What is up all you wonderful people? I did say this chapter was going to be faster than the last update, didn't I? So, was it faster? I really don't know.

I don't want bore you too much with this Author's Notes. I want to keep it as short as possible. But I just want to point out what my excuse is this time for my lack of updating. It's simple, really. I've been playing an online game called Rusty Hearts. It's still in its beta, but it's just too much fun. Free to play, I'd encourage you guys to check it out.

Anyway, thanks to all the readers who followed this story up until now. You guys are awesome!

Of all the stories and chapters I've written, this is probably my favourite one right now [14/08/2011]. You'll soon find out why!

Without any other further interruptions, here is chapter nine!

Chapter Nine: Confrontation

"Ash!" Dawn screamed.

"Pip Piplup!" the blue penguin Pokemon added hopefully.

Dawn and her partner, Piplup, were in a lush forest full of large trees and numerous Pokemon. Green mostly filled Dawn's sight as she was searching for her friend. Many wild Pokemon resided in the forest, most of them being Bug types. Ariados, Butterfree, and many more.

Brilliant reds and oranges streaked the sky in an explosion of colours. The sun was touching the hills, but Dawn was determined to find Ash and bring him were he belonged: with her—even if she had to confess her feelings. As she was searching, she looked up at the orange-stained sky. Apollo would make his final descent, and within a few hours, the mighty sun would soon be pulled by his chariot and the moon would mark a new night. But even if it were nighttime, Dawn would want to keep looking—even if it drained the life out of her.

But when the moon was there, for the whole world to see, the darkness would follow. If not for the celestial bodies like the moon and the stars, the world would truly be dark.

And empty. As empty as her heart felt.

Ever since Dawn got off the blimp, she was searching nonstop—not even stopping for dinner. But even with the amount of effort she put, no such luck. Ash was nowhere to be found.

She was also lucky none of the inhabited Pokemon came and attacked her. For all she knew, she was trespassing into Ariados' territory. And she had had enough experiences with the spider-like Pokemon. She didn't want another.

She went on for a few more minutes, but she knew it was hopeless. With a defeated sigh, Dawn decided it was best to head back to the town where the airport was—Sora Town. It was a small town—about a dozen houses, a convenience store, the Pokemon Centre, and of course, the airport.

On her way there, with her head down low, Dawn was thinking about Ash. What had he meant when he said it would be too much on his heart if she was gone? What exactly had Ash dream of to make him run off like that? It must have been a traumatizing experience for him. She could only imagine what he was going through.

Part of her mind said she, herself, wouldn't be able to handle it if Ash were gone. But another part began wondering why he had left in the first place. Had he done it to keep her safe? That's what Ash implied when he said it was too dangerous. Was that how he truly felt? Did he really do that for her safety? Dawn couldn't help but smile at that.

Sometimes the best way to protect someone is to keep your distance, Dawn concluded, even if it hurts. But I want to be there for Ash, just like he would be there for me. The Grand Festival, the Sinnoh League—we both had been there for each other in the greatest performances of our lives.

She knew Ash just wanted what he thought was best for her. And if that meant Ash were to distance himself, then so be it.

And I know Ash will need me.

Before she knew it, she was already at the airport town. A small sign said Sora Town on her way in. Sora Town was built at the bottom of a hill. And if one were on top of that hill, one could see the entire town. It was that small. But some people preferred living that way. She knew she couldn't look for Ash twenty-four hours a day; she did need her beauty sleep. She was indeed tired, so she went straight for the Pokemon Centre, which was conveniently located to the right of the airport.

Piplup was already sleeping comfortably in Dawn's arms. She wanted to be like that—sleeping a dreamless sleep, without any worries.

The glass doors slid to its place as Dawn entered the Pokemon Centre. Oh how she wanted to catch a few Z's.

She walked up to the pink-haired nurse, all named Nurse Joy. How all the Nurse Joys looked alike was a mystery, not only to Dawn, but to the entire Pokemon world as well. And she decided it was best to keep it at that. Some things were meant to be mysteries, and Dawn might've short-circuited her brain if she thought about it too much. Or that may only be in Ash's case.

Dawn knew it was a long-shot, but she just went for it. After asking and receiving her room key, she asked if a boy about her age wearing a hat, a bit taller than her, and a Pikachu on his shoulder was ever here. To her surprise, Nurse Joy answered, "I think he said he was going to the next town. I offered him a room, but he said he would go to the nearest city or town with a Pokemon Centre."

Dawn couldn't believe her luck. She then asked, "Do you know what that town is?"

"I think it's Lilypad Town," Nurse Joy said.

After hearing this information, her heart pumped fast. She had a lead, and she couldn't rest. If it was the way to Ash, she was going to take it.

"How far away is Lilypad Town?" Dawn asked.

"Not too far," Nurse Joy responded. "If you're thinking about going there now, you'd better hurry while the sun's still up. It's just small walk east from here. It shouldn't take you too long; thirty minutes, tops."

It might have been the fact that she was going to see Ash soon, but whatever the case, she didn't feel tired anymore. New-found energy surged through her. She put the room key on the counter, and bolted to the door.

And with that, she ran.

Captain's log. It has taken longer than I thought. I was sure it was within a day's walk to get to Snowpoint City. But with the current blizzard that's happening, it's impossible. It would be very easy to get lost, and I'm not willing to take that chance. It's best to wait the storm out and wait until tomorrow.

He lifted his pen from his diary. Yes, he did have a diary. If anyone were to make fun of him, he wouldn't hesitate on sending out his Tyranitar and unleashing its powerful Hyper Beam.

Steel was in a small cave, a small fire in front of him. He was tired. The storm was merciless. There was no sign that it was letting up. Time was hard to predict in the mountainous area, and if one doesn't have a watch, or some sort of clock, it would have been next to impossible to figure out what the time was.

Steel took out his pocket watch. 7:30. Within a few hours, the sun would set. He needed to conserve his energy if he wanted to trek all the way to Snowpoint City. He guessed that he was maybe half way there, maybe two-thirds.

The fire was dying, and Steel knew he would need to get some more firewood soon. He could feel the warmth dying as well.

He stood up, the fire threateningly low. He walked out of the cave, and searched for firewood. Fallen trees were perfect, and luckily, there were a couple of them located near Steel's small shelter.

He picked up a couple pieces of wood and headed back. He didn't want his Pokemon to deplete their strength by doing something trivial as getting firewood. No, he needed his Pokemon to be at their strongest. An Abomasnow may be near and may attack him if it was a fight for food. If his Pokemon weren't at their strongest, Steel knew he would be a goner. And besides, he needed his Pokemon for other reasons.

He needed something from Snowpoint City before going to Mount Coronet. A person couldn't just simply call Arceus from wherever it resided. No, it had to be called with a certain item—an item Steel found to be in the Snowpoint Temple.

He reentered the cave only to find that his fire had been reduced to mere cinders. His red eyes glowing the same colour as the dying flame, like he was waiting for it.

He had an amused look on his face. Ashes. That's what he wanted.

Steel smirked.

It turned out that Nurse Joy was right.

The last light of the world was beginning to dim. The only remnants that light was once there was the orange streaking the sky as well as rippling in the water. Within an hour at most, the sun would say goodbye to the world for the night.

And Dawn had reached Lilypad Town in ten minutes. It would've taken at least twenty minutes in a brisk walk, but with the adrenaline pumping in her veins, it took her half the time to get to the next town.

Lilypad Town was how she remembered it: the contest hall where she participated in, the coliseum where she tag-teamed with Ash to battle against Khoury and Lyra . . .

Wait, the coliseum!

Dawn had the sneaking suspicion that Ash was there. It may have been an instinct, but she took the chance. Without wasting another moment, Dawn ran once more.

As she was running, she was taking in the sights. One the way, she saw the Pokemon Centre, and had a small temptation to forget about Ash and just get some sleep. But she knew in her heart where her priorities were. Even if she were exhausted to the point of fainting, she'd take it if it were to see Ash again.

Remarkably, Piplup stayed asleep the entire time. Dawn's panting, her footsteps, and the nocturnal Pokemon making their way in the night, weren't enough to wake the little pengiun.

A figure stood in front of the statues of Palkia and Dialga, the rulers of space and time, respectively. A Pikachu was on his shoulders, giving him a somewhat sad and disappointed look. A pair of chocolate brown eyes were on the statues, as if admiring them. But that was far from the truth. His eyes were distant, not at all admiring. There was a hint of sadness in them. And if it weren't nighttime, someone could easily see the brown in his eyes—something that only happened when he's showing off emotion. When that did happen—which was happening at that instant—the emotions were generally negative, and not at all happy.

With a sigh, he closed his eyes, placed his left hand on his chest—and more specifically, to his heart—and he placed his right hand on the base of where the statues stood, right next to Pokemon deities' feet. A wish. Just like the last time he was here with the Johto duo . . . and Dawn. When Lyra had asked him what he wished for, he immediately answered with: "To become a Pokemon master." But inside his heart, he wished for something else. Even today, he wished for that same thing.

Then he felt something—literally. It was like something was burning inside of him—a fire of energy. An aura. He felt an aura, a presence—or rather, two presences, two auras. He remembered once before that all living things had aura. But he wasn't experienced in that sort of field. But there were instances where his aura would come in handy. Once was when he was still travelling with May and her brother Max—and of course, Brock. It was then that he had met a Lucario. But not just any ordinary Lucario, Sir Aaron's Lucario. Back then, he couldn't really handle the concept of aura, as that was the first time ever learning it. When he was at the Tree of Beginning, he tried using his aura to save Mew—and the tree itself. But it was Lucario that saved Mew, but sacrificing itself in the process.

It was then that Lucario learned about friendship. A sad smile curved at his lips. Ash, too learned something that day. Friendship really was important. Pokemon-human friendships were strong bonds. But what really made Ash pull through his victories—especially the Sinnoh League—was his friendship with humans. And more specifically, Dawn.

But what really made Ash sense aura was earlier in his adventures in the Sinnoh Region. It was when he had helped an Aura Sphere-using Riolu. Ash was able to sense its aura, and thus being able to locate the Emanation Pokemon, who at the time was being held captive by Pokemon Hunter J, through their similar aura patterns. And ever since then, he was able to sense anything with aura. He saw a small fire of aura in each and everyone and Pokemon he had met. And every single one of them held different patterns. Ash couldn't explain how that was possible, but it was true.

And he knew those auras well. He felt it pretty much everyday during their adventures. In his mind, he knew that Dawn travelling with him would be dangerous. Exhibits A, B, C, and D, made themselves clear in Alamos Town, the Reverse World, Michina Town (present and past), and lastly, Crown City. But he knew in his heart that he wanted Dawn to keep travelling with him. He felt more at ease when she was around. Sure, he travelled with other girls before, but this time was different. An aura, if you will. Not the aura as in the kind a Riolu or a Lucario might use, but as in a feeling around that person. And through this aura, Ash had determined Dawn's was warm and pleasant, and definitely not the kind of aura that Team Rocket gives off. Theirs was more of a comedic kind of aura, as opposed to "scary". And Ash used that term very loosely.

Dawn tried the sneaky approach. She tiptoed, praying to Arceus that she wouldn't get noticed by Ash, or better yet, Pikachu. With Pikachu's acute sense of hearing, it was improbable to sneak passed him. What happened next surprised her just as much, if not more.

"I know you're here, Dawn," Ash said solemnly. And that made Dawn freeze. Stone-faced, she stood in place, Piplup still sleeping and not having the slightest clue that a confrontation would be inevitable . . . kind of like Ash.

Dawn tried to say something, but her voice betrayed her. The words were stuck in her throat, and she couldn't seem to get them out.

"What are you doing here?" Ash continued. His voice didn't seem anger or upset; more annoyed, really.

By some miracle, Dawn was able to find the words: "I was looking for you, Ash."

"You shouldn't have come. It's too dangerous."

And for some odd reason, Dawn just snapped. She wasn't taking the "too dangerous" response she was getting from Ash again. No, she wanted to know the real reason as to why he left. She knew that was the case. She guessed that it was because she knew Ash really well.

"Ash, really, why don't you want me to travel with you?" Dawn asked harshly. With Ash being distant, she knew something was up. And she wanted to know what that was. She didn't mean to sound too harsh, but that was the case. And Dawn had had it. "I know that things get dangerous. We battled Team Rocket on a daily basis! We battled Team Galactic! So why not now?"

Ash was taken aback. Dawn had never spoken in that tone of voice. Sure, during the first days of travelling together, they were bickering, but it wasn't the same. It was somewhat similar, but right now, it was more powerful, more passionate. And it took Dawn almost all her strength to not break down and it took the rest to keep the tears from falling.

Ash knew she was right. It was clearly there. The door of truth was in front of him, wide open. In a low, soft voice—so soft that it might not have been considered a whisper—Ash spoke: "To protect you. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

Then something hit her. "The prophecy."

That lit up Ash's eyes. "What about it?"

"It mentions that you'll need help. The last three lines: Three heroes will help to aid, and the world shall turn to ash. The Chosen One, only through unity will thee prevail. Divided, and they will fail." Dawn was winning the fight. Her voice didn't show any signs of faltering. "Ash, I know things get dangerous. And I know there are more dangerous things out there. But what about you? I don't want you to get hurt. But it can't be helped. It's more than guaranteed that it will happen. It's like saying the sun rises every morning. Whether you like it or not, you'll need help."

Ash fought back, anger rising to his face, red showing as a result. "Yeah, if it were any other person, but not you Dawn!"

What Ash just said was like a punch to the face. "And why not me? Am I not good enough for you?"

"You know that's not what I mean, Dawn!" Ash yelled.

"Then what do you mean, Ash?"

With all the yelling that was going on, it was a miracle that Piplup didn't wake up. Dawn had safely put the blue penguin next the base of the statues, right next to Pikachu. The yellow mouse Pokemon, however, was watching the arguing like a tennis match: back and forth they went.

"I know you're a strong trainer and coordinator, Dawn, but—"

"But what, Ash?"

"It's not that I don't want your help. It's just I know you'll get hurt. I can find two other people to help me."

Dawn was still steamed. She was not taking that answer. "Ash, the prophecy has begun! Who knows when the world might end. You need all the help you can get, fast! And right now, I'm here, right now, to help you. So please, let me help you!"

Ash's fists were shaking and trembling, his face directly staring at the ground. Then his voice faltered. "I . . . I can't, Dawn."

"And why not?" Dawn was still practically screaming at that point.

"I want to protect you," Ash said in the same tone of voice—small, soft, and filled with pain.

"I can take care of myself, Ash."

Ash couldn't take it anymore. He snapped once again. "I know you can take care of yourself! But there are some things for certain that I know you can't handle by yourself! In my dream, Arceus killed you in cold blood. I don't want that to happen. Not to you or anyone else! And that's why I wanna protect you!"

"Then why aren't you with me?" Dawn asked. "If you want to protect me, shouldn't you stay close to me, like a bodyguard?"

"But that's just it, Dawn," Ash said, his voice calmer, but still angry. "Sometimes, if you want to protect someone, you have to keep your distance. The pain hurts you as much as it hurts me."

Dawn stayed silent, her voice unable to be found again. Ash took this opportunity to speak again.

His voice was still strained and harsh and strong—and pained. "There are millions of people in this world, and all of them at risk. Just like in the prophecy: The regions, this evil will destroy and raid, and a battle in a final clash. And all of them I want to protect. My friends, my mom, your friends and family—I want to protect them all! But of all the people in the world, you are the one I want to protect the most!"

"And why is that, Ash?" Dawn screamed. Dawn's eyes widened. What was he trying to get at? But it was because of this question that Dawn was able to regain her voice.

"It's 'cuz . . . It's 'cuz . . ." Soft sobs could be heard. Ash was trying his best not to cry. However, Dawn wasn't able to hear them, due to it being so faint.

His fists were still shaking, and the rim of his hat covered his eyes.

"It's because of what, Ash?" Dawn was tired—figuratively and literally. She was genuinely tired from all the running. And she was tired of Ash keeping her in the dark.

"IT'S BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" Ash blurted out. The daggers returned, sharpened, and willing to stab at his heart once more.

All noise stopped. The Pokemon stopped their talking in their own language. Even the cliché crickets stopped their chirping. Dead silence. Dawn was able to hear her own heartbeat. And even with Ash blurting out his true feelings—the feelings he wished he had the courage to tell before today—Piplup didn't give any signs that it was disturbed by the sudden confession.

It was Dawn's turn to be taken aback. That's what Ash meant when he said it would be too much on his heart if she was gone. He loved her too much to get herself hurt.

Tears were on both of their faces. Dawn stepped closer, not realizing what she was doing until she wrapped her arms around Ash's neck. Ash's automatic response was to wrap his arms around her waist, which he would have done regardless of the situation.

"Oh, Ash," Dawn whispered, stroking his untamed raven black hair. At the same time, Ash was caressing her back soothingly.

And with that, she poured all her emotions in a single kiss.

"I have one question, Ash," Dawn said.

A more cheerful Ash was right beside her—the way it should have been.

It was the next day, and Dawn and Ash were just walking around, taking in the scenery, and reminiscing their time they had spent in Lilypad Town. With a bit of courage, Ash grasped Dawn's left hand with his right. Of course, he was a little hesitant at first, but he was glad he did, as he felt his heart soar through the heavens. Similar feelings were being felt by Dawn as well.

Dawn was glad she put Piplup in his Poke Ball. They were partners, friends 'til the end, but Dawn did need her privacy. And Piplup wasn't usually too thrilled that he wasn't the center of Dawn's universe. The Cyndaquil-Piplup quarrels weren't something Dawn wanted to go through again.

"And what is, Dawn?"

"Yesterday, before the—um, moment—how did you know that I was there?" Dawn asked.

Ash smiled—grinning from ear to ear. He was so glad to be with her, and actually be with her. Without any reluctance, he answered with a single word: "Aura."

"Aura?" Dawn questioned.

Ash looked up at the sky, smiling. The sky was clear—not a cloud anywhere, and the sun blazed brightly. He wished that it was like that—his life, anyway. It was always so hectic when it came to Ash's life. So many things have happened. It was nice to travel, meet new people, and to go on the adventure of a lifetime. But sometimes things went a little too crazy. He wished he could just put a stop to that, and spend the day with person he cared about most—the one he truly loved. But the constant adventures were his life. Ever since he saw Ho-Oh flying—a rainbow also visible—he knew his life wasn't going to be ordinary.

"Aura," Ash repeated. Then he laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of his head with his free hand. "It's kinda complicated. But basically, everything and everyone has their own aura. And some people can sense and use this aura."

"Wow," Dawn said, impressed.

"And even some Pokemon can use aura," Ash continued. "Riolu and Lucario are able to just that. You've seen them, Dawn. Maylene's Lucario for example. And like I said, even some people are able to manipulate aura. Remember Riley from Iron Island?"

Dawn nodded, and then blinked. "And . . . you know how to use it?"

Ash chuckled lightly and shook his head. "Actually, I've never been trained in using aura. While I was still travelling with Brock, May, and her brother, we came across Sir Aaron's Lucario, who was trapped in his staff for a long time—back when a Poke Ball ceased to exist."

Dawn pursed her lips, thinking hard. Sir Aaron . . . I've heard that name before—but where? Oh, now I remember! "Wasn't this Sir Aaron the one who was able to stop two armies of Pokemon from fighting? He used his aura in the Tree of Beginning to stop the fighting, right? The one they call the True Guardian of Aura."

"Where'd you learn that, Dawn?"

"From school," Dawn answered. "We learned about it when we were learning about history. See, sometimes the history of the Sinnoh Region can be boring, so our teacher thought it would be a good idea to learn the history of other regions as well. And so we learned a little bit about Hoenn's history."

"Are you gonna let me finish my story?"

Dawn laughed lightly. "Of course."

"Anyway, when we were in the town of Rota, there was a tournament commemorating what Sir Aaron had done, so we participated. The winner was crowned 'Hero of the Year'. And in the end, I won, meaning I was the 'hero of the year' that year. I was given the staff that had once belonged to Sir Aaron himself. And when I assumed the position of the aura guardian, a light flashed and his Lucario appeared. It sensed my aura and thought I was Sir Aaron."

"And why was that, Ash?" Dawn asked. The more Ash talked about himself, the more she wanted to know more about him. She felt like this before—back at the Johto airport—like the fact that she didn't know Ash all that much. But this time was different. It was like the door to Ash was open, and it was inviting.

"Apparently my aura patterns are similar to that of Sir Aaron's. And it was then that I learned I could manipulate aura the same way Riley could. But, like I said, I'm not trained in that sort of thing."

"Okay, I get it," Dawn said, "but that doesn't explain how you were able to sense me back at the coliseum."

"Dawn, do you remember the Riolu that was kidnapped by Hunter J?"

Dawn's expression saddened, remembering it clearly. "You mean the Riolu that was able to use Aura Sphere? Yeah, I remember."

Ash nodded. "During then, I told you I was somehow able to sense where Riolu was, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, ever since then, I was able to sense the aura of many things. Different kinds of Pokemon, Brock, you, Piplup, Pikachu—all of them I was able to sense something. Only later did I find out that it was your individual auras burning inside. And since we travelled for so long, I could recognize your aura right away."

"Oh," was all that Dawn was able to get out. The more Dawn learned about her boyfriend (she still couldn't believe that it happened) the more interesting it got. Who knew Ash was able to use aura? Or at least had some experience with it?

She was pondering more on the subject until she heard a beep, beep.

She and Ash walked a little ways away from the town. They were now on the road to the next town. And the one driving the car was someone Ash and Dawn knew pretty well.

"Reggie!" they said.

Reggie, Paul's older brother, smiled and got out of his car. "Well, well, if it isn't Ash and Dawn."

"What are you doing here, Reggie?" Ash asked.

"Oh, I was in Lilypad town to deliver a Pokemon to its trainer, because she wanted to use it in an upcoming contest soon," Reggie answered. "And now that I'm done, I'm on my way to see Paul in Snowpoint City."

"Really?" Dawn asked. The mention of a contest always got her excited.

The breeder nodded. Then an idea struck him. "Since it looks like you guys currently don't know where you're headed to next, why don't you come to Snowpoint as well? I'll give you guys a lift if you want."

It was true. They saw the airship flying toward the Sinnoh Region, so they followed. But now that they're here, they didn't know where to start looking. So they took him on his offer.

"Sure, that sounds great, Reggie," Ash said. "Thanks."

Reggie smiled. "Sure—oh, what's this?"

"What's what?" Ash and Dawn asked.

"Oh nothing. I just noticed you guys are holding hands. And I doubt it's for crossing the street. So, when did it happen?"

"When did what happen?" Ash asked, clueless as always. The purple-haired breeder shot Dawn a look that asked, Are you serious? Dawn shot back another look that said, I have no idea. And luckily Reggie accepted the answer. He knew Ash was dense.

Several people had noted that Reggie and Ash were the same, personality-wise. They were both caring for Pokemon—one of many things that caught Dawn's attention. But one thing that was definitely different about the two was Ash's denseness. Well, she guessed it couldn't be helped.

"Ash, he means when we got together," Dawn explained. "As in together."

"Oh!" Ash exclaimed. "Yesterday."

"Really? Just yesterday?" Reggie asked. "I thought for sure you guys would've gotten together sooner. I guess I owe Paul five dollars now. Oh, hey look, another reason to visit Paul."

"Owe?" Ash questioned. "Why do you owe Paul?"

The Veilstone City inhabitant laughed. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, Ash. Now come on. We better hurry if we want to see Paul before lunch."

Finally, Steel thought. I'm finally here. He surveyed his surroundings. Snow, snow, and more snow.

Snowpoint City was in its usual white appeal. Snow lightly fell from the grey clouds overhead. And seeing this made Steel scowl. Why wasn't it like this when he was hiking to the city?

As he walked, he received a couple of odd glances. It wasn't everyday someone arrived at Snowpoint. What with the constant snowing, many people thought it wasn't the best tourist attraction.

He kept his eyes on the prize. Putting his winter coat hood, Steel made his way to the Snowpoint Temple, where the colossal Regigigas stood and slept. There was a reason as to why Regigigas was there. Snowpoint Temple wasn't just a place for sleeping for the large Pokemon. Inside the temple was item—the item Steel sought out for. And Regigigas was there to protect it.

The Pyramid King, Brandon of the Kanto Battle Frontier, was there to see to it that preparations were made in repairing the temple. When Regigigas was rudely woken up, it destroyed the temple, as well as other things. And Brandon was there to make sure everything was going right on schedule.

The repairs were going well—maybe a week more to finish rebuilding. And surprisingly, Paul was there too. Ever since his departure at the Lily of the Valley Conference at Lily of the Valley Island, he went straight for Snowpoint. But he was disappointed when he found Brandon was busy, and couldn't make time with a rematch. So he decided to help with the repairs—hitting two birds with one stone, when he thought about it.

If Paul were to help, it make the rebuilding go a bit faster. And the faster it went, the faster Paul could have his rematch. But he didn't know it was going to be postponed a little longer.

Steel's boots crunched the snow. This caused the Pyramid King and the purple-haired trainer to look up from the blueprints.

"Who are you?" the head of the battle frontier boomed. "This is a restricted area for the time being. If you want explore the temple, you're going to have to wait until next week."

Steel smirked. "I'm not a tourist. I just came here to claim what's rightfully mine! And I was sure you of all people should know who I am."

Now that Brandon thought about it, he did look familiar. "I'm sorry if you challenged the Battle Pyramid and I forgot about you but—"

Steel's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Ah, so you finally remember, Brandon."

Paul looked at both figures. What were they talking about? At that moment, he shivered. Not from the cold, but from the fact that he was standing in Ash's shoes for a moment—the fact that he was clueless and didn't know what was going on. So he asked, "Who is this, Brandon?"

Steel looked amused. "Tell him, Brandon."

"I remember you clearly," Brandon said. "What power you had, though you still lost. Even though we battled, I don't remember if you gave your name."

Steel's red eyes blazed, wearing a crooked grin. "It wasn't important. But what was important was this."

From his coat pocket, he took out a stone orb resembling a Poke Ball.

Paul paled. He has seen that object before, though not in real life. During his early childhood, he was learning about history. And at that time, he didn't know yet but he was in the same class as Dawn. And after they had learned about Sir Aaron, they learned a bit about Pokelantis—the king being the major topic of discussion.

Steel turned his attention to Paul. "Ah, so you put the pieces together, have you? Then you'll know that the spirit that dwelt in this very orb has taken over me as its host. After reading about this myself, I knew it was perfect before I plot my revenge. Indeed, the spirit of the king is in me now, and I plan to use his guidance to take my revenge . . . and to rule the world."

"I won't allow this!" Brandon yelled. He took out a Poke Ball and threw it. "Regirock, I need your assistance!"

The Rock type legendary golem stood and roared its intimidating cry. The seven dots on its face glowed, signalling that it was ready to take orders.

"I'll help too," Paul said and took out one of his own Poke Balls. "Aggron, stand by for battle!"

The fearsome Iron Armour Pokemon stood in a flash of light.

"Very well," Steel said calmly. "If I must go through you to get what I want, then so be it."

Steel reached for his belt and grasped a Dark Ball and held it out for the frontier brain and trainer to see clearly. Surprise was clearly in their eyes, as they had never seen such a thing. A smirk curved his lips. "Oh, you're probably wondering about this. It's a Dark Ball—a special type of Poke Ball developed by my father. A Pokemon caught by one of these gain their maximum power. Now I'll show you! Tyranitar, destroy!"

With a flash of light a green reptilian Pokemon emerged, hunger and hate in its eyes.

"Tyranitar, Hyper Beam!" Steel commanded.

Without hesitation, the Armour Pokemon shot out an orange devastating and concentrated beam straight at Aggron and Regirock. When the move connected, a huge cloud of smoke was released.

When the smoke cleared, Aggron and Regirock lay on the snow, fainted. Their trainers were also blown away by the blast. Paul and Brandon were lying on the snow, fear and pain in their expressions. All four figures that were lying before Steel were scratched and bruised.

"What power!" Paul managed through gritted teeth.

Steel scoffed. "I expected more from the head of the Kanto Battle Frontier and a Sinnoh League finalist. Guess I was wrong."

Steel returned his Tyranitar into its Dark Ball and walked passed the two injured trainers and their Pokemon like they weren't a threat at all.

It was then that Paul and Brandon heard the sound of a hum of a car's engine. Three people got out of the car quickly and ran to the two trainers on the snow. A breeder, a trainer, and a coordinator ran to their side. Reggie, Ash, and Dawn were shocked when they saw what had happened to the two trainers.

Reggie, being the older brother, was there first. Ash and Dawn were right on his trail, holding hands as they were running.

"W—what happened here, Paul?" Reggie asked his younger brother.

Paul and Brandon struggled to get on their feet. Ash and Reggie helped them up.

Paul clasped his hand over his left arm. "I don't know. Some guy with a Dark Ball came over, released his Tyranitar, and walked inside the temple."

It was Ash's turn to pale. "Did—did you say Dark Ball?"

Paul nodded. "Why? Do you know something?"

Before he could answer, Ash saw a figure emerged from the entrance, an item in his hands. Even though he just saw this guy, he had his fists clenched, like he already knew this guy was bad news.

"Who are you?" Ash demanded. "Are you the one with the Dark Ball?"

"So you've heard of me then," Steel guessed.

"I have a feeling I know who you are," Ash said. Flashbacks of Celebi, Suicune, and a man behind a mask, came flooding in his mind. "Why are you here, Iron-Masked Marauder?"

Steel laughed. "Iron-Masked Marauder, did you say? I haven't heard that name in long time. How refreshing!"

"What are you doing here, Marauder?"

Steel smiled, but it wasn't a friendly one. It was more like an amused smile, as if to say Do you want to test me, boy? "So you think I'm the Iron-Masked Marauder?"

Ash gritted his teeth. "Who else could you be? I don't know anyone else with a Dark Ball."

"But that's where you're wrong, Ash Ketchum." Steel spat out his name. He said his name like it left a sour taste just by saying it.

"Then who are you?"

"I don't usually give out my name, especially to those I hate. But for you, I'll make an exception. My father's plans were foiled by a child? Bah!"

"Who's your father?" Ash asked.

"You already know. You've said it quite a few times. Yes, I am Steel, and my father was indeed the Iron-Masked Marauder!"

So, how was it? Did you like the confession scene? I know I did. That scene reminded me of Zero no Tsukaima (The Familiar of Zero) season two, episode four, the boat scene. Check it out, if you want.

Please review, it really makes me become a better author. And it also gives me support to continue. It really helps. Thanks for reading!

(Did anyone notice I forgot to put a comma after sincerely last chapter? If you guys didn't, I bet you're checking now.)

Sincerely,

~Lux (Rising From Ashes)