Chapter 17
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or it's affiliates.
A/N: Hello again faithful readers and a big how do you do to any new readers we may have joining this little story. Thank you all for reading, reviewing, following and favoriting my first fanfiction which I must inform you all will be ending soon. Before the end I would like it if all of you would please take the time and vote on the poll I have about what my next story should be. I would really appreciate it. Big shout out to my favorite guest reviewer who left an awesome review as usual, I hope you like everything so far and can't what to hear what you have to say about this one. I encourage everyone to review or PM me with any questions or comments you may have. Thank you.
"My Lord if I may ask, how did you know that Ash would come back on the light side? It seemed like such a dangerous gamble to just let those events unfold even if you did guess correctly." Mew asked seriously while flying around anxiously. Mewtwo had been revived by Ash but had yet to return to the Hall of Origins and that worried Mew greatly.
While staring away from Mew and the two other Legendaries, Celebi and Giratina, Arceus answered in his deep, gruff voice. "I didn't know how the conflict within Ash would turn out, not everything can be calculated or predicted. Some emotions have the influence to change fate itself if they are strong enough. Love and hate are the strongest emotions in the world and Ash has been influenced by both so much in his short life that his fate is a mystery even to me."
"But he seemed so full of hate before and now it seems to be only a small shadow in this new light of his, what could have caused such a change?" Mew asked, skeptical of Ash's drastic change.
"We may never know that answer. Only Ash can answer that question but after what we have seen him do in the last few hours I don't think we have to worry about him anymore."
"If you say so my Lord." Mew replied with a small bow.
"My Lord what about Yveltal? With Xerneas still slumbering won't that upset the balance of the world?" Celebi inquired quickly after Mew had finished.
"It may but let us see how events progress for now. Yveltal seems to be quiet at the moment and we must only interfere if absolutely necessary. You know that Celebi." Arceus replied authoritatively to the smaller legendary.
"Great, more of the wait and see approach. How original." Mew mumbled sarcastically to herself.
"Besides, I believe that Ash won't allow his mistake to go unresolved. He won't let others suffer like he has, of that you can be sure." Arceus stated gruffly and then continued his silent vigil. The others nodded and followed his example while keeping their thoughts to themselves.
The atmosphere was awkward at best as the group of six flew toward Luminoise City at a rapid pace. The awkwardness had started before the flight had even began and just seemed to hang in the air like a fog. The problem began when the group had gathered outside the Pokemon Center to leave.
Ash had come out last from the center and seemed to avoid eye contact with everyone except Paul. This caused a somewhat confused and hurt reaction from the girls who had hoped to enjoy anytime they could get with Ash but instead he seemed to be ignoring them.
Then another unforeseen problem had come up, too many people and not enough flying Pokemon. Only Ash, Cynthia and Paul had a flying type and they could only carry one passenger for how far and how fast they needed to travel. Ash quickly released his Skarmory and then spread his own wings and went over to Sabrina without a word or a glance at anyone. After a somewhat confused silence, Cynthia released her Garchomp and Togekiss while Paul released his Honchkrow and climbed on. Misty then climbed on Togekiss, Cynthia on Garchomp and Lily carefully climbed on Skarmory's back. Then the group had left in a rush of feathers and a roar from a dragon.
Ash's strange action's had been the cause of the tense awkwardness on the flight and his stony faced silence wasn't helping. The Waterflower sisters were looking at him with worried expressions while holding in their jealously toward Sabrina for getting to fly with Ash again. What had they done to make him ignore them like that? Had something happened last night while they were trying to sleep?
Sabrina was in an even worse position than the other two, mostly because she knew why Ash was acting like this. She hadn't wanted to tell him about her and the other girl's feelings but he had insisted. Now she was in his arms again but it wasn't the same, it wasn't warm and comfortable like before. Ash seemed to be holding her away from his body intentionally and his grip was looser like he didn't want any extra touching him. The worst part was that no matter how much she tried to get him to look at her, he continued to stare straight ahead. Finally Sabrina resigned herself to just closing her eyes and waiting for the flight to be over.
Ash may have been in the worst shape of all of them. Being around people who are in love with you was making him unsure how to act around them. He feared he may have already hurt them with his ignorance and didn't want to encourage their feeling any further. The worst was Sabrina, she not only had feelings for him but she knew he was aware of those feelings. Despite that she was the only choice to fly with him, for a reason he himself did not fully understand. None of that really mattered anymore once the group passed the Power Plant and got their first look at Luminoise City in the early morning sunlight.
"My goodness." Cynthia said in awe at the destroyed buildings and smoldering debris.
"Lets head to the north Pokemon Center and figure out our next move." Paul yelled over the wind noise and had Honchkrow begin to descend. The others followed Paul's order while still gazing at the destruction below them.
"What are you doing here? This is way out of your jurisdiction Lance." Red said slightly irritated with the head of the Pokemon League, who had shown up early that morning.
"I could ask you the same question Red. Or should I say long absent Champion of Kanto?" Lance said in an equally irritated voice.
Scowling at Lance's jab, Red asked again in a deadly serious tone. "What are you doing here Lance?"
"Well not that it's any of your business but I'm here on League business. I have a team in the region on an important mission, so important that I came to make sure it is completed." Lance stated matter a factually while keeping eye contact with Red.
"The League has no jurisdiction here, you know that. You were part of the vote to deny this region acceptance into the League remember or has that slipped your mind dragon boy?" Red said sarcastically while watching the anger rise in Lance's face at his remark.
"Listen old man, my business here is none of your concern! So I suggest you mind your own business!" Lance spat while standing up straight to look more intimidating.
Red was about to retort angrily when he felt a pair of hands grab his forearm gently. Looking down at the touch he saw Yellow looking at him, pleading him not to lose his temper and to remember why they were there. "Okay Lance, I'll mind my own business but heed my advice. Get out of this region before something or someone far worse than me makes you leave."
Red and Yellow turned from Lance and began walking toward the Pokemon Center when Lance spoke up. " It wouldn't be Ash your referring to would it?"
Both Red and Yellow froze in their tracks at Lance's words. This was what they were afraid of, the League coming after Ash. Turning around the pair slowly walked back to the smirking Lance. "What about Ash?" Red replied while restraining himself from knocking the cocky look off Lance's face.
"Seems I found a soft spot, haven't I? Well lets just say that if I happen to cross paths with Ash it will be the last thing he will ever do. Understand Champ?" Lance said while grinning sadistically.
Red knew what he wanted to do to Lance as soon as the bastard had mentioned Ash but he knew Yellow would disapprove. Just as Red was about to retort to Lance's comment a loud slap rang through the air. "You leave that poor boy alone you son of a bitch!" Yellow yelled while rubbing her now sore hand. "He has been put through enough and doesn't need you and the League hounding him anymore!"
Lance rubbed his face where there was a visible hand print forming. "Quite an arm you have there. But it doesn't matter what you two want, Ash is a criminal and must face justice for his crimes. End of discussion."
"If you can find him." Red said still slightly amused at Yellow's actions.
"Skar!"
A loud screech pierced the early morning air and drew the attention of everyone near the center. As Red and Yellow looked they could see a group of bird Pokemon descending but the one that had called out was familiar to the pair. "Ash." they whispered in unison.
"Lance? What are you doing here?" Paul called out nervously as he landed. He wasn't sure how this was going to go but it couldn't be good.
"I came to make sure the mission was a success. Well what do you have to report?" Lance asked as Cynthia, Misty and Lily landed with slightly panicked looks on their faces.
"The mission is unimportant now sir. A legendary is on the loose and is responsible for this destruction. We need to assist in restraining it and then we can resume the mission." Paul explained quickly trying to change Lance's focus.
"Negative. The mission comes first and as for the Legendary, that is this regions problem not ours." Lance said commandingly.
"But sir!"
"No buts Paul! You have your orders, follow them!" Lance barked and then turned to look at the group that had landed and noticed one was missing. "Wheres Sabrina? She was assigned this mission as well."
"She's with me." A voice spoke from above the group. Looking up the voice's owner came into view as he slowly landed with Sabrina cradled in his arms. Gently setting Sabrina down, the man retracted his white wings and stepped toward Lance.
"Well you just made my job so much easier Ash." Lance stated while eying the young man who could cause untold damage to the League's and his own reputation.
"And I'll make it even easier for you but you have to help me first. Interested?" Ash said while never taking his eyes from Lance.
"Why do that when I could finish you right now and be done with it?" Lance said while he put his arm into his vest and pulled out a black pistol and concealed it in his cape.
"Because now I will resist but if you help I will go willingly. No muss, no fuss. Deal?" Ash asked while eying Lance carefully.
"Hmm. Help with what exactly?"
"Sir, we have spotted Ash back in the city limits." A grunt reported from in front of one of the control room monitors.
"Excellent. Once Ash returns we can awaken Xerneas and continue with the plan." Lysandre stated aloud to the room full of grunts and Doctor Xerosic. "My dream will finally come to reality, a world with enough for everyone. No crime, no war, just peace and plenty for all. And ruling over this new world will be the bringer of this utopia, a king of the people, me."
"Yes sir. It will be wonderful. It does seem that Ash is not alone however. There seems to be a group of outsiders with him." Xerosic said while looking at the spy cam screen.
"Hmm fans maybe? He did just beat the Elite four and Champion in a single day." Lysandre said while raising his orange glasses to see the screen better. Instantly recognizing the group especially Lance and Cynthia, Lysandre cursed. "Damn! What are they doing here!?"
"Not sure sir but Ash seems to be leading them to one of the base's entrances."
"Surely that prick hasn't turned on us? Those others however are the real problem now. Send all available personal to that corridor! Allow only Ash to pass and no one else! Lets nip this in the bud now!" Lysandre ordered aloud and then turned to the doctor. "Doctor I'm going to Yveltal and Xerneas' chamber to wait for Ash. I may need you later, so come when you can."
"Yes sir."
From the corner of the room a pink haired women watched the monitors as Ash flashed across multiple security cameras. "Ash, what are you doing?"
"Are you sure you know where you are going?" Paul asked as they ran through the winding metal corridors that seemed to never end.
"Yes, I can sense Yveltal's aura. We should be there soon but we are about to have company." Ash warned as he slowed to a halt as a group of Team Flare grunts blocked their path."Move aside !"
"We have specific orders to deal with the intruders. We are to allow you to pass but no other." A male grunt said while pulling out a pokeball.
"It's okay boy, just go and we will catch up." Red said with a smirk. "Won't take but a minute."
Nodding to Red, Ash waited for the grunts to part and ran past toward Yveltal. In no time Ash had come to a door he had never been through before on his previous tour through the base. He could feel the dark presence of Yveltal on the other side but there was also a very dim light that he didn't recognize. Taking a deep breath Ash charged aura into his right arm and punched the door knocking it from its hinges.
Stepping lightly, Ash entered an enormous room with a high ceiling and a large battlefield on the floor. The lighting for the room was torches hung on the walls every ten feet or so but even in the low light Ash could see Lysandre standing across the room wearing a strange backpack and sunglasses. Beside Lysandre was an unnaturally stiff Yveltal staring blankly ahead, not even noticing Ash's presence. There also seemed to be a strange withered tree behind Lysandre that Ash would have overlooked if not for the familiar presence of light coming from it.
"Ah Ash. So good to see you again. I really must congratulate you on finding and releasing Yveltal." Lysandre said while clapping.
"Yes well that was a mistake. One that I hope to correct quickly." Ash said as he began walking across the large room toward Lysandre.
"Mistake? How could making the world a better place be a mistake?" Lysandre asked quizzically.
"Destruction won't make the world better Lysandre. I don't know what your planning to do with Yveltal but it can't be good. Stop now and let Yveltal come with me." Ash stated seriously.
"You have changed Ash. You never would have cared about destruction before but now suddenly you care? You lack conviction my young friend while I am completely dedicated to my beliefs. My plan will make the world a better place but first I must destroy everything and start with a clean slate so I can create a new world in my image."
"And when you destroy everything, what will happen to the innocents who are caught in the destruction? Will their deaths be worth this new world?"
"Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the good of the rest. By the death of thousands there will be bountiful resources for those who survive. No more squabbles over food, energy and other resources. We will have all we need." Lysandre said in awe of his dream.
"Your insane." Ash said coldly while glaring at Lysandre. You would kill thousands of innocent people just for your dream? I can not allow you to do this." The blazing white aura formed around Ash and his white wings sprang forth from his back. "I will show you some mercy and allow you one last chance to give up this poisonous dream. "
Chuckling, Lysandre turned the backpack on releasing the three arms. "I'm sorry Ash but I can't do that. I've waited too long to be stopped now, even if you are an aura prince you will bow to the new king of this world just like everyone else. Yveltal attack!"
On command Yveltal sprung toward Ash with it's wings glowing black but Ash was ready. And took to the air to avoid the strike. Ash then fired two white aura spheres at Yveltal's exposed back which forced the large bird into the ground, stirring up a dust cloud. As the dust began clearing Ash could make out the orange glow of a Hyper Beam charging. "Damn it, this could take a while."
"Boom!"
"I think Ash found Yveltal! Weavile use Night Slash!" Paul yelled as he continued to battle a grunt's Mightyena.
"Yeah, I think your right!" Red yelled as he directed Snor to take out two Raticates that were trying to bite him.
"Dear, we need to get down there and help him!" Yellow hollered over all the commotion. Kitty, her Butterfree, was using sleep powder on a group of grunts and their Pokemon, thinning the ranks down considerably.
"I know dear but we have our own problems right now. Besides Ash can handle himself, trust me."
"Well I'm fed up with these idiots! Alakazam use Hypnosis on all the enemy grunts!" Sabrina commanded as she held two grunts in the air with her own powers.
"Alakazam." The Psi Pokemon said as the hypnosis waves hit only the grunts and they began to fall asleep.
"Good job Alakazam, return." Sabrina said quietly to her Pokemon as she headed off in the direction Ash went.
"Sabrina, wait for us!" Misty yelled as she ran off after Sabrina with the rest of the group close behind.
"Argh! He's too fast! Yveltal can't get a clear shot!" Lysandre cursed to himself as he watched the white winged Ash easily dodge Yveltal's barrage of Dark Pulses. Ash in turn was able to make many consecutive hits on the Destruction Pokemon, effectively wearing it down.
"I told you to just give up Lysandre! You can't win this!" Ash yelled as he hit Yveltal with another aura sphere in the side of the face knocking it off balance.
Lysandre gritted his teeth at Ash's words and the possible truth they held. A small creaking noise behind him caught his attention, it was coming from the withered tree. A smirk slowly crept to Lysandre's face as a realization came to him. It must be Ash's aura causing Xerneas to awaken. If I can keep him fighting then it will fully awaken and my plan can move forward. Reaching to his belt, Lysandre released one of his Pokemon. "Meinshao help our friend Yveltal entertain our guest."
"Shao!"
Ash turned just in time to see the High Jump Kick connect with his face sending him to the ground. Spitting blood on the ground, Ash began to stand only to receive a Low Sweep attack that knocked him on his back. "Son of a !" Ash yelled as he began to stand again while watching the Meinshao carefully. "I see you wanted to even the odds Lysandre. You got someone who can match my speed."
"Yes well a man in my position doesn't leave anything to chance. Shall we continue?"
"Yeah I guess we should." Ash said as he pushed off hard with his wings, quickly getting out of Meinshao's reach.
"Ah, the air is not you're ally I'm afraid Ash. Meinshao use Dig. Yveltal use Hurricane to knock that fool out of the air!"
With a mighty push of it's massive wings the still air of the room began to swirl putting out the torches and with each beat got faster and faster. Ash was fighting the windstorm as best he could but as the wind got faster it felt like his wings were being ripped from his back. Tucking them in to protect them, Ash plummeted to the ground like a meteor.
"Yveltal that's enough! Meinshao restrain him!" Lysandre ordered his two Pokemon. As the wind died, Meinshao burst from the ground and grabbed the bruised and bleeding Ash and forced him to his knees while placing him in a full nelson. Wincing at the force Meinshao was using to hold him, Ash opened his eyes to see Yveltal and Lysandre in front of him. "You know Ash I really did like you. Sure you were a pain in the ass at times but you got the job done and I can respect that."
"Ash!" A female voice yelled from across the room.
"Ah, it seems we have more guests." Lysandre said as Paul and the others came in behind Sabrina. "Yveltal please entertain them while Ash and I have a little chat, okay?"
Nodding to Lysandre, Yveltal took off and began charging a Hyper Beam.
"No! Leave them alone you bastard! This is between you and me, they have nothing to do with it!" Ash yelled as he struggled against Meinshao's grip.
"Oh I don't care about them, I just need a moment with you. You see if your not going to help me willingly then I'll have to resort to more creative methods." Lysandre said as a cruel smirk crossed his face.
"I'd rather die than help you." Ash spat.
"We will see about that." Lysandre said as one of the mechanical arms came down and touched Ash's shoulder. A white and black glow covered the arm then after a moment the glow faded and a red light went into Ash causing his eyes to glaze over.
"Garchomp Protect!"
"Dragonite Protect!"
Yveltal's Hyper Beam collided with the Protects and began to push the powerful dragons back but ended before it broke through the barriers. "Come on, we need to get to Ash! Sabrina yelled and began to move forward but was stopped by an arm in front of her.
"Stop and look Sabrina." Red said while motioning toward Ash.
Sabrina looked to see Ash being released from Meinshao's grip and standing in front of Lysandre. "Bow to me." Lysandre said with a smirk and everyone watch in horror as Ash began to lower his head. After a moment Ash stood up straight and Lysandre spoke again. "Now turn and face the real enemy." Slowly Ash turned to face the group revealing his glazed over eyes. As they continued to watch they saw his white wings change to the midnight black bat wings that they had all seen before. Now dispose of these pests my servant." Raising both hands to face the group a black aura sphere formed in each. "Fire!"