A/N: So sorry that this chapter took so much longer than I expected to post. Just when I thought school was out of the way… end of finals… other things came up. Then my computer went screwy on me… So I'm so sorry that this chapter couldn't have been posted last weekend. So sorry… well… at least it didn't take me a whole month to post right?

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon in any shape or form.

Reviewer's Comments:

Please::: I tried really I did. Thanks for the review.

LeaMarie F. Rocket::: Sorry. I tried. Err… right? What happened to Ash? Err… what happened to him? Err… you'll find out later? Right… later. It's a surprise. ^. ~ One of the highlights to this fic. Err… right? Sky's blue because it's always blue right? Dark blue… light blue… and blue blue. Any ways here in Houston it's always blue, and I expect Indigo Island to have blue skies too. Thanks for the review.

Etherelemental::: Really? You do? I want to know? I'm dying to know how close people are to the one I thought up. Err… maybe this chapter will answer some questions… maybe not straight out but hidden in sentences here and there. That's what I meant with the last chapter too. The real straight forward reason and explanation and stuff probably won't happen for many more chapters. I have a lot more to write to prepare of that moment. Thanks for the review.

Labannya::: It's a secret… for now any ways. Maybe I will. I'm actually thinking of writing a prologue fic for this fic explaining more in depth of Misty's raise to leadership and stuff… if any one is interested. But of course that's after this fic is completed… which won't be for a while. I will. Ash will meet his friends… actually he already did in that Christmas Party which I basically cut off after he saw his mum. Oh actually I didn't do so bad on my finals. I got A's for a semester grade in every class. So happy. Thanks for the review.

The White Dwarf::: Yep, Lugia. Yeah… I tried making stuff as realistic… or close to realistic as possible. Yep. It's a real spear just like I said that glows and stuff. I'll try but I have to keep the suspense for a few more chapters. Thanks fore the review.

Windweaver::: Really. Whoa! You read fast. Thanks for the compliment it means a lot to me. Err… they call each other by their middle names cause… cause I didn't want to make up code names for everybody cause I'll probably forget who is who later in the fic, and the readers will probably get confused too. So chose to use their Japanese (original) names instead cause most people know what they are, and I had to give a reason or an explanation on how Misty, Brock, Hakura, Lance, and Giovanni knew everyone's Japanese name, so I made it their middle names. Err… can't tell. That's another important revelation in this fic just like what happened to Ash. Oh lucky. You actually get snow days. Here in Houston we don't get any free days unless it floods. Thanks for the review.

Overlord::: Err… I'll try. Thanks for the review.

Kit Kat::: Err… err… err… okay. Nope. I tried to make Delia's character as believable as possible, and based on my knowledge of her. She's not the kind of mother who would break down crying after seeing their child seven years later. Err… what happened to Ash? That's a secret. Yep. Err… he has reasons and if you had his reasons to back you up. You would be secretive too. Thank for the review.

The Crystal Wyvern::: Err… no… I wouldn't count any of these chapters really filler chapters. Then again my definition of fillers probably isn't the same of yours. In my opinion any chapter that I took the energy of writing is not a filler chapter cause it all ties in at that end. How I bet you all are doubting me a lot lately, but I swear I need them all to make the final ending have any sense to it at all. Err… the big revelation will take more than one chapter to reveal unfortunately. Thanks for the review.

Uriel Martin::: Oh. I thought I explained what stuff in italics mean before. Stuff in italics are either a character's thoughts, a flashback of some such either a character telling it or thinking of it. Oh… the stuff in italics are one of missing parts of what happened at the end the chapter called Half Sign. So basically it leads on the to night/morning that Ash returned. Thanks for the review.

Ash and Misty Forever::: No… I just have the next chapter totally drafted/ written and the beginning of the chapter after that. No way am I at the last chapter yet. I've hit a road block on 32, so I'm still trying to sort stuff out on that chapter, and it's not pleasant. I guess. Sometimes he will and sometimes he won't… I guess. Like this chapter for instance. Err… new Pokémon? What do you mean by new Pokémon? Ones I make up or the original ones made by the creators of Pokémon? Sure he will. Senri's birthday, 'member? And it's children Crystal and Senri. The flashback was a continuation of Ash's return… suppose to follow right where I ended the chapter titled Half Sign. Err? Sorry can't tell. Thanks for the review.

Melani::: Sorry. Can't tell. It's a surprise. Whoa your life sure is busy. Thanks for the review.

SulliMike23::: Hmm… good theory yet I can't tell you if you're close or not. You'll find out… in some chapter…later of what happened to him. Thanks for the review.

Chapter 30

The sound of a young man's moans could be heard followed by a loud thump on the ground. The moaning continued into that of great magnitude as he flipped his eyes open. Rubbing his throbbing head the young man got up from the ground and found himself in a foreign place. An overly large couch before him and a gigantic big screen TV in the other.

Moaning from a tiring night he got up from his entanglement of blankets. There on a back of a seat was a set of clothing with a piece of paper with words upon it. Taking the note the young man read it before smiling. Hmph. Just like always, I can never seem to get up earlier than her, and she even managed to go shopping all before I wake up. Setting the note down Ash grabbed the clothes that Misty had bought for him, finding them to be a pair of blue leather pants, a black, sleeveless, cotton shirt, and blue leather jacket with a yellow thunderbolt patch sewn where his heart is suppose to be.

Chuckling Ash pulled the outfit on and found them to fit perfectly. Hmm, guess Misty's into leather now. Wonder why? She used to have such a casual taste. Completing his outfit, he tied his black belt with a silver and gold buckle, which he had left on the table, around his waist. Then discovering a pair of pure blue boots under the chair with a pair of socks tucked in. He pulled them completing the outfit Misty had set for him.

Pika. A small chirp from a certain electric rodent was sent mentally into his mind. Ash sighed looking around for his lifelong companion. This 'secret' bond that they shared together was sometimes very annoying. Letting the rodent know exactly what he's thinking at the most inconvenient times.

"Pikachu, stop it. Misty is gone," said a very aggravated trainer.

"Chu." A small whimper came from the side of the room, and immediately Ash felt bad for the scolding he gave the Pokémon.

"I am sorry, Pik. Guess I'm just a little… nervous about meeting with the 'board'. Guess I want to make a good impression on them. Last night's party probably made things worse and my 'dramatic' capture of that Fearow."

"Pika?" The Pokémon cocked its head. Its body still shadowed into that of the corner, but Ash knew where the Pokémon was. He had long sensed it had being watching him get dressed.

"Yeah, I know. I know coming here was a bad idea, but we agreed on seeing Misty up front again, 'member?"

"Pikachu, pika!" The Pokémon spoke in that of a command and scolding type tone. It was much like that of a mother scolding her child after the child had done something wrong.

"Pikachu, I don't need to hear this from you. Lugia and Ho-Oh both lectured me enough in my sleep last night. I don't need this… this lecturing anymore. I'll tell you what I told them. I'll be on my guard the whole time and if anything suspicious happens we'll abandon ship. I know. I know. Pik, now come on. We got to meet Mist at headquarters."

"Pikachu," muttered the rodent before stepping into the light, which Ash easily translated as the word fool. Grumbling Ash let the Pokémon take its usual place upon his head before grabbing Misty's note with her in-depth instructions.

*******

The two left the safety and comfort of Misty's suite for the 'outside' world. Ash gulped at he entered the city limits of the Plateau. He had been given many different looks along the way. Ones of wonderment, ones of disgust, and even ones of hatred, Ash sighed as he clasped tightly to Pikachu's body. The Pokémon had been giving off bad vibes since the day started. Ash knew it was mainly because it wasn't use to being… with a lot of people again… and neither was he.

He tried to keep a straight face, but he felt the people looking at him. Their eyes staring at him. It made him feel like some… freak… some main attraction at the circus that he used to go see when he was younger. On he walked though the Plateau to the destination that Misty had written for him. He rounded another bend and found himself in front of a glorious glass building. It glistened in the spotlight radiating a strong vibe. Ash squinted before reaching for his belt only to feel a strong grasp around it wrist. He cringed… holding himself strong.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Gen. Kasumi might show you compassion, but I will not. Your kind has hurted us too much," spoke a young boy's voice. His voice was full of malice and hatred as he tightened his grasp around Ash's wrist. He clicked his fingers, and two other figures leaped out of the shadows. One took his other wrist, and the other knocked him on the ground. Ash groaned as he felt Pikachu's warm fur leaves his hands.

His vision blurs as he looks up. His body crushed by the weight of the young boy. A small whine leaves Pikachu's lips and reaches Ash's ears. He turns and finds the other two beating on his Pokémon, his dear sweet Pokémon. The one that had been his friend though all of this… the one that had saved his life so many times these last few years. Ash left the life leaving the Pokémon as it squeals again in pain. Tears forms around Ash's eyes knowing that it's trying so hard not to let loose a thunderbolt.

He twists his wrist trying to reach his belt only to be held back. Ash groans… struggling. "Why you doing this?" muttered Ash.

"Because Pokémon are evil," stated the boy plainly.

"No, they're not. Not Pikachu any ways… no Pikachu could never be evil," muttered Ash. "I would trust my live on it."

"That's what my… my dad… said too… before they got him." The boy slowly loosens his grasp around Ash's wrist. The young man easily sensed a wave of sadness over flow upon the boy's face.

"But that doesn't mean all Pokémon are bad. Not Pikachu any ways. Can't you tell your friends to let him go? He didn't do anything to you."

"But it will… mister. I'm saving you," stated the boy harshly.

"PIKACHU!!" screamed the rodent. Ash immediately fell silent… knowing the pain the Pokémon was feeling. He never should have brought him on this mission and seeing those two boys beat his Pokémon was just too much. Seeing the blood soaking into its once sparkling yellow fur… his eyes clouded red. Human emotions left his body. Using his new found strength Ash tossed the boy off of his back and ran to the other two. He automatically went for his belt, pulling off a pokéball… any pokéball.

"ASH STOP!!" Shouted a commanding voice. A voice of high authority, a voice that had the experience to command millions. Time froze, the boys separated leaving only a stunned Ash reaching for a pokéball and a blood soaked Pikachu.

A comforting arm wrapped around his body. The redness and hatred left his eyes. It had scared Misty as she watched the scene from the glass doorway. She had came downstairs seeing what had taken Ash so long, but when she got here the sight before her stunned her. Seeing those three teens beat on Ash and Pikachu. She had waited for the right moment to intervene, but when she saw Ash's eyes turn blood red it scared her. They resembled the shade that the Pokémon that she fought had, and it scared her.

"Ash…" she muttered, but the young man didn't accept. He broke free from Misty's grasp and ran to Pikachu's side. Gently he picked up the bloody Pokémon and rocked it. The Pokémon sighed as he felt a warm glow run through his body. Misty gasped as she saw the joining light that she had seen between Ash and Espeon being displayed though Pikachu and Ash. The scars and cuts slowly disappeared leaving only the traces of blood.

"Ash."

"No…no," he muttered getting up. He looked before him and run from it. The glass building that radiated such warm heat… radiated no more. He wanted no more of this. He had lost control. He had almost been found, so all he knew was to run. With Pikachu in his arm he ran and ran. Tears fell from his eyes. He knew now that Lugia was right. Ho-Oh was right. Mew and all the Pokégods were right. He shouldn't have came back and now… now was paying for it… him, Pikachu, everyone.

As he ran, he clearly heard Misty's shouting at him… calling to him. But Ash pretended he didn't hear them… the pleas that called out to him. Instead he continued running. Running away from it all.

**********

"Ash!" called Misty once more. She knows her pleas were all in vain. Ash wouldn't stop for her. She knew that. Ash had changed. He had changed more then any of them. He was joined. He was joined with all of his Pokémon even the ones that won't psychic. He had defied modern science. He had broken every rule in history of Pokémon knowledge, but he had done it. He had proven his theory just now to her. He had proven that every Pokémon and every human had hidden talents and traits. He had proven that every Pokémon had more abilities and more elemental powers than the ones that scientists had classified them into and that scared her.

She knew then and there that Ash had felt Pikachu's pain. He had witnessed and experienced his best friend get beaten and now… now he was angry. The way his eyes shown with bloody hatred. She knew if she hadn't stopped him; he probably would have gone as far as killing those three boys. But what didn't make sense to her was why didn't Pikachu shock them? Why hadn't it defended itself? Was it because Pikachu had sensed the pain the three boys that had beaten him felt? Or was it something else? If so, why didn't it attack? And what about Ash? So much mystery and illusion surrounded him… none she knew the answer to… and most importantly? What had happened to him?

Misty continued running, soon she slowed it down to a moderate walk… following behind Ash. She followed him out of the Plateau and deep into the woods leading immediately to a cave. Immediately she froze… fearing the worst. She knew what was located just beyond the woods. The next teleportation pad… the only one that wasn't well hidden… but how did Ash know that? No! That's right he doesn't know about where all the exits are. He probably went this way to get away. Yeah. That's it.

But a nagging feeling hung in the back of her head as she quickened her pace as she ran into the woods. She located Ash's abrupt footsteps that indented into the mud. She followed them… the prints led her out of the woods and to Ash. He was standing before the teleportation pad. Pikachu was still in his arms, but the way he stood. It made Misty believe that Ash was in deep thought. She crept closer not making a sound.

"Stop doing that Mist. It's not a good idea to creep around people, believe me. Makes people think that you're up to something," said Ash plainly.

"I… I… I had to follow you," muttered Misty. Still Ash's back was to her, but she could easily guess the expression he held on his face.

"Oh…why? To put me in jail because I was about to use my Pokémon on those bastards?" asked Ash. His voice held malice and cruelty. Not the warmth that she was use to.

"No… no… it's not that at all. I… I was worried about Pikachu."

"You sure didn't act like that back there. You let them beat Pikachu. You can't deny that fact. I saw you standing by the door. I thought you were different Misty. Especially how understanding you were yesterday. What happen? Did they corrupt your mind too! I thought you wouldn't let your prejudice over just some of the Pokémon in this world cloud your feelings and hatred towards them all. I thought you believed me. I thought you believe me that Pikachu was good. I… I guess I was just fooling myself. I wanted to believe you. I really did. But I guess they were right. All of them… I shouldn't have come back… no… I shouldn't have. I'm putting you all in danger… by my judgment. Damn." He sighed before turning. A look of utter betrayal filled his face as he looked at Misty. "The way you stood there by the door just then. It was the same face I've been getting these last few years. I thought you were different Mist. I told you Pikachu is good. Real good… but you didn't believe me."

"Ash! How can I? How can I do any of these things that you're asking me? I tried. I really did. I tried to accept it… but… but… it's hard. I gave it a shot. I cleaned up Pikachu… but… but… I still have my doubts… especially what you did that night with the pokéball.

"It has been seven… eight years since I last saw you. Since anyone has seen you. Then you come back out of the blue… with Pokémon. Pokémon who you say will trust you and who are good. But how can I Ash? How can anyone here do that? What… what you've been doing these last few years… no one knows. And you plum refuse to tell us. How can I not have a hint of doubt? I really did try to see the light in Pokémon. But just then… for that split second… I couldn't. I… I don' know. That moment when I saw those boys beat up on Pikachu… I don't know. A sense of… pride filled my soul. I was proud that they had learned something from me… and I forgot. I forgot what you said.

"Can you really blame me… Ash for being human? All I've been doing the last couple of years is go into battle with the one creatures you want me to trust now? Do you know how many innocent men and women have died so that the human population can live? Do you know how many people have died before the Thunderbolt you know today was formed? Cities were demolished. Families were torn apart. Do you know how Pallet was destroyed? Pokémon came and set it on fire one night. Did you see the way your mom cried seeing her beautiful white house destroyed? Did you see Prof. Oak's face when he saw his years of hard work and dedication go down the drain? See the one thing he has dedicated his whole life to saving and learning turn against him? No… Ash. You didn't. You didn't see any of it. You didn't have to witness those pains that everyone here has. Do you know the pain I felt when I discovered my gym in a pile of debris? Do you know the pain of seeing and understanding that I would never see my home or my family again? Pokémon killed my sisters, Ash. That's why…. That's why I had to doubt you. How could I not?"

"Because… because… I thought you loved me Mist." With that Ash walked away. He stepped upon the teleportation pad and disappeared in a beam of light. Misty watched… stunned as she fell to the ground. But she didn't cry… what she left was beyond tears… beyond the breaking of her heart. She left her whole soul breaking within her as she collapsed into a wave of darkness. Fatigue of the day's events had finally gotten to her.

A/N: Ahh… more problems with Ash and Misty's relationship. Sorry. I really don't know why but I love toying with them. It's so fun to write about. So how was this chapter? Interesting? Boring? Some what good? Hopefully you can expect the next chapter either this year or the beginning of next year. Well… I wish you all a merry Christmas cause I sure had a great one.