Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of Pokemon, its characters, locations, or names. All of them, with the exception of the original characters, belong to Nintendo

Credits: The original fan fiction Shadow League was based off, Pokemon Master, was written by Acey. I retrieved permission before starting this the first time.

A/N: Ehh...nothing really to say right now. I'm just trying to get this fanfic up as fast as I can. / Though I still need to make more chapter images, since I only have up until Chapter 13 or something done, though I'm not worrying about it for now.

Things are going to start picking up a bit more I hope. This chapter was really just to get some back story out of the way, not to mention to reintroduce some characters to each other and such.

Warnings: The pairing in this is RivalSibling. This fanfiction has a lot of violence and gore, not to mention some language, and implied rape/sex. Not for kids, that's for sure.

- Chapter 4: Friend or Foe? -

The silence of the woods was broken, as leaves crunched softly underfoot, as the shadow walked casually along the trees. He could be as silent or as loud as he wanted; at that moment, he felt no danger were he was, so he laxed his worries about being heard. The normally crisp, cold night air felt heavy to him, though, so he sniffed, taking measure of the area. He could smell the faint odor of death nearby, and it didn't please him in the slightest.

"There is another raid." The words were only the slightest of whispers, and said with a frown. "We need to hurry up."

"Pikachu…" the small pokemon at his side said, ears drooping. The pikachu was not just any pikachu. Oh, that one was strange! The usual yellow-colored fur was a shade of black, and the normally dark eyes were bright cobalt and glowing. Even the attacks of the strange pokemon was not the same. They were not just Electric…they were Shadow.

Just as his Master's attacks were.

- - -

Hard times had fallen on the world. The towns and cities were left in a state of ruin, after the war Team Rocket had been in with against the League. When it was over, the people were laughed at, as they struggled to survive and to fix the mess that had been created by the corporation's leader, Giovanni. Kiall did not help matters, as he let his Masters and trainers raid the towns for supplies and to beat any that uttered a word against them.

The raids had happened long before the war had began, but had worsened after it. Most people's defenses had been whittled away to nothing, and very few 'towns' or 'cities' were left. One of the first to be destroyed was Pallet Town, along with Vermilion City, Fuchsia City, and even Cinnabar Island took a blow. The others were no more then shadows of their former sizes.

The only reason there were still some left to survive was that the survivors of others moved to the remaining ones, to the hope for safety of numbers. And there was also the feared and awed Shadow Master, the one of the wilderness of Kanto. He was their savior, but also their murderer, having the name of 'Shadow Assassin' for his time in the League and for the things he did in its name…

He was the threat that more trainers and Masters died from then any other.

- - -

As he crawled on his stomach on the ground, he found a spot in the bushes to peer through, his gold eyes squinted to try to see through the fog and smoke that filled the air. Viridian City was laid out before him, and people darted about in panic. Many Fire trainers had their pokemon out with orders to kill any that tried to run away or to lash out. They were taking supplies from the houses, along with other things. Pikachu whimpered slightly.

"It's time to go in and stop them again," he said, his voice angry, as he stood up. He leaped over the brambles, the smaller shadow following him, and started down the hill, his steps light and fast. His cloak billowed out behind him, catching the air, giving him the impression of actually flying to anyone far away. None of the ones in battle seemed to notice his presence, until he stepped up to a young trainer, and lifted one booted foot to slam it into the boy's chin, and started a series of strikes that the baffled trainer failed to stop.

Detected, the other trainers and Masters came together in a circle, enclosing the Shadow Master and his pokemon. Their faces were etched in hatred, eyes glaring and glittering in a morbid delight. "Charmeleon, destroy this fool that dares oppose us!" a girl yelled out, throwing a poke ball into the ring.

With a grim smile, his eyes glowing in the shadows of his hood, he snapped his fingers. "Pikachu, Shadow Blade."

Jumping off his shoulder, the shadow pokemon flew up into the heated air. Shifting into the black and blue, razor-sharp sword with the blade of Shadow-energy, it fell back down, as its wielder took up the hilt with a flourish. There was bitter laughter from the masses. "That is all you have? A sword? That is your only defense against us all?"

"It is the only defense I need against scum like you." Silently, he leapt out, his cloak whirling around, and brought the wicked looking blade down on the lizard pokemon. The dying pokemon screamed in agony, falling to the ground as it split in two. Blood oozed out, spreading across the ground slowly but steadily.

There were whimpers from the trainers, as they eyed him cautiously. With a smirk, the dark figure lashed out, the blade glowing a dark blue as it tore through the trainers' and Masters' flesh. As the bodies toppled to the floor, blood splattered around them. In a flash the sword became the pokemon once again.

There was a moment of silence, as survivors peered around corners and doorways, their eyes wide and frightened. When it was obvious that only the lone warrior was left standing – and even that didn't comfort them, after the display they just saw! – they edged over to him. One of the smaller children, a girl, pulled on his cloak. "Are you a demon?" she asked.

Crouching down in front of the innocent girl, he pulled back his hood to reveal the face of a man many years younger then what the people expected. His eyes were serious, but unthreatening, as he took in the view of the child as she bluntly stared. "I do believe that would depend on your definition of a demon," he answered, giving her the biggest smile he could manage.

She seemed to think about it for a minute, before smiling too and nodding. "That means you can't be, because demons are supposed to be big and scary and ugly and mean! You aren't mean or ugly!" she chirped, bobbing on her heels, "What's your name?"

He noted the disapproving looks of several of the elder members of the city, understanding the wariness and suspicion that arose when a stranger was in their mists… "My name is Ashura," he said, placing just enough emphasis on his name to bring it to their attention, "How about your's, hm?"

"Um…" A woman ran forward, pushing out of the throng of people to take the girl up in her arms, glaring at Ash as she backed off. "Mommy! I was-"

"I have told you time and time again not to talk to strangers!" she yelled, spanking the child. The girl took the blow, flinching, and looked at her new 'friend' sadly. Ash pulled his cloak tighter around him, closing his eyes to wait until the mother yelled at him for talking to her beloved daughter. The yell never came; he opened his eyes again and looked around, and saw both of them just staring once again, and noticed they all did the same thing.

"I understand your need for keeping away from someone you do not know," Ash said, his voice gentle as he started to turn away, "and it is smart of you to do so. We are in quite a dangerous era…" As he started toward the city end, he heard the whispers from the people quite clearly. Most of them consisted of pieces of stories he'd heard too many times to count…

- - -

Her breath labored, May narrowed her eyes, staring at the demon that was curled before her. A Shadow Arbok. It was one of the multitudes of the Forbidden Pokemon that was let loose on the world when Kiall was released from his prison. Whatever had been holding them had been broken up, and many of each type had been let out at the time. The numbers had more then doubled of the freaks over time.

In silence, May let her Dewgong out, letting the ice-type take on the Arbok. With one well-aimed Ice Beam, it was destroyed and out of her way. May leaned against a tree, staring up at the leaves, and sighed heavily. Ever since the attack on the manor years back, most of the people she had been traveling with afterwards had been killed, except for Sora and her little girl, Angel. If they weren't killed, they had either been kidnapped or joined the League. The whole thing disgusted the woman, leaving her with more bitterness then she originally had.

"Are you two alright? None of them hurt you?" May asked, looking over at the huddled mother and child. Sora nodded, holding onto the nine-year-old tightly. May picked her way over to them, and sat down, weary from the constant battles against the Forbidden. She felt the cold of her heart, of the very being that she was, profoundly at that moment, as she sat watching Sora set up a fire for the camp.

And it was caused by a lot more then just her Element…

- - -

His eyes closed, Ash leaned against one of the many Elm trees, comfortable in the gloom of twilight, and slid down its rough surface to sit at its base on the ground. With a small sigh, he pulled back his hood, taking pleasure in the glow of the remaining light and of the feel of the cool air on his skin. It was a rare time indeed when he could sit down and relax. He pulled his cloak back, to note the blood and mud splatter on his black boots, then looked to his black slacks and tied vest, and blue long sleeved shirt. Not seeing any damage, he settled back into place.

Pikachu snuggled against him, nodding off to sleep, as he petted the mouse pokemon. Noticing the lone streak of blue in the sky, Ash tilted his head, thoughtfully staring at it. "Maybe we should go find Misty. She could prove helpful…unless she was caught and…"

He didn't dare finish the sentence.

"Chu, pikachu." With a yawn and a stretch, Pikachu got back up, blinking at the Shadow Master curiously. Ash opened his pack, letting his pokemon jump in to continue the nap, and started his hike through the forest anew, destination in mind.

Within a few hours Pewter City's ruins came into his range of vision. With a frown, Ash peered around, keeping back in the darkness of the trees in case there were still enemies left nearby. Bodies littered the ground, and the air smelt of blood and flesh, of death. He didn't wince, nor make a sound for it; he was used to the all too familiar scent. One of the corpses did catch his eye, however, and he stepped across the short distance between him and it with light footsteps.

Ash bent down, biting his lip as he moved it so that it lay on its back. Letting out a silent cry, he backed off, staring in horror at it. The corpse was Brock, the Gym Leader that had been one of his best friends at one time. Growling, he glared toward the remains of one of the League's trainers. "I will make sure whoever did this dies painfully," he snarled, his hands balled into fists.

Pikachu let out a whimper, eyes darting around. There was a rustling sound near them, catching the Master's attention, alerting him to another presence. He could feel it. Ash crouched down, getting behind a low, broken wall to wait for another move.

His patience rewarded, an Aerodactyl rose from one of the piles of rock, its large wings flapping as its fierce, red eyes glared at Ash. He stood, immediately tensed and ready for another battle. "Aha, so it is you, Master Ashura." the pokemon rasped, getting a growl from Pikachu, "Assassin Ashura. You have come at last."

"Aerodactia. I see you are still doing well," he said, his voice calm, as he glared coldly at her. Aerodactia flapped her wings once more, blowing the dust and dirt around her into a small whirlwind. Ash held his ground, arms folded, and waiting.

"Assassin Ashura, you are a traitor to the League, a rogue!" she said, as Ash tilted his head to the side curiously, some locks of longish black hair flying across his face. With a scowl, he blew it back into place.

"Am I to feel bad for that now?" Ash asked, unsmiling, his eyes narrowed, "for doing what I thought is right? That I still think is right?"

"You are wrong!" the pokemon screeched, and he smiled humorlessly. Aerodactia did another flap. "I must now kill you for turning your back on the League, rogue Assassin."

Shaking his head, he planted his feet in the right places, his arms to his sides. "You think you can? Bring it on, give me your best shot!" he hissed

With a scream of rage, Aerodactia charged at him, wings flapping and jaw open. Ash dodged to the side, rolling into a crouch, just verily missing the Fly attack. With a nonverbal order, Pikachu returned to his side. He knew he was in for a fight; Aerodactia was the Master Pokemon of Rock, and was not to be taken lightly.

"Hey!" she screeched, hovering only a few feet above the ground. She could feel the attack being done at that very moment, but her trained eyes could not see it; it made her uneasy. Ash launched forward, his spinning kick sending the pokemon to the ground. Without hesitating, he did an open palm strike to her neck, killing her instantly. Her neck was broken.

Letting out a long sigh, he let Pikachu jump onto his shoulder. "They certainly are not going to be happy when they find out Aerodactia is dead," Ash muttered, giving the new corpse a dirty look

"Oh ho ho, I see our most infamous Traitor has managed to defeat a Master Pokemon," a female's voice echoed from nearby. Ash spun on his heel, meeting the deep purple eyes of the Master of Psychic, Sabrina. He had trouble hiding his surprise, but let her see the scowl he got from her arrival.

"What in hell do you want?" he growled. Sabrina paused, smoothing out the wrinkles in her cloak, her face a mask of calm coldness. When she finished, she looked at him.

"They are looking for you." She had no reason to specify; they both knew whom she spoke of. "And they will get to you. They want revenge."

"It seems you've lost your touch, Sabrina," Ash replied, "That is nothing new, nor is it not obvious. They've sent pokemon and Trainers out to get my hide."

She shook her head, diverting her eyes. "Your wit will one day get you into trouble you cannot claw out of."

With a quiet pop, she disappeared. Irritably, Ash punched the wall next to him, reducing it to dust. With another sigh, he blew his black hair away from his face with a soft breath of air, and leaped over another pile of rocks. "Now for Misty."

- - -

Misty ran along the forest edge, her ocean-blue cloak flapping behind her. She panted, having been running for nearly an hour, and it was wearing down on her. She continued on, her red hair floating about and her blue eyes darting around, looking for any sign of the black-cloaked man with the Shadow Pikachu. She had to find him, because if she didn't…

Forbidden – or Shadow – Pokemon were running wild. Misty had to find him, and keep the other Focal Gates from becoming active and opening, releasing more of the monstrosities. She didn't want to see what Hell looked like, which was were they came from…or so she believed.

Stopping, she looked around, frowning into the darkness that had started to overtake the land. Night was starting to take over from evening. Lovely, Misty thought, snarling, I'll never be able to find him now. This is his territory, not mine.

She continued walking, in hopes of finding somewhere she could stop without the threat of the Forbidden.

- - -

Ash blinked his eyes, letting his night vision go into effect, the last remaining light dissipating into the night. He looked around as he walked, keeping a wary eye out for any lurking Shadow Pokemon that might be thinking to ambush him. Sensing another presence, he went into action, weaving around the trees silently to see who was nearby.

The first thing he noticed was the red hair and blue eyes. The name dawning on him, Ash edged over into the open. Misty turned her glance to him, raising one fine eyebrow. She had not expected him to walk up in the night. "Ash."

"Misty." They stared at each other for a long while, both curious and wary at the same time. Misty broke the quiet first, firing off her question.

"You know what's been going on, don't you?" she asked coolly. Ash nodded, crossing his arms. Pikachu peeked at the woman from at his feet.

"Of course I do. Shadow Pokemon everywhere, the League's constant raids. In fact, I've been fighting them off when they got in my way up until just recently. Now I'm actually going out of my way to find them, though I am not sure as to why. What is new about it?" Misty shook her head. She couldn't believe he didn't know…

"I'd have thought that you, of all people, would know about the Gates, and that they are going to be opened soon. I was actually sent out to find you out because of it." Ash closed his eyes, holding his breath as it sank in.

"Of all the things, I was hoping that was no what you were going to say," he admitted dully, "What do you need me for, anyway?"

"The Rebellion wants you to join with us, to help us stop the League and to keep the Gates from opening. More innocent people will die if they do," Misty said, taking a step back as Ash opened his eyes, staring at her angrily.

"The damned Rebellion!" he roared, his eyes glowing a bright gold, "You know as well as the rest of those blasted fools that I will not join you! I didn't then, and I won't now."

Pursing pink-tinged lips, Misty waited until Ash had gone silent, fuming. "You only say so because you are considered a traitor by most on both sides," she muttered, getting a sour look, "which includes me."

"You. So, you consider me a traitor. To who? The League? The Rebellion, who I never sided with anyway? To myself? Who in the name of the nine levels of this world's hell did I turn traitor on?" he asked, grinding his teeth as his eyes glowed brighter, "And you used to be my ally! What happened?"

"It is your own fault!" she snapped back, "When you lost your title, you disappeared! And when we all meet you again, we are in the League. But oh dear, what do we find? A broken man that will do anything the League tells him to do, no matter how ruthless or cold hearted it is!"

Ash snorted, his eyes narrowed. "Really now, you think so? I'd only been through my own living nightmare! What would you have expected?"

The Water Master's eyes softened, as a light rain started to fall. They started toward the shelter of the trees again. "It was such a saddening time, to be honest. We all were so lost and confused, and you…you were nearly like a robot in the way you would take orders without complaint or thought. And then when the others left, you just watched them so coldly, then tried to actually go after them…"

Sitting under one of the trees, Ash shook his head, banishing the memories that were trying to resurface. "Really now, why do you need me though? Can't one of the other Masters help you out? How about Erika? Or Melody?" he asked, "I'd prefer it if I could stay out of it. The only reason I started interfering again is because of the disruption somewhere. I don't know where it is, though, so…"

"No, Ash, we need your help, and yours only. They cannot shut the first one, and they cannot stop the others from doing the same. Only you can!"

"Who says? Koga? Because if this is just a load of bull…" Misty scowled. He was being difficult again!

"You know the prophecy says that the time Shadow overbalances Light, that the Master of Shadow and Mistress of Light would come together to save the world from being destroyed by the Forbidden Pokemon," she said, noticing the look Ash suddenly got at the mention of the 'Mistress of Light.'

"Fine! You win, I'm in." Ash said, standing up once again and brushing off. "Where do I need to go?"

Misty smiled evilly. "Oh, we'll just have to find out, won't we?"

Ash stared at her, and growled. "I'll kill you after this is over, I swear it."

"I am sure you will go about it in the most painful fashion possible. Now let's get going."

- - -

A/N: There isn't really much different in this one, besides adding more detail, making the battles a little longer, changing some things around in the discussion between Ash and Misty, and stuff such as that.