Ash's PoV.

As I walk Clemont to his house, the door is flung open and a sobbing Meyer pulls his son in for a hug. My - no, not my nerd anymore; BAD ASH - the nerd smiles and returns it, tears threatening to spill from his face.

"I thought... I thought he had killed you..." the older man sobbed - I know that this is my cue to leave, so I say quietly; "Farewell Clemont. I'm sorry to leave like this, but I think you'd like that more than me lurking around and scaring you. I hope you find happiness in your life." I turn to walk away and I've barely gotten to the gate when someone grabs my hand. Turning around, I'm shocked to feel Clemont's lips pressed against mine of his own free will. The sensation is warm and I can almost feel the fireworks around us!

"You're better than you think Ash... you're not a complete monster you know. Maybe... maybe you really do deserve a happy ending too." He whispers, tears now silently falling down his flawless face. I hold onto him in an embrace, and I keep on whispering; "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

"I know." He gently responds, his light breath tickling my neck as he stares at me intently. "Are you really going to turn yourself in as the murderer of Lumious High School? You'd probably get a really longsentence you know. We might never see each other again!" I pause, considering what he's saying. But I know what I have to do...

"Yes Clem. Please - don't be too sad. Remember all the horrible things I did for you, and to you. I kidnapped you, drugged you, killed innocent people for you and threatened your family. I watched silently as you got tortured by a psychopath and I did nothing good for you."

"No Ash: you saved my life. You put everything else aside and never gave up on me - you could've let me down, you could've let me die. But you didn't... and I'm grateful. Maybe I'm still too broken and scarred to truly love you, but I don't know if I'm going to ever be able to truly love anyone. I'm sorry Ash. I should let you go... unless you want to stay? Our house is always open to you." He says softly... I'm shocked by his generous offer but I shake my head. "I need to start over and redeem myself for now... but if you ever want me, then I'll be in prison, always thinking of you."

I pull free from his grasp and run away - I hear him shout; "GOODBYE ASH!" from behind me and it's all I can do not to start crying.

About 20 minutes later, I've arrived at the police station, looking at the front desk. A woman comes to me and asks: "Are you ok? I'm Jenny: Officer Jenny. How can we help you?"

"I'd like to... to turn myself in for a series of henioys crimes I've committed against my better judgment..." I whisper; she looks and me and places a firm hand on my shoulder, asking harshly; "Who are you?" I sigh and reply sadly:

"Well... I'm Ash Ketchum... but I'm also the murderer of Lumious high school... and I'm turning myself in."

She rolls her eyes and said angrily; "Kid: stop wasting my time. The murderer is a trained killer, not a kid like - "

"I'll prove it! Wasn't Korrina Yjiosa found dead in a bush on the 11th of July at 34 Flech Streer with a small puncture mark in her neck from a thin blade rammed there from a struggle? How else would I know that? I can show you my basement of torture devices; that'll convince you!"

Office Jenny isn't convinced, so I beg;

"Come to my place. I'll show you that I need to be locked up, and if not, you can arrest me for wasting police time."

The police woman nods and follows me out - we arrive at my house shortly and I show her around. When we get to the basement, she takes one look around and screams - the weapons of torture are just carelessly laying around. Bloody rope and handcuffs are laying on the floor; red blood streaks are streaming down the wall. Worst of all though is the box of tools sat on the hard ground - the sharp torture needle poking out. I got it out before me and Clemont went on our walk in case I needed to take action... I regret it now. Reminiscing how his face turned a ghastly shade of pale at it and Gladion and I laughed cruelly before the older blond took the belt and began harshly whipping my... my friend. Clemont was my senpai, but he was also one of - no - my only friend! And I threw it all away because I wasn't happy with it.

"Ash Ketchum; you're under arrest for crimes too severe and heinous for me to mention. You're coming back to the police station so you'll be put behind bars." A sharp voice rings in my ear from the blue haired officer next to me. I sigh as my wrists are forced into official police handcuffs - I've used them before but never imagined myself in them.

I guess that's just the price you pay...

Two years later...

I sigh as I peer through the metal bars that have become my windows; laying down next to the criminals that have become my friends and even family. It's been ages since I turned myself in - for the best of course - but still, my life feels... empty. I heard from someone that people I used to know like Serena and Misty have grown up and become famous and I couldn't be happier for them, but it does make you wonder - whatever possessed me to make such a concoction of bad decisions?!

"Ketchum?" One of the guards asks sternly; I stand up and am lead out, being told surprisingly;

"You have visitors."

When we get there, I'm shocked to see a woman with vibrant pink hair and a purple haired man sitting at a table against me.

"Mr Ketchum? We're Jessie and James from an organisation called Team Rocket. We have a business proposal to make for you, that is - if you're interested?" The man asks me politely; I think for a minute before sitting down opposite them - they smile and the woman begins talking;

"Ash... you're such a talented fighter; master of multiple forms of martial arts, fantastic with weapons, etc etc. Now; Team Rocket are... lets say... a unique organisation; that is, we don't have to abide by the laws when we do what we want. We're here to hire you to be part of a team of skilled assassins like yourself; together, you'd help Team Rocket achieve... not word domination necessarily, but we would own some land - maybe even a region. What do you say? The pay is fantastic, and you get to live in a world we create. But we can't do it without you Ash.."

I don't need to think - instantly I shake my head. "My assassin days are over. I just want to live a peaceful life, settle down, maybe even get a dog. Or a cat... I like both... anyway; I'm not helping an organisation with evil intent."

"Evil?!" The purple haired man exclaims shocked. "My my... we're not evil. If we were, then we'd be in this prison, and we might even be cell friends. No - we just want to help the region by remaking it in our image." At this, I grow angry. These people want... they want to rule Kalos! I'm not letting that happen so I stand up forcefully and yelll; "Piss off! I'm not working for you - get that through your head!" The pink haired woman stands up too - her coworker mirroring the action.

"You'll help us, whether you want to or not." She glares, saying it quietly and darkly - my poker face remains intact though. So much for my New Years resolution to have a peaceful January - it's like, oh gosh - it's only the 5th and I've already snapped at someone!

We stand like that for a while now until after what seems like an eternity, our eyes break contact; they leave and I'm led back to my cell.

"You got quite a good sentace you know!" One of the guards says. "3 years for all the shit you did - seems like Christmas came early during your trial! And you know what?! You're probably going to be let out sooner for good behaviour! I'm impressed by your recovery, so I recommend you for a psych evaluation to schedule that you're stable for an early release. The evaluation will be soon - like, a few minutes, but then you'll have monthly lessons untill you can get out!" They sighed. I'm shocked - I might be getting out early! I nod as I'm lead to a different room and handcuffed to a chair.

"Sorry. Just in case." I'm told, but it doesn't bother me as much. As I'm left alone for what seems like hours, eventually a young man walks in. As in, really young; about MY age! I stare at him; long blond hair tied up in a ponytail; round glasses nearly covering his face. Ocean blue eyes and a wearing a long white lab coat... oh gosh, could it possibly be...?

"Hello... I'll be your evaluation manager for the next few months. I'm called Dan: I believe your name is Ashton? Do you prefer Ashton or Ash please?"

I sigh, hating myself for even dreaming that it could be him. Of course it wouldn't be Clemont: he's probably moved regions to become a world famous inventor like he always wanted. He could chase his dream across the world whereas me? I'm stuck here...

"Erm.. Ash." I say quietly, not really focused. He also looks a bit phased as if there's something he's hiding, but as the evaluation starts, I have to push that gut feeling aside.

"Ok Ash: lets begin." He said before asking me a series of questions. I answer truthfully until he then asked;

"How's your love life outside of the prison going?"

I stare speechless before whispering sadly: "I ruined it... but I hope he's happy. He's better without me, you see. It was him that convinced me to turn myself in."

Dan smiles at me nervously like he normally does, but indicates that I should talk more.

"He... well... he was perfect. The most innocent, amazing, beautiful, and the moose deserving of people. He gave everything and never asked for anything back, not from anyone. A phenomenal scientist, and he's probably gone now to do something amazing with his life. He could be doing anything - he's that talented. Just a drop of the hat and he's already learnt a new completely random skill! I did... I did the most horrific things to him, just to get him to love me... but it failed. I just pushed him away more... I scarred him. I ruined him. All because I wanted more - if I hadn't been so blind then I'd have seen him to be the true friend he was without pushing him to be more. I pushed him away, and I regret everything I ever did for him. I should've just been a normal kid, because I found out that he liked me too. Of course, I found out too late; it was definitely too late for me to do anything about it - he was already gone. But I was holding on so tight that it was nothing short of suffocation! If I'd been better and payed more attention to him then we'd be sat under a tree somewhere right now, wrapped up in coats and hats, holding hands, kissing, moving into a new apartment as a couple and having a squabble about who would sit by the radiator before he'd sit on my lap and I'd hold him whilst he held me back. But I threw it all away... and you have no idea how sorry I am..."

I sit there, trying not to cry as Dan does nothing to help other than scribble notes down on a piece of paper. After a few minutes of silence, he finally returns his wandering gaze to me and sighs; "How unfortunate for you Ash. I'm sorry. The good new is, providing that nothing else happens between your theory lessons, you'll be out by September at this rate!" I look up, my heart soaring with newfound glee; I make to get up and dance but am held back by the handcuffs. "Oops..."

February;

"Hello Ash - ready for your first theory lesson?" Dan asks me nervously, slightly sweating from behind his oversized glasses. I can tell he's nervous so I ask chilled; "First time doing this? Don't worry - I don't bite!"

He laughs and replies; "Yeah... sorry Ash! You see, I'm only 18 so they're only just letting me into prisons for work. I graduated from school a while ago with the highest grades so I used them to get into psychology! Anyway - enough about me. How are you doing today please?"

"I'm good Dan." I reply effortlessly. He smiles and we begin.

"Ok.- picture yourself in the place you got arrested..." he starts. This seems strange to me but I do it anyway. Once my eyes are closed, I can hear his voice.

"Do you feel safe in this location?"

Safe in a basement full of bloodstains and torture weapons?!

"No." I reply: the blond haired man sighs and asks me gently; "Why?"

"Well..." I begin, but then I realise that this is a great way to finally remove Clemont from my mind.

"... it's where I tortured my victims. I killed people there, I... erm... I stabbed them, shot them, whipped them, hit them and mentally abused them. Worst of all, I hurt my precious Clem- erm - I mean, the person I liked in that room when I tried to force them to love me."

Dan nods and asks gently; "You regret that, right?"

"More than anything." I sigh, feeling hopelessly depressed; like I was... I can't describe it!

"Dan: what do you think about me as a person?" I ask cautiously. "When you saw my file, what did you imagine?"

The blond haired man sighed and smiled sheepishly, admitting; "My first thoughts were 'oh god; he sounds like a despicable, reprehensible murderer!' Now on the contrary, I do believe you'll go far in life with a passion and determination to change like I've seen in you. I'm proud of your progress Ash - it's only been a month and I've sensed a great difference in your general mood!"

"R-Really?!" I stutter, unsure of how to take the compliment. "Wow! Thanks!"

Dan chuckled and shook his head. "You earned it Ash." before continuing with the theory session as normal.

April;

"Hiya Ash!" Dan said cheekily at me, offering me a... brownie?!

"Homemade!" He beamed, outsreching his slightly trembling hand. In it sits a dark, square rock looking thing.

"Is that edible?!" I exclaim in shock, staring at it in shock as he nodded. "For real Dan?! That's meant to be a brownie?!"

"Um... yes. I was experimenting with the temperature and it... em... went wrong." He revealed, sheepishly smiling at the floor.

"I hope it tastes better than it looks..."

Dauntless, I raise the rock to my mouth hesitantly and chomp ravenously on the food - it's actually really good! I wolf it down and Dan laughs lightly... his laugh... it's almost like an angel's!

"What; did they starve you these past few months?!" He jokes, I stare at him and say; "People do take my food... apparently redemption is overrated."

The therapist shakes his head sadly and sighed; "They're probably just jealous that you get to go home early. That reminds me - do you have a place to go when you're let out?"

I shake my head, ashamed. I'd be homeless - my house was sold and my mum is probably ashamed of me for becoming this... monster.

"You want to... erm... move in with me?" He asks nervously. "It's just an idea, but I can monitor your progress of rehabilitation; I can cook, I earn a steady salary so I'll pay the rent... and I'm guessing you'd rather sleep in a bed than on the streets."

His kindness and generosity... it touches me. Smiling shyly, I blush and say quietly, "Thanks. But... if you don't mind, I'd like to see Clemont to check how he's doing first. Heck: he's probably some kind of billionaire famous scientist right now, living a life of peace and prosperity without me bothering him. I dare say he's forgotten about me altogether!"

"Oh I doubt he's ever forget you Ash..." Dan mutters before looking up and blushing, trying to pretend it didn't happen. I'm confused, but decided to let it slide. He probably has his reasons...

"But I'd really like to move in with you Dan!" I exclaim loudly and he goes bright red!

"R-Really?! Oh Ash - that's amazing!" He laughs, clapping his hands together in glee! I'm even more baffled by this: why's he so excited about me moving in with him? And isn't it a little weird to invite your patient to live with you?!

After our session, I return to my cell and think things through. I trust Dan. I don't know why, but I feel secure around him; like I can trust him. I confused in him about my issues with Clemont and he's fine to talk about it if I ever need to unload. And he just remembers all of the things I at so well... he once referenced one of the things I said today to one of the things I said in January! It's incredible! He's... he's just like Clemont...

... and that makes me a little wary.

July;

"Hey Ash!" Dan beamed as for what felt like the 100th time by now, I was lead into the room. I'd been having therapy sessions with the guy for 7 months now, and was finally able to trust him wholeheartedly! Well, almost. There were still the moments he seemed oddly... off, but that's fine. No one's perfect, I guess.

"Hey! How are you?" I ask; he laughs and smiles sheepishly. His smile... it's so... perfect. I've only seen a smile as beautiful as that once before...

"You've got something on your mind Ash; I can tell. So... do you feel like sharing?" He asks me. It's strange because whilst he's younger than me, I feel safer around him; like he can protect me. Of course, I leave him in a cell with my inmates and he wouldn't last 10 minutes, but I'm more into brains than brawn. At least - in terms of companions; I personally wouldn't train my muscles for anything!

"You remind me of Clemont... so, so much. You both have long blond hair; you both wear glasses; you can both remember things about people easily; you both are terrible at baking things and you're both so kind and generous! I've grown to trust you so much, but I can't shake the feeling that you're exactly like him! Why?" I ask nervously. Maybe Dan can shine some light on this predicament... he sighs at me and asks; "Clemont's the boy you loved, right?" I nod and stare at the ground, memories of me eradicating anyone who stood in the way of me and my senpai flashing in my mind... and look where that got me!

"Ash... are you beginning to feel the same way towards me like you do Clemont?!" He asks fearfully: I don't understand why that scares him so much! I've reformed - I'm not a murderer anymore and I tell him as much.

"You don't have to be scared of me Dan; I've changed! I'm not the monster I was before you helped fixed me. And besides - even if I did harbour those feeling towards you, I wouldn't act on them. Love got me in this prison so I'm not going to love again. I'm not slipping back into those old habits!"

The blond haired therapist looks at me with an unreadable expression and stammers; "So... so basically you, you don't... I mean. Y-You don't feel... that way... right?"

I shake my head and Dan breaths a sigh of relief. "Good, because that would be weird."

"Reverse Joker and Harley in a way..." I whispered as I smiled, knowing that Clemont would've appreciated the science-fiction reference but the thought of him makes my heart ache; admittedly not as much as it would've a few years ago when he was 15 and I was 16. I'd do anything to return to those times...

"Ash? ASH?! Are you listening?!" I hear Dan telling at me and jump. "WHA- what's going on?!"

He groans at me and sighs; "You zoned out for almost 3 minutes Ash! Where were you? Please? I might be able to help."

I stare before saying; "I don't know - it's like time just stopped! 3 whole minutes?! I'm sorry that I ignored you - what were you saying please?"

Dan sighed exasperatedly before answering; "I was saying that I'm sure things will be ok once you're out of prison and I'm hoping we can come to some living agreements."

"Living agreements?! I'm older than you!" I retort furiously. Dan shakes his head and groans;

"Living agreement rule number 1: you can't hold that over me as it has no power. I may be younger but I have a steady salary, a firm job and a good life whereas you're in prison. We're going to talk about the rest of them in our next session but for now can we please just have our session?!" Oh gosh - the session! I completely forgot that he's still my therapist; he just seems like more of a friend!

I have... another friend!

September;

"ASH! I'M HERE FOR YOU NOW ASH - YOU'RE COMING HOME!" I hear as I'm sat in my cell: the sound makes my heart sing and soar with glee. Dan comes running into view and unlocks the door - my other cellmates glare at me and the oldest one comes up, blocks my path to the door from my corner and sneers at me with hatred and loathing in his eyes, laughing;

"Wow... Ashy the wimp made friends with a therapist! You know - I had a therapist once! Actually, I had around 6 in total. They're all dead now... or maybe I should make that 7..." the oldest man leers at a shaking Dan who gulps and says firmly; "I'm not here for a fight. I'm here for Ash, so can you please move out of his way?!"

"You heard him Buch. Shift it." One of the guards says angrily from behind Dan but the blue haired man shakes his head. "Please?" Dan asks kindly... I have the feeling things are going to get ugly so I use my strength and push the older man out of my way. "Get lost looser." I sigh - Dan now looks immensely concerned and retreats as quickly as possible!

"Um... so, I guess... you're all set Ash!" He smiles, leading me out. I feel a huge weight off my shoulders as we step into sunlight about 20 long and tedious minutes later after filling out all the paperwork and etc. As I arrive into the world a free man, Dan laughs at my undoubtably goofy expression. "Feels good, hmm Ash?" He asks me happily - I nod and ask him nervously,

"Can we see Clemont please?"

One hour later, I'm sat in Dan's car outside Clemont's house. My hearts is racing within my chest with a feeling of insecurity and pain almost tying me to the ground that I'm pushed onto by Dan.

"You got this." Dan laughed, pushing me to the door. As I go and know on it, a young teenage girl with 2 blond pigtails and hip clothing opens it: when she sees me, her eyes widen and she screams before stammering, "I'm so s-sorry Ash... Clemont d-doesn't live here anymore! I don't know where he lived; h-he got a job and moved away. P-Please... don't come a-any closer!" I make to back off but all of a sudden Bonnie is flung aside and Meyer is stood mere inches from me with a grim expression on his face... and a knife in his hand!

"Don't. You. DARE come near my family again! Clemont moved away so you wouldn't be able to find him and now you turn up at our doorstep?! I'm not having it - leave or I call the police and you'll be arrested. I won't have a monster like you putting my children in danger. I don't care why you're here; I don't want to make any amends and burry the hatchet with you - except from in your skull! I don't know how you escaped but I'm happy to call the police again unless you leave now. Consider this me helping you out."

"Bare in mind that I just left prison as a reformed man, a simple 'please go' would've just been fine. I figured that Clemont would hide from me, but I just had to know..." I sigh in depression, my eyes uncontrollably watering as I make to walk away. As the door is slammed shut behind me, I see Dan open the door, concerned. "Did he give you a hard time?" To which I nod, ashamed. After all, he's right about me, and what I was; thankfully Dan gives me some words of comfort and we drive back to his house.

When we arrived there, the first thing I did was inspect the house. 2 floors, detached, quite small and cheap looking but it looks friendly enough. The house style... Clemont always used to like houses like that, but I'll just forget about him. There's a sign on the widow but before I can read it, I'm ushered into the house by my friend: he takes my coat and we sit in the living room; it's very nice with a bare mantle piece and an acoustic guitar in the corner on a stand. A TV lies on the wall too with a sofa facing it and a fireplace nearby placed on the creamy carpet. As I take it all in, staring around in awe. Dan smiles cheekily.

"Wanna watch a movie?" He beams gleefully at me; I sigh and nod, still unable to shake the feeling of doom and gloom. As if reading my mind, the blond haired man sighs quietly and laughed:

"Go have a shower or something. You can wear some of my clothes if you want - I'll leave you some outside the door. You'll feel refreshed and ready to embrace the world with a positive attitude and mindset after a warm shower - at least, I do! It's best to just forget what Meyer said, trust me. Bathroom's upstairs, directly in front of you when you get up the stairs. Please please don't nosey around my house though - not untill ive cleaned it up a bit. Whilst you shower, I can do a quick clean and make you a meal for the movie, ok?"

I love how thoughtful Dan is... he just cares about everyone so much! He ficuses so much on me he forgot to fix his house up for him, so I say: "Chillax Dan. You need a break too - I don't want to feel like a patient with you; I want to feel like a friend. That way you don't have to constantly worry about me, so I'll be in the shower for a bit!" As the blond breaths a sigh of relief, I run upstairs and hastily lock myself in the bathroom to think when my blood turns cold.

I never told him the man that hurt me was called Meyer... what if...

Nah! Dan just probably knows the man from around town, or knowing about my Clemont obsession and Dan doing research on the boy, which would explain how he knows about his family.

As I finish up in the shower, I smile as I decide to try on Dan's clothes... they're a little on the small side but at least they're not an orange jumpsuit from prison and that's all that matters to me. Feeling an urge to go to the loo, I do what I need to and then look for the roll of toilet roll. Staring at it, I gasp, unable to believe what I see. It can't be...

... but it can. The pieces are all fitting together now like a jigsaw puzzle that I've unknowingly been keeping track of. With all the pieces intact and together, now I know exactly what is off about Dan!

Finishing up and throwing on the clothes, I run up to Dan in the kitchen who looks nervously at me. "You look angry... is everything ok Ash?"

"You tell me." I growl back, using my strength to pin him to the wall and put a nearby knife to his throat! God... it's been a while since I've done this! In front of me, Dan goes pale and squeaks in fear before stuttering;

"A-Ash... think of all the progress y-you've made! Don't undo all o-of it, please? Why w-would you do this anyway - you've been much b-better recently. Is something wrong?!"

I laugh sarcastically, furious with myself for not seeing it all before. It all makes perfect sense to me now, so I lean in closer to the blond and whisper menacingly;

"You tell me... Clemont!"