Gary, Misty and Max stepped into the reception at Indigo Plateau and headed straight for the receptionist.

"Hi." Gary said. "We had somebody call ahead. We should have a meeting organised?"

"Gary Oak?" The receptionist said, glancing at her computer screen. "Yes. Cynthia will see you."

"I…" Gary started, but Max cut across him.

"Thank you." He said. "The lift?"

"Yes." The receptionist answered. "Eighth floor."

The trio headed for the elevator, Misty initially dragging Gary. As it climbed he turned to Max.

"We need Champion. The Pokémon Master. Not Cynthia."

"We couldn't get hold of Mellanie." Max retorted. "I got through to Sam but he said he wouldn't be able to arrange a meeting with Champion. Only Cynthia can do that. She is our best bet."

"You are aware we are racing against time?" Gary hissed.

"Yes." Max said simply. "And we will manage it by being calm and sensible."

Gary shook his head in disbelief as the elevator came to a stop. The three of them stepped out and headed for Cynthia's office.

"You told Sam why we were looking for Champion?" Gary asked.

"Yes." Max said, hiding his irritation at being asked yet again. "He knows."

As they reached the door to Cynthia's office, Misty stepped forwards and knocked, a little harder than was strictly necessary. The pressure on Gary was making him hard to be around, and while she could handle it, it was getting to Max. The bickering in the car as she drove to Indigo Plateau had nearly driven her crazy.

"Come in." a voice sounded.

Misty pushed the door open and stepped in, followed by Max and Gary. Inside the office sat a series of chairs in front of Cynthia's desk. Behind the desk, Cynthia waited. Next to her, leaning against a wall stood Lance Waturu. On Cynthia's other side, Sam Fernandez waited.

"Please, take a seat." Cynthia said. Misty and Max acquiesced but Gary remained standing.

"We don't have time. My grandfather's Dragonite is critically injured. Only Champion can save him now."

"If he is truly as badly injured as Dr Stone suggested when we called him, then you are most likely right." Cynthia said, her voice remaining calm. "What I find interesting is that you know that."

"What do you mean?" Gary asked through clenched teeth.

"Champion does not advertise many of his abilities." Lance said. "And while his ability to heal Pokémon is one of those he hides the least, very few know about it. How do you?"

"I…" Misty started, but Max cut across her.

"I have a superb memory." He said. "Six years ago Misty fought against Champion in a trial match, just after he took his title. Golduck was taken into critical care, but Nurse Joy said something at the time of Champion intervening to save him."

"You remember that far back?" Cynthia asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Not exactly." Max said. "I remembered that something happened. We came to see if Champion could help."

Cynthia nodded slowly and glanced at Sam. He leaned down and whispered something to her, too quiet for those on the other side of the desk to hear. Cynthia seemed to consider it for a moment and then she came to a decision.

"I have a direct link to Champion." She said slowly. "I can ask him if he will help. I warn you however, I cannot say for certain that he will come."

"Please." Gary said. "Dragonite, he's Gramps oldest Pokémon. They've been together longer than I've been alive. Losing Dragonite would kill him."

"I shall ask." Cynthia said. "Dragonite is being kept at the laboratory in Pallet Town?"

"Yes."

"Then if he comes, Champion will go directly there. If you would like to wait outside, I should be able to get an answer for you quickly."

"Thank you." Gary said as he led the other two out of the office. As the door shut, Cynthia turned to those on either side.

"Thoughts?"

"Ash will go." Sam said instantly. "If we can reach him, he will go. He puts Pokémon first above all else."

"I agree." Lance said quietly. "However, we have to reach him."

"I wasn't lying when I said I had a direct connection." Cynthia said. "Or I usually do. Something has happened on Mystery Island."

"Let me go." Sam said. "If I take Pidgeot I can be there fast. I'll find out whatever happened and get Ash."

"Go." Cynthia said, coming to a snap decision. Sam nodded and headed out the room, already pulling a Pokéball off his belt. Cynthia and Lance watched him go.

"Something is very wrong." Lance said quietly.

"I know." Cynthia said. "Ash is never out of communication range. And Mystery Island is perfectly safe. Nobody can reach it. Even teleporting in is meant to be virtually impossible without something to focus on. A target."

"Yet something has happened there."

"I know." Cynthia said wearily. "And I have a horrible feeling it might affect us all."

Lance nodded but didn't say anything. A silence spread between the two of them for a long minute before Lance pushed himself away from the wall. "I'll take them back to Pallet Town. Nobody knows Dragon-Types better than me, I might be able to help." Neither leader said it, but there was an unspoken thing between them. Lance needed to get Misty, Gary and Max away from Indigo Plateau or they would start to get in the way. They would want to know what was happening. It was easier just to get them back to Pallet Town where they could not cause any problems.

"Go." Cynthia said again. "We cannot let a Pokémon die."

"Ash would kill us." Lance said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Cynthia snorted as the Dragon Master crossed to the door.

"Just don't give him the chance." She warned. Lance smiled as he shut the door behind him, leaving Cynthia alone. She slumped in her chair, head in her hands. For five years, every decision she had made had been done with the backing of the Pokémon Master. He trusted her completely, but he also just a phone call away. To lose that safety crutch made her realise how much she had relied on it.

"Where are you?" She whispered.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Officer Jenny asked. "It will make it harder for us to protect you."

"I'm sure." Sonia said, sniffing slightly, nervousness written onto her face. "The world has to know the lie."

"Very well." Officer Jenny said. "We will set up an interview with a major news company for you."

"Thank you." Sonia said quietly.

Officer Jenny smiled slightly at her. "Well I suppose you are right. But this will make us protecting you much harder."

"I don't care." Sonia said bravely. "If he comes for me then the truth gets out regardless."

Jenny nodded and walked away. As the door shut into the room Sonia took a deep breath. Cleffa had vanished when the police had taken her bags, but she knew that there was no way that the police had found the Pokémon. Cleffa was the best she had ever seen at hiding. The last day had been a whirl for her. After the police had interviewed her about Champion they had agreed that protective custody was the best thing. She had then told them that she wanted to speak out. Jenny had advised against it, but not forbidden it.

"We cannot guarantee your safety if you do." She had warned, but Sonia had persisted, telling the policewoman that if she was going to expose Champion then she would have to take some risks. Sonia felt a small thrill run up her spine. She was so close. The excitement of years of work coming together was really something.

The door opened once again and Sonia looked around. The man who stepped through was somebody that she recognized. Her heart leapt – if she could persuade Zane Zito then she would be believed.

"Miss Rukan?" Zane asked. Sonia nodded and rose, extending her hand to be shaken. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I hear you have a story for me?"

"Yes…" Sonia said hesitantly.

"Is there a problem?" Zane asked.

"I… no." Sonia said. "Just… Aren't you a battle analyst?"

Zane smiled. "Common misconception. I do analyse battles, yes. But I am my companies lead analyst on all things involved with Pokémon. I do pieces on trainers battling styles, but also on their lives."

"I see." Sonia said and took a deep breath. "Do you think that…"

"That your story will be of interest?" Zane grinned. "Without a doubt. Stories about the Pokémon Master are extremely rare, and therefore more popular because of it. But I do warn you, please do not be offended."

"Offended?" Sonia asked.

"Yes." Zane said. "I will need evidence beyond just your word. Once I've gotten that I will be able to release the story. Without it, I am afraid that I will be powerless."

"Thank you." Sonia said sincerely.

"No problem." Zane said. " Remember it is my job." He sat down behind a table and pulled a notebook out of his pocket. A small pen followed, placed onto the table. Zane gestured towards a chair opposite him as he tested the pen on the corner of the page. As Sonia settled Zane focused his attention back onto her, pen poised and ready to write. "Now then." Zane said. "What can you tell me about Champion? What has he done?"

Ash stirred from where he was sleeping, something attracting his attention. As he focused on it he rapidly found himself waking up. As he forced himself out of his bed, coming to his feet he felt a wave of exhaustion hit him. He took several deep breaths before reaching for his clothes. As he got dressed he reflected on his use of aura over the last few days. In the thirty-six hours since the attack on his home he had spent the time trying to recover the energy expended. It took time but it had to be done, he couldn't continue to expend aura at the rate he had been. When he had risen after more than twelve hours asleep he had found Espeon looking at him disapprovingly but said nothing. She knew that Ash had not done anything that he did not feel he had to, but it had really taken it out of him. He had barely been awake for six hours when he had started to feel tired again. And even now, after another long sleep he was still tired. But he had to deal with the new arrival to the island.

Ash stepped out of his room, fully dressed and strode to the front of the house. The door opened as he approached and he stepped out. A few moments later Sam raced in, Pidgeot flying low to the ground. Pidgeot braked sharply and Sam stepped off his Pokémons back, panting.

"Are you alright Sam?" Ash asked.

"I… Yeah." Sam said as he got his breath back. "I'm just not used to flying at those kind of speeds."

Pidgeot threw his chest out and squawked loudly with pride. Ash smiled slightly.

"Anyway, I'm here for…" Sam started before trailing off. "Ash?" He asked.

"Yes?"

"What happened here?"

Sam was looking past Ash to see the parts of the house that had clearly been rebuilt, the newer materials shining through. Even on this side of the house, parts of it had clearly been renovated.

"We were attacked." Ash said heavily.

"Attacked?" Sam asked in disbelief. "By who?"

"Sonia." Ash answered flatly.

"Wow." Sam said before falling quiet, the enormity of what he had heard sinking in once again. "I guess this is why you've been out of reach for Cynthia?"

"Yes." Ash said. "The attack caused substantial damage to the house and island. We haven't had a chance to restore the links to the mainland yet. We have had other priorities."

"What about people and Pokémon?" Sam asked. "Was anybody hurt?"

"Badly hurt… no." Ash said. "But Harrison was knocked out in the attack and injured. He has since recovered. Similarly his Pokémon were badly hurt, but they are all also recovered. And my mother was taken in the attack. We believe that she was the target of it."

"Sorry, they took Delia?" Sam asked, aghast.

"Yes." Ash said simply, before turning slightly, half hiding his face. "Are you here for a reason Sam? Or were you coming back here to train for a time?"

"I… Oh right." Sam said. "Something has happened."

"Do you need to sit for this?" Ash asked, his voice taking on a hint of kindness.

"No..." Sam said. "It is Professor Oak."

"What has happened to him?" Ash asked, suddenly urgent.

"Not him." Sam said. "His Dragonite. They were attacked near Pallet Town. Dragonite protected the Professor but…"

"But Dragonite was badly hurt."

"Yes. He is being treated at the laboratory in Pallet Town but the doctor doesn't think that he will make it. Gary Oak came to Indigo Plateau to beg for you to come and save him."

"How do they know I could?" Ash asked.

"Max Maple said something about you having done it before? To Misty's Golduck?"

Ash felt a sinking feeling inside. Something all those years before had come back to haunt him. His old friends had annoyingly good memories.

"Will you go?" Sam asked.

For a long moment Ash didn't answer. He knew he should. And he should have the strength to save a Pokémon, no matter how badly injured. His recovery time would esure that. But…

"Ash?" Sam asked again. "Will you go?"

"You said that the doctor didn't think he'd make it?" Ash asked. Sam nodded. "Pallet Town doesn't have a doctor. Who was it?"

"Dr Stone." Sam said, slightly sheepishly. "Also known as…"

"Brock Stone." Ash said heavily. "You know that this means that most of my old friends will be there right?"

Sam nodded. "You've faced them before. You can do it again."

"Not like this." Ash said quietly. "But yes, I will still go. To fail to do so would be to condemn a Pokémon to death, and I cannot condone that."

"Thank you." Sam said, letting out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "I will take Pidgeot to Indigo Plateau and inform Cynthia."

"No." Ash said. "I need you here."

"You… what?" Sam asked in shock.

"I need you here. I do not think we will be attacked again but I will have to take a few Pokémon with me and therefore the island is vulnerable."

"But I…"

"Sam I know you are Lance's tutee." Ash said. "But you are also mine. And that comes with its responsibilities. I will message Cynthia from Pallet Town."

"Who else is here?" Sam asked.

"Mellanie and Harrison. Espeon will coordinate the defence in my absence. Listen to her, she knows what she is doing."

"Not Charizard?"

Ash and Sam turned to see Mellanie striding around the side of the house.

"Mel!" Sam said with delight, stepping forward and hugging her. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough." Ash answered for her. "And no, not Charizard. He will be coming with me."

"Why?" Mellanie asked.

"Because I need the power. Espeon is a superb fighter, but Charizard can inspire awe in a way that she can't. She is also better at coordinating between humans and Pokémon."

"Who else will you take?" Sam asked.

"Alakazam. Meganium. Altaria, Sharpedo and Aggron. The rest will remain here."

"When will you leave?" Sam asked. Ash turned and called out a command. Within moments Alakazam was stood in front of him, six Pokéballs floating by his side. Ash took the balls and attached them to his belt before taking the hat that Alakazam held out and placing it firmly on his head.

"Now." Ash said to the youngsters. "I will return when I can, but until then this island is to be locked down. Do not let anybody on."

Sam and Mellanie nodded and Ash gestured to Alakazam. The Pokémon Master vanished in a flash of light leaving them to look around.

"Now what?" Sam asked as he recalled his Pidgeot.

"I guess we get comfortable." Mellanie said. "I think we're going to be here for a while."

Zane Zito leaned back in his chair, finally laying the pen down. He had covered pages and pages with notes from the long interview with Sonia. He surveyed the woman on the other side of the table with a long look.

"This is quite something." Zane said. "I trust that you have some evidence that we can go over?"

"Yes." Sonia said. "I…"

"Not yet." Zane said quietly, rubbing at his temples. "I'm just trying to get my head around this."

Sonia smiled slightly, an expression that wiped itself from her face as Zane focused back on her.

"Just let me run through a few of the accusations." Zane said, reading off one of his papers. "You allege that Champion has jeopardised people's safety with his battles. I've been at some of his battles. I've done analysis on them. Which are you referring to?"

"The Clash of Legends." Sonia said quietly. "I have evidence that the Pokémon League knew about the dangers of batting legendary Pokémon. Champion knew that to fight against Tobias could bring about the reaction from the legendary Pokémon that it did, but he fought anyway. He should have refused challenge, citing the evidence he had access to."

"Can you prove that Champion himself had the evidence?" Zane asked.

"No." Sonia said. "But the archaeologist in charge of an excavation sent Cynthia Shirona a copy of a diary which detailed a history in which a man called the Master captured a Pokémon called Regigas. The diary detailed the dangers of fighting with a legendary Pokémon to the trainer using it. There are parts of the account that detail the danger to those nearby as well. Champion should have seen it. Failure to do so would be just as bad a dereliction of duty."

Zane nodded. "I will look into this. And since then, you claim that he has endangered the world?"

"Find the recordings of the showdown in Cerulean City." Sonia said. "When wild Pokémon attacked the Kanto Region. Champion tried to fight them himself, which merely antagonised them further."

"And you know this because…"

"Because I was there." Sonia said. "I used to be a Pokémon Ranger, I know when things like this start to happen. It used to be my job. I used a connection I once had with the Pokémon to calm the situation down, and I saved Champion from an attack."

Zane raised an eyebrow but the woman refused to back down.

"Very well. I shall have this looked into as well. Any more?"

"Champion was responsible for Pokémon fighting out in the Wilds. A lot of Pokémon were injured, some badly. The natural order out there was upset as well." Sonia said. "But this is harder to get evidence of."

Zane nodded. "I will be unlikely to get evidence of that, however there are other things I can look into."

"And once is an accident, twice coincidence..."

"Three times a pattern." Zane finished. "I am well aware. Now a little bit about you Miss Rukan."

"About me?" Sonia asked.

"Yes." Zane said, leaning forwards. "Why are you doing this?"

"What do you mean?"

"Champion was able to defeat a horde of legendary Pokémon, regardless of the dangers. He has strengthened the Pokémon League. He is a popular, if distant leader. Why are you trying to bring him down?"

"I'm not doing this out of a grudge towards Champion." Sonia lied. "I'm doing this because he is too strong. Usually a man who has done what he has done would be questioned, but he is too powerful for that."

"Oh?" Zane asked.

"Two years ago, a man tried to criticise Champion publicly." Sonia said. She was inwardly cursing, she had hoped not to have to use this, but Zane was taking more convincing than she had hoped. "I tried to reach him. But by the time I did, he vanished. He was officially classified as missing and never seen again. I'm not saying that Champion did anything…"

"But it looks suspicious." Zane said quietly. "I understand. You worry that the public that would normally be watching for anything illegal from the Pokémon Master are giving him a free ride."

"Yes." Sonia said, relief in her voice. "After that I promised myself that I would look into Champion, find out as much as I can. Now I want to speak out, whatever the danger to me."

Zane nodded. "You are a brave woman Miss Rukan." He rose from his chair before looking at her. "If we find evidence in these claims, how do you want to speak out?"

"What do you mean?" Sonia asked.

"We can make you an anonymous source." Zane said. "By putting it into print backed up with evidence it will be believed. And you will be protected."

"That… sounds reassuring." Sonia said with a smile.

"There is an alternative." Zane said. "If you would be willing to do a live interview in the aftermath of the release of the story, you can unveil anything that hasn't yet been announced. Which do you prefer?"

"I'd…" Sonia started, before stopping and thinking. "If I was willing to go public, what would the difference be?"

"You'd be more believable." Zane said. "And the police would protect you from Champion, not that they'd really need to. If he attacked you, everybody would know it was him."

"So I'd be safe?" Sonia asked.

"Yes." Zane said.

"Then I'd like to do the interview."

"Very well. I will be in contact if your claims have truth behind them." Zane said as he crossed to the door. "And thank you Miss Rukan. You are being very brave."

The door shut behind him, leaving Sonia alone. And for the first time since she had entered the police station to go into protective custody, a big smile spread across her face.

Ash reappeared outside the laboratory in Pallet Town, Alakazam next to him. Ash reached down and pulled a Pokéball from his waist, recalling Alakazam. He climbed the steps up towards the laboratory, looking around at the damage that had befallen the building. He sighed. It had clearly been a brute of a battle here as well. Ash reached the entrance to the laboratory and knocked loudly. Footsteps approached the door as Ash checked to make sure his hat was still in place on his head, covering his face.

The door opened and a woman with blue hair stepped out.

"Sorry we're…" She started, before seeing who was waiting at the door. Dawn did a double-take.

"Champion!" She squeaked. "I… You…"

"I was informed that a Pokémon here needed emergency care." Ash said, his voice utterly emotionless.

"Err… yes." Dawn said, her voice still noticeably higher than normal. There was an aura of strength around the Pokémon Master that she had never noticed in the few times she had been around him, but then she had never been near him one on one. "Come in." Dawn said, gesturing. Ash swept past her and her arm fell limply to her side. As she followed him into the building, she tried to talk but words weren't really coming out.

"Where is the Pokémon?" Ash asked.

"Dawn, who is it?"

Another girl stepped out into the entrance hall, freezing when she saw Ash stood there.

"Champion" May said. "You came."

"Indeed." Ash said. "Where is the injured Pokémon?"

"He is through here." May said quietly gesturing to a door. "Can you save him?"

Ash turned and focused entirely on May. Even though his eyes were hidden by the hat, the coordinator could feel the intensity of his gaze. She quailed slightly under it, instinctively looking around for somewhere to hide.

"I will do my best." Ash said. "I can promise no more than that."

He strode through the door that May had gestured to, finding himself in a lounge. Ignoring the people in there already, he followed the groans he could here coming from the room on the other side of the lounge. Ash stepped through the door, shutting it firmly behind him.

Inside the room Dragonite was on a table, hooked up to several machines. Over the Pokémon stood Brock Stone, working feverishly.

"I need to be given time if I am to keep Dragonite alive." Brock said without looking up. "Please leave me alone."

"I'll actually need you to leave me alone with the patient, Dr Stone." Ash said, ably hiding the humour in his voice. Brock spun looking at Ash.

"Champion!" He gasped. "I'm sorry I…"

"Don't worry about it." Ash said. "But leave me alone and I will do what I can."

Brock nodded, immediately walking out of the room and shutting the door behind him. Ash smiled slightly. It wasn't often that he went out in public but the awe that he inspired in people, even people that had met him in the past was quite something. It was easy to forget what kind of figure he presented to the world at large, given his isolation. None of the people that knew him were scared of him, even Mellanie had managed to get over watching him fight. Yet he had just reduced three people to almost stuttering simply by walking in.

Ash reached down to pull a Pokéball off his belt, releasing Meganium. She looked around and saw Dragonite on the table. Her vines immediately reached out and wrapped around the Dragon Pokémon, and she glanced up at the lights before looking at Ash.

"Yeah, I know." He muttered. "I'll get you more light."

Ash crossed the room to the light switches and turned them all on. He then reached a series of lamps and turned them on as well. A sigh of relief came from Meganium as she drew in more energy through her leaves, transferring it to Dragonite to help the Pokémon recover.

"Am I up?" Ash asked. Meganium nodded. Ash stepped forwards and put his hands on either side of Dragonites head. His aura spread through the Pokémons body, healing injuries as it went. Meganium watched Ash closely as he worked, looking for a reaction, or a sign of exhaustion. After a few minutes Ash withdrew his hand and staggered back.

"Ganium."

"I'm fine." Ash said quietly. "Just… give me a moment."

Meganium nodded and returned her attention to Dragonite. Ash had healed all of his internal injuries and the vast majority of his external ones. The Pokémon was still incredibly drained but Meganium was fixing that. Across the room Ash leaned against a wall and rubbed his temples slowly. He could feel a headache coming on from his exertions.

"I guess I wasn't recovered." He muttered. Meganium gave him a withering look from across the room. "What?" Ash said. "You cannot disapprove of this."

Meganium considered it for a moment then shook her head. Ash acknowledged her before shutting his eyes again as continued to rub at his temples.

A few minutes later Meganium unwrapped her vines from around Dragonite who started to stir. Meganium moved across to Ash and put a vine around him, transferring some of her remaining energy to him.

"You shouldn't…" Ash murmured, not opening his eyes.

"Gan." Meganium answered, flicking her head at the lights. Ash nodded slowly, still not opening his eyes. Meganium was right, she could replace energy much faster than he could – Synthesis meant that she could regenerate energy faster than any other Pokémon in Ash's team. Ash didn't like her transferring energy to him, he knew that it would only cover the exhaustion that he felt. Although he did concede that sometimes it made sense; he could not afford to be completely exhausted at the moment. After another couple of minutes she withdrew the vine and he opened his eyes, visibly more alert.

"Thank you." Ash said quietly before he held out a Pokéball. Meganium rubbed her cheek against Ash's arm before vanishing into the Pokéball, ready to sleep. As his Pokémon disappeared Ash smiled slightly. She still insisted on looking out for him at all times. Ash then stepped forwards, focusing his attention on Dragonite who had woken up but was still lying on the table.

"How are you?" Ash asked the Pokémon who shrugged slightly, barely moving his body. "Ah yes, sorry about that. You will have to recover over a period of time. But you will recover."

Dragonite leaned forwards slightly before letting out a small cry. Ash grimaced, the Pokémon would show the effects of the attacks for a long time, possibly the rest of his life. Some of the wounds had started to heal naturally, making it very difficult to remove all of the damage. But, Dragonite would live. That was the important thing.

"Your trainer is outside." Ash said. "I will go and bring him in."

Dragonite growled his acknowledgement and Ash stepped to the door. Opening it he walked into the lounge outside and looked around, seeing a room with just two people in it.

"Lance." Ash said emotionlessly. "What are you doing here?"

"We were unsure how long it would take you to get here." Lance answered. "I know Dragon-Types better than anybody alive, I felt that my expertise might be of help. Until you beat me here Champion."

Ash inclined his head slightly. "Good initiative. I assume that Gary Oak, Misty Waterflower and Max Maple are here as well?"

"Yes." Lance answered. "They are outside. We travelled back together. They went to eat along with the others in residence here."

"And they didn't invite you?" Ash said, his voice light. "How impolite of them."

"Is Dragonite alright?" Samuel Oak asked, cutting across any answer Lance could give. "Can I…"

"Yes Professor." Ash said. "Dragonite is mostly healed. He will survive. You may see him in a moment."

Oak had already started to rise from his chair but he sank back down when Ash focused on him. "What do you want?" Oak said heavily.

"As payment?" Ash asked. "Nothing. I cannot permit a Pokémon to die, you know that. But I want to know how he was injured."

"We were attacked." Oak said. "I was out visiting a Pokémon nearby." A ghost of a smile flashed across Oak's face. "Pidgeot if you are curious."

"Interesting." Ash said. "Who attacked you?"

"Nearby Pokémon. A Heracross chased me down, along with other Pokémon."

"Do you know which other Pokémon?"

"No."

"I do." Another voice rang out. Ash turned to look at the figure of Gary Oak walking into the room. Gary turned to Lance. "There is food waiting for you in the kitchen. Brock cooked, so it's good."

"Thank you." Lance said. "If there is nothing Champion?"

"Go." Ash said emotionlessly. "And Professor, go see your Dragonite. If your grandson can answer my questions I will not trouble you any longer."

Oak smiled his thanks before rushing into Dragonite's room. Lance moved more slowly past Gary as he headed for the kitchen. As the doors shut around them, Ash turned all of his attention onto Gary who withdrew slightly under the force of the gaze.

"There were multiple Pokémon attacking here?" Ash asked.

"Yes." Gary answered. "There were…"

"Who was the leader?"

"Sorry?"

"Who was the leader of the group?" Ash asked.

"I… I'm not sure." Gary said.

"Fine. What was the strongest Pokémon?"

"An Onix." Gary said instantly. "It took the combined attacks of all of our Pokémon to hurt him. He was the one who crushed part of the lab."

"How many Pokémon?" Ash asked.

"A lot. All of mine, all of Mistys, Dawns, May's, Brocks…"

"I get the idea." Ash said cutting Gary off. "And you were able to drive him off with those attacks?"

"Not at first. Gramps Porygon2 was able to free Onix in place, meaning that he couldn't adjust his body to take the attacks. Only then did we make any impact."

Ash felt the blood drain from his face and found himself very glad that his hat was still firmly in place. Gary could not see the reaction he had. He knew the Pokémon that Gary was talking about. But for Onix to be fighting inside the Pokémon ranch meant that the Pokémon who usually watched the area was no longer able to maintain his territory. Usually Ash wouldn't bother himself with Pokémon changing territory, it was part of nature and the hierarchy that existed in the wild. But the Pokémon that was being pushed back was his old Pidgeot. And if Pidgeot was struggling, he should have contacted Ash. While Ash would not get involved for any Pokémon, Pidgeot was protecting Ash's old home. It was one thing that Ash would permit himself to defend with a personal interest.

"Thank you." Ash said to Gary. "I will investigate these attacks."

"I… Okay." Gary said, slightly taken aback. "Will you need anything?"

"No." Ash said. "Just make sure that Dragonite does not battle any time soon. He is healed but he will take some time to fully recover."

"Thank you." Gary said. "You didn't have to come… So… thank you."

Ash headed for the door, covering the ground quickly. "You are welcome."

And with that, Ash was gone, leaving Gary to look out after him, gratitude still written onto his face.

As soon as he was out of the laboratory, Ash released Alakazam.

"We need to go and visit Pidgeot." Ash said. "He has some explaining to do."

A/N

So a few recurring themes in the reviews that I thought I'd discuss here briefly.

Sonia's motives. No they have not yet been revealed. So don't bother going back to try to find them. They'll come out eventually, have no fear.

Cleffa being the strongest of the wild Pokémon. Again, there is a reason. And I'm sure it will cause some debate. But it does exist. Again, will be revealed.

SpencerDorman – Your review touched on both of the above, and a few other things so I'll answer you directly. Espeon was making the point that Ash's strength is not just in his physical power. Yes his aura gives him huge strength, but there is more to it than that. In terms of IQ, Espeon and Alakazam are both more intelligent than Ash. But there is more to battling than just somebodies strength and more to strategy than intelligence. Some people just have a feel for it (Watch any professional sport, players at the very top have an almost instinctive feel for strategy.) That is what Espeon meant by her struggling to defeat Ash. In the battles he has fought across both stories, he has been ruthless at exposing and taking advantage of weaknesses. Kinda a complex explanation but I hope it sort of makes sense!

The person that asked how Ash's Pokémon lost (It was a guest reviewer.) They didn't lose the fight. But they couldn't get Delia back. Big difference.

Anyway, until next time. I should be able to keep up this chapter a week thing for a bit longer, although no promises over the Christmas period…

Iama2p