New Year's Resolutions for Death Curse:

1. Steady character development for Ash – No more juggling between if he's handling the world or breaking down. I will have him steadily and consistently develop from here on out.

2. Steady story progression – No more lingering in places or on topics that aren't necessary for the story.

3. Steady updates – Random updates only affects the writing quality, while if I have more steady updates I'll be more familiar with the elements of the story.

I want to make this story the best it can be, and I might be going back and editing some older chapters. Thank you everyone that has been here through the ups and downs of this fic, and I hope this new year will only bring progression for Death Curse!

Chapter Nineteen

Day Twelve

"You're interesting Ash... managing to both impress and disappoint me at the same time."

"Disappointed that I didn't lose a Pokemon?" Ash asked, his voice nearly a snarl. He didn't turn around as he lingered on the edge of Cyllage City– he had felt the chill of Yveltal's presence wash over him moments before– meaning the silky voice behind him was of no surprise.

"No, I'm impressed that you didn't lose one," Yveltal replied, strolling forward so he was walking next to Ash. Brown eyes shifted, allowing to catch the smallest glimpse of the legendary's human form, before fixating his gaze on the flowery route that laid ahead. "I am simply disappointed to how you took to the battle... I wanted something more interesting."

Ash stiffened. "Then why don't you find someone else to entertain you then?"

Yveltal snapped his fingers, and Ash felt his muscles stiffen up, being forced to a stop against his will. Yveltal stepped in front of him, cupping a gloved hand under Ash's chin, forcing the teen to look into his empty blue eyes. The tips of Yveltal's fingers burned against Ash's skin– icy cold through the ends of his fingerless gloves. Knowing that he'd be unable to move with Yveltal's control over him Ash simply glared, thoughts churning in his mind.

"That is exactly what I am off to do," Yveltal said in a tone that Ash wasn't sure to make of. Annoyance? Chilling glee? It was low and soft, but in no way gentle. "I simply wanted to make it clear that you should move swiftly to the next gym– two cities and a cave over. If you're there by the time I come looking for you, then we'll have no issue. Take your time, and you'll find that they'll be another empty slot in your party."

Ash said nothing– jaw locked shut by Yveltal's powers.

Yveltal released Ash's chin, but he still remained unable to move. Yveltal's hand reached down to Ash's neck, tugging the small amulet out from under his shirt. He turned the black garnet over in his hand for a moment, a smirk spreading across his red and black lips.

"Don't worry, I'll still be keeping tabs on you– you're never out of my grasp," He let go of the amulet, and the moment it hit Ash's chest he was free from the spell. He stumbled back, in full control of his body once more.

Ash's gaze returned to the ground, swiftly tucking the amulet out of sight under his shirt once more. "I've come to realize that," Ash's eyes were burning as he looked up. "And don't bother– I'll be at the next gym."

Yveltal smiled. "Wonderful Ash– just what I wanted to hear. Now... why else did I come out here... ah yes– our bargain."

"What bargain?" Ash snapped– this 'game' was in no way a bargain.

"For watching Serena's gym battle of course– I promised three things," Yveltal held up a slender finger as he listed off each item: "Forgetting about your starter's uncalled for attack on me, ignoring the uncaptured Axew for the time being, and finally– a rare Pokemon."

Ash blinked, Serena's gym battle feeling so long ago. He racked his brains, realizing that it had only been two days before. His stomach tightened, everything was simply moving too slowly.

Ash felt his emotions rising up in him, the uncontrollable sorrow and guilt trying to take hold of him as it had in the gym battle yesterday. He gritted his teeth, shoving them to the back of his mind. Instead he focused on Yveltal– on his bitterness and rage towards the legendary– on the desire to get his Pokemon out of this so called 'game'. As long as he could keep the other emotions buried he could focus, and he could battle...

"I said I didn't want a rare Pokemon," Ash whispered, dimly recalling the conversation. "I don't want a prize for what you made me watch."

Yveltal grinned. "I know. Now, your 'friends' are at the Pokemon Center, and it is the annoying one that will have your new Pokemon. If you want your team to have a safe trip to Geosenge Town then you will want to go there first."

Ash took in his threat, but didn't reply. This only made Yveltal's grin widened– and then his human avatar became to dissolve. Within moments the smirking biker was gone, replaced with a churning mass of dark energy. Yveltal's Dark Aura whirled around Ash for a moment, the shadowy whisps only inches away from touching him.

Then he went skywards– rushing up into the air and twisting out of sight. Ash's posture remained tense, his gaze bitter, even with Yveltal now out of sight. He took in a deep breath, wanting nothing but to race out onto the route, but he knew better than to press Yveltal. He turned out towards the route however, cupping a hand over his mouth.

"Kindle, come on!" He called, having let the fire fox go out to explore the flowery fields. "We have something we need to pick up at the Center!"

"Brai!" A voice called back, and among the greenery of route ten he could make out the yellow figure rushing towards him. Ash relaxed slightly at the sight of his starter of this world, the Braixen holding her small Axew in her arms.

Kindle slowed as she approached Ash, her gaze uncertain as she studied him. He knelt down so he was closer to her level, and allowed the smallest smile to appear on his face, since that was all he could manage at the moment.

"Hey Kindle," He said softly.

The fire type brightened at this greeting, giving him a big smile. This only made Ash frown, a feeling tugging at his stomach. He forgot how much apart of this world Kindle was at times, and how much swifter she could move on from what they had just witnessed in the gym battle yesterday.

No. He couldn't dwell.

He couldn't lose control of himself.

Ash pushed himself to his knee, looking away from her. "Let's get going," Ash said in a monotone voice. "The sooner we can get to the Center the sooner we can leave this town."

Kindle's smile fell at this, and she shifted the Axew in her arms. Erica let out a yawn, her toothless maw wide open for all to see. She then pressed against Kindle's warm chest, sleep starting to overtake the young Pokemon. Ash's hands were stuffed into his pockets, glancing back to make sure Kindle was following him as they headed back into town.

The Pokemon Center wasn't hard to locate, even with Ash's unfamiliarity of the town. He picked out the bright red roof several streets down, passing several shops as he made his way towards the Pokemon Center. He ignored the flashy signs of a clothing store, and brushed by an overeager man attempting to coax people into a bike ship.

Kindle remained by his side the whole time, baring her teeth at anyone that stared at her and Erica. She had grown weary of the way humans seemed surprised about her walking about, and honestly she was fond of the fact that Ash didn't always keep her in a Pokeball.

"Hey! Ash! We were about to go looking for you!"

Ash raised his head as he heard Shauna's voice, her surge of cheeriness almost like a beacon in the darkness of this world. He didn't smile though, merely nodded in acknowledgement as she rushed up to him. He felt trapped in a strange tug-a-war– not wanting to let the sorrow of the gym battles reach him and make him lose control of himself– but at the same time not wanting to shove off the guilt as if it were nothing. So instead he lingered in this void of numbness, trying to make sense of himself.

"Hi," Ash said simply. "Are the others here?"

Shauna grinned. "Everyone except Trevor– he's out on route ten trying to catch Pokemon for the Pokedex," Her hand clasped down onto his wrist. "Come on! Tierno has a gift for us!"

Ash allowed her to guide him forward, weaving their way through the trainers the lingered in the Pokemon Center– either preparing or recovering from a gym battle, if Ash had to guess. Soon they were out of the main waiting room and into a small lobby– where PCs and video phones lined the wall for trainers' use in one corner– couches and a flatscreen tv in the other.

That's where Tierno and Serena were waiting for them, the two of them sitting on one of the couches. Tierno was chatting with Serena, who had a distant and cold look on her face. Her gaze shifted to the door as they entered, eyes hardening as she saw Ash. Their last encounter hadn't been the most pleasant one, but Ash hadn't regretted a word he had said to her. Tierno had three Pokeballs on his lap, a wide grin on his face.

"I found Ash!" Shauna declared happily, releasing Ash's wrist and skipping over to them. As soon as her grip was gone a warm paw touched Ash's hand, Kindle taking Shauna's place and urging Ash forward, as if she expected him to merely stop in the doorway. He approached the trio, sitting down on the chair farthest from the couch Serena was on, but faced in their direction. "We're already now Tierno!"

"Sorry we had to waste your valuable time with waiting," Serena said stiffly. "But it seems not all of us understand the concept of decency."

"At least you have the dignity to admit what you lack," Ash replied, not even looking at Serena– and she tensed up.

Tierno's eyes widened, sensing the rising tensions between them, and he quickly spoke up.

"So!" He declared, drawing the attention back towards him. "Um– in case you haven't heard, the professor has put in good word with a local breeder here– the same breeder that works with the gym leader– and I've got an apprenticeship now!"

Words of congratulations seeped from each of them– Shauna's the only one that sounded sincere.

"That's so awesome Tierno!" Shauna said, a huge grin on her face.

Tierno smiled back, his eyes gleaming. "I know, this is more than I hoped for. As a gift he gave me some really nice Pokemon– ones that I think would do better with battlers like you guys," He picked up Pokeballs he had, which were three shrunken Great Balls. "So, if you guys want them, I'm going to give them to you."

"Awesome!" Shauna cried, leaning forward eagerly.

Serena's lips pressed together. "Not that I want to refuse a gift, but you are well aware that I'm selective on what goes on my team."

Tierno smiled. "Don't worry Serena, they're from a good quality breeder. Besides, these little guys are pretty versatile, I'm sure they'll be able to fit in on about any team," He picked up the Great Balls one by one, expanding them. "You want one too Ash?"

"...Yes," Ash said after a moment of thought. He simply had to see this as a chance to give a Pokemon a trainer that wouldn't treat them as an object. It didn't have to go on his team, he could always keep it safe from battles in a PC, this was just another chance to protect a Pokemon.

Tierno pressed the release button on the Great Balls in turn, bursts of bright white light filling the room. Ash squinted his eyes as the flashes died down, while Kindle leaned forward eagerly to see who their new teammate would be.

Shauna let out a happy squeal at the sight of the three small brown Pokemon that appeared on the floor in front of them, while Serena let out an impressed whistle. Ash sat up a bit, a flicker of familiar excitement running through his eyes– even if it faded moments after.

"Vee?" A small voice yipped, three pairs of brown eyes looking up at the humans.

"Eevees!" Shauna cried. "Oh my gosh– they're adorable, Tierno!"

Serena turned to face Tierno. "You got your hands on three Eevees– and you're giving them to us?!"

Tierno grinned, clearly proud. "Yes Serena, I am," He pointed to each Eevee in turn. "This here is Cosmos– the oldest. Then that one behind him is Comet, sweet little fella. The last one is Celeste, she's–"

"I want the girl one!" Shauna declared, quickly snatching the one named Celeste. The Pokemon blinked as she was suddenly lifted up into the air, Shauna beaming at her. The Eevee then stretched, content in the human's arms, yawning. "Oh– she's so cute! Most definitely Sylveon material, or maybe Leafeon!"

"Hmm..." Serena stood up, stepping between Ash and the Eevees as she went to study the last two. She knelt down, snapping her fingers in front of each of their faces. Comet pulled back, unsure of the strange actions, while Cosmos' ears flickered forward curiously. Serena plucked Cosmos up, peering over the Eevee's features. "I'll take this one."

Tierno nodded, holding out the two Pokeballs for the Pokemon the girls had just chosen. Ash turned his focus towards the last Eevee– who in turn was watching him. The little Eevee looked uncertain, ears pressed back– but far from scared. There was a gleam in Comet's eyes that made it clear that he was perfectly aware of everything going on around him, and was watching his future trainer uncertainly with a critical eye.

Cautious, but smart– the kind of Pokemon that Ash knew could survive in this cruel gym system. Ash watched as the Pokemon pressed forward, and Ash held his hand out. Comet sniffed his outstretched hand, blinking several times, before turning his head away. He stared at the ground, pawing the carpet with a front leg

"Brai!" Kindle said, waving a paw at the Eevee. He turned to look at the fellow fox, pulling back slightly. Kindle was smiling however. "Braixen brai– xen braixen!"

Ash wasn't too sure of what Kindle had told the Eevee, but Comet's ears perked up at her words. He turned back to face Ash, head tilted to the side as he studied his new trainer. Ash smiled, and the Eevee thumped his tail contently at this. Ash hesitated for a moment.

"Comet, are you willing to participate in gym battles?" Ash asked the Pokemon. Though he had been originally just wanted to place the Pokemon in the box, Ash couldn't deny that this Eevee seems like it would be a good battler– and he had two free spaces in his team.

Serena rolled her eyes as this, but Comet grinned.

"Vee!" He declared, giving a single nod.

Tierno passed Ash the last Great Ball, and Ash held it out towards the Eevee, recalling the normal type in a flash of red light.

– – –

Comet – Eevee

Male – Level 19

Bashful – Thoroughly cunning.

– – –

'So Ash does not remain his primary focus then?'

Hoopa kept her head bowed as she hovered in the presence of Arceus, the rings around her body trembling. She glanced around the Hall of Origins, and while Arceus was the only one in the grand realm of the legendaries, Hoopa could feel the gaze of many watching as she stood in the presence of the creator of all.

'N-no...' The Hoopa whimpered. 'Hoopa has seen Yveltal leave many times, Yveltal's eyes watching another that is not Chosen One. Hoopa has used those times to watch Chosen One closely. Hoopa does not know who else Yveltal favors, but Yveltal seems to enjoy it as much as Yveltal enjoys hurting Chosen One.'

'He does have other Pariahs,' Arceus said, eyes narrowed, speaking more to himself than Hoopa. 'But Ash is the true prize for him.'

'Yveltal does not focus on other Pariahs as the Chosen One and the Other One,' Hoopa said, floating up a bit higher into the air. 'Hoopa has tried to see to who Yveltal goes, but Hoopa cannot get close,' Hoopa shivered at the memories. 'A cold-cold washes over Hoopa– tells Hoopa to run! It is not Hoopa's fear, but another force Hoopa cannot get near.'

Arceus frowned at this. 'Yveltal does naturally radiates an aura that drives most creatures away. But if it was another creature, Pokemon or human, radiating it, that would have to mean that Yveltal infused his aura with it.'

Hoopa tilted her head. 'Is he not bonded with his Pariahs?'

'He has a hold over them,' Arceus said. 'A right to punish them– but that does not mean their auras would infuse. I cannot imagine Yveltal infusing auras with anyone, he is a selfish being,' Arceus looked down at Hoopa. 'You have no idea of what this being is?'

Hoopa shrank back. 'Hoopa cannot get close. Hoopa has not seen Other One,' Her eyes turn out towards the readers, uncertain. 'They have seen Other One, but they do not say what Other One is.'

Arceus frowned. 'Your orders shall remain the same then– return to Yveltal's realm and remain hidden. Seek for a weakness with Yveltal, or a way to assist Ash. But also, see if you can identify this being that Yveltal seems to have linked auras with.'

Hoopa gulped. 'Y-yes, Master Arceus. I will g-go back,' She pulled a ring from off of her horn, throwing the ring up into the air. The golden hoop glowed, expanding into a portal. 'I will help Chosen One. I will seek Yveltal's Other One.'

Arceus nodded, and Hoopa swooped into the portal, vanishing.

Day Thirteen

It turned out the flowery fields of route ten only stretched a little ways into the route– the paved road out of town soon becoming a dirt path as it reached out towards a series of rolling hills. These hills however proved to be much more interesting than the beautiful fields outside the city had been– each covered with dozens of stones.

"Pretty neat," Ash admitted to himself as he strayed aways from the main path, running a hand across the ancient stones that jutted out of the ground. The formations were clearly man-placed, rows and rows of the stones stretching out in every direction. But beyond that... there was nothing unusual about the rocks. If there had been any writings or carvings on them in another age, weathering had claimed them. They just looked like ordinary rocks.

But the stunning sight and rolling hills... the sun invitingly shining down above... it was hard to believe that there was a heavy weight in his chest. Ash closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of the grass and earth– and decided that this route would be the perfect place to think.

Or rather, distract himself.

"Xen?" Kindle asked as she noticed Ash trailing farther off the path, pressing his way towards the top of the hill.

"We need to train," Ash said simply. "There's plenty of room out here, and everyone should meet Comet."

Kindle sighed, but held out Erica instead of questioning Ash further. The Axew was now awake, looking about at the wide route uncertainly. The Braixen trotted after her trainer as he crested the hill, not even pausing as he swiftly made his way down the other side. Neither were sure how far out from the path he intended to go, but this option seemed much more appealing than simply heading directly to the next town.

The stones thinned out after he headed over another hill– only a dozen covering the side of this hill, but yet in the distance he was surprised to see that they once more surged back to rows upon rows of the stones. He climbed the hill with fewer stones, looking out, but saw no end to the strange rows. The lines of rocks brought a familiar image to mind, one that made Ash pause.

"...Gravestones..." Ash whispered after a moment of thought. "They look like rows of graves in a cemetery..."

The thought drove away the original beauty he had first seen in the stones– gut twisting as the images of Grant's dead Pokemon rose in his mind. Ash closed his eyes, turning away from the sprawling hill tops. He took in several deep breaths before opening them again.

And he discovered Kindle staring right up at him, concern in her eyes.

Ash blinked, before offering her a small smile– though she didn't look convinced. He sank to the ground, digging his fingers into the cool dirt, careful to keep his eyes away from the stones. It was of course an impossible task, but with only a few stones on the current hill he was on he decided that this was where he would stop. Kindle sat down next to him, placing Erica in the grass, pulling her paws away.

Clearly Kindle was intending to let the young Pokemon explore and play– but Erica had no interest in that. The Axew turned, waddling back towards Kindle and climbing into her lap. Ash watched them with an unreadable expression as Kindle once again attempted to place Erica in the grass– only for the Axew to return straight to her, claws digging into the Braixen's fur.

Finally Kindle let out a sigh, pulling the leather bag off of her back, letting Erica crawl into the airy pack. The Axew let out a happy rumble, hastily climbing into the darkness and settling in. The Braixen set the bag next to her, frowning.

"Guess she's still use to caves," Ash muttered. "Reflection Cave should be up ahead, she'll probably like it there."

The Braixen looked at him. "Xen?"

Ash closed his eyes. "...I know our last time in a cave didn't go so well– but I won't be stupid again. I'll never doubt you again Kindle, I swear– I know you're my friend," Ash looked up at the sky. "...I just have no idea on what to do, Kindle. Part of me just wants to curl up and pretend that this isn't happening, but..." A sharp looked appeared in his eyes. "But that'd mean you'd get hurt, and I can't let that happen," He looked at Kindle, a blazing determination in his eyes. "I swear I'm not going to let anyone hurt you Kindle– I'm going to keep fighting."

"Xen!" Kindle's ears flicked up, a smile being pulled up onto her muzzle. She placed a paw on Ash's knee, and the other on her chest– as if to say she was going to keep fighting as well.

"Heh. Thanks Kindle... you're probably going to have to fight in the next gym as well, since you know a psychic move..." Ash frowned as his thoughts returned to the gyms.

Kindle quickly opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, but she froze. Her ears flicked back as if she heard something, and she swiftly turned. Her paw went to the stick in her tail, her fur rising as she prepared to attack.

"Golbat– Confuse Ray!" A voice shouted at the same time Kindle sprang to her feet– and a flickering white orb hit Kindle in the head.

The light didn't seem to do any damage– but Kindle stumbled back as it hit, her wand falling to the ground. Her eyes were wide and distant as the Confuse Ray took hold, her paws grabbing her head, yelping.

"Kindle!" Ash cried, and a Golbat dove down and slammed a Wing Attack into Kindle's chest, sending her flying back into the grass. She didn't rise to her feet, the Confuse Ray distorting her vision into a warped mess. The blue sky seemed to mix with the grass, Ash a mere blur somewhere in the chaos.

Ash stood up, his hand going to his belt to pull off a Pokeball. The Golbat wheeled around, it's wide mouth opening as it released a deafening Screech. Ash's hands clamped around his ears at the sound, and the Golbat's trainer soon came into view, a Houndour by the man's side as they crested the hill. Ash gritted his teeth as he caught a glimpse of red, recognizing the man.

"You," Ash growled at the sight of the Team Flare member– the same member he had first encountered in Glittering Cave.

The man snorted, adjusting a pair of bright red sunglasses. "Yes," He said in that accent of his. "It is me," He snapped his fingers. "Use Bite, Houndour."

"Hound!" The Houndour barked, bounding forward at Kindle. He landed on Kindle's chest, pinning her to the ground, teeth lit with a dark energy. Ash's eyes widened as the fangs locked around Kindle's throat– however the Houndour didn't bite down.

"Now," The man said impatiently. "You don't move or touch any Pokeballs, and the Braixen won't get hurt," The man scowled. "Boss says that threat will work on you, even though you're a trainer."

"...Well, your boss is right," Ash said through gritted teeth, holding his hands up to show he wasn't about to release another Pokemon. "What do you want?"

The Flare Grunt seemed surprised at this, his Golbat flying overhead as it waited for more orders. Ash's eyes swept from a pinned Kindle to the Flare Grunt, not sure of what he wanted. He didn't recall ever meeting their so called 'Boss', so he could only assume this was revenge for what had taken place in Glittering Cave.

Ash knew there wasn't much Kindle could do, even if the Confuse Ray wore off. Psybeam would do nothing to a dark type Houndour, and if it had the Flash Fire ability her fire type moves would be just as useless.

"I already told you what I wanted– not to move," The Flare Grunt said, and he reached into his pocket, pulling out a strange device. "The Boss has a message he wants me to give to you, but... apparently I need to do something to you first," The Flare Grunt hesitated, clearly not certain of his orders. "...Apparently you have an amulet on you?"

Ash's anger and frustration quickly snapped over to fear– eyes widening. This was clearly not an act of revenge if they knew of Yveltal's amulet. Ash stepped back and the Houndour growled in warning. The grunt continued to stare at Ash, who hesitated for a moment, before pulling the amulet out from under his shirt.

The grunt blinked. "So the Boss was right again... heh– hold still kid."

Ash's mind with just starting to catch up with everything happening around him, and the next thing he knew the grunt was right in front of him– his bright red outfit practically blinding Ash as the man seized the amulet on his neck. He didn't take it off, merely holding it up as he studied the smooth black garnet and red leather strap. Ash didn't move, even as the man held up one of his device– a clamp-like object hooked an electric base.

He carefully placed the garnet into the clamp, then pressed a button on the end of the device.

And a wave of pain washed over Ash.

He let out a scream, his mind feeling like it had just been set on fire. His hands clamped down over his head, pain winding its way through him. Ash let out a gasp, barely making out Kindle's cry of concern through the pain. Ash sank to the grass, hands pawing at the device on the amulet, but his hands were shaking so much that he couldn't get a proper grip. The grunt stumbled back, as if this hadn't been the reaction he had expected.

"Um, kid? Hey kid!" The grunt cried at Ash.

"St-stop," Ash croaked, taken in a strangled gasp. He managed to open his eyes, the searing pain flaring down to an unbearable headache. His hands still remained around his head, but Ash was able to focus on the grunt's words.

The grunt merely fumbled for a Holo Caster from his pocket, pressing a button on the device. A blue holographic image burst to life, a small symbol spinning in the light as a message began to play. Ash's eyes clamped shut as another rush of pain went through his head, but the words seemed to echo in his mind.

"Ash Ketchum," A familiar voice played through the speakers of the device– though he couldn't place it. "I hope that you are in the condition to at least be able hear out this message– but I do not know how your body will react upon being cut of from Yveltal's bond."

Ash froze at this, eyes snapping open.

"I assure you that this will not be permanent, but this message is for your ears only– for I have an offer for you that the Sentinel would probably not take kindly to considering that this world is his realm."

Ash gritted his teeth, desperately clinging to the words coming from the Holo Caster, trying to focus through the pain. It was like when he took of his amulet, the agony the same as when the amulet would reappear around his neck with a jolt of pain.

"I have been watching you for a time now, and have come to the conclusion that you are one of Yveltal's Pariahs, victims of this cruel deity that is supposed to watching over this realm. Ash, you clearly have a full understanding of the horror this world has to offer, death and destruction rampaging through what should be a beautiful world."

"Brai..." Kindle whimpered, the Confuse Ray's effects having faded, but with the Houndour's jaws locked around her throat she still didn't move.

"I intend on changing that," The voice said, conviction entering its voice. "On ridding this world of its disgusting morals and ways. My influence stretches far, and my goals stretch back generations– to my ancestors who were first to feel the wrath of the Sential. We are rapidly approaching the day that we can free this world, and I am asking for your help."

Ash's breathing was heavy, both from the bursting pain in his head, and from what he was hearing.

"The device placed on the amulet blocks Yveltal's influence from your mind and from piercing your thoughts. However I do not know how else this will affect you, since your fate has been bond to Yveltal's, which is why I will not let the device remain on you. Just know that Yveltal has heard nothing of this conversation, and when he is in your presence this encounter will be driven to the back of your mind."

The voice paused, as if smiling for a moment.

"I leave this choice up to you– but Team Flare could use your assistance in creating a new world, one where Pokemon won't suffer under human's sickening ways, and children won't be raised to believe that this carnage is sport. Think on my words, Pariah– when possible of course– and if you see the truth in my goals, then seek out Team Flare. That is all."

The Holo Caster went dark, and the Team Flare Grunt hurried forward, grabbing the device around Ash's neck, pressing a button. The clamp around the garnet loosened, and the pain fled from Ash's head.

Ash let out a shaky sigh, taking in deep breaths. He collapsed to the ground, muscles weakened from the surge that had gone through him.

"...Do not follow me," The grunt said, pulling out a Pokeball and returning his Houndour with a burst of light. He shot a glare at Ash. "Be grateful that the Boss sees you as valuable– or else I would have made you pay for ruining our mission at Glittering Cave."

Then without another word he turned, heading off through the hills, leaving Ash laying on the ground. Kindle was on her feet in moments, racing to Ash's side. She shook him, whimpering. Ash slowly sat up, staring at grunt as he swiftly walked away into the rows of stones. Ash's gaze then turned down to the garnet amulet, clutching it tightly.

"...Come on Kindle..." Ash whispered. "Let's get to the next town..."

I know I have asked this question in the past, but since so many readers have brought this back up in reviews and PMs, I wanted to ask one final time regarding Ash– do you want a shipping with him this story?

There is a poll on my profile page that gives you three options–
-AshXKindle
-AshXHuman
-No ships.

I have gotten requests for all three, and honestly I don't know which one to do. I am willing to write any of the three, and I will go with whatever option gets the most votes. If you don't have an account then feel free to tell me what you want in a guest review, though I will most likely just stick to the final outcome of the poll.

Just note that if you guys do choose to have Ash paired with someone in this story that romance will remain solely as a subplot– only a side element in the story. Ash's journey through this Nuzlocke will remain as the main focus.