Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 109 and Chapter 26 of XYZ. Now we reach Ash's eighth Gym battle in hopes to earn his final Gym Badge. Now I've been getting messages about a different conclusion in this due to a popular opinion...well that doesn't play to what I got planned. Most of you will be upset and I'll give you an explanation of this grand plan in the end of this. For now, enjoy the chapter.


"He who cannot put his thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of dispute."- Friedrich Nietzsche


Chapter 109: Hail to the Ice King

"This must be it." Ash said as the group approached a large blue building. "Ash are you sure you want to challenge the gym now? We still haven't figured out to properly control the Synchronization form." Clemont said. "If Sawyer can pass this and come out with a gym badge in hand. I probably won't need it." Ash said. "Ash...maybe Clemont's right." Serena said as Ash could only look back with a stern expression. Surely his friends have faith in him. "Guys I got this." Ash said sternly and leaving his friends a bit lacks in confidence.

Like most gyms, the gang walk through a hallway with low lighting but the ice blue glossy paint reflected much more light to light the whole hall. "Esshh, that's brisk." Serena shivered when she saw her breath freeze. "Clearly the whole gym is one giant freezer." Ash said. As they walk towards the door, Ash trips on a certain tile and out from under the floor popped out five small walking icicles ready to attack. "Woah what are those things?" Bonnie grew curious. Ash meanwhile scans one of them.

"Bergmite, the Ice Chuck Pokémon, Using air of -150 degrees Fahrenheit, they freeze opponents solid. They live in herds above the snow line on mountains."

"That's cold." Ash said. "Wait." The gang turn to see a man enter the gym. The man was young around Drake's age, blue hair, blue eyes, had blue frame glasses, brown ear muffs, had a baby blue parka, jeans and brown high boots that look comforting. "Wait!" The guy ran over. "Guys, they're guests here so please ease up." The man said. "Hello, is one of you challenging the gym leader?" The man asked. "I am. I'm Ash Ketchum." Ash stepped up.

"Name's Winston. I'm the referee for the Gym Leader. If you follow me, we'll head to the battlefield." Winston said as he lead the group. Through the door, the gang was astonished that field was pure ice from icicles hanging about from the ceiling to the floor and the which air was frozen. On the other side of the field sitting on a frozen throne was a jolly, big man who had white hair and bead. He worn a baby blue cloak with red ascents, under it was just a plain white undershirt, black pants and boots. He also has hexagonal necklace around his neck.

"Boss, you got another one." Winston said. "So I see." The gym leader rose from his throne. "Welcome to the Snowbelle Gym folks. I'm Wulfric the Ice King and the Gym Leader of the Snowbelle Gym." Wulfric introduces. "He looks like Santa." Bonnie whispers. "Bonnie don't be rude." Clemont scowls. "I'm Ash Ketchum and I'm here to challenge you for a Gym Badge." Ash said. "Ash Ketchum huh. I've hear the tales of a trainer who can move as fast as a Greninja and shoot lasers like a Lucario." Wulfric spoke.

"That's me...I guess." Ash shrugged. "I had hopes you would come here. You see most trainers face my Gym last for their final gym badge. My Ice is tough and durable while at times fragile but also adaptable. You'll have a hard time melting this ice cube." Wulfric said. "Great. So let's shall we say break the ice?" Ash smirked as Wulfric chuckled at the ice pun.

Ash took off his coat and offer it to Serena and headed to the battlefield. Both trainers stood against one another as Winston took his place in the referee box. "The battle between Ash the challenger and Wulfric the Snowbelle City Gym Leader will now begin. Both sides will use three Pokémon and the winner be decided once one side's Pokémon is unable to continue. Furthermore only the challenger can substitute Pokémon." Winston explains.

"Three eh, so I can go with my original plan." Ash thought. "My ice is stone cold just like my Bergmite." Wulfric release his first Pokémon. "Bergmite huh. In that case. Talonflame I choose you." Ash release the Scorching Pokémon as his first.


Ash vs. Wulfric: Three on Three

"Let's see if you can give me a much heated match." Wulfric said. "I'll give you more than that. Talonflame use Flame Charge." Talonflame rockets ahead and charges at Bergmite. "Bergmite use Icy Wind." Bergmite blew out a current of icy wind at Talonflame and striking it. But the ice had no effect as the fire veil around Talonflame melted in close proximity, giving Talonflame the opening to land a critical blow.

Bergmite was pushed back after that hit. "Now use Steel Wing." Talonflame zips around to line another strike and zooms in with metal wings. "Use Blizzard." With a will Bergmite blew an even stronger icy wind that Talonflame was trying to push through but the Blizzard cause the metal on his wings to freeze and Talonflame went crashing down. "Now use Sharpen." By reducing the polygon count to make its body much sharper, Bergmite increases its Attack power while encasing itself in a thick diamond.

"Now use Gyro Ball." Still encased inside the diamond, Bergmite spun at a rapid velocity like a top charging at Talonflame. "Quick use Flame Charge to rid the ice on your wings." Talonflame immediately flames on to rid the ice on his wings but wasn't fast enough to take off before Bergmite struck him head on. Even after the blow, Bergmite was still spinning. Talonflame slowly stood up and took to the air once more.

"Let's try to break down that diamond. Use Steel Wing." By flying close to Bergmite, Talonflame managed to strike one of the edges which cause Bergmite to spin all over the field uncontrollably. "Ughh it's like trying to keep track of a pinball." Ash said which gave him a light bulb. Ash slowly studies the angle and speed of Bergmite that way he can predict Bergmite's next move. A few seconds later, Ash saw an opening. "Talonflame use Brave Bird now." Talonflame then charges straight ahead in a blue flame and strikes Bergmite which pushes his diamond top backwards but also cracking its shell.

"Use Blizzard." Through the crack, Bergmite blows out a cold wind but didn't have enough spread to accurately aim. "Dodge and use Fire Blast." Talonflame easily dodges the Blizzard and fires a close star shape blast that struck Bergmite head on. When the smoke disperse, Bergmite was unconscious surrounded by ice shards.

"Bergmite is unable to battle. Talonflame is the winner." Winston said.

"We did it buddy." Ash cheers. "Well done, perhaps there lies a spark in this match after all." Wulfric said as he returns Bergmite. "But let's see if you two can remain frosty. Avalugg come out." Wulfric release a big chuck of living ice as it roared. "Woah its huge." Ash cried as he scans it with his Pokédex.

"Avalugg, the Iceberg Pokémon and the evolve form of Bergmite. Its ice-covered body is as hard as steel. Its cumbersome frame crushes anything that stands in its way."

"Man just by its sheer size, it'll take everything we can throw at it." Ash said. "Well kid, it's your move." Wulfric said. "We'll try going fast and hard. Talonflame use Flame Charge." Talonflame then flames on, races across the field and strikes Avalugg head on. Weirded out, Ash wondered why Wulfric didn't counter since Avalugg was so large that it wouldn't be able to dodge.

"Use Hail." Stomping the ice below it, Avalugg summons a storm cloud that covers the whole field. A second later, it began to hail and Talonflame felt the tiny chunks of ice hitting its body. "Hail, great. Now Talonflame will slowly lose health while Avalugg remains fine...wait what's that." Ash took note of how the hail affected Avalugg as its body slowly shine as more hail hit it. "Wait...is the hail having another effect on Avalugg?" Ash asked. "Good observation boy. Surely you have heard of the special ability Ice Body?" Wulfric asked.

"Ice Body, how Ice types can slowly gain back health in a hailstorm...fuck me." Ash groaned internally. "It's a fickle thing." Ash spoke. "It's what I meant by 'stay frosty'." Wulfric chuckled. "Talonflame use Flame Charge." Ash figures to keep building up speed as Talonflame fires up and strikes Avalugg once more, Wulfric wasn't making much effort to dodge but counter was another story. "Use Avalanche." Forming a smaller, darker cloud over Talonflame, the latter was pelted by ice rocks and fell to the floor. "Avalanche, a move that can do double damage after the user is attacked. This just keeps getting better and better." Ash said.

"Now Ice Fang." Avalugg then broke to a full sprint for a Pokémon his size with frozen choppers. Talonflame was too hurt to take off as Avalugg bit down, causing smoke. When the smoke disperse, Talonflame was fainted. "Talonflame is unable to battle. Avalugg wins." Winston declares.

"You did your best buddy." Ash returns Talonflame. "Your next Pokémon?" Winston asked. "I suspose I could try this out. Lucario come on out." Ash release the Aura Pokémon. "A Fighting and Steel type. I'm curious." Wulfric said. "Wulfric will mainly let us make the first move then retaliate with Avalanche. But what if we can quickly increase our own power overtime. That way we can beat it quicker." Ash thought.

"Quick use Swords Dance." Lucario quickly summons a row of swords and greatly increases its Attack power. "Don't think I know what you're pulling kid. Use Stone Edge." Avalugg slams down to summon a row of stone pillars aimed at Lucario. "Dodge upward." Lucario jumps high to avoid the Stone Edge and having to land on the farthest pillar afterwards. "Avalanche." "Quick use the pillars to maneuver." As Avalugg hurdles ice stones at Lucario, the latter wall jumps from pillar to pillar as the Avalanche damages some of them.

"Use Swords Dance." Lucario then summons a row of swords to increase Attack power as compensation. "Sooner or later, you will have to attack." Wulfric said. "Then try this. Aura Sphere." Lucario focuses his hands and shoots a ball of aura at Avalugg, sure it was a special move and won't be boosted by the Swords Dance, Wulfric wasn't worried as he let Avalugg take the hit and let the continuous Hail heal its wounds.

"Use Swords Dance." For a third time, Lucario increase his Attack power with a row of swords. "Now use Bullet Punch." Lucario runs ahead with a steel paw and striking Avalugg on the head. Staggering back from the blow, Avalugg stood its ground. "Use Gyro Ball." All the sudden, Avalugg spun around in place and with Lucario's paw still connected got suck into the vortex.

"Did you think I didn't have a countermove to deal with close combatants? Shame on you." Wulfric said as Ash was felt annoyed, Wulfric seem to be the kind of gym leader that was prepared for everything. A moment later, Lucario was toss back to the ground hard. "Lucario are you alright." Ash asked. "Ughh..I feel dizzy." Lucario said via Aura Link.

"It'll pass. Use Swords Dance." Lucario gets focus and increases his Attack power once more. "Get in close." Lucario then tries to close in on Avalugg's personal space. "Use Stone Edge." Avalugg tries to block Lucario's advance but the latter zig zags around the pillars. "Use Bone Rush." Jumping high with a bone staff in hand, Lucario down slams his bone on top of Avalugg's head. "Gyro Ball." "Quick use Force Ball to jet out of the way." Before Avalugg could start spinning, Lucario once again cause damage to Avalugg's head by using both paws to blast out energy and to make his escape. Afterwards was went Avalugg went through on the Gyro Ball but was hitting nothing but air.

"Aura Sphere quick." Lucario then rapid fires out Aura Spheres at the spinning Avalugg, unknown if it was causing damage but Ash was too desperate to find out. "This part has going way too long." Ash said as he was reminded of the hail and how it was taking a toll on Lucario. "Use Bullet Punch." Lucario felt drained but gave a full push and dash ahead with a steel paw. "Use Ice Fang." In waiting, Avalugg prepare to attack with a frozen bite. Lucario and Avalugg close in and clashed with Lucario striking Avalugg's face and Avalugg biting down on Lucario's arm, freezing it.

There was a brief explosion that covered the field. Once the smoke was gone both Pokémon were still standing and a stare down occurred. Lucario was the first to flinch and collapse but only to have form a bone staff to steady himself. Avalugg was different as it fell to the ground and lost consciousness. "Avalugg is unable to battle, Lucario wins." Winston said.

"Well I must say that was a great contest of wills." Wulfric said as he return Avalugg. "Some say I'm a natural." Ash said. "Don't go over your head kid, cause this battle's gonna get even more chilly. My best Pokémon." Wulfric said as released an Abomasnow. Ash kinda grew tense when he saw Wulfric's go-to Pokémon. If Avalugg could give him a run for his money, Ash could just imagine what surprises Abomasnow has in store.

"Lucario could you keep going?" Ash asked via Aura Link. "I'm...on fumes Ash, but I refuse to yield...I'll battle to the last." Lucario vowed. "Then let's not pull any punches." Ash said. "We're ready for ya." Ash told Wulfric. "First thing's first." Wulfric waited until another snow cloud shadowed the whole field, dropping hail once more. "Let me guess...Abomasnow's special ability is Snow Warning?" Ash asked. "Are you surprised that this point kid?" Wulfric smirked. "At this point just annoyed." Ash growled.

"Lucario use Bone Rush." Lucario rushes in with a bone staff in paw at the wooly Pokémon. "Use Blizzard." Abomasnow didn't waste any time and exhale out a strong, icy wind that made Lucario stagger. The bone staff in hand froze, rendering it useless. "You'll have to do better than that." Wulfric said. "Get in his space Lucario." Lucario, still half frozen, continues to advance until he got in Abomasnow's inner circle. "Bullet Punch." Lucario zips in close and delivers a strong steel punch to Abomasnow's face. But somehow even from the previous Swords Dance, Abomasnow wasn't faze by it, putting Lucario in a difficult spot.

"Blizzard once more." Now up close and personal, Abomasnow blew out a strong, cold wind that completely froze Lucario solid. "No!" Ash shouted all helpless. "Now Wood Hammer." With a green power hammer in hand, Abomasnow swung and struck the frozen jackal across the field, shattering the ice on impact and Lucario was out cold.

"Lucario is unable to battle, Abomasnow wins." Winston said. "(Grunts) forgive me Master. I have..failed you." Lucario spoke via Aura Link. "No..I have failed you. I'm sorry." Ash said as he returned Lucario back to his Pokéball. "What's your triple play now kid?" Wulfric said. "Come find out. Greninja let's go." Ash release his final Pokémon as the Ninja Pokémon took position. "We'll have to rely on speed this time and hopefully we won't have to use the Synchronization form." Ash said.

"Use Ice Shard." Abomasnow then forms ice chunks and hurls them Greninja. "Let's use those shards to advance." With his ninja reflexes, Greninja advance by hopping from ice shard to ice shard as they flew pass him. "Use Energy Ball." Abomasnow then fires a green ball of energy, hoping to stop Greninja's advance. "Use Night Slash." Forming two purple blades in each hand and still flying true like an arrow, Greninja spun like a drill as he simply cut through the Energy Ball like butter. Once landing, Greninja was in close proximity.

"Use Ice Punch." "Double Team." As Abomasnow tries to strike Greninja with a frozen fist, he struck a duplicate instead. "Aerial Ace." In the guise of its copies, Greninja unleash a flurry freeflow of kicks that Abomasnow couldn't keep up. One final flip kick cause Abomasnow to stagger. Wulfric knew Greninja was fast but Abomasnow had the tactical advantage via the battlefield. "Use Blizzard." Rather than exhaling the air, Abomasnow emitted out an ice cold moisture that froze the air around it and cause a whiteout. Ash was astonished that what he witnessed was the ice type version of Smokescreen as his version was blocked.

Greninja saw nothing but white but Abomasnow had no trouble zeroing in on him. "Wood Hammer." "Look out in front of you." Ash shouted but was too late as Abomasnow swung right and hit Greninja into a home run, sending him flying back. "Are you alright?" Ash asked as Greninja nods yes but also internally pleads to Ash to let them synchronize but the latter refuses out of fear of failure. "We'll stick to our technique. Use Water Shuriken." Greninja only obeyed as he shoots out several compressed ninja stars at Abomasnow. "Use Ice Shard." As retaliation, Abomasnow hurls ice chucks at the shurikens, freezing them solid.

Ash was thinking how to advance considering that Abomasnow will do everything to keep Greninja at a distance. Then he had an idea. "Quick buddy use Hydro Pump." Greninja jumps and fires a powerful stream of water Abomasnow. "Freeze it with Ice Punch." Once the Hydro Pump drew near, Abomasnow punches it, effectively freezing it. Ash smirked as things went off without a hitch. By freezing the stream solid, Abomasnow unknowingly created a path for Greninja to slide across.

"Take a slide down buddy and Use Night Slash." Greninja then hops on the frozen path and slides down toward Abomasnow. "Use Ice Shard." Abomasnow hurls ice chunks as Greninja slides closer and closer at it but to no avail. "Night Slash." A quick drop and roll, Greninja slashes Abomasnow's legs causing it to stagger. "Now Aerial Ace." With a one-two high leg kick to Abomasnow's chest, the latter was force back in pain.

"Well I must say I underestimated you both." Wulfric said. "Well, we got a special bond." Ash said. "Let's see what special about it. I never thought I have to use it today, but circumstances seem to force my hand." Wulfric said as he reach for the necklace and opened it. Inside was something Ash never suspected.

A Key Stone.

"Wait but that means." Ash said as he saw buried in Abomasnow's fur was an amulet containing a Mega Stone. "The power of Mega Evolution intensifies our strength. To go beyond evolution is to look inward. Now you freeze before our might! Mega Evolve!" Wulfric touched the stone which glowed and form tendons that began to merge with Abomasnow's Mega Stone, allowing it to be cover under a veil of light. As Abomasnow got more visible, it was revealed that its grew it bit taller, is standing on four legs, grew two short tree branches (or arms) on its back and its fur was more jagged than before.

Mega Abomasnow roared loudly that shook the whole stage. "Want to know what a flash freeze feels kid. You'll know soon enough." Wulfric smirked. Ash grew angry as his whole plan was in shambles. He may have to have to call on the Synchronization form to bail them out now. "I don't know how we are gonna get out of this one." Ash thought.

"Your move kid." Wulfric called. "Guess we could try to keep it confuse. Greninja advance ahead with Double Team." Greninja moves at great speed under the guise of a dozen copies. "Use Blizzard." With one powerful breath, Mega Abomasnow blew a heavy snowstorm from his mouth that evaporated all the clones but the real Greninja kept on moving. "Use Water Shuriken." Still advancing, Greninja quick fires three water stars Abomasnow. "Use Ice Shard." Rather than forming ice chunks and hurling them, Abomasnow fires several seeking icicles missiles, each one canceling out the Water Shurikens. Greninja however didn't let that stop him and continue on until facing Mega Abomasnow head on.

"Use Night Slash." Once close, Greninja swipe a purple blade and striking on Mega Abomasnow's left arm. "Punch him away with Ice Punch." Rather than using just one arm, Abomasnow was using all four...somehow. "Let's keep up the pressure buddy." Ash calls as Greninja keeps to his toes while striking Abomasnow's body with Night Slash while dodging. Unfortunately, the swipes appear to have little effect. Mega Abomasnow had a high endurance for pain or Greninja simply wasn't strong enough...perhaps both even.

This didn't help further as Mega Abomasnow caught on to Greninja's movement and one lucky punch managed to nail the blue frog, forcing it backwards to Ash. Ash growled that his attacks weren't fazing Mega Abomasnow much and he was running out of ideas. There may only be one last option. Greninja looked at his trainer in frustration and growled out to finally be let loose. "Ughh! Fine! Considering nothing else appears to be working!" Ash told Greninja. "Ash and Greninja seem to be butting heads." Bonnie cried. "That's bad, if Ash and Greninja try to bond under these circumstances. The results maybe disastrous." Clemont explained.

Ash first tries to calm himself and tries to find a medium to feel comfortable. Greninja does the same and could his trainer's Synergy began to pool with his. "Please...let it work this time." Ash pleads to himself. It wasn't long before Greninja feels a massive power boost and morphs into Ash-Greninja. It wasn't a complete transformation as Greninja was covered by the water veil. "At least it's something." Ash shrugged.

"My My. This is something I never saw coming." Wulfric said. "You'll know more soon enough. Greninja Double Team." Ash-Greninja dashes with its newfound speed under a dozen copies. "Use Blizzard." Once again, Mega Abomasnow blew out a heavy snowstorm at Ash-Greninja but this time Ash-Greninja was coming much faster. Some of the copies were destroyed but serve their purpose as Greninja was once again close. "Aerial Ace." In a zip, Ash-Greninja delivers a one-two kick to Mega Abomasnow's face, something that the latter gives credit as he actually felt the blow.

"Now Hydro Pump." Ash-Greninja then fires out a high pressure water stream at his opponent. "Take it." Abomasnow simply uses its two front arms to brace itself as it took the Hydro Pump without much trouble. "Let's see how well you fare when the air freezes in your lungs. Use Blizzard." Unorthodox once more, Mega Abomasnow expels out sub zero moisture from its body, freezing the surrounding area. Ash-Greninja tried to move but uncovered its grand flaw; the water veil surrounding it. The sub zero moisture managed to freeze its veil and Greninja was encased by its own property. Ash was shocked that Wulfric managed to exploit that as he was left at his mercy.

"Now Wood Hammer." Like decimating a Wack-a-Digglet record, Mega Abomasnow swung as hard as it could and shatters the ice in one blow while sending the blue frog rocketing backwards. Ash clenched his chest in pain as he felt the blow as if he was the one who took it. "That's hurt!" Ash groans. "There's more where that came from kid." Wulfric said. "Well come and get all over us! Greninja, Aerial Ace." Ash lost his cool.

"So impatient, and impulsive. Abomasnow use Ice Shard." Mega Abomasnow braced as it took the heavy kick on its chest, but also gave the opening to fire close to Ash-Greninja and nailing it. Ash felt the pain like a ton of bricks falling on his back and left him breathless and losing his footing. He was feeling it what he had feared and expected, the Synchronization was failing them once more. "Guys, Ash isn't alright." Serena cried. "This is bad." Clemont agreed.

"Let's wrap this up. One last Wood Hammer." With Greninja feeling drained of energy, he accepted his upcoming fate as Abomasnow delivered one last Hammer shot, nailing him to the floor. Ash could only look from his knees as he saw that Greninja wasn't getting up, leaving Winston to call the match.

"Greninja is unable to battle. Abomasnow wins and the match goes to the Gym Leader Wulfric." Winston calls.


Ash lays his head against the cold ice, feeling the cold serving of defeat and making his body numb. Wulfric meanwhile, returns Abomasnow and walks to Ash. "It was a good effort kid and your bond with your Pokémon is commendable, but I'm afraid that could only take you so far." Wulfric said. "I..I be back soon." Ash vows from his knees. "When you get over being impatience and start developing a clear mind. Then I'll consider your request." Wulfric said as Ash could only feel more smaller. From the beginning, he should've listen to his friends. He wasn't really for what Wulfric had in stored and his Pokémon paid the price.

After bidding Wulfric and Winston farewell, the gang went to the Pokémon Center to rest for the evening. Ash quietly gave Talonflame, Lucario, and Greninja to Nurse Joy for examination and waited alone in the lobby. "Guys you think Ash will be alright?" Bonnie asked. "Give Ash some time Bonnie. He'll put himself up." Serena reassures but even she has concerns for her love's condition.

Some time pass and Nurse Joy came back with two Pokéballs in a cart. "Ash Ketchum, your Talonflame and Lucario made a well recovery." Nurse Joy said. "What about my Greninja?" Ash asked. "Your Greninja I'm afraid has taken more physical and some mental damage. He'll have to remain a bit longer and is stabilized in a recovery room." Nurse Joy said. Ash could only blame himself even further, because of him Greninja was suffering.

When Nurse Joy left the group be, Ash decided to check on Greninja alone. In the recovery room, Greninja's back was turn against the window and was resting. Ash couldn't think of anything to cheer Greninja up or to try to defend his actions, there was only the awkward moment he created. "I..I don't know what to say buddy. I guess to start is...I let us down. I let you down...I let my fear get the better of me and I shouldn't have taken my frustration on you..Wulfric's right, if I had been calmer...if I had been better, I would've thought things through." Ash said.

With no other options and feeling useless, Ash decided on one thing. Putting on his coat, he walked to the lobby where the others saw him. "Ash, where are you going?" Serena asked. "Out...I need to be alone." Ash said without looking at the gang. Pikachu attempted to walk to his trainer until Ash stopped him. "Sorry buddy. You too." Ash said as he opened the door and walked out, leaving the group worried even more.

Hours pass and Serena waited in her room for Ash's return but he never did. Looking out the window into the dark forest of the night, Serena could only hope for Ash's well-being. Meanwhile the young Aura Guardian sat on a log in the freezing cold. His body was numb but that wasn't new to Ash. To him the cold feelings racing in his mind ran as the temperature he was standing in and this time, Ash was all alone, no help or support, and to only suffer in the white snow. "I don't know what to do." Ash broke a tear down his cheek not thinking of anything else.


Done guys. Sorry this took longer than normal to get out, exams and long papers have really took a lot of my time and there's more to come...so bad luck for me. For now I could say that I'll try to get some writing in most days in whatever free time I have so wish me luck. Now in my beginning notes I did say that would explain the reason why this chapter went in this direction.

Sure hate me all you want and you're entitled to it but let me explain: this plan started way back to the Diantha and Drake chapter. There was a reason why I had Drake and Rene leave the group temporarily. Sure did I have to do that? No, and Lance would've stopped Team Rocket on his own but I needed Drake and Rene out of the picture. Why? For. This. Moment, I needed Ash to fight, but to also squeal and grovel on his knees. I needed Ash unmade and to be later be put back together. He wouldn't be able to do that if Drake and Rene were supporting him. Think of this like a Mama bird pushing her chicks off the nest for their first flight lesson.

One of two things will happen: they spread their wings and fly or they hit the ground and die. And sometimes the chick who falls to the ground doesn't die, but only to learn how to pick itself up. You'd say it's time for Ash to start recovering on his own with little to no help in the following chapter...that's my plan and the reason I did it. If you still hate me for this, then I'll let you hate me for it, but let me be clear.

This story was never one of simplicity otherwise I would've been done with this story much sooner in fewer chapters. It'll always be complex and will impose realistic details that no one in this story could complete with just a snap of their fingers. Nothing will come easy from this point forward okay.

It's one of life's harshest realities that we take with a grain of salt and move on. Speaking of moving on, the next chapter will take a detour, while Ash takes a day on self-recovery, the next Chapter will be an OC chapter on Drake and Rene helping Lance take down Team Rocket once and for all. And if you're wondering why the hell am I doing that? Look to the last paragraph to answer that question.

So that's the plan for next time. Lastly is please leave a Like, Comment and thanks for reading this. I love you all. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.