Chapter 14
Tabula Rasa
Cruise ship
Ash and the league were in the middle of the night ocean. But they weren't there relaxing. They were in another fight. But with who? Lex Luthor. Luthor was in a battle suit that was powered by kryptonite, which reduces superman's overall power. Luthor was in the air with Ash. Luthor punched Ash back down towards the ship. John manage to grab Ash with his ring and land him back down on the ship.
"How is he that powerful now?" Ash asked.
"It's his suit. It enhances his strength." John said.
"But isn't it killing him? It powered by the thing that poisoned him in the first place." Ash said. He was talking about the cancer that was in Luthor.
"I'm not waiting round to ask. We just need to take him down." John said. Flying back up. Ash just watched from the ship. Luthor fires an energy beam at Superman and Diana. Knocking them down. Hawkgirl was about to hit him with the mace but he caught it and threw her to the side. Martian grabbed Luthor from behind and trapped him in a bear hug. Lex saw John approaching. He twisted and knocked Martian into Green Lantern, setting himself free. Flash and Batman came up to Ash.
"Is there anyway we can slow him down?" Flash asked.
"Yes, we need to damage the suit." Batman said.
"If I can get close enough, I know I can give us the upper hand." Ash said.
"On it." Flash said. Running to the other side. "Hey Baldy." This caught Luthors attention. "I heard you used to have hair. What happened? Did you stand too close to a speaker at a rock concert?" That struck a nerve. Luthor got angry and charged at Flash. Before Luthor reached him. Something snagged him. He looked down and saw I grappling hook keeping him in place. He looked to the end on the line and saw an incoming aura sphere. It hit the suit and made a big dent. Ash then jumped over Luthor and landed a aura kick on him. Ripping a big piece of the suit. Luthor panicked and quickly cut the line. He flew up and noticed his suit is slow to react to commands. He needs to get out of there, but he needs to make a diversion. He fired a laser at the side of the ship, causing to start sinking.
"Have fun." Lex said before flying away. Superman surveyed the situation and made a call.
"John, get Ash, Batman and Flash out of here." Superman said. He then dived into the sea to keep the ship. John went down and made a green platform.
"Come on get on." John said. The three of them got on and John started making his way to the mainland. Ash looked back at the scene. He'd had to careful now Luthor was back on the scene again.
Wayne Manor
It was the next day and Ash has only just woken up. He entered the kitchen and seen the ever faithful Alfred doing his duties.
"Morning Master Ash." Alfred said.
"Morning Alfred." Ash said. "Got a busy day today?"
"You should know by now that both of us are always busy." Alfred said. "I heard Lex Luthor is out again."
"Yeah, second time I met him now." Ash said.
"You need to be careful around him. He may not look like much, but he's been behind some of the most horrendous attacks." Alfred said.
"Thanks for the advice." Ash said. He looked round the kitchen. "Isn't everyone awake yet?"
"No one told you?" Alfred asked. Ash shook his head. "They moved out."
"When?" Ash asked.
"Just yesterday." Alfred said. "Bruce brought 3 sizeable properties for them and paying for their basic needs. They are being looked after Ash."
"But I thought they would of told me." Ash said.
"With how much you go off on missions. They probably didn't have a chance." Alfred said. "But they have said if I want you are more then welcome to move in with them."
"Maybe. I'll have to think about it." Ash said. "I better head to the watchtower, see if there's anymore information on Luthor." Ash left the room.
Watchtower
Ash was in the break room. He checked on the database for Lex but there's been no sightings of him. He then went into the Pokemon room to check on everyone. He spent some time in there before leaving. Ash then found himself with nothing to do. It was still quite early in the morning where his friends are. So he thought he'd relax and watch a film. Ash loved his comedies.
"We though we might find you in here." Ash turned round on the sofa and saw Barbra and Harleen.
"Hey girls." Ash said.
"Hi sweetie. Mind if we join you?" Harley asked.
"Feel free." Ash said. Barbra and Harleen sat on the sofa, either side of Ash. Harleen made herself comfortable up against Ash.
"So you been up to much then Ash?" Harleen asked.
"Apart from Lex and finding out my friends have got there own places, nothing." Ash said.
"Brock and everyone actually moved out?" Barbra asked.
"Yeah. But I'm happy for them, they're adjusting to life really well here." Ash said.
"Yeah they really have found their places here." Barbra said.
"And I heard they've got jobs here in the watchtower." Harleen said.
"Don't forget you also got a job up here. Watchtower psychiatrist." Ash teased. Harleen giggled at that. "Did any of you want a drink?"
"Can I get a water?" Barbra asked.
"Green tea sweetie." Harleen said.
"Be back any minute." Ash said getting up from the sofa. Leaving Harleen and Barbra alone.
"So Barbra, why haven't you asked Batman to let you in with the Justice League yet?" Harleen asked.
"I just don't think I'm ready for that sort of challenge yet." Barbra said.
"Please you were trained by the bats. If he can do it so can you." Harleen said.
"Thanks for your confidence." Barbra said. She looked at Ash, then back at Harleen. "Did seem a little upset when he mentioned his friends moving out?"
"There was something off about the way he said that, yeah." Harleen said. "What do you think is the matter?"
"Maybe Ash hasn't had anytime to find an alternative place to live. I mean doesn't want to stay with Batman forever. But he never really gets anytime to look." Barbra said. "Do you think you two could move in together at some point?" Harleen couldn't lie. She had been thinking about it lately. Their relationship have been going on for 3 months now. And they have been going on dates whenever Ash knew he wouldn't be needed by the league.
"Hopefully soon. But I want to tell him who I really am before that." Harleen said.
"You still hav..." Barbra stopped.
"Here are the drinks." Ash said. Coming back and handing them their drinks. He sat back down and watched the rest of the film.
1 hour later
Ash walks along the hallway. He finished watching the film and was heading his way to the observation deck to see if anyone has seen Luthor. He walked past the medical room and saw Brock and Dawn treating Shayera. Ash entered the room.
"What happened?" Ash asked.
"She was attacked by some kind of robot." Brock said.
"And a tough one as well." Dawn said.
"How was it tough?" Ash asked.
"It was able to copy my moves." Shayera said.
"How's that possible?" Ash asked.
"I don't know, we never seen this robot before. All we know is that it's potentially dangerous and keeping a close eye on its movements. I'm still wondering why it stole those fuel canisters." Shayera said.
"Fuel canisters?" Ash asked himself.
"Well you need to rest while you wait." Dawn said.
"Yes, you could of have further damage then just these scrapes." Brock said.
"Thank you, you two." Shayera said. She got up and left the room. Ash was about to leave himself.
"Ash be careful out there." Dawn said.
"I'm always careful Dawn." Ash said.
"But with a robot that can copy anyone's power. If that machine gets all the justice leagues power, it can become big trouble for the world then." Brock said.
"Thanks guys." Ash said. He left the room. He then reached the observation deck.
"What do you mean he's missing?" John asked. He was talking to Superman, Batman, Diana, Flash, Lucario and Mewtwo.
"Whose missing?" Ash asked as he approached.
"Martian, he tried to find that robot that attacked Shayera but now he's gone awol." John said.
"And he didn't say where he might be?" Ash asked.
"No." Diana said.
"Well we really need him here in case the robot shows up again." Superman said. Ash might have the solution.
"Mewtwo do you mind looking for Martian?" Ash asked.
"Why him?" Flash asked.
"Mewtwos able to get around quickly with his teleporting ability. And him and Martian do have a lot in common so he might feel more comfortable around him. Also I think it's a good idea to keep all the Pokemon away from the robot in case it's able to copy their powers as well." Ash explained.
"Wise decision." Batman said.
"Mewtwo do you mind?" Ash asked.
"Not at all." Mewtwo said. He then disappeared. Just then a alert came up on the screen. They all went over there to see what's going on.
"Two sightings. Luthor and the robot at two different locations." Superman said.
"How are we sorting this?" Flash said.
"I can get Luthor myself. It's best if the rest of you go after the robot." Superman said flying off.
"Ok let's go." Ash said. John stopped him.
"Ash, it might a good idea for you to stay in the background with this one." John said.
"Why?" Ash asked.
"If that robot got your power, it could spell bad news." Diana said.
"Yeah I still remember that time with Etrigan. That thing might find a way to intensify that and level a city." Flash said. Ash didn't want to admit it but they did have a point.
"Fine." Ash said.
"It's for the best Ash." Lucario said.
"Take Shayera with you, she's still able to fight." Batman said. John nodded and the group left, leaving Batman and Lucario.
"They need your help at some point." Lucario said.
"I know, but I'm arranging back up for myself." Batman said.
Pier
Ash was keeping watch on the fight from the distance. He can see the robot and see what it's capable of. It's replicated each of the league members power and they were struggling. He really wanted to help out.
"Guys, are you sure you don't need my help?" Ash asked.
"Just stay there, this thing hasn't got a weakness. We're still trying to find one." Flash said. Ash knew he had to wait. If didn't have any weaknesses and it got his power, they would be in big trouble.
"I can help you guys out." Superman's voice was heard.
"Superman? Did you find Luthor?" Ash asked.
"No he wasn't there. I'm nearly where you are." Superman said.
"Superman stay there. If it gets your powers we'll have no chance." John said.
"It's a good job I have a plan then." Just then Superman showed up and covered the robots eyes with a scrape of metal. While it was blinded, Superman landed a few blows on the robot. The robot eventually took off the metal and saw Superman. Suddenly the robot shot a laser from its eyes at Superman. Knocking him out. Then with Flashes speed and Superman strength, it went round and quickly knocked out everyone. Starting with Flash, Then Green Lantern, Then Shayera and the Wonder Woman. The robot approached Superman again, ready to attack.
"NOOO!!!" Ash shouted. Running out of his hiding spot. He put himself in front of the robot. It just stopped.
"Unable to read." It said.
"What?" Ash asked.
"I do not recognise your energy, therefore I am unable to replicate it." It said. This play into Ashes hands.
"Why is that?" Ash asked.
"Best possible answer. My software is not designed for it. An update might be needed." It said.
"Who are you?" Ash asked.
"I am Amazo. What are you called?" Amazo asked.
"Ash Ketchum."
"So, you are my target." Amazo said. What?
"I'm your target?" Ash asked.
"Yes, my adoptive father, Lex Luthor requires your assistance." Amazo said. It knows Lex? This is bad.
"I'm not doing anything for that guy." Ash said.
"He said to bring you back no matter what." Amazo said. Approaching Ash. Ash charged and went to punch it, but Amazo caught the fist with one hand. Before it could do anything else. A batarang implied itself into Amazo's arm. But it was green. Kryptonite. Amazo let go of Ash and took the object. He dropped it to the ground and backed away from it. Ash quickly grabbed it and brought it closer to Amazo. Amazo kept on backing up until it dropped into the pier.
"Good work Ash. I'll take that back now." Ash turned round and saw Batman approaching.
"How did you know that would work?" Ash asked. Giving Batman the batarang.
"It copies, so if it copies our strengths, it copies our weaknesses as well." Batman said.
"Well it's a good job you threw it." Ash said.
"I didn't throw it." Batman said. Ash looked behind Batman and saw another person.
"Batgirl?" Ash asked.
"Hi Ash."
Watchtower
Ash and the league returned to the watchtower. They decided to regroup and wait for the next sighting and go full force. But there was one thing that needed sorting out.
"Thank you for your assistance Batgirl." Superman said.
"So Batman finally let you in the watchtower then?" Flash joked.
"Actually you already gave me access." Batgirl said. The leaguers were confused. Batgirl decided it was time to unmask herself. They were shocked when they saw who it was.
"Barbra?" Diana asked.
"Yes it's me." Barbra said.
"You're a superhero?" Everyone turned to the voice and saw it was Ashes friends, Harleen and Kate standing at the door.
"Hi guys." Barbra said.
"This so cool." Max said as him and the others approached the group.
"Does that mean you're apart of the Justice League?" Lillie asked.
"I wouldn't go that far." Barbra said. She then looked at Ash. "Anyway what did Amazo mean by Lex needs you?"
"I don't know." Ash lied, he knew exactly what it was but he didn't want to worry anyone.
"Ash you're lying. What does he want?" Shayera asked. Ash rubbed his head and composed himself.
"He needs my blood." Ash said. This shocked everyone.
"Why?" Clemont asked.
"When I was held captive by Luthor last time, I overheard them saying my blood holds the key to immortality." Ash said.
"Are you being serious?" Misty asked.
"Yeah, but the amount of blood he needs for this would kill me." Ash said. Kill him?
"Ash why didn't you tell us before?" Kate asked.
"Because Luthor was away, I thought I heard the last of him." Ash said. Suddenly a alert went off again. Superman checked the screen. Luthor and Amazo, they're together this time.
"Everyone goes this time." Diana said.
"Let me get Lucario, I don't think Amazo can read aura powers." Ash said.
"Get him quickly, were heading down there now." Batman said. "Barbra, mask on. Your coming too." Barbra nodded and went with them. Ash turned to quickly get Lucario but something held onto his arm. He saw someone holding him. It was Harleen and she had tears in her eyes. She looked at Ash.
"Why didn't you tell me what happened?" Harleen asked. Ash knew this was coming up.
"I didn't want to worry you." Ash said. Harleen knew he had to go quick. So she gave Ash a quick kiss on the lips and a hug.
"Please come back to me." Harleen said.
"I promise." Ash said. They looked each in the eyes before breaking the hug. Ash ran towards the Pokemon room.
Street
Ash and Lucario arrived at the battle. But they were too late. Every league member was on the ground. Ash saw Barbra nearby.
"Batgirl." Ash said, kneeling down. She woke up.
"Ash. You need to get out of here. Kryptonite doesn't weaken it anymore." Bargirl said.
"How is that possible?" Ash asked.
"Because he doesn't just copy." Ash stood up and turned around. It was Luthor in his power suit and Amazo. "It adapts."
"So it can adapt its own weaknesses?" Ash asked.
"I've just said that." Luthor said.
"Well here's one thing Amazo can't do. It can't read our powers." Ash said. Bringing up an aura sphere and Lucario conjuring a bone rush.
"Moves read and copied." Amazo said. What? Did it just say it's got their moves now? Ash threw the aura sphere but Amazo made up a bone and swatted the ball away. Ash was scared.
"What was that you said?" Luthor asked sarcastically. Lucario charged and tried to attack Amazo. It blocked the attack and threw Lucario to the ground. It was about to attack again.
"Wait." Ash said. Luthor and Amazo looked at him. "What do you want from me?"
"I think you know what I want." Lex said. "Surrender yourself and everyone lives. Apart from you of course."
"Ash, no." Batgirl said.
"Tell Harleen I'm sorry." Ash whispered to Barbra. Then looked at Luthor. "Let everyone go."
"They're free to go at anytime." Lex said. "Just come here and we can start." Lex held up his hands and needles came out of the fingers. Ash started walking towards him.
"Now you can bring my father back to life Luthor." Amazo said. Wait. Is Luthor lying about his purpose.
"Are you going to use my blood for your studies?" Ash asked.
"Of course." Luthor said.
"Then you're lying to him." Ash said. Amazo turned to Luthor.
"What does he mean?" Amazo asked.
"Luthor wants to use my blood to become immortal. But it means there won't be any blood left for your father." Ash said.
"Is this true?" Amazo asked. Approaching Luthor.
"Of course not." Luthor said. Backing up. "I'm purely using the blood to bring Professor Ivo back."
"Well Luthor, if you were wearing pants. I'd say they would be on fire." Ash joked. Luthor has enough. He couldn't let Ash say anymore. He flew towards him. Before he reached him. A shadow ball hit Luthor. Knocking him to the ground. Luthor looked and saw Martian and Mewtwo arrive.
"Amazo, scan them and protect me." Luthor said.
"Yes, scan us and find out the truth." Martian said. Amazo got the data he needs and used the mind reading power he now possess. He knew the truth.
"You were lying." Amazo said. Turning to Luthor and approaching him.
"Yes, I'd lied to you, but don't be so mad. Cause you're dead." Luthor said. Pulling out a detenator. He pressed it and Amazo head exploded. "Now I got that piec..." He stopped when Amazos head grew back. Amazo grabbed Luthors power suit and ripped the front half off. Luthor was exposed with no way of defending himself. Amazo lifted him in the air. "Please, I'm sorry. Don't kill me." Amazo just looked at Luthor then at Ash then the rest of the league. He dropped Luthor.
"Your spieces or your planet no longer has anything to offer me." Amazo said.
"What are you going to do then?" Ash asked. Amazo looked to the night sky.
"Expand my reaches." Amazo said. He turned his shell gold before flying into space. Ash watched him fly off. He's going to be travel a long time. Like he travelled a long way to get to this earth. That reminds him. He never asked a important question.
"You think you won?" Ash looked down and saw Luthor looking up at him. "I will get my way and have your blood, even if I have to take alternative routes." Alternative? "Tell me whose Harleen?" He shouldn't of mentioned her name. Ash saw red. He grabbed Luthor by the throat and lifted him into the air. He doesn't know how he's holding him up. Best guess, his muscles are being supported by his aura. He looked at Luthor right into his eyes.
"If you ever do anything to the girl I love. I will end your life." Ash said before punching him in his face. Knocking him out. Ash dropped him to the floor.
"Ash, did you say you love Harleen?" Bargirl asked. Ash turned round and saw her and the other league members and Pokemon looking at him.
"Did I?" Ash asked.
Watchtower
Ash was waiting in the observation deck. Everyone that got beaten up in the battle was in the medical room with Brock and Dawn. They asked May to help out since she has basic first aid knowledge. Harleen was in a room with Martian and Mewtwo to see what happened to him. Well not anymore since Harleen just walked into the room.
"Hey sweetie, I'm glad I caught up with you. I jus..." As Harleen was saying this Ash came up to her and passionately kissed her on the lips. He moved his head away. "What was that all about?" She asked smiling.
"Just to show you I'm always going to be here to protect you, no matter what." Ash said. After what Luthor said, Ash was more determined then ever make sure Harleen and everyone was out of harms way.
"I feel unprotected at the moment. I might need some more convincing." Harleen said with a grin. Ash also had a grin. Harleen wagged her finger for Ashes face to come closer to hers. Ash leaned in and kissed her again.
"Are we interrupting something?" Ash and Harleen ended the kiss and saw everyone entering the room.
"How's everyone doing?" Ash asked.
"Everyone is fine Ash." Superman said.
"That's good." Ash said. He then turned to Barbra. "I know you didn't have the best experience, but how did you like teaming up with the justice league?"
"It was nice knowing there were others watching my back. Shame it was a one time thing though." Barbra said.
"How would you like to join the team then?" John asked. Barbra just looked at them.
"Are you sure?" Barbra asked.
"Were always serious about these sort of things." Martian said.
"How do you know if I'm ready for this?" Barbra asked.
"Trust me, your ready." Batman said. Barbra had a smile on her face.
"Ok I'll do it." Barbra said. Everyone cheered for her.
"That's great news Barbra." Tracey said.
"Yeah we should celebrate." Iris said.
"We can have a small party in the break room." John said. No one was complaining as everyone was heading there now. Ash stayed back.
"Lucario, Mewtwo can you stay here for a moment?" Ash asked. Lucario and Mewtwo headed towards Ash. Harleen looked at Ash.
"Is everything ok?" Harleen asked.
"Everything's all good. I'll meet you in the party." Ash said.
Harleen smiled and walked towards the party. The Pokemon reached Ash. "You two remembered what happened in the old world right?"
"Yes." Lucario said.
"Then you can probably help out with my next question." Ash said.
"What is it?" Mewtwo asked.
"How did we get here?"
And that's it for this chapter. Ash just indirectly said the L word. How will this affect the story now? And will Amazo be back?
Thank you for the support for the story. And if you like stories where Ash ends up on a different world, then have a look at my new story 'My New Life Academia.' Where I am writing the new chapter now.
And is Ash stuck in a dream or a nightmare? Hopefully we find out soon in 'Only A Dream.'