Mellanie handed Sam a glass of water as he settled into a chair. She chose one across the room from him and met his gaze levelly.

"Why are you here Sam?" She asked. "You have a public image to protect."

"I know." Sam said. "Soon I will have to return to Indigo. I have work to do for the region, an Elite Four to choose. But I cannot just walk away from this."

"You should." Mellanie said. "This… this is more than you can handle."

Sam's eyes flashed dangerously. "I can handle more than you realise." He said. "Don't forget, I am the leader of Kanto."

"And two weeks ago you were taken apart in an interview with Zane." Mellanie retorted.

Sam flushed. "That… was a mistake. I am not infallible. But I want to help Ash."

"But Ash doesn't want it." The words escaped before Mellanie could stop herself. The time spent alone, along with the stress of her mentor being arrested had caused her to become exhausted from lack of sleep. And Sam's persistence had begun to frustrate her.

There was a long silence as Sam processed Mellanie's words. When he eventually spoke, his voice was soft.

"What do you mean Mel?" he asked.

"I asked Ash." Mellanie said, her voice quavering. "I asked him what he wanted you to do, and he told me nothing. He said as a public figure you can't do anything."

Sam nodded slowly. "And what if I wanted to?"

"He's barely let me do anything." Mel said, tears beginning to run down her face. "Ash won't let us do anything. He's done everything for us but now that he needs help he has nobody to turn to and won't let us help."

Sam rose from his chair and paced around the room, the frustration evident on his face. "What are you doing for him?" Sam asked eventually.

"His Pokémon wanted somewhere to retreat to in Hoenn." Mellanie sniffed. "I'm here waiting."

"Nothing else?"

"No. He won't let me do anything."

Sam nodded as he continued to pace. "Do you know what he is planning next?"

Mellanie shook her head, her hair falling to cover her face. "His Pokémon are looking for Sonia. That is all I know."

"What will he do when they find her?"

"Espeon didn't say." Mellanie said.

Sam returned to his chair and downed the glass of water he had left on the table next to it. He looked over at Mellanie. "Then I will assume that we will have to face a trial."

Sam put the glass back down and turned away, heading for the door. Before he could reach it, he heard a small voice from behind him.

"Do you have to go?"

Sam stopped and turned. "Why?"

Mellanie gestured around the house. "I'm the only one here. It would be nice if you could stay."

Sam seemed to consider it for a long moment, before nodding slowly.

"It is late, Lance and Steven will most likely be finishing for the day by the time I get back. I can stay here tonight."

Mellanie slipped out of the chair she was on and crossed the room, reaching out and hugging herself close to Sam.

"Thank you." She whispered into his chest as his arms went around her and held her. They moved to a sofa and he sat down, Mellanie clinging to him as the night started to draw in around the house.

Lance was woken up by the phone ringing on the bedside table. He rolled across the bed and grabbed it, blinking bleary eyed at the screen. After a few moments the number registered in his mind as the number to one of his key advisors in Johto and he tapped a button to accept the call.

"Lance speaking." He said into the phone.

"Sorry to wake you up sir, I know it is very early in Hoenn."

"Not a problem." Lance said, stifling a yawn. "I assume there is something important?"

"Yes sir. There have been reports of incidents on the outskirts of the Ilex Forest."

"What kind of incidents?" Lance asked, suddenly wide awake.

"Clashes between Pokémon." The voice came. "Far larger scale than we are used to seeing. The fights didn't seem to be about territory, they just seemed to be…"

"About causing damage." Lance finished quietly as he swung his body to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Yes sir."

"Thank you for letting me know. I will send over instructions shortly."

Lance hung up and glanced at the clock. Five o'clock in the morning. He looked longingly back at his bed but knew that he couldn't afford to spend any more time there. Groaning slightly, Lance climbed out of bed fully and headed for the shower. It was going to be a long day.

The door chimed as May pushed it open, moving into the newsagents. She smiled at the man behind the counter as she glanced down some of the fashion magazines. She was looking for ideas for the next contest circuit since she already had everything she needed to see herself through Kanto comfortably. However her eye was drawn to the newspapers a short way along the shelf. She picked one up and glanced up at the man.

"Is this true?" she asked.

The man shrugged. "I don't know. I sell them, I don't write them."

May chuckled. "Too true. I'll take this."

She paid for the newspaper and left the shop, turning down the road. She sat on a bench and opened it fully, reading.

'Pokémon Master due for Expedited Trial?'

'In reports coming from the Hoenn Police Force, the Pokémon Master, Ash Ketchum is due to have the date for his trial moved up. It has been suggested that due to the political instability caused by the shock arrest the leader of Hoenn, Steven Stone, ordered the police force to bring the case to a rapid conclusion. It has been suggested that this is due to the lack of convincing evidence around the supposed crimes of the Pokémon Master, but there is no official line on how this will affect the prosecution of the case. It does however, draw judgement day closer for the mysterious, secretive Pokémon Master. Continued on page 2.'

May looked up from the newspaper and sighed. It had been a long few days for her as she had finally reconnected with one of her oldest friends only to have him get arrested shortly afterwards. She had gone to Celadon City in order to be ready for a contest that was due to happen this evening but she wasn't convinced her heart would be in it.

Suddenly there was a vibration in her pocket. May reached in and pulled a small phone out, looking at it. The number that appeared on the screen made her groan inwardly as she swiped to reject the call. Drew again. She had left Indigo Plateau quickly after the arrest, not wanting to see her husband again. She had then not spoken to him for the few days since, wanting time to recover from their last argument. Drew however, did not seem to want to give her that time.

May glanced back down at the newspaper at another headline that caught her eye. She folded the paper slightly to get a better look before she started to read.

'Pokémon Clashes Restarting'

'There has been outbreaks of fighting among Pokémon throughout Kanto and Johto. While not fighting near any major human settlements, Pokémon appear to be getting more aggressive and are fighting each other for no obvious reason. The worst regions for it have been in Ilex Forest in Johto and the fringes of the Safari Zone in Kanto. Similar to the Pokémon aggression towards humans a few weeks ago, Pokémon are also attacking humans on sight in these areas. There has been no official word from the leader of Johto, Lance Waturu or the new leader of Kanto, Samuel Fernandez. Continued on page 4.'

May folded up the newspaper and started walking, heading back towards her hotel so that she could get ready for the contest in the evening. She had changed from the hotel that she used to use when she was with Drew in the hope that it would make her harder for him to find. As she got nearby however, she heard a familiar voice call her name. Slowly May turned around to see her husband stood behind her.

"Drew." May said coolly, arms folded. "What can I do for you?"

"Why are you ignoring my calls?" Drew asked.

"I don't want to talk to you at the moment." May said simply. "That night… it was a bad argument Drew. You have to acknowledge that."

"What I acknowledge is that I told you some unhappy truths and you had to accept them." Drew snapped.

May blinked in shock. "You are joking right?"

Drew shook his head and stepped forwards, stopping as May stepped back to maintain the distance. "Ash abandoned you May. And now he has been arrested for doing who knows what. He is not the same person that you remember."

"I don't believe that." May said, fighting to maintain her composure.

"Well look at it." Drew said. "With him helping you, you struggled for consistent success. Without him you have become one of the best in the world. Who helps you more, me or him?"

May's breath caught in her throat as she processed what Drew was saying. She glared at him.

"You just don't get it, do you Drew?" She said, her voice quiet. "You don't accept that I might want to be friends with him again."

"Why though?" Drew asked, his voice partly pleading. "Why would you want to be friends with him? He abandoned you May. I've always been here for you."

Something in May snapped and she took a step forwards, closing the gap on Drew. She jabbed a finger into his chest as she spoke, her voice a hiss.

"That is a complete lie. You weren't there for me the other night. You were always jealous of Ash and the years haven't changed that. I wanted time to get my head in order after we thought but you couldn't give me that. And after you forced me out, I cannot trust you any more Drew. I have loved you for so long it has hid your problems. Well now I see them clearly. I love you Drew but I see now that you never truly changed. You are still the same man you were so long ago, when you first asked me out and I said no."

May stepped away, panting slightly as her arm fell to her side. In front of her, Drew looked completely shocked.

"The funny thing is Drew, you never had anything to worry about. I love you. But I have seen Ash again, and he hasn't changed. He is still the person he was so long ago. And that is a much better man than you."

May spun on her heel and strode away. After a few moments she heard footsteps approaching behind her, and an arm grabbed her, twisting her around roughly. She looked up into the furious face of her husband.

"Where are you going?" Drew hissed. May gasped in pain as she felt Drew's grip on her arm tighten. "I gave you everything you ever wanted. And now you're done?"

"No..." May gasped, trying to twist away from Drew but only succeeding in making his grip even more painful. "I just… need… time."

"How long?"

"I… I don't know." May said. "Drew… you're hurting me."

"I can't let you leave me." Drew growled. "I am not losing you to that… that…"

"Gardevoir, Psychic."

Drew gasped in shock as he felt his grip on May be ripped from his hand. He was lifted up into the air and thrown backwards, landing on the concrete with a grunt. As surged to his feet, he was met by the figure of Max Maple, advancing past his sister with his Gardevoir by his side.

"What…" Drew started, but Max didn't give him a chance. With the strength given to him by his fury he grabbed Drew by the front of his shirt and lifted him into the air.

"Stay away from her." Max snarled. "I don't care what you thought you were doing, you go near her again and this will feel like a walk in the park."

Max threw Drew back to the ground where he landed with a louder grunt of pain. Max turned and headed straight to his sister, helping her up from where she had fallen as Gardevoir struck. Drew started to climb back to his feet but Gardevoir glared at him and he shrank back down. As May climbed back to her feet, Max turned and glared back at Drew.

"This is your only chance. Unless she calls you, stay away from her."

Gardevoir vanished back into her Pokéball as Max led his sister away, leaving Drew humiliated on the ground behind them.

Ash was doing sit-ups in his cell when he heard footsteps approaching. Climbing to his feet from the ground he moved to sit on his bed as he waited. A few moments later Officer Jenny appeared at the entrance.

"More interrogations?" Ash asked. "I already told you I wouldn't answer any more questions."

"Then I'll be quick." Jenny retorted. "I am here to inform you that your trial is due to start in two days. I have had a judge move it up."

Ash considered her for a moment. "Why?"

"Because our case is ready." Jenny said with a smirk. "You chose not to have a lawyer and so nobody will be doing the leg-work on your case. Good luck Ketchum, you're going to need it."

Ash tilted his head slightly. "No." He said eventually. "That's not it. You've been ordered to move it up. Why?"

Jenny snorted. "I haven't been ordered to do anything. The police are independent as you should know."

Ash shrugged. "Very well. If that is how you want it. I will defend myself in court."

Jenny turned and strode away, leaving Ash sat quietly in his cell, waiting. Stuck inside, it was all he could do.

Lance looked up from where he was sat behind a desk, a phone pressed to his ear as Sam walked in, with a smile on his face. Lance said a few more words before putting the phone down.

"What are you so happy about?" he asked.

Sam shrugged. "Nothing. What's happened?"

Lance ran a hand across his brow before reaching for the large cup of coffee in front of him and taking a large swig. "That was Falkner. He has instigated martial law in Violet City."

Sam looked up from the chair he had been about to take across the room from Lance.

"Sorry, what?" he asked.

Lance put the cup of coffee down with a sigh. "Falkner has instigated martial law in Violet City."

"Why?" Sam asked.

Lance stood up and strode to the wall where he had a map of Johto and Kanto pinned up. He pointed to Violet City which had a red line above it.

"This is where they are coming from." Lance said, pointing to the line. "There are large numbers of Pokémon attacking, just like they did to Kanto a month ago."

"Just in Johto?" Sam asked, coming over to the wall map.

Lance shook his head. "The gym leaders in Kanto have been reaching out to me because they are yet to hear from you since you succeeded me. I have not given them permission to announce martial law."

Sam shook his head in disbelief. "Which cities?"

Lance pointed to the map. "Pewter and Viridian at the moment, but if Johto is anything to go by, it will be all of them soon."

"And the Pokémon are surrounding them like they did in Kanto last time?"

Lance shook his head again. "No. That is what is unusual. The Pokémon are fighting among themselves, but gravitating towards the cities. Still fighting each other."

"So why the martial law?"

"Falkner is trying to keep them away from the city." Lance said. "His Pokémon may not be perfectly suited to it but he is trying. It is almost like Violet City is under siege and he needed the flexibility that the announcement gives him."

"What about the other cities in Johto?" Sam asked.

"I am reaching out to them now." Lance said. "I am giving them warning. If they are also attacked then martial law will be declared in those places as well."

Sam nodded slowly. "And I should do the same in Kanto?"

"I wouldn't want to give you advice, but I would say yes." Lance said. "I would at the very least…"

"Then that is what I will do." Sam said heading for a desk. He sat down and reached for a computer before typing a few keys. Within moments a list of phone numbers appeared and he reached for the phone on the desk in front of him. Before he dialled a number he looked up at Lance. "I will announce martial law across the entirety of Kanto. The Gym Leaders are to protect their cities but nothing else."

"I… That was very decisive." Lance said.

Sam shrugged as he dialled the first number. "I intend to protect my region. This is what you did last time and I will never be scared to make a big call."

Lance didn't know what to say as Sam started to speak into the phone. Choosing not to say anything he headed back to his own desk to place calls to the Gym Leaders he was yet to reach.

Some twenty minutes later Lance put the phone down as he finished the final call. Sam had finished a couple of minutes earlier and was back consulting the map. Before Lance could say anything, the door opened and Steven strode in.

"Good, you're both here." Steven said. "Are you finished Lance?"

"Yes." Lance said rising from his chair and coming around the front of his desk to lean on it. "What can we do for you?"

"I need to know what Champion is planning." Steven said, his gaze focused on Sam. "What did you find out?"

"I wish I could give you more." Sam said. "But Mellanie said she didn't know and I believe her."

Steven didn't let his frustration show as he put a laptop on the desk and opened it up. "I know you both have issues in your regions with the Pokémon but this is just as bad in mine."

"What do you mean?" Lance asked, coming closer to get a better look at the screen.

Steven pressed play and the video on the screen started into action. After a few moments it became apparent that a man was being attacked in the street by a group of people.

"Is this about Champion?" Lance asked, his voice hushed.

"Yes, but there is more." Steven said shortly.

As the video progressed more people started to get involved until there was a full on brawl running through the street in whatever city it was. Suddenly a group of Pokémon came onto the screen, attacking some of the humans but not others. As one side started to get the upper hand, another group of Pokémon appeared. The second group started to fight the first group, on the side of the humans that the first group had been attacking. Steven reached down and pressed pause.

"What on earth is going on there?" Lance asked.

"That was Mauville City." Steven said. "Sydney was there along with Wattson. Together they managed to get control of the area again but it revealed something we hadn't considered. The Pokémon are split along the same lines we are. Some of them are supporters of Champion, some of them are anti-Champion. I don't know how but they seem to know which side humans are on and will fight alongside those who have the same views as them."

"And against humans who think differently." Sam finished quietly. "I know what we have to do."

"What?" Lance asked. "I've never had to deal with a problem like this."

"There is one man who knows more about Pokémon relationships than any other. We need to talk to Ash. He will know what is causing all of this."

"He is in custody." Steven said instantly. "Getting to him isn't easy."

"Then call Jenny and explain." Sam said, snapping slightly. "Tell her whatever you need to, because if I've learned anything from him it is that he always has the answer. The only other option is Samuel Oak but he is out of touch with his research."

Steven and Lance looked at each other before Steven nodded resignedly. "Very well. I'll make the call."

Espeon appeared on the side of a mountain, surrounded by the rest of Ash's team. They were a short distance outside of the Johto region, having tracked Sonia here. Alakazam had managed to get a look at the police records in Hoenn by hacking into the computers. It was something that nobody ever seemed to consider him capable of, despite his huge intelligence. It had enabled them to find where Sonia had been staying whilst in protective custody, and the scouts had managed to track her from there. Despite the best efforts of another Pokémon to try to distort the trail, it was too fresh and they had rapidly made progress.

Ninetales sniffed the air and purred slightly, her coat pristine despite the mission. She flicked a gaze at Espeon who nodded. All of the Pokémon could sense it; they were close. As they took up defensive positions, using the rocks to help themselves blend in to the mountain, Beautifly drifted towards Espeon and Alakazam. She landed on Alakazam's shoulder and waited.

"I don't think it is this mountain." Espeon said to Alakazam, their psychic connection speeding their thoughts up massively.

"I concur. However, I am of the opinion that it is inside this valley." Alakazam answered.

"Next mountain along?"

"Beautifly, please investigate." Alakazam said, before shutting his eyes and entering a meditative pose. Beautifly nodded and drifted away, floating on the wind. She slowly moved across the valley towards the mountain on the far side. As she started to get closer she found a small cave with a fire, the light spilling out of the entrance. Clearly the occupant didn't think that anybody would be this far out. As she got closer Beautifly sniffed the air. While her sense of smell wasn't as developed as Ninetales, she was much closer. And it was a smell that she recognized instantly. Sonia was here.

A tiny flutter of her wings caused Beautifly to climb, moving far away from the cave before starting the slow return to the rest of the team. Excitement started to fill her as she drew closer to where they were still waiting. Like all of them, Beautifly missed Ash. And now it looked like they would not only get him back, they would get revenge on the person who had attacked them.

Ash was sat in his cell once again, meditating quietly when he felt Espeon's mind touch his. Without moving, he focused on the connection letting her reach out to him fully.

"Report." Ash said.

"We have found her." Espeon said excitedly. "Sonia. She is hiding in the mountains north of Johto."

"Good work." Ash said, the anticipation he felt not spilling into his voice. "When was this?"

"Earlier today." Espeon said. "It has taken us some time to return, and then Alakazam wanted to wait for evening."

"Smart." Ash said. "Is he ready to get me out of here?"

Espeon didn't answer but Ash felt a Psychic-attack take hold. It was very weak, but felt drawn to him, as if the wielder of the attack was searching for him specifically. Instead of fighting it he let the attack grow in strength until the cell around him started to vanish. A few moments later Ash appeared outside his house in the woods inside Ever Grande City. All of his Pokémon except for Pikachu were waiting for him. Mellanie was stood slightly off to the side, looking nervous as Ash looked around into the darkness.

"Thank you." He said. "And good work finding Sonia."

His Pokémon nodded as Espeon padded up to him. Ash smiled down at her and scratched her behind the ears briefly before looking around.

"Normally I would say we should wait until we can face her when we are ready. But we do not have a choice. Everything Sonia has done has left her too dangerous to leave out there any longer. We will go to where she is and we will bring her back."

"What will we do when we reach her?" Espeon asked.

"I do not want to kill her." Ash said quietly. "I will not condone murder. We are strong enough to bring her to justice properly. But any Pokémon that still attempt to defend her must be defeated as well. They will be no match for us in a straight fight."

There were nods around the Pokémon as Ash took a breath before continuing, his one light eye dancing with energy.

"If we can bring Sonia back, there is a chance that we can clear our names. If we are unable to do so, then it will be extremely difficult. Whatever control Cleffa has over the police will be very hard to reverse. Nobody will want to admit that they were fooled and so it is a danger. Thus, we must bring her back. Is that understood?"

Again, the Pokémon nodded. Ash looked around one final time.

"We leave in ten minutes. Prepare yourselves for a fight."

"Champion Stone, this is highly irregular." Officer Jenny said as she leaned across her desk. Cynthia was by her side, while Steven, Lance and Sam were facing them down from across the room. "It is not our standard practice to permit anybody except police officers and lawyers access to those held awaiting trial."

"You allowed Cynthia." Steven said sharply.

Jenny flushed. "That was… an exception."

"Then make another one." Steven said, drawing himself up to his full height. "And let it be known that I am displeased with your conduct throughout this entire case. You have shown a flagrant disregard for the state that you are meant to be keeping the peace in."

"Consider it noted." Jenny said, glaring across. "But you have no jurisdiction over the police."

"I would never consider removing an officer from their position." Steven said, meeting the angry face of the police officer. "But throughout my reign as Champion of Hoenn I have worked closely with the police. Your actions are jeopardizing that relationship."

Jenny started to speak but Steven made a cutting motion with his hand.

"Enough. Will you permit us access to the Pokémon Master?"

"Yes." Jenny said through clenched teeth, a moment after she had glanced at Cynthia for confirmation. The flush was now spreading down her neck as she fought to maintain her composure.

"Good." Steven said. "You may of course sit in on our interview with him."

Jenny didn't answer, merely walking around her desk and striding out of the room leaving the occupants to follow. They moved through the police station, heading for the cells at the back. As they approached the first gate, Jenny made a gesture to another officer. The gate opened in front of her and she led the leaders of the four regions through.

"Mr Ketchum is held in one of the cells near the back." Jenny said, her voice still slightly choked. She gestured forwards and led the way. She turned through another door and down a hallway before turning a corner and freezing. Behind her, Lance managed to catch himself before he walked into her back.

"What is going on?" the Dragon Master asked.

Slowly, Jenny turned to face them. Her face was red with fury.

"Ketchum is gone."

Ash's Pokémon formed up outside as he turned back inside one final time. He looked down at Mellanie fondly.

"I should be back soon." He said. "Please, stay here."

Mellanie nodded, looking scared.

"Do you think you will have to kill?" she whispered.

"I will not kill her." Ash said soothingly. "I want her back here under arrest. That is the outcome which is the best for the most people."

Mellanie nodded, before hugging Ash. "Good luck."

"Thank you." Ash said. He turned and strode outside, Mellanie just behind him. He looked at Alakazam.

"How many teleports?"

"From this location, several." Alakazam said. "It will take us some time."

"Then let us start." Ash said. "Take us away."

The entire team vanished in a flash of light, leaving Mellanie feeling very alone. Turning she started to head back inside but something stopped her. A presence behind her. She turned around to see a Pokémon that she hadn't seen for a long time stood behind her.

"What are you doing here?" Mellanie asked in shock.

The Pokémon cocked his head. "I want to help you."

"But not Ash?" Mellanie asked before she could stop herself.

"Ash is… angry with me at the moment" the Pokémon said. "It is better if I help without him seeing me at the moment. I have come to you so that I don't make it any worse like I did last time."

Mellanie nodded. "And why is Ash angry at you, Mewtwo?"

A/N

Not much from me here this time around. To those who are questioning how there are gaping gaps in what has been revealed, there are plans to reveal lots in the upcoming chapters. I've had a couple of reviews complaining that they feel like they are in the dark as to the motives for a lot of what is going on. That was the plan this time around, but I might have overdone it. Either way, reasons and motives are coming.

Just a couple of quick answers:

Guest (No idea who you actually are) - This is the world at end of Sinnoh, so only the four regions. Four was quite enough for what I had planned across these stories.

SilverWolf - Yes, Ash's eyes changed when his Pokémon left him. As for why they are back... Are they?

All the people hating on Jenny - I need her. She has a role to play, however much it is just being hated. It will all sort itself out in the end, I promise!

Hopefully I'll get another chapter out in a fortnight. It would be good to actually get one out on time properly again...

Till next time,

Iama2p