Author's Note:

Here it is, the final part of the Celebi arc and we get to see how each of the stories wrap up, along with how they get back together. Not to mention set up for the final three-partner before the Silver conference. I hope you liked this arc; it was nice to have a cool, calm story after the Rocket arc. Don't forget to vote in the poll, with that, let's begin.


Chapter 84: Celebi & the GS Ball P III

Ash took a deep breath as he watched the clear blue sky. Even when on the road, the day was rarely this clear. Especially when in more industrial areas like most of Kanto. Even if he has no issue with the more modern lifestyle, he will always prefer the wild.

"So, Ash, tell me more about your Pokémon?" Sir Aaron drew his attention, "what other Pokémon do you have? I know trainers in your day have much larger teams than those who have partners in these times."

"Well I've caught lots of Pokémon, like Houndoom, Togetic, Noctowl, Heracross... and those are only from Johto," he smiled, "but I think you'd get on with Aerodactyl the most... or even Tauros. Then there's Lapras, she is really sweet. Can't forget Pikachu, of course. Oh, and I've had a few that had to leave for one reason or another like Butterfree, who wanted to start a family or..." his voice died in his voice. "Gyarados."

At the thought of his lost sea-serpent, he cast a glance downward to his feet, his excitement fading out as he felt his eyes tear up. Even if not in a complete depression like when it first happened, he can still feel the sadness overcome when he thinks of the memory.

A hand patted his shoulder.

"A fallen friend? I've seen too many of those in my life," Sir Aaron spoke, as he looked up at the man, "I remember seeing your times Gyarados when I went traveling with your father. They are very dangerous beasts from what I remember so to have tamed one at all was an amazing achievement."

"He wasn't a beast, at all," Ash uttered, "he was my friend."

"I'm sure he was," Sir Aaron nodded in agreement, "I wish I could tell you that it gets easier but... all I can tell you is, don't let Gyarados' memory go to waste. Every time I enter a new battlefield, I remember all my friends who have fallen, and I fight, not for myself, not just for those who will fall if I don't but for them. Even gone, their spirits give me strength on the battlefield, and I believe Gyarados' will do the same for you."

"Thank you," Ash chocked, drying his eyes on his sleeve, "and I will. Whether in a league tournament or facing down another threat to others, I will think of Gyarados and allow his memory to give me strength."

"Do you expect to face a lot of threats like that?" Sir Aaron asked.

"If I had taken Team Rocket more seriously, I could've found them before the lake and stopped them, then Gyarados never would've been hurt," Ash explained, "after losing him... I need to chase up any other threats, so another person or Pokémon doesn't suffer like we did."

"A very noble attitude," Sir Aaron smiled, "I believe the fate of the chosen's was left in good hands... good to know."

"Thanks," Ash looked up, a smile growing on his face. He even felt his cheeks dimple as it reached a wide grin, his chin trembling in excitement as he swore his eyes shined under the bright sun.

Despite how surreal this situation was, he was surprised how quickly it became natural talking with the living legend. It was almost like meeting Lance or someone, but he was so much more laid back.

Celebi popped back from thin air.

"So, you ready to go?" it asked.

"Erm, sure, I guess," Ash uttered, a little upset that his time with his hero was over already, "let me just return my-"

He reached for his Pokéballs but paused, they were gone. He glanced back up just as Celebi re-appeared, apparently, they went somewhere else. Before he could question it.

"Done!" Celebi exclaimed, tossing the five devices back to him.

"Wha-" he was cut off.

"I went around and collected all your Pokémon for you, don't want to mess up and leave one of these back in the past especially when some of them didn't even exist yet and those that did... well you've seen the differences in Pidgeot," Celebi explained.

"But why take Muk's Pokéball?" Ash asked, "he was already in there."

"Yep, learnt that the hard way. Since I couldn't find him, I tried it out... around the same time I got Pidgeot now I think about it," Celebi mused, "you should've seen his face. He certainly wasn't expecting a flight at that time. Just be glad I caught him in time, could you imagine the mess?"

"Celebi!" Ash yelled.

"Well I don't need to imagine it," Celebi admitted, "benefit of time travel, you get to make mistakes, and no-one ever finds out."

Ash felt his stomach turn at the thought, as a bright light engulfed him. As his eyes readjusted, he found himself back in the time stream. Clipping his Pokéballs back to his belt, he made a mental note to check on his poison type later.

"Wait... why did I need to recall them?" Ash asked, "I mean, if you could take Pikachu to another point, why not them?"

"Plucking an individual out of time is much easier than returning a bunch to the same point," Celebi explained, "now I'm going to be dropping you all back on the same point. So, I want to do it as little as possible, hencing returning your Pokémon. Now this is gonna feel a little bumpy since I can't cross over with my own timeline."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked.

"If I do, bad stuff happens," Celebi explained, "like real bad stuff. Its why I keep jumping around, never staying somewhere when not saying something because I never know when I might need to revisit that point to say something else."

"This is giving me a headache just thinking about it," Ash admitted.

"Try living it," Celebi suggested, as another bright light blinded him. He suddenly felt a falling sensation.


Rain patted down against fur as he bolted through the trees.

Glancing up at the grey clouds, he saw statics sparking throughout them. Making his tail stand up on end as he felt power pulse out through his body, making him run even faster. His eyes darting to each side to see if any sign of life was nearby... which there wasn't.

Bursting out from the treeline, he came to a stop on top of a cliff. Looking out, he could barely see the flickering lights of a far-away city between the heavy raindrops. Sparks tickled his cheeks as the static filled clouds seemed to group above him. Taking a deep breath, he curled his body up and tensed as he released the power around him. Shooting the powerful blast into the sky, he let out a loud battle cry.

As the static faded around him, his breathing was heavy. He knew that would be enough to draw out his father. Even if he abandonded his brother way back in the present... time travel is weird, he could still beat his old mon so bad that he wouldn't think about going after his brother again.

A twig snapping drew his attention. A bush rustled and Raichu stepped out. His tail swinging side to side and cheeks sparking.

Taking a deep breath, he lowered down onto all fours, sparking his own cheeks. A low growl seething through his grinded teeth.

Bolting off towards his father, he felt his tail tense up and harden. Stopping in front of him, he swung his tail overhead. It collided with a fist and was deflected to the side as he followed suit. Spinning around, he landed on all fours.

Jumping forward, he slammed into his father's chest. A paw came down onto his back, slamming him down on the ground.

Reaching forward he opened his mouth and bite down on his father's ankle.

Next thing he knew, he was sent flying after a hard kick.

Spinning around as he regained his sense of balance, he shot down into the ground. Burying underground, he closed his eyes and felt the heavy thudding footsteps above him.

Knowing a head on attack wouldn't work since his father was physically superior, he stopped underground and made a plan.

Sparking his cheeks, he felt the orb radiating power throughout him. Tensing his body, he unleashed the largest Thunder he could muster.

The earth around him began to crumble as a new source of light peered down. Chunks of earth and grass fell down as an orange blob fell with them. He covered himself in normal type energy. Shooting upwards, he jumped of one rock to another. Closing the distance.

He slammed headfirst into Raichu and knocked him into the wall of the creator. Embedded slightly as Pikachu jumped up onto the higher ground.

Catching his breath, he panted heavily as he watched his father push out of the earth. The evolved Pokémon began climbing up the side.

Closing his eyes, Pikachu focused as hard as he could. Peeking out, he saw two blades of grass grow out of the cliff side and wrap around his father's ankle.

With his father stuck in place, he took some steps back. Turning he charged forward and leaped, spinning as his tail stuck out. Fighting type energy surging through his appendage. Peaking over his body, he saw his father spark with electricity.

A powerful bolt hit him, and he was knocked off course, his tail slamming into the wall above his father. Something whacked Pikachu as and he fell.

He saw his father's tail and a sinister smirk before twisting his body. Landing on the crumbled ground, he buried back underground. Feeling his father's movements through the ground, he knew he was climbing back to the surface.

As soon as his father stopped, he shot upwards. Underneath the evolved electric type, Raichu stumbled backwards as Pikachu spun above.

"Leave!"

He brought his tail down with another Iron Tail, straight on his head.

"My!"

Bouncing off, he landed on all fours as his opponent stumbled backwards.

"Brother!"

Shooting forward, he slammed into his father's chests. Closing his eyes, he felt another two blades of grass tie together.

"Alone!"

Landing back on his feet, he cast another look at his father who continued to stumble backwards. Only now seeing that the cliff's edge was incredibly close. He took a moment to realise, as if time froze... his father fell backwards.

Running to the side of the cliff, he watched his father fall down. Splashing into the lake below.

He blinked once... twice... a breath stuck in his throat.

Celebi popped up above him. Floating around.

Pikachu turned back down to the sight of the fall, tears filling his eyes as his vision blurred. After so long, so many years of hating his father... he never wanted it to turn out like this. He used his arm to wipe his eyes clear as he continued to watch, hoping for some sight that his father survived... somehow.

"Well now it's time to go!" it announced.

"Wait don't-" Pikachu was cut off by a bright light.

Blinking, he found himself back in the time stream. Celebi floating around ahead.

"What's the matter Mr grumpy cheeks?" Celebi asked.

"Did you know that would happen?" Pikachu asked.

"What?" Celebi asked, "I know most stuff that will happen... or what has."

"That my father would die," Pikachu asked, "or that I would cause it?"

"You spent your whole life hating him for splitting your family up," Celebi replied, "and now you're going to morne him? All is forgiven?"

"I-" Pikachu paused, "I don't know."

"Let me make something clear, you had two options in this moment," Celebi floated down to an eye level, "your choice was having the battle play out the way it did. Finish your father off so he couldn't hurt you, or your brother, or anyone else."

"And the second option?" Pikachu asked.

"Was to leave it untouched. Your father would've found your brother long before you made it to Pallet and he would've killed him," Celebi explained, "then that purple haired kid would've caught your father instead and every time you saw him, you would be reminded of the brother you failed."

Pikachu tried to think of a response but there wasn't one.

"I don't regret forcing you into this decision, given enough time you'd come to the same conclusion that this was the best outcome," Celebi explained, "in the future, I'll have a similar job. Take someone to a place and trick them into pulling off something much, much worst. And I will do it because if I don't the consequences are a thousand times worst. You mess with time and time will strike back a lot harder and with more people exposed."

"Why?" Pikachu asked.

"Because sometimes the only choices you have are bad ones," Celebi sighed, "but you still have to choose."

"Then why not give me those options?" Pikachu asked, "let me decide instead of deciding what was best?!"

"People always think hindsight would make decisions like this or anything really, easier," Celebi floated back upwards, "but it doesn't. It just adds weight to them and drags you further and further down until they lay on top of you. Sticking you in place."

"What's your point?" Pikachu asked.

"Given any amount of time, you would've came to the same conclusion," Celebi replied, "but if actually given the choices, you'd search for an ideal third option which would make everything worst in the long run. I already knew your choice given the circumstances, and I made that choice fulfilled."

Pikachu crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes, turning around. Part of him really wanted to shock this forest fairy into the middle of next week... which would actually be possible in this place, but then again, he has no-idea how to navigate the time stream so not the smartest idea. Relaxing his angered posture, he turned back around.

"So why take me back so soon?" he asked, "you could've at least let me see my brother. Let him know-"

"And change your present?" Celebi cut him off, "no way. I'm not getting messed up with that sort of mess."

A bright light blinded Pikachu.


Serena's eyes darted around as her Pokémon moved into position.

Her Beedrill took straight into an offensive position. He seemed to focus on the Rotom as it zipped up into the higher part of room. Her first caught had his large pincers glow bright purple as he doubled his speed. Thrusting them into water electric type as it slipped past the poison jab onslaught.

Rotom continued to dodge against the alternating jabs as Beedrill kept up the pursuit.

Turning towards the second battle, she saw both her Pokémon restraining the Magnezone. Tangela had her vines wrapped around them. Sylveon had her feelers. Both pulling in opposite directions.

"Gyro Ball," her father commanded.

The giant electric steel type began spinning. Sylveon retreated her feelers before dancing out of the way.

Unfortunately, Tangela wasn't quite ready for the move and was dragged from her position. Being spun around as a grey outline formed around the magnet area Pokémon. Tangela's vines ripped in half and she went soaring towards Sylveon.

Her Fairy type used her feelers and caught their teammate. The battle between Beedrill and Rotom going on in the background. Something clicked.

"Switch opponents!" she called out.

Her Beedrill responded first and entered a steep dive. Thrusting both pincers outwards, they lost their purple glow. He slammed down onto Magnezone with a powerful Drill run, crashing him into the ground.

Sylveon held onto Tangela as she danced along, using the tables to gain height. Leaping into the air and over Rotom, who appeared to be catching its breath.

Doing a loop in the air, a purple powder sprinkled down from them, covering the water electric type. A purple line formed over the face of plasma Pokémon. As both of her team landed below it. Sylveon mentioned something and Tangela nodded in agreement.

The grass type was launched high into the air and back over Rotom. A fresh set of vines extending outward and wrapped around Rotom.

Landing on the ground, she used the momentum to throw Rotom-Wash into the wall. A powerful Gust of wind filled with fairy type sparkles following it.

"Beedrill get the finishing move on Rotom!" Serena called out, "with Fell Stinger!"

Beedrill, who was busy trying to hurt Magnezone with a combination of bug moves like Pin Missile and Twin needle, turned towards the plasma Pokémon who was being held against the wall. Sticking out his third stinger, it flew a cloudy green as he charged straight into the target.

She knew that he needed distance to build up the power for another Drill run and that is their best move to beat Magnezone.

Who was slowly raising back up out of the creator its collision created.

"Tangela! Sylveon!" Serena called out, "keep Magnezone busy!"

Her two Pokémon turned around and both charged towards the recovering electric steel type.

She spotted Beedrill slam hard into the water-electric type, a series of lights engulfing him as he turned upwards into the top part of the room. She saw him shaking as his power boost surged through him. He may have better control over his anger compared to when he first evolved but power boosts still need adjustments, hopefully he can get and hand on it quickly though.

Her other two Pokémon were occupied, both using their appendages to pull from either side. However, Sylveon was launching a bombardment of Moon Blasts at it while Tangela drained it with Giga Drain. Hopefully, they can keep it busy long enough for Beedrill to get ready.

"Discharge!" Colress growled.

Sparks appeared around the electric steel type, a powerful wave of electricity expanding outwards.

Tangela was quick to expand more vines below her and into the ground. Her Ingrain not only helped heal her, but it grounded her allowing the electricity to pass through without harm.

Sylveon, however, was sent flying backwards into a wall, slamming into the wall.

Crossing her arms, Serena felt the blast expand past her. A shield of psychic energy passed it by her harmless.

The lights above them burst and darkness overtook them.

"Everyone alright?" Serena asked mentally.

"I am!" Tangela responded first.

"So am I," Sylveon added, "Pikachu shocks harder than that on date night."

"I don't want to know what that means," Serena replied, "what about you, Beedrill?"

"I want to hit something," he growled, "really hard."

"I might have a plan," Serena replied before relaying said plan to her team, "everyone got it?"

All her team replied with a series of cries invaded her ears as if to answer.

A faint red outline appeared far away before several more circles of that same outline appeared floating above the original one.

The room quickly was filled with a bright white light. Serena had to raise up her arms to shield them from the blast. Squinting through, she saw the shape of her Sylveon at the heart of the Flash. Looking outward she saw her grass type with several rocks floating around her.

"Tangela, what is that move?" she asked.

"Whatever it is, clear it, I'm ready!" Beedrill declared.

Her grass type grew in place and almost tripled in size, not that she could make out any proper details. The series of rocks soared acrossed the room and slammed into Magnezone, imploding upon contact.

A faint blur appeared next, slamming straight into Magnezone as the light faded into a more see-able condition. Magnezone disappeared into a red light.

Turning towards the source, she found her father trying to stand up against one of the tables, as he tried to swap Pokéballs. She did not even need to need to say anything as Beedrill charged at him. One pincer struck his shoulder, ripping through his lab coat and forcing him back, against the wall, trapping him. He held his second pincer up to his eye in a threatening manner, a purple glow accompanying the threatening buzz.

"I wouldn't try that, if I were you," Serena suggested, "Beedrill is very protective, was actually the first Pokémon I caught. His protectiveness actually reminds me almost of how a father should be."

"Is that meant to be some sort of dig?" Colress asked, "not that this overgrown bug would-"

"Bee Bee!" Beedrill roared.

"I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you," Serena suggested, "Beedrill isn't known to show restraint and that third pincer of his is in a perfect position to do some real damage."

She saw a glint in Beedrill's eye as a smirk grew on his face. He even repositioned his third bottom pincer into a more... threatening position.

"What do you want?" Colress asked.

"For you to leave me alone, forever," Serena explained.

"You're my daughter!" Colress cried out, "how could you expect me to just ignore your existence?"

"You haven't been in my life for the last seven years!" she yelled back, "and even before that, by all accounts, you were never a father. Not a proper one."

"Your mother has poisoned you against me," he spat.

"No!" Serena called back, "she told me what a monster you we're, something I should've believed after you are sending Hunter J after me! I came here because I was given the chance to find out and... and now I can see it clear. You're not a father, you're not even human."

Celebi popped back into the room.

"Well since we learnt our lesson for the day," Celebi smiled, "time to head off back to your own time."

A bright flash engulfed them before Serena found herself back in the time stream. As she looked around, she saw that her three Pokémon were with her and the lab, along with Colress, was long gone. Celebi was also floating around between them.

"What lesson was that?!" Serena yelled.

"That fezzes are just as cool as bow ties," Celebi replied, "wasn't you paying attention."

"What?" Serena asked, "what does that have to do with anything?!"

"It has everything to do with something!" Celebi yelled back, "now to take you back to all your friends. Please return all Pokémon to their Pokéballs and keep none-detachable body parts in the time bubble at all times." they paused, "unless you want to lose an arm or something in another time period."

Not wanting to argue any further, she pulled out her Pokéballs and recalled both Beedrill and Sylveon to their Pokéballs, attaching them to her belt. Turning towards the final member she paused grabbing the grass types Pokéball and instead picked out her Pokedex to scan her:

Pokémon unknown: No Data

"What?" Serena asked.

"It's because we're in the time stream," Celebi explained, "your Pokedex is currently unsure if its apart of the first time you got it or your present time or even some time in your possible future. Until you anchor down in a time zone, it will have that response regardless of who you scan."

"Possible future?" Serena asked.

"Time is always in flux, you might catch one Pokémon or you could take an extra training day and miss it entirely," Celebi explained, "or, particularly in case of your Sylveon, Pokémon with branched evolution could take either route."

"So how do you keep track?" Serena asked.

"With great difficulty," Celebi replied, "the father of us all did have the idea of a single set timeline but apparently that requires a lack of free will."

"So how can the legends tell us about what will happen in regards to Ash and I as chosen's?" Serena asked.

"Your free to pick whether or not to intervene, of course," Celebi explained, "but they give you the benefit of the hindsight to make your informed decision. And now if you'd be so kind, please return your Tangrowth so I can drop you back off."

Sighing, she swapped her Pokedex for the final Pokéball. A red light zapped out before engulfing her newly evolved grass type. Almost the second both disappeared, a bright light blinded her as she felt the feeling of falling.


"So, I become a doctor?" Brock asked.

"We become so much more," his older self-nodded in agreement, "as you know, we don't like to brag but we create a monument in medicine, one which all new facilities are based on. So, you're probably wondering what it is you need to do?"

"How did you-" he went to ask but stopped, "never mind."

"You need to keep up your travels and learn what you can about all types of medicine, not just the industrial kind but also herbal, historical, elixirs and experimental," his older self-explained, "oh and, your about to watch the silver conference, correct?"

"Yeah, Ash is really training hard for it," Brock smiled, "how come?"

"Ah, it was a good conference. A real fun time with some great battles," he smiled fondly, "but anyway, I was saying. Once the conference is over and you have plans to set off to the next adventure, make sure you visit home first. I can't tell you why, but it is vital that you do. And when you do, stay true to yourself."

"Okay," a cast of confusion crossed the breeder, "can I ask why?"

"You can, but I won't," his future self-smirked, "a couple reasons why, firstly, you need to see it to believe it. And secondly, I never did tell myself what happened when I was back in your place, so I couldn't now."

"I guess that makes sense," he shrugged.

Celebi popped back into view.

"So ready to go?" they asked.

"I guess," Brock replied, briefly turning towards his past self, "unless I have anything else to tell myself... that didn't make any sense, but also perfect sense given the current circumstances."

"Correct," his older self-laughed, "but no, I don't believe I do have anything to tell you, I'm afraid."

"Wait, shouldn't I tell myself the date? So, I can make sure I'm here on that date?" Brock asked.

"I never told myself that before," his older self-explained, "mainly because since my retirement, I always take this path with an old friend. Unless it's raining."

"I never land on rainy days, or if I do, I don't land outside," Celebi explained.

"But if I do it with any one of my Pokémon, couldn't I have accidently found out about a Pokémon I haven't caught yet?" Brock asked.

"Benefit of time travel, I get to make mistakes, and no-one ever finds out," Celebi laugh, "but now it's time to go."

With a click of its fingers, they were back in the time stream.

"I've got a question," Brock called out, "why couldn't I tell myself the date? I mean, what difference would it have made?"

"Well it wouldn't have changed anything," Celebi replied, "but it would've created a paradox. A rather minor one but a paradox regardless."

"And what paradox would that be?" Brock asked.

"It's called a Professor Oak paradox and the original version goes, a time traveller reads a scientific article on how Thunderstones can be batteries and so they travel back in time to meet the author, Professor Samuel Oak," Celebi explained, "but when they get there, no-one by that name exists. No lab in Pallet and no such theories are made. So, the time traveller, who knows the importance of this figure, publishes these reports on his behalf."

"But if they publish them, then-" Brock realised.

"Exactly," Celebi cut him off, "they have no original origin point. Because he didn't write them, he just published them after reading them in the future. It's the same with your situation. The date would have no origin point."

"How would that change anything?" Brock asked.

"From your perspective it wouldn't," Celebi explained, "but a paradox, no matter how tiny, is a big flashing light on the timeline. And I really don't want to get back in Dialga's bad books. Last time they set me in a time loop of one day... for five years."

"That sounds-"

"Horrible, I know," Celebi cut him off again, "imagine reliving the same day for five whole years... especially when you can already see the events before even starting the first set... oh right, I almost forgot."

Celebi disappeared for a split-second, reappearing with Ninetales.

"Don't want to leave her wondering around the future, unsupervised," Celebi sighed in relief.

"How long did you leave here for?" Brock asked, kneeling down to check on her.

"From her perspective, about a milla-second," Celebi explained, "but it was more nine-hundred years from my perspective and... pretty sure you know your own perspective. But right now, I suggest you recall her before things get bumpy."

"Okay," Brock shrugged, returning his pure fire type and putting the device safely back onto his belt, "but what's going to-"

A bright white light blinded him, as he began falling.


Misty stamped her foot down, her fist clenched so tight her knuckles turned a pale white. "What is the point of time travel if you don't save anyone?"

"There is no point, to anything," Celebi argued back, "that's the one thing you can take away after seeing the start of time, the end and everything in between. Everyone tries to find a point or create one and what they don't realise is, it's pointless."

A strike of lightening shot down, with a roar of thunder.

As she stared daggers at the time traveller legendary before she felt a hand land on her shoulder. Turning upwards, her eyes relaxed as she saw her mum looking down with half closed eyes, her smile a ghost town and a glistening of tears in her own eyes.

"Look dear, there's no point in getting angry over this," Rose calmly explained, "especially if our time together is short."

Retuning the embrace, Misty squeezed her eyes shut and held on as tight as possible.

"Misty," her father's voice forced her to open her eyes once more. Ending the embrace, she turned towards him, as he sat on his chair. His elbows resting on his knees, leaning forward with something being held in his two hands, "come here a moment, please."

Not wasting a second, she walked over and kneeled down, so they were more or less eye level.

"This... is something I never expected. A chance to see my little girl all grown up and-" he paused, closing his eyes, he bites down on his lower lip as if contemplating the right words. A couple moments later and he turned back and looked at her, "-and I couldn't be more proud. You have become such a confident and beautiful young women. I never really connected with your sisters and their preference for the stage. I love them all the same, but I never was able to bond with them like your mother could."

"I-I always wanted to follow in your footsteps," she admitted, "I'm even due to take over the gym in a few months... when I turn sixteen."

"And the gym couldn't be in better hands," he smiled, "but promise me something."

"Anything," she quickly replied.

"Promise me that you won't limit yourself to the gym. The gym may be the height of my career but you-" he paused, "-you have the potential to expand upon the gym and reach heights I never could. Whatever you end up doing, I couldn't be more proud but I don't want you to tie yourself down to the family gym through some sense of responsibility to the family business or anything like that."

"Dad-" she was cut off, as she used her arm to wipe tears away from her eyes.

"Please dear, don't cry. From your perspective this should be a long event in the past," he chuckled lightly, drying his own eyes, "knowing how you turned out makes this almost worth it. I'm not going to lie; it would be nice to avoid it but since we can't... let's not talk about it. Instead, can you do something for me?"

"What?" Serena asked.

"Don't limit yourself to the gym. I can already tell your going to be a fantastic gym leader but you could be so much more," he smiled, "I want you to grow and go further than I could've ever dreamed off. And... and I'd like you to take Poliwrath, add him to your team."

"Huh?" she questioned.

"He is a strong battler, one of my best and... I'm not stupid, he might go down with the ship, but he would've survived in the water," he explained, "I know him well enough to know he's a showboat and loves the limelight. It would give me a little hope to know both of you can rely on each other in hard times."

"I will-" she tried to take his Pokéball from him but Celebi grabbed it first. Floating high above them, it closed his eyes and entered a meditation pose as a psychic outline glow around the outline of the device. Misty couldn't help but frown at the sight as she tried to figure out what was happening. After probably a minute, they lowered back down, and she caught the Pokéball. "What did you just do?"

"I checked out Poliwrath's personal timelines," Celebi explained, "the one in case it stays here and one in case he joins you. And nothing major changes, maybe just your show team. Certain Pokémon growing quicker than before. So, I can let you take him... enjoy."

"But I thought you said that anything that did happen must already have happened," she argued, stamping her foot down.

"I did, and I was right in regards to that," Celebi replied, "but at the same time, I'm right that this small change can be made. Think of every explanation of time travel you can, whether it's from television, a movie or even a scientific theory. Each one will grasp a certain aspect that it corrects but leaves open massive loopholes in the long run. That's because they see them as singularities when in reality, all rules apply but not all in the same moments of time."

"So how do we know the difference?" she asked.

"Because that's how I see the universe," Celebi replied, "I don't see people or places. I see events and timelines."

Misty blinked before turning back towards her new Pokéball, it looked old, much older than any that she has right now or any that you could buy at a shop. It wasn't just the paint that was scratching off, revealing the grey metal container beneath the dulled red or even the slightly rusted hinges. It felt heavier than the others and it might even be her imagine but it felt bigger.

Behind the device, she saw the water fighting type step forward. Dropping her hands to her sides, she kneeled so they were at eye level. She couldn't help but feel he was judging her.

"Don't take this the wrong way dear but he won't just follow you. He is a fighter and as a result, respects fighters," her dad explained, "he is loyal and strong and while I know he will follow you. You will still need to earn his respect, same as all strong Pokémon."

She didn't turn to him and opted to continue watch the tadpole Pokémon. Taking a deep breath, she stood back up and looked down on him, even with the height difference, she still felt intimidated. His presence just seemed to exhale strength, pure physical strength. Part of her wondered how he'd work with the rest of her team. He'd probably get on with Tentacruel, both are pretty stoic and intimidating while he could see him starting a fight with her more carefree team members like Lanturn or even Vaporeon. Shaking her head, she refocused on the current situation.

"All I want to know, Poliwrath, is-" she paused, trying to put it into the right words, "-is, will you join me? Give me a chance to earn that respect?"

Holding her breath, she waited for a response. Her eyes locked onto Poliwrath's which stared straight back without a flicker in another direction. His arms crossed over his chest and just overall threatening stance. It felt like an eternity but eventually he gave a swift nod of the head.

"Great, thanks Poliwrath," she replied, her voice raising slightly higher than normal.

"I can also tell you this, Misty, even if you don't earn his respect, he will protect you," he reassured, "the day you was born, each day that one of your sisters was born as well, he came to see you. Same as Blastoise and all the others. Regardless of whether they listen or not, they will protect you like family."

A roar of thunder echoed as the boat was thrown sideways. Misty stumbled but managed to keep her balance as she glanced out of a nearby window. Massive raindrops smashed against it, threatening to break in. Bolts of lightning coloured the dreaded black clouds and waves of water smashed high onto the deck.

Crowds of people began screaming as they scrambled around in an attempt to get clear.

Holding the device out, she recalled her new Pokémon, dropping the older Pokéball model into her bag. Turning around she embraced her dad in a tight hug, the tears finally breaking out of her eyes. As she clung onto the embrace for as long as possible, she felt another pair of arms wrap around her. Peeking out through blurred vision, she saw it was her mum. Taking one arm from around her dad, she embraced both parents.

She squeezed as hard as she could... until a bright light flashed.

Opening her eyes, she blinked and looked around. She was no longer on the ship. Her parents and the rest of the ship's passengers were gone. She was back in the time stream, only Celebi to accompany her.

Looking up at the grass psychic type, part of her wanted to scream and shout for it to take her back but she knew it would be to no avail. She just let the tears flow as she collapsed onto her knees.


Ash's vision was a blur after the bright white light. Stumbling backwards, he landed flat on his behind. Something landed on him and he grunted in pain as he laid flat on his back as he rubbed his eyes, trying to adjust them to the light.

As his eyes adjusted to the bright light, he looked up at the clear blue skies, coloured by a few fluffy white clouds. His eyes rolled around before he found himself looking into cerulean blue orbs and short golden locks. Feeling her shift around on his body, he froze, not wanting to cause some... unintended side effects, that Serena tends to have on him. Soon she stopped, looking down on him with half-closed eyes.

"Urg, what happened," she asked, relaxing down on him.

His only response was to kiss her forehead as she collapsed on him. He sighed as his head landed on the floor and rolled to the side. He saw Misty on her knees and panting heavily. Brock was sat up against a tree just slightly behind. Pikachu was in between them on all paws, shaking his whole body as if he just got caught out in the rain. Examining the surroundings, he couldn't help but feel like it was familiar, as he saw they were in a park of some kind. A few people and Pokémon around but none of them looking at them.

Celebi popped back in front of him, causing Ash to throw his head back in shock, "ow!"

He rubbed the back of his head which he banged on the ground.

"Did I get the pairing right this time?" Celebi asked.

"Did you redo this entire arrival to get a moment between the lovebirds?" Pikachu asked.

"Only three or four times," Celebi explained, "apparently he isn't dating the big guy, or you and blondie is meant to land on him, not the other way around."

"You didn't think I was with Misty then?" Ash asked.

"Even I'm not that crazy," Celebi shrugged.

"You probably just offended a lot of people," Pikachu pointed out.

"Did you just try to break the fourth wall?" Ash asked.

"Well Gengar's not here and someone had to," Pikachu shrugged, "but speaking of her, the when Celebi took me. I saw her, I think, when she evolved from a Ghastly into a Haunter before we actually met her. She was hit on the head with an apple and that's what triggered her evolution."

"That explains so much," Ash nodded, "and hardly anything."

"I know, right," Pikachu jumped up onto his chest, next to Serena's head, "so should we like, share our stories with each other so we know what happened?"

"Before you do, let me get out of your timelines, the orange-haired one is probably still mad," Celebi suggested, "but don't worry because when you need me again... and you will. You'll find my vessel or rather, it'll find its way to you, and then, you do the same thing you did here."

"So, we'll have to come back to the Ilex Forest?" Serena asked.

"No, no, of course not," Celebi shook its head, "there are several of those shrines set up. One in every nation... region... whatever you call them in this time period. Take it to the shrine in that region, that way I'll know which event you're wrapped up in."

"Wait, so how many times will we meet you?" Ash asked.

"Spoilers!" Celebi smirked before disappearing into thin air.

"Well that's comforting," Ash sarcastically chuckled, using his arms to push himself up into a sitting position as Serena slid down into his lap, he removed a lock of hair behind her ear before wrapping his arm around her shoulder, "are you okay?"

"I am," she shifted slightly into a more comfortable position, "I'm just glad that you're here now and-"

"I'll always be here," he whispered, rubbing his hand up her far arm in a comforting manner, pecking her cheek. As she relaxed into his embrace, he looked around once more to see his other friends making their way over to them, "where are we anyway?"

"Cherrygrove city," Pikachu jumped up onto his shoulder, "I knew it smelt familiar."

"And how did you figure that out?" Ash asked.

"I read," Pikachu sarcastically answered, "there's a sign over there that called this place Cherrygrove park. Ya know, the same place as Sere's first contest."

"And according to my Pokedex, it's the day after we left," Serena pointed out, showing the calendar on her device.

"Do you mind if I borrow that, Serena?" Misty asked.

"Sure," she smiled, handing it over, "what for?"

"Well I kinda caught a new Pokémon on my adventure and I want to check him out," she explained, taking the carrying device out of her bag. Pressing the button, a bright light appeared and a Poliwrath materialized in front of her. Arms crossed and eyes narrowed, almost like some sort of bodyguard. Ash couldn't help but feel nervous about its intimidating posture even though he has battled ones before, as Serena's Pokedex stated:

Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. A final evolved form of Poliwag. Poliwrath's highly developed, brawny muscles never grow fatigued, however much it exercises. It is so tirelessly strong; this Pokémon can swim back and forth across the ocean without effort.

"Is that it?" Misty asked as she handed the device back.

"You've seen Poliwrath's before Mist," Brock pointed out, "I lost track how many weeks you spent with Poliwhirl examining both her evolution paths... wait, this isn't Politoed is it? Did you change her evolution when in the past?"

"No, I didn't," Misty jumped up, stomping her foot on the ground, "Politoed is safe at the gym. But... Okay, this is my father's Poliwrath. I went to meet my parents and he was the only Pokémon he had on hand. When we realized Celebi wouldn't take them to safety, he gave me Poliwrath to help out."

"Why would Celebi allow you to do that?" Serena asked, "I mean if it wouldn't let you save your parents, why to let you save Poliwrath?"

"According to Celebi, Poliwrath never actually perished on the ship. His Pokéball sat at the sea and he became a sort of a loner down there, defending himself from wild Pokémon. Nothing major to screw up," Misty explained, "and also mentioned something about not messing my path up anymore, even if the details changed, the story is still the same overall."

"Sort of like, if Lance did it then he might be known to have a Charizard partner instead of Dragonite but still an elite four member?" Ash guessed.

"Or he might have, ya know, an actual dragon type," Pikachu pointed out, "pretty sure changing his type specialty would come under a big change that Celebi wants to avoid, but what do I know?"

"You're just trying to offend everyone," Ash scratched him behind the ear, "aren't ya."

"Only reason I haven't shocked you yet is that my girlfriend's trainer would get shocked too," Pikachu pointed out, "but keep pushing and-"

"What's gotten into you?" Ash asked, "are you just in a bad mood or did something happen on your trip?"

"The latter," he replied, "and I'll tell you later... when less people are listening."

Not wanting to argue, he scratched his starter on the head before turning towards his girlfriend, "so what sort of place did you go to, Serena?"

"I... went to see my father. I don't think it was a large journey in terms of time period, just a few days in the past," she explained, "I think."

"Your father?" Ash asked.

"Celebi said that it was my deepest want," she replied, "I guess after I learned about him, part of me just wanted to meet him... see if what my mum said was true or-"

"So, what did you find out?" Brock asked.

"At first he seemed alright, a little nervous actually... it reminded me of how I use to be in Pallet when I first moved," she explained, "but then he switched, tried to control me... like how she explained he controlled her."

"What did he do?" Ash asked.

"When I told him I wouldn't stay, he brought out his Pokémon and tried to force me," she continued, "despite being a three against two, his Pokémon were really strong and almost defeated Beedrill, Sylveon, and Tangrowth-"

"Tangrowth?" Misty asked.

"Right," Serena's face lightened up, taking out a Pokéball.

In a flash of light, she released a new looking Pokémon. It was a tall and large bundle of blue vines with beady eyes buried within them. Small stubby legs were underneath the bundle with red feet. A collection of vines stretched out from either side of the main mass with red tips at the ends.

"This is Tangrowth, she evolved from Tangela during the battle," she explained as she swapped her Pokéball for her Pokedex, using it to scan her:

Tangrowth, The Vine Pokémon. The final evolved form of Tangela. Tangrowth has two arms that it can extend as it pleases. Recent research has shown that these arms are, in fact, bundles of vines. It is known to grow faster the warmer the climate and can cut off its own vines if needed.

Type: Grass

Ability: Leaf Guard

Hidden Ability: Regenerator (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked).

Gender: Female

Nature: Quiet (Note: This nature is unlikely to change due to this Pokémon being fully evolved)

Move(s): Block, Absorb, Bind, Stun Spore, Growth, Mega Drain, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Ancient Power, Knock Off, Sleep Powder, Tickle, Giga Drain, Slam, Power Whip, Ingrain

"Cool," Ash awed, "and congrats, I didn't know Tangela evolved."

"I learnt about it during the Orange Islands. We we're training and seeing what moves Tangela could learn for inspiration and came across it," Serena explained, "she needed to learn Ancient Power but when I asked, she wasn't really interested." She turned to her pure grass type. "What changed your mind?"

"Well... I wasn't against evolution but I didn't think I needed it," she explained, presumably with a mental message to Serena as well, "but then seeing all your new Pokémon from Johto and them evolving, I thought I might as well so I got lessons from both Kabutops and Aerodactyl at the lab since they both know that move. I didn't think I mastered it until we were in battle and... I dunno, it just happened."

"As long as your happy with your evolution," Serena smiled.

"I am," Tangrowth replied, casting a not so subtle glance at Pikachu thanks to her wide eyes, "unlike some Pokémon, I never had an issue with evolving. Just wasn't something I wanted to force or really needed. Just indifferent."

Pikachu stuck his tongue out and crossed his arms.

A shiny looking ball popped out of his stomach... somehow.

"What is that?" Ash asked, pulling his Pokedex out to scan it:

Light Ball: This is item resonates with the Pokémon Pikachu and if held by one should help energise it to boost its speed and electrical power.

"Where did you get a light ball from?" Ash asked, putting his device away.

"Fine, I'll tell you but don't repeat it... I'm still trying to process it myself," Pikachu sighed, "so basically, Celebi took me back to the time I ran from my first home and I watched it happen... but from a different perspective. I always thought I led our father away, leaving my brother safe... but in reality, I ran and - and I wasn't followed. I left my brother alone to fight off our father... no wonder he hates me."

"Pikachu, you don't-" he tried to stop.

"No, I want to keep going," Pikachu shook his head, "so anyway, I found the light ball back in the old family home. It was a family heirloom of sorts. I used the power boost from it to face my dad and... make sure he didn't hurt my brother again since I ran away."

"Wow, how strong was he?" Ash asked.

Celebi popped into existence.

"He wasn't really, but Sparky down there had the hibijibes and such, so wasn't nearly as powerful as he normally is," Celebi explained.

"Huh?" the group chursed.

"I thought you left for good?" Ash asked.

"Did I?" Celebi asked.

"And wasn't Sparky the name of that other dudes Pikachu?" Pikachu asked, "Ritchie?"

"So, you know him too?" Celebi asked, "I just took him on a little adventure to save a Pokémon centre in the past and-" it paused. "I probably shouldn't reveal too much to those not directly involved. Bye!"

Celebi disappeared.

"Is that going to keep happening?" Brock asked.

"I hope not," Misty grumbled, "so anyway Brock, where did you go?"

"I took a trip to the future," he explained, "I got to see Pewter and while I didn't see my family, I got a rundown on the big stuff that will happen between now and then. And it helped me come to a decision."

"What's that, Brock?" Serena asked.

"I've decided I don't want to be just a breeder," he explained, "you see, I love breeding but it feels like I'm coming to an end of what I can learn, at least without specialising in a specific subject."

"So, you decided on which area that will be?" Ash asked.

"Right," Brock smiled, "and wasn't sure if I wanted to specialise in egg-raising, grooming, or something else but I think I know now. I'm going to specialise in medicine for both people and Pokémon."

"That's so cool Brock," Serena praised.

"But doesn't that take a lot of studying?" Misty asked, "does that mean your gonna finish adventuring like I am once the Silver Conference is done?"

"No, not at all," Brock shook his head, "you see, an official education would cost a lot and I can't afford it right now. Plus, we've learnt a lot on our adventure already, like the herbal medicine from the Melaine and the hidden village where we found Venusaur and Tangrowth. Or Shuckle's juice from the doctor on Cinewood or even what Mr Fuji show back in Lavender Town. A lot of those wouldn't get taught in a formal education."

"So, your gonna keep travelling with us and learn all you can whilst saving up," Ash beamed, "sounds like a plan!"

"And if we find anything about medicine or anything that interests you at all, Brock, then let us know and we'll gladly make a detour," Serena added.

"Thanks guys," Brock smiled, "but first we have to make our way to the Silver conference."

The eldest of the group brought out his paper map of the Johto region and began inspecting it whilst rubbing his chin. While Ash knew they could diverse a route on their Pokegears, he also knew Brock preferred the old-fashioned way and he hadn't served them wrong yet.

"What are you thinking Brock?" Ash asked.

"Since Celebi brought us to Cherrygrove instead Azalea, they about cut our journey in half," Brock explained, "I would say we work our way to New Bark and then up the mountain still but we can spend more time training and not in so much a rush. Even if we do one day travel, one day training, we should arrive with about a week or so before the opening ceremony."

"In that case, I say we set off tomorrow," Misty suggested, "I mean, we have had a pretty big day so a little break wouldn't hurt."

"Sounds like a plan," Serena agreed, "so tell us, Ash, when did you go?"

"I think I went further back than any of you, by the sounds of it," Ash explained, "about five hundred years, give or take. And I got to meet Sir Aaron. Pidgeot even battled his and... it was amazing. It was really something else."

"Well I'm glad that at least some of us had a good time," Serena smiled.

She leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek. He couldn't stop the wide grin from growing on his lips as he turned towards her. She placed a hand on his cheek and pulled his head down to her's, resting their foreheads against each other. She also slightly rubbed her nose against his.

"If you too are gonna start that, can we at least find the Pokémon centre first," Misty broke them up, "you can do whatever you want but first I want to make sure we have a bed for the night since we're not setting off yet."


She sat in the piolet seat, her goggles showing the stats of her ship and the remaining transaction from the last job filling up her private account. She also saw the pile of new job requests waiting to be reviewed. She has an assistant to pick out the possible jobs and from those, she will pick which ones they accept. After all, she has a perfect record when it comes to completely jobs accepted so she couldn't just accept every job.

Not counting the opportunities, she identifies herself. Which is exactly where she'll be heading next. It's not a profit job but more collecting an asset that will be able to help boost her Research and development lab.

Looking out of the large window, she saw a sea of trees and shrubbery before a large stone wall peaked over the horizon. Large towers could be seen poking up from behind it. As she watched, her visor morphed into an infrared phase and several heat signatures popped up.

"Current time?" she asked.

"Seventeen-hundred-hours, thirty-eight minutes," one of her co-piolets called out, "the window is twenty-two minutes, and it's our opportunity to obtain the assets."

"Prepare the tactical extraction team and have them meet me in the loading bay," she instructed.

Typing on the keypad, her seat began to decline from the main control room and down to through the loading bay. It was filled with different cargo boxes and an array of ground ships ready for deployment. Stepping out of her chair, she walked over to the far wall and typed into the keypad. A wall panel slid open and revealed her purple trenchcoat and her specialized glove. Taking her coat out, she carefully slid it on before tying it around her waist. She pulled out her specialized glove and placed it over her left arm. Turning to the computer screen on the side of the panel. Pressing some buttons on the touch screen it came up with a list of her Pokémon. Selecting her Salamence and Ariados, the two Pokéballs materialized beneath it.

Grabbing the two Pokéballs, she walked over to the array of trucks and turned to watch the army of men descending from the stairwell. Each of the seven squads stopped by one of the nearby creates as they each picked out a plasma rifle before running and lining up in front of her.

"Sir!" they all saluted.

"This is a simple recruitment mission. They're scientists so I don't expect a large fight back," she explained, releasing her two Pokémon, "when we smash through the wall, you'll spread out and isolate the targets so I can talk to them. Feel free to shoot anyone causing issues other than the targets. As for these two, Salamence shall handle any opposition from the towers."

"What about Drapion?" one of the soldiers asked.

"In case our new recruits don't want to come quietly," she explained, "now board the truck. We have located where the two gen-pop wings meet so we can get both targets in one go. We are running out of time before they return to their cells and our windows become smaller."

The squad of men nodded once more before piling into the back of one of the trucks as she made her way to the driver's end. Her Sargent climbed into the driver's seat as she took place next to him. The cargo bay lowered, and they zoomed off into the forest. Ariados was positioned on the ceiling above her as she saw Salamence flying by the truck's side.

"Sir, might I ask why we're risking a prison break?" the Sargent asked.

"It's only a risk for those who try to oppose us," she replied, "but if you had read their file, you'd know they developed a way to effectively capture and hold the beast of lightning when they wouldn't have had the means otherwise. That sort of technology can't just be wasted."

She watched the trees pass by as the stone wall came up in front of them. Sticking an arm out of the window, she signalled her mighty dragon. With a large roar, Salamence launched a powerful Dragon Pulse into the wall. An explosion erupted and the truck drove straight into the chaos, alarms and red lights welcomed their arrival as two groups of prisoners stood around, as if waiting for the chance to run.

"Both targets have been identified," she explained, "repel the other prisoners and allow me enough time for the initiation."

She stepped out of the truck and her Ariados followed suit. She walked in front of the truck and watched her squad of soldiers expand outwards. Three on each side as they held the prisoners at gunpoint. Each side picked out one prisoner and forced them behind the line. She inspected each of them, the first was a large man who was built like one of her field agents. On the other side, a tall skinny woman, both dressed in orange prison suits.

She waited as both scuttered over in front of her, "Atilla, Hun. I presume you know who I am?"

"You're that bounty Hunter," the female gasped, "J!"

"Glad to meet a fan, but we don't have much time, so I'll cut straight to the point," she informed, glancing up to the sky. Her Salamance launched a large a spread flamethrower across the skyline, blocking out the towers where snipers were no-doubt preparing, "you built an energy-sapping crystal. I need that sort of technology; it would help in an opportunity which has presented itself. The choice, however, is yours. Just know the courts like to punish someone for all this mess and I don't plan on waiting around. What is it, an additional ten years for attempted escape? Oh, and not to mention how it looks for a parole hearing."

"So, either we work for you or we have our sentences doubled and all privileges revoked?" the man asked.

"You better answer quickly, I'm not a patient woman," she replied, "oh and if you try to accept this job then escape or double-cross me, I won't hesitate to drop you in the middle of the ocean with a bullet in the skull. I might need that crystal, but I don't need it that much."

"You do know we're not killers, right?" the man asked, "I mean, we couldn't even bring ourselves to kill those kids that interfered with our Raikou mission."

"I understand that weakness you possess but fear not, I won't send you out from the lab," she explained, "I have enough muscle to do the leg work, I am in need of brainpower. Nothing else."

The two prisoners looked between each other.

"Tick-tock," she added, "time is running out. Decide now."

"We'll do it," the female informed.

"As expected," she smirked, lifting her arm piece up to her mouth, "assets acquired, proceed into evac protocol."

She stood in place as her squad began retreating back towards her, seeing between her squad she saw some other prisoners and officers lying on the floor with gunshot wounds and blood pooling around them. As her squad closed the gap, two agents each greeted the assets and moved them towards the truck.

Her Salamence lowered down and set up a wall of fire along the lines her soldiers previously held.

Once she saw the assets clear in the truck, she proceeded back up and into the truck but this time, she climbed into the back with her squad. She held one of the ceiling handles as the truck set off once more. Rocking back and forth, she moved closer towards the assets who sat at the furthest seats from the entrance. Both of them looked up at her like obedient little dogs.

"As soon as we reach the base, you will be escorted to the lab and I want a list of what you'll need to build another crystal," she explained, "we have nine months before the opportunity I spoke about so the soon we start the better."

"So, we just need to build another electric-sapping crystal?" the man questioned.

"No, this crystal I want to sap water type energy," she explained, "it's a job up in Hoenn. An opportunity to capture a water type legendary, if you must know, and soon. We have one final job in this region that I'll be leading a field mission on but don't worry about that."

"We've got company, captain!" the Sargent called from the driver's cabin.

Rolling her eyes, she turned around and walked back to the closed back door. She reached over one of her field agents and snatched the firearms from them before standing at the end of the corridor. Sliding the panel open, a gust of wind blew in as she balanced the nuzzle on the edge. Looking through the scope, she unleashed hell on the cop cars tailing them.

The tire's bursts and the cars rolled over, with explosions blocking the path. "Activate cloaking now!"

Removing her gun from the open window, she looked out to see her Salamence still flying around above them. Taking the Pokéball out of her pocket, she reached out and recalled him from the vehicle. Not wanting them to have a way to track them.

She typed onto her arm device when a hologram screen popped up of one of her flight teams, "eta for a return to base is about ten minutes. Prepare for immediate take-off and set course for mount silver summit."

"Sir," the assistant replied as the screen faded away.

"Can we ask what this job on mount silver?" the female asset asked.

"No," she growled, focusing on the open panel as watch out in case any other cops somehow tracked her.

It didn't take them long at all to reach the base and as soon as the truck stopped in the loading bay, they were taking off. Climbing out of the back of the truck, she caught the end of the loading bay ramp closing and walked over back to her chair. Taking a seat once more, she was raised back up to the piolet lounge. She watched as they flew over the sea of trees, a large mountain off in the distance as their next target.

"The Sargent from the last mission requests a meet," one of her co-piolets informed.

"Bring him up on the main monitor," she commanded.

A hologram formed in front of her with the Sargent from her last mission taking up the sight. She locked eyes with him and noticed a single sweat drop trickle down his forehead. Blinking, she enhanced her frown and narrowed her eyes.

"Yes?"

"Sir... I just wanted to confirm something with you. You took a long time on recruitment and we could've made a clean getaway if Ariados webbed them up and we left," the Sargent explained, "it's just-"

"Stop right there, Sargent," she cut him off, "don't try to complain about my methods without the proper insight of the objective."

"Sir," he stuttered.

"I needed them to agree because cooperative scientists work a lot quicker and more efficiently than prisoners. We had enough firepower to hold off those pigs for a week and reinforcements we're minutes away," she explained, "question my actions again and your employment here will be terminated."


Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow, and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...