Chapter 17
Minds And Hearts
Wayne Manor
Ash was walking down the hallway, only just waking up just a few minutes ago. The night before, Ash met up with Professor Oak and Gary. They had a catch up session when they met up. The Oaks said they have been keeping an close eye on Ash's exploits and said they were very proud for the accomplishment he has done. Ash had told them that all the others were here as well, which surprised them. They wanted to see them. But since it was late at night, the others would of been in bed already. When Ash mentioned that he said really get some rest too, the Oaks said that they need to find a place to stay as well. But Ash invited them to stay at Wayne Manor, even if it was just for the night. When they arrived at the manor, Ash made quick introductions with the Oaks and Alfred. Alfred made sure that the Oak's stay were comfortable. Ash reached the kitchen and saw Professor Oak and Alfred talking with each other.
"That really happened to Mr. Wayne?" Professor Oak asked.
"Yes. At a very young age, Master Wayne witnessed his parents deaths in front of them. It all happened because of a mugging." Alfred explained. Ash already told Professor Oak and Gary who Bruce Wayne was as Ash knew that they can easily keep secrets.
"And that's the point where Bruce started his training, right?" Ash asked. As he sat down at the table. Professor Oak and Alfred turned and looked at him.
"Yes that is right Master Ash." Alfred said. Alfred then turned back to the cooking and finishing up Ash's meal.
"Morning my boy, how are you today?" Professor Oak asked. Ash didn't know how he felt since what occurred last night but he didn't want anyone to worry.
"I'm feeling refreshed thank you." Ash said. At this point, Alfred came over and gave Ash his breakfast. Ash had a full English breakfast in front of him. Ash started to eat as quick as possible.
"So Master Ash, I take it and Madam Harleen have talked then." Alfred said. Ash stopped eating and looked at Alfred.
"How do you know what's going on?" Ash asked. He had not spoken about it since what happened between him and Harleen. He didn't even know what to call her since she has another known name.
"Master Wayne phoned me about what happened. He said to keep a close eye on you while you are here." Alfred said. At least it was nice of Batman to look out for Ash. Professor Oak just looked at both of them, looking confused.
"I'm sorry, who's Harleen?" Professor Oak asked. Ash was quick to answer before Alfred could say anything.
"Just a friend." Ash said. Then he went back to eating his breakfast.
"You just need to put the word girl in front of the friend part." Alfred said. When Ash heard him say it, he nearly chocked on his breakfast. Professor Oak finally understood.
"My boy, you got yourself a girlfriend?" Professor Oak asked with a smile. Ash recovered and had the last bit that was left. Alfred quickly took the plate off the table.
"Yeah, but it's sort of complicated at the moment." Ash said.
"Knowing you Ashy Boy, there's bound to be complications." Gary joked as he entered into the kitchen. Alfred turned to him.
"Master Gary, would you like breakfast?" Alfred asked. Gary held up his hand.
"I'm good thanks Alfred." Gary said. He then looked back at Ash. "So come on then. Who's this girl?" Ash really didn't want to talk about it.
"I'd rather talk things out with Harleen first before I give out too much information." Ash said. Gary huffed in annoyance. He knew Ash wasn't going to budge this time.
"Fine." Gary said. Professor Oak wanted to break the tension and decided to change the subject.
"So Ash, what did everyone say when you told them you saw us?" Professor Oak asked. But Ash already had a idea.
"I haven't told them yet." Ash said. The oaks looked at him with confusion written on their face. "I'd thought it be a nice surprise just to go straight up there. Everyone should be in the watchtower for their shifts right now." Ash said. The two thought they might have misheard something."
"Wait a minute, they have jobs up there?" Gary asked. Ash just nodded.
"Well it is good to see everyone adapting to this new world so easily." Professor Oak said. Then he thought of something. "Actually saying that I should get myself a job. I need to get some sort of income." Ash had a easy answer.
"No problem, I'm sure I can get you two a job in the watchtower." Ash said. The Oaks looked at him.
"You serious?" They both asked. Ash laughed at their reaction.
"Of course. In fact, let's head there now." Ash said standing up. Gary and Samuel also stood up and walked over to Ash. Ash then pulled out the receiver. Ash looked at Alfred. "I'll see you when I get back Alfred."
"I'll shall be awaiting your arrival." Alfred said. Ash nodded and pressed a button on the receiver. Ash and the Oaks disappeared in a bright light.
Watchtower
On the watchtower. Everyone has already heard about what happened about Ash and Harleen. And also knows about Harleens alter ego. Everyone liked Harleen and how happy she made Ash. But they don't know what to feel now. Everyone thought it be better if they stayed out of it and let the two of them sort things out. But for some reason, it seems like this event had indirectly led to some disagreements among friends. Since Clemont and Sophocles were working on one of the panels in the teleportation room with Shayera and John also in the room. And the two are arguing about way to turn the screwdriver.
"I told you it needs to be tighter so it won't come off." Clemont said. Looking angry.
"And I told you if you do that it will overheat." Sophocles said. He turned the screwdriver to the left. Shayera then looked confused.
"Why did you tighten it up anyway?" Shayera asked. The 3 men in the room looked at her. What did she say?
"He didn't. He loosened it." John said. Still confused with her statement.
"No, that's tighten it. Trust me, it's common handyman stuff on my planet." Shayera said. Oh, that explains it.
"Shayera. Here, things get tighter by turning it to the right." Clemont tried to explain. Sophocles then looked at Clemont.
"But in this case, it's better to loosen it." Sophocles said. Clemont looks like he was about to explode.
"No tighten it."
"Loosen it."
"Tighten it."
"Loosen it."
"Guys calm down." Everyone looked over and saw Ash and the Oaks on the teleport pads. "We could hear you during the transition." When everyone saw the new arrivals. The reaction was half and half.
"No way, is that?" Clemont asked. Getting the shock of his life.
"It's Professor Oak." Sophocles said. John and Shayera had a different response.
"It's him again." John said. Holding up his ring ready to fire.
"Ash get away from him." Shayera said as she readied her mace. Professor Oak and Gary were a bit shocked at what was happening. Weren't these people suppose to be the good guys. Ash knew what had happened and jumped in between the parties with his arms spread out.
"Stop, it's not who you think he is. It's the real thing this time." Ash said. Wanting to calm them down. The two heroes kept their stance for a while then they relaxed their bodies. "Good. Now I'd like to introduce to you some more people from the Pokemon world." Ash gestures to Gary. "This is Gary, he was my childhood friend while growing up." Gary held his hand up to wave.
"Hey there." Gary said. Then Ash moved over to the Professor.
"And this is Professor Samuel Oak. The real one." Ash said. Professor put on a forced smile. Still frightened about what happened.
"Nice to meet you." Oak said. The heroes wanted to show there was no hard feelings.
"Hi there." John said.
"It's always nice to see one of Ash's friends." Shayera said. Professor Oak like that they were making a effort but he wanted to get to the bottom of things.
"Likewise. Now what was all that about? It looked like you were about to attack me." Professor Oak said. Both the heroes didn't know where to start, but he did deserve an explanation.
"It's a long story." Shayera said. At that point, they saw a fiery projectile. They ran over to the window and saw it heading towards earth.
"What is that?" Gary asked. Whatever it was, it could be a threat to earth. And they needed to act fast.
"I don't know, but we can't stand around and do nothing." John said. He powered up his ring and flew out of the teleportion room. Ash and the others saw this.
"JOHN!" Shayera shouted. Ash started to chase after him but turned back to everyone. "Clemont, Sophocles. Can you look after the Professed and Gary?"
"Consider it done." Clemont said.
"Yeah." Sophocles said. Shayera grabbed the receiver from her pocket.
"Go after John. I'll call the others and see who can help." Shayera said. Ash nodded and started running again. He ran for 2 minutes before he got to the front of the Pokemon room. Ash opened the door and saw the 2 Pokemon he needed.
"Ash, nice to see you my friend." Lucario said. Ash reached the Pokemon.
"Is there something you need help with?" Mewtwo asked. Ash knew he had to be quick with the explaination since at the moment John was down there by himself.
"Somethings landed on earth and John's down there by himself. We need to be down there in case things get out of hand." Ash said. Both the Pokemon nodded, getting ready for action.
"Of course." Lucario said. Mewtwo's eyes started to glow blue.
"Get ready, we're going now." Mewtwo said. Just like that, Ash, Lucario and Mewtwo left in a flash.
Gotham City
Ash, Lucario and Mewtwo appeared in the middle of the street and saw that the projectile that was flying through space was a ship. And it has made a crash landing. Incredibly it did little damage to the surrounding properties. But the ship itself was on fire. Then Ash saw John, he was kneeling down in front of someone. The alien looked really familiar. Then Ash remembered his name.
"Kilowog?" Ash asked himself. Ash quickly ran over with the Pokemon following closely behind. They reached the Lanterns. "Kilowog, what happened?" Kilowog looked at Ash.
"Ash, good to see you again." Kilowog weakly said. "Me and the other Lanterns were overwhelmed. I was the only one that managed to escape." Ash knew what he meant in that statement.
"That's terrible. Where did it all happen?" Ash asked. Kilowog was quick with the answer.
"Ranstad 7. It's in a completely different sector." Kilowog said. He then looked at John. "John, they took Katma." John's eyes went wide at this.
"No, it can't be." John said. At this point, Shayera, Flash and Manhunter arrived at the scene.
"John, what's going on?" Flash asked. John just stood up and looked at his team behind him.
"Take care of him." John said. He then took off into space. Everyone's wondering why he did that all of a sudden. Ash looked at Mewtwo and Lucario.
"We better follow him." Ash said. Both the Pokemon nodded. Mewtwos body had psychic energy emitting from it. Then Ash and Lucario felt the psychic around them as well. The three lifted off the ground and shot off into the sky. Trailing behind John. Manhunter knelt down and picked Kilowog up.
"Come on, we best get you to the watchtower." Manhunter said. Shayera was about to press the return button on her receiver. But something stopped her.
"ASH!! WAIT!!!" The heroes looked around and saw Harleen running towards them. Harleen stopped in front of them and was looking up at the sky. She wanted to talk to him about what happened and try to sort things out. She looked at the heroes. "Where did he go?"
"Space." Flash simply said. That didn't help her much.
"Can you please take me to him? I just want to talk an..." Harleen was interrupted by Shayera.
"We don't know what part of space they went to. Only he knows." Shayera said and pointing at Kilowog. "But he needs to recover first. Also do you think it's a good idea to talk to him. Everything just happened so soon." Harleen wanted to show that she wanted to face this head on.
"I know but I want to show Ash that I'm really serious about us. But I can't convince him if I don't talk to him." Harleen said. Flash heard enough and wanted to escape.
"Yeah that's all and good but he's not here. So, bye." Flash said as he pulled out his receiver and transported him and the heroes to the watchtower.
Watchtower
Flash, Shayera, Manhunter and Kilowog arrived on the teleport pads. Manhunter was moving Kilowog towards the recovery bay. Flash and Shayera was following behind.
"Don't you think you were a bit harsh on her?" Shayera asked. Flash really didn't care. She hurt Ash so he wasn't given her his time.
"Who cares. If she really cared about him then she would of told him sooner." Flash said. But someone else heard him.
"Tell the person you love your secret identity and tell me how easy it is." Both the heroes turned round and saw Harleen on the teleport pad. Flash was wondering how she got here.
"How did you get here?" Flash asked. Harleen held up her hand with a receiver in her hand.
"Did you forget that I had one of these?" Harleen asked. Flash didn't want to admit it but he did actually forget. Shayera wanted to know why she followed them.
"Why are you here Harleen? We already said we don't know where Ash went and it be a while til he gets back." Shayera said. But Harleen wasn't going anywhere.
"But you said that other guy knew where he went. I want him to take me to him." Harleen said. Flash had enough.
"Look, when he wants to talk to you, he will find you. So for the meantime, either go back home or stay away from me. I don't want to be near you." Flash said. Harleen was a bit hurt by the statement. Did he really hate her that much. The door to the room opened up and Professor Oak walked in.
"It's good to see you back already." Professor Oak said. Just now, Flash had the funniest reaction.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!" Flash screamed in a high pitch voice. Flash quickly ran behind Harleen and cowarded behind her. Harleen looked at him and thought he was suppose to be a superhero?
Ranstad 7
John landed on a planet. It looked like it was once full of life and civilised. But now, it was deserted. John looked round to try to find any clues to see if this was the planet that Kilowog escaped from. He then saw a familiar object. It was a Lantern Corp ship. It looked like he was on the right planet. John proceeded to walk in a random direction. He didn't get far since a voice stopped him.
"So what's your plan then?" John looked behind him. Ash, Lucario and Mewtwo landed behind him. Ash continued to interrogate. "You go charging in, get captured and never return home?"
"What are you doing here?" John asked. He wanted to do this by himself and not involve anyone in this.
"We came to help. But it be better if you told us what is going on." Ash said. But John didn't want anyone here.
"Go home. This is my problem." John said. He went to continue walking but Lucario spoke up.
"You're going up against someone who took down a entire Lantern Corp team." Lucario said. John stopped in his tracks after Lucario said that. "If you go by yourself you will not come back. This time you need help that isn't from the Corp."
"You will need our help." Mewtwo said. "Since we entered this atmosphere, it has affected our powers. All of our powers have nearly halved." Is that true? Ash raised his hand and formed a aura sphere. But it was only a small one. And that was him using all of his strength. Ash dissolved the sphere and put down his hand.
"He's right, John. You need our help." Ash said. John didn't like the new fact he just heard. He continued by himself. There was a good chance he would die before he even sees Katma again. He finally made a decision.
"Fine you can come, but we need to keep moving. I don't know how much time we have left." John said. He continued to walk on. Ash, Lucario and Mewtwo followed behind. While Ash was thinking of tactics in his head. Lucario and Mewtwo are trying to figure out why their powers are being affected.
Earth/ John's Apartment
Kilowog knocked down the down to his friends apartment. He entered the space with Flash following behind them. Kilowog had been recovering for 4 hours. While in that time, he explained the situation and why John went off by himself. He also said that he plans to head back there to help John. But he didn't have enough energy in his ring to get himself back there. His best shot was to go to John's place to find his Lantern to charge his ring. The league offered to help and they were not taking no for an answer. Kilowog and Flash was looking at every corner of the room. And it was, disorganised.
"John lives like this?" Kilowog asked. He never knew his Lantern comrade lived like this.
"I'm just as shocked as you. From the way he acts, you'd of thought he was clean freak." Flash said. As they were looking, Flash decided to look in the freezer. And he found a really nice treat. "Alright. Look what I just found." Kilowog turned round and saw Flash holding a tub of ice cream. Kilowog walked over and took the ice cream. And swallowed it whole.
"Delicious." Kilowog said. Flash wasn't too happy about what happened because he wanted some too.
"Ok." Flash said. As he looked round again he saw a video tape. He picked it up and read the title. "Great, I didn't know John had Rocky on tape." Just then, Kilowog grabbed the tape and ate it. Flash just stood there, stunned. He was going to say something. But they had a visitor.
"Have you found it yet?" They both turned round and saw Harleen coming in to the apartment. Flash was not happy she was here.
"What are you doing here?" Flash asked. He really wanted her to leave.
"I'm coming with you when you go up to space so I can talk to Ash." Harleen said. Now this was going to lead to a fight.
"No you are not. You are staying on earth and away from Ash. He'll talk to you when he's ready." Flash said. Harleen was becoming desperate.
"But I need to talk to him. He needs to know why I did what I did." Harleen said. She needed to convince him now. She had an idea. "Please take me to Ash." At this point she ran towards Flash. Flash was quick to move away.
"If you think that's goi..."
"Oh please." Harleen said. While the interaction between Flash and Harleen happened. Kilowog used a little energy from his ring to find the Lantern. He found it and it was behind the brick wall. He pulled the Lantern towards him and grabbed it. He put the ring inside and was charged within seconds.
"We're done here. We can go now." Kilowog said. Flash was happy to hear this news.
"Good let's go." Flash said. Flash and Kilowog went to leave but stopped when they heard sobbing. It was Harleen on the ground crying her eyes out.
"Please, Ash is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't want our relationship to end like this. All I want to do is just to explain why I did what I did. If let me talk to Ash you never have to see me again." Harleen said. Flash liked the sound of that last part. Before he could say something, Kilowog spoke first.
"You can come." Kilowog said. Harleen shot straight up and ran out the room preparing to leave. Flash looked at Kilowog.
"Why you do that for?" Flash asked. Kilowog has the perfect answer.
"It's a long flight and you two fighting will keep me entertained." Kilowog said before leaving. Flash looked displeased and also left.
Ranstad 7
John knocked down a door to a building. Him, Ash, Lucario and Mewtwo enter the building. They have been searching for a while and broken into many buildings to find clues. They had manage to avoid contact with any locals, but it didn't mean that they weren't seen.
"We need to be quick. With the damage we've already caused, someone's more likely to be already looking for us." John said. Ash and the Pokemon understood. They wanted to avoid any conflict if possible.
"Got it." Ash said. The 4 of them spilt up and searched the place. They were leaving no corner unturned. Ash knew how important this being was to John since he told him that she used to be his old teacher. It has been 5 minutes into the search and they were about to give up. But something caught Lucario's eyes.
"I found something." Lucario said. The others were quick to reach Lucario. Lucario picked up the object and showed everyone. John's eyes were shocked. It was a Lantern.
"She's here." John said. But before they could do anything else.
"Halt." They looked at the doorway and saw 5 guards standing in the way. And they were blocking the only way out. "You're coming with us." The heroes didn't like the sound of that.
"We need to fight our way out." Ash said. But Mewtwo was quick to stop him.
"Wait, dont." Mewtwo said. Ash stopped and looked at Mewtwo. "Some reason they are a lot more powerful. There's a energy around them that's draining our powers to enhance theirs."
"What are we suppose to do then?" Ash asked. John didn't want to admit it but there was only one option.
"We best comply with them. We probably won't be able to win in a head to head battle." John said. He walked over to them and the others reluctantly followed behind. As they walked out, the guards boxed them in the centre so they can't get away. As they were walking, bystanders were staring at them. Were they the ones who broke into all those places. They walked for 15 minutes and they were approaching a palace. Who were they about to see? They entered the palace and they were in a massive throne room. There was a big fire behind the throne in the centre of the room. As they approached the throne, they saw a purple figure with 3 eyes sitting there. The guards forced them to stop before they got too close to the throne. The purple figure got up from the throne.
"So, you are the ones who has been disturbing my community." The figure said. It was obvious that this guy was in charge and if anyone knew anything about Katma, he would know.
"Shut it you dictator. Who are you?" John demanded. The figure didn't appreciate the tone. But he was going to amuse them for a while.
"The names Despero and it be wise to think twice before speaking like that to me." Despero said. John was about to have an outburst but Ash said something first.
"How are you the leader of this planet. From what we saw, this place used to have all sorts of life here." Ash said. Despero saw this as an opportunity to show his rulership.
"Before I arrived here I was a nobody." Despero started. He walked over to the fire and the guards made the heroes follow. "But when I got here, I had to face many hardships. I was hungry and penniless. And many beings that want to take advantage of you. But at one moment, I was beaten nearly to death. I crawled my way to safety. I was ready for the end. But then, this." Despero gestured to the fire. "The Flame of Py'tar, appeared before me and offered to help. It said that if it saved my life then I would use its power to bring life back to this planet. At first I agreed, but then I felt it's power. I felt the whole world at my fingertips. And then I rem..."
"I had enough of this." John said. Then he punched one of the guards. Ash and the Pokemon were quick to react and started to fight too. They didn't do too much damage since a purple flame hit the heroes. It was Despero using the flames power.
"Pathetic. Katma get rid of them." Despero said. What did he say? A orange woman stepped forward and stood in front of the heroes. John got on his knees and looked at her.
"Katma?" John asked. The response he got was a kick into the flame.
"JOHN!" Ash shouted. Next thing Ash saw was Lucario being tossed in the flame. "NO!" She moved on to Mewtwo and the same thing happened. Then she approached Ash. Ash was feeling something inside. It was the same feeling he had when he found out about Harleen. She betrayed John like Harleen betrayed Ash. Ash had one thing to say to her. "Did it make you feel better killing your friend?" Ash asked. He didn't get an answer. He got kicked in the face and fell into the flame. "AHHHHHHH!"
Secret Base
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Ash, enough. You're not falling anymore." Ash gradually stopped screaming and opened his eyes. John, Lucario and Mewtwo were standing over him. Ash got up and had a look around. It looked like a underground cave. And it was filled with the planets natives. One of them approached them.
"I am Radocko. You were lucky we were able to get you away from the flame." Radocko said. The heroes were just confused at what just happened. Why were they saved? Who are these people and where are they now?
"Where are we?" Lucario asked. Radocko was happy to answer any questions.
"We are the Anti Despero Resistance Group. We are an organisation whose purpose it is to remove Despero from power and revive this planet back to its former glory." Radocko said. The heroes admired the ambition of the group.
"You got a tough fight ahead of you. Despero is strong and his guards are not to be messed with as well." Ash said. Unknown to them a plan was already in motion.
"That's why our leader is out there right to try to find the perfect time to strike." Radocko said. Just then, a door opened and someone walked through.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" The heroes turned round and saw someone coming towards them. It was Katma.
"Welcome back, Leader." Radocko said. Wait, she's the resistances leader? But John didn't care. He was just happy to see her again.
"Katma." John said running to her. "I thought something bad hap..." When John reached her. Katma punched John in the face. And it wasn't pretty.
"That had to hurt." Mewtwo said. Ash and Lucario nodded in agreement.
"What are you doing here? You could of ruined everything with your stunt." Katma said. She looked like she was about to blow. John got back up and looked at her.
"I came here to save you. Kilowog crash landed on earth and told me what happened to the other lanterns. But when Kilowog told me you were captured but still alive. I had to help so how and nothing was going to stop me." John said. After that speech, Katma couldn't keep up the tough act anymore and smiled at John.
"It's things like that, that makes you special." Katma said. She grabbed John's head and pulled him in for a kiss. Ash and the Pokemon had shocked expressions on their faces. And also came to the same conclusion.
"No one tells Shayera."
"Agreed."
4 Hours Later
Everyone in the base was arming themselves and getting ready. Katma told everyone that tonight is the time to strike. Despero would be depleted of his power at a certain point tonight and would be defenceless against an attack. Despero will be near the flame when he needs to regain his power, so they will need to be quick or they will be in real trouble. Ash, the Pokemon, John and Katma were in a group, going over last minute changes to the plan.
"Ok, we got everything set. We got need to find a way to keep him in place in case he's too close to the flame." Katma said. She knew they'd only get one shot at this and they need to make it count. And Mewtwo maybe the answer.
"I believe I can keep him in place for the time that you require." Mewtwo said. Ash looked at Mewtwo to see if he was sure.
"But Mewtwo, you said the atmosphere was affecting our powers." Ash reminded Mewtwo. But Mewtwo had a theory.
"That's what I first thought when we got to this planet. But now, it may be that Despero himself has been draining our powers. To power himself up." Mewtwo said. Katma knew where he was coming from.
"That makes sense. The flame where he gets his power needs to feed. And it would only feed from the earth itself. But since Despero has got that power, he can consume any form of energy to make him stronger. So when he loses his power tonight. Your power would be fully restored." Katma said. Everyone now realised what has happened to them when they got there.
"So we need to be quick and know the right time to do it." Lucario said. John saw Radocko coming over.
"Looks like we got some company." John said. Everyone looked in his direction and saw the new party joining the group.
"Katma, everyone is set and ready to move out." Radocko said. Katma nodded, knowing everything is about to set in motion.
"Good. 5 minutes then we'l..."
BOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!!!!
One of the walls of the base exploded. Everyone in the base immediately took cover and got their guns ready. Ash looked round the corner and saw a group of palace guards that had purple flames coming off of them. Everyone else saw this as well. The resistance started firing their guns at the guards but it seemed to have no effect.
"They also have gained the flames powers." Katma said. The resistance were getting beaten really badly and Ash couldn't just stand by and watch.
"We need to help." Ash said. He was about to run out but Lucario grabbed his shirt and pulled him back.
"Think about it. If they got the flames power, then they will also be draining our powers." Lucario said. Ash thought that he might be right. He tried to make a aura sphere and he could only get a flicker. They got no access to power now.
"This isn't good." John said. Seeing that their guns are doing little against the guards. And every second the guards are advancing towards them. Mewtwo closed his eyes for a second then opened them again.
"Help has arrived." Mewtwo said. Everyone looked at him, thinking what did he just say? Suddenly a green beam hit two guards and knocked them down. And Shayera appeared and started bashing the guards with her mace.
"Shayera." Ash said. Flash suddenly zoomed in and started pushing the guards out of the room. Manhunter was flying around the outer part of the base, taking care of any wanderers. Kilowog landed next to the group.
"Glad I made it in time." Kilowog said. John and Katma was happy to see their friend back on their feet.
"Glad to see you are well." John said.
"And thanks for bringing back up." Katma said. The new arrivals have been a big help since the guards are being driven out. And Mewtwo felt his power near enough full but got enough to finish this early.
"I'll finish this now." Mewtwo said flying out. Mewtwos eyes glowed blue and he lifted his hand. All the guards bodies had a blue outline and lifted off of the ground. "Begone, scum." Mewtwo flicked his wrist and the guards were thrown out of the base. Everyone got out from their cover positions. They were safe for now. Ash turned to Kilowog.
"Thanks for that. We would of been in trouble if it wasn't for you." Ash said. Kilowog looked at Ash.
"It a part of the job." Kilowog said. Then he saw someone approaching Ash. "But this next part isn't." Kilowog then walked away. Ash looked confused with what he said. Ash turned round and saw someone he didn't expect to see. "Harleen."
"Hi Ash." Harleen said.
2 Hours Later
"You still want to attack after what happened?" Shayera asked. Katma and the resistance are getting ready to finally move out after the attack. Shayera and John have been trying to convince her to change the plan. But she was determined to see it through.
"Yes, after what happened. It's clear now that we need to strike now before he can make more of those soldiers." Katma said. She did have a point. If those guards had that power, then he would make more like them. But there still must be a better way.
"Katma, I think we need to talk about this." John said. But Katma wasn't listening. She got up and started walking to another part of the base.
"OK EVERYONE! WERE MOVING OUT IN TEN!" Katma shouted. John and Shayera followed her still trying to change her mind. Ash and Harleen were at another part of the base. Ash has been thinking about how to attack this whole time. And Harleen was trying to think of something to get Ash to talk to her.
"Are you having a good time?" Harleen asked. Ash just looked at her, with a face that read, did you just ask that. "Everyone around here se..."
"What are you doing here Harleen?" Ash asked. Harleen was shocked he came straight out with that. But she came all this way so she needed to explain herself.
"I just wanted to talk things out. I hate how we left things." Harleen said. Ash really didn't want to do this.
"Can you blame me? We've been going out for nearly nine months and I'm only just finding out that you used to be a villain." Ash said. Harleen didn't like it when he says she's a villain. But after what she did in the past, she deserved it.
"But I haven't done anything for a long time. And I have helped it Batman a few times before." Harleen said. This was news to Ash.
"That maybe. But your ex partner was the same person that pressed a gun against my head." Ash said. Harleen knew he was going to bring him up but wanted to make one thing clear.
"Do you know, the day I got the key to the watchtower, I saw Joker. I almost showed him the key but changed my mind." Harleen said. She changed her mind? Ash wanted to know why.
"Why didn't you then?" Ash asked. Harleen walked up to him and looked at him dead in the eyes.
"Because you're the only person I ever met that liked me for me. That liked this side of me and my other side of me. I knew if I gave the key to the Joker, that I would never see you again. And after what happened with Dr Destiny I knew how I felt about you." Harleen said. Ash was really interested now.
"And What is that?" Ash asked.
"That I lo... care about you." Harleen recovered. But Ash caught this.
"Were you abo..." Ash didn't get to finish as another explosion occurred, knocking out many of the resistance. As the smoke cleared, a lot more palace guards started to pour into the base. The resistance that was unharmed from the explosion started firing guns to slow them down. The Pokemon, league and Lanterns gathered around Ash and Harleen.
"We need to get out of here." Flash said. Katma already had a escape plan.
"The tunnel next to us will take us up for the palace. It the only way out and might find a way to stop all this." Katma said. At the moment, it was their only option.
"Lets move. They won't hold them off for long." Martian said. He was right. The resistance were nearly out for the count. The heroes started running in the cave. They were going as fast as they could. The sooner they get out, the sooner they can come up with another plan. After 3 minutes of running they suddenly stopped. Someone was standing in their way. It was Despero.
"So your plan was a sneak attack. It was a good thought out plan. But you try hiding the trap door better next time." Despero said. That's how he's here. He found the entrance the resistance was going to use. But it looks like the heroes are in trouble now. But Ash had a idea but depended heavily on Flash. Ash leaned over to Flash.
"Grab Kilowog and Martian and continue on. The Flame of Py'tar is in the room where the trap door leads. If you find a way to destroy it, he'll lose his power." Ash said. Flash nodded. Flash used his super speed to grab the two heroes and run past Despero. Despero looked behind him and saw they were already gone. He then turned back to the remaining heroes.
"I'll make quick work of you. Then I'll annihilate the escapees." Despero said. Despero charged in, ready with a punch. Everyone spilt and dodged the attack. Ash quickly grabbed Harleen and dragged her to safe place in the tunnel.
"Stay here." Ash said as he ran back into the battle. Was he still concerned about her? Harleen didn't want him to go though.
"Ash, come back." Harleen said. But he was still running. Mewtwo brought up a shadow ball and threw it. Before the shadow ball hit Despero, Lucario came behind the ball and used force palm on it to give it more impact. It hit Despero and a explosion occurred. Lucario jumped back and landed next to Mewtwo. Did they do it? Purple flames came out of the smoke and hit Mewtwo and Lucario. The smoke cleared and Despero looked like he was untouched.
"That was all you got?" Despero asked. Shayera tried to hit him with her mace. Despero caught the mace and threw her against the wall. She fell on the ground. Ash saw this and needed to help. He tried to make an aura sphere. He could only make a little one. But he might have enough for a decent aura punch. Despero was about to burn Shayera. But two green beans hit Despero back. He turned round and saw John and Katma with their rings ready. Despero was not impressed and wanted to show them real power. "My turn." He fires flames out of his hands and struck the two. They fell to the ground.
"Hey, ugly." Despero turned and saw Ash coming. Ash used his aura punch across Despero face. Despero stumbled back and was stunned. Ash quickly grabbed Shayera and started to move her away. "Come on, I got you." Ash was trying to move her quick. It was obvious that Despero is too strong for them to handle right now. Ash saw purple light that was coming behind him. Ash looked and saw Despero conjuring up a big flame. He didn't look happy.
"You dare strike the face of a god." Despero said. He threw the fire. Ash didn't have many options. He quickly threw Shayera to the side. But that was all he could do. The flame struck him. Ash was severely burned. He dropped to the ground. Harleen saw this and also saw Despero advancing on Ash. She couldn't just do nothing. She had to help. She looked around and a big stick. She quickly grabbed it and ran towards the action. Ash saw her run past him.
"Harleen no." Ash said. Harleen was about to strike Despero but he quickly pushed her. The push was so strong, she was knocked down and stopped next to Ash. "What are you doing?"
"Protecting you. You done so much for me. It's about time I saved you." Harleen said as she got up and charged in again.
"Please stop." Ash pleaded. Harleen landed next to Ash again but she had a black eye. Ash was shocked.
"I won't give up on you Ash." Harleen said. She got up again and charged. Only to be knocked back next to Ash again. "I can do it, I can save us." Harleen was struggling to get up. Ash grabbed her side and pulled her back down. Ash had tears in his eyes.
"Stop it. I can't see you hurt yourself like this." Ash said. Harleen still wanted to save him. But she could tell that this was hurting him more seeing her like this. Ash pulled her in and held her close to him. Despero reached them and made a massive purple flame. They looked at each other one last time before closing their eye and holding each other tight. "Harleen. With the life I've had, you're the best thing that ever happened to me." Why did this had to happen now? But Harleen was happy. If she was going to die, she was glad it's in Ash's arms.
"Goodbye my love." Harleen said. This was it. They were about to leave this life together. But through their closed eyes, they could see the light dimming down. They opened their eyes and saw Despero looking confused. Something must be happening. Ash and Harleen must of been seeing things as they thought they could see Despero skin turning into bark. His feet were rooted to the ground. He can't go anywhere. For some reason, Despero had a satisfied look on his face. He looked at Ash and Harleen.
"I shall be a true god now." Despero said. That was the last thing he said since bark had completely engulfed him now. The transformation was finished. Ash and Harleen saw that he had just turned into a tree. The both got up, with much difficulty. The other heroes and Pokemon joined up with the two.
"Ash you're hurt." Shayera said, checking over Ash's burns. Before anyone said anything else. Flash came running in with Kilowog and Martian.
"Is everyone all good?" Flash asked. He looked over everyone and then saw Ash. "Looks like you took the worst of the hit." Ash knew if Harleen didn't do anything then he wouldn't be here.
"It's thanks to Harleen that I'm still here." Ash said, gesturing to Harleen. Harleen looked at Ash with a smile on her face. Flash looked surprised.
"Really?" Flash asked. Ash nodded. Flash looked at Harleen. "Good job, I guess." Flash didn't know what to say now after what he said to her. "I don't know wha..."
"It's cool Flash. We can talk later." Harleen said. Flash smiled at the response, glad that they can be on good terms again. Ash looked at each of them. What happened?
"Did something happened?" Ash asked. Harleen smiled at Ash and held his hand.
"I'll tell you on the way back." Harleen said.
Watchtower
Ash was in his quarters on the watchtower. He was on the side of his bed, looking out the window. After Despero turned into a tree, Katma and Kilowog decided to stay behind to make sure order was maintained on the planet. The heroes learned that Martian went into the flame and gained its power. But he did as the flame command and released the power into the earth. And with anyone that had the flames power inside them, they would be part of the planet. When the heroes got back to the watchtower, they went into the medical room to be treated. Ash was heavily bandaged on parts of his body. There was a knock on his door.
"Come in." Ash said. The door opened and Harleen walked in. "Harleen, I was hoping to see you." Harleen was a bit surprised by this.
"You were?" Harleen asked. Ash nodded. "Do you mind if I take a seat?" Ash gestured for her to join him on his bed. Harleen crawled on the bed and sat down so she was face to face with Ash. Now she didn't know what to say. She thought at least after what happened, they can talk like they used to.
"I'm sorry Harleen." Ash said. Sorry? What for?
"Why are you sorry? You haven't done anything wrong." Harleen said. She thought she's the one that should be sorry.
"Remember the incident during the time we were fighting against Morgaine?" Ash asked. Harleen nodded, remembering the day her and Ash started their relationship. "I betrayed you when I tried to go home without given it a second thought." Ash said. Harleen didn't need to hear the story again.
"Ash, you d..." Harleen was interrupted by Ash.
"Please let me finish. And I think I know how you felt when I found out about Harley Quinn. And I know understand how difficult it was to try to say something. As it was the same for me for wanting to go home." Ash said. Harleen wanted to say something.
"Ash, I already forgave you for that. I was the one that did wrong for not telling you sooner. But I was afraid that if I told you what I did before we met, you might hate me." Harleen said. Harleen was looking down. Ash didn't like she was getting upset. So he said what she wanted to her.
"Harleen, there is no way I could ever hate you. You mean too much to me." Ash said. Harleen looked up at Ash with tears of joy in her eyes. "But let's make a promise to each other. No matter how hard it is, we tell each other everything. I want to be with you for a long time and I want to know that we can trust each other all the time." Harleen couldn't believe what she was hearing. Ash still wanted to be with her. Harleen wasted no time with her answer.
"No more secrets. Anything you want to know, I will tell you right away." Harleen said. Ash had a question for her.
"Harleen, how did you feel when I stayed over your place?" Ash asked. Harleen thought she told him already. But she was going to say it again.
"It was one of the best times I felt we had together." Harleen said. Ash was glad she still felt the same.
"That's good. Then how do you feel about us staying in a place together every night soon?" Ash asked. Harleen thinks she knows what he's saying but wanted to know for sure.
"Are you saying you want to move in together soon?" Harleen asked. This was the moment Ash had to say the words.
"Yes, I'd like for us to move in together soon. Are you okay with that?" Ash asked. Didn't know what the answer will be. Harleen leaned over and gave Ash a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm glad you mentioned it first." Harleen said. She then yawned. "I better go and get some sleep." Harleen went to get up but Ash stopped her.
"Why don't you just sleep here? I need some sleep too." Ash said. Harleen liked Ash was acting like his old self again.
"I love that idea." Harleen said. Ash moved over so Harleen can lay on the bed first. Ash laid down next to her. They looked at each other as they drifted off to sleep. "Goodnight sweetie."
"Goodnight my beauty." Ash said. Harleen smiled at her new nickname. And Ash smiled knowing that him and Harleen will be strong as ever now.
And that's the end of the chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Ash and Harleen are still together and have moved a step further into their relationship.
Thank you everyone for your continued support for this story.
I'll be writing the next 2 chapters of My New Life Academia. (It's a 2 parter chapter.) But as soon as those chapters are done, I'll be right back here.
But what's going on? The justice league disappears and replaced with alternate versions of themselves? Is Ash by himself or will his friends have to help out with this emergency. Find out next time in 'A Better World.'