Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of the characters. Just the random plot bunnies that my mind creates.

Chapter Warnings: Language, blood, bodily injury

Pairing: Ash x Gary

Arc 3 - Shaken Foundations

Excerpt from Academy Training File #683

The Dragon Riders

August 23 - First awareness

Mysterious attacks on Rifure Village & Pallet Town. No survivors found in Rifure Village. Many dead and injured from the attack on Pallet before League could intervene. No evidence pointing to culprits could be found until XXX came forward.

June 15, ~1 year after initial attack - Initial Data from XXX

Attacks caused by small group in hidden location. Ride the powerful dragon type pokemon Dragonite. Considered to be extremely dangerous.

November 18 - July 26, 1-2 years after initial attack - Initial encounters

Dragon Riders fight with no cohesion. They use guerilla tactics to hide their weaker numbers. Small attacks on civilians and military continue all over the country.

January 14, 1.5 years after initial attack - Counters

Aim for the vulnerable membrane of the Dragonite's wings. Once punctured, they can't stay aloft and can be taken out on the ground.

October 3, 5 years after initial attack - Counters, Revised

Report from the field suggests that killing the Dragonite's trainer kills the dragon pokemon as well. To be confirmed.

February 27, 8 years after initial attack - Counters, Revised

Dragonites can be killed by killing the trainer. Test subjects needed to determine how and why.

December 25, 10 years after initial attack - Research

Test subjects reveal that the Dragon Riders seem to have superior strength and stamina compared to normal soldiers. More testing needed

March 12, 11 year after initial attack - Research, Revised

Test subjects now deceased. More testing needed.

April 23, 13 years after initial attack - Encounters, Revised

Dragon Riders now deemed high priority target. Restructure of ranks needed.

May 1, 13 years after initial attack - Restructure of Ranks

D-Rank - no risk to soldier's life (ex: odd jobs) → Privates, Academy students

C-Rank - little to no chance of combat (ex: guarding town, background investigations, suppressing wild pokemon) → Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Academy students

B-Rank - involve combat (ex: espionage, taking out small targets/enemy units) → Academy students, Captain, Major

A-Rank - concerning League level matters (ex: guarding VIPs, suppressing enemy forces, Dragon Rider intel) - Major, upper levels if war situation

S-rank - concern state-level confidential matters (assassinating VIPs, infiltrating enemy forces, Dragon Rider combat) - Major, upper level

October 6, 14 years after initial attack - Research, Revised

Dragon Riders research now classified. Kill all Dragon Riders on site.

Chapter 32 - Guarded

Having to push their flyers a bit to make it before the dark clouds above them finally break and release the oncoming downpour, the duo land in front of the Silph Co. building about 30 minutes before sunset. A few police cars are parked on the street, lights flashing. Officers weave through the sidewalk traffic directing passersby away from the building. Rifles in hand and packs on their backs, the soldiers head into the front entrance flanked by a collared Pikachu and Eevee.

The duo look curiously around the entrance lobby. Like the upper floors that they stalked through the previous night, everything is either metallic or painted white giving the building a modern, sterile look. Various metal sculptures of pokemon are scattered over the floor while large abstract paintings hang on the walls.

Heading towards the front desk, their gaze is drawn to a bulky man dressed in a black suit approaching them. Short dark hair with a visible earpiece and bulge in the jacket where a poorly concealed weapon lies in waiting marks him as one of those "fancy private security guards". Ash and Gary pull out their IDs to show the guard. After a brief glance, the man leads them away and to the left of the desk towards a long, brightly lit hallway.

Casually looking over the various pictures and articles hanging in the hall, Ash and Gary make their way towards two large double doors which were opened to show a large cafeteria beyond. In the middle of the large room sits two long counters split into various compartments filled with different types of food: meat, vegetables, pre-made salads, bread, pasta, pizza, and various other dishes.

Ash can feel the overabundance of joy taking over his face at the sight of the large spread of food. Taking a step towards the buffet, he freezes as brown eyes finally stray from the food long enough to see the red and blue hair of their superiors for this mission. Seeing calculating blue eyes locked onto his face, he forces an easy smile onto his face and joins the other Four members. The large table is covered by a small stack of empty plates and various papers detailing the design of the building.

Nodding a hello at the two soldiers, he quickly drops off his stuff and steps toward the buffet, Gary and their pokemon at his heels. Filling two large plates full of food, since he didn't have anything to eat today besides a power bar, and a bowl of pokemon food for Pikachu, he sits back down at their table. The electric mouse squeaks happily from the floor as it eats its meal.

Swallowing a bite of seasoned meat, he looks towards Jessie and James, who are still silently watching them. Assessing us as potential threats most likely since they are definitely involved in this somehow. We have to keep an eye on them as much as possible tonight.

"So what's the game plan? Colonel Sanders didn't give us much information besides the fact there was an attack last night by the Riders and that we are to follow your orders." He asks as good naturedly as he can with a mouth full of food.

The redhead scoffs at him before arranging the various papers into a neat pile and handing it over to him. On first glance, he can see that most of the information detailing Silph's research projects has been blacked out for secrecy. Setting the pile between Gary and himself, they quickly go through the stack as they eat their dinner. The hair on the back of his neck stands on end as he feels their penetrating gazes on him. Geez why do they keep staring? It's not like we are going to come after them with a fork and butter knife.

They finish their food as they arrive on the last page. Staring longingly back at the buffet, Ash shakes his head sadly. I shouldn't have anymore in case we have to run or something. It was so good though...Sadly, Gary makes the choice for him as he takes away their and their pokemon's plates. Ash sits in the oppressing silence while they wait for the brunet to return. Once seated, Gary slides back the papers to James. The duo straighten slightly as Jessie leans towards them.

"Alright twerps. Just stay on the roof and don't let anyone in. We will oversee the private security and protection of the project the Riders are after. Those are your orders. Even you two can't screw that up."

Brown eyes narrow in irritation. What the hell? They are the same age as us. Gary is probably older too since his birthday was so soon after graduation. Besides, we scored higher than both of them in exams. If anything, we should have the more dangerous part of the mission if the higher ups weren't so pissed at us...But why the roof? It would be more efficient to just guard whatever they want to take with them. If we battle on the roof, it could cause mass damage to the building. The Riders can't call out their massive dragons inside due to the tight quarters.

He opened his mouth to protest but a hand squeezing his thigh stopped him. Huffing in annoyance, Ash nods stiffly in begrudging acceptance. Having given their "orders," the colorful duo stand to leave. Grabbing their gear, Ash and Gary follow behind quietly.

After what felt like an hour but couldn't have been more than a few minutes, Jessie and James escort them out of the elevator and up the last remaining flight of stairs to the roof. Hustled out into the cool air, the door slams shut behind them.

Before he can even open his mouth to complain about their predicament, Gary has an arm slung over his shoulders and leading them away from the door and prying eyes of the security camera. Heads practically pressed together at the close contact, Gary whispers quickly. So quiet that he can barely hear what he is saying over the bustling noise drifting up from the city below.

"They bugged your pack when we were getting food. Most likely looking for evidence against us. Eevee planted a bug on James' pants while we were eating. Channel 3."

Sliding away from him, the brunet moves a few feet away to scan Ash's blind spot. Ash drops his pack to the ground in case quick movement is needed. Discreetly turning his comms set to Channel 3, he scans the sky in silence. Pikachu sits on railing in front of them, long ears twitching as it analyzes the various sounds floating up to them. After several minutes, he hears a happy tune being hummed but rolls his eyes once he realizes it's Gary. Might as well act like we weren't bugged.

"Gary? Why do you think we are stuck guarding the roof? Wouldn't it be better off if we are guarding whatever the Riders want to take? Plus it's going to start raining soon. There won't be any visibility anyway.

He can practically see the smirk in his mind that is most likely plastered on his partner's face at the moment. Scanning dutifully in case the security feed is also being monitored, he doesn't turn to confirm his suspicions.

"Who knows Ashy-boy. Orders are orders. Jessie and James are members of the Four too. They can handle security inside. Plus, if we stop the Riders here, more credit to us right?"

Ash chuckles quietly at the brunet's arrogant tone, especially when an annoyed huff echoes in his ear.

"Can you believe these brats? Acting so high and mighty. That old ass bastard is right to place them under our command. He clearly knows who is more fit to lead."Jessie's voice calls out from his comms set.

"Even more so now that all of our pokemon are unstoppable. The Boss is going to promote us for sure once we take care of this mess."James responds. Brown eyes narrow in confusion. Do they mean the Commander or Colonel Sanders?

"Hey Jess, about those pokemon that we were test-"The rest of the bluenet's sentence is cut off by a loud alarm. Ash jumps at the shrill noise ringing in his ear.

"It's the same energy signature the scanner picked up last night! It's the Rider!"

At the loud exclamation from the bluenet, Ash glances back towards the his partner. Even from this distance, he can make out Gary's rigid posture as the brunet quickly scans the sky for the imminent attack. Thunder rumbles quietly in the distance.

"Gary, let's take this to the sky. Hopefully that will prevent any damage to the building."

Grabbing the pokeball from his waist, he releases Pidgeot from her confinement. Sliding his rifle onto his back, he pulls out his Beretta before hopping onto the bird pokemon's back. Pikachu huddles in his lap, ears swiveling quickly as it tries to determine the approaching enemy's direction.

"Damn it. He doesn't have his pack with him and is too far away from the camera. I won't be able to hear what they say." The redhead's voice growls in his ear.

Pidgeot dives suddenly to the right as a low whooshing roar distinguishes itself from the city noise. A large gust of wind almost throws him off of Pidgeot's back. Ash clutches tight to his flyer's plumage to regain his balance. Pidgeot spins around. Gun raised to shoot, he scans the sky but can't find his target. A large dark shape flashes by out of the corner of his eye. Pidgeot, with her Keen Eye, quickly follows after the shape. He can't see anything.

Why can't I see them? Those yellow scales should stick out easily.

Ash blinks in shock as a massive beam of light illuminates the entirety of the roof and surrounding airspace. Glancing below them, he sees a large spotlight mounted above the structure housing the stairs. That wasn't there yesterday was it?

"The Rider has appeared!"Jessie's voice echoes in his ear.

Turning away from the stinging beam of light, brown eyes widen at the sight before him. The Dragonite looks even more intimidating than the one they faced previously. The menacing black armor, covering almost its entire body this time, gleams in the light.

The scales are already bulletproof and that armor must weigh a ton, why bother with it? He thinks distractedly.

A flash of silver causes him to duck closer to Pidgeot's neck as the massive dragon darts toward them. A strange looking sword stabbing the air where he was just a mere second before. Heart in his throat, he scans the dragon's back carefully. He can barely make out the Rider on its back. The hand in the air holding the ultra thick sword being the only thing giving him away.

He must be wearing armor too if he is blending in that well.

With a screech, Fearow dive bombs the dragon. Its deadly sharp beak aiming for the small unprotected wings. Sword also drawn, Gary swings down at the armored Rider. Blades clash with a ring of steel. Seeing sparks gather between the two, he cries out to his partner.

"Gary! Thunder Punch!"

The brunet, locked in a struggle with the rider, gives no response to his warning. However, Fearow quickly rears back with a strong flap of wings, sending the both of them careening away from the deadly attack. Arm pulled back, sparking with power, Dragonite angles itself to follow the escaping pair. Ash urges Pidgeot forward and takes aim at Rider. Maybe it will retreat if the Rider is injured like before.

The gunshot echoes in the night air. The Rider jerks at the impact of the speeding bullet but doesn't grab onto his body to cover the supposed bleeding wound like Ash thought he would.

Damn it. His armor must be bulletproof too!

Tucking his gun back into his pants, he reaches down to pull out his sword. Brown eyes widen in horror as Pikachu runs up Pidgeot's neck and leaps off toward their enemy. A massive Thunderbolt sparks out of its red cheeks, slamming into the charged fist still pulled back to pummel any approaching flyers. Dragonite roars as the collision of lightning causes an enormous explosion. Glass windows shatter at the release of energy. Shards falling towards the unsuspecting victims below.

"Jess, maybe we should step in."

Brown eyes frantically look for his starter. Heart in his throat once more as Pidgeot suddenly plummets towards the ground. Arm stretched forward, he grabs the electric mouse as they race by. Pikachu tucked safely in his lap, they speed back towards the roof. Fearow and Gary diving down to re-engage the enemy.

The Dragonite is slowing down. The armor and explosion must be draining its energy. Pidgeot and Fearow can keep up with it now.

"Shut up James! Just pay attention to the damn monitor!"

A blaring siren causes Pikachu to cower in his lap, the loud noise hurting its ears. The Pokemon Attack Siren? They must have turned it on due to the explosion. That will get everyone out of the way below at least.

Sword in hand, they flank Fearow as it pulls backs to dive bomb the dragon once more. Flaring out in a pincer movement, the soldiers prepare to deliver a devastating blow to the terrorist. The bird pokemon quickly pull away as twin Thunder Punches begin to form. The electric attack increasing in power as a light drizzle falls from the dark clouds above.

"Twerps are getting their asses handed to them."

His head throbs at all the loud noises spearing through his brain. Turning down the volume of his comms set, he pays no attention to the now unimportant task of listening in on the other Four members. All of his attention is needed on the battle. Thunder sounds again, this time much closer. The storm is almost upon them.

"Jess I really think we should-"

The rest of James sentence is drowned out by the screech of the electric attack that just misses Pidgeot's wing. Damn it! We have to do something about those punches. We need to distract Dragonite if we want any chance at that Rider. Pulling another ball from his belt, he stares at it briefly.

"I know it is raining but we really need your help. Keep your tail lit."

Pressing the button in the middle, a stream of red light bursts from the device. Charizard bellows out a challenging roar as soon as he emerges from his ball. Claws glowing blue, the flame pokemon dives for the titan, a powerful Dragon Claw ripping through the metal like butter leaving large gouges in the black armor. Dragonite cries out in pain from the ferocious attack.

"-has a Charizard?! How?!"

Ash smirks in triumph. Bet you didn't plan on getting hit with your own typed attack did you dragon? This ends now!

Charizard locks arms with the mighty dragon pokemon, snarling into its face. The fire type snapping at the dragon's armor, furiously trying to latch onto the thick neck. With Dragonite thoroughly distracted by his Charizard, Ash motions for them to attack the Rider once more.

"Zoom in, James!"

Fearow and Pidgeot take turns swooping in close allowing their trainers to attack the Rider before veering off to regroup. Each overhead blow, strengthened by the speed of their flyers approach, pounds into the thick blade held by the armored man. His ears ring with the metallic clash of blades.

"-that scar! That's my Char-"

A loud, tinny screech draws his gaze back towards the Rider. A broken blade is held in one hand as the other clutches his sword arm's shoulder. The remainder of the sword hurtling end over end to the street below. With an ear-splitting roar, Dragonite Headbutts the fire type with his metal plated skull. The attack sends Charizard reeling away, shaking its horned head to throw off the damage as quickly as possible.

Flying towards Silph's roof, the dragon lands solidly. Circling the area to make sure the battle isn't returning to the air, Ash directs Pidgeot to drop him off onto the roof. Not wanting the fire lizard's flame to be extinguished by the downpour, he quickly recalls Charizard. Gary hops down seconds later, his claymore angled toward their injured foe. Sliding down from the seven and a half foot tall dragon, the injured Rider lands nimbly on the cement.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Gary's heart thunders in his chest as he analyzes the matching set of armor. Conformed close to the Rider's body, the black material stretches out over his torso and legs in overlapping layers mimicking his dragon's scales. Sharp protrusions flare out from the shoulders matching the bladed forearm protectors. Snatches of purple peek through the exposed slits between layers of armor as the Rider moves. The dark helmet covers his hair, ears and forehead with a familiar looking black mask pulled up to cover the remainder of the Rider's face. He can make out the slight sheen of blood that has stained the purple material near his shoulder.

I can't tell what type of material that is. It isn't shiny like the Dragonite's metal armor. I got lucky getting a cut in between the grooves.

Before either of them can even blink, Dragonite spins quickly. Its large, metal plated tail slamming into the skylight, smashing it to pieces. Sending the roof into blackness. Lit dimly by lights from below and frequent bursts of lightning from the storm above.

"-night vision mode."Jessie's voice buzzes in his ear. They are still watching us?

The Rider begins to walk towards them, broken sword still in hand. The jagged tip glinting wickedly in a flash of lightning. Switching his sword to his other hand, Gary whips out his Beretta and aims at the man's right eye.

No armor to protect you there. Ash may have the advantage in the air earlier with that Pidgeot of his but no way he can match my accuracy with a gun. It's my turn now.

"Halt! Why are you here Rider? Why come back after last night? What are you after?!" Gary yells at the masked man. His arm shakes as he struggles to hold back from attacking the Rider. He can already feel the familiar rage building once more as he stares the man down. Green eyes lock with dark brown, almost black in the low light.

"I see you have finally learned some restraint little Oak. Bravo. Bravo!" The Rider claps slowly. Gary's face scrunches in confusion. How does he know my name? Dark eyes shine with mischief.

"You?! How did you heal so fast?" Ash cries out in shock. Gary doesn't dare take his eyes off the enemy to check on his partner. Not when the enemy is a Rider. Not when he is this close.

"Now, now. I'm not who you think I am. But I must ask, why must you two always attack us as soon as we show up? I just want to chat a little that's all. I believe you two owe me that after I had to deal with those dramatic buffoons last night and the fact you have injured me. Granted, it's not as bad as they wound you gave my comrade in the canyon but I thought we were better friends than that? Shame."

"Who does this asshole think he is?! I can't believe-"

"Jessie please calm down. We can't break the-ah! Don't throw that!"

Gary struggles to tune out the bickering voices in his head as he focuses on the man in front of him. When the voices get louder, he changes the channel in frustration. The silence lets him focus on the Rider once more.

"So you were here last night. What are you after? Which project is it?"

The man merely shrugs and plants the hand not holding his sword on his hip. Waving the broken weapon around, he points it lazily at the staircase.

"Who said I was after a project? Maybe I was after something a little more...alive."

Green eyes narrow at the man before them. He must be talking about those drugged pokemon we took. But if he has to break in to get to the beefed up pokemon, then the Riders can't be the ones who commissioned the project. Unless he is a rogue?

"What do you mean?" Ash asks slowly.

The man takes a step towards them but freezes as Gary clicks off the safety on his gun.

"I guess you can say that I'm here to take you home. Enough playing the military lapdog, it's time to come back. Back to where you belong."

Lightning flashes followed by a loud peal of thunder. Freezing December rain pounds the roof as the duo stare at the Rider in shock. What the fuck is he talking about? Going home? Come back?

Sheathing the broken blade, the man stands at ease in front of them. Waiting for a response to his demand.

The door bursts open allowing Jessie and James access to the roof. Their colorful hair soaking instantly in the torrential downpour.

The Rider turns toward them and crosses his arms over his protected chest. Gary blinks in confusion. He looks almost...angry? Because of whatever happened after we left last night?

"Well, well. The traitors finally show themselves. Had enough of spying?"

The redhead growls threateningly as she pulls a ball from her waist. Cold blue eyes roam over the three of them.

"You talk too much old man. We can't let you leave."

An odd dragging noise behind them draws Gary's attention. Green eyes widen in shock when he sees the large purple snake slither over the edge of the roof and dart toward them. Arm outstretched, he yells out as Arbok whips its tail at his partner.

"ASH!"

The raven looks at him confused by the sudden shout. Green eyes widen in terror as the purple tail strikes Ash in his upper back. His partner staggers at the force of the impact. The raven looks down in confusion at the purple tail sticking out of his torso. Acid sizzles as purple drops fall onto the wet concrete.

With a wet squelch, Arbok rips its tail from the hole it created in Ash's back. Rooted in place by the complete shock and horror surging through him, Gary watches his partner crumple towards the roof. It seems like forever that the raven is falling. With a splash, Ash's body lays in a heap on the ground. Unmoving.

His heart freezes in his chest. Everything is muffled. He can hear the angry cries of the Rider and all the pokemon as they engage in battle but he can't look away. Arm slowly lowering to his side, Gary falls to his knees.

Crawling toward his partner, he gently turns Ash over. A stream of blood dribbles from his mouth as he struggles to breathe. The normally warm chocolate brown eyes are hidden from him as Ash struggles to stay alive.

With shaking hands, he gently pulls the jacket away to reveal the wound. Blood slowly bubbles from the hole that is almost two inches in width. The edges seared and smoking from the caustic acid that the Poison Tail was laced with.

"Ga...ry."

Looking up quickly, green eyes lock with brown. There's a small smile on the raven's face. His breathing reduced to small choking gasps. A tan hand reaches forward. He grabs it tightly.

"Sorry." Ash whispers. He can barely hear it. Those lovely brown eyes close once more. Ash's grip slackens as he focuses on getting air into his lungs.

Pulling Eevee's ball off his belt, he quickly releases the evolution pokemon. He calls out directions before the small pokemon can completely form out of the red light.

"Eevee! Get the first aid kit!"

The small brown pokemon races towards his pack near the edge of the roof. Leaning forward, he presses his hand onto the gaping hole in his partner. Ash groans in pain as Gary puts more weight on the prone raven's body, desperately hoping to slow the blood seeping out between his fingers.

With a small splash, the first aid kit drops next to his knees. Flinging the kit open with his free hand, he tears open a pack of Antidotes. Pouring one of the bottles directly onto the wound, he holds his partner down as Ash feebly tries to get away from the liquid causing him more pain. Eevee moves to the other side of the raven, small feet spread wide in a defensive position as she watches the battle around them.

"I'm sorry Ash. I know it hurts but I have to neutralize the poison." Gary apologizes desperately. Fighting to keep his rapidly deteriorating composure in check.

Pressing a large piece of gauze to the wound, he leans over the raven to exert more pressure. Ash's face is scrunched in agony. With his free hand, he opens another Antidote and slowly pours it into the raven's mouth. Choking briefly on the liquid that is suddenly in his mouth, Ash swallows the rest.

Looking around quickly, he analyzes the battle. Dragonite, with help from their angered flyers, is battling against the massive Arbok and Pinsir. The Rider along with Pikachu are engaging Jessie and James. The electric mouse keeps glancing back at them with worry and anger clearly written on its little face.

Why is the Rider helping us?

His gaze snaps back down as the body beneath him lets out a body shaking cough. Ash relaxes but his chest is no longer rising with labored breathing. Terror floods Gary's being.

Placing two fingers on Ash's neck he frantically searches for a pulse as he leans forward. His cheek inches away from Ash's lips, he stares at the chest in front of him. Praying for any signs of life. A slight puff of air on his cheek. The rise of his chest indicating a breath. Even the rhythmic pulse of his heartbeat. Anything that will prove he is still alive.

Gary takes a shaky breath as a light flutter pulses against his fingertips. Ash's chest rises slightly before falling once more.

His body is failing. Ash is dying.

I can't save him.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

AN: Ahhhh! Don't hate me! I had to do it! The evil voice in the back of my head that writes for me made me do it!

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Next up: Chapter 33 - Death