Chapter FIVE, Yurusanai no Kara Subete ga Kiereba Ii.
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Disclaimer: I'm awful. Really. Don't speak to me. Is it so wrong to wish them as my OWN?!!!! -sob-
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This is the second to last chapter, but don't get pissed because this is at the moment a four part series. -grin- Yes, Panther-chan, I have my first chapter of Shinrai All typed out. -beams- You will all fear me!
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Title translates to: "If I Can't Be Forgiven, then Everything Can Disappear," The lyric is from Birdcage (Gackt)
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Reviews:
Animefan 123: Hi there, it's great to have you aboard! Thanks for the compliments, and I agree with you on 'Shura's childhood, it really did suck. Badly. I think he is a lot cooler in this fic too, thanks for agreeing! I'm not really a DBZ fan either, but I like Gohan, Piccolo, Goten, and Vegeta. That'll show up in part two, Shinrai no Saiken, which translates to Bond of Trust. What will also show up is the fact that I have an intense dislike of Goku, for my own reasons. If you don't want a huge-ass rant that'll take up two pages, please don't anyone even bring him up. -smirk- Goku lovers will dislike Shinrai, I think.
Death Wish: Thank you for reviewing and for the compliments, I hope you will continue to keep up with this.
Marshmellow13Dragon: Hello again. Yeah, Gohan-chan fried Giovanni big time. -smirk- Happy New Year to you too!
TheShadowPanther: Damn, girl. Your reviews are always the longest, and I lurve reading them! -squees- You're very welcome for the muse, I hope that little Rei will inspire you till you die! Not literally, of course. -grin- -pets Rei-snake on the head- I love reptiles! I too, have succumbed to the happiness that the Pokemon Likes You Rater Lady brings to me. -sigh- God, I'm lame. Oh well. Guess what? Over break, I learned L33t! F34R my m4d skillz! Bwahahaha! I officially cannot watch Moon Child without cackling. The beautiful shonen-ai slashiness is overwhelming. It makes me happy.
Gackt and HYDE in one delicious movie is too good to be true! -hearts, stars, and shojo bubbles and girly flower petals fill the room-
QuickEdit is a lame-ass. It needs to die. Like now.
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"Whoa.." Ash murmured to himself as the group that included Sasani walked through the crowds at Indigo Plateau. Sasuke nodded.
"Yeah, whoa is right." The day of the tournament was, well, how can we say it? Hell on Earth. Claustrophobia was getting to the saiyan about now, and he was seconds away from blasting everyone to oblivion. Yumi noted this, and hastily pointed to the registration building.
"'Kay Ash, that's where you sign up. Me, Sasu-kun, and Sasani-chan will be in the stands, somewhere. Do your best, and show 'em hell!" She commanded, and Ash did a mock salute.
"Hai, Sir!"
"Watch yourself, punk." Yumi warned. ::You may be more powerful than me but I can still kick your ass.:: She told him mentally, and Ash smirked.
"Hai, hai." He waved her off, but handed Hikaru to Sasani. "Okay kid, don't let her go now, y'hear?" Sasani nodded and grinned before doing an adorable imitation of Ash's former salute.
"Hai, sir!"
"Good job, soldier. I'll corrupt you yet, make no doubts." This remark was directed in Sasuke's direction, and the older boy blew a raspberry at Ash.
"You'd better not..." Sasuke said warningly, but Ash was already walking away.
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Inside the registration building were seemingly hundreds of people, showing badges, talking, and generally hurting Ash's ears. Finally a desk was open and the saiyan walked up to the man sitting at it.
"Let me see your badges." The man said , sounding very bored, and Ash rolled his eyes before opening his jacket and flashing the badges. The man nodded and directed him towards a blue door with the number 4 on it. After walking through, Ash found that very few people were in it, only about five others, as opposed to the huge crowds in front. A boy who looked to be about 16 with his long red hair in a ponytail looked up and gaped before coming over to stand in front of Ash.
"Oi, kid, are you sure you're in the right room? This room is specifically for people who have beaten Giovanni." (A/N Okay, lets get this straight. Giovanni has been beaten before, because he didn't use Mewtwo. Mewtwo had never been defeated before Ash came. Now that that's out of the way....) Ash quirked an eyebrow and stared up at him.
"I've beaten Giovanni. See?" The saiyan then flashed the Earth badge and the boy closed his jaw.
"Whoa, you're really young. I'm Trieze, (Gundam!! Heero Heero Heero! Hee-chan!) but most people call me Pyro because I love fire pokemon. That's not all I have, mind you, but fire is most definitely my favorite element. What's yours?" This was all said very fast and Ash had to think it through to catch it all. It was then that Pyro began talking again. "Since you've got a Pikachu, I assume you like electricity? But wait, you have a Delcatty? And a blue Plusle? Damn kid, you're weird." Ash blinked and a grinning girl with turquoise hair and matching eyes clapped the saiyan on the shoulder.
"Bro, lay off him, he's just a kid. Please ignore my baka aniki." She commented to Ash. "My name's Gaz, but a lot of people call me Hydra, 'cause I love water types. It's nice to meet you." Ash smiled shyly and figured he should introduce himself.
"My name's Ashura, but you can call me Ash. I like all types." He offered, and Hydra reached out to rub Pikachu's head.
"Your Pikachu's really well taken care of, you must care a lot about it."
"Hai, I do. She was my starter." Suddenly, a bell rang, and all looked up, startled.
"The first rounds must be starting, lets go and raise some hell!" Pyro exclaimed, and promptly got whacked by his sister.
"You won't be raising anything, Otouto-chan, 'cause with the way you battle you'll go out first round."
"Shut up Aneesan!" Pyro protested and Hydra smirked as she grabbed her brother by the arm.
"Good luck Ash, we'll rootin' for ya." They both said, and Ash waved.
"You too!" He said, and Pikachu also waved with a cheerful goodbye.
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"The third battle in the first round of the Indigo League will now begin! The red trainer, Ash, will battle against the yellow trainer Sassy! First trainer to have all their pokemon faint loses, let the battle begin!"
Ash smirked and tossed out Chibi's pokeball as Sassy sent out a Wigglytuff.
"Get 'er Chibi! Darkness Aura!" The battle was over before it had even begun. Wigglytuff fainted from the assault, as did the next two pokemon in Sassy's reserve. The boy grinned as he leapt down and shook Sassy's hand. "Good battle." The girl looked as if she was going to cry, but smiled weakly before walking away. Ash shook his head and made his way to sit under the overhang where Pyro and Hydra were sitting, Pyro having easily won his match. Hydra stood at her name being called and both boys cheered genially, but both knowing that Hydra's opponent didn't have a chance.
As predicted, Hydra won with little difficulty, and as she sat back down shook her head.
"You know, this is kind of pathetic. The only people who have a chance here are people who have beaten Giovanni, he's the toughest gym leader there is, and the most dirty playing one. These other joker babies are just playing games." She said in a mocking tone, and despite himself, Ash was inclined to agree with her. How some of these people got here he had no clue, but their battling skills were incredibly sad, if not nonexistent. He nodded and sat back to watch the next match, worries forgotten. For now, anyway.
The second round was just as easy as the first, as were the others, until the last two came up......
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"What the shit?!" Both Ash and Pyro exclaimed at once as their i.d. numbers came up side by side.
"The next battle of round 7 will be Trieze vs Ash. You have 20 minutes to prepare." The smiling lady who drew their names said cheerfully, as Pyro and Ash gaped at each other.
"Well," Ash said with a gulp. "I'm not gonna go easy on you." Pyro nodded.
"Ditto. Good luck." The older boy answered, before turning and beginning to walk away to prepare. Ash's ebony eyes were wide and he absently scratched Pikachu's head before a smile grew on his face, a rather enigmatic one.
"You know Pikachu, this might be pretty fun. Yeah, it will be." Pikachu 'chu'd' at him and Kira grinned.
::I bet Pyro's really powerful, this is gonna be great!:: The cat exclaimed, and Pikachu nodded.
::We'll get a lot stronger when we beat him!::
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"The winner of Round 8 will go on to challenge the Elite Four! The competitors are the Red trainer Ashura and the white trainer Trieze! Let the battle begin!"
Ash and Pyro instantly went into battle mode and withdrew a pokeball.
"Go, Snorlax!"
Ash said nothing as the huge pokemon appeared, and merely tossed a deep blue ball. He found it unwise to announce one's pokemon during a match, it could cause you to lose your advantage, should you have one. Chibi appeared in a flash of light, and used her special ability, Intimidate. Despite itself, Snorlax shrunk back slightly. Pyro gulped.
"Snorlax! Mega Punch!"
::Use Return.:: Ash's mental voice was calm, despite the slight nervousness he had felt before and Chibi pulled herself back to harshly attack. The older boy gaped as Snorlax fell over in a faint. He was getting nervous, Snorlax was one of his best pokemon, and the dark type had bested it with one hit. And not just one hit, one hit with a loyalty attack, one of the weakest, so he had seen. (A/N Not so! Return is a very powerful attack, as long as your pokemon loves you. Thus Gohan has a certain fondness for it.) Snorlax was recalled, and from Pyro's side an Espeon was thrown. Ash's eyes widened and he recalled Chibi.
::Okay, you're up, Kira.:: The cat leaped forward and hissed, baring her white fangs. Espeon wasn't intimidated.
::Hey! You're goin' down, you baka neko!:: Espeon snarled, and Kira launched herself at the other pokemon at Ash's mental command.
::Kira, Bite.:: The Delcatty leapt and sunk her teeth into Espeon's neck, eliciting a howl.
::Heh, who's the baka neko now? Who?:: Kira asked mockingly as she danced back, out of range of a vicious Slash. ::Whoa, easy there tiger! You don't want to hurt yourself now!:: Ash ignored Kira's bad and rather sportsmanlike habit of taunting the enemy, it was just an instinct, and he knew that there was nothing he could do about it. Apparently, Espeon had the same bad habit. Luckily, Pyro couldn't understand the maledictions. Lucky bastard.
"Espeon! Use Revenge!" That caused Ash to stop in his tracks. Revenge was a dangerous attack, and made it extremely risky to go on the offensive. Kira gaped and fell back at Ash's now nervous command.
::Kira, use Hydro Thunder.: He ordered. The only way to take out Espeon was to take it out completely. ::We only have one shot at this, feel up to it?:: The Delcatty nyo'd at him and began to sparkle viciously. If even one h.p. was left, they were done for. With a howl, a wave of water mixed with lightning crashed down on Espeon. The pokemon collapsed, before staggering weakly to her feet, left with one h.p. Ash and Kira paled, as Espeon retaliated with psychic, which due to the power-up of Revenge did double damage.
Kira fell to her feet. "Kira! Get up! Please, onegai!" Ash cried. Kira tried her damndest to appeal to his wishes, but found the pain to be too much and fainted in a heap. "No!" With a gasp Ash took a flying leap off the platform to the crowd's amazement and cradled his fallen pokemon. Weakly she opened her eyes and meow'd at him.
::I'm sorry.. I failed you..:: The saiyan shushed her and with a sigh recalled her.
"You just concentrate on resting." He murmured before returning to the platform pissed as hell. "Pikachu. Get in there." He ordered stiffly and the thunder type nodded.
::Hai. He's going down for hurting Kira like that.:: Pikachu growled.
::Use Thunderbolt.:: Pikachu spared no expense and Espeon dropped like a rock. Pyro scowled and returned her before spinning an electric red pokeball between his fingers.
"Ash, you've done well. No one has ever made me work so hard. But now you go down. My starter has never failed me! Go, Charizard!" The fire type emerged with a roar, but the only reaction from Pikachu was a cold chocolate brown stare. In honesty, Ash was losing his motivation to fight in this battle about now. Kira's loss for him was like a harsh slap in the face; He didn't want to hurt Pyro's Charizard, just as he hadn't wanted to fight back as a child. But he was too far in now, and he wanted to finish it as quick as possible.
::Pikachu, end this now. Use Heaven's Thunder!:: Pikachu shot him an incredulous stare. ::Pikachu, doozo! I know we haven't practiced this much but I want to finish this! We have to get Kira to a pokemon center fast, we can't waste time!:: Any doubts Pikachu had melted away at the pleading note in her trainer's voice. He sounded so scared, and it was obvious that he was on the verge of hysterics.
::Alright.:: She said quietly. ::I'll do it. But be grateful, only for you, got it?:: Ash nodded and she turned her gaze to the sky, closing her brown eyes. Clouds seemed to cover the sky suddenly and turned black, shadowing the arena. Pyro gulped and Charizard hovered protectively closer to him. Rain began to quietly fall before turning into a downpour. With a huge crash heard several continents away a gigantic lightning bolt came down and instantly electrocuted Charizard, fainting it.
Without waiting for the announcement that he had won Ash leapt down and bolted for the nearest pokemon center, pale as a baby Dratini.
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"Nurse Joy, is Kira going to be okay?" Ash asked frantically several hours later, nearly in tears. Sasuke comfortingly wrapped an arm around his friend's shoulders, but it had no real effect, Ash wouldn't be calmed until he knew that Kira would be alright. Nurse Joy sighed and shook her head.
"As I have told you, we don't know yet. Your Delcatty is still in surgery. Please calm down." The nurse said mildly, being used to dealing with hysterical trainers. Sasani held onto Yumi's hand, having decided he was going to cling onto her for the time being. Both Pikachu and Ash were thoroughly depressed with the whole thing and the saiyan had collapsed into an uncomfortable lobby chair before beginning to sob quietly to himself.
The boy felt it was all his fault.
He had been the one to make Kira fight, he KNEW that Revenge would take her out should they not win, but he kept at it. Why? Why in the hell did he not use the brain that he had gotten from his mother and think the whole thing through?!
"I am such a baka!" He growled at himself, and Yumi came over pulled him into a hug.
"You are not. Now stop blaming yourself." ::Before I'm forced to add you in some ceremonial harakiri.:: She added as a little note, staring sternly at her friend. Ash's ebony eyes widened and he gulped, having heard stories from Piccolo about what Gods did in rituals. ::That's better.:: "You should get some sleep." The Kai commanded. The boy stared at the ground miserably.
"We'll wake you if there's any news." Sasuke jumped in. "Yumi's right. Get some rest, there's nothing we can do at this point." Ash let out a sigh, knowing that he couldn't win with those two, and somehow curled up in the chair; closing his eyes and eventually dropping off.
"Oi! Ash! Hey Ash! Wake up Gaki!" That was what our favorite saiyan woke to the next morning. He blinked blearily, and found himself staring into a pair of concerned violet eyes.
::HiHi! I'm back!:: A familiar mind voice chirped happily and Ash jolted up to see Kira sitting cheerfully on his chest, and Sasuke, Yumi, Pyro, Hydra, and Sasani standing several yards away, broad grins plastered on their faces.
"Kira!" Ash yelped and hugged her tightly, the Delcatty licking his face in response.
"Aw, how sweet." Hydra remarked, looking absolutely smitten at the adorable scene. Then, Ash remembered something and switched his gaze to Pyro.
"Pyro, how's Charizard? Is it okay?" He asked, looking worried. The older boy grinned and gave the thumbs up.
"All good. All he needed was a good rejuvenation. Now he's back and ready to go!" A relieved smile grew across the saiyan's face.
"That's good." Was all he said before turning his attention back to Kira, then to Hikaru who began jabbering in his ear a mile a minute. Then, he stood and stretched, while making a futile attempt to brush off his clothing; which he had slept in. The Elite battle was scheduled in an hour, miss it and he died. Yumi grinned as she saw this and swiftly yanked him into a room, where she muttered a soft chant. In a flurry of sparkles, the wrinkled clothes were replaced by an elaborate outfit, one that was, needless to say, quite tight, ornate, and most of all, embarrassing. The girl smiled apologetically at hismortified expression.
"Gomen, Gohan-chan, but I haven't quite got it down yet." The saiyan scowled darkly at her. He was now clothed in form fitting silver pants and equally form fitting sleeveless black shirt with the symbol for 'Pride' on it. A flowing black trench coat was placed over it and with another glare Ash realized that the spell had streaked his hair with silver and that his pokebelt had tiny dragon shaped sapphires embedded in it.
"I'll get you for this." Ash hissed as Pikachu curiously examined his hair. Yumi flapped a hand at him and began straightening the boy's trench.
"Quiet. Would you rather go out there looking like a slacker? Huh?" Ash had no response to this but jolted as Sasuke poked his head in, before stifling laughter. Ash growled.
"Not a word." He hissed. Sasuke shut up but continued to smirk as Yumi dragged both of them down to the local cafeteria with Sasani, Hydra, and Pyro to eat breakfast. The place was completely swamped with pokemon trainers and as the group walked in began pelting Ash with questions.
"Hey is your Delcatty okay?"
"How did you manage that huge jump?"
"Are you fighting the Elite Four today?"
Ash blinked and Yumi, noticing his discomfort, stood to her full and highly unimpressive height.
"HEY! Clear off!" She shrieked, and in seconds the place was deserted. She grinned and gestured to a table. "Take a seat." Hydra smirked slightly as she shot a fleeting smile Yumi's way.
"Wow, nice. Couldn't have done it better myself." The boys, Ash included, snorted and sat down, before the latter's stomach growled and he got up to grab a plate, stalking the buffet like some wild thing. They all sweatdropped.
"Is he always like that?" Hydra asked, and Yumi flapped a hand.
"Hai, hai. You get used to it after awhile." For the next 20 minutes the only sound heard was chewing and Ash going on the offensive and getting his revenge against a piece of bacon that refused to stay on his chopsticks.
"Ew... that is so gross." The oldest girl groaned, as her brother shoveled down rice at a mile a minute. Neither Yumi, Sasuke, or Sasani paid the normally repulsive scene any heed. 1)Sasuke was eating that way as well, and 2)They had spent enough time around Ash to get used to his eating habits, despite how they had diminished by about half recently. With a growl, Pyro was whacked on the head by his sister, who looked livid.
"What?!" The redhead sputtered. Hydra sniffed.
"That is so gross. And you're doing it in a restaurant!" She shrieked.
"There's no one here!"
"What do you call them?!" The water lover gestured furiously to the other people at the table. Yumi and Sasani blinked, before Yumi began protesting.
"Oh, don't worry about it! I've had enough time with these two to get used to it. It's the one thing that remains consistent in boys." Hydra sighed dramatically at this.
"Hmph, you're telling me! But at least Ash and Sasuke don't get food all over the place like my idiot brother." Startled, the saiyan and the blonde looked up, startled.
"Huh? Were we mentioned?" They both asked, quirking eyebrows suspiciously as one.
"No." Yumi said shortly. The two younger glanced at each other then shrugged.
"Okay." Ash said quietly, before looking up again and shooting Yumi and Hydra a knowing stare. "It's okay if you don't want to tell us what you really said." As a massive sweatdrop slid down the backs of the girl's heads he grinned and turned back to his food.
'Damn. Forgot he could use Mind Sweep!' The Kai thought, blush staining her cheeks in embarrassment. Then, a bell rang, signifying the twenty minutes before the battle, and the saiyan leapt to his feet to dash out the door at lightning speed. Hydra and Pyro blinked and Sasuke looked up long enough to make comment.
"Late again." He remarked with a shake of his head. Scowling, Yumi got up and whacked Sasukeupside the head with a fan labeled 'Baka!'.
"Not to mention, we're going to be late if you don't hurry up!"
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"Glad to see you're punctual." Lorelei said, looking at the rather ruffled boy before her, who had the grace to look embarrassed before bowing respectfully.
"Gomen nasai, sumimasen, Lorelei-sama." Ash murmured, before blushing. "I didn't mean to make you wait." Due to the honorifics and the fact that he seemed honestly sorry, the ice master forgave him, before smirking.
"Doo itashimashite. And may I say, you fill out that outfit quite nicely." Catcalls echoed through the stadium, only causing Ash to look down again, silently cursing Yumi. Lorelei's smirk widened as she pulled out an ultra ball. " Shall we get this battle underway then?" The saiyan nodded and Pikachu leapt off his head to stand in the arena, which was covered in a thick sheet of ice, with a circular pool in the middle.
"Go, Lapras!" The huge pokemon appeared in the pool with a shriek.
"Pikachu, use Thunder."
"Lapras, dive under the water!" Pikachu's attack missed, and the mouse fell back, who looked to Ash, who was trying to think of a solution out of this.
'Okay Gohan. Mom gave you a brain, use it! Lapras is best suited for water habitats, so if we get it out of the water, we'll have no problems! But how-?' Then, it came to him. "Pikachu, use Thunder on the water!" Pikachu gave an evil grin and Lorelei gasped.
"Lapras! Get out of the water!"
"Pikachu, Thunder!" The attack hit dead on, and due to elemental weaknesses Lapras fainted on the spot.
"K'so! Return. Go, Walrein! "
The next battles went as follows:
Pikachu over Walrein
Kira over Glalie
Sealeo over Tai-Tai
Amethyst over Cloyster
Victory: Ashura
"And the winner of the first battle of the Elite Four is Ashura. You may use any items on your pokemon you wish, before fighting Agatha." (A/N okay, I'm now mutilating Pokemon now. I'm kinda mixing the Elite, which because I have authoress powers will consist of Lorelei, Agatha, Bruno, Karen, and Lance. Technically Lance isn't part of the Elite, but he is the champion so our dear Gohan-chan will have to fight him too. This has been a message from this story's sponsor.)
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"You've done well to get past Lorelei. But I am not so easily beaten. Ghosts are wily creatures, you realize, and nearly invulnerable. Do you really believe you have what it takes?" Agatha asked, staring at Ash with a deep brown stare. The small boy's expression was stoic and he was mentally prepping himself and his pokemon. Tai-tai had been fully revived and the rest had been given hyper potions to boost them to full strength. "This is your last chance to back out. Do you take me up on my offer?" Ash shook his head.
"Iie, I do not."
"Very well then. We will proceed as rules allow, we are allowed to use any and all pokemon in our possession." The old woman said in a scratchy but strong voice while pulling out a ball. "Banette, take this child down. Use Shadow Ball."
"Amethyst, Night Shade." The saiyan said in the same calm tone. The two attacks clashed, then bounced off each other. The battle wasn't so much a battle of power as it was a battle of nerves, and, needless to say, one of gigantic proportions. Both opponents had much experience, though of different kinds, under their belts, and both knew how to keep a cool head. Agatha was used to her challengers freaking out at her calm attitude, but Ash didn't seem to be phased in the least.
The battle continued as follows.
Amethyst over Banette
Dusclops over Pikachu
Kira over Sableye
Sneasleover Shuppet
Victory: Ashura
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"Not bad, child. Nothing to bash on in the least. But this is where your conquest ends!" Bruno boasted. Ash wasn't intimidated in the least, as opposed to how he was with the prior two.
"Shut your piehole and battle already! Jeez!"
Bruno soon proved to pose no problems. He relied on pure power, not strategy or side effects, and with the saiyan having quite large stores of power in reserve the battle was over in a matter of a half hour or so. Which was quite short, considering the previous two had taken about an hour each.
The battle follows as such:
Stormeonover Hitmonchan
Tai-tai over Hitmonlee
Tai-taiover Hitmontop
Pikachu over Machamp
Kira over Makuhita
Victory: Ashura
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"Great job you guys!" Ash murmured as he sprayed a super potion on Kira, who was bouncing on her paws, wanting to get right into the next battle. "Kira, hold still; I'm not done!"
::Lemme at 'em! I still wanna fight!::
"Ack! Kira! Hold still!"
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"Dark types are my favorites, by far. Do you think you can handle them?" Karen asked, with a touch of mocking in her voice. She was definitely grinding Ash's nerves, but he tried his best to keep his cool and not let her get to him. It wasn't working.
"I think I can handle it." Iron control was obviously heard in the saiyan child's voice, and Karen smirked inwardly at this.
"Well then, lets get the battle underway then. Umbreon, Faint Attack." She said in a bored manner, which irritated Ash even more than her insults had.
"Pikachu!"
You get it by now:
Pikachu over Umbreon
Chibi over Murkrow
Houndoom over Skit-chan
Amethyst over Gengar
Vileplume over Tai-Tai
Victory: Ashura
"No...." The girl moaned as Ash did a happy dance with Amethyst. "How could I lose....?" The saiyan's demeanor suddenly changed as he realized what was next and a huge lump of nervousness welled up in his throat. The battle with the champion wasn't broadcasted, it was completely private.
::Good luck Gohan.:: Yumi's voice whispered in his head. ::All of us are rooting for you, so do your best, okay? Sasuke's screaming his lungs out in the bleachers and getting Hinote to blow fire to get your attention. I swear, when you get in a fight, you really concentrate, I can't believe you didn't hear all the shrieks!:: Ash blinked and turned around, indeed seeing a small speck of fire in the stands. With a smile, he waved widely, and as the doors in the back opened walked through them.
::We can do it, Gohan!:: Pikachu cheered. ::All we have to do is beat the pants off the Dragon Master them we're home free!::
::Let's do it! We can win!:: Kira exclaimed, and Ash grinned at both of his optimists.
"You're right, let's go!" Without another word, he turned, and walked quietly into the dark tunnel, to the battlethat would make or break him.
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The tunnel was pitch dark, like in Giovanni's gym, but not as cold and lacked the dirty, grungyatmosphere. Torches lit it dimly, and Ash was swept with a bit more confidence as Pikachu, Aoi, and Kira nudged him, Pikachu silently running a paw through the silver streaks in his hair. Eventually, they came to a pair of large doors with dragons all over them. Kira gave him a soft shove.
::Come on Gohan, lets go in.::
The saiyan nodded but before he could touch the door it began to open, without a sound. Light filtered in, and Ash could see a figure standing at the top of a small staircase.
"Ah, so someone actually got past the Elite Four? Finally!" The source of the voice was a young man of about 17 with pinkish red hair and matching eyes in a black and red cloak. He seemed nice, Ash could detect no malice in the comment, only curiosity and pleasure. "What's your name?"
"Ash. And you? It's obvious that you're Lance, am I right?" He asked politely, a pleasant smile matching the dragon tamer's.
"Naturally. But would you mind if we saved the niceties for after the battle? I haven't had a challenge in soooo long!" Lance inquired, spinning a pokeball between his fingertips. Ash did a joking and rather overdramatic bow.
"My pleasure. After all, who am I to deny the champ a good battle? And on that note, who am I to deny one to myself?" The minor remarked, noticing the pleased twinkle in Lance's eyes.
"Finally, someone with a sense of humor! Halleluiah! Praise God!" Ash was really starting to like his opponent, and thus he became even more eager to fight.
"Let's go!" He declared, and Lance nodded as both slipped into battle mode.
"Dragonair, get 'im!" ::Use Dragon Rage right when he unleashes his pokemon!::
"Pikachu!" ::Use Thunder!:: Both attacks hit, and sent the opposing pokemon back, both pokemon a little singed. "Yikes!"
"Ack! Crap!" Slowly, the combatants regained their composure and calmed down. "Not bad Ash! This is getting fun! I notice that you can communicate with your pokemon mentally, that shows you're very close. I respect that." Ash nodded.
"Hai, right back at you!" ::Pikachu, use agility, then Zap Cannon!::
::Dragonair, Hyper Beam!:: When it came to speed, Pikachu had the upper hand and managed fry Dragonair before it could react. The dragon fainted, and Ash whooped.
"Yes!" Lance frowned and recalled Dragonair.
"Good job, rest now. Dragonair." ::Twister.:: The elder said calmly, and Dragonair obliged, sending Pikachu flying.
"Ack! Pikachu, are you okay?"
::I'll be alright.::
"Okay, Chibi, raise some hell in there." With a furious yip the dog skidded out of the ball and attacked at Ash's mental command, Darkness Aura!
::Aieeeee!:: Dragonair fainted with a shrill cry and Lance sent out a Salamence. It roared loudly, shaking the arena.
::Use Hydro pump!:: The entire room filled with the onslaught of water and Chibi fainted while Ash, Aoi, Kira, and the unconscious Pikachu were soaked.
"Chibi! Iie!" The Mightyena was recalled and Ash set his jaw in determination before pulling out a blood red ball and tossing it. Kotoko appeared with a happy cry and growing to full size with a snarl at Lance. The dragon tamer gaped.
"What?! A dragon? I've never seen anything like this!" He gasped. Ash smirked.
"Of course you haven't, Kotoko's one of a kind. Now, use Flamethrower!" The dragon was more than happy to obey him and fired the attack, frying Salamence, but not quite.
"Salamence, Hyper Beam!" The attack missed, and at the order of the
saiyan another flamethrower was sent, hitting dead on, fainting the blue and red pokemon. "Damn! I must say that you've raised that pokemon quite well, I commend you! But it ends here, Dragonite!" It was a huge clash that would be told for generations, of the two huge dragons going head to head. Hyper Beams, Dragon Rages, Thunderbolts, and Flamethrowers were thrown.
"Kotoko, Use Hyper Beam!"
"You too Dragonite!" There was a huge explosion, smoke flying everywhere. Both trainer's eyes were wide as they tried to figure out what had happened, until one silhouette rose, and a silvery red figure staggered over to Ash, while the other lay fainted on the floor.
"Kotoko! Are you okay?!" Ash exclaimed, looking the dragon over.
::I'm okay…:: She mumbled, nuzzling her trainer's face in concern before hitting the floor in a faint. Both Lance and Ash recalled their fallen dragons before turning to face each other, faces taunt and stubborn, neither willing to give in.
"This is the last round. Whoever wins this is champ." Ash nodded.
"Agreed." Almost as one, the two reached for their belts and pulled out one last ball. Ash's blue and Lance's red. At the same time they were tossed and with brilliant light the last combatants were revealed.
A huge Dragonite.... and Stormeon. A look of horror plastered itself on Lance's features he caught sight of the pokemon that had refused him so long ago. Ash quirked an eyebrow at the stricken expression.
"How can you possibly be in the possession of that creature?!" The elder shouted, eyes blazing. Ash fell back, before a look of anger flashed through his eyes.
"What do you mean? Stormeon is Stormeon, one of my starters, and one of the best, what are you talking about?" The saiyan asked furiously in confusion.
"Professor Oak had her when I was first starting out, she was going to go to me, but I couldn't control her! How did you end up with her?!"
"I'll tell you after the battle! For now let's fight!"
"Fine then. Dragonite! Hyper Beam!"
"Stormy, avoid it and use Hurricane Gale!" Ash shouted. The pokemon twisted in midair to avoid the blast and with a leap was suspended in the air due to the raging winds around her.
::Take that!:: She yelled as she fired the blast and Dragonite fell back with a roar.
"Dragonite!" ::Blizzard!::
::Aieeeee!:: Stormeon shrieked as the ice hit. Luckily it didn't freeze her. She moved out of the way just in time to miss another Blizzard and skidded to the arena floor, sending up dust. ::Ha! I'm not so easily taken down!::
"Stormeon, Ice Beam!"
"Dragonite, Blizzard!" Both attacks hit dead on, the recoil sending both opponents flying, Ash cracking his head on the wall and Lance smacking the back of his neck into a steel 2-by-4 rafter. The last thing Ash remembered before he blacked out were roars of rage, then it all went black.
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"Itai...." The saiyan moaned as he awoke. He was in his bed at Oak's lab. A small i.v. was attached to his arm and a clear liquid dripped down into him. Pikachu-tachi were curled up on the bed with him and Pikachu sat up as he tried to move.
::Easy Gohan, stay still.:: She soothed.
"What happened?" Ash asked, laying back.
::During the battle, you and Lance were knocked out. You've been here for about three weeks.::
"Who won?"
::No one knows. Cameras aren't allowed in the final battle so quite literally no one has a clue.:: Then, several kis downstairs caught his attention, and he jolted up, startling Pikachu off his chest.
"No! They can't be..-! It's not time!"
"It is." Ash whirled, to see Yumi standing beside him, looking pale and worried. "They got here a few days ago, and have been in hysterics since. I could do nothing, I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. But I'm not ready for this!"
"Ready or not, there is nothing you can do now. But there is also something else you must know. I have to go back to the world of the Kais. My father has ordered it, I don't have a choice." She said softly.
"She doesn't, Gohan." A new voice said. Sasuke walked in to stand next to Yumi. Ash gaped. The blonde smiled slightly. "Yumi told me everything, you don't need to hide it." The saiyan gaped and placed his hands on his forehead, this was all too much for him right now!
"Oh my Kami.... But all of the senshi aren't here, what happened?!" He asked frantically, and Pikachu shoved him down again. Yumi frowned slightly.
"The ones who are here are Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, Krillin, 18, Bulma, Dende, and the three little ones, Goten, Trunks, and Marron."
"Goten?!"
"Your Otouto."
"But what about mom?!"
"She died giving birth to Goten, I believe that it was grief. I'm so sorry Gohan." Ash swallowed and Kira nudged him, trying to comfort him.
::Daddy? Are you okay?:: Hikaru asked, and Ash suddenly grabbed her and hugged her tight.
"Oh my God... My dear God... How could this happen?!"
"Things have a way of happening that not even the gods can predict." Ash looked away, half of him refusing to believe that this was happening. The other half of him however, knew that it was. Then, the sound of feet coming up the stairs met their ears, and Ash looked up, knowing who it was. "Now listen Gohan there are three things that you can do. 1)Face them, 2)Pretend to be asleep, or 3)Jump out the window and never come back."
"I want that one." Ash joked, half joking and half serious. Yumi frowned at him. "Okay okay, you win."
"Well?"
"Let 'em come."
To Be Continued...
Falcon: Oh My God! -wailing-
Raven: Don't worry, she's always like this after she finishes a story. Besides, don't feel sorry for her either, she's already started the sequel.
Falcon: Damn right I have! But there is one more chap!
Raven: What?!
Falcon: Yep! Before I start the sequel, I have to type the aftermath!
Raven: You just don't want it to end. Poor little Hika-chan.. -sympathetic-
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Japanese, for those becoming L33t:
Oi: Hey
Baka: Idiot
Aneesan: Big sis
Otouto-chan: Baby brother
Baka Neko: Stupid cat
Gomen: Sorry
Gomen Nasai: I'm very sorry.
Sumimasen: Formal apology, Please excuse me.
Hai: Yes
Doozo (DO-zo, double length on the first O, it isn't Doo.): Please
Harakiri: Sacrificial rite to the Gods.
Gaki: Brat
Doo Itashimashite (See: The rule for Doozo): Think nothing of it.
Iie: No.
Itai: Exclamation of pain
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