AN: Guys I had such a hard time writing this chapter. SO MANY FEELS! As a generally super chill person, I had a lot of difficulty with this. Let me know what you think.

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

Chapter Warnings: Language, immense pain, death, the feels

Pairing: Ash x Gary

Chapter 33 - Death

"What do you mean?" Ash asks slowly.

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

"I guess you can say that I am 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. Rain pounds the roof as the duo stare at the Rider in shock. What is he talking about? He's taking us back to Pallet? Why?

Ash stares at the armored man, completely and utterly confused. Sheathing the broken blade, the Rider 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. Ash's confusion increases further as he notices the angry tilt of the man's eyebrows. Why is he angry at Jessie and James?

"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."

Heart beating furiously as leftover adrenaline from their aerial battle rushes through his body, Ash tenses in preparation for battle. He slowly slides his hand downwards towards his belt, trying not to draw attention to his movements. Slowly pulling upward on his claymore, he loosens the long sword from its sheath which will allow him to draw the blade quickly if the need arises. His other hand slides over the pokeballs at his belt. This is not going to end well.

A loud shout startles the raven from his intense observations. Glancing in confusion at the brunet next to him, brown eyes widen at the absolute terror swimming in Gary's green eyes. Following his partner's line of vision, Ash begins to turn around when something heavy slams into his back.

He's forced to take a step forward from the sheer amount of power that he is struck with. He almost even takes another but is somehow unable to move any further away. Glancing down in confusion, he stares at the purple thing sticking out of his chest.

What the hell?

Raising his hand up, he touches the purple object in shock and confusion. Pulling it away, he stares at the dark liquid coating his fingers. Brown eyes flinch as his fingers start to burn. Poison?

The rain quickly washes his tainted blood away.

The thing is gone. Ripped away from him. He stares as the world around him suddenly starts spinning. The wet concrete feels rough on his face.

How did I get on the ground?

Rain is so noisy. And cold. Ash closes his eyes as water tries rushing into them. Everything is just so wet. He spits out the bitter liquid that is pooling in his mouth. Suddenly his body is rolling. That hurts. He groans in pain as his chest throbs with the movement.

Burning agony blossoms in his chest as the shock and adrenaline wear off. Each breath is a struggle. It hurts too much to breathe. The rain pelts against his face, into his mouth. Ash coughs as fluid fills his lungs. He's wheezing now.

It hurts so much.

His jaw clenches tight. Trying to breathe through the pain. But it's getting harder and harder to get the air he needs. His chest aches. It burns. Liquid fire crawls through his veins. He's boiling from the inside out. He has to be. Burning away his blood and organs. Reducing them to ash.

He can barely feel the light fleeting pressure on his chest. The cold water rains down on him. A futile attempt to cool the heat incinerating his insides. The soothing water suddenly vanishes. No. Come back. Ash struggles to open his eyes. His partner is above him, looking at his chest. Emerald eyes wide, pupils dilated. He looks so scared. Don't be scared Gary. Not for me.

"Ga...ry."

Green eyes immediately lock onto his own. Gary's hand stops probing the wound. The agonizing inferno melts away briefly as he stares into his partner's eyes. He struggles to take another breath. It's choking him. Turning his head slightly, he spits out the liquid trying so hard to coat his throat and mouth. It's red.

Leaning up slightly, he looks at his chest. A glaring hole stares back at him. Oozing sluggish black blood. Poisoned blood. Letting his head drop back to the roof, he stares at the roiling thunder clouds above him. He flinches as the fire bursts back to life with a vengeance. Clawing through his torso. Slowly making its way throughout the rest of his body.

His heart throbs in an effort to pump the thickened burning blood. But it's not going to work for much longer. Ash can tell.

I'm dying...

Ash reaches out for his partner. The one constant thing in his life for as long as he can remember. A strong hand grips his tightly. So strong. Gary has always been the strong one. His heart clenches in pain, adding to the excruciating ache crawling throughout his body. The fire has already reached his arms and stomach, melting away everything needed to keep him alive.

I don't want to leave you.

Tears pool in brown eyes. Mixing with the rain caressing his face.

I want to stay...stay with you.

Brown eyes slowly drink in the details of his partner's face. The normally brown fluffy hair plastered to the handsome angular face. Sparkling emerald eyes dulled by Gary's distress. Normally smirking lips now pressed tight together with worry. His partner. His family.

His beloved.

He opens his mouth to tell Gary. He has to tell him. To survive. To move on. To give up his revenge. Gary has to live. Leave all this crazy shit behind him. Leave the League. Just live. To forget him. To find love. And to live for that love.

Because he loves Gary. And he doesn't want Gary to be sad. Not for him. Gary deserves happiness. He has been through enough. He deserves it.

So do you. Ash mentally shakes away that thought. It's too late. I won't be able to survive this. I will die so Gary can be happy.

But who will protect him when you are gone? Ash scowls. My pokemon will listen to him. They will protect him for me. He says back. Arguing with himself. That is what he is reduced to now. His body is shutting down and his mind continues to rebel against him.

Ash tries to get his thoughts out but the words gurgle in his throat. He smiles ruefully. I'm too late. I can't tell him.

"Sorry." Ash chokes out. It's all he can say before he starts coughing again. The wound pulses with each cough. The liquid fire has spread to his fingers. His grip slackens as the pain overrides his muscles. Brown eyes close tight. Trying to block out the agony.

Blood is rushing through his ears. It's so loud. He can't even hear the rain anymore. The cooling rain. He hisses in pain at the sudden pressure on his chest. Forcing him into the ground. Forcing him further into the fiery pit his body is submerged in. Drowning in.

Stop. Please. Just make it stop.

A screech catches in his throat as a wave of freezing cold assaults his torso. Combating the raging fire. Making it feel even hotter in comparison. He feebly tries to move away. Just leave me with the rain. I like the rain.

Gary is saying something. I can't hear him.

The pressure is back. Jaw clenched tight, he keeps his cries of pain from bursting from his throat. A grunt slips through as his mouth is forced open. A viscous fluid is poured down his throat. He is choking. It's too thick, coating his tongue and throat. A hand clamps over his mouth. He tries to struggle but the fire won't let him. It hurts too much. Burning away his strength. So he swallows it.

It's so cold. Why is it so cold? It's gnawing at him. Battling the fire. He can't take it. The inferno already damaged his battlefield. His scorched body is shutting down. His limbs are locking up. His lungs won't fill up with air he desperately needs. His heartbeat slows. Ash can't feel anything but the raging duel inside him. Fire versus ice. Even that is beginning to fade away now though.

He struggles to open his eyes one more time. To get one last look of his partner but they won't open. There's nothing left. Not even enough strength to flutter his eyelids.

He's dying.

Goodbye Gary. I'll be waiting for you.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Gary sits beside Ash, staring at the prone body. A pained roar slowly draws his gaze upwards. Dragonite is wrapped tight in the coils of Arbok's body. Long claws furiously trying to pry the thick purple muscle away to let him escape. Pidgeot darts around the flared head, avoiding the poisonous fangs as it attacks the vicious snake. A loud screech pulls his gaze to the right. Fearow lies in a pool of blood nearby. Its thin neck cut right in two. Dull green eyes stare at his dead flyer impassively. His mind is too far away to grieve for it. Unable to focus.

Gary's heart leaps into his throat as Eevee, the pokemon Ash gave him, rushes to intercept the charging Pinsir. The bug pokemon clicks its challenge at the little brown pokemon that dares get in the way of its targets. Picking up speed, Eevee charges the stag beetle in a full powered Take Down. Pinsir doesn't even flinch. Swiping a clawed hand into the little pokemon's side, the powered up pokemon flings Eevee across the roof. The small evolution pokemon crashes into the concrete wall holding up the railing with a loud thump. Pieces of the wall lay around the injured pokemon.

Gary stands, sword intercepting the deadly pincers as he struggles to hold back the drugged up strength of the pincer pokemon. He glances back towards his pokemon who is struggling to get to her feet to rejoin the battle. Green eyes dip down towards his partner who is looking paler by the second. I can't help him if I am fighting. What if his heart stops?

Green eyes drift towards the worried electric mouse. That's it! With a burst of strength, he slides his sword to the side and spins his body away. Not expecting the sudden loss of resistance, Pinsir staggers forward before turning to attack again. Grabbing the sword with both hands, he charges to deliver a powerful sweeping blow. Swinging down from overhead, he angles the sword to cut diagonally through Pinsir's face to avoid the massive horns but it's blocked by a raised arm. The sword clashes against the beetle's armor with a ringing clang. Green eyes widen in astonishment.

That should have cleanly severed its arm. How hard is that armor?

Pulling on the blade, he pulls back to attack again but is knocked aside by a blur of brown. Eevee stands between him and James' pokemon once more.

Now's my chance.

Whipping various balls from his belt, he releases his pokemon in a flash of red. Directing Scyther, Dodrio and his own Pinsir to assist Eevee, he sends Nidoking and Wartortle to battle the massive Arbok. Rushing back towards Ash, he kneels at the raven's side and quickly checks his vitals.

Still barely there. Damn it.

Calling out Alakazam, he locks eyes with the intelligent psi pokemon. Memories of the last hour rush through his mind as the psychic pokemon learns of the current situation and his haphazard plan by scanning his brain. When the small dark eyes focus onto him, Gary nods at his pokemon.

"Keep him alive for me."

Standing up once again, he rushes off towards the battle between the soldiers and the Rider. He calls out to Pikachu. Long yellow ears stick straight up and swivel towards him as it picks up his shout over roaring storm and screech of the Attack Siren. Ash's starter quickly rushes over.

"Ash needs you. Alakazam has your orders."

The pokemon races away. Looking back quickly, he sees the two pokemon stare at each other briefly before the small yellow pokemon leans closer to his master. Long ears lay over the prone raven's chest, sparks fly as Pikachu charges power. Ready to deliver a small ThunderShock the moment Ash's heart falters. Pikachu is Ash's only chance at staying alive. Only he can help Ash's heart now.

He shakes the negative thoughts from his head. Focus. Green eyes fix onto the battle before him. The Rider is having a hard time against the two soldiers. Jessie and James attack like a well oiled machine, perfectly in sync with one another. Glancing blows from opposite sides ring against the armor as the Rider struggles to defend his vulnerable points with his broken sword. A small puddle of diluted blood spreads out below him from where their blades had cut through the grooves.

Gary's mouth pulls up into a snarl as he sees the victorious sneers on the soldiers faces. A flash of lightning is his cue to dart forward and intercept a lunge from the redhead. Disengaging their blades, he plants his back foot and lashes out to strike his former comrade. Blue eyes widen momentarily in shock before narrowing in anger.

"Why did you attack him?! He's a fellow soldier! Your comrade! And the attack from your snake is killing him!" Gary roars into her face.

The redhead hisses at him. Her sword a blur at it swings in for a blow to his side. Gary lowers his sword to block but is forced to retreat a few feet due to the awkward angle of the block.

He freezes as another flash of lightning lights the sky. Was that Pikachu? He forces his eyes to remain on the threat in front of him.

"Poor little Oak. His plaything is broken." Jessie coos mockingly. Her face twisted in an ugly snarl.

Furious growl ripping from his throat, he attacks again. Thrust, side cut, backhand side cut, overhand, overhand, backhand, backhand side. He launches combo after combo at his ex-comrade. His frustration grows as she blocks each one with relative ease. His worry spikes as lightning flashes over and over again. Thunder booms overhead. She smirks at the anger and concern written all over his face.

"I'm just mad I couldn't kill that idiotic crybaby myself. He is too weak to be a soldier. Completely useless. He even stole the pathetic pokemon I threw away. He doesn't belong in the Four."

Gary sees red. With an enraged cry, he launches a quick high side cut at her head, planning to decapitate the monstrous woman in front of him. Green eyes widen as Jessie ducks under the blow and jabs at his torso. Unable to do more than twist his body slightly, he flinches at the sharp sting of the blade tearing into his side.

Gary back steps quickly. Hand covering the bleeding cut as a flash of lightning lights up Jessie's face. She raises her sword to charge but freezes as blue light envelops her. Recognizing the psychic power, he swings back to look at Alakazam.

"Master, he stopped breathing."

Sheathing his sword, Gary rushes towards the still raven. Ash's face is slightly tinted blue from lack of oxygen. His own breath catches in his throat at the various scorch marks where Pikachu shocked him to jumpstart his heart. Ash's chest isn't moving.

Leaning over, he pinches the raven's nose closed and tilts Ash's head back to open up his windpipe. With his free hand gently opening his partner's mouth, he leans down and presses his lips down onto the raven's. Gary blows gently, forcing oxygen down Ash's throat and into his body. Pausing for several seconds, he blows again but the air refuses to go in. Pulling back slightly, he readjusts Ash's head and tries again. Gary's cheeks puff out instead.

Pushing aside his rising panic, he lets his limited medic training take over. Tilting Ash's head to the side, he lines up for compressions. Something is blocking the airflow. Please don't let there be blood in his lungs. Locking his arms, he presses down over and over. All the while counting in his mind. 1...2...3…

Pikachu squeaks from his side. Green eyes blink with tears. His lips are still tingling from the brief contact they shared.

I hate this.

Ever since that night on the cruise, there was no denying it anymore. He did feel some level of attraction for his partner. Gary has pictured it various times already. What it would be like when it finally happened. When their lips came together for the first time.

Maybe it would happen when they were at the house, comfortably resting on the couch after a tough day of training. Maybe even with a few drinks. Blue Alolans possibly. Inhibitions lowered, their legs would touch as one scooted closer to the other. Eyes would lock and then…

Or even maybe after a mission. Adrenaline rushing through their veins, it would be too hard to hold back. Just pressing Ash into the wall, like he did on the ship, and they would come together in a flurry of passion.

But not like this. He never wanted it like this. They should be at home, not on this roof in the middle of a storm and multiple battles raging around them. The thunder and Siren ringing in their ears.

Warm tears stream down his face, mixing in with the cold rain.

...28...29...30. Turning Ash's face back upwards, he nearly sobs at the small stream of blood dripping from his mouth. Pressing his lips onto cold ones once more, he tries to force his air into Ash but to no avail. It just won't go in.

"Come on Ash. Please breathe for me." He desperately pleads. The words barely forced out of his tight throat.

The raven's head rolls to the side. Gary leans forward and rests his head against his partner's cheek. The tan skin inches from his own as waves of sorrow threaten to drown him.

"Don't leave me." He whispers. His voice completely broken.

Gary gasps in surprise as he is suddenly flung from the body of his partner. Sprawling on the wet ground several feet away, he stares in shock as the massive Dragonite and its Rider stand next to Ash. He didn't even notice them approach. Green eyes widen in horror as the Dragonite breathes a stream of blue fire onto Ash's body.

With a cry full of alarm and rage, he leaps to his feet to attack. The Rider quickly spins and delivers a crushing kick to his injured side. He crumples to the ground, air knocked from his lungs. He struggles to his feet as Dragonite twists and aims a powerful gust of air at his partner.

"Stop! You're killing him!" Gary cries out in heartbroken agony.

The Rider merely scoffs at him before squatting to murmur to the wary electric mouse at his feet. The starter sniffs his hand briefly before hopping up onto his master's stomach. The armored man rips open another Antidote to pour onto the raven's wound. Stooping down to grab the remaining packets of antitoxin, the man then moves away to let Dragonite gently pick up Ash and Pikachu.

No! They can't take him from me! I won't let them!

Drawing his sword, he charges the dragon in an emotional rage. His sword is knocked out of his grasp and a hand is around his throat before he can even blink.

"Stop this at once or Ash will die." The Rider's rough voice thunders in his face.

Gathering all the hatred and fury he can muster, he glares at the masked man.

"You are the one killing him! Your fucking dragon set him on fire!"

The man shakes him sharply in anger before turning them so Gary can clearly see the burning body in Dragonite's arms over the Rider's shoulder.

"How stupid are you?! That's Dragonite's sacred Dragon Breath. Look! It's not even sizzling in the rain because it's not normal fire. It's the only thing keeping him alive right now! Dragonite can also direct air into his lungs with his flying type ability but I need Pikachu to keep his heart beating. I'm taking him to our base. We can save him there."

Green eyes widen. His mind is a raging sea of emotions. Hope versus despair. Longing versus rage.

The Riders can save him? Ash will live?...but he's a Rider! I can't trust them! Not after what they did. Why is he going through so much trouble to save him?

"Meet us at Mt. Silver." The Rider whispers in his ear before throwing him back towards the ground. Gary scrambles to his feet but the Rider is already perched on top of Dragonite. The tiny, teal wings spread wide for takeoff.

"Wait! What do you want with Ash?! Why save a soldier? Your enemy!" Gary yells out before they can leave.

The Rider turns and levels an impassive gaze at him. But Gary can see pain, regret and loss swirling in the dark depths of the man's eyes.

"Nothing. It is simply a father's duty to protect his son."

With a forceful flap of wings, Dragonite rockets into the air leaving a shell-shocked Gary behind.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

AN: Ahhh did any of you see that one coming?! But I have to give credit where credit is due. I very loosely based the CPR scene off of a Johnlock tumbler post I saw. Honestly, don't remember who posted it. If I find it again though, I will give them a well-deserved shout out!

Also was going to do some flashbacks/life flash before your eyes kind of thing for Ash but I found it hard enough to get through the action scenes and still right choppy enough to show the inner turmoil (hope I did okay with that by the way). SO I shall save that for the next chapter.

Favorite/follow/review please!

Next up: Chapter 34 - Brink