Yo, people! What's poppin'!

Y'know, I'm too happy! Ah, I received a lot of reviews saying that I should update fast! And I got desperate, so here I am! *peace sign* I hope you enjoy this chapter! ; p

There's a surprise for you guys in this episode! Hehehe!

And no, I don't have any update schedule! I just update randomly whenever a chapter is ready! Hahaha!

Thank you guys for all your support! And I hope to reach great lengths with this story! (Not like I'm gonna get an award but... whatever! ; p)

Hey! Those were actual coincidences! DarkestLightOfHope and me never planned it! See, now? Those were pure coincidences! Ain't I right, miss? *smirks* hahah!

Anyway, enjoy for now!

Chapter 35 - Guilt

I sighed in exasperation, still processing what had just happened. Why did Dawn have to poke her nose in others' business?! Couldn't she be quiet and let the matter slide? But, no. She just had to interfere.

Geez, she seriously got on my nerves.

I sighed again.

After some more thinking about the previous events, I started to feel guilty. Maybe I shouldn't have argued with her… she was just concerned about me...

I cursed, "Damnit!" I ruffled my hair in frustration. I myself didn't know why I had gotten so pissed at her and said all those words.

"Ash." I heard Gary's voice; he must have entered the room.

I turned around and raised an eyebrow. "Hm?"

He came to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, saying with a straight face, "I think you should go and apologize to her."

I sighed, nodding my head. "Yeah, I think so, too. I argued with her for no reason and made her angry at me. She was worried about me and damn, I ended up yelling at her!" I shut my eyes in utter frustration. "I've already hurt her enough, I can't just go on doing that anymore."

"So, you're going to tell her the truth?" I opened my eyes and noticed his furrowed eyebrows.

I gave a short nod. "Yes. I might as well let her know about my circumstances," I muttered. "What would I do if she comes to hate me?"

"Dude, she's already mad at you, y'know. If you are so sincere, then you should have atleast apologized," he said, narrowing his eyes at me.

I rolled my eyes. "I tried to but she would just avoid me, no matter what!" I shrugged as the memory of her dodging me flashed my mind. "And... she seemed too angry at me, I felt so guilty for that." Just then, another memory of her mistakenly witnessing Serena kissing me and her expression at that moment flashed before me.

It aches my heart whenever I remember her heartbroken expression. I couldn't help but slap my forehead. Damn, she must think of me as some playboy! She must have thought that her kiss with me didn't mean anything to me! Though, I did tell her not to ignore it... But damn! I'm such a jerk!

I just hated my personality, right now. How could I be so bad at expressing my feelings?! Only if I had confessed to her earlier that I liked her, too and none of this would've happened! But then, I have Serena attached to me, thanks to my stupid dad. Ugh, I thought after I dealt with dad and talked about the annulment, I would approach her with confidence without having to feel like I'm cheating on anyone! Ugh!

Only if I wasn't engaged, none of this would've happened!

Besides, Dad did promise that I could break the engagement as soon as I find a girl I love and now that I have, I'm sure he must have noticed it, too.

If I wasn't involved with Serena, I'd be in a relationship with Daw, by now... I guess?

... No. Maybe not. Considering my shitty personality, I guess not.

But it'd be easy, right?

Gaah, fuck!

I just want to hold her tight and confess my feelings, right now. She got a lot hurt because of me, already.

But sadly, I'll have to take a bit more of time because I'll approach her only when I sort things with Serena.

Damn, why am I so unlucky?

"Oh, hello! Because of you, she's mad at me, too!" Gary yelled, making me look at him. "She didn't even talk to me! I texted her and called her a million times and she didn't respond to me! Even though she said she'd forgive me, she's still holding a grudge!" He groaned, eyebrows furrowing.

I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms. "Weren't you teasing her just now with that asshole white-haired bastard?" I scowled.

"I tried to! It was an attempt to gain her attention!" he reasoned. "But no one, not even herself, couldn't notice the glare she shot at me! Sometimes her glares leak without her even realising! And let me warn you that it's a dangerous sign!"

I ignored him and said, "Don't you think that bastard is kinda suspicious? I mean, why was he being so familiar with Dawn, all of a sudden? I don't have a good feeling about him."

He nodded, agreeing with me. "Me too. Let's keep an eye on him, alright?"

"Mm," I hummed, nodding back. Then, I stuttered, "D-do you know where she is?" I really should apologize before things between us get dirty.

He smirked and replied, when I glared at him, "I saw her stomp outside, totally pissed. Anyway, let's go!" I nodded as we both exited the entrance gate. Our eyes widened at the sight before us.

I yelled, "You bastard, what the heck did you do to her?!"

That guy, Jack, was holding Dawn in her arms, floating in the air, above the ground. He had one arm on her back while the other one was under her knees. By the way he held her and her position, she seemed to be unconscious.

But… seeing her being held in his arms, somehow… made my blood boil.

He looked at Dawn with soft eyes as he smiled admiringly. "I would never want to hurt her..."

Hurt her? My ass.

By this time everyone present in the house had gathered around with us, including my family. Leaf and all had also come to us with a shocked and confused expression on her face. Pikachu had climbed up on my shoulder while Piplup frowned after seeing the blunette in Jack's arms.

He walked ahead and furiously shouted, "Pip, Piplup! Pip! Pip, pip!"

Jack laughed, menacingly, "Aw, is the little penguin worried about his master?" He then said, "But… don't worry! I'll take good care of her!"

"What do you mean?!" Gary raised an eyebrow.

He pursed his lips. "It's obvious, isn't it? I'm going to take her with me!"

"Wait a sec! Who are you?" Drew frowned.

"Haven't you figured it out yet?" he mocked us. "I'm the head, the boss, and the leader of Team Cosmic!"

"What?" Both of the girls gasped in shock.

He was the one behind all those robberies of the statues? It's not possible for such an inexperienced man to do all of that work... ah, but I shouldn't judge the book by it's cover. He could be the mastermind.

Just then, Gary shouted, "Let her go! She's got nothing to do with you!"

I turned my head in that man's direction. "Let her go?!" He growled, "You gotta be kidding me! I have been waiting for almost three years for her to lie in my arms like this… and you expect me to let her go?! How foolish!"

What... three years? I frowned.

Was he her acquaintance? But Dawn said that he was a friend she made today... so, that option is out.

Was he her stalker or something?

I narrowed my eyes. Yes, definitely a stalker. A pervert!

"Listen, you all! This girl, Dawn, is mine and only mine! Get this through your thick heads, especially you, Ash Ketchum! You'll never have a chance with her!" he grumbled with his fierce eyes wide open. "You better get married to your fianceé! Don't you dare lay your eyes on my woman!"

His woman?

I frowned deeper. That idiot already likes me… so there is no way she'd like him. Besides, Dawn and my feelings are mutual... Heck, I'm sure she just won't fall for someone she met just a few hours ago!

And besides, who was he to tell me that?

Leaf raised an eyebrow, looking at him weirdly. "Is he crazy?!"

"Yeah, maybe." May shrugged in response.

Just then, Jack waved. "Well, I gotta go."

He was about to go, but I stopped him. "Wait!" He turned to me with an eyebrow raised. "Where are you planning to take her? And what are going to do with her?" I asked, suspicious, and stepped towards him cautiously. If we're dealing with a psycho like him, we better be careful.

He smirked. "I'm taking her with me, obviously to the special place I created for us. And as for what I'm going to do with her... I'd prefer it to be a secret." With that, he jumped higher in the air and flew away in the distance.

"Damnit!" I cursed through my gritted teeth and ran a hand through my hair in agitation. I swear, if he dares to lay a hand on Dawn, I thought with fire blazing in my eyes as I clenched my fist, tight enough to pierce my nails into my palm.

...I'll kill him.

"How could we let him get away with Dawn?! What kind of officers are we?! Who can't even rescue their own partner!" Gary said through clenched teeth while all of us looked at our feet in utter disappointment and shame.

Just then, Piplup came up to me with a determined look on his face. He said, "Piplup! Pip! Pip! Pip! Lup!" He patted his chest with his flippers, with fire in his eyes.

Gary muttered softly, "Looks like he wants to help us in getting Dawn back."

He nodded. "Pip-lup!"

I took a deep breath, calming my nerves. I crouched on the floor and nodded, "Alright. You can help us." He climbed on my other shoulder.

"Pika-pi!" Pikachu waved.

Suddenly, a thought struck in my mind, causing my eyes to widen. I looked at others and they held the same expression as me.

"The statue?!" they all yelled in unison.

"Pika-chu!" "Pip!"

We all quickly ran inside the mansion. We saw Trip and Miette standing next to the statue with evil smirks plastered on their faces. "Oh, you're all back? I didn't know that you would return so early," Trip said, amused.

Just then, Miette tried to go near the statue, but ended up getting electrified. She yelped as she moved back, "Ouch!"

Trip smirked. "Looks like you'll have to lose the statue this time, too."

Leaf nodded. "Yeah. It'll be better for you two to run away without getting humiliated, this time."

I was expecting them to get annoyed but… I was confused when I saw Trip smirk as he made his way to us. "Mm, I think it won't be necessary. Turn your heads around."

Confused, we all turned around to see that all the guests were standing with fear because there were guns pointed at them by a large number of Team Cosmic grunts. My eyes widened when I saw even mom, dad, Aiden, and Serena were among those people.

Dad wasn't fazed by their threat, or maybe I couldn't read his expression because of his stoic face, but mom and Serena did look like they were scared, while Aiden tried to hold a firm look, despite sweating heavily. I felt my anger boil inside of me as I clenched my fists. Fuck!

Leaf's mouth was agape. "What the...!"

I spoke through gritted teeth, "Let them go."

Trip smirked again as he shrugged, "Sorry, can't. You don't want to lose them, just like you lost your precious friend, Dawn, do you?"

I clenched my fists even tighter. Gary raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"

"Isn't it quite simple?" Trip stepped forward to us as he smiled evilly. "We just want you to break the security system, and we'll let your people go. It's just as simple as that."

May crossed her arms. "There is no guarantee that you'll stick to your word, is there?"

"Don't worry, I assure you that I'll let them go once you unlock the security. I swear on that one," he replied.

They had come with a solid plan! Damnit!

Miette chirped, "Are you up for the deal?"

"Urgh!" Leaf grumbled. "You brought these many grunts with you just to threaten us with this!"

"Ash! You can decide whatever you feel is right… don't give into stress. In this situation, you're supposed to think straight. Don't worry about us," I heard my dad reassure me.

If we wanted, we could save the hostages by snatching away the guns and fighting with them but the only problem is the number. We are just five and they are more than fifty! There is no way we can match them... If we try to save one person, others might get hurt...

Ugh, so frustrating!

"Think it over, agents. You don't want the life of innocents to get in danger just because of your one simple decision. I'll count till three and you'll have to give your answer before that. If you don't, then at the count of three… all the people will be dead. It depends on your answer now," Trip said.

"One."

Drew whispered, "Damn, we are in danger from both sides! We can't make any bad moves."

"Yeah, I guess we should let go of the statue and save the people for now... Lives of people are more important than that statue," Gary pointed out.

"Two."

I just listened to them intently, debating in my mind on what to do. I couldn't help but tighten my fist even more, making it turn white.

I felt Leaf place a hand on my shoulder as she smiled, "Ash, let's listen to them."

I sighed. They definitely will kill them all if we don't give in... I can't risk their lives.

"Thr-"

"Wait!" I yelled. I took a deep breath, I could see Trip smirking triumphantly. "Fine. We're ready to unlock the security," I said in defeat. Crap, so shameful! To surrender to these rascals!

Trip came to us and said, "Good decision, I must say. C'mon, hurry up and open the security locks."

Gary nodded with a furious expression as he walked away. Miette followed him to make sure that he wouldn't trick them.

The sense of defeat was overwhelming. It was so shameful and enraged my every nerve and cell. I clenched my fists even harder… I could feel my nails digging into my palm.

I glanced at my family members, who were looking at me with concern. I couldn't help but turn my gaze away... how could I possibly meet my eyes with them? In fact, anyone.

I couldn't even save Dawn. Nor the statue.

"Pika?" Pikachu asked, worried.

I hid my eyes under the shadow of my hair. Never in my life have I ever felt so humiliated.

Just then, I saw the security system deactivate and the invisible wall must have disappeared. Trip and Miette laughed, evilly. "Good job!"

Gary had come back to us with a defeated frown. He came and stood with us with his hands in his pockets. Leaf placed a hand at his shoulder and grabbed his arm. He smiled at her forcefully and intertwined his fingers with her.

We saw those two go near the statue and touch it's hard and rough surface. Trip laughed, scornfully, "Looks like we've won, officers. Please, go and cry in the corners as much as you want!"

Drew grit his teeth. "Just shut up, you piece of shit!" He was about to step forward but was stopped by May.

"Aw, don't get angry, you handsome hunks!" Miette said sweetly.

I looked up to see Trip smirking. "And don't you worry about your little partner. She'll be a lot more safe with our boss than you bunch of cowards!"

I growled, "Get out of here before I do something really bad to you!"

"Pika-pi!" Pikachu threatened as electricity sparkled from his red cheeks.

"Ooh, Ash Ketchum is getting furious, eh? Haha!" Trip shook his head, amused. "Let's get out of here." He turned serious as he signalled his people to move away and they nodded as they held their guns down.

Mom quickly hugged my dad with Aiden joining her. He protectively wrapped an arm around the two. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. At least they are safe.

After they were ready, they let out their Pokémon and disappeared, using teleport. Once they disappeared, I banged my fist the nearby wall, cursing, "Damnit!"

"Pika-pi!" Pikachu patted my head.

I could see the rest of the members' guilty expressions. May came up to me, "Guys, we just did what we were supposed to. We didn't have any choice."

Leaf nodded, "Yeah and besides, we still have the statue of Dialga with us, right?"

Just then, Gary received a call. He took it out, glanced at the screen and looked at us, hesitantly before locking up the call. He put it on the loudspeaker and held it in the middle of us, enabling us to hear the conversation.

"Hello, agents! Bad news!" Came Jerry's voice from the other side of the line, sounding panicked.

"What happened, Jerry?" Leaf asked with concern.

He said, "The Dialga statue that was kept under our security has been stolen! Some people hacked the system and stole it! We're quite shocked at how they were able to do that and take away the sculpture!"

I felt anger rush through my blood as I clenched my fists. Fuck, Team Cosmic!

Everyone's faces fell in shock after hearing that news. After some moment of silence, May answered, "Jerry, sorry to say but… here is the same situation. The statue of Arceus is stolen from here. Um... We'll talk to you about this matter, later."

"...Alright. I'll call you back later!" With that, he hung up.

I felt too helpless and walked out of there, towards my room, leaving them alone. When I was about to go upstairs, Serena came up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. She said, "Ash, the party isn't over yet. You have to stay..."

I couldn't help but growl at her, swatting away her hand from my shoulder. I snapped, "You're still worried about this fucking party?! Dawn's been kidnapped and all the statues have been stolen and you still want me to stay for the party?! Ugh, unbelievable! Please leave me alone! I need some time to process these events! So, just get lost!"

Her face was overcome with shock and despair. I didn't care about anything at that moment, as I quickly stomped upstairs and walked into my room.

Once I entered the room, I shut the door behind me. Piplup and Pikachu jumped down on the bed and stared at me. I couldn't help but feel guilty for letting them get away with Dawn and the statue.

I sat down on the couch, resting my elbows on my knees and clutching my head. I closed my eyes and all the previous events came flashing back into my mind.

Why did all of these things have to happen, at the same time?!

It's all because of me! If only I hadn't argued with her, she wouldn't go outside and wouldn't be alone with that rascal! We'd be more focused on the situation inside and nothing would have gone wrong! Fuck!

I just wanted to hang myself to death.

Then, I got up from my place and went onto the balcony. Pikachu and Piplup followed me, standing near my leg. I leaned on the railing with both of my arms resting on it and stared at the night sky. It was full of stars, surrounding a crescent moon.

Looking at the moon, I couldn't help but remember the time when we were once camping in the forest at night.

We were all camping in the forest for a night. Everyone was sleeping in their sleeping bags inside their tents. I was sitting next to the campfire, admiring the orange-yellow blaze. Pikachu was still asleep in our sleeping bag.

Just then, I heard some ruffling noises and instinctively, I turned around my head. I saw Dawn come out of her tent, stretching while putting a palm over her yawning mouth.

She drowsily walked to me and sat down next to me. She yawned again. "Ah, what are you doing?" I noticed that she was wearing her nightdress.

I sarcastically replied, "Playing around."

"Hey, answer straight!" She lightly punched me on my shoulder.

I just laughed in response. "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to spend some of my time here 'til I felt sleepy enough."

She nodded. "Oh, alright." Just then, she turned around completely to face me. She stared at me with squinted eyes. The fire made her pale face glow brightly.

I just stared back at her, questioningly. I asked, "What happened?"

Dawn moved her face closer to my face and I blushed, in embarrassment. I raised an eyebrow, confused. "Wh-what is wrong with you?"

She didn't reply. Instead she came so close to me that we were just inches apart. She brought her fingers to my face and I moved my head backwards. She kept coming closer to my face; I gulped. She said, seriously, "Ash, wait."

My thoughts froze.

I didn't reply nor did I move any more. She brought her fingers to my cheek and brushed it lightly. I held my breath at the contact and could feel goosebumps on my arms and legs.

Her hand was pretty warm...

Dawn frowned as she asked, "What are these? Those don't seem like any scars..."

I scrunched my eyebrow, confused, and then realised that she was talking about the zig-zag marks on either of my cheeks. I held her hand, which was softly brushing those marks. She looked at m, expectantly, waiting for me to answer.

Seeing her so eager, I decided to have a little fun... I raised an eyebrow, amused, "Why do you want to know?"

She shrugged. "I don't know… I just got a little curious, I guess."

"That's the answer you give me?" I frowned, suppressing the smirk. "I don't think it's an appropriate answer for my question and neither is it an appropriate reason for me to answer."

She pouted slightly. "If you don't want to tell me then, it's alright. I don't wanna pry in your personal life." She pulled her hand back and began to stand up.

She looked so cute... I shook my head, amused as I grabbed her arm, pulling her down to sit back at her place. She looked at me, confused but with a pout on her lips. I took her hand and placed it back on my cheek.

I chuckled lightly. "I was just teasing you."

"Hey! No fair!" She puffed her cheeks out cutely.

I couldn't help but adore her. She was just too stupid! But… cute! I replied, "It's nothing personal or secretive, so it'd be alright to tell you."

Her face brightened up as she smiled widely. "Really? Then, tell me, please!"

"Actually, they are not scars or anything… I think it's a trait I inherited from my dad. It's a sign of the Ketchums', I guess. My father has them, but since he has aged, they have become lighter,'" I explained.

She nodded. "Oh, so, you sure that it's gonna be transferred to your next generation?"

"Why do you want to know? It's not like you want to be my wife, do you?" I wiggled my eyebrows, suggestively. Ah, it was too fun to tease her.

She didn't understand at first, but then her eyes widened, and she blushed. "No way!"

I laughed at her funny reaction and she puffed out her cheeks again. I couldn't help but lean into her hand, which was placed on my cheek. "Actually, no one has ever asked about it, so I wasn't expecting it," I said.

Dawn just blushed at my actions, which she ignored. "You mean, I'm the first one to ask you about it?" she said with sparkling eyes.

"Yeah?" I nodded as I stared at her.

She pumped her free fist, muttering, "Yes!"

"What's so great about it? Why are you so happy?" I raised an eyebrow, looking at her strangely.

She excitedly replied, "It's just that… I showed interest in it first… so my curiosity level is higher than that of other people! A curious person just has to notice every little thing around them!"

I looked at her in disbelief. "What's so exciting about it?"

"Ash, you won't understand. It's called a spark of electrifying curiosity!" she explained to me, with her eyes looking ever-so proud.

"Man, you're very weird," I shook my head, flabbergasted.

She thought, deeply, before smirking, "You know, there's a saying... 'If I am acting weird around you then I'm comfortable around you,' and I think that's true."

I felt a bit flustered at her wording, but smirked back, nevertheless. "Sure, sure, chatterbox. Whatever you say."

I couldn't control the smile that had crept on my face. Though, I really hated Dawn, in the beginning but… I guess feelings evolve, too.

...She was fun to have around...

I heaved a sigh. I know I shouldn't really be worried about her. She's a talented cop, after all. I'd never admit this to her face… but she is quite a tactical girl despite being an idiot and immature, at times and reckless, too.

Chuckling, I muttered, "I never thought I'd say this but… man, I really miss her presence, now." I placed a hand over my temples, amused at my own thinking.

"Pika?" He wiggled his eyebrows questioningly.

"It's nothing." I shook my head.

I closed my eyes, feeling the fresh breeze hit me, sending chills down to my spine. I could feel my hair swaying, lightly. Just then, a voice of Dawn popped up in my mind.

"Throwing caution to the wind is just a part of our job! Being reckless and risky without worrying about the danger should be our number one quality!"

It was a line said by her, which touched my heart... She seemed like a true example of it. I sighed, she does say something useful, once in a while.

After realising what I was saying, I slapped a hand over my forehead. How ironic was it that when she was not here, I kept going on and on praising her!

Man, I'm really acting like a lovestruck guy, ain't I?

I shook my head with a smile. Looking down at my suit, I decided to change into some normal clothes. I went inside the room, removing my blazer.

After some time, I was wearing some black jeans and a red T-shirt with 'stay cool' imprinted on it in a white calligraphy. I put my cap on over my head.

I went to the desk, picked up my fingerless gloves and pulled it over my hand. My hands felt empty without those.

I sat down on my bed, resting my elbows on my knees as I thought, recalling all the events which happened in the last few hours. I need to recollect my thoughts and go over the situation calmly.

"If I'm not wrong, then the base we went to previously wasn't their actual base, because there were no signs of their leader nor any of the robbed statues. Their main headquarters must be somewhere very secretive and hideous," I said.

"Piplup?" Pikachu asked as he cocked his eyebrow.

I nodded. "Mm, Gary has said that the final rite has to be performed at the spear pillar, but it's not like they'll actually make their base there. It has to be somewhere close to it, which can make it easy for them to work and be present at that pillar. And from judging Jack and his obsession with Dawn, it felt like he treasured her more than his own life. So, I'm sure that he won't hurt Dawn... so, he'd probably take care of her."

The electric rodent scrunched his eyebrows, confused. "Pika-pi?"

"You see, she was wearing a party gown, which I'm sure she'd want to get rid of. For that to happen, she'd want to change, and she'll ask Jack for it. Obviously, he won't deny her request. So, it's more likely for him to keep her in a place where she's comfortable. In a place where there will be a bathroom and a bedroom. On a bed, where he'll keep her, when she's unconscious," I deduced with a hand under my chin.

Also, she will be wearing the clothes from her mini backpack, which should be stored in her pocket. It had all her gadgets in it.

Ahaa.

An ecstatic and triumphant smile played on my lips.

That's it!

"Ash!"

*drum rolls* That's it! What do you think? The surprise I was talking about is the chapter with Ash's POV! Since you guys liked it in his POV, I decided to write another chapter! Also, Ash was receiving a lot of dissing, so... XD I had to make sure he made things clear to you! LOL! Now, you guys understand why Ash was acting that way? First of all, he is not good at expressing and he couldn't just tell Dawn about his feeling when he has another fiancée fixed for him.

Ah, this episode was kind of frustrating, wasn't it? The way how Team Cosmic got away with all the statues... Even I feel bad for them. ╥﹏╥

One of the reasons, why I couldn't focus of updating was because BTS recently released a new single, "Butter" and I just couldn't stay calm! Also, it was their 8th anniversary on June 13, so I was busy with watching the Soowoozoo, their muster! Ah, but the broke me could only watch using illegal sites... sad life. T~T

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! And hope that I update the next chapter, soon!

Sayonara!

Ah! I love you guys, too! Keep loving my story, too! Please take care of yourself!