rest of the love group all had engagement rings that Ash gave to individually at the right moment.

Both Team AANE and RWBY met up with each other and looked back at Beacon.

"I miss this place already." Ruby said. The nineteen year old smiled while just looking at Beacon.

"I'll miss this place too." Blake said. The twenty-one year old Faunus held Ash's other hand. Her hair was now just past shoulder length.

"I think we should meet up with our parents first." Weiss said.

"Yeah, they'll want to see us first." Yang agreed.

"Then I guess we'll wait in Vale until you girls are done. After all, we do have special reservations at Cilan's restaurant called Remnant's Incredible Entrées." Ash said to Team RWBY.

"Oh no you don't! How about you come on back to Kuo Kuana. After all, mom and dad really like having you guys around." Blake said.

"I guess so." Ash said.

"I really do like that place, but should I assume the form of a Faunus? If so, what should I go with?" Neo asked as she used her semblance to create a dingo's tail, and then to tiger's ears when the tail vanished.

"No Neo that's okay. They know you're human. You'll be fine." Blake said with a chuckle. The tiger ears vanished when she said that.

"Okay, meet us at City Hall so we can head out." Ruby said as she created a portal for her and Yang.

"I guess I should head off to Atlas. I cannot wait to find out who my mother's new suitor is." Weiss said as she created a portal for herself.

"Say hi to Crystal for us could you?" Ash asked. Weiss kissed him and cupped his cheek. "I'll take that as an 'of course.'" Ash assumed.

"You know me way too well. Oh yeah Ash, don't forget to meet up with Winter sometime. She loves your company." She said with a very teasing look, causing Ash to blush and everyone laughed at him. "Love you all!" Weiss yelled as she entered the portal and it closed.

Ruby and Yang kissed him and they went into their portal and it closed. Ash created a portal to the Belladonna manor and the five of them went through it. They arrived just outside of the manor and Blake was the first to enter.

"Mom!? Dad!?" Blake called out. They didn't hear anyone answer. "Must still be doing their jobs. Ah well, they'll turn up." She said.

After a while, Ghira and Kali returned. Blake stood there in front of them when they entered.

"BLAKEY!" Kali screamed happily and she hugged her.

"Hi mom, hi dad." Blake said.

"We're very sorry we couldn't make it to your graduation. We will make it up to you big time." Ghira said.

"Hello!" Ash and his team said as they poked their heads behind a corner.

"Hey guys. I missed you!" Kali said as she hugged Ash. She then pulled back a bit and kissed his cheek. "Welcome back Ash." She said before rubbing her cheek on his while purring.

"Missed you too Kali." Ash said while chuckling.

Ghira was happily greeting the rest of Ash's team. Neo was sitting on Ghira's shoulder while chuckling. Amber and Emerald were laughing after Neo jumped onto his shoulder.

Suddenly, Ash's scroll in his arm was going off. He left and answered.

"This is Ash." Ash said.

"This is Oxford. The manor…is ready." Oxford said with a smile.

"Excellent. I'll be there shortly." Ash said before hanging up. He rejoined the others. "Everyone, the manor is ready. I'll be back soon." Ash said to them.

"Alright. We aren't going anywhere." Blake said before she kissed him.

Ash created a portal to the island due north of Kuo Kuana that he remembered seeing the day he had that bounty on his head a few years prior. When he arrived, an ox Faunus with horns on is head greeted him.

"Welcome Ash, and allow me to show you to your new home." Oxford said as he showed him the manor that had been under construction for a few years.

"Already looking great. And there is plenty of room for everyone?" Ash asked him.

"Oh absolutely. You have over a hundred feet of training field behind the manor. We have created special environments for you and your roommates Pokémon that suites them. You have over two dozen rooms and multiple bathrooms. We have many different workout locations depending on how one trains, and several meditation rooms for mental purposes. You have of course the dining room with a massive kitchen connected to it, and so much more." Oxford explained.

"Shall we see what this place has in store?" Ash asked.

"But of course. Right this way." Oxford said. They went all around the manor and Oxford everything what each room had. They were in there for an hour and they returned to the main room. "Well Ash, have we reached your standards?" Oxford asked.

"I say you guys went beyond that. You all did amazing." Ash said with excitement.

"Glad to hear it. Since you gave us more lien than needed, the extras were the training grounds, a few more meditation rooms, and more room for the kitchen and dining room." Oxford added.

"All of you have done well. I cannot thank you enough for how much you guys had to go through." Ash said while they shook hands.

"Just doing what we do best Ash. Now if you'll excuse me, I best be off." Oxford said while they began to depart.

The two went their separate ways and Ash returned to the Belladonna manor. He told his team and the Belladonna's that the manor was complete.

"I can't wait to make visits Ash." Kali said with a bit of excitement.

"I knew having that island would come in handy one day for someone." Ghira said.

They stayed at the manor for about an hour until Ash was contacted by Team RWBY that they were ready. They departed to City Hall and the eight of them regrouped.

"Well girls, this is it. Just remember, Cinder is on our side if we see her." Ash reminded them.

"Don't worry. I've heard that she's a heroine to so many now." Amber said.

"I've actually wanted to see her again." Ruby said.

Ash created a portal for them and they entered the portal. They emerged from another portal in front of a huge bistro that was on the outskirts of the capital of Mistral. Once they entered the building, they saw many fancy layouts.

Just then, Cinder approached them with a bit of a run. She was wearing a red dress that was long sleeved, and the skirt length showed all of her thighs. Her hair was in a ponytail with the strap being made of pure glass. The hair stretched to the center of her back. Her two glass swords were still strapped from her lower back. She had stockings that stretched to her thighs and wore high heels that were black glass.

"Welcome you guys, I missed you. I believe you have reservations?" Cinder asked them. They nodded. "Right this way." Cinder said as she grabbed menus and she sat them to their tables personally, despite that she was there for security.

"You look beautiful Cinder." Emerald said. Cinder smiled and she placed a hand on her cheek. Emerald felt something on her finger, and she saw a ring. "You're engaged!?" Emerald asked happily.

"It actually happened about a half an hour ago." Cinder said while looking at the ring with the gemstone that matches her eyes.

"I'm so happy for you Cindy." Emerald said. They hugged each other tight since it has been some time since they saw each other.

Over an hour later, they have been eating the delicious meals that were served. Remnant's Incredible Entrées has lived up to its reputation. Ash had been in thought for a little bit, but now he has made a decision.

"I'll be right back guys." Ash said as he got up. He went over to Cinder, who was looking around making sure that everything was as it is. "Cinder, may I have a quick word with you outside?" Ash asked.

"Sure." She said. She informed one of her colleagues that she would be stepping outside. They went to the side of the bistro. "So, what's up?" She asked.

Ash smiled at her and just simply said, "Simple, you're worthy now." Ash said when he summoned Ultima Weapon.

Cinder was confused at what he meant at first. But then when started performing a ritual in front of her after he slammed the Keyblade to the ground and created a light circle, her eyes widen at what he was doing. A strand of light surrounded Cinder and Ash held the Keyblade to his face.

"In your hand, take this key. So long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking, its wielder you shall be. And you will find me, friend. No ocean will contain you then. No more boarders around, below, or above so long as you champion the ones…you love." Ash chanted and lowered the grip of the Keyblade to Cinder.

Cinder just looked at it in shock. Even after all that has happened, he's entrusting and sharing the power with her? Cinder then saw Ash's smile on his face and her nodded. Cinder smiled and she took the grip of the Keyblade.

A light shined from Cinder as the offering was being accepted and she was now a Keyblade wielder. After the light died down, Cinder released the grip.

"No then, prepare yourself." Ash said as he dismissed the Keyblade and held her shoulders from behind.

"For wha-ARGH!" Cinder grunted in pain as she felt an image of a Keyblade being formed and engraved into her memories. She felt like her head was about to split open.

"Don't fight it Cinder, just let it flow. The more you resist, the more you will suffer." Ash said in a comforting voice.

Cinder started to breathe calmly as she felt the energy from her head started to flow down her arm. She stretched it out and a blazing color Keyblade appeared. It had a glass appearance that looked like it was coming out of a furnace. It also had flames on the crown of the Keyblade.

Keyblade Analysis

Cinder Fall

RISE OF THE FALLEN

This standard size Keyblade is given to one, who had once fallen down a dark pathway for power and domination and was purified by their own actions. When realized of the errors of their way, their true power and potential will be revealed.

Primary Effect: Boost the power of all Fire spells.

Secondary Effect(s): Boost the power of all Fire type moves in the user's current party.

Attack Power: +6

Magic Power: +7

"Your Keyblade has been forged. It's beautiful." Ash said while they gazed at the Keyblade.

"I agree…Ash you are all invited to the wedding." Cinder said out of the blue. Ash was confused at first, but then he saw her engagement ring.

"Just tell us when and where, and we'll make it happen." Ash said with a smile.

They rejoined the others with Cinder's Keyblade still in hand. Ash told her that it will train and teach her everything she would need to know how to harness its power. He also told her that he'll be checking up on her every now and then to see how the training is going until one day; she'll be ready for the Mark of Mastery.

Later on that day, Ash and the others were heading out. Ash created a portal for them.

"Emerald wait!" Cinder yelled as she got up to her and held her hand. Emerald looked at her and turned towards her. "Emerald…I know I wasn't there to be there for you for the last couple years. If you ever need a place to stay, this manor is mine and Cilan's home." Cinder said as she showed her a beautiful manor that was in the countries.

"Cinder, you know I'll be making visits when I can." Emerald said.

"And, I want to make up for all that lost time. Emerald…would you please be my Maid of Honor for my wedding?" Cinder asked.

Emerald gasped and she smiled. She hugged her and shed a tear.

"Yes! I will be honored." Emerald said.

"Thank you, my child." Cinder whispered when they pulled back. "Take care of yourself and I will be seeing you soon." She finished.

"May your heart be your guiding key Cinder." Emerald said as she went through the portal that Ash had kept opened for her to go through.

Ash looked at Cinder and Cilan, who had just come over to see him off. Ash smiled at the engaged couple and he went through the portal and it closed.

And now that Ash and the loved group, were fully fledged Hunters, their next chapter in their lives opened. Miette, on the other hand, was now living in Vale to be with the group as a chef. There was now one thing that Ash was making preparations for now…a wedding of his own with Blake Belladonna. How will it all go? Where will it be taking place at? Find out more next time as the story continues.

I never get tired of ending chapters like that, and it ain't stopping anytime soon. So, we have a wedding chapter coming up eh? Not the first time I've written one out. The wedding chapter will be the final chapter for the main story, followed by a one maybe two part epilogue. I can taste the ending and it taste like black raspberry chip ice cream! If you haven't had that flavor, give it a try. Delicious! Anyway, TheD-Rock900 is signing off. See you guys next time.