AN: Hello everyone, Dragon here with a late update on my story but an update nonetheless. I know some are probably wondering what the hell happened to me, well I will say school happened. Tests have hit me hard due to me taking science and I'm not too good at that (especially having to memorize the bones and their locations). Also I have been stuck working nearly six days each week and being kept till late, only to go home and study and repeat the process the next day. I'm really sorry that this took so long to update, so I hope that this chapter makes it up to you all. So, other than the excuse, I have nothing else to say. Enjoy! The harem is as follows:

Cynthia

Anabel

Korrina

Serena

Ursula

Elesa

Roxie

Dawn

Hilda

Sabrina

Skyla

Zinnia

Pokémon- Attack

"Pokémon"- Pokémon speaking (people won't understand unless told otherwise)

"Pokémon"- Human Speech

'Pokémon'- Thinking

"Pokémon"- Pokédex Entry

Chapter 16:

Unknown Title

"Dammit Ash, be more gentle with those damn bandages!" Jacob said as a bandage was wrapped around his torso, tightly. In response, the bandages were pulled even tighter (causing Jacob to wince and growl slightly). Glaring at Ash through the corner of his eye, "your enjoying this too much, Ketchum."

Ash, who was tying the bandage, chuckled at the young man. "Well, your the one who aggravated the wound to this point," Ash pointed out, thinking what led to him bandaging his friend.

After the incident had finally calmed down, Jacob had made an attempt to leave so he could try and hunt down Shadow. The mere thought of that man made his blood boil in rage and disgust. No matter how hard he tried to put to the back of his mind so he could talk to Ash, the man and his cruel smirk kept coming back to the front of his thoughts.

He refused to let that monster get away with what he's done!

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you view it, his escape attempt was noticed by Delia who called out to him.

"You know," she said, getting his attention. "It really isn't smart to leave right now due to your injuries. Your Gengar even seems to agree with me as well." She pointed behind Jacob, who followed her line of sight and paled at what saw.

Gengar was floating with a huge grin on his face as an all-too-familiar Great Ball floated next to him.

Sighing, Jacob sat down by the shade of a nearby tree, annoyed and angered at the fact that no one his hunting Shadow down. Why weren't anyone but him taking this seriously!?

Ash looked to the injured boy, guessing what was going through his mind. He couldn't blame him, it was taking everything he himself had to not go after that Shadow guy.

"Jacob, I know exactly how you feel," Ash said as he gained his attention. "I want to hunt down that bastard as well, no matter how it may look to you. The problem is that we won't find him, at least not right now. We have several aura users on this island, Pokemon included. One of us would have sensed a man with as dark an aura as you say, but we didn't until he wanted to be found."

"In other words, we are dealing with a madman that knows how to mask his aura and keep his intent hidden until need be," Jacob continued as he realized Ash's point.

The raven haired man nodded his head. "Add to the fact that Shadow may no longer be on the island due to his Espeon's Teleport. He could be anywhere by now."

"But what if he IS still on the island," Zyon chimed in. "I mean, we can't simply ignore a threat like that Shadow man. Especially with such a messed up ambition as his." 'And who knows, Shadow may be the very reason for the unease that the legendaries have been feeling.'

"I understand your worry Zyon," Ash said. "But we can't just chase after someone who can hide himself so well and so easily too. I have THEM searching the island and you know for he fact that HE would have said something to me if he found something by now."

Everyone except Jacob, Mike, and Delia nodded their heads, knowing what Ash meant. Jacob rose an eyebrow at Ash's words, curious at who he was talking about. Delia, while curious, decided not to ask due to feeling like she had no right to. Mike simply felt it was none of his business so just let it be as he shrugged.

Ash sighed once more as he finished the last wrapping on Jacob, coming out of his memories. "That should do it," he said as he stood up. Looking around for a moment, his gaze stopped on his mother. He closed his eyes for a moment before they snapped open with determination, feeling like it was time to 'address the elephant in the room' as they say.

"Mom," Ash began before he paused and shook his head, not feeling right calling her his mother. "Delia, I should thank you for helping Alex and Umbreon." He bowed his head low as he thanked the woman that gave birth to him.

Delia felt a stab at her heart due to Ash refusing to call her mom, though it was to be expected. "Its alright, she needed help and after hearing how important she was to you," Delia paused as she thought her words over and gazed at Alex, who was being held close by Suzaku. "I didn't want you to lose someone close to your heart, I already caused you enough grief."

Ash kept his intense gaze on Delia, not sure what he should do with her. He definitely didn't want her around, he just didn't trust her. Even now, as he looked at her, that cold feeling gripped at his heart tightly. Tempting him to give in to it and let out all of his hate and anger.

On the other hand, he couldn't just abandon her like this. He was sure that the Shadow guy will attack again, and he was almost certain he will attack if she were to be alone. He knew where to find Alex and Delia, and even played with them throughout their battle. Plus, no matter how he feels towards Delia, she was still his little sister's savior. She could have ignored the whole thing since he only really went after Alex's Umbreon. She only got involved because she stayed to help, getting herself injured in the process.

Ash sighed as he slowly walked towards Delia, causing everyone to want and tense up. Ash stopped in front of his mother, glancing as her for a moment before his arm launched forward in blinding speed.

This caused everyone, including the still resting Jacob, to get ready to stop Ash. Either stop him from doing something he will regret, or just plain stop hom from hurting someone.

Ash gripped Delia's arm as he pulled it up, revealing several bite marks that were still bleeding and were slightly dirty now. "Your arm is hurt from when you tried to knock your Ninetales from its conufusion," Ash said as he began to clean out the wound with a cloth from his pocket. "You need to be more careful with a confused Pokemon, though I'm not honestly one to talk."

After cleaning out the wound, Ash began wrapping her arm in medical tape. As Ash worked, Delia watched him with a loving gaze. Her eyes roamed Ash as she memorized Ash's every feature. She wanted to be sure that when Ash told her to leave, which she was sure he was about to, that she could still see Ash in her memories clearly.

Anything that would allow her to be as close to her baby as possible. Ash is her whole world after all.

As Ash finished tying the tape securly, he looked Delia in the eye. He couldn't help, but feel warmth flood his body at her motherly gaze. It felt like all his hate vanished from his heart, that cold grip just suddenly let go and ran from the love that shone from her.

He felt like back when he was a kid and his mom would comfort him after having a bad dream.

Ash quickly squashed that feeling, as whose gaze he was staring at came to his mind (along with the dark thoughts). Mother or not, she betrayed his trust. It isn't just about his dream being taken from him, it was the fact she no longer believed in him from one small upset. After doing what he could, she pretty much thought of him as worthless! Ash refused to let her make him feel that pain of betrayal again!

"Shadow will most likely attack you again," Ash stated, not seeing the fear creep into her eyes. "If not for nothing else, but the sheer joy of causing you pain. You won't be safe by yourself Delia and the others in your little group won't be much help against someone with no morales like his." He looked into her eyes once more, finally coming to a decision.

"That's why you will gather your things and move it all into my room."

His words shocked every person in the area, except Jacob who wore a small smile at Ash's choice an Alex who was going to offer Delia the same thing (she had an extra bed in her room).

No one was more shocked than Delia, who couldn't stop the tears of joy from falling down her rosy cheeks. She was no fool, she knew Ash had not forgiven her. His offer wasn't even because he LIKED her, and she couldn't blame him.

Her joy was from the fact that her son was still offering to protect her, even after what she had done. He was putting his grudge aside to help someone he had no care for. She felt motherly pride at Ash's actions, even if it was obviously reluctant. Her second reason was very simple.

She could spend more time with her beloved child and even be under the same roof too.

"Don't get the wrong idea Delia," Ash stated harshly. "I haven't forgiven you. I'm an Aura Guardian and its my job to protect all life as best as I can. I'm doing this out of duty and oathe, not because I care for you. Also there WILL be ground rules that cannot be ignored. Failure to comply will result in you being thrown out." He left no room for arguments as he flexed his aura to show how serious he was about it.

Delia nodded her head at her son's words, expecting those very words in all honesty. "I understand Ash. I swear to abide by your words," she responded.

Ash nodded as he turned away. "I'm going to the Pokemon Center, I need to order something and see who my opponent is going to be tomorrow. Could you guys help her move her things to my room?"

Alex and Tai stepped up, offering to help Delia carry her things. Said mother gave them both appreciative smiles, as Ash tossed his room key to his sister.

"I should probably get back to Erika," Jacob said. "I want to be sure shes okay, with Shadow running around."

"You know shes going to flip when she sees your injuries," Gengar said amused by Jacob's sigh. Vaporeon snickered slightly at his trainer's situation, knowing how she usually gets.

Let it be known that Erika could really worry over the smallest things sometimes.

"You mind if I tag along," Mike said as he grabbed his things. "We live in the same building as you and I could really use the company." Jacob nodded as he gave everyone a two finger salute before walking away with his Pokemon and Mike (who was waving wildly at them) in tow.

"I'll stay here and train some more," Mia said as she tossed a Pokeball in the air, releasing her Hitmontop. "There's a fighting combo I want to try out."

Ash nodded as he looked to Suzaku, hoping he hadn't lost him as a friend for his actions. He may have reconciled with Alex, but he wasn't sure if Suzaku still considered him as a friend.

Looking into Ash's eyes, Suzaku smiled slightly. "I'm going to stay here with Mia, maybe get some training in as well. The tournament resumes tomorrow."

Ash nodded as he looked over his Pokemon, thinking of who to take with him besides Pikachu and Lucario. Making his decision, he returned four other Pokemon to their confines as he began to walk away.

"Hold up Ash," Ash turned around to see Zyon run up to him. "I'll go with you, don't feel like staying here." Ash smiled and nodded at his student.

"Sure, I could use the company."

The two made theiur way to the city in a comfortable silence. After about five minutes of walking, Zyon addressed Ash.

"Hey Ash," he said, gaining said trainer's attention. "I know you probably don't want to answer, but what happened earlier? I have never seen or heard of black aura before. The feeling it gave off wasn't pleasant either."

"To be honest with you Zyon," Ash began as he looked at the bright sky. "I don't have a single clue. One moment I was fine, sparring and in complete control. I felt something pull my sense's from the fight and the next thing I know, I felt rage like never before. All I could think about was pain, anger, and revenge. My body, it felt like it was on auto-pilot."

Zyon, Lucario, and Pikachu looked confused at his words.

"What do you mean your body went on auto-pilot?" Pikachu asked his trainer.

"Just as it sounds," Ash replied as he looked at his partner. "I saw everything that happened, but it was like I had no control yet I did at the same time. It felt like I was being guided and my body just followed that guide without question or hesitation. The more anger I felt, the stronger the guide was and the less I cared for anything else but my revenge. The more I wanted to hurt everyone, the more I looked at everything as a reason to be mad. When I looked at all my Pokemon, that feeling vanished; as if it ran away and is now only lying iun wait to strike again."

His Pokemon and Zyon looked at Ash in concern. If what he says is true, then whatever caused Ash to act the way he did was still there. They understood his words because Ash acted completely out of his usual character. That dark and cold feeling wasn't their Ash, but that only begged one worrying question.

Was the black aura the real cause for Ash's anger?

They arrived into the city as they quickly made their way to the Pokemon Center. The city was much more active now that its mid-day. Quickly making their way, they arrived at the Pokemon Center.

As they were about to enter the building, a voice called out that made them pause.

"Ash, hey Ash!"

They turned around to find the culprit was a young girl, around the same age as Ash. This girl was Anabel, the Salon Maiden of the Battle Frontier in Hoenn.

Next to her was Paul Shinji, Ash's rival throughout his journey in Sinnoh and quite arguably his toughest rival. Paul was much taller than before, actually half-a-head taller than Ash. His dark purple jacket was half zipped up and he actually wore a gray scarf around his neck. He walked slowly towards Ash with his arms crossed and his usual scowl.

Ash smiled as he saw them and braced himself as Anabel hugged (tackled) him.

Neither noticed Paul's eyebrow twitch at the sight, except Zyon who quirked his own.

"It's great to see you Ash," Anabel said excitedly. "I haven't seen you since the beginning of the tournament!"

Ash chuckled at the Salon Maiden as he seperated from the hug, much to said girl's dissappointment. "Its good to see you too Anabel," Ash said warmly, causing her to blush brightly. "I have just been busy with so many different things at once, plus Ive mostly been in the forest training than my actual room."

"No matter how much training you did Ketchum, your still going to lose to me," Paul said as a smirk made its way on his face. Before Ash could retort, Anabel turned around and beat him to it.

"Don't be mean Paul," Anabel said. "What happened to you being more civil with people." Paul scoffed at her words. Ash looked between the two, confused by their interactions.

"Do you two know each other?" he asked. Pouting at Paul, Anabel looked back to Ash.

"Yeah, that's my older brother by a few months, Paul Shinji," she said. Her words caught Ash by surprise as his eyes widened at the information. Anabel and Paul were siblings?!

"We already know each other Anabel," Paul said. He looked at Ash. "Close your mouth Ketchum before Zubats enter that cave."

Ash's mouth only opened wider at the fact that Paul actually made a joke! Zyon, unsure of why Ash was so shocked, chuckled at his teacher.

His laughter caught the attention of Anabel and Paul. Seeing their eyes were on him, he decided to introduce himself.

"Hello Anabel, Paul," Zyon waved to them. "My names Zyon, I'm a friend of Ash's."

Paul only nodded his head in greeting as Anabel waved happily at him. Zyon was about to say more until he felt something pull on his short, sleeved shirt. His gaze turned to his Lucario who gave him a serious expression. Connecting their aura's, Zyon addressed his long time friend and partner.

'What's up Lucario?' he asked mentally.

'One of Ash's former friends is approaching here fast,' Lucario said. 'Teacher says that its that Misty girl and shes heading this way. The way Ash responded to seeing his own mother, his fault or not, it would be unwise to let those two meet.'

'I see your point,' Zyon responded. 'Especially since she was Ash's first traveling companion. Let's go stall her while Ash finishes up here.' His Lucario nodded at his partners plan.

"Hey Ash," Zyon said getting Ash's attention. "I'm going to go on a jog with Lucario, gives me a chance to sight-see the city more. Send me a message when your finished up." Ash nodded to his friend.

"Ok Zyon, I'll just catch up with Paul and Anabel," Ash replied before sending his student a concerned glance. "Please be careful though." Ash knew Zyon can handle himself, but with Shadow on the loose, they couldn't be too careful.

Zyon nodded, figuring the meaning behind his worry. "I'll be fine man, I got my Pokemon by my side. Let's go Lucario!" Trainer and Pokemon ran off, getting ready for their 'mission'.

"Any idea how we are going to stop her?" Lucario asked as he ran next to Zyon.

"I got two and I pray that I don't need to use option two," Zyon replied. They continued to run until they ran passed the orange haired girl.

"Hey, wait miss!" Zyon called out enthusiasically. Misty turned around as the young Aura Guardian ran up to her. "Your Misty Waterflower, the Cerulean Gym Leader of Kanto, right?!"

Misty nodded as she blushed slightly at the, admittedly cute, man. "Yes I am, may I help you?"

"Yes actually," Zyon said with a huge grin on his face. "My name is Zyon and this is my partner Lucario," he gestuured to the Aura Pokemon who waved in greeting.

"Its nice to meet you two," she greeted with a small smile.

"I know its kind of sudden," Zyon began as he looked nervously at her. "But I was wondering if I can interest yuou in a battle." He gave a determined look as he mentally rolled his eyes at his fake acting.

Lucario had to hold back a chuckle at the act his partner was putting up.

"Umm actually, I was hoping to head to the Pokemon Center to see who I'm up against tommorrow," Misty said with an apologetic look.

"Please~ Misty," Zyon pleaded. "I really want to test myself and my Pokemon! I wasn't invited to participate, but I came to watch a friend. When I saw your battle I just HAD to battle you myself! Please Misty!"

"Car, Lucario!" his Lucario chanted as he pumped his fist forward. 'Might as well play along with him,' the Pokemon thought to himself.

Seeing the look in both the Pokemon and trainer's eyes caused her resolve to waver and break. Misty gave a small smile as she nodded at the duo. "Ok, ok," she said. "There's a battle square not far at all, we can battle there." She didn't notice the fact that Zyon's smile dropped slightly as he resisted the urge to twitch.

'Yeah that's not going to work, that's way too out in the open,' Zyon thought nervously. Remembering about the tournament, Zyon gave a bright smile. "Why don't we use Area A instead, its not far from here either. I really want to battle there, it will feel I'm actually a part of the tournament."

Zyon, having nothing better to do, had read up on the rules of the tournament and what are some of the privleges allowed on the island. Each stadium, unless told otherwise, is open to everyone duriung breaks or after the last battle of that day. All you have to do is sign in with the secruity there and sign out when your done. The only down side is that you have to be watched by secruity during the battle.

"I'm ok with that," Misty said as she shrugged. Zyon cheered out loudly as he grabbed both of Misty's hands and pulled her towards the stadium.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" he said in an excited tone. "I promise this will be alot of fun!" 'Not to mention safer until we find out whats going on with Ash.'

Misty giggled at thr trainer's enthusiasm, unaware of the real reason for the challenge.

(Pokemon Center)

Ash has just finished paying Nurse Joy to send out his order and was making his way to Anabel and Paul, who were having an interesting conversation/arguement.

"Why didn't you tell me that your rival in Sinnoh was Ash!?"

"Because it was none of your business, Anabel! Besides, why do you care so much?!"

This caused Anabel to blush and stutter a bit. "Sh...shut up Paul!"

Paul rose an eyebrow at her actions. "Anabel, don't tell me you have a crus..." Paul was quickly silenced by Anabel placing both hands on his mouth.

"Don't say that so loud Paul!" Anabel said as her face became a bright red color.

"Don't say what now?" a voice said from behind Anabel, causing the young Frontier Brain to yelp out in fright.

"Don't do that Ash!" Anabel reprimanded as she tried to calm her fast beating heart. Ash rubbed the back of his head, chuckling nervously.

"Heh, sorry about that Anabel," he apologized. "I didn't meant to scare you like that."

"It's fine Ash," she replied while blushing at how cute Ash looked at the moment.

"So, how come you came to the Pokemon Center Ash?" Anabel asked as she stood as close to him as as she could, without raising any alarms. To her though, it was enough to be able to get a whiff of Ash's scent, and to feel the warmth that he gave off.

Watching their interactions caused Paul to be rather conflicted. Contrary to belief, Paul loved his family dearly (even if he isn't good at expressing it). He looked up to his older brother for years, always wanting to be as strong as him. Then he hears about his sister actually becoming a Frontier Brain at such a young age. To be able to beat both of them is the main reason he trained so hard.

Now watching his little sister interact with a boy she liked caused his sense's as her brother to go crazy. He wanted to just step right between the two of them before it went any further. On the other hand, Ash is a very respectable trainer, not that he would say that out loud, and a trustworthy friend. He knew something DID spark between the two, then Ash would treat her well.

He didn't know what he should do right now. So lost in thought, he didn't take notice that Ash was trying to get his attention.

"Paul, yo Paul!" Ash yelled, but was not getting a reaction. Getting into his rival's face, Ash applied a little aura to his lungs. "PAUL!"

That did the trick , as Paul yelled out of his trance. What didn't go as planned was for Paul to swing his fist forward out of reaction, nailing Ash on the nose.

"GAH!" Ash yelled out in pain as he held his nose. "That hurt Paul!"

"Whatever," Paul responded, crossing his arms. "Not my fault your an idiot who can't dodge." This caused Ash to growl as he glared at Paul. The purple haired boy returned the glare just as intense.

It looked like the two would start fighting, causing Nurse Joy to get ready to break them up. The other patrons were watching tensly until, Ash started laughing and Paul began to chuckle.

This threw everyone through a loop: one moment they looked ready to kill each other, and now they were laughing like old friends telling jokes to each other. The only one who wasn't confused was Anabel, who knew that the two weren't really angry at each other.

Seeing the two act angry one moment, then laugh the next; Anabel couldn't help the soft giggles that escaped her lips.

Hearing the giggle, Ash paused as he stared at Anabel, entranced by the beautiful sound that rung through his ears. Ash gained a small blush as he heard it. He enjoyed the sound so much, he wanted to hear it again. Maybe even for the rest of his life...

'Woah, where did that thought come from?!' Ash yelled mentally. 'I mean, yeah Anabel is really and has her own appeal that compliments her own slender body when compared to Cynthia and her unmatched beauty and hourglass... stop it!' Ash's red face turned darker as his thoughts processed.

Paul looked at Ash in both amusement and annoyance, figuring what's going through his mind and still unsure how to act towards it.

Anabel, who had stopped laughing, blushed at the cute look Ash gave. It only added to the appeal Ash already had and some of the other woman watching this scene agreed, if the blushing was anything to go by.

"Pika pi, Pikachu," Pikachu called out, snapping the three from their thoughts.

Ash looked at his first partner in confusion. "I'm sorry buddy, I didn't catch that."

Pikachu rolled his eyes at his best human friend. "I said, can we go now?" This caused Ash to chuckle as he scratched Pikachu behind his ears, gaining a soft 'chu' for his efforts.

Anabel, being the only other person who could understand what Pikachu said, giggles. Seeing Paul look at her, she answered Paul's silent question and repeated Pikachu's words. Paul sweatdropped at the Electric Mouse and agreed with him. "Yeah, lets go to one of the Battle Squares, we might find a decent trainer."

"Sure, my Pokemon could use a good stretch," Ash stated as he shrugged. He and his Pokemon haven't trained today so this could be fun.

Anabel sighed at this, since they will be going to battle again. Don't get her wrong, Anabel loves a good battle as well as her Pokemon. At the same time, she was hoping to spend some quality time with Ash.

The group exited the Pokemon Center and made their way to the Battle Square.

Unaware of the another group making their way to the same area.

(Battle Stadium)

Zyon stood across from Misty as they got ready to begin their match. Zyon knew not to underestimate Misty seeing as she was still a Gym Leader and said to be quick on reaction time during battles. Misty, while not knowing how Zyon battled, knew better than to underestimate her opponents.

It always led to ones downfall.

The guard they asked to moniter their match, was also referring the battle. "This will be a two-on-two battle with no time limits. Either trainer may substitue at any time. The battle will end when both Pokemon on either side is unable to battle. Now trainers, send out your Pokemon!"

Misty analyzed the battlefield, taking in key points to look out for. The field was a grass and water field (which was good for her). There were large pools of water with some being cut down the middle due to the grass. By how large some pools are, she could safely assume that some of them were connected to each other.

Taking a Pokeball from her belt, she gave it a toss while yelling out, "Misty chooses Dewgong!" The flash of light guided to one of the larger pools of water as Dewgong appeared.

"Dewgong, Dew!" The Pokemon cried out. Thanks to Zyon's aura, he was able to translate it to, "Let's battle!"

Reaching behind him and unclipping a Great Ball, Zyon tossed it as well. "Rule the battle, Lapras!" In a flash of light, Lapras appeared in a pool across from Dewgong.

"Let's win this Zyon," Lapras called out in determination. Said trainer couldn't help, but to smirk at his Water Pokemon.

"Be careful Zyon," Lucario said through his aura. "She's no pushover and you'll be battling her in her element." He trusted his trainer, but he didn't want him to get cocky. Misty is a Water type specialist, so underwater battles are when shes at her best.

Zyon nodded at his Pokemon's warning as he locked his eyes onto the two Pokemon who were giving each other challenging glazes.

"Let the battle begin!"

An: This is where we are going to end this chapter. Like I said I want to apologize for how long this one took, and very dissappointed in my speed it took to get this out. Tell me what you all thought of the chapter. I don't have much to say, so until next time.

Dragon Soul94 is out!