Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or it's affiliates.

AN: Sorry to all of you who were expecting the elite four battle to be this chapter, it will be next chapter hopefully. This chapter will broaden Ash as a character and give him information he will need later in the story. I would like to thank all those that reviewed, favorited and followed this story, I really appreciate it a lot. A special thanks goes out to the communities who have been gracious enough to add me. I hope you all enjoy the chapter and I hope you tell whether you do or not in a review or PM. Enjoy.

In this vast world that we live in there are many strange and wondrous people spend their entire lives searching the world for such things. Sometimes however, when you see something with your own eyes it isn't as wondrous as you thought it would be. You feel let down and cheated, like someone lied to you about how great it would be. But then there is the flip side to thatcoin, where something is more than meets the eye. People can be some of the best examples of this because each person isn't just one thing. A person can be a joker who makes people laugh but also a coward who runs from a fight. A generous volunteer at a homeless shelter but also who abuses their spouse. Certain places are like this too, a good example being Lysandre Cafe. Beneath the Cafe there is a whole network of tunnels and rooms that make up Team Flares headquarters. One of the larger rooms of the facility has a battlefield with a running track around it and that is where Ash was meeting his trainees to begin their training program.

Ash was observing the group in front of him with discerning eyes, getting an idea of what he was dealing with. They were short, tall, skinny and fat, male and female. Basically they were average people but what set them apart and put them under Ash's eye was they were part of Team Flare. After a few minutes, the group began to get uncomfortable under Ash's gaze, so Ash decided it was time to begin.

"My name is Ash. Not Mr. Ash, not sir, just Ash end of story. I was hired to help strengthen Team Flare's ranks and make all of you more useful."

There was some murmuring in the group after the "useful" remark but it was stifled by Ash again.

"Now, to begin your training you will run two miles as a warm up. When you finish, see me and I will separate you into pairs."

"You mean our Pokemon run two miles, right?" a young women in the front asked nervously.

"No. You run, your Pokemon will work out later. Now go!" Ash yelled, startling some of the group. Soon everyone got to running while Ash watched to make sure no one slacked off.

"Two miles? A little harsh for their first day, isn't it?" Malva asked as she walked up beside Ash to watch the trainees.

"No, not really. Most Pokemon battles last about ten to fifteen minutes, an average person can run two miles in about sixteen or seventeen minutes. By having the trainer run for the amount of time the Pokemon would battle, the trainer gets an idea of how a Pokemon feels as a battle wears on. Plus it will get them in shape for the combat exercises, so win win." Ash explained smartly, giving Malva a small smile making her blush.

Fighting the blush on her face, Malva nodded. "Wow, I never thought of that before. Its a lot like those people who train with their Pokemon. By dodging attacks, they get an idea how hard and tiring it can be. Very impressive Ash."

"Thank you. I'm sure as an Elite Four member you have some training regimes that are just as effective. I would enjoy hearing them if you had the time, they may be useful with this bunch." Ash said politely, still focused on the trainees.

With a sly smile on her face, Malva turned to look at Ash. "Maybe some other time, perhaps over coffee some evening. Okay?"

"Sure, sounds good." Ash said still not taking his eyes off the trainees.

Smiling brightly, Malva turned back to watching with Ash. A silence came over the two but it wasn't the awkward kind of silence, more of a comfortable kind of silence. Unfortunately the silence had to come to an end.

"Malva, what is Lysandre going to do with the Legendaries?" Ash asked, finally turning to look at her.

"I don't know. He hasn't told me anything about how he will bring about his vision. Actually, when he was talking to you, that was the first time he mentioned them at all." Malva answered seriously.

"Hmm," Ash hummed in thought. "I think I better learn a bit about the Legendaries of the Kalos region. Just in case."

Malva was unsure what to say. As an Elite Four member, she had been educated on the Legendaries and their roles in the world. That was part of why Lysandre had wanted her to join but he had been clear that she shouldn't tell anyone else this information. Thankfully she was spared any more questions because the trainees had began to come back from their run.

When about half of them had finished, Ash decided he would get some information on the trainees and then get them back to training. "Okay, to give you a small break I need all of you to write down what Pokemon you have and how long you have had them." Ash spoke while handing out paper and pencils. "Once your done writing, release your Pokemon and we will begin training." Once Ash finished, a hand shot up from the group. With a small sigh Ash pointed at the hand. "Yes, what is it?"

"Yeah, uh some of us were wondering why you were training us and not Malva. She is a powerful Elite Four member but none of us have ever even heard of you, so what qualifies you to train us?" The young man asked with a cocky smirk on his face.

Losing all humor in his face and voice, Ash narrowed his eyes at the young man who stared back at him. When the young man blinked, Ash had moved from his spot ten feet from him to right next to him. Before the man could say anything Ash had grabbed his throat with one hand, making it hard to breathe let alone talk. Looking at the man coldly, Ash answered. "My qualifications are none of your damn business. If you are going to continue being a problem, you can either leave or I can remove you. Got it?"The man moved his head in a nod as best he could with Ash's hand on his throat. Seeing this, Ash released him and the man moved away rubbing his throat. "Anyone else want to question my qualifications?" receiving no reply, Ash continued "Good, now if you change your minds this Friday I will be challenging the Elite Four and you can decide for yourselves if I'm qualified. Any way that's not important, split into pairs with one on one battles only. Get to it."

As the group began to do what Ash had told them, Malva stood slightly shocked at Ash's actions. She had read the report Lysandre had given her on Ash but seeing something was different than reading it. The speed he had used, the coldness in his voice, and the deadly intent of his actions were so vastly different from the man who had comforted the baby Pokemon in the Cafe. Why had he reacted so strongly to that man's words? "Ash." Malva spoke up getting Ash's attention.

Only turning his head to look at Malva with one eye he answered. "Yes, what is it?" There was still an edge to his voice but he seemed to have calmed down somewhat.

"Why did you attack that man? He merely asked a question." Malva stated warily, unsure how Ash would react.

Closing his eyes and turning away from Malva, he began talking in a low, sad voice. "He was questioning my strength, the only thing I have left. I don't expect you to understand."

"I could try if you explain it to me. Please, I won't judge." Malva said while walking up next to Ash and touching his left arm with her hand. Ash flinched at the contact but didn't move away.

Being taller than Malva, Ash turned and looked down into Malva's eyes. Seeing that she was sincere in wanting to know, Ash sighed. "OK but you can't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you, okay?"

Gripping his arm tighter, she nodded in agreement. "You have my word."

"About five years ago," Ash began. "I lost my mother and oldest Pokemon to a terrible fire, a fire that I was accused of starting. The people that I had called friends then turned on me and blamed me for the fire just like everyone else."

"Oh my." Malva whispered to herself, putting her free hand to her mouth. "That's terrible. How could they do that?"

"After I was convicted, they executed my charizard because supposedly he was the one who started the fire on command. Then I was exiled to the wilderness, never to return." Ash took a deep breathe to calm himself before continuing. "I had everything taken from me, my family, my Pokemon, and even my honor. All I have left is my pride in my strength and my Pokemon's strength. That puny man was doubting my strength and by doing that he hurt my pride. My pride is something I will always keep and fight to the death to defend." Ash finished seriously with a hard expression on his face as he turned back toward where the trainees were.

"Wow, I had no idea. I understand now why you reacted the way you did. But maybe you can find something else to care for as passionately as you and your Pokemon's pride." Malva said hopefully while sliding her hand down Ash's arm and taking his hand in hers.

Finding holding Malva's hand slightly comforting, Ash didn't pull away. "Yeah maybe, someday." Ash said, his voice softening from the hard tone he had used before.

"So what do you think of his training methods?" Lysandre asked while sitting behind his desk. His office was dark, with books lining both walls and a single chair for visitors. It was very professional and to the point kind of office.

"They are impressive but old fashioned." Malva responded while standing in front of Lysandre's desk. "Mostly endurance, taking attacks to strengthen defenses and battling along side your Pokemon. He is strengthening not only their Pokemon but also the trainers."

A smile spread across Lysandre's face and he leaned back in his chair. "Excellent. He is doing exactly what I expected. If all goes as planned we should be able to move things forward in about two months. Speaking of moving forward, any luck locating the targets?"

"We have some leads on Xerneas that we are following up on but we have had no luck with the other. Perhaps Ash could help with finding Yvetal?"

"Possibly but not yet. After he defeats the Champion we will have no choice but to disclose our whole plan to him. Hopefully he will still agree to help us." Lysandre said with a sigh.

"You have confidence that he will win but are unsure if he will stay, that's unlike you. Normally your sure your plans will succeed no matter what. Whats got you doubting?" Malva asked curiously.

"Ash. He will decide whether this plan succeeds or fails simply by choosing a side in the conflict that is to come." Lysandre answered seriously. "But first things first, has the Elite Four agreed to take this more seriously?"

With a small chuckle, Malva answered. "Yeah, they were pretty enthused about it actually. Usually Diantha is the only one who gets to use mega evolution, so this is quite the treat for them."

"What about Ash? Does he even know about mega evolution?"

"No." Malva responded nervously, looking away from Lysandre.

"Why haven't you told him? You spent the entire day with him, surely you could have brought it up at some point or another." Lysandre spoke, slightly irritated.

"I got distracted talking with him. He's a very interesting person. I'm sorry." Malva stated with her head down.

Sighing heavily and rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Its fine but we better tell him now so he can be prepared. Where is he?"

"Well that's another thing I meant to tell you. After the training ended he told me to give the trainees tomorrow off to heal and that he would be gone till late tomorrow night."

"He left?! Did he say where he was going?" Lysandre said somewhat distressed, standing from his desk with eyes burning.

"No he didn't say. But he wanted me to tell you to keep your nose out of his personal business if you know whats good for you." Malva said, still nervous.

Falling backwards into his chair, Lysandre was silent for along while contemplating the ramifications of the situation before speaking. "Fine, he can do as he pleases. Lets just hope he stays out of trouble."

"Land near the edge of town." Ash ordered quietly.

"Skar." Skarmory responded with a nod and began to descend towards the edge of the little town.

Looking out at the little town brought back a lot of memories for Ash. He had been born here, grew up here, and lived here. It was his home and always would be. As they landed, Ash returned Skarmory and put the hood of his hoodie he had bought to conceal his identity for the most part.

"Pallet town, somethings never change." Ash whispered to himself as he glanced at the houses and streets that were the same as he remembered. Walking slowly, Ash began heading for his old house. It wasn't a long walk but he was some what apprehensive about seeing it again. Seeing that house, the place that he always came back to after every journey, a place of warmth, comfort and good food would now be empty. The main occupant no longer able to give it that homey feeling that it always had. Ash would rather face the dangerous wilderness with no clothes than face that empty house but some things should never be ignored or forgotten. Your family is one of those things.

Sometimes though, reality is crueler than fiction. As the small house came into view, Ash noticed that most of the lights were on and there was noise coming from the open windows. Sneaking closer, Ash was able to look inside the house and see something that broke what was left of his heart. There was some family living in his house, his childhood home. There was a mother, a father and two little kids, one boy and one girl, all sitting around the kitchen table eating dinner and enjoying themselves. They looked so happy together in the house and all Ash could do was stare in disbelief. Someone had taken the only thing Ash had left of his mother away from him. Granted these people probably didn't know that but that didn't make Ash any less angry. His fists were clenched so tight the knuckles were white. His jaw was set in a hard line and a scowl was on his face. The black flames were flaring all around him and their intensity kept increasing causing the grass near him to shrivel and die.

There was only one person who could have done this and Ash knew where to find him. Without realizing, a pair of black bat wings sprouted from Ash's back. They were black as night and covered in the same black fire as the rest of his body. Turning his head toward a windmill on top of a small hill, Ash disappeared in a flash.

Reappearing outside the front door, Ash raised a fist and knocked the door off its hinges and entered the lab. "Oak! Come out here now!" Ash yelled while looking around the lab. After a moment and sounds of fumbling, an aged man in light blue pajamas appeared.

"What is going on here? Who are you and what are you doing in my lab?" Oak demanded while holding back surprise about the strange man with flames on his body and wings on his back.

Wasting no time for pleasantries, Ash rushed up and grabbed Oak by his pajama top and pinned him to the wall. "You know damn well who I am! Now tell me why there are people living in my mother's house?" Ash demanded.

"Ash? Is that really you?" Oak asked while trying to free himself from Ash's grip.

"Yes, its me!" Ash yelled while lifting Oak off the ground. "Now tell me!"

"Your mom left no will, with you gone it went to public auction. There was nothing I could do. Now please let me down." Oak pleaded while struggling in Ash's grip.

"No that's not good enough! You should have stopped them, that was her house! She loved that house!" Ash ranted angrily, wetness forming in his eyes.

"I know it may not make up for everything but I'm sorry. I'm sorry Ash." Oak said while looking into Ash's eyes, hoping to see forgiveness in them.

Ash was silent but slowly lowered Oak back to the floor. The flames were still burning around Ash but the black wings were beginning to fade. Letting go of the Professor, Ash turned around to face the doorway. "My old Pokemon, are they safe?" Ash said with his voice cracking with emotion.

Rubbing his neck where Ash had grabbed him, Oak sighed. "Yes, they were taken to Pokemon wildlife reserves. They are quite safe I assure you."

"Good. Goodbye." Ash stated and walked out the door and into the night.

"Goodbye Ash. May Arceus guide your path where ever it may lead."

The land of Sinnoh is an awe inspiring place to see and visit but to see it from the air is truly breathtaking. The snowy mountains to the north, the wetlands and beaches to the south and of course the three beautiful lakes that are home to the Lake Guardians. But Ash was in no mood for looking at all the beautiful sights that Sinnoh had to offer. Having been up for more than twenty four hours, hearing the gut wrenching truth about his mothers house and to top it off having to fly on a hard metal bird for twelve hours, needless to say would put anyone in a foul mood. Despite all that and barely being awake he was able to spot what he was looking for.

"Skarmory land near the edge of town as usual." Ash muttered in a tired tone of voice.

"Skar." A very tired Skarmory replied and began descending at a fast pace toward the outskirts of town.

Landing some what ungracefully, Ash returned Skarmory and made his way into town not even bothering to put his hood up. As tired as he is Ash barely even noticed the small town and its inhabitants, who barely gave him second look. After a moment or so of walking/stumbling through town he was able to make it to Professor Carolina's research lab. Seeing no one in the main area, he went through a door labeled Office and found exactly who he was looking for.

The professor hadn't changed much in the years since Ash saw her last, except for there being more gray color in her hair and wrinkles on her face. She was barely visible behind the mountains of history and research books and stacks of papers on her desk. Wanting to get this over with quick, Ash cleared his throat, which caused the professor to jump slightly. "Good gracious, you scared me."

"Sorry about that professor, but I need to speak to you and I don't have time to wait till you were finished." Ash spoke quickly, hoping to get back and go to sleep for a few hours.

"Its quite alright young man. But I usually like to know who I am talking to before I answer anything. So what is your name?" The professor asked while standing from her chair. She began to walk toward the young man, observing him as she walked.

"My name is Ash."

Slight surprise passed over the professor's face but was replaced by a smile. "I wondered if I would see you again. My dear granddaughter has told me many things about you and what you can do."

"Don't believe all that you hear. Now will you hear my questions, I have many and very little time." Ash demanded in a tired but serious tone.

"Fine, fine. Ask away but I have a few requests when you finish, deal?" The professor smirked knowingly.

Pausing to consider this for a moment, Ash sighed. "Fine. First question, what do you know of the Legendary Pokemon of the Kalos region?"

"Hmm not much really, just some general things." Carolina said with her hand on her chin. There are three main ones, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde. Xerneas is the life Pokemon, it can grant eternal life to both people and Pokemon. Then there is the other side of the coin, Yveltal the destruction Pokemon. Legend says that it has the power to destroy all things and even drain the very life force from living creatures. Then finally there is the third legendary, Zygarde the order Pokemon. It keeps order in the world and keeps life and destruction in balance. That's really all that I know about them. Kalos isn't a region I know much about."

"What could you possibly want with those Pokemon Lysandre?" Ash pondered to himself. Shaking his head, Ash looked at the professor to see her watching him carefully. "No it was very informative. Thank you for telling me what you knew, it helps. Now my next question has to do with something that few people know about anymore. The aura in all living things."

"Ha." The professor chuckled. "You are wondering about your wings, right? When Cynthia told me about you I wondered if you know what you were and what you are capable of."

Holding back his surprise, Ash continued looking at Carolina with a serious expression. This was a subject that he did not like to discuss and hated that others knew about. "Can you just tell me what they are and why I have them?"

"Well, I don't have all the information about Aura Guardian lore but I'll tell you what I know." Taking a breath to collect herself, the professor gave Ash a serious look and continued. "The wings are a sign of the Aura Prince, a powerful being that rarely occurs throughout history to restore order and balance to the world."

"Restore order and balance? How do I do that?" Ash quizzed, grasping most of what she was saying despite his exhausted state.

"The Aura Prince can used both sides of aura. White being the light side and black being the dark side and by using them correctly, restoring balance to the world. By using the white side, the prince can restore life to plants, animals, and humans. However by using the black side, the prince can destroy everything he touches." Carolina finished with the serious expression still on her face.

Ash was amazed at what he was just told and began looking at his hands, like they held the answers. Did he really have all that power inside him? What was he meant to do with this power? So many questions but they would have to wait. "Thank you professor, you have answered my questions and given me much to think about." Ash then turned toward the door but was stopped by the professor.

"Hold on. I believe we had a deal. Didn't forget now did you?"

"I'm sorry. What can I do for you professor?" Ash answered tiredly.

"I want to see it. I want to see your wings." The professor said bluntly.

"Right now? I don't even know how to just bring them out, they come out when I need them." Ash said truthfully.

"When your emotions are high, right?" receiving a nod, Carolina continued. "I thought so. The ancient text says that an Aura Prince's greatest weakness is also his greatest strength. A prince can't hide his emotions, he uses them to draw on his strength but it can be used against him." Seeing Ash take all this in, Professor Carolina motioned to the backdoor. "Come to the backyard." Following the professor without saying anything, Ash wondered what all this was leading up to. Reaching the middle of the backyard, Carolina turned and faced Ash. Cutting straight to the chase. "Get angry."

"What! Why?"

"I told you I want to see the wings, so get angry so the black ones will come out." The professor demanded, leaving no room for argument.

"Your serious?" Seeing no doubt in her eyes, Ash continued. "Okay but I'm not even sure if I can do it." Taking a few steps back, Ash closed his eyes and began thinking about some of the terrible things that had happened to him. His mom and pikachu dieing, losing his friends and being exiled. The more things he thought about, the angrier he got.

Carolina was astounded at what was happening in front of her. The black flames around Ash were dark and dangerous, evident by the burnt grass at his feet but also beautiful at the same time. Then when the flames became pitch black, a pair of midnight black bat wings began to expand from Ash's back. The professor's mouth was open in amazement, she had never seen anything like this in all her long years as a professor. "Amazing."

"Rawr!" Ash yelled as the flames burst outward from him in a wave. The flames singed everything that they touched including the professor who winced from the minor burns. The wings had disappeared and Ash was panting heavily.

"Quite impressive Ash." Professor Carolina said while rubbing one of the burns her hand.

"Thanks, I think." Ash panted. "Is that all you wanted from me?"

"Yes, that will do." Thank you for showing me."

Nodding in understanding, Ash released the still tired Skarmory and climbed on. Just before he was able to take off, Carolina spoke up. "A word of advice before you go, find someone who will be there for you. Everyone needs some one in their life that they can rely on and you of all people need as much support and stability as you can get. Especially for what lies ahead for you."

"I don't have the luxury of friends if that's what you mean professor." Ash spoke with no emotion in his voice.

"No, I meant something else." Seeing Ash's raised eyebrow, Carolina decided to explain. "A good women who stands by a good man can make him a great man."

Looking away, Ash replied in a low tone. "Well if I see any good men I'll let them know." Ash then urged Skarmory to the sky and back towards Kalos.