Chapter 6

With You

A/N: I should really give a disclaimer. This chapter took a bit longer because I got five pages in, realized I wasn't happy with the quality, and went back to reread an old Goggleshipping (AshxGiselle) fic I wrote years ago right after I refined my writing style to be similar to Eric Nylund of Halo novel fame. I then spent an entire day rewriting those five pages into what this chapter is now. No, I will not be going back to the previous chapters to give it this treatment. This rewrite was to prove to myself how much I have improved as a writer, and this chapter is the epitome of that goal. It is dialogue heavy to the extreme, and I tried to make it as professional looking as possible. Sorry ahead of time for the drastic change in style.

Quick comment response, to silverkami963: No disrespect taken! I just know from my own experiences (sad, I know) how difficult it can be. And to answer your second question, we're here. Yeah, again. Sorry it was so anticlimactic. But there is rhyme to this chaotic reason, I swear.

Quip #1: How did I forget Riley last chapter?

Quip #2: Does anyone know what the meat in the meals humans eat in Pokémon is from? Because I still have a weird thought that everyone is freaking vegetarian in Pokémon.

On with the show!

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Ash's stomach groaned as his fingers clattered away at the keys of his P.C. To his right, sparks ignited as a pokéball formed in the transportation unit. Lanette never ceased to deliver. He felt a pang of guilt as he removed the pokéball, shrinking it down and placing it on his belt. It had taken quite a lot of effort and negotiating to set this up, his own personal link to the Pokémon Storage unit, especially with Lanette being based all the way out in Hoenn. Thank goodness for all of his league earnings, Ash mused as he closed the P.C. Bill always was a kind man, especially since he was the leader in the digital storage systems, but he had far too close a relationship to Professor Oak, and Ash knew that there was no way he'd keep his location secret. In a way, he was betraying his childhood mentor as well, using this instead of the Pokémon ranch, and he knew it was benefiting the upstart Hoenn technician.

But alas, that was business. And Ash had no intentions of taking chances in his endeavors to stay hidden. His heart ached for the closeness of another person, but the terror that was the Silver Conference finals still haunted him. He knew it was petty, childish even, to want to hide. But he had gained an even closer kinship with his Pokémon, and they had grown even stronger in the last month on this mountain. His soul was slowly healing, and perhaps in the coming weeks he'd finally be ready to return to normal life. But for right now, the secluded solace of the cave he was using as a home was a comfort he couldn't seem to bring himself away from.

Plopping down into a seat, Ash watched two of his Pokémon work over a large cauldron, almost like a pair of wizards making a brew. Although, the brew smelled mighty tasty rather than like some kind of stench laced potion. Sceptile was precisely slicing wild carrots and tamato berries with his leaf blades, while Infernape was using his heated hands to tenderize meats he had gathered while hunting outside the cave. The two had become close partners in this endeavor, as Ash was still unable to cook. Hell, he could burn water if he tried. It certainly caught Ash off guard, however, as Infernape had taken to cooking rather quickly. His usual heated and energetic self seemed quite out of place wearing an apron -which he had found in the ruins of Silver Town much to Ash's amusement- but spending time with the relaxed Sceptile seemed to rub off on him. Both of them found solace in the simplicity of cooking, and both of them had the skills to make even Brock blush. Ash couldn't have been happier, however, as he loved seeing his Pokémon, his partners, his close friends finding new ways to be happy. That, and because they would have starved by now otherwise.

Pikachu was standing close to the two, sniffing it with peckish eagerness. The little mouse had done quite a bit of work keeping the inside of the cave clear of wild Pokémon with Feraligatr today and had built quite a hunger, the strong jaw Pokémon taking a well-deserved nap in the rear of the cave. Something peaked Pikachu's senses though, even past the food he so craved. His nose caught something else. Something... familiar, not from the food, but from elsewhere. His ears perked, and he spun to face the cave entrance, "Pikaka!" he chirped, leaping onto Ash's head in disbelief before launching himself towards the figure that had entered.

Ash's head slammed into the ground hard, not being prepared for the sudden charge of his best buddy, "Pikachu, what's gotten into you?" He groaned, not even bothering to open his eyes. He was far too hungry to bother, and staring at the computer screen for the last hour had drained him. He never was good with technology.

"Aw, I missed you too Pikachu!"

And just like that, Ash was bothering. He was bothering a lot, his brain snapped back to full strength. A lightbulb went off, full wattage, like a floodlight in his mind. Wait. Pikaka. The way he says that, only to... and that voice. It can't be. Ash sat up, still not turning to look. He was still in disbelief. In a way, he was hopeful that it was indeed who he thought it was. And at the same time, he was scared. Terrified to face her. He couldn't face her before, he had said that himself. Was he ready to now?

"Come on out, Piplup and Lopunny, say hi to Pikachu!"

Ash stood at the sound of releasing Pokémon, and the choir of cheers as the Pokémon in question bid hello to their long lost friend, Pikachu. His chest tightened and his mouth dried near instantly. Slowly, Ash turned, initially peeking over his shoulder in disbelief before finally facing her. His russet eyes locked with sapphire blues. Those gorgeous, gleaming orbs of oceanic bliss. His mouth opened to speak, but no words came out. Seeing her again after nearly a year and a half... he was speechless.

Dawn just returned the gaze, a cute smirk on her face as she waited for him to process, yet no words were formed. "Ash Ketchum. Long time no see, huh?"

At the mention of his name with that angelic voice, he finally regained his own, forcing out one name. The owner of said name being the host of several cherished memories. Memories and dreams he had abandoned in his selfish desire for respite from his mistakes. "Dawn...?" What was she doing here? How was she here?

Without any warning, Dawn strode up to Ash, flexing her right hand before rearing back and swinging. Silence immediately overtook the cave following the ear splitting slap. Ash stood silently, trying to process what had just happened, before hissing in pain, "Ok, I get the fact I probably deserved that, but... What the heck was that for!?"

"That," Dawn said with a stern voice, "Was for making me look for you all this time, you jerk!" She then quickly stepped up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a strong kiss. They both ignored the murmurs and giggles of the Pokémon around them, Dawn being too lost in what she should have done long ago, and Ash...

Ash was feeling that buzz in his chest again. He knew now what it meant. He had been off the league circuit long enough for his focus to finally drift to other topics. He didn't fear it either. This feeling of longing he felt for Dawn, this emotional drug he felt tugging at his conscience was only magnified by this kiss. He never felt this before, not when around any other girl, and not when he was kissed back in his childhood. Bianca, Melody, neither of them even remotely elicited this kind of reaction from his heart. This was something only Dawn could do... He knew now, without a doubt, what it meant.

Snaking his arms behind her, he gently pulled her into a hug, lengthening the kiss without adding anything further on his end. He could feel the burn coming from her, she was holding back but just barely. Deep down, he wanted her to go further, to let it all out. Her aura was bursting like a nova, all of the emotions she clearly had harbored for so long pouring out. He tightened the hug, smirking in the kiss when she hummed in glee. When did he suddenly get so brazen with these thoughts? These burning emotions. Perhaps he truly had harbored them for longer than he thought, but was blinded by his league ambitions... Now, he just wanted this. This moment. With the woman that never gave up on him... the woman that he...

A few moments of this, and Dawn broke the kiss, gazing up into Ash's auburn eyes with clear wanting still in her own, "And... And that...?" Ash asked sheepishly.

"That... was because I love you, Ash. And I just wish I had told you back then." Dawn giggled at the wide eyed shock that had stayed plastered on Ash's face. Even she was surprised she had said it so bluntly, "Maybe then... you wouldn't have left..." her eyes drooped with fatigue as she brushed her lips against his once more before resting her head against Ash's chest, enjoying the embrace they were sharing before finally succumbing to the overwhelming tiredness that had overcome her. One year, four months and twenty two days. She had counted every day, nearly every hour, even when she was with Zoey. All of those days of wanting, of regretting, of wishing... All poured out at once. She was spent, and her eyes finally closed. No tears, no sadness. Just bliss.

Ash felt Dawn turn into near dead weight, barely maintaining his own balance as she slumped against him. Looking to the aura jackal who was watching with a pleased grin, he heard a ringing in his ears before a voice spoke, she's been pushing herself to her limit ever since she began searching for you. Let her rest for a bit. You have no idea how long she has been wanting to do that.

Ash blinked and shook his head. It had been a good bit since he had been spoken to solely through aura. It was painful, the ringing and echo. It seems this Lucario couldn't talk verbally like the one at Cameran Castle. Sighing in defeat, the young master brought his charge down with him into a sit, carefully making sure she was comfortable before gazing down at the beautiful face resting in his lap. She looked so stern when she had approached him, and now she was practically as peaceful as a porcelain doll, her skin shining in the dim light of the cave with its own luster. "She's as... beautiful as the northern lights of Sinnoh..." he chuckled at the thought, "Maybe... that makes her my northern light... who even in my deepest darkness," he ignored the clear snickers from the 'chefs' behind him as he gently stroked Dawn's hair, "continued to be the light beckoning me back..." His mind drew back the words Dawn had asked him in Silver Town, and the words she had just said, the admittance he hadn't realized he had wanted to hear so badly. "Maybe... I do want to settle down..."

"With you..."

Dawn's eyes fluttered open slowly, the strange lack of tears making her question if she was truly awake. Allowing her eyes to adjust, she rolled her head to catch russet brown eyes gleefully gazing down to her. Was this real? "Nngh... I must still be dreaming..." she groaned with a sweet, sleepy smile, although her nose couldn't deny the savory smell of food wafting around her. She reached up and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, using him as a support to pull herself up. She didn't even hesitate to brush her lips against his once more, however brief, as she sat up fully. Shifting to face him, she couldn't help but giggle at the huge blush and goofy grin Ash had from what she had just done, "So... this is real then."

"As real as it can get" Ash replied sheepishly, glaring at his Pokémon who were giggling once again at the cute display. They knew full well that Ash was missing human contact, and seeing him crumple in embarrassment was a flight of humor for them. Both of their stomachs growled loudly after a few moments of silently maintaining eye contact, as though both of them had been trying to confirm this really was real, "Well, you were out cold for a little bit, but the food is still hot thanks to Infernape. It's not exactly fine cuisine," Ash ignored the daggers Infernape and Sceptile glared into his back, "But they make a mean stew. Don't ask what the meat is though. I gave up trying weeks ago."

Dawn stood and dusted herself off, smiling brightly, "That sounds wonderful. I haven't eaten all day, and dealing with the wild Pokémon outside drained the life out of me!" she casually strolled over to the chefs, Infernape having already prepared a bowl for her, "And I'm sure it's a lot better than Ash is making it out to be, right Infernape?"

The fire monkey cheered its name proudly, though he did nod to Sceptile who stood silently, waiting for this new taste tester to critique their home cooking. "I never would have guessed your Pokémon would become your personal chef's, Ash," the blunette giggled before taking a big spoonful, her eyes widening in glee, "And it's so good! Maybe we should have a battle of the cooks with Brock when we get back!"

Ash's gaze lowered as Infernape and Sceptile gave each other a high five for the compliment they had received. When we get back...? His prior eagerness to settle down drained from his soul once more in a wave of worry and self-doubt. He glanced at the Lucario, who was staring intently at him, as though he knew full well Ash's stomach had dropped again. Shaking his head, Ash stepped up to make a bowl of food for himself, "Hey, what's the deal with that Lucario, anyways? And you... When did, or more over, how did you gain access to aura, Dawn?"

Dawn slowly sipped at her stew for a moment, trying to think of where to begin with her answer, "It's a really... really long story. A lot happened after you disappeared," Dawn looked at her gloves, remembering that day clearly again.

Ash flinched as he saw the light in Dawn's eyes dim, "Well, we have plenty of time. Start with Lucario. He seems to have a genuine connection with you. When you were asleep, you kept having small bursts of aura flow off of you, and he didn't miss a beat, watching you until they died down again." Ash and Lucario both exchanged friendly smiles, "And I know how Lucarios can be at times. To be this well linked to you through aura, something big must have happened."

Dawn gave Lucario a forlorn look, a somber smile creeping on her features as she took another bite of her food, "Yeah... You could say that. It was at Route 217, just outside the Acuity Lakefront..."

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Route 217, Three months after Silver Town

The snow crunched under the boots of the two coordinators as they made their way towards their destination. Zoey was going over ideas for appeals while Dawn listened silently. The blunette still had trouble with emoting, even after this much time had passed. That night had crushed her soul, the echoes of her bellowing voice ringing through her dreams each and every night. She had cried until she had nothing left, but Zoey was there for her, even if it cost her rest herself. She offered her comfort, support... Love. A love that Dawn had once been too naïve to see as possible, but Zoey was all too happy and eager to introduce to the blunette. Their bond as rivals had blossomed into something far more to Zoey, and while she acknowledged it was a bit selfish of her, seeming to take advantage of Dawn's heartbroken state, Dawn knew and reminded her constantly that she had nothing to feel selfish about. Dawn still found it odd, this relationship she was sharing with Zoey, but she reciprocated as much as she could, even with the guilt hanging over her at her last words to Ash before he walked away.

Ash...

"So Mismagius would easily be able to... Dawn?" Vermillion eyes met sapphire, but she could see the emptiness in those blue orbs. Zoey smiled at her girlfriend, knowing full well what was going through her mind. "You're thinking about him again, aren't you?" she laughed as Dawn shook her head nervously, trying to explain away the redhead's suspicions to no avail, "You didn't even hear a word I said the last few minutes, have you?"

Dawn tried to make up an excuse, or recall Zoey's ideas, but after a few moments rubbed her arm nervously and sighed in defeat. She gazed up into the taller tomboy's eyes as she approached her, giggling through a blush when the soft lips of the top coordinator kissed her forehead, the warmth of both her skin and comfort a welcome clash to the cold of the route they were on "Come on, Zoey... I'm sorry, don't tease me!"

"You've gotta get your head out of the clouds. You need this next ribbon or you might not even be able to enter the Grand Festival. I'm worried about you, Dawn," Zoey playfully poked the blunette's nose, "And as your girlfriend, I will not let you wallow in the past and fail!" About facing, Zoey waved for Dawn to follow, "Come on! Let's work on your appeal now!"

Dawn's smile brightened even further as she picked up her pace to keep up with the vermillion beauty. The two began to discuss as they walked, the gentle snowfall creating a beautiful scene for their imaginations to play in, but as they continued, Dawn's ears began to ring. Only slightly at first, but as they neared the Acuity Lakefront path, Dawn felt her thoughts slowly disappearing in the sound.

She tried to push it out, but the more she fought, the louder it became. Fear slowly began to overtake her as a terrifying realization overtook her; her vision was blurring. It wasn't the snowfall or the light haze of sun reflecting off snow. She was losing herself to the ringing, and... She could hear something else. I the white noise that was her mind, she could her a voice, calling to her. Begging, pleading... her thoughts fell silent soon after.

After a few moments of clearly talking to herself again, Zoey looked back and called with concern, "Dawn? Are you-" Zoey's eyes practically shot out of her head as she realized her friend had disappeared. She frantically scanned the area, shocked that the girl had vanished so silently before catching sight of blue ascending a distant hill, "Dawn! Dawn, get back here!" The blunette did not respond, seemingly in a hypnotic trance as she climbed the incline with animalistic speed. Zoey took off in a full sprint after her, "Dawn, where in Arceus' name are you going?" Forcing her legs to pound through the mounds of built snow below the hill, Zoey pushed herself just to try to catch up to the blunette, and just as she was about to grab her hand, a bright blue orb arced above them, exploding and sending Zoey rolling back down the hill. She had seen enough Pokémon battles to know what that attack was, but she knew there were no Pokémon on this route that could fire off an aura sphere. What was happening?! Snapping back to her feet as soon as the world stopped spinning around her, she fought her way up the now mini avalanche that miraculously passed Dawn completely. Zoey was well aware of Dawn's past with fated encounters, and she had a very good reason to think this was yet another game fate was playing with her.

And Zoey was not about to play that game, especially when the girl she loved was guaranteed to be in danger from it.

At the top of the hill, Dawn's mind returned to her, her eyes snapped into a look of pure shock. Before her was nothing short of a warzone. Several Sneasel were lying unconscious, blood had been sprayed across the ocean of white snow. This wasn't a normal Pokémon battle occurring. A lone Weavile stood, wounded and panting, but a look of killing intent glowing in its evil eyes as it glowered at a wounded figure in the snow.

A blue figure, fur stained in blood, desperately clinging to an egg. A Lucario. Without hesitation Dawn ripped a pokéball from her belt and threw it, "Pachirisu, Thunderbolt, now!" a white and blue hyperactive squirrel leapt forth from its pokéball, taking but a moment to realize the situation and unleash an arc of yellow lightning at the Weavile. Dawn watched with trepidation, hoping that the ice weasel was tired enough already to fall from that, but as the electricity dissipated it slowly turned its glare to the blunette. Dawn realized all too late that this wasn't just any Weavile, it was the leader. This entire route's Sneasel more than likely followed this one's command. That required strength, and Dawn had just walked into a deathtrap. Her ears began to ring again as fear overtook her, watching the Weavile flex its claws before dashing towards her. She wanted to call out a command to Pachirisu, her Pokémon was clearly waiting, but the ringing in her ears was stalling her thoughts.

And just as she thought the blades of death were about to reach her, a clash of claws against blades rang through the snowy landscape. A green and white figure stood stalwart, holding back the claws that nearly met Dawn's throat. A figure Dawn knew, followed by another arc of lightning flashing by her, "Mismagius, Gallade, take that scum down!" Dawn's head snapped back to see the determined red eyes of Zoey, firing commands back to back. Pure rage flowed from her, obviously due to how close Dawn had just come to meeting death first hand. Before she could mouth words of gratitude, the ringing blared once more, and her eyes dulled. She was pulled by an unseen force, guiding her feet as she walked past the ensuing fight, past her Pokémon, to the aura jackal lying in the snow. The closer she got, the louder the ringing became, until...

It all stopped. All sounds. The battle, the ringing, everything went silent to her. She stared, quivering in pure shock at the Lucario, bathed in blood, barely breathing. Around her were the shattered remains of several eggs. This was a mother who had just fought to her last breaths to defend her offspring. And now she held a single egg, dirtied with its mother's blood, in a weak embrace. Dawn slowly fell to a kneel beside her, reaching out slowly. She could hear it. The voice from before that was embedded in the ringing. It was this Lucario, calling out to her... but how? She could understand why, but how was she able to hear her? The words rang clearly through her mind as she hesitantly took the egg, watching the light fading from the Pokémon's eyes as it smiled weakly. She had chosen Dawn to carry her legacy... as her arms fell limp.

Tears flowed freely then, as Dawn knew that the last moments of this Pokémon's life were filled with hope. Hope that her child would live, while she would not. A gasp came from behind Dawn as Zoey approached, having knocked the Weavile out for the next week if not month, although the scene before her made her wish she had gone much further, "Dawn... This is... holy..." she stepped forward to examine the unmoving body before them, but quickly recoiled, looking at the tear filled eyes of her girlfriend and eyeing the egg she held in her arms. "Did... did she...?" Zoey's breath hitched and a lump built in her throat as Dawn nodded. Zoey was right, fate had played with the blunette once more. But this time, she couldn't blame it nor be angry. Yes, she was upset Dawn was put in danger once more, but... This was something she couldn't bring herself to hate it for. Dawn now carried the legacy of a very rare Pokémon. How she had been called to it, she couldn't fathom, but...

"Come on, we need to get this egg to a Pokémon center as soon as possible. Nurse Joy will want to make sure it's not damaged, and we can get an incubator for it." Zoey said, though Dawn didn't move, her eyes locked on the corpse before her. Scratching her head in mild annoyance and worry, Zoey shrugged her shoulders before hooking an arm under Dawn's, hefting her to her feet, "Dawn. Now. We need to go, now. Otherwise, this Lucario's efforts will be in vain." Dawn's eyes flickered lightly, but she still didn't move. She was shell shocked, not that Zoey could blame her. The blood was a sight, and smell, to behold, and watching a Pokémon die in front of you wasn't the most pleasant of experiences by a longshot. Zoey steeled herself and said with a harshness she rarely used on Dawn, "Dawn Berlitz, do you want that Riolu in that egg to die?! Get your head out of your ass and let's GO!"

That did it. Dawn snapped to attention and looked into Zoey's burning eyes before nodding. Zoey's heated energy simmered down as she patted Dawn on the head, "Thatta girl. Come on," she led the way, making certain that she paid heed to her friend's footsteps, listening closely to ensure the snow crunched behind her as they made their way out of this bloody battlefield.

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Dawn wiped the tears from her eyes, trying not to look into Ash's in her moment of saddened memories. She could feel through her bond with him that Lucario was down as well, her gaze wandering to him to see him staring at the nearby cave wall, clearly in thought. "After that," Dawn continued, regaining her composure slightly, "We moved on. Nurse Joy gave us a clean bill of health, and even contacted an emergency crew to go and... Recover the body." She finally looked to Ash, who simply nodded in understanding. He had no words to offer, despite several questions in his mind begging to be asked. It wasn't the time, Dawn was too lost in her recollection of this terrible event, so he patiently waited for her to resume.

Dawn closed her eyes and took a long breath, knowing that positive memories were now to come forth, "Zoey took top coordinator, yet again. The Grand Festival was a bust for me, I didn't even get to the finals this time... But that was partly due to the adorable little Riolu who hatched right before it began." Dawn smiled appreciatively to her practical aura son, who just glanced at her sternly, almost as though he felt she was blaming him for her loss, "I couldn't focus on anything but making sure he was happy and healthy, from the moment he came out of his egg. Zoey didn't even try to stop me, she just let it happen... Especially when she noticed how I was able to talk to him, and understand him." She noticed Ash quirk and eyebrow in curiosity, "Somehow, I... I had gained the power of aura, as well as a connection through it to Lucario, or, well, Riolu's mind. He kept calling me 'mama', it was so adorable!" Dawn and Ash both spared a laugh as Lucario grunted in embarrassment and paced to the other side of the cave, "After the Grand Festival... Zoey and I decided to go our separate ways. I had decided to take a break from contests to raise Riolu, and I wasn't going to take Zoey away from the circuit."

Ash watched the aura jackal wander the cave, smiling warmly at the emotions it was showing. He remembered how hard it was to get the one at Cameran Castle to do so, and this thought brought him back to Dawn's explanation, "Aura is something that everyone has access to. The problem is, only some have the innate connection to it in order to harness it." Dawn gave Ash a surprised look, which he realized was due to his wording. He gave her a mild glare before continuing as she giggled, "It sounds like that Lucario mother reached out to whoever she could, and you just so happened to be ready to have your aura awaken."

Dawn nodded in agreement, "That's what the castellans at the castle said too. It was fate, something we both know can't seem to leave us alone." They both shared a chuckle at that, easily recalling all of their crazy adventures involving legendary Pokémon, "I spent some time on Iron Island with Riley after Lucario evolved. After we visited the castellans, I went around Sinnoh and even Almia trying to gain more knowledge of aura, and finally turned to Cynthia. I think she knew my intentions to bring you back, Ash," she noticed him flinch at those words, but continued, "So she pointed me to Riley. He put me through hell, to say the least, but because of his training, I... Well, made it here. That, and Misty helped a lot too. I love that pool of hers." Ash tilted his head curiously at that final comment, though he did think back to the strength of her slap. He was lucky he didn't lose a tooth from how hard she swung, let alone bleed from the ears from the impact. Riley and Misty both must have put her through the physical training wringer.

"So you went through all of that..." Ash mused, trying to find the right way to approach this. He feared this, as he knew it was rounding down to this final request. The longing in her eyes gave it away easily, "All just to find me?" He held his breath as she opened her mouth to reply, knowing full well what was next.

"To bring you home, Ash. I told you. I was never going to give up on you. I was going to bring you home, I swore that to you." She watched him intently, noting each and every fluctuation of his aura. He was clearly having an internal debate with himself over this. Was he really this stubborn that he would still say-

"No," Ash said bluntly, "I'm not ready... I need more time to myself, to reset myself." He looked to his Pokémon, who all were staring at him. He couldn't identify their emotions, though he still felt regret as he took their gazes in. He wasn't ready. But were they? Dawn had done the same, and he could see her eyes glow with remorse. She could feel their intent far more than he could, and in a way, that just upset him more. Before he could say anything more, he noticed Dawn smirk at his Pokémon, then look to her own who were watching with heated anticipation. They knew what her next action would be, apparently. She stood and walked to the entrance of the cave, leading Ash to stand and face her, "Wait... Is that it? You're going to just leave it at that?" Why was he questioning it? Wasn't this what he wanted?

Dawn spun on her heel and drew a pokéball, pointing it directly at Ash, "Not on your life. I know what makes you tick!" Ash's eyes widened, finally realizing her game plan. She did know him, and her next words were easy to predict, "Ash Ketchum, I challenge you to a Pokémon battle! If I win, then you're coming back with me no questions asked!"

Ash couldn't help a smile. Confidence radiated from her, even knowing she was challenging the one and only Pokémon Master. She must have done quite a lot of training with her Pokémon alongside her own physical tests to have so much faith in her skills. He looked to his Pokémon, who all seemed ready and at attention, even Feraligatr who had snapped up from his snooze, eager to fight something stronger than just the wild Pokémon of the mountain. He nodded to the strong jaw Pokémon, who leapt to his feet and did his signature dance to his trainer's side, knowing he was up first.

"Alright Dawn. If you insist. Feraligatr! I choose you!"

Dawn threw her pokéball, "Typhlosion, Spotlight!"

Both trainers smiled with wicked delight at the other, both eyes gleaming with happiness at the chance to battle each other once more, despite the bet Dawn had placed on the battle. Both took a breath before shouting.

"Let's do this, battle commence!"

A/N: Holy. Effing. Crap. Ok. First of all, go read Northern Lights and Ocean Dreams by Undercityrezident, because yes that northern lights comment was a reference to my absolute favorite pearlshipping fanfiction of all time. Second, yes that iron island 'training' was ALSO a reference to Another Road by Mezamun, so go read that too. Third, HOLY CRAP WE'RE DONE WITH THE REUNION AND ARE GETTING TO THE BATTLE, FINALLY! I hope you all enjoyed this revision of events, because I did my damnedest with this chapter to make sure everything aligned perfectly. Next chapter will be a monster due to it more than likely being the finale. That's right, we're packing the Six on Six battle in with the original story's... well, in case there are new readers, I won't spoil anything. We MIGHT get two chapters instead, but I honestly plan to just drop the whole finale into this next one. We'll see. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go make some tea and take an Advil because this chapter nearly killed me. See you all next time, and as always, reviews and critiques are appreciated.