[Indigo Plateau-Elite Suites]
A young man around the age of 30 with spiky flame red hair strolled through the overly extravagant hallways of the Indigo Plateaus Elite Four Apartment Suites.
The red head wore a black and red jumpsuit that was outfitted with a black cape that reached the carpeted floor. Turning right down the hallway he stopped at a door that had 'Champion-Lance' engraved in small letters on the front.
Reaching into his pocket, he took out a key and inserted into the key hole. He opened the door and stepped into the luxurious suite; the large room was furnished from wall to wall with soft scarlet carpet, the room had a 52 inch flat screen television mounted on the crème coloured walls. Around the room were assorted plants, tables and chairs arranged to keep the room company ready.
Lance walked over to the leather couch that was in front of the television and sat down. He picked up the remote from beside him and switched on the television in front of him.
"-Down to the wire folks, Jeremy will need a miracle if he stands a chance at making it to the Top 16. Shay has defeated two of his Pokemon with just his Totodile and Infernape without losing a single Pokemon!" The announcer's voice blared through the television speakers.
This gained the Champions attention; he had heard rumors about a mysterious Trainer coming from the unknown that had become the number one contender to win the League, and potentially to win the Champions Title itself.
Lance knew that it was very rare for a Trainer to even make it past the first Elite in the Elite Four, the last time he had been challenged for the title by a Trainer who had won the League had been five years ago. To hear that this Trainer had promise interested him greatly.
And apparently this 'Shay' could be a worthy challenge in the future, and it was only a matter of time until he saw if that was true.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
[Indigo Stadium]
"Infernape dig and use Mach Punch!" Ash stated coolly to the Fire Monkey. Infernape leapt off the ground and flipped itself facing downwards before drilling down into the ground and out of sight, kicking up a thin layer of dirt as it disappeared from sight.
"Electabuzz keep moving and ready a Thunder Punch!" A blond boy with sunglasses ordered. A grunt came from the Electric Type as its fists began crackling with electricity. Electabuzz walked slowly around the field continually looking over its shoulder for the hidden Fire Type.
The crowd was silent as they watched with anticipation for what was to come, watching Shay proved to be an amazing show of skill and strategy. His moves were unpredictable and his Pokemon were incredibly strong.
"Now." Ash said calmly.
Electabuzz heard the command and jumped to the left to evade Infernape. It landed back onto the ground, but the Fire Type had not come out of hiding.
As soon as Electabuzz hit the ground the dirt floor crumbled away from underneath it and outshot the Fire monkey with a glowing fist that connected hard right underneath Electabuzzs jaw, sending it flying.
Electabuzz soared through the air and landed on the dirt field summersaulting until it came to a stop unmoving with swirls in its eyes.
The referee stepped forward and raised a green flag, "Electabuzz is unable to battle, and Jeremy is out of usable which means that the Victory goes to Shay who will advance to the Top 16!" The referee announced to the crowd.
The crowd shot up from their seats and started to chant Shays name in cheers. Ash had become a fan favorite with the crowd for his unusual tactics and mysterious attitude. Everyone had heard his parting words after his first match and had wondered what he meant by that, they now knew.
Ash had swept all but one match so far in the League by using unique tactics that had never been attempted before in the League.
One being where he had Gabite weaken the field with dig, then use Charizard to turn it into a crater with one move. On his third round which was on the Ice field, he had used his Infernape to melt the ice with a Flamethrower, which was followed by him using dig to create a series of tunnels under the field. He recalled Infernape and sent out Buizel and used the tunnel system to knock out all three of his opponents Pokemon.
"Great job Infernape, take a long rest you deserve it!" Ash praised as he returned his loyal Pokemon to its Pokeball.
Ash walked across the dirt battlefield to his opponent, "Great match Jeremy, I look forward to battling you in the future," Ash said as he extended his hand to the younger boy.
Jeremy smiled and shook the offered hand, "Thanks Shay, good luck in the next round I'll be rooting for you!"
Ash nodded and turned and began to leave the stadium, "Well folk's tomorrow is going to be an interesting day as the Top 16 gets underway, and the identity of Shay will soon be revealed!" The announcer spoke enthusiastically to the crowd.
Instead of cheering, the crowd started muttering amongst themselves as to who Shay really was and where he was from.
'You're going to be shocked that's for sure…' Ash thought as he left the field and disappeared from sight. Ash walked through the stadium and pushed through the front doors. Ash stepped out into the chilly weather.
The sky was coated with a thick layer of dark grey clouds that blocked out the usual ocean blue sky. Ash shivered as a small breeze picked up and brushed against his face. Ten minutes passed and Ash arrived at the Pokemon Center.
Stepping into the building Ash went straight over to the matchups for tomorrow, he was puzzled when there were empty slots where Trainers pictures were supposed to be listed for their next matchup. Including his.
Ash quickly went over to the counter, "Excuse me Nurse Joy?" Ash asked quickly.
Nurse Joy smiled at Ash, "Hello Shay do you need me to take a look at your Pokemon?" She asked kindly.
Ash shook his head, "No that's alright, but why aren't I listed on the match ups for tomorrow?" He asked pointing over to the screen.
"Oh, for the Top 16 you get your match by fishing for your opponent," Nurse Joy answered coming around the counter and motioning for Ash to follow.
Ash followed the pink haired nurse to a rectangular tank filled with water. As soon as he saw it he remembered, "Oh right, we have to fish a Magikarp out right?" He asked as Joy handed him a fishing rod.
"That's right," She nodded. Ash placed the lure into the water and waited for a few seconds until he felt a tug on the other end. Ash easily pulled the flailing orange fish out of the water, and saw on the side of the Magikarp 'C-1.'
"Alright Shay C-1 so that means your next opponent will be…" Joy trailed off as she looked at the monitor beside the tank.
A picture of Ash came up, before another appeared beside him with a bracket connecting both pictures.
Ashs eyes narrowed as he saw who his opponent was.
"Domino."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ash thanked Nurse Joy for her help and went over to the nearest Vid-Phone and Transfer System. Ash turned on the screen and quickly dialed in a number, the screen soon lit up with a picture of Professor Oak.
"Hello Professor," Ash greeted politely.
Oak smiled at Ash excitedly, "Shay my boy that was an excellent match you just had, I-" Ash cut the Professor off quickly before he continued on.
"I don't mean to be rude Professor, but this is really important, I need to do a major overhaul of my current Team." Ash said seriously.
The Professor went wide eyed, "Are you facing the…" He trailed off uncertainly.
Ash nodded, "Yes Professor, tomorrow at 2pm."
Oak nodded and turned the screen so that he could see Ash during the transfers. "Alright Ash who do you need, and who are you going to send me?"
"I need to send you Tauros, Totodile, Hitmonlee, Noctowl, and Infernape, in exchange for Growlithe, Staraptor, Buizel and Gabite." Ash replied as he placed his first Pokeball onto the Transfer slot.
"Alright so if you send me them we can get this started," Oak stated as Ashs first Pokeball evaporated into white light and disappeared.
The next ten minutes Ash sent and received his requested Pokemon. "Alright Ash I just have to send over Bui-" Ash quickly cut him off.
"Excuse me Professor, but can I ask for a favor?" Ash asked quickly.
"Sure Ash what is it?"
"Would you by chance happen to have an extra FireStone I could have?" Ash asked hopefully. The Professor pursed his lips and looked to something off screen.
"Hang on a second; I may have a spare in storage." Oak guessed as he disappeared off screen. Ash waited for five minutes before the Professor reappeared on screen, "Alright Ash I gave Buizel the FireStone to hang onto, so when he arrives just let him out and he can give it to you."
Ash let out a thankful sigh, "Thanks Professor you've been a great help to me." Ash said gratefully.
The Professor waved it away, "Oh it's no problem Ash, good luck out there we're rooting for you over here in Pallet!"
"Thanks Professor, I-" Ash furrowed his brow in confusion, "What do you mean we're cheering me on over in Pallet?" He asked suspiciously.
"Oh Misty invited everyone over for to watch the League before she and your mother left, she thought it would be a good thing if everyone found out you were still alive altogether." The Professor answered as he typed something in off screen.
Ash didn't reply to that, mostly because he wasn't sure how to react to it. His thoughts were cut-off by the Transfer Machine glowing white before a Pokeball materialized out of thin air.
"Alright Professor, the Team is here safe and sound. Thanks for everything…" Ash said in farewell.
Oak nodded, "No problem Ash, take care and come home safe!" Oak replied before cutting off the call. Ash slowly shut off the screen and took Buizels Pokeball out of the machine before releasing him.
Buizel appeared in a flash of light with a small object in his paws. "Hey Buizel, are you ready for a battle tomorrow?" Ash asked crouching down onto one knee so he was eye level with the aqua weasel.
"Bui Bui!" Buizel replied handing over the small stone with a small flame in the middle. Ash took the FireStone and placed it into his pocket.
"Thanks Buizel, return for now and get some rest, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow…" Ash said as he recalled the Water Type. Ash stood up and clipped the Pokeball to his side, before reaching into his pocket and taking out his Pokegear.
Ash left the center and began the walk back to the lodge as he dialed in a number into his Pokegear, a few moments later it was answered by Alyssa.
"Hey Ash, great match out there. Where are you right now?" She asked curiously.
Ash didn't answer immediately, "I got my next match for tomorrow…" he stated calmly.
"Okay, whe-"
"It's against Domino Aly." He finished.
There was no answer on the other end, after a minute Alyssa spoke, "Okay, get back to the lodge and we can get ready for tomorrow alright?"
"Okay I'm five minutes away, see you soon." With that Ash hung up and quickened his pace. After a few minutes Ash returned to their cabin and pushed open the door. As soon as he stepped in he was pushed back a step by Pikachu who leapt into his arms.
"Pi Pika chu Pikachu Pikapi?" Pikachu asked quickly.
Ash nodded, "That's right buddy, tomorrow you get to battle. But you still have to stay with Alyssa until we reach the stadium alright?" Ash asked as he scratched behind Pikachus ear. Pikachu nodded and Ash went over to his bag that was on the couch.
Before Ash opened it he looked around the room, "Are you here all alone buddy?" He asked curiously.
"Pikachu pika pika," Pikachu replied hopping onto the couch. Ash shrugged and undid a pouch on his bag and took out the jacket and hat he was going to wear tomorrow. Ash took off his hoodie and put on the blue jacket and his red and white hat.
"How do I look Pikachu?" Ash asked his little yellow friend.
Pikachu smiled, "Chu pika pika pi Pikapi!" Pikachu answered giving Ash a thumbs up.
Ash grinned and went over to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Ash couldn't believe how true Pikachus words were, he looked exactly like he did when he first started his Journey. His official Pokemon League hat fit perfectly as if he had worn it every day of his life. The blue jacket he wore was slightly different than the one he had worn when he started his Journey tho. This jacket had full sleeves instead of the short sleeved older version.
Ash left the bathroom and returned to the living room where the front door opened, and in walked the three females.
"Hey Ash, so tomorrow's the big day?" Misty asked as she came up to him and examined his outfit.
"Yup, I've got my team, outfit, and almost everything else pretty much sorted out." He replied
"Oh Honey, you look so handsome in your clothing!" Delia gushed. Alyssa and Misty held in their giggles at Ashs reaction.
"Mooom, this is serious…" He whined, and under his breath he muttered, "I'm not handsome… I'm badass…"
"Oh no you're not Honey you're my little Ashy!" Delia stated placing her hands on her hips looking at him sternly. This time Alyssa and Misty couldn't help the laughter that escaped them.
"Moooom!" Ash whined throwing his hands up in the air, he shook his head and went over to his bag and took off the jacket and hat and placed them neatly into his bag.
After the laughter subsided Alyssa began to get serious, "Okay Ash, what else do you need to do to get ready?" She asked.
"Honestly nothing, it's pretty straight forward on how this all goes down. All we need to do is get you setup."
"Oh actually!" Ash said as a thought came to mind, "Mom could I speak to you privately for a moment?"
Delia smiled, "Of course Honey," She said sweetly as Ash came over to her and opened the door to her room and the two stepped in and closed the door behind them.
"What do you think they're going to talk about?" Misty asked curiously.
Alyssa pursed her lips and stared at the door suspiciously, "I dunno… But I'll find out later…" She said slowly.
It was another ten minutes before the Ash came out of his mother's room, "So what did you ask her?" Alyssa asked curiously.
"Just something that needs to be taken care of after the match, nothing big." Ash replied dismissively, "So what are your guy's plans for the rest of the day?"
"Uuh… Well I thought that we'd be getting ready. But since not… I don't know…" Alyssa was stumped at Ashs behaviour, he was acting so. So. Casual!
"How about we all go for dinner? I haven't seen you eat anything for at least two days Ash, you must be starving?" Misty suggested.
"Sure Mist sou-"
"No!" Alyssa shouted in disbelief, "Ash what… I… What the hell is up with you?" She couldn't comprehend why Ash would suddenly just go out with everyone when he was supposed to be staying out of sight.
Ash held up his hands defensively, wide eyed at her outburst, "Whoa, Aly calm down its just di-"
"No Ash it isn't just dinner, its jeopardizing the entire freaking point of you staying out of sight and UGH! We need to talk!" She spoke furiously grabbing him by the wrist and dragging him over to her bedroom where she slammed the door shut behind them. Leaving a stunned wide eyed Misty gaping.
'And I thought I had a bad temper…'
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Alyssa turned to Ash fuming, "Okay Ash what the hell is wrong with you!" She whispered furiously.
"I don't kno-"
"Yes you very well do know what I'm talking about dammit. Since they showed up you've been acting as if there was absolutely nothing wrong and and… UGH!" Alyssa clenched her fist to try and help calm her anger.
Ash opened his mouth to say something, but stopped and looked to the ground. "Aly I-" He was once again cut off by the furious Alyssa.
"Don't you Aly me, you've been acting differently about the entire mission since your mom and Misty showed up. I asked Misty about what you told them and I understand when you lied abo-" She was cut off by Ash placing his hand over her mouth with a dangerous look in his eyes.
"Don't speak a word of that here. I have my reasons for acting the way I am Alyssa, but I can't tell you." His voice was dangerous, but Alyssa wasn't threatened she'd been with Ash too long to know how to get around this.
"Do you not trust me enough to tell me, is that it?" She knew that wasn't the answer, but it would irritate Ash greatly.
"You know that's not true Alyssa, but do you trust me?" He asked coldly. Alyssa could see that set him off, she would trust him with her life. But trusting him with his own was a sketchy path to follow.
"I'd trust you with my life, but I'm not so sure about trusting you with your own. You're acting as if you were going to die tomorrow a…" She saw it. Just for a slight millisecond his eyes narrowed as she said the last part.
"Ash?" She asked unsurely, he didn't say anything he stood stock still staring past her.
"Ash… What are you not telling me?" She asked worriedly, she struck a nerve with him and she knew she wasn't going to like the reason for it.
"As-" She didn't get to finish as Ash turned around tore open the door and left the room. He grabbed his bag and walked straight past his mother and Misty who were staring wide-eyed at the furious Ash who opened the door and slammed it shut.
Alyssa stepped out of the room wide-eyed looking worried, "What happened to Ash, he looked furious!" Misty asked quietly as she turned from looking at the door to Alyssa.
"I… I don't know, but I don't like it…" Alyssa replied worriedly.
"Is he going to be alright, where'd he go?" Delia asked worriedly, she had never seen Ash so angry, especially since he had come back.
Alyssa shook her head slowly, "I… I don't know, but I'm going to go look for him; it's my fault he left so I have to go find him," Alyssa said as she headed for the front door.
"We'll go with you," Misty replied as she began to follow Alyssa to the door, with Delia right behind.
"Alright, if you two go search around the stadiums, I'll take the bike and check around the village for him." Alyssa stated as the trio of females left the lodge closing the door behind them.
But they forgot one important thing…
"Pikachu pika pika chu!" (What the hell about me!) Pikachu asked exasperatedly.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The next few hours were spent unsuccessfully searching around the Village and Stadiums in search for the raven haired boy. It was nearing 11 and the search came to an end and the trio of females returned to the lodge and found a grumpy Pikachu, but no Ash.
The group decided to turn in for the night and hope that Ash would be back for tomorrows match. They changed into their pajamas and went directly to sleep.
Two hours after the lodge was quiet, the window in the living room was silently opened and lifting himself into the room was Ash. Ash put his bag on the ground and closed the window and went straight over to the couch and fell asleep.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Ash your back!" Misty cried as she saw the sleeping figure sprawled out on the couch. All she got in return was a groan and Ash turning so he was facing the other way.
"Ash we were so worried about you, what happened?" She asked curiously.
She heard Ash yawn and a deep sigh, "Just stressed about today… (Yawn)" Ash mumbled.
"Well Alyssa feels horrible about making you leave; she didn't think you'd get that angry at her…" Misty informed.
"I'm not angry with her… She should be angry at me…" He muttered trying to reposition himself so he could drown out Mistys talking.
Misty cocked her head sideways, "Why would she be angry at you?"
"For not telling her that I-" Ashs eyes snapped open as he realized what he was about to say.
"That you what?" Misty coaxed.
Ash shook his head, "It's nothing Mist, what time is it?" Ash yawned.
"It's eleven, but what about what you said before?"
"It's nothing Misty, can you get the others up I'm going to go shower," Ash said as he got up off of the sofa and headed to the bathroom in the kitchen.
"Okay…" She trailed off as she went over to Alyssa's door and knocked.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
An hour later Ash was showered and was wearing his black hoodie and light blue jeans instead of his darker pair. Ash gazed out the window with an emotionless expression. The weather was not the greatest. Actually that was an understatement.
The sky was filled with dark grey clouds that blocked all traces of the sun. Rain was pouring and soaking the ground and leaving mud puddles scattered about.
"Hey Ash…" Alyssa spoke quietly, to not disturb Ash
"Hi Aly, you ready?" Ash asked calmly, not taking his gaze from the window.
"About yesterday I-"
"I'm not angry with you Aly, I was just overly stressed about today… And you were right, you do deserve to know why I've been acting the way I have been…" Ash trailed off as he turned around and went over and sat down on the armrest of the couch.
"Ash you don't have to really, it's none of my bus-"
"No Aly it is, but where is Pikachu?" Ash asked curiously. As if on cue Pikachu bounded out of the kitchen and onto Ashs lap. "Hey buddy, are you ready?"
Pikachu nodded and gave Ash a thumbs-up, "Pi Pikapi!" Ash smiled at the electric type and stroked his fur before handing him over to Alyssa.
"Good, but stick with Alyssa until we reach the stadium alright?" Pikachu nodded and Ash looked at the time, "We need to get going to get signed in and you set up…" Ash said as he got up from the couch.
Ash went over to Misty, and Delia's room and knocked to see if they were ready. A few minutes later they were ready to go.
"Okay if you two get going, we can leave a few minutes later." Ash said as he came up to the two females at the door.
"Alright honey, good luck out there!" Delia smiled sweetly. Ash smiled back and took his mom into a hug, who was slightly baffled but reciprocated warmly.
"You know I love you right mom?" Ash whispered so only she could hear.
"Of course, I love you to sweety." Ash smiled and let his mother out of the hug, and turned to Misty.
"Good luck Ash, show that Rocket wh-OS" Misty chocked as Ash brought her into a tight hug, it took a second before she could reciprocate.
Ash half pulled out of the hug so he could look Misty in the eye, "I'll see you after all this right?" he asked quietly.
Misty nodded and smiled up at Ash, "Of course Ash, where'd I be going?" She asked curiously.
Ash smiled at her, "Nowhere… I'll see you soon." He whispered as he lightly kissed her on the lips. Misty deepened the kiss by pulling Ash closer, after a few seconds he pulled out of the kiss and hug, and smiled at the two. "You two get going, I'll see you after the match."
The two nodded, and waved goodbye as they left the cabin leaving Ash, Alyssa, and Pikachu alone. Three seconds after the door shut, Ash groaned loudly and ran a hand through his hair.
"Okay Ash… What was all that?" Alyssa asked curiously. Ash had just spent ten minutes saying goodbye to his mom and Misty, when he'd be seeing them in a few hours.
Ash turned to Alyssa shaking his head, "Come on grab your stuff and I'll tell you once you're all set up…" Ash said as he went over to Alyssa's room and slung the long case over his back.
"Want me to carry that?" Alyssa asked confusedly.
"No, you're carrying Pikachu remember." With that Ash went to the front door and held it open for the blond who was carrying the electric mouse.
"Do you need a jacket?" Ash asked before she stepped outside.
"Nah I'll be fine, it's just rain." She replied nonchalantly. Ash raised an eyebrow at her; she was only wearing jeans, a green tank top, and a light green beret.
Ash pulled his hood over his head, "Alright, let's go." The trio stepped outside into the rain and had been walking for one minute when Ash spoke, "Crap I forgot my bag, I'll be right back!" Ash said as he turned around and began to head back towards the cabin.
"Alright hurry up, we'll wait for you!" Alyssa called out through the rain. Ash returned to the cabin and grabbed his bag. Quickly opening it he pulled out the stack of envelops and went over to Alyssa's room and placed them onto the desk. He took the envelope that was on top of the pile and placed it into his back pocket.
Ash turned and left the room and closed the door behind him. He picked up his bag and slung it over one shoulder before hurrying out the door and after Alyssa. A minute later Ash caught up with the two and they continued their walk towards the stadium.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
As they neared the stadium Alyssa looked to her companion and noticed his hands were balled tightly into fists. "You nervous?" She asked softly.
Ash nodded, "In more ways than one…" Ash replied as they entered the lobby of the Stadium. Ash nodded to a closed door, and the trio stealthily entered and shut it softly behind them. They were in a long hallway with many doors, they continued walking until they came to a door that said, 'Roof Top Entrance'
Ash opened the door and came face to face with a spiral staircase. "Up here I guess?" Ash said as they began the ascent up the many steps. Two minutes later Ash pushed open another door, and was greeted by the pouring rain.
"So which side is the Rocket on" Alyssa asked as she stepped out into the rain. Ash walked across the flat roof of the rectangular building and look at the central battlefield. It had been years since he had last stepped into this building and today would be his last chance to battle in it.
"Domino will be on the right," Ash stated as he took off his bag and placed it onto the ground. He then shrugged off the long case and undid the zipper.
"Forgot how big this thing was!" Ash grinned as he took out a Barrett 50 Cal. Sniper Rifle with an attached suppressor.
Alyssa smiled, "Hopefully we won't need to use it tho." She said as she came up and Pikachu hopped onto Ashs shoulder while she took the large rifle and brought the scope up to her eye and adjusted the sight.
She brought the sniper away from her eye when she remembered something, "So…" She trailed off to see if Ash would answer what was bugging him. Ash sighed and looked at the soaked ground.
"Pikachu can you go wait over by the staircase?" Ash asked looking to the Electric Type on his shoulder, Pikachu nodded and hopped off his shoulder and went over and stood guard by the door.
"Aly I…" He stopped as he thought of where to begin, "Aly about yesterday, you were right about what you said."
Alyssa's eyes narrowed as she looked at Ash, "About what part…" She trailed of uneasily.
"I wish my mom and Misty never showed up. I wish that…" He looked up from the ground and looked her dead in the eye, "There isn't going to be a tomorrow for me Aly." He said bluntly.
Alyssa gaped, "How could you say that, we've made it so far to get here. And now you think you're going to die or something?" She asked incredulously.
Ash nodded, "I… It's true Alyssa, after this match is up; it's up to you to get a message to Lance about what Team Rocket is planning…"
"Why are you talking like this! You. You. Why are you saying all this?" She shouted furiously. She couldn't even imagine where Ash would get ideas like this.
Ash sighed and opened his bag and took out a file, "When I found out that Team Rocket knew I was in Orre there was one other thing I learned…" He said walking over to Alyssa and handing her the file. Alyssa set the sniper onto the ground and took the file.
Ash watched as her blue eyes scanned the document, she looked up and met his gaze, "Why haven't… Why haven't you told me any of this? If you knew they were here to kill you why are you here? You have to get out of here! We can think of something else!" She yelled disbelievingly.
Ash shook his head, "That's why I couldn't tell you Aly, I knew that you'd tell me to run, that there would be some other way to do this."
"Ash you're not going out there, I will not allow you to go out, it's suicide!" She yelled as tears sprang into her eyes.
"I'm tired Aly. I can't keep doing this, and if it doesn't end here then Team Rocket wins."
"But you'll die!" She yelled despairingly as tears mixed with rain that rolled down her cheeks.
Ash nodded, "It's very likely, but I have a chance."
"What how?" she asked a glimmer hope in her voice.
"I take her out first." Ash said as he looked at his bag.
"Wait why can't I just-" Ash cut her off.
"No, I will not let you have her blood on your hands. Team Rocket knows about you helping me right?" Alyssa nodded, "They haven't branded you a traitor for whatever reason and I'm going to make sure it stays that way."
"But-"
Ash shook his head, "When this is over, I don't want you to get hurt for something that I can prevent. I care too much for you Alyssa, I'd die for you and you know that. I've already made sure that you'll have a place to stay and that you'll be safe after all of this."
Ash couldn't tell if Alyssa was crying or if it was rain that was running down her cheeks. Ash took off his hoodie and put it around her shoulders, "Here, you're going to freeze, and I still have a chance at getting out of this in one piece. And with my luck who knows this could be all over in an hour for all we know?" Ash said giving her a weak smile.
Alyssa put on the hoodie and looked at Ash with sad eyes, "There's nothing I can say that will make you change your mind is there?" She sniffed sadly.
"I'm afraid not…" Alyssa stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug, and cried into his chest. Ash reciprocated and held her tightly. They stood there for five minutes, before Ash broke the hug, "I have to go Aly…" He said sadly.
Alyssa shook her head as tears streamed down her damp cheeks, "Please don't do this Ash…" She whispered holding back tears.
"I have to Alyssa I'm sorry. I'll see you after the match…" He trailed off as he pulled the shivering girl into one final hug. Ash slowly pulled out of the hug and began heading to where Pikachu was waiting shakily.
"Ash wait!" Alyssa called out as he was halfway to the door. Ash turned around and saw Alyssa running towards him.
"Yeah Aly?" He asked softly.
She looked into his eyes, "Ash I need you to be honest with me," Ash nodded. "Am I going to see you again?"
Ash tore his gaze away from hers and looked at the ground, "Probably not, no…" He answered truthfully.
"Then I'll never need to live this down," Alyssa stepped forward and put her arms around Ashs neck and stood on the tips of her toes as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Ash was caught off guard, but put his arms around Alyssa's waist and returned the kiss.
After a minute Ash slowly removed his lips from Alyssa's and looked her sadly in the eye, "Goodbye Alyssa," he said as he turned around and picked up Pikachu and left the roof.
Alyssa clutched her heart with her hand as she watched the raven haired boy she was in love with vanish behind the door. "Goodbye Ash…" She whispered.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Ash and Pikachu hurried down the staircase, reaching the bottom, Ash pushed open the door and headed for the way he came in. He pushed open another door, and ended up in the lobby. Ash quickly walked through the crowd as fast as possible without people noticing him.
No one would recognize him as Shay since he didn't have his hoodie on, and since he had Pikachu on his shoulder. But they may recognize his face, and Pikachu was currently on his shoulder which could lead to his real identity. Ash ran down a hallway, and stopped at a door where the balding man from his first match was standing.
"Hey there, I guess your Shay?" He asked gruffly.
"Yeah that's me, don't recognize me without my hoodie huh?" Ash chuckled, but on the inside he was as nervous as hell.
"Not one bit, but you do look a little familiar. Anyways here's your microphone," He said handing over the small black clip-on microphone.
"Thanks a lot," Ash thanked as he opened the door to the locker room and closed the door behind him. As soon as he was inside, Ash took out his Pokeballs and released his Team.
"Everyone, this is the match we've trained for, for the last few months." Ash informed. There was a grunt of acknowledgement between the Pokemon.
"Do you remember our strategies for this?" Ash asked.
The group nodded, "Great, return for now and I'll see you in a bit." With that Ash recalled his five Pokemon and set Pikachu on a bench with his bag. Ash opened his bag and took out a dry black T-shirt, his jacket, and the hat.
Ash took off his damp shirt and tossed it onto the ground, as he put on the dry shirt. He then put on the jacket and hat and looked in the mirror. He looked like the old Ash Ketchum everybody knew, the happy, cheerful, confident Ash that people could look up to.
Ash went back to his bag and reached in for a water bottle, but stopped as he saw something else. Instead of the water bottle, Ash took out a black T-shirt with a red R on the front. Ash stared transfixed at the shirt until Pikachu broke his thoughts.
"Pichu pika Pikapi?" Pikachu asked curiously.
"I'm fine buddy…" Ash trailed off as he went back to the mirror and held the long sleeved Rocket shirt up against his chest. Ash stared into his own eyes, 'I'm not the kid I was all those years ago… I'm different, I've changed… If I'm going out there, I'm going out as who I really am…' Ash tore his gaze away from the mirror and reached into his sleeve and took out the throwing knife and placed it on the bench beside his bag.
Ash took off his hat and jacket and placed them on the bench beside Pikachu. "Pika Pikapi?" Pikachu asked curiously.
Ash reached into his bag and took out a pair of black sweatpants and his old black hat. He quickly took off his shirt and jeans and changed into his old Rocket uniform. He reached deep down into his bag and searched around until he found a pair of light grey boots that had been forcefully folded into the bottom.
Ash put on the grey boots and took out three final items. He took out his knife, a double scabbard, and a pair of grey glove.
Ash clipped the double scabbard around his waist and placed his main knife and throwing knife into their individual sheaths, and then slipped on the grey gloves, tucking the ends of his shirt into the ends.
Ash picked up his Pokemon League hat, and his black cap. "Which hat Pikachu…?" Ash asked turning his gaze to the yellow mouse beside him. Pikachu eyed both hats thoughtfully, after a minute Pikachu jumped and took Ashs black hat and placed it on his head.
Afterwards he took the red hat and placed it on his own. Ash grinned at his best friend, "Great idea buddy, I couldn't have come up with a better solution myself!" He scratched Pikachu behind the ear and placed him on his shoulder.
Ash took his wet jeans and reached into his back pocket and removed the envelope, quickly placing it into his pants pocket.
"Pika chukka pi pi Pikapi!" Pikachu said pointing to the little microphone on the bench.
"Oh right thanks for reminding me!" Ash said as he picked up the microphone and clipped it to the collar of his shirt.
"Well I guess all we have left to do is wai-" Ash was cut off by a red light switching on above a TV that was mounted on the wall.
"Never mind, you ready Pikachu?" Ash asked as he began the walk down the hallway that led to the entrance of the battlefield.
"Pi!" Pikachu agreed confidently.
They neared the end of the hall, and waited in silence until it was time for them to enter the battle.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Welcome everyone to the first round of the Top 16 and the match you've all been waiting for!" The announcer exclaimed excitedly his voice booming throughout the roaring stadium. The crowd was on their feet cheering their hearts out in anticipation for Shays revealing.
"The weather may be awful, but today's match will be nothing short of spectacular between the Red Trainer, from Goldenrod City who uses her beauty, charm, and skills as a Trainer to send her opponents Pokemon packing, Daniel Flower!" The crowd applauded loudly as the blond stepped out into the stadium and over to her side of the field as the scoreboard lit up with a picture of her and six boxes underneath in red.
The announcer waited to build suspense for the upcoming challenger. Once the crowd had begun to get restless he began, "And for her opponent who has taken the League by storm, by his unique tactics and mysterious ways to win the hearts of many; Please everyone welcome the Green Trainer from Kantos own Pallet Town, As-" The announcer cut off coughing as he read who the next Trainer was.
On the field the Green side doors began to slide apart but no one entered the field. "A-And the Green Trainer!" The announcer wasn't very enthusiastic as he continued, he was more in shock.
"A-Ash K-Ketchum from Pallet Town…" The world went silent…