AN: GOOD NEWS! I have a MASSIVE chapter here for you guys! Over 14k words! I actually had to split this chapter in half cuz it was so long. Also whoever added me to the community, THANK YOU SO MUCH! It makes me so happy that you guys love this story enough to want to share it with other people! I am glad my random ramblings entertain all of you!

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

Chapter Warnings: Language, blood, gore, execution, murder, death, maiming, trippy-ness, torture, etc. this is a dark chapter guys

Pairing: Ash x Gary

Chapter 34 - Brink

Darkness. Ash knows his eyes are open but all he sees is never ending blackness. Not a sound can be heard. His body feels weightless. His hair floats around him. The silky strands caressing his face. All the more soft due to his lack of sight. The other senses enhancing to try to make up for the loss.

Brown eyes narrow in confusion. Shouldn't my hair be wet? Confusion floods his body. Wait… Why would I be wet though?

His fingers twitch as a gentle wave of warmth caresses his tan digits. Slowly twisting them through the pleasant warm ripples, a small smile grows on his face. Brown eyes close in happiness.

The warmth tickles his skin as it slowly wraps around him, like a fuzzy blanket cocooning his body. Tense muscles slowly relax at the comforting feeling.

Eyes sliding open, he stares into the vast darkness. Content to stay like this for as long as it lasts. It's been awhile since I could relax like this.

He blinks as a large pair of warm dark brown eyes form above him. Each eye easily larger than his body. Staring down at him impassively.

Confusion fills him as his body relaxes further. The large eyes somehow having a calming effect rather than filling him with terror. Deeply tanned skin gradually appears around the eyes.

Staring at the orbs above him, he takes in every detail. The dark chocolate color. The laughter lines at the edges. The swirling mirth and mischief clearly visible in their endless depths.

He knows these eyes. They feel so familiar to him but he just can't pinpoint from where. No one in the military ever had such a happy, carefree expression like the one floating above him.

Ash waits patiently as a face slowly forms around the large eyes. He's in no hurry. His mind strains as it tries to locate the memory. Seeing a glint of red in the brown orbs, he leans closer. Squinting to identify the mysterious flare of color.

The warm cocoon surrounding him heats up considerably as the red flashes once more. His mouth opens in a soundless scream as the brown eyes plummet towards him.

He sees his reflection in the falling orbs for a brief moment. His own brown eyes wide. His hair swirling in the flowing dark current. Another flash of red lights up the black, causing it to glow like a river of fire.

Muscles tense as the heat becomes unbearable. Fire rages through him. Burning away all traces of comfort. Leaving only a blazing agony.

Ash flinches as a high-pitched wail assaults him. Ringing in his ears. Body taut with tension, he cautiously opens his eyes and looks around for the source of the high pitched noise.

He jumps back as a wall of fire bursts to life in front of him. Spinning around quickly, brown eyes snap from one wall to another. Looking for an escape route. A dark shape materializes in the flames, arm stretching towards him.

Without hesitation, he grabs the offered limb and is pulled through a gap in the wall of burning heat. He can make out long, light brown hair though the smoke. His hand tightens around the smaller dainty one. A woman?

The black smoke prevents his gaze from analyzing his surroundings. He is pulled down stairs and out a door. Outside is chaos in its harshest form.

Fire rages out of control. Roaring like a demon released from the pits of hell for the first time in a millennia. Rampaging and annihilating all in its path of destruction. Killing any living thing that dares to cross its path.

The heat alone is unbearable. No longer the gentle caress of warmth like the dark river he woke up in but rather the surface of the sun itself. Unbelievably hot and stinging. Evaporating the sweat right off of his body. Leaving red, irritated skin behind.

The woman turns to say something to him. He can see her lips moving but can't make out the words. Not with the roar of the demon echoing in his ears. She pats his shoulder in a soothing gesture, a small smile on her face. But it's forced. He can see how pale she is under the gathering layer of black ash. Pupils dilated in fear, drowning out the pretty amber color.

They zigzag through the streets. Avoiding burning pieces of wood and burnt corpses. His boots slosh through liquid. Bile rises in his throat as he notices the red coloring, practically glowing in the crimson flames. Large, dark shapes dart in and out of the billowing black smoke.

His heart hammers in his throat. Brown eyes desperately trying to pierce through the thick fog. Just to give him those few extra milliseconds to defend himself and his rescuer from a sneak attack.

Clanging steel on steel reverberates over the roaring blaze. Various growls and snarls followed by explosions cause him to pull the woman away. We're in the middle of a battle! We have to get out of here!

Shock courses through him as two young children rush by him. Bleeding from large slashes down their arms. Tears leaving tracks through the ash covering their faces. Their mother races after them. One arm clutching the stump that was left of the other. A trail of blood dripping behind her.

A town? What the hell is going on? Why attack families and children?

The woman pulls him up a slight incline. A large white wall appears out of nowhere. She quickly types a few numbers into the keypad next to a steel door. Once open, she drags him inside.

Bright fluorescent lights momentarily blind him. Squinting in annoyance, Ash quickly scans the room for any threats. Only haggard townspeople stare back at him.

The woman pulls him towards a row of tables. Each covered with a white sheet. Upon them lies those that are heavily injured.

A young boy is on the first table. Gauze wrapped tight around his torso. A line of red running diagonally across his chest and stomach. He's lucky to even be alive.

Ash watches silently as the woman comforts the small boy who looks close to having a panic attack. She picks the little one up and places him on her hip. The duo walk away leaving Ash to follow behind. He stares at the boy as he wiggles from the nice woman's grasp and makes a beeline for the door.

The townspeople cry out in horror as the child opens the door before promptly collapsing. A beam of light slams through the open doorway and right through the woman's torso. Leaving a gaping, bloody hole behind. Large enough for him to see through.

Horror floods his being. Muscles lock in place as a cry is ripped from his throat.

"MOMMY!"

Air freezes in his throat. It aches from the smoke and the harsh cry that was just pulled unbidden from his lips.

Mommy? His mother?

Brown eyes widen in shock and quickly scan the room once more. Various pieces of equipment lay around the room. Pushed back to allow room for the people. No. This can't be…Professor Oak's lab? Then the attack...the fire…

His gaze is drawn towards the boy on the floor. The child is looking right at him with fear and anger warring in his expressive green eyes.

He knows these eyes too. He sees them every day.

"Gary." He whispers.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

The December rain pelts against his face as green eyes blink out the blinding liquid. Gary squints to see through the raging storm. Bent close over Pidgeot's back, they race towards Mt. Silver. Towards the Dragon Rider's base.

Towards Ash.

He grips the long plumage tighter as images race through his head. Ash getting impaled by Jessie's Arbok. Ash fighting to stay alive. Ash apologizing to him. Ash's pale, blue-tinted face. Ash lying there with an unbeating heart.

He blinks away tears. He can't afford to compromise his vision anymore than the storm is already doing for him.

Bloodstained hands bury into the thick feathers. Defiling the brilliant white plumage with crimson.

This is all my fault...I should've noticed the snake sooner. I could've pushed him out of the way. I should've stayed by his side instead of having Pikachu and Alakazam fight just to keep his body alive. Then maybe the Rider wouldn't have taken him.

Gary's jaw tightens in anger. That Rider. Ash's father.

How could a father abandon their only child like that? How can a father completely destroy his hometown and kill his wife in cold blood? How can a father send his son to be raised as a killer for the military?

This is all the Rider's fault. We wouldn't have been there if he didn't show up last night right after we left.

Green eyes widen in shock. The Riders have been tailing us! Luring us out to the canyon...Almost killing me….Following us to Silph Co. Distracting us from that damn snake...

Squaring his broad shoulders, muscles tighten in anticipation. Determined green eyes narrow at the horizon.

They are planning something. I know it. I will tear that fucking mountain apart to get Ash back. I'll rush him to the hospital and once he is safe, I will go back to kill every last one of those backstabbing murderers.

A flash of lightning illuminates a colossal object ahead. A towering mountain reaching high above the dark thunder clouds hovering in the night sky.

Like the body of a giant, curled in sleep, Mt. Silver stands imperiously before him. In its depths, wrapped tight in its massive claws, lays his partner. Waiting for Gary to come and save him.

I'm coming Ash. Just hold on a little longer.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

A bright flash of light followed by a surge of electricity freezes Ash in place. Muscles spasm as the current slams through him.

His heartbeat thunders in his ears. Terror courses through him as the throbbing beats pause for just a slight second. His breath catches in his throat.

Gradually, the electric surge fades away. Opening eyes that he didn't know he closed, he takes deep gasps of air as he looks around in confusion.

He's still in the lab but all the other townspeople are gone. The building is torn apart with pieces of equipment lying all over the place.

He avoids looking at the red liquid smeared over the floor in front of him. Hearing the rumble of voices, he follows the noise out into Professor Oak's house.

Three unfamiliar soldiers stand in the trashed living room talking to a visibly younger and exhausted Professor Oak. His trademark white lab coat is torn in various places and covered in soot.

Furniture is torn apart as if a pack of rabid Houndooms have made the room their personal playground. Innards from the couch cushions mix with glass from a smashed coffee table cover the floor. Light reflects off the shards shining streaks of rainbow light onto the dull white walls.

As with the woman, his mother he reminds himself, their lips are moving but no sound comes out. Cursing his inability to read lips as well as Gary can, brown eyes wander around the room. He spots the younger version of his partner peering out curiously from behind the doorway to the kitchen. Wide green eyes staring at the soldiers with a mix of fear and awe.

Based on the frantic, jerky movements of the Professor, Ash assumes that the soldiers must have somehow pissed him off, an impressive feat for someone so jolly and carefree as the older Oak. The researcher's bright red face is close to the soldiers as he yells at them soundlessly.

The military personnel just stare back impassively. Ash knows the vigorous training they went through for he suffered through the same grueling exercises; to not show any emotion no matter what is thrown at you.

One of the soldiers hands drops down onto the sword strapped to his waist. Professor Oak stills at the movement. Jaw clenching tight in barely restrained fury.

Brown eyes widen in surprise as Professor Oak, his father figure, steps aside. Two soldiers quickly march forward. One towards Gary and another towards him.

Ash steps forward towards the Professor but the man yanks him away with an ungodly amount of force. Strength that no man should be able to have. He is powerless to stop them from taking him and his younger partner away from their home.

The sharp sting of ozone tingling his nose is the only warning he has before electricity slams through him once more. His heart freezes in panic. The lab fades away into the roiling blackness that he's quickly becoming familiar with.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Pidgeot circles the massive mountain from the base up towards the peak. Keen Eyes looking for any movement that would reveal a secret entrance to the Rider's hideout.

Gary desperately scans the sheer rock face but can see nothing but dark shapes through the thick sheets of rain. His body aches. The adrenaline from the previous battle has long since dissipated. Leaving weary muscles abandoned in its wake.

His uniform sticks to his skin, soaked through from the pounding rain. Shivering in the cold, he silently thanks Pidgeot's smooth flying. Her aerial prowess in the air leaves little for him to do besides huddle into himself for warmth and lean slightly into turns, allowing his weary muscles a much needed break.

Gary's mind, however, is in utter turmoil. Worry over Ash's condition wars with rage at the Riders. His weariness causing him to jump at shadows which only furthers his exhaustion.

Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath to try to calm his racing thoughts. There's no point going into battle if I am distracted. I can't save Ash if I'm dead.

A sharp beat of wings snaps Gary out of his meditation as he pitches forward at the sudden lurch. Pidgeot's head is turned sharply to the left, large eyes locked on something below them. With only a squawk as a warning, he grips tightly to her plumage a moment before she plummets towards the mountain.

Wings tucked tight into her large body, they rocket towards the rock face. Gary forces his eyes to remain open as the cliff rushes up to meet them. His gut slams into his throat as her wings unfurl with a snap, slowing their breakneck descent into a fast, controlled fall.

Blinking rain and tears from his eyes, green orbs lock onto the blonde Rider standing at the mouth of a cave with a Farfetch'd at his side. The brown wild duck pokemon is scanning the horizon in front of it with a large stick propped up against its shoulder like a soldier standing at ease with his rifle.

Bracing himself for impact, Gary jumps off Pidgeot as she slams into the smaller bird pokemon with her sharp talons extended. Rolling to absorb the impact, Gary grunts as the contact with the hard ground jars his aching muscles. Tight after the long flight.

Having streaked down in the duck's blind spot, Farfetch'd doesn't stand a chance against the stronger flier. Small, hollow avian bones snap under the tremendous momentum of Pidgeot's dive. Tapered talons tear into smaller bird, ripping through feathers, skin and muscle. The wild duck pokemon doesn't even have time to swing its weapon before its life is smashed out of existence by Ash's flyer.

Forcing his numb muscles into action, Gary draws his Ka-Bar from where he tucked the sheath into his belt. Frozen in shock at seeing his pokemon so brutally and efficiently murdered, the guard offers no resistance as Gary knocks the his weapon away. It clatters down to the ground, landing in the growing puddle of blood.

Lunging forward, Gary presses the knife blade up against the man's throat as he shoves him against the wall. Snarling in his face, he glares into wide, terrified gray eyes.

"Where is he?" Gary hisses.

The Rider whimpers in pain and fear as the blade cuts through his mask and bites into his neck. A droplet of blood rolls sluggishly down the black blade and pools at the hand guard.

"Who-what are you talking about?" The man stutters.

Gripping the black and purple jacket, Gary yanks the guard forward and slams the smaller man into the wall. The Rider grips his arm loosely to try to push the blade away but freezes as Gary yanks his head back by his long blonde hair.

"My partner. The Rider that has been tailing us got him injured and kidnapped him on his fucking dragon! I know this is your fucking base so TELL ME WHERE HE IS!"

The soldier stares back at him in slight confusion, as if he can't make sense of what Gary just told him. Seeing the gray eyes glaze over in thought, Gary leans forward to catch the man's quiet mutterings. He is only able to pick out the words "Captain," "son," and "infirmary" before the Rider falls silent.

Pulling back, Gary locks eyes with the Rider. A glint of something shines in the previously terrified gray orbs. Something that pisses him off even more. Gary can tell from the tilt of the man's eyes that he is smiling at him.

Growling in anger, Gary flicks his wrist. The knife easily slices through fabric and skin, severing the Rider's carotid artery and trachea. Blood squirts out, pumped straight out of his body by his still beating heart. Liquid gurgles in the man's throat as he tries to breathe. To call out for help. To make any noise at all to alert the others of Gary's malevolent presence.

The Rider falls with a thud at Gary's feet. Gray eyes slowly dimming as blood oozes from his neck to mix with the mangled flying type inches away.

Bending down, he cleans his tactical knife on the Rider's clothes before sheathing the blade. Sliding their packs off his back, he drops them to the ground. Using the straps of the Rider's rifle, he slings both pack together to make it easier for Pidgeot to carry.

Gary motions for her to be circle the mountain in case they need to make a speedy exit. With a quiet squawk, she grabs their gear and launches back into the rain.

Green eyes stares impassively at the two bodies at his feet for several seconds before he heads into the mountain.

I will get him back. No one is going to stop me.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

As the light fades and his muscles stop freaking out over the sudden electrical charge, Ash cautiously opens his eyes. Once more, his surroundings have changed. He now stands at the entrance of the Academy. Brown eyes narrow in confusion at the overwhelming mixture of awe, anxiety and hesitation within him. Emotions he has never remembered feeling just looking around the place he has lived for so many years.

Looking down, he sees Gary next to him. His small childish face easily mirroring the emotions coursing through Ash. Feeling a slight pressure at his back, Ash steps forward onto the base. His confusion grows as he looks around the compound that looks so different from how he left it just a few months ago.

The base is practically deserted. No cadets wandering around between classes. No outdoor training sessions. Hell, even some of the buildings seem to be missing!

Just what the hell is going on? It looks like it was just built or something. Most of the equipment isn't even here yet. Almost like when we first got here.

Ash freezes mid-step. Brown eyes blown wide, he spins in a circle as he looks around the Academy with new eyes. His frenzied search lands on the young boy walking ahead of him next to a soldier. He jolts as a large hand lands on his shoulder.

"Welcome to the Academy." A deep voice grunts out behind him.

Startled by the first noise he has heard in who knows how long, Ash stares blankly at the tall soldier looking down at him. Short black hair, brown eyes so dark they appear to blend in with the black pupils. His own brown orbs widen as he recognizes the soldier next to him. A younger version of the Commander himself, perhaps a few years older than Ash is now.

This is a memory…

A sharp pain bursts to life in his torso. Raising a hand up, he presses down on his chest. Feeling liquid drip through his fingers, he pulls his hand back and stares at the blood coating his hand.

What the fuck?!

Flashes of a stormy aerial battle invade his mind. A thick tail spearing his back. The tear-stained face of his partner leaning over him. His will to live fiercely battling against the poison spreading through his body. Daring him to lay back and accept his fate.

I'm dying…

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Gary cautiously heads into the tunnel. Taking out his night vision glasses, he slides them on as the light fades away leaving only oppressing blackness behind. Sneaking forward another fifty yards, he's forced to stop as the path splits off.

Damn it! How am I supposed to know which way to go? Alakazam still hasn't recovered enough to locate Ash's wavelength.

Looking down at his belt, he fingers the pokeballs at his waist. I have to move as quickly and quietly as I can. However, if I run into any wild pokemon or Riders, I'm going to need all the help I can get...

Grabbing three pokeballs, he quickly releases his pokemon. The red light slowly fades away revealing Arcanine, Eevee and Dodrio. Their eyes shining in the dark of the mountain. Seeing their distraught trainer, the three pokemon immediately tense up as they wait for their orders.

"Dodrio, carry Eevee and watch our rear. Both of you listen for any pursuers or any wild pokemon that might pose a threat." He whispers.

Stepping up to the fire type, Gary swings himself up onto its large furry back.

"Arcanine, find Ash." Gary commands his fire type.

A low rumble echoes through the large canine and up his spine. Arcanine raises his nose and scents the air around them. The large tan head turns toward the branching tunnel on the right.

With a quiet growl, Arcanine bounds away. Gary threads his fingers through the thick fur to not get thrown off at the sudden movement. The sharp pitter patter of Dodrio's talons follows behind them.

It doesn't take long until Arcanine freezes, several yards away from a bend in the passage. A dim halo of flickering light indicating some kind of power source up ahead. A torch, most likely. The canine beneath him is completely rigid as it sniffs the air cautiously. Looking behind him, he sees Eevee's long brown ears straight up and twitching as new sounds get filtered in.

Something is around that bend.

"How many?" Gary whispers.

After a few quiet growls among the pokemon, one of Dodrio's heads softly clucks three times. Nodding to himself, he urges Arcanine forward by squeezing his knees into the fire type's sides.

Once they are on the edge of the ring of light, Gary slides off of Arcanine's back. Pressing himself against the rock. Peering around the bend, he observes a small cavern about the same size as Gramp's kitchen and dining room.

The sharp senses of his pokemon proved to be accurate as three uniformed Riders sit around a large flat rock serving as a table. A flash of white hints at the rebels playing some sort of card game. Two large torches light the small area causing their shadows to dance upon the rough walls. Green orbs narrow as they try to locate any visible weapons.

Spotting nothing besides a small pack on the ground, Gary slides back into the dark tunnel. Pointing at Dodrio, he gives the hand signals for the flying type to rush in and take out the Riders on his signal. The tri-headed pokemon nods in understanding as Eevee jumps off its back.

Peering around the wall once more, Gary waits until the one guard facing them is thoroughly distracted by their game. Watching the man scratch his head in confusion at his current hand, Gary flicks his wrist forward.

With a burst of speed, Dodrio sprints into the cavern. Its three sharp beaks striking out with frightening accuracy. Besides a singular startled shout, no other sounds give away the brutal execution. Within moments, all three Riders lay in growing pools of their life blood on the cavern floor with various puncture wounds covering their bodies.

As Gary steps into the cavern, Eevee rushes past him. He kneels down as she drags the pack over. Digging through the bag, a large smirk breaks out onto his face as he realizes that it is filled to the brim with medical supplies. This is exactly what I need to get Ash out of here.

Slinging the pack onto his back, he mounts Arcanine. Dodrio, having cleaned its bloody beaks on the Rider's clothes, squats to allow Eevee to hop back on as well. Seeing a low tunnel off to the left, the group moves onward and downward. Steadily moving deeper into Mt. Silver.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

The next memory that captures him is about six years after they arrived at the Academy. Gary and him had been some of the first candidates for the trial program. Ash can remember that there was five of them in the beginning. Five small, little children living on a military base surrounded by soldiers.

Of course, since they were so little, they basically just spent most of the day playing together in a small day care center and learning basic things such as the alphabet and numbers. Once they hit six, they started to take more classes and spent less time playing. It was really a boarding school more than anything else to be honest.

Over the years, many more children were admitted into the program as the success of the original five was praised by government officials. Gary and him were always in the same class due to their close ages though.

It wasn't until they turned 7 that they were allowed to either begin military training or switch to the other side of the Academy where the orphaned students learned different crafts to be productive to society. It was then that the original five broke apart, with only Gary and Ash staying for military training. He never saw the other three again or anyone else that decided to become a tradesman over being a soldier.

However, this particular memory is from when they were ten. It's clearly already different from the previous memories he has been zapped to. This time, instead of watching the memory play out from his own eyes, he stands behind a younger version of himself as little Ash sits dejected in the grass.

Ash can't remember what has him so depressed at the time. Homesickness maybe? Just as he is about to step forward to see if he can interact with his younger self, a group of other young cadets approaches them. Ash immediately recognizes them as the older boys in his class that had a grudge against him when they were younger.

Recognizing what is about to happen, he quickly reaches forward to stop the angry children but his hand passes right through them. Brown eyes widen in shock. He can only stare in horror at the scene playing out before him.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is boys! The little crybaby who thinks he's so tough because he can make fancy swings with his wittle sword." The largest boy, Zack Carter, states cruelly.

Young Ash curls his small arms tighter around his thin legs. He stares resolutely off into the distance, trying hard to ignore the bullies teasing him. It's not like it's his fault that he has been there so long after all. Of course he will be better at all the drills compared to a few boys who had just got here a month ago, even if they are older and bigger.

Ash flinches as the large bully reaches out to smack his younger self. Little Ash stands warily, small hand pressing against his smarting cheek as he watches the group circle him and Zack menacingly.

"You should have just transferred over when you had the chance. Crybabies should make pretty little dresses for themselves instead of learning to fight like a proud soldier." The boy taunts.

Ash can't help a small smile that forms at the look of defiance on his young face. He always did hate being called a crybaby and a girl. What strong little man training to be a mighty warrior would?

"Then why haven't you transferred yet fat-face?!" Young Ash yells back. His small hands clenching into tight fists. Ready to defend himself against their counter-attack to his jibe.

Zack blushes red as his so-called friends snicker at his plight. With a sharp glare, he gains their loyalty born out of fear once more. The boys quickly jump Ash.

The young raven fights bravely but he can only do so much against kids larger and older than him. Especially when he is this far outnumbered. They hadn't gotten around to teaching them how to fight more than one or two people at a time yet.

He's quickly pinned to the ground on his back. His struggling limbs stuck under the body weight of the bullies. The large boy sits on his torso, thick fingers playing with a small knife he had taken from class.

"Since you like to play with knives so much, I figured I'd play with you crybaby."

The blades flashes downward, cutting deep into the flesh of his cheek. The little raven screams in pained agony as Zack slices another line into his skin. Tears flow freely from his eyes, mixing with the blood pouring down his face.

"Awww look. Poor wittle crybaby. Scream all you want but no one is coming to save you."

The bullies laugh at his pain. Ash can remember it well. The burning pain and humiliation of being tortured just because he was just slightly better at something than them. Ash runs calloused fingers over the thin zigzag scars leftover on his face.

Brown eyes blink in surprise as Gary suddenly appears snarling in the middle of the pack. Fists flying and feet kicking out at the older boys. The lackeys quickly retreat holding their bruises as they rush away from the savage brunet.

Gary snatches the blade away from Zack and delivers a crushing blow to his temple with the hilt. Knocking the bully off of Ash and onto the blood-stained grass below. Gary bends down to whisper into little Ash's ear but he can't hear what is being said over the pain-laced cries of his smaller self.

Gary helps the young raven to his feet and rushes him to the Medic Bay. Ash follows behind the duo casually. Brown eyes raking over Gary's form. He doesn't remember this part of the memory. His young mind was too consumed with pain to really register what was happening.

He can see the various emotions swirling over Gary's face as the brunet practically drags him down the hallway. Confusion, worry, anger. It's interesting to see since Ash thought Gary didn't care for him until after they were partners for a while. Yet, here is evidence proving his theory wrong.

But if I don't remember this, how am I able to see it? Especially from an outsider's perspective?

Lost in thought, he watches the medic sew up the cuts on his face and lay him down in an empty bed. Heavy with exhaustion from the ordeal and the painkillers, his younger self quickly falls asleep. Bracing himself for the likely transition to the next memory, he blinks in shock as Gary slowly climbs up into bed with him.

Wrapping small arms around the little raven, Gary tucks Ash into his side. He leans down to whisper in his ear yet Ash can hear it reverberating around in his own skull as if the brunet screamed it out at the top of his lungs.

"Don't worry Ashy-boy. I'll protect you."

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Mouth agape, green orbs are blown wide in awe at the sight before him. Moonlight shines down through a break in the clouds onto a large crater, almost a mile across. Fields of crops stretch out over the distance. Numerous walkways leading to various large caves dissect the growing plants into a variety of shapes. In the center of it all, stands a small base.

Multiple one story wooden huts surround a large oval patch of dirt about 100 yards long. From his place just inside one of the tunnels, he can make out a few moving objects in the flickering light of the torches spread sporadically throughout the encampment. Whether they were Riders or pokemon, he can't tell from this far away.

Leaning down towards Arcanine, he whispers into the pokemon's ear.

"Is Ash in the base?"

The fire type lifts its large fluffy head to scent the air. Gary struggles to wait patiently. Body tight with tension as he forces himself not to rush the fire type. Green eyes wander over the base below them.

Where are you?

Feeling muscles shift below him, his gaze drops down to his pokemon. Paw raised in the air, it points off towards the right. Gary squints in the poor light but the moon has fallen behind its shield of clouds. Trusting his pokemon's senses, he nudges them forward.

Keeping close to the rocks beneath them, they cautiously begin the treacherous trek down into the crater. Senses straining to pick up any indication that they have been spotted.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Body still frozen in shock at the surprising end of the memory, he almost doesn't feel the sizzling energy fill his being as he is transported again. Brown eyes quickly close as the bright light threatens to blind him.

Turning his head to the side, he slowly opens his eyes and blinks in confusion at the liquid in front of his face. Sitting up in the shallow water, he looks around him completely bewildered. Like the strange black river he first woke up in, this water refuses to soak him.

Mystified at this odd phenomenon, he runs slim tan fingers through the water. It's cool and silky to the touch. Refreshing against the intense heat of the summer sun glaring down on him from above. The buzz of happy bug pokemon hums in the background.

Ash stares as two upright, red sticks float by him sluggishly. Noticing the thin piece of wire attached to the end, he follows the lines up to two crudely made fishing poles. Sitting behind the improvised sticks sit Gary and his younger self. Mouths moving in no doubt some kind of petty argument based on the slightly annoyed expressions gracing their small faces.

Looking around the small pond, Ash notices other children, no pre-teens, practicing their fishing skills. An instructor walks around casually, offering instruction here and there. This must be the outdoor survival class. Which means…

A loud splash draws his attention back to himself and Gary. An old pokeball, hooked on both of their lines, is held suspended in midair as both twelve year olds pull hard on their lines. Trying to overpower the other and claim the prize for themselves.

With a loud snap, the ball snaps in half. The top red half sailing into Gary's chest while the bottom white half smacks the raven in the face.

Ash rolls his eyes as the bickering evolves into an all out brawl over the broken treasure. The instructor quickly runs over to quell the fight. A smile breaks out on his face as he watches their antics. How did they ever think we would get along as partners? We fought like this all the time.

Seeing Gary wrap his younger self in a headlock brought back the memory in the Medic Bay. Did Gary really care for him all this time? Is that what the higher ups saw?

Standing from the water, he follows behind the soldier as the instructor practically drags the boys away to the Commander's office. Ash hovers near the door, as far away as he can get from the man. Tension threading through his body at the intimidating glare of the soldier. It doesn't matter that the Commander can't see or touch him in any way. Just being in the man's presence is hard on his nerves.

The two boys stare at the desk in front of them, thoroughly chastised. A long suffering filled sigh breaks the silent scolding. Startled by the sudden noise, Ash takes a step back closer to the door.

"This is the third time this week you boys have been pulled into my office." The Commander states wearily.

The two boys begin to argue once more, silent to Ash's ears, before they fall silent under the Commander's glare.

"I understand that it is hard for you two since you have both been here for so long. That being said, I will put both of you in the advanced classes with the older students. While you normally not be able to take these classes until you are 14, both of you are strides ahead of the others in your age group. You can begin supervised missions if you receive approval from your instructors and you will be partners. No exceptions. Understood?"

The duo nod before standing to leave. Ash can clearly see the disappointed scowls painted on both of their faces. However, a certain happy gleam in their eyes catches his attention before the memory fades away.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Gary's very quickly losing his patience. They've spent the better part of the last two hours making their way down to the crater floor and across the large expanse of fields. Moving slowly to not disrupt the plants around them and give away their position.

At least the moon was on their side and has yet to make another reappearance to reveal their location to any watchmen. Once they had reached the floor, Gary noticed the multitude of caves pocketing the sides of the crater. Not knowing if any are occupied, he decided to take the quickest route diagonally through the fields instead of skirting around the edge of the crater. But the slow pace is grueling.

His body's practically overflowing with anxiety. Blood pumps through his veins the closer they get. They're a mere 20 yards away from one of the buildings when a wild Ekans pops out from its burrow in front of Dodrio. Gary tenses at the loud squawk the flying type releases in surprise before it spears the snake with its long beaks.

Arcanine growls lowly grabbing his attention. The canine turns slowly towards the building with its fangs bared. Following its gaze, Gary curses under his breath. A squad of ten Riders steps out of the hut with a Growlithe at their feet. Already sniffing the air to find the source of the disturbance.

Damn it. I can't call out any more pokemon. They will see the expansion light if I do.

"Split up and separate them. Take them out as quietly and quickly as possible." Gary whispers into Arcanine's ear.

With a low rumbling as acknowledgement, Gary slides off the crouching canine to relay his instructions to the other two pokemon. He slides the black knife out of its sheath as the pokemon slink away. Pulling out the butterfly knife Ash gave him, he moves backward further into the tall plants. Blades at the ready, he waits for his first opponent to stumble upon him.

Controlling his breathing, Gary watches two soldiers step towards him. Hidden by the dark of the night and the large plants, the two Riders pass by him completely unaware of his presence. Sliding out from his hiding place, he slinks behind the two soldiers. As if sensing his bloodlust, one of the Rider's begins to turn around.

Lunging forward, Gary buries both knives into the man's chest. Kicking the body off of his blades, he spins to slice through the throat of the second Rider. The man blocks his tactical knife but is unable to stop the momentum of Gary's second knife.

The Rider bends backward. The blade slices through his jaw and off his cheek. Disengaging their blades, Gary steps back to lunge forward once more. Arm raised to strike, he is suddenly knocked aside by an orange blur. Forty pounds of furious canine sits on his chest. Growling in his face.

His Ka-bar is flat between Growlithe and his torso. Completely useless to defend against the snapping jaws. Flinging his other arm up, he stops the approaching fangs with his other blade. The fire type gnaws on the weapon. Digging it deeper into its gums as it tries to dislodge it from its mouth.

Green eyes widen in fear as flame begins to build inside the canine's mouth. It's going to try to melt the blade.

Yanking at the knife, he tries to pull the blade free. It doesn't budge. Firmly embedded in the canine's mouth as it is.

No! I can't lose this knife. Ash gave it to me!

Yanking harder, the butterfly knife finally pulls free. A fang flies out with it. Blood pours out of Growlithe's mouth and onto his chest. The fire type whimpers in pain.

Gary throws the pokemon off of him as it is distracted by its wound. Rolling away he quickly jumps to his feet. Spinning around, he looks for the other Rider.

A sharp pain blossoms in his head. His vision turns black as his body slowly falls to the earth. The last thing his unfocused green eyes see is the other Rider holding a long baton.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash's jaw hurts. All this electricity coursing through his body is starting to wear him down. He's exhausted and in pain. He's tired of reliving all these memories. Especially since he can't hear most of what is going on.

Is this really going to continue until it reaches the part where I died? I won't be able to last that long at this rate.

Sighing in exhaustion, tired brown eyes scan his new environment. It takes several moments for his fatigued mind to comprehend that he is no longer on base. Green scenery flies by him in a blur. To his left, a soldier drives the Jeep he has somehow found himself in. Behind him, the younger versions of himself and Gary sit in the backseat. Now teenagers who haven't stepped off base in almost 9 years, they glance around awed at the nature around them.

It's their first mission. A soldier, their supervisor for the time being, drives them through Viridian City and Route 2's express road that skirts the Viridian Forest.

Ash smiles softly at the nature around him. He can make out a few bug pokemon as they drive by. His mind wanders to the drugged Beedrill in Professor Oak's care. Hopefully the poison bee pokemon will be able to make a full recovery.

If Gary can catch a Caterpie and evolve it into a Butterfree, than he would be able to make Larvitar's medicine on his own. With Butterfree and Beedrill's help anyway.

Happy with his new revelation, Ash hums content for the remaining hours of the trip. For whatever reason, this memory is playing out longer than the others and he will enjoy every second of reprieve he can get.

A few hours later, the beautiful scenery falls away as they approach the massive stone wall surrounding Pewter City. The trio flash their IDs to the guards at the gate. Ash smiles at the excited boys behind him. They were issued special cadet IDs for their first real mission.

The soldier stops their Jeep in front of a towering office building. The two cadets rush inside, eager to begin their assignment. Armed with a handgun and small blade, they flash their IDs once more to the indoor security.

Ash follows leisurely behind with their supervisor. The small duo stop by the front desk before heading off to the elevator. The five of them step in. Ash can feel their excitement and pride practically vibrating in the air.

Elevator dinging the correct floor, they step out into a wide open office. Multiple bundles of cubicles are spread throughout the area. The cadets dart out and head towards the large glass office in the back.

In the room, sits an old man. Round glasses perch on a distinguished nose. Wisps of white hair grace his balding head while his matching scruffy beard bursts with life. A light tan fedora rests on his desk next to a cane carved to look like the spine of Tyrantrum with a small piece of Old Amber attached to the top. The nameplate on his desk reads: Dr. John Hammond, Founder of Jurassic Park Research Facility and Head of Excavation and Recovery.

Ash remembers the old man fondly even if he only met him a few times. With a foreign accent and love of silly jokes, he was like a breath of fresh air from their disciplined lifestyle.

On his desk sits a small burlap bag, filled with a few extra Thunderstones his department had found digging in the multiple ruins around the region. Extremely helpful for those on base who wish to evolve their Pikachu as quickly as possible like Lt. Surge.

His smile falls as he thinks of his starter. I'm going to miss the little guy and the rest of my pokemon. Hopefully they will follow Gary's orders. I know he will take good care of them.

Bag securely in Gary's small hand, the group turns to leave. Ash stares at the old man for several more seconds. The jovial smile falls off the man's face as soon as they leave. Ash watches in confusion as Hammond pulls out a slim phone and dials. Several seconds pass as he waits for someone to answer.

"I've just made contact. It's confirmed. They are both in the Academy and are partners believe it or not."

The old man pauses as he listens to the other end. Confusion grows inside Ash. He knew who we were? How? And who the hell is he talking to?

He can feel the air charge with ozone as the electricity builds to take him to the next memory. Ash steps closer to the desk, hoping to catch more of the conversation before he is whisked away.

The room already looks brighter than it did a few minutes ago. Sounds are fading away as the crackle of electricity drowns them out. Ash strains to hear the last few words of the call.

"-the King-...-cause a war-...-wait and see."

King? Kanto doesn't have a king. How can a non-existent king start a war?

His questions are left unanswered as the electric current sweeps him away in a flash of yellow light.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

His skull is throbbing. His vision swims in front of him. Gary's head lulls to the side by a hard jerk of his body. His feet bounce off the ground behind him. He slowly becomes aware of his arms around someone's shoulders. No...two people's shoulders.

He can't focus. Something is wrong with him.

Gary groans in pain as his body drops down to the rocky floor. The hard surface scratching his cheek. Someone rotates him roughly. His body feels like gelatin. None of his limbs are listening to him.

Another groan is torn from his throat as eyelids are forced open. A bright moving light practically blinds his weary green eyes. Harsh voices penetrate his mind but Gary can't make sense of them.

Lifting a heavy hand, he tries to push the hand on him away. His hand is knocked away effortlessly. It lands on the floor. Gary doesn't even try to move it again. He's just so tired.

Why won't they just let me sleep?

Soothing cold wraps lovingly around his wrists. He welcomes its sweet caress. It feels nice on his heated skin. Comforting him as it lulls him into sleep and a sense of security.

"-just kill him!" A shrill voice screams. A woman?

The pressure around his wrists instantly increases. A sharp click of a lock being closed echoes in his ears. His hand twitches. The jangle of metal chains follows. Shackles? I'm a prisoner?

Gary renews his efforts to gain control of his body. He has to get the keys back before his assailants leave. I have to get to Ash.

A heavy kick into his abdomen leaves him gasping for air. What little control he had regained slips through his fingers like water. The darkness welcomes him into its embrace once more.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash breaks out into a fit of coughing as he comes to. Smoke fills his lungs. The heat of a nearby fire threatens to burn the rest of him to match his scarred back.

He squints to see through the thick black fog of smoke. Am I back in Pallet again?

Seeing shapes move through the smoke, Ash steps forward. A man dressed in black leather slowly comes into focus standing next to a huge bonfire full of burning boxes and furniture. With spiky neon green hair, multiple piercings and various tattoos peeking out from underneath his black t-shirt, he is the textbook definition of a thug.

A small bluish-gray Machop stands next to the gangster. Three large gray crescents sprout from the top of its head. Red eyes flash in the low light as the superpower pokemon throws a couch into the fire. The man hands it a large box to throw in next. Destroying all the evidence his gang was ever there in the first place.

Behind him, Gary and Ash sit on the floor. Young eyes wide with terror. Hands and feet bound tight with duct tape. They had practically begged for their first solo mission ever since they successfully completed their supervised one with flying colors. The higher ups finally agreed to a two squad stealth mission on Ash's 15th birthday. A lower end C-Rank mission to infiltrate an abandoned warehouse to see if it was connected to the incoming reports of drug trafficking that had been reported in the area.

Ash looks around quickly but doesn't see the other squad anywhere in the general vicinity. They had already been ambushed and separated. Turning back to his younger self, Ash glares at the smaller raven. If only I listened to my gut and kept the comms sets. None of this would've happened.

With a scowl in place, he impassively watches his younger self cut through the duct tape with a hidden blade. The superpower pokemon catches the movement and starts walking toward him, powerful fist raised to strike. The young raven jumps forward and stabs the fighting type in its chest, right through its small heart.

Wild brown eyes blown wide, hands covered in blood, the raven stands frozen in front of the dead pokemon. Killed by his own hands. His first kill. A pokemon whose job was only to keep them contained, not kill them.

He ended its life.

Only his finely tuned fighting instincts, trained over the past 11 years in the Academy, saved their lives then. Ducking quickly to avoid the butt of the man's gun aimed to swipe his temple in a knockout blow, the raven pivots on his back foot and turns sharply. Blade flashing in the firelight as it cuts through the tendons in the man's wrist.

The gun falls to the floor with a clatter, unable to be held up any longer by the crippled appendage. Continuing the motion of his last strike, Ash's younger self swipes out the gangster's legs. The man collapses to the ground in a heap, not being able to prevent his fall.

Without missing a beat, the knife plunges down into the man's throat. Cutting off his cries as he slowly chokes on his blood and the blade stuck in his throat. Ash can see the exact moment when his younger self realizes what just happened. What he had done.

Body stiffening, the teen collapses to the floor. Brown orbs wide in horror and revulsion, quickly filling with tears. The raven promptly throws up before a loud scream is torn from his throat as he curls in on himself. Gary is at his side instantly to comfort him. Trying to quiet his cries to prevent more thugs from coming to investigate.

Hiked up on his partner's back, the raven buries his face in Gary's neck. The brunet carries him outside while he whispers sweet nothings in his ear. Anything to get Ash to calm down so they can finish the mission. His younger self doesn't seem to be paying much attention to the words but Ash can hear them loud and clear from his spot several feet away.

Reassurances spill from Gary's lips. He reaffirms the fact that the man was a criminal who deserved to die anyway. That he would've killed Ash first. That he almost did kill Ash first.

The teen only cries harder. To Ash's astonishment, Gary lets him down and wraps him in his arms.

That is when the reassurances turn into promises.

Promises about how it will get better. Promises that he will make sure they never get captured again. Promises that he will be the one to take lives so Ash won't have to.

"I will be your sword and shield, Ash. I will protect you, brother. You're my family. Warriors always protect their family." Gary whispers softly.

Tucked into the larger boy's arms, face pressed into his neck, the raven's sobs finally lessen. Several minutes pass before the teens pull apart, avoiding each other's eyes in embarrassment at the show of emotion.

Both teens jump in response to a loud grating noise. Ash runs behind the pair as they scout the outside of the warehouse, looking for another entrance to rescue the other squad. Rounding the corner, they squat behind wooden crates as a door slams open. Three thugs pull the other two cadets out of the building and toss them onto the dusty ground.

One of the gangsters, the leader based on the air of cockiness and superiority floating around him, scans the surrounding area. His mouth moves as he calls out something that causes all four of the young teens to flinch.

Handguns appear in the two lackeys hands, their muzzles pressed against the young cadets heads. The leader calls out once more. Ash's younger self moves to rise but is stopped by a heavy hand on his shoulder. The brunet shakes his head sadly.

They had no element of surprise. No viable weapons to use. Their handguns having been confiscated and are now threatening their comrades. They can't win with only two small knives.

Two gunshots ring out, one after the other. The sound echoes across the field. Two bodies fall into the dirt. Gary clamps a hand over his partner's mouth to prevent the resulting scream from being heard.

Ash stares at the two bodies on the ground, jaw clenched tight in anger and remorse. He can't even remember their names anymore. Their bodies too far away to make out more than short, dark hair. Their deaths are his fault and he can't even fucking remember their names or what they look like.

The thugs turn and walk towards them. Gary looks around frantically for a place to hide as the younger version of Ash, like his older counterpart, is still locked on to the bodies of their comrades.

Just as the gangsters round the stack of crates, a spray of bullets slams into their bodies. Gary knocks Ash to the ground as the rounds easily pierce through their wooden shelter. The brunet grunts in pain as one grazes his arm. Ash instinctively covers the two with his larger body without thought. He stares bewildered as the bullets pass through him like he is a ghost.

Hearing the shouts of other soldiers echoing across the grounds, the teens slowly rise to greet their rescuers. Their hands above their heads to show they are allies and not a threat. The memory fades as they are rushed back to base for debriefing.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Waking up slowly, Gary groggily looks around. He is laying on a thin mattress on the floor of a small cavern. Two small torches light up the room revealing a small toilet in the corner. How the hell is there indoor plumbing in a cave? His jumbled mind questions.

Green eyes are drawn to the opposite wall. The only exit is blocked by thick iron bars. It's a jail cell. Fan-fucking-tastic.

His head throbs as if it was a set of banging drums. His stomach lurches as he attempts to sit up. Groaning in pain, he slowly inches his way towards the wall the mattress is pressed against. Sitting up slowly, he waits for his swirling vision to stabilize. A harsh jangling diverts his attention downward.

His hands and bare feet are wrapped in thick metal manacles. Sturdy chains running from one hand to the other. A long cable connects the chain attaching his wrists down to the one fastened around his feet. Every movement creating a cacophony of noise, alerting anyone nearby that he is awake and moving.

Sitting as still as possible, he assesses his aching body. His stiff muscles burn from exertion. A vicious headache rages through his skull. Sharp stings of pain emanate from his wrists and ankles where the heavy metal rubs unforgiving against his skin. His stomach growls like a hungry Snorlax, demanding food to fill its empty pit.

I couldn't have been asleep for that long since I am still so sore from all the fighting and flying. Ash could still be alive then. He has to be alive...I have to get us out of here as soon as possible.

Green eyes slip closed in exhaustion. He needs sleep. He knows he needs to recover in order to fight his way out of here but Ash may not have that long. Who knows how long he has been in this cell already.

His fingers dip down to run over his belt. Panic assaults his being as his fingers only hit fabric. A quick glance confirms his suspicion. His belt is gone. All of his pokemon gone. Taken away from him while he was asleep.

The screech of metal on metal assaults his ears. Green eyes warily watch a young girl, a few years younger than him based on her young elfish face, cautiously enter the cell. Fiery red hair tumbles down her back. Blue eyes peer at him in fear and slight anger. Dainty hands lay a tray on the ground in front of him before darting out the metal door. She locks the door behind her and leaves him on his own once more.

Gary stares at the food in surprise and distrust. A small loaf of bread, some kind of grilled meat and various berries sit inches from his feet. His mouth waters heavily at the savory smell.

No way they would give a prisoner a feast like this. Even the higher ups at the Academy didn't get a dinner like this.

Pushing the tray away, he lays back down in resignation of the quiet torture he will have to go through for the next few hours. Frantically pushing his throbbing head to think of every possible scenario that could lead to their freedom. Forcing away the building fear and anxiety over Ash's condition. Ignoring the vicious growls of hunger as he avoids the most likely poisoned food.

Gary doesn't know at what point he fell asleep but the rusty screech of the door jolts him from unconsciousness. He leaps to his feet, chains dangling off his body.

He freezes at the sight of the petrified girl in front of him. In her hands is another tray of food. Green eyes quickly drop to the floor. The previous tray is gone. The floor empty where he abandoned it earlier. Damn it. How long was I asleep for this time?

His roaring stomach breaks the silence. The girl jumps at the sudden noise. Placing the tray at her feet, she turns to leave. Gary bolts for the door. Slamming against the iron bars, he reaches out through the gap to latch onto the girl.

Yelping in fear, she quickly locks the door and jumps out of the way. Large blue eyes wide in fear, she spins and starts power walking down the long passageway.

"Wait!" Gary cries out after her. To his astonishment, the young redhead actually stops and glances back at him. Waiting to hear whatever prompted him to stop her.

"A Rider brought my partner here. He was covered in some blue fire or something. Have you seen him? Is he alright?" He asks in a forced calm tone, hoping his soft voice doesn't scare her off. Body tight with tension, he waits anxiously for her response

The girl hesitated. He can see it in her face. She knows who he is talking about and something has happened. Something bad.

No.

Gary slides down the bars as his knees give out under him. Ash is dead? Just like that? Tears gather in his eyes. He doesn't bother fighting them. His heart aches in his chest as despair claws through his body.

Feeling a small hand on his own, he looks up at the girl kneeling in front of him. Her face full of sadness at his anguish. A small smile graces her young features.

"Don't despair. He is alive." She states softly. Gary swears his heart stopped in that moment. Grief immediately squashed by rising hope. He's alive? A smile starts to grow on his face as the tears flow freely. Now out of happiness instead of sadness. Seeing her smile fade off her face, he freezes.

"He's alive...but he's been in a coma the last few days. We can't get him to wake up." She whispers.

Green eyes widen in shock. A coma? Wait...a few DAYS?!

"Days?! How long have I been here?!" He yells sharply. Startled at the loud noise, the girl quickly retreats.

"Wait!" Gary calls out once more. "Where is he?! Where are my pokemon?!"

She doesn't stop this time.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash looks down at his transparent body wistfully. He can see through himself. That can't be a good sign.

He is floating in the air, like a ghost. Leaning forward, he moves through the air with ease. Spinning around briefly in amusement, he turns to determine which memory he is forced to relive now.

He drifts towards a large number of soldiers in the middle of the Parade Ground. Three soldiers stand on stage: the Commander, Jessie and James. Graduation Day.

With a start, his head darts around as the memory suddenly speeds up. Every person sprinting around in his vision as if his memory was a movie that was being fast-forwarded. This really can't be good.

Drifting above the commotion, his stomach lurches as he is dragged through the air to the cafeteria and then to their barracks, as if he is tethered to slightly younger self and can only be a certain distance away.

He watches himself obtain each of his pokemon. The deal he made with Pikachu in their barracks. Catching Krabby on the beach. Rescuing Lapras from her vicious harpoon wound. Almost being run over multiple times in the Safari Zone by the herd of Tauros. Shocking Pidgeotto into submission as she dive-bombed him on Route 15. Rushing to Lavender to save the town from the attacking ghost pokemon and gaining Haunter and Charmander in the process. Mankey stealing his hat on Route 8. Larvitar hatching from its heavy olive egg. Beedrill sitting in its cage, going through drug withdrawals.

Images of all of his pokemon float around him. Smiling happily at him as the dance around each other in the air. Engaging each other in playful fights and playing games. Ash laughs at their antics.

I'm glad I got to meet them. Spend some time with them, some longer than others.

Tears fill his eyes at the bittersweet moment. He doesn't want to leave. He wants to play with them more. Train with them. Battle with them against others.

His eyes land on his very first pokemon. Pikachu squeaks happily at him. Long ears twitching as it looks up at him. Larvitar waddles over and tugs on his pants. His ball stretched out towards Ash, wanting him to throw it. Beedrill buzzes nearby, still shaking but gratitude shining deep in its compound eyes. Grateful for his help in getting the Rare Candies out of his system.

The others stand behind them. Watching him. Waiting for him to come join them. Because they need him just as much as he needs them.

He can't die yet.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

The next person to visit him isn't the girl that was bringing him meals but another soldier. Gary eyes him wearily from his mattress. Too tired, depressed and hungry to start a fight.

The man isn't wearing the signature mask he thought all of the Rider soldiers wore constantly. In his late thirties, heavily muscled with a shiny bald head, the man strikes an intimidating figure. Especially with the completely blank look he is directing down at Gary with his dark eyes.

"Why aren't you eating the food Alli is bringing you?" His voice is deep and gruff as if he was a smoker at one point of his life.

Gary doesn't answer. His voice sounds familiar. The memory tugging at the back of his mind but he's too tired to figure it out. He eyes the food on the floor suspiciously. Catching the movement, the soldier huffs at him.

"Really? After everything we have done for you shitty brats, you aren't going to trust us? Why poison someone already in chains? That makes no damn sense."

He looks up at the man staring down at him. Thick corded arms are crossed over the bulky barrel shaped chest. A swirl of a tattoo peeks out from the edge of his t-shirt. The man nudges the tray closer to him as his stomach once against calls out in hunger.

Sighing in defeat, Gary slowly bends forward and begins to eat. He knows that it should probably taste as delicious as it looks but his stomach is in knots. Leaving the meal to be practically tasteless. Worry over Ash and the whereabouts of his pokemon battling against the hunger born from not eating for an unknown number of days.

Finishing quickly, he waits for the other Rider to leave. When the man makes no move to do so, Gary leans back against the wall and waits for whatever the man wants from him.

"You and your pokemon ended up killing eight of my soldiers and heavily injuring another five. I should have you executed. Hell, a few of my people are demanding it." The man states matter-of-factly.

Gary doesn't react. That scenario has run through his head already which is why he is so confused by the 5-star meal treatment.

"I want my pokemon. Then I want you to take me to Ash." Gary demands.

The Rider blinks in surprise at his request before chuckling darkly.

"After all you have done, you have the audacity to make demands? Really?" The man pauses but continues after Gary remains silent. "Those guards were there to escort you to your partner. Ready to patch you up from the battle against one of the Captains and the traitorous soldiers in the League. Instead you killed them in cold-blood. One of them was even Alli's older brother. And yet she still finds enough kindness to bring you food."

Gary's thoughts instantly fly through his memories of the mountain. The non-existent struggles of the man at the entrance of the tunnel. The three weaponless guards carrying nothing more than a first-aid kit. That was to be used to patch him up.

They were just trying to help?...And I killed them all...

He hangs his head in disgust. He was so worried and angry over what happened to Ash that he ignored the obvious signs. He killed his allies. He and his pokemon could have been at Ash's side already. But instead, he's being incarcerated. All because he let his emotions rule over his judgment for once. Going against everything he has ever been taught.

"You know there is a special place in hell reserved for traitors who kill their friends and allies." The Rider's words slice through him like a knife. He flinches at the harsh tone. The silence presses heavily on him.

"Eat your damn food when Alli brings it. I'm not done with you yet." The Rider mutters as he walks out, leaving Gary to his troubling thoughts.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash is standing on a roof. Not just any roof though. The roof of the building he died on.

His body is almost completely see through now. Even if anyone could see him in these messed up memories of his, they would have to know where to look and squint hard just to get a glimpse of him now.

If his last memory moved faster than normal than this one is the complete opposite. Every movement is slowed down dramatically, as if he is watching a bunch of Slowpoke instead of Gary and himself fight the Rider.

He watches the tail impale him. His body falling to the roof when his legs can no longer hold him up.

He watches Gary collapse down onto his knees next to his prone body. Eevee running to get a first aid kit as his partner rushes to neutralize the poison.

He watches the Rider attack Jessie and James with a furious bellow. Dragonite engaging Arbok in battle before the snake can finish him off itself.

He watches his partner freeze and frantically check for a pulse. A look of absolute horror crossing his face when he realizes that Ash is truly dying and he can't stop it.

He watches as Gary draws his sword to battle Pinsir as Alakazam and Pikachu take over watching him. Ash flinches as multiple Thundershocks pepper his chest every 30 seconds to keep his heart beating.

He watches as Gary assists the Rider in fighting off Jessie and James. Then everything seems to get a little fuzzy around the edges.

Ash is panting. He just can't seem to get enough oxygen in his lungs. His partner rushes over to his body. Gary presses their lips together as he begins to give Ash CPR.

His lips are tingling. If only I was awake to feel that.

"Come on Ash. Please breathe for me."

Ash's heart lurches in his chest at the completely broken voice coming from Gary's lips.

I don't want to see this.

Gary leans forward and rests his head against his his cheek. Tears pour down Ash's face at the sight.

I can't watch this.

"Don't leave me." Gary whispers. The words thunder through Ash's skull.

Ash collapses to his knees next to his partner and his dying body. The memory frozen with their heads pressed together.

Rain drops hang suspended in midair but Ash can clearly see the tear tracks on Gary's face.

He reaches out to touch his partner one last time. To provide some form of comfort to the man he loves and hope beyond all hope that Gary will actually feel it.

His hand passes through the brunet. His arm fades away before his eyes.

His time has run out.

I don't want to leave you.

The memory slowly fades away to black. The last thing visible is their heads pressed together in the frozen rain.

Please save me.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Two meals have passed since he talked to the Rider. Gary lost track of time a long while ago. He just quietly eats his meal when Alli brings it to him.

She doesn't try to talk to him again. He can't bring himself to start a conversation. No wonder she so scared of me. I killed her brother.

He is blankly staring at the wall when the Rider returns. When he hears no thudding steps into the room after the cell door screeches open, Gary looks up curiously.

The Rider is standing next to the open door. Face blank as he waits for Gary to get up.

Finally.

Gary stumbles to his feet and rushes towards the door. Chains jangling at all the extra movement. A large hand slamming into his chest stops his frenzied movements.

"Might be obvious to say but if you try to escape, I won't have any authority over those who will punish you. I will not stop them or punish them either. This is your only warning."

Gary nods quickly in agreement. Ready to agree to anything if he gets to see Ash and get his pokemon back.

It takes them over 45 minutes to get the Infirmary with the prison situated almost directly across the crater. Thankfully, the Rider doesn't lead him through the village at the center.

I don't think I would survive the walk if he did.

Heading into the largest ground-level tunnel on the eastern wall, they come upon a large opening covered by a sheet for privacy. The large man pulls the sheet aside and motions for him to head inside.

Gary beelines for the large bed situated in the middle of the small cavern. Various machines lay stacked together behind the bed giving the room a gentle mechanical hum in the background.

Ash lays in the center of the bed. His skin paler than Gary has ever seen. His torso is bare except for the lines of white bandages circling his right arm, chest and shoulder. Multiple IV's are attached to the crook of his elbow. A clear oxygen mask is strapped to his face. Little puffs of condensation on the inside is the only proof that his partner is truly still alive.

Spotting a fold up chair next to the bed, he sits down next to Ash and takes the raven's hand in his. His skin is cold.

"He has been like that for a week now. He was in surgery for a full day. We went through all of our Chanseys and medics just to keep him alive. He should have been declared dead multiple times, but his heart always started back up again. He's lucky that Arbok venom thickens the blood, so he didn't lose enough to kill him from just the blood loss." The Rider explains gruffly.

Gary squeezes Ash's hand tighter. He always has been a fighter. Nothing could keep him down for long. Not even death apparently.

"I'll have a guard posted outside if you need anything or if he wakes up." The Rider's words barely register as Gary focuses on his partner's sleeping face.

Heavy footfalls lead off to the door jolting him back from his intense observations. Gary quickly debates if he can get away with his other favor if he asks again. For whatever reason, this Rider doesn't seem to hate him as much as the others seem to.

"Ash gave me an Eevee for my birthday a few months ago. He found her abandoned in the alleyway." Gary states softly.

The footfalls pause as the man listens to his random story.

"She has a special bond with both of us. I know it is normally against hospitalization rules to allow pokemon besides healers into a recovery ward...but I think it will help if he is surrounded by some of his pokemon. Especially Pikachu...He just has this...way with them. One I could never match…" He trails off in a whisper.

He turns his head to look back at the Rider but the man is already gone. Left alone with Ash he stands to get a better look at his face.

Brushing long silky black locks aside, he runs his fingers down the raven's forehead and cheek.

"It truly just looks as if you are just sleeping Ashy-boy." Gary whispers. "You really almost gave me a heart attack, you know? I have never been so scared in my life. I don't know what I'd do if i lost you. Besides Gramps, you are the only family I have left."

He pauses before slowly leaning down to rest their foreheads together.

"I can't lose you. I refuse to. So come back to me. Wake up so we can get out of here."

A sharp tapping of knuckles on rock pulls him away from the raven some time later. As soon as the sheet is pulled aside, a brown and yellow blur darts for him.

Opening his arms, he braces himself for the impact of the two concerned pokemon. Pikachu and Eevee immediately jump on him. Sniffing him for injures, licking any piece of skin they can reach. However, the yellow mouse's attention is quickly diverted to its master on the bed next to them.

Jumping out of his arms, Pikachu cautiously approaches Ash's face. He licks his scarred cheek and squeaks softly. Curling into a ball next to Ash's head, the starter waits for his trainer to wake up.

Following the electric type's example, Gary sits back down in his chair with Eevee in his lap. Her long fluffy ears pressed close to her head in sadness as she watches Ash sleep away.

He pets her softly, happy to at least be reunited with one of his pokemon for now. With his other hand, he threads his fingers through Ash's and squeezes firmly. Projecting all the warmth and security he can into the simple touch.

I will be your ground Ash. Fight your way back to the waking world. My hand will guide you.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash is scared. Too scared to open his eyes. He feels nothing. Not the peaceful current of the black river or the rain on his face. Just nothing.

He's terrified that when he does open his eyes, all he will see is darkness. To have to spend an eternity in never ending blackness would be sheer torture.

"Do not be afraid child."

Brown orbs slam open at the deep echoing voice. White puffy clouds invade his vision. Am I in heaven?

"Not quite."

Ash spins to face the voice coming from behind him. A towering white pokemon stands before him.

Its body shape loosely resembles an extremely large Deerling with long points as feet instead of hooves and two tapered horns. Its elongated white neck gracefully bends toward him. Its mane stiff and tapered, like a thicker version of Pidgeot's plumage. Beady red eyes peer down at him from its dark gray face. A golden circle with radiating spikes wraps around its middle.

The Alpha pokemon. Creator of all known pokemon in the universe. Arceus.

"I must be dead." Ash whispers. "No way I could make this up."

The legendary pokemon tilts its large head curiously as it observes him.

"Do you not wish to live human?"

Ash scrambles to correct his out-of-turn utterance. Bowing low to the god before him, he kneels down on the carpet made of clouds. Hoping that his deference will quell any of the god's anger and thus not obliterate him out of existence.

"Forgive me Arceus. I was startled by your appearance to someone as lowly as me. I do not deserve such an honor."

Ash keeps his gaze trained on the clouds before him as silence reigns. His heart thunders in his chest. How the hell am I kneeling before a god right now?

"You did not answer my question young one. Do you not wish to live? Your beloved waits for you to awaken. Do you not wish to be with him?"

Startled by the god's interest in his desires, his gaze sweeps up and locks on the red and green orbs far above him.

"Of course I do." He whispers.

Arceus leans forward. It long neck stretching further. Ash stiffens as the large head nears his body. He holds his breath as one of its many golden spokes reaches out to touch him. Right where he was impaled. Warm air caresses his face.

A gentle calm heat spreads out from the tip. He sighs in relief. Any lingering pain in his body vanishes immediately. He feels lighter and stronger than he has ever been.

Large smile in place, his head lifts to thank the god for its gift but the creature has already turned around to walk away. Its large body not disturbing even the slightest wisp of puffy clouds.

"Then accept my mark and awaken child. Save my children and your people. Save your beloved. Only you can prevent his death. Fulfill your destiny Chosen One."

His body stiffens in confusion and worry at the god's cryptic words. Gary's death? Chosen One?

"Wait!" He calls out. "What are you-"

His voice is torn from his throat as his surroundings explode in thousands of twinkling rainbow lights.

Ash's mouth opens in a silent scream as he plummets through the clouds towards the ground far below. He sees the flash of a large red bird flying in a rainbow before everything fades to black.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash struggles to fight back the lure of sleep. It feels as if there is glue keeping his eyelids firmly shut.

"Awaken."

Feeling a warm pressure wrapped around his hand, he seizes onto the feeling. Letting its warmth and strength seep through him. Pulling him out from the water threatening to keep him under.

Brown orbs slowly open. Ash blinks to focus his vision. He stares at the unfamiliar rocky ceiling above him.

Where am I?

Feeling the pressure on his hand twitch, his head slowly turns to his right. Slumped over asleep on his bed, lays his partner. The brunet's long fingers wrap firmly in his own, twitching occasionally in his sleep.

Ash smiles softly. He squeezes the long digits, unintentionally waking his dozing partner. Bleary green eyes lock onto his brown orbs.

His amusement grows as Gary slowly realizes that he is finally awake. The brunet sits up quickly and stares at him. Green eyes blown wide in wonder and mouth hanging open.

"Ash…"

Ash squeezes Gary's hand again which is immediately returned. He offers the brightest smile his tired body can manage. His heart swells at the joy radiating off of the brunet's face.

Gary wraps his other hand around their conjoined ones, squeezing tightly in disbelief.

"I came back to you." Ash whispers.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

AN: Shout out to the Jurassic Park series! I just re-watched them the other day so I had to include them! I know a lot was covered here. I had some trouble with Ash's memories since a "see your life flash before your eyes before death" kind of thing isn't really that popular for a fanfic apparently.

IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS, SHOOT ME A PM! I WILL GLADLY ANSWER ALL OF THEM

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Next up: Chapter 35 - Father