Chapter 16
Maid Of Honor
Watchtower
It was a pretty quiet day, in a sense that criminal activity was very low. Ash and all of the male companions were in the canteen. They decided since they had some time on their hands, they could remember the times they had on the Pokemon world. All the girls had form a strong bond with each other. So Ash thought it might be a good idea to invite one of the male heroes along to hang out. And he knew who he wanted to invite first. All of the sudden, Flash came racing in holding food and drinks.
"Ok guys, I got the doughnuts, chips, chocolate, sprite, coke, just everything really." Flash said. He put the contents on the table and everyone started sorting them out. As Flash was helping, he looked out the window and saw a giant eye looking in. "Ah!" He was startled. The eye moved away and Flash and the others could see it was Dialga looking in. Dialga then started flying round the watchtower. Then Palkia, Deoxys, Giratina and Rayquaza were also seen flying round. "So they are fine flying around in space?"
"Yeah, for some of them space is actually their home." Ash said. The food and drinks were all laid out and everyone took their seats. Flash had some more questions.
"What do you mean some of them?" Flash asked.
"Well if I remember right. Rayquaza and Deoxys are the ones that live in space. While Dialga, Palkia and Giratina are able to access other dimensions." Tracey said.
"Yeah that's right." Max said. Other dimensions?
"What do you mean other dimensions?" Flash asked. He was interested with the new information he heard.
"Well let's start with Dialga. Just like Celebi, he's also able to go through time. He's also able to get to the dimension where time flows." Brock said. Flash was already getting impressed.
"Palkia is known as the space Pokemon and he's able to enter a dimension where all space exists." Cilan continued.
"And Giratina is able to enter a dimension known as the reverse dimension." Ash said. This confused some of the others at the table.
"What's the reverse dimension?" Sophocles asked. Ash thought he'd explain this one since he's been in the reverse dimension.
"It's a place where everything isn't as it is and anything you do there will affect things here." Ash said. This was the first of hearing this for some of them. But Flash has been amazed about one thing though.
"You know what Ash, I'm surprised at how friendly the new Pokemon are towards you." Flash said. There's a good reason for that.
"I have met them before I got to this earth." Ash said. This was a first for some of them.
"Really?" Kiawe asked.
"Oh yeah, Ash met a lot of extraordinary Pokemon on his journeys." Clemont said. Flash still had a bit of concern though.
"But yet they are really powerful. Have they ever gone on a rampage?" Flash asked. He wanted to see if everyone was safe on not.
"They have at one point, yes. Deoxys and Rayquaza nearly destroyed a whole city when they fought each other." Max said.
"And Dialga and Palkia nearly wiped out life on earth when they fought each other. Giratina did go on a rampage too, but that was pretty much self contained. I'd say the one we had more trouble dealing with was when Arecus was involved." Brock said. What did he just say?
"Did you just say Arecus?" Tracey asked. Flash was confused.
"Whos Arecus?" Flash asked.
"Arecus is known as the god Pokemon. He created the Pokemon world and all life on it." Brock said. So they actually saw god? Flash was dumbfounded right now. "But still that was no fun ride, was it Ash?" Brock looked over and saw Ash was deep in thought. "Ash?" Ash looked at Brock. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine. I was just in a world of my own then." Ash said. But he actually remembered the conversation he had with Mewtwo and Lucario. After the incident with Dr. Destiny, Ash found out how him and his friends got to this world. According to Mewtwo and Lucario, Arecus knew the world was ending and knew what to do next. But Ash didn't like that Arecus just let the world be destroyed. But apparently it was meant to happen as Ash has a prophecy that connects him to this world.
"I wonder who will arrive next though?" Sophocles asked. Ash totally forgot to tell them about the next arrivals.
"Actually, we do have new arrivals." Ash said. This peaked everyone's interest.
"Who's that?" Cilan asked.
"Darkrai and Cresselia." Ash said. This surprised everyone as they haven't seen them yet.
"They sound awesome." Max said jumping up from his chair.
"Yeah, I want to see them." Flash said.
"Well you can see them anytime, they're in the Pokemon room." Ash said. He always likes when his friends got as excited as he does when new Pokemon are around. Ash heard footsteps and looked round to see Diana walking towards them. She was wearing a fancy dress. "Hi Diana, you look really nice."
"Thank you Ash. Hi everyone." Diana said, greeting everyone. She then looked at Ash. "Ash I heard what happened to you. Are you okay?" Everyone by now knew what happened during the Dr. Destiny incident except Diana. As she was on Themyscira and she couldn't be reached. "By the way, Laura say hi."
"That's nice of her." Ash said. Remembering Laura. "Yeah I'm fine now. It's just something that was unexpected." Ash now wanted to know why Diana was dressed so nice. "Why are you dressed like that? A special occasion?"
"There's a formal party happening later and I'm going to represent the league." Diana explained.
"I wonder what the parties all about?" Kiawe asked.
"I don't know. But I wish I wasn't going by myself." Diana said. Brock got up from his seat and approached Diana.
"My dear, your wish is my command. I will be your knight in shining armour and together we will danc..." Brock stopped when Max pulled on his ear and Flash covered his mouth.
"Seriously, I thought you would of stopped this by now." Max said yanking Brocks ear.
"Anyway I called dibs on her when I saw her." Flash said. Dragging Brock away from Diana.
"I wouldn't mind going with you Diana." Ash said. Diana looked hopeful.
"Really?" Diana asked.
"Sure." Ash said. Ash then had a thought. "Do you mind if I bring Harleen along, I think it would keep her mind off of what happened with Destiny."
"Absolutely. I'm leaving in about an hour. I'll wait by the teleportation room." Diana said. Walking away. "Bye everyone." Ash got up from the chair.
"So I take it you are going to find Harleen?" Clemont asked.
"Yes." Ash said. Walking away. "Sorry I'm leaving so soon but I'll see you guys later." Ash said. Leaving the gang.
Harleen was in the break room with Mallow, Lillie and Lana. They were planning a surprise party for Ash since it was going to be his 18th birthday soon. And they were being so careful not to let Ash know.
"Ok so we got the music sorted. How's everyone else doing with their jobs?" Harleen asked the girls.
"Kate and Barbra are down at the cafe, seeing where we can put everything down there." Lana said.
"Misty, Dawn and Iris are picking up the decorations right now. But they need to pick up the banner later on." Mallow said.
"May, Serena and Bonnie are seeing about food and drinks. They got a few places in mind but they are just trying them out." Lillie said. Harleen liked how this party was coming together now. She's been doing her best keeping this secret from Ash.
"Good, everyone is doing really good. Now let's talk about his present." Harleen said. The door the room opened and Ash walked in.
"Harleen how would you like to go to a party?" Ash asked. As soon as his presence was known, the girls quickly covered up the plans for the party. Did Ash already know and just teasing them?
"Party? What party?" Harleen asked. She was worried that his party was spoiled now.
"Diana invited us to a party she is going to. I thought you might like that." Ash said. Harleen relaxed a little bit. He still had no idea. But still if he stays here, he might find out about the surprise party.
"Sure, I'd love to. Can you give me time to change?" Harleen asked.
"Yeah. Diana said we'll be leaving in an hour so take your time." Ash said. He then walked out the door. Everyone in the room relaxes and Harleen gets up.
"Sorry girls. Are you able to handle things by yourselves?" Harleen asked. Hoping they can handle it.
"Yeah, we got everything under control. Just go have a good time." Mallow said. Harleen nodded and left the room. As she was walking down the hallway, she thought about how great her new friends were. They are always willing to help out with anything. She knew when she was Harley Quinn she would of never had friends like that. And yet she still had not yet revealed her alter ego to everyone. She's scared that if she did that she will lose everything she had gained.
"You know you going to have to tell them at some point." Harleen heard a voice. She turned round and saw Batman standing there. "The longer you wait, the worse it's going to be."
"I will tell them. But I just think it's still too early to tell them." Harleen said.
"I seen you have changed for the better. You haven't had any contact with the Joker for months and haven't committed any crimes longer. I think you have shown you have changed." Batman said. Harleen didn't know what to do so she gave one answer.
"I'll think about it. Now if you don't mind, Ash is waiting for me." Harleen said before leaving Batman in the hallway. Batman just stared at her.
Paris
Ash, Harleen and Diana arrived at the party and saw a lot of people talking in different groups. Harleen had a nice green dress on. And Ash had a suit on. This did feel like a fancy establishment just for worthy people. They felt out of place.
"This place is massive. I wouldn't like to see the wallet of the person who paid for this." Harleen said.
"I couldn't agree more." Ash said. Diana moved in front of them to get their attention.
"Ok you two remember, we're representing the Justice League. So be careful of what you say or do." Diana said. Ash and Harleen nodded. Diana walked in towards the crowd.
"You ready?" Ash asked Harleen. Harleen looked at Ash. Then she linked her arm with Ashes.
"Ready." Harleen said. Ash and Harleen walked in and it wasn't even a minute until this was heard.
"Look, it's Ash Ketchum." A voice was heard. A large number of people looked round and saw them. Everyone started to form around the two. Harleen started clinging on to Ash. Ash didn't like Harleen was feeling this way.
"I can't believe it, it is Ash."
"Is that his girlfriend?"
"Did you bring any of your Pokemon?" This gave Ash an idea.
"I do, if I let them out for the party, can you disperse? It's getting a little cramp." Ash said. Everyone in the crowd agreed. They really want to see the Pokemon. Ash took out two pokeballs. "Bulbasaur, Squirtle come on out." Ash threw the pokeballs in the air. They snapped open and Bulbasaur and Squirtle appeared on the floor. The crowd was stunned.
"Wow."
"Look at them."
"This is unreal."
"Ok, now everyone spread out and enjoy the rest of the party." Ash said. The crowd broke apart and Harleen relaxed. "You okay?"
"Yeah, it was just a bit too sudden." Harleen said. "I wonder where Diana got to." Harleen looked around and Ash joined in. Ash quickly spotted her.
"Found her." Ash said. Harleen looked round and saw her. She was dancing with a sharp looking man. Harleen recognised him.
"That's Bruce Wayne." Harleen said. Ash already knew who he was. But how did Harleen know who he was?
"How did you know who he is?" Ash asked.
"He was named Gotham city's number one bachelor." Harleen said.
"Do I need to be scared?" Ash teased. Harleen looked at him.
"Never." Harleen said. Ash heard the music that was playing and realised something.
"You know, we been going out for a while and we've never danced together yet." Ash said. Harleen knew he was right.
"Oh yeah. I guess with you always saving the world, we never got round to it." Harleen said. Ash then stood in front of her.
"Harleen, may I have this dance?" Ash asked with his hand out. Harleen smiled and took his hand.
"You may." Harleen said. Ash and Harleen moved on to the dance floor while Bulbasaur and Squirtle moved towards one of the walls and watched their trainer. Ash and Harleen reached the centre of the dance floor and faced each other. They both clasped their hand together. Harleen put her other hand on Ashes shoulder and Ash put his other hand on her waist. Then they began to slow dance together. Ash had never done anything like this before and thought he would be terrible at it. But he was making no mistake and he thinks that it's all thanks to Harleen. A lot of people in the room was watching them, including Diana and Bruce. They were like this for 5 minutes. Then Harleen looked at Ash. "I need to get a drink. Did you want anything?"
"I'm good, thank you." Ash said. Harleen walked over to the bar while Ash walked back over to Bulbasaur and Squirtle. Harleen reached the bar and got the bartenders attention.
"Hi, can I get a glass of wine please?" Harleen asked. She thought that she was in Paris so why not try french wine. The bartender nodded and went to walk away.
"Actually make that three." A voice was heard. Harleen and the bartender looked over and saw a blonde girl walking over with Diana behind her. "It's on me." The bartender nodded and walked away.
"Thanks. This is a forward way to make friends." Harleen jokes. Diana came forward and introduced the girl.
"Harleen, this is Princess Audrey." Diana said. Harleen eyes went wide.
"What? Like an actual princess? The ones that has kingdoms and everything?" Harleen asked. Princess Audrey thought it was funny that was her first thought.
"Sort of. I'm not like those princesses back in medieval times but I am royalty." Audrey explained.
"Well it is very nice to meet you." Harleen said.
"It's nice to meet you too." Audrey said. She scanned the room and she saw Ash with his pokemon. She then looked at Harleen. "It looks like you know Ash Ketchum very well." Harleen looked at Ash and saw he was having a good time.
"Yeah, there had been a few bumps in the road. But I wouldn't of changed anything since it led to this point." Harleen said. Then she had a thought. "Actually, I'd change some things."
"So how did you two get together?" Audrey asked. Harleen looked at her.
"Who told you we were going out?" Harleen asked. Diana stepped in at this point.
"She guessed. She asked me the same question earlier on about you and him." Diana explained. But now she wanted to know as well. "How did you two get together? Neither you or Ash gave any details on what happened." Harleen thought it couldn't hurt to tell since it was just the two of them.
"It's a long story." Harleen got interrupted when the glass ceiling shattered and fell to the floor. 5 masked gunmen dropped down to the floor.
"Anyone got eyes on the princess?" Gunman 1 asked. They scanned the room and one of them saw her with Diana and Harleen.
"There she is." Gunman two said. They started to advance towards the girls.
"Skull Bash." The voice of Ash was heard. Gunman one turned round and his face was hit by Squirtle's head. The gunman was out of it.
"Look, it's one of those things." Gunman three said. The fourth gunman got his gun ready.
"Light it up." The fourth gunman said. The other gunmen lifted up their gun and pointed it at Squirtle.
"Razor leaf." Next, twirling leaves that were spinning at high velocity hit the gun. Knocking them away from the terrorist. They looked over and saw Bulbasaur with Ash standing beside.
"Another one?" The fifth gunman asked.
"Bulbasaur, vine whip." Ash said. Two vines came out of Bulbasaur and it wrapped around the four standing gunmen. "Squirtle, watergun." Squirtle sprayed water from his mouth and made a trail of water on the dance floor. Ash nodded at Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur flung the 4 terrorist across the dance floor and the men were skidding into a wall. They hit the wall and slumped to the ground. One of them lifted up their head.
"We're not beat yet." The terrorist said.
"And I'm looking for a fight. Bulbasaur use sleep powder." Ash said. Blue powder was coming out of Bulbasaurs back. The terrorist saw the powder and quickly grabbed the walkie talkie.
"The mission failed, pull us back I..." The powder reached them and started falling asleep. The ropes that were attached to them started retracting. All five terrorists went back through the roof. It was over. Everyone in the room gave a round of applause to Ash and his pokemon. Harleen, Diana and Audrey approached him.
"Sweetie, you did so well. All of you." Harleen said. Including the Pokemon in the praise.
"Thank you Mr. Ketchum. You have my gratitude." Audrey said. Ash was confused with the new comer.
"Your welcome. I'm sorry, who are you?" Ash asked.
"Ash this is Princess Audrey." Diana said. Ashes eyes looked like he just saw a celebrity.
"I'm sorry your majesty. I had no idea." Ash said. Bowing to the princess. The girls giggled at this and Audrey lifted Ash back up.
"There's no need for that Ash. I'm just a person just like you." Audrey said. Harleen moved in next to Ash.
"That's Ash for you. Always tries to be a gentlemen." Harleen said.
"I thought that's how I got you though." Ash teased. Harleen smiled and thought of a comeback.
"No, your Pokemon are much more of a gentlemen then you." Harleen said. They all laughed at the joke. Bruce then approached the group.
"Excuse me, you're Ash Ketchum right?" Bruce asked. They all turned to him.
"Yes that's right." Ash said. Pretending not to know who he actually is.
"Do you mind if I talk to you in private? Theres a business opportunity that might benefit the both of us." Bruce said. Audrey knew this meeting might take a while and had an idea.
"While you have your meeting. I'd say us girls hit the clubs here." Audrey said. Harleen had an excited look. But Diana had another face.
"Are you sure that's a good idea princess?" Diana asked.
"You don't need to worry, I do it all the time. Anyway, it's not everyday you have drinks with superheroes." Audrey said. Harleen looked at Ash.
"You don't mind, do you?" Harleen asked. Ash wanted Harleen to have a good time. Also she has been stressed about something for a while now.
"I don't mind. Just make sure you have fun." Ash said. Harleen leaned in and kissed him. They parted. "Even though Diana is with you. If you get in any trouble. Call me immediately."
"Of course I will sweetie." Harleen said. Audrey cuts in.
"Ok now that's settled, let's go." Audrey said. Turning and leaving the room. Harleen and Diana followed. Ash waited for them to leave the room before turning to Bruce.
"What is it Bruce?" Ash asked. Bruce has a stern face on him.
"I might have a lead." Bruce said.
Club
The room was dark with very colourful lighting. And the music playing was upbeat and jumping. People were spread out everywhere. Diana had three drinks in her hands and was walking back towards Harleen and Audrey, who were sitting on one of the sofas. Diana put the drinks on the table in front of them and she sat down herself. Audrey turned to Diana.
"Thank you for getting the drinks Diana." Audrey said.
"It is no problem Princess Audrey." Diana said.
"I told you already, just call me Audrey." Audrey said. Audrey then turned towards Harleen. "So Ash wasn't able to wake up?" Harleen had been explaining to the two of them the whole story of how her and Ash got together. Some of the information she left out since it wasn't her place to tell. But now she's at the part where the Dr. Destiny incident happened.
"No. I tried everything to wake him up. I panicked and in the end I called the league to help. We were trying everything to wake him up but nothing was working. Then he had a cardiac arrest." Harleen said. Audrey gasped at this.
"That's terrible. But since he's alive he must of got out of it okay." Audrey said. Harleen looked down.
"He actually died for five minutes." Harleen said. Audrey couldn't believe what she had just heard. Harleen then looked back up. "I didn't know what to do at that point. I just laid against his body and cried on to him. Wishing and praying to have him back. The next thing I knew, he stroked my head and that's when I knew he was alive. It was at that point that I knew and I told him I love him." This was new to Diana.
"You told him you love him? What did he say?" Diana asked. Harleen realised she wasn't clear.
"Sorry, I said that while he was dead. He doesn't know I said that." Harleen said. Rubbing the back of her head. Then Harleen had a question for Audrey. "Audrey, why did you want to go out tonight?" Audrey had a dull look and looked down at her drink.
"Well because this might be the last time I am able to do this." Audrey said. Harleen and Diana looked at here, wondering what she meant.
"What do you mean be that?" Diana asked. Audrey looked up.
"I'm getting married soon." Audrey plainly said. Both the girls knew something was going on.
"But you don't seem too pleased about it. You can call off the wedding." Diana said.
"No, I like my fiancé. But I'm just going to miss this. As soon as I'm married, I'll have a lot of responsibilities on my hands." Audrey said. Diana knew what she meant being a princess herself. Harleen stood up from the table and raised her glass.
"Well, if this is your last night as a free woman. Then let's live it up tonight." Harleen said. Diana and Audrey stood with their drinks in their hands. "Ladies, the night is ours."
"The night is ours." They all said. Clinking their glasses together.
S.T.A.R Labs
In the labs facility in Paris. The lab was dark and empty. Perfect to steal something. That's what the three masked men are currently doing now. They are trying to break into a vault where there is a one of a kind microchip. They were communicating with each other in another language. There was a click at the door. Before they can open it, a bright blue light wrapped round one of the men and pulled him into the shadows of the room. The other two the disappearing act. They looked at each other and knew what to do next. Run away. The lone burgler looked at his kidnappers. It was Ash and Batman. Batman approached the man.
"What are you doing here?" Batman asked. But it looks like he's going to have his work cut out.
"(You won't understand me. And even if you did, I still wouldn't tell you.)" The man said in another language. Ash looked at Batman.
"Looks like I caught the wrong one. If I hurry I ca..." Batman stopped Ash talking and gave the man a death glare.
"(I can and you will.)" Batman said in the same language as the man. The man was feeling like he had met a demon.
Hotel
"That was such a fun night." Harleen said from outside of hers and Diana's room. Diana opened the door to their room and she entered. Harleen stumbled in the room. "What time is it?"
"It's 3AM. But with the different time zone we're from it might be early evening." Diana said. Harleen was trying to work out the math in her head.
"I don't what it is too. Should we go back to the watchtower? I think everyone might be wondering where we are." Harleen said. But they were in for a surprise.
"I can them myself." A voice was heard. They looked over across the room and saw Batman sitting in a chair and Ash standing next to him.
"Sweetie. I had the most amazing time." Harleen said going up to Ash. She hugged him then looked at him in the face. "What are you doing in here? We're you trying to be a naughty boy?" Harleen teased, winking at Ash. Ash heavily blushed.
"No, no, it's not that. Me and Batman ran into something and we feel Princess Audrey might have some answers." Ash said. This got Diana interested.
"What happened?" Diana asked. Batman looked at her.
"There was a break in at STAR labs and we manage to capture one of the burglars. He was a Kaznian special forces officer. He was instructed to steal a microchip." Batman said. Diana saw where this was going.
"And you think Audrey had something to do with it." Diana said.
"Or her dad." Batman said. Ash decided to step in.
"Look it could be anyone. But it be a good idea to ask her first to remove her as a suspect." Ash said. Diana contemplated for while.
"I'll ask her later. She in no state to answer any questions." Diana said. Harleen was impressed that Ash manage to resolve this.
"That's my Ash." Harleen said. Quickly kissing Ash. "Do you mind taking me home. I think it's getting late now." Ash just smiled.
"Sure thing." Ash pulled out his receiver. He then looked at Diana and Batman. "Are you two coming?"
"I'm going to rest here." Diana said.
"And I'm going to do some more research before I head back." Batman said. Ash nodded at them and activated his receiver. Ash and Harleen disappeared from the room.
Kaznia Castle
After Diana rested at the hotel, she went to see Audrey to ask her about the break in. Audrey said that neither her or her father had any involvement in it and she was offended that she was even accused of it. Diana apologised and explained that she had to be sure. Audrey was quick to accept and invite her to her engagement party she was having. And also Harleen and Ash were also invited as well. Ash, Harleen and Diana walked through the entrance and made their way through the room. Ash had Pikachu on his shoulder.
"Forget the last party, this place is huge." Harleen said as she was looking round.
"How are we going to find Princess Audrey in this crowd?" Ash asked. Thinking they were going to have trouble.
"She did say she was going to keep an eye out for us." Diana said.
"I'd be surprised if she does find us." Harleen said.
"Pika." Pikachu said.
"Guys, over here." They heard a voice and saw Audrey waving at them. They walked over to her through the crowd. "I'm glad you lot could come." She then saw Pikachu. "And who's this little guy." She stroked Pikachus head.
"This is Pikachu. He's my best friend and my very first Pokemon." Ash said.
"Pikachu." Pikachu said. Waving at the princess.
"It's nice to see you Pikachu." Audrey said. "Guys, follow me. I want to introduce you to my fiancé." Walking in one direction. The others followed. In less then a minute they reached the other half. "Everyone, I'd like for you to meet my future husband. Vandal Savage." The man turned round and it was him, the man back from world war 2.
"Savage." Ash angrily said. Ashes hands started to glow blue and Pikachus cheeks began to spark. Harleen was quick to try to defuse the tension.
"Ash, calm down. We just met him." Harleen said. But Ash was still on guard. Audrey wanted answers.
"What is going on here?" Audrey asked.
"Princess. This is Vandal Savage. He led the nazi army back in world war 2." Diana said. Savage just smiled and explained the misunderstanding.
"Let me clear things up. I'm Vandal Savage III. The man you are talking about is my grandfather. I do get mistaken for him many times. Unfortunately the male side of my family do have similar resemblance of each other." Savage said. Harleen and Audrey just wanted everyone to calm down.
"See Ash, there's no way this guy can be the same man all that time ago." Harleen said. Gently rubbing Ashes arm.
"Also I've known Savage for about five years now. He's actually helped my country a lot since we've been together. So can we please calm down and enjoy the party?" Audrey asked. Ash took a moment before the blue light died down from his hands.
"Ok." Ash said. Not taking his eyes off of Savage.
"Great now that's all sorted. How about we all grab a drink? I want to know you as much as Audrey does." Savage said walking towards the bar. Audrey and Harleen followed. Diana was slightly behind the group. Ash just stood there and stared at Savage.
"He's not that good of an actor Pikachu." Ash said. Not believing a word of the story he was told.
"Pikachu pi." Pikachu said. Ash walked to catch up with the group.
Watchtower
Ash was at the control panel, doing some research on Savage. While at the party, everyone seemed like they were getting along. But Ash was only pretending. Savage was mainly talking to Ash during the night, and any questions he ask to Ash, he made sure to keep the answers vague. He didn't want to give much away. Ash trying to find any excuse to get out of there. But Harleen beat him to it saying she had other plans the next day (Ashes 18th party). So Ash went along with her. But he made a mental note to research Savages story and see if he was telling the truth. The computer was running, checking the database for any relevant information. Harleen was walking across the Observation Deck but caught sight of Ash.
"Ash, you're here?" Harleen asked. Ash turned around and looked confused.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Ash asked.
"It's just I thought you'd be be asleep. Are you having trouble sleeping again?" Harleen asked. She knew what to do if he did have troubles.
"No, I did have some sleep but I wanted to do some research on Savage." Ash said. Harleen thought he was overreacting on the situation.
"Ash, he's not the same guy. And even if he is, he would be in no fit state to do anything evil." Harleen said.
"It's better to be on the safe side though." They both turned round and saw Batman approaching.
"Did you have the same suspicion?" Ash asked. Thinking he knows why Batman was here.
"Yes as soon as you told me, I did my research and saw there were some missing points to his story. I needed to check the Watchtower database to get the full details." Batman said. Putting his detective mind into overdrive.
"Already doing it. It's almost done actually." Ash said. Looking at the screen and saw it was 95% done. Harleen thought they were both acting ridiculous.
"You two need to find something else to do. This isn't good for you when you know he isn't the same guy as his grandfather." Harleen said. Just then Diana came into the room hanging up her phone.
"I just spoke with Princess Audrey. Her father has fallen ill." Diana said. Everyone looked at her.
"That's awful." Harleen said. But Diana wasn't finished with the news.
"She also said since the king is in critical condition, her kingdom might go into chaos. So she's on her way to marry Savage now." Diana said. This shocked everyone.
"Isn't she jumping ahead a little bit." Harleen said. Ash looked at the screen and saw the computer finished its search. Ash knew there was something fishy.
"I don't think her father had just fallen ill. I think he was poisoned." Ash said. Everyone looked at him. And Ash looked at them. "And Savage is responsible."
"What makes you say that Ash?" Diana asked.
"Vandal Savage III, his grandfather never had any kids of any kind." Ash said. Harleen looked shocked.
"You saying?"
"Vandal Savage III is Vandal Savage, leader of the German army in world war 2." Ash said. Diana wasted no time to fly out of the watchtower. "Where is she going?"
"She trying to catch up with the princess to warn her." Batman said.
"Shouldn't you help her?" Harleen asked. Batman had a grin.
"She likes to do things by herself. Besides, I have my ways of knowing when she needs help." Batman said. Walking out of the room. Ash looked at Harleen.
"Well we got some time. Did you want to do something?" Ash asked. But Harleen couldn't.
"I really can't, I got to meet up with the other girls quickly." Harleen said. Ash wanted to know why they were meeting up with each other so often.
"What's going on? What do you talk about in your little meetings?" Ash asked. Harleen wasn't expecting that and had to come up with something quick.
"About the Pokemon contest that your world used to have. There are just saying some of their best performances they did." Harleen said and quickly left before Ash could ask anymore. Ash looked bewildered and smiled to himself.
"I'll see how the Pokemon are doing." Ash said to himself.
6 hours later
Ash was walking through the hallway, heading towards the teleportation room. He was going to head down to Wayne Manor and get a bit more sleep. Even though he had some sleep after the engagement party, he didn't get much. As he was walking down, Harleen just came out of the break room. And Mays voice was heard from inside the room.
"Harleen, what time are we suppose to head down to the cafe on the day?" May asked. Harleen looked in the room.
"If everything goes smoothly then you sho..." At this point Harleen saw Ash coming. "Hi Sweetie." Harleen quickly closed the door. Noises can be heard in the room. It was the girls hiding everything that had to do with Ashes party. "Where are you going then?" Ash stopped in front of her.
"I was just going to get some sleep. What's going on in there?" Ash asked. Harleen had to think on her feet now.
"In where?"
"In there." Ash points at the break room.
"In that room?" Harleen pointed behind her.
"Yeah."
"And not that room?" Harleen asked pointing down the hallway.
"No." Ash said. Harleen only had one thing to say.
"Nothing." Ash gave Harleen a confused look.
"But I heard May call..." Ashes receiver went off. Ash took it out of his pocket and activated it. "Hello?"
"Ash." It was Batman on the other side. "Meet me down in the Batcave." Ash was wondering what was going on.
"What's wrong?" Ash asked.
"It's Diana, she's been captured and Audrey and the whole country might be in danger from Vandal Savage." Barman said. Ash knew he had to move.
"I'm on my way." Ash said. Cutting the call and making his way down the hall. Harleen wanted to help and caught up with Ash. Ash noticed her. "Where are you going?"
"I'm coming with you." Harleen said. Ash stood in front of her to stop her.
"No you're not. You are staying here." Ash said. Harleen wanted to protest.
"But..."
"Look, Vandal Savage is no pushover. If he gets the chance he will kill you. Just stay here and I'll be back." Ash said, running down the hallway. Harleen just stared at Ash. She could help but it would mean Ash might find out about her past. She ran to a quiet bit of the watchtower to think about what to do.
Kaznia Castle
Diana was down in the dungeon, chained up. She was too late to stop the wedding and now she has made herself an enemy to the country. Because of the marriage, Savage had full military power under his hands. She had a head hung low.
"I've failed. I'm sorry everyone." Diana sounded defeated.
"You haven't failed yet." Diana looked up and there was a vent above her. The cover came off and landed on the ground. Ash was the first to land on the ground, followed by Batman.
"How did you know where I was?" Diana asked. Batman knelt down next to Diana and started picking the lock on the chains.
"I placed a tracker on you before you flew off after the princess." Batman said. Diana had mixed feelings.
"I don't know if I should be concerned or grateful." Diana said. Batman unlocked her chains and they both stood up. "We need to find Savage. With as many officers he has around the castle, he's up to something." Ash had a grin on his face.
"That's why I brought some fire power with me." Ash said. Throwing to pokeballs in the air. They the pokeballs released Infernape and Incineroar. "Come on we need to move." Ash said started running up the stairs. Infernape and Incineroar followed closely behind, along with Batman and Diana. As Ash reached to open the door, someone else was opening it. It was Audrey. No one was expecting her and she wasn't expecting so many people in the dungeon. "Audrey? What are you doing here?"
"I was coming down here to free Diana. But I'm glad all of you are here." Audrey said. Diana stepped forward.
"Why? What's going on?" Diana asked.
"Its Savage. He's demanding all the world leaders to surrender their countries. If they don't, he's threatening them with a meteor strike." Audrey said. This shocked everyone. If he sets one of them off it can spell bad news.
"YOU! Stop right there." They looked past Audrey and saw multiple guards approaching them. They had to keep moving.
"Infernape. Flame wheel go." Ash said. Infernape jumped over and charged towards the guards. His body caught on fire and crashed into the guards. They had a clear path now. "Let's go. Audrey, show us where he is." Audrey nodded and started to run with everyone following her. Along the way, they caught sight of a few more guards. But Ash was quick to direct his pokemon. After running for ten minutes. They reached the control room where they saw Vandal Savage with a man in a neck brace with a speak in it. Also a large number of guards in the room. Savage had an evil grin on his face.
"It took you longer then I thought for you to figure everything out." Savage said. Ash wanted answers.
"How did you survive that crash back then?" Ash demanded to know.
"That's an advantage of being an immortal. You can survive nearly anything." Savage said. Audrey stepped in front of the group.
"Please you need to stop this now." Audrey pleaded. But Savage has other ideas.
"You served your purpose princess. And you look really tired. Why don't you go to sleep." Savage said. Pulling out a gun. Ash was quick to step in front of the princess and bring up a shield. Savage shot a round and the bullet deflected off the shield. "FIRE!"
"GET COVER!" Ash shouted. He quickly grabbed the princess and ducked under nearby desks. Everyone did the same as the guards in the room opened fire on them. Ash needed to think of something quick. They need to stop Savage now.
"ASH!" Ash looked over and saw Batman calling him. "When I give the word. Have Infernape and Incineroar bring the heat." Batman said. Pulling out some pellets. Ash knew what he was thinking and nodded. Batman threw the smoke pellets out and a big smoke cloud appeared. "NOW!"
"Infernape, Incineroar, use flamethrower on the ground." Ash said. Both Pokemon jumped up in the air and let out a stream of fire to the ground. The fires met in the middle and made a fire wall.
"This is our chance. We need to move now." Diana said. Ash nodded and started to run towards Savage.
Watchtower
Harleen was walking to the Pokemon room, hoping a certain would be in there. Ever since Ash left to save the day again, she's been having a internal conflict about the situation. On one hand, she can stay out of it and keep her secret safe from Ash. Or she can help out and risk exposing herself in front of Ash. She thought long and hard about it. And she finally came to a decision. She reached the door and opened the door to the Pokemon room. She walked in. She didn't want to search in there for too long.
"MEWTWO! I NEED YOUR HELP!" Harleen shouted. A light appeared in front of Harleen and Mewtwo appeared.
"You called?" Mewtwo asked.
"Yeah, I nee..." Harleen started but Mewtwo knew time was running out.
"I know what you want to do Harley Quinn." Mewtwo said. Harleens eyes went wide.
"How di..."
"I read your mind back when we first met." Mewtwo said. But Harleen was confused.
"But why didn't you say anything before?" Harleen asked. If Mewtwo knew of her then why didn't he say anything to Ash?
"You showed no ill feelings towards Ash. So it was not my place to tell. I will take you where you need to go." Mewtwo said. Harleen was somewhat happy. But Mewtwo had one last thing to say. "A word of advice. Tell Ash soon. You should of told him earlier on. And at this point, the outcome will be more unpredictable." Harleen took all of that in. He was right, she's delayed it for way too long. She was going to tell him after the mission. "Here we go." All of a sudden, Mewtwo and Harleen disappeared.
Kaznia Castle
The battle had been fierce. There were a lot of bodies laying on the floor. The heroes and Pokemon were at different parts of the room, each handling a portion of the army. Incineroar has been grabbing guards and throwing them out of the way. Infernape had been hitting the guards with his arms, legs and tail to knock them down as soon as possible. Batman had been disarming the guards from their guns and quickly knocking them out. Diana had been deflecting bullets from her bracelets, giving her a tough time to advance any further. Ash was determined as ever to end this quickly. A guard managed to grab him from behind and hold Ash in place. Another guard came up and hit Ash in the gut. Ash recoiled in pain. Ash got another guy punch. Ash quickly lifted up his foot and pressed it against the attacking guards chest. Ash forcefully pushed his foot off the guard and back flipped out of the hold. Causing the other guard to land on his back. Ash landed and with the guard laying down, Ash quickly kicked the guard in the face. Knocking him out. The attacking was charging forward, but Ash quickly hit him with a aura sphere. Two more guards were charging at Ash. Ash charged up his foot with aura, jumped up and kicked them across their face. Ash landed back on the ground. He turned around and saw he had a clear path to Savage.
"You're mine now." Ash said. Running towards Savage. He didn't get far since a powerful sound wave pushed him off the ground and up against the wall. Ash struggled to look but saw it was the man with the neck brace doing it. Savage was enjoying the sight.
"So close yet so far. Where do you think you went wrong Ash?" Savage asked. He just wanted Ash to doubt himself.
"That I didn't get to you sooner." Ash said.
"No Ash. You tried to do everything by yourself again. Last time you just got lucky. But now you were overconfident and split your team up in different sections." Savage said. He was right. No one was near anyone. They were suppose to be a team but their fighting like they are by themselves. "But now because of you mistake. The planet will have one less country to worry about." Savage rapped some buttons into the control panel and launched the attack. Ash messed up and because of him, millions of people are about to die. Savage pointed a gun at Ash. "I would like for you to see the destruction, but he can't hold like that forever so this is goodbye." Savage was squeezing the trigger. Ash closed his eyes, waiting for the bang. Clunk. Wait. Clunk? Ash looked over and saw Savage looking dazed. He then fell to his knees and landed face first on the floor. As he was going down, a woman in a black and red jester costume appeared behind Savage. She was holding a big mallet. She looked over at the screaming man.
"Hey, shut your trap Madonna." The jester said. She swung her mallet and threw it at the man. The man stopped screaming and looked over, in time for the mallet to make contact with his face. He was knocked out. Ash recovered and got up from the ground. The jester went to pickup their mallet. Ash went over to see who they were.
"Hey, thanks for that." Ash said. The jester looked at him.
"It no problem." The jester said. It was a woman and her voice seemed familiar with Ash.
"Have we met before? You sound familiar." Ash wanted to know. But she wanted to change the subject.
"I don't think so, but we haven't got time. We need to stop the attack." She said. Ash suddenly remembered and ran to the controls. He looked at the screen. "What does it say?"
"We got 30 minutes before the attack hits, but we haven't got anyway to stop it." Ash said looking defeated.
"Yes, we cant." Ash looked over and saw Batman coming over and typing away at the computer. "But I can redirect it."
"Where?" Ash asked.
"Here." Batman said. The jester didn't like the sound of that.
"Are you crazy? We're still here." The jester said. But Batman already thought of that.
"The meteor that's coming will only be big enough to destroy the castle." Batman said. Diana came over with Incineroar and Infernape.
"But what about everyone in here?" Diana asked. Gesturing to the body lying on the floor. Batman had one thing to say.
"Grab and run." Batman said. They didn't need telling twice. They suddenly took off, grabbed a body and started to run outside.
30 minutes
Outside of the castle there were a massive pile of bodies. The heroes and Pokemon had been working non stop to get everyone out. Audrey was outside when the battle began back in the control room. And now she made sure everyone was accounted for. She saw Ash and the others running up to her. They placed the last of the bodies on the ground.
"That should be the last of them." Diana said. Audrey did a final count.
"Yeah it is." Audrey said. But the jester had a feeling.
"But I'm feeling we are forgetting something." The jester said. Everyone had a think for a while. Then Ash knew what it was.
"We forgot Vandal Savage. He's still in there." Ash said. Starting to run towards the castle.
"Ash, stop." Batman said. But Ash didn't get far as the meteor hit the castle. A big explosion happened and Ash covered his face. When it died down, he saw that the entire castle had been levelled.
"No." Ash said to himself. Did he just let someone die. He ran to the site.
"Hey. Wait up." The jester said. Following him. Everyone else followed suit. Ash reached the site and started searching for the body. Everyone was spread out. Trying to recover the body. It's been 20 minutes with no sign of life. But then something was starting to stir. Savage came out of the rubble with his wounds quickly healing himself.
"Oh, how sweet. You were actually worried about me." Savage mocked. Audrey stepped forward.
"Arrest him." Audrey said. Two guards came up to Savage and restrained him. "I'm going to make sure you don't get out for a very long time."
"I thought you'd be too busy looking after your poisoned daddy then to worry about me." Savage mocked. But he didn't know.
"Actually we manage to find out an antidote and he's going to make a full recovery. Also thank you for the confession." Audrey said triumphantly. Savage realised his mistake. "Now take him away." The guards dragged Savage away and towards prison. Diana looked at Batman.
"By the way, you still owe me a dance." Diana said. Batman looked at Diana.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Batman said.
"Either way, you still owe me a dance." Diana said. Grabbing his hand and dragging him off somewhere. Ash looked at the jester.
"Thank you for your help today. You've been a big help." Ash said. "I'm Ash Ketchum."
"I'm Harley Quinn, I'm happy I was able to help out." Harley said.
"Everyone did their part today. Infernape, Incineroar you did great work. Return." Ash said taking out pokeballs. The Pokemon returned inside the balls. Ash put them away and looked at Harley again. "How long have you been a hero for?" Harley wasn't expecting that question.
"I'm no hero." Harley said. Trying avoid eye contact.
"Are you kidding me? After today you are a hero." Ash said. Ash then had a idea. "How about I take you up to the justice league watchtower?" Harley has to make an excuse now.
"No, like I said I'm n..." but she was interrupted.
"That sounds like a good idea." Diana said. Coming back with Batman. "It can be something to work towards. To one day be part of the justice league." Ash was feeling the mood now.
"Alright, let's go now." Ash said. Taking out his receiver and pressing the button.
"Ash, no don't I di..." Harley didn't finish as they were teleported.
Watchtower
Flash, John and Martian were waiting in the teleportation room. They had finished their part of the mission with the space station and now they were waiting for the group troops. The teleport pads activated and four bodies appeared.
"...n't agree." Harley finished, she looked round and saw that two of the heroes recognised her. "Uh-oh."
"It's Harley Quinn." Flash said.
"Get her." John said. They both charged towards Harley but Ash and Batman stood on their way. Ash wanted to know what was going on.
"What's going on?" Ash asked.
"Ash that's Harley Quinn." Flash said.
"Yes I know that, and she helped us." Ash said.
"She helped you because she wants something. She a villain Ash." John said. Ash was getting confused. John then looked at Batman. "I'm surprised at you. You're defending the girlfriend of the Joker." Ash couldnt believe what he heard.
"I know what I'm doing. She has changed." Batman said. Ash looked at Harley.
"Are you a bad guy?" Ash asked. Harley wanted to defuse the tension.
"I used to. Yes. But I haven't done anything for a long time and me and the Joker are done with each other. You got to believe me sweetie." Harley said. Ashes eyes went wide. Did she just say. Sweetie?
"Harleen?" Ash asked. Harley knew what she did. She looked at Batman and he nodded at her. She looked at Ash. She took her hood off and rubbed off her makeup. It was Harleen. Ash couldn't believe it. His girlfriend, the villain, the ex girlfriend of the Joker. Ash didn't say a word.
"Ash, I'm sorry I kept this from you. I was just afraid of what you would think of me." Harleen said. Ash still didn't say anything. "Please say something." She tried to touch Ash but Ash moved back.
"I can't deal with this, I need some space." Ash said. He went on the teleport pads and activated them.
"Ash please wait." Harleen pleaded. But it was too late. Ash was gone. Harleen broke down to her knees and started sobbing into her hands. Diana came up beside her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Kate's Cafe
Ash was sitting on a table by himself, just doing nothing. He didn't know what to do. He cared for Harleen. But this secret that she kept from him was really serious. He didnt know what this meant for their relationship. As he was thinking, the door to the cafe opened and two figures walked in. They looked round and saw Ash. They approached him.
"There you are, my boy." That voice. It couldn't be. Ash looked over and thought he was dreaming.
"Professor Oak?" Ash looked at the other guy. "Gary?"
"What's up Ashy Boy?"
And that ends this chapter. I'm sorry this story took a little longer to come out. The internet was down so I wasn't able to access the story. But how will the story play out now with Oak and Gary in the story? And what's going to happen to Ash and Harleen?
Thank you for the continued support for this story.
I'm working on the next chapter of my new life academia. And after that I will continue with this story.
But now Harleen has made it her personal mission to make things right with Ash. But will he listen? Find out in 'Hearts And Minds.'