So, I messed up by accidentally posting an unfinished Chapter 34. I thought I was saving an edit :D
So, it's just a smaller filler chapter.
Anyway, onto the story.
Chapter 35- What a crock of shit
Silver shot up from his chair and went to the video phone and rang his mum's number. The rest of the people in the meeting looked at each other in silence praying she answered. It rang out. Frantically he tried again and received the same response.
Turning around they could see the fury etched onto his face. Walking over to the grunt who had given him the news he gripped him and asked "how do you know she's gone? Who told you. And why didn't you protect her?"
"This note was left Sir" the grunt said handing over a piece of paper "we were ambushed Sir. We stood no chance against Lance and Blue."
Mutters rang around the office as Silver read the missive left behind. Why would the Champion of Kanto and Lance kidnap their leader's mother.
"Send a team to kidnap Sam Oak immediately" Silver said as he sat back down.
"We tried sir" the grunt said, "it didn't work."
"Why" Silver asked furiously.
"They were prepared sir. His Charizard and Dragonite demolished the team. Only two members of the team survived" the grunt said nervously.
"Dead? How many?" Silver asked.
"Eight Sir" the grunt said.
At that moment another two people came racing into the meeting. It was Jessie and James looking like they'd just been through a war.
"Sir, the Johto and Kanto Elite Four and the G-Men have hit us. The Lake of Rage, Mahogany Town, Goldenrod Casino. All have been raided. Ariana and Proton are dead. We barely survived the Pallet Town massacre. We teleported to various places and everywhere was up in smoke, Rocket Agents bodies were littered everywhere." James said.
Silver sat back in shock. In the space of a year every single thing he owned and made money from had been destroyed. How could this happen? Everyone in the boardroom was silent. No one dared speak because it might be the last time they ever did.
"Somebody told them of the places I own. Jessie, James, I am promoting you two to Executives. You two have a week to find out who the leak is. I want their head on my desk by the weeks end. Domino, I want you to pay my father a visit. I have a feeling it was him that leaked my mother's address."
At that moment his videophone rang. Curious he answered and was met with Fujis face. Taking it off video he spoke to a frantic sounding Fuji. Apparently, Ketchum had raided New Island and was in pursuit of him.
"I shall be there in three hours Fuji" Silver said as a plan came to mind. He still had Mewtwo, he could still act "keep Ketchum busy until then. I shall deal with him."
"Oh, you will?" Ash's voice came from the other end shocking him "do tell me how?"
"Ketchum?" Silver growled in anger as the people at the table gasped in shock "I should have known Fuji would be this incompetent."
"He not the first member of your team I've taken out" Ash said cheerfully "none of them particularly stood out to me you know?"
"You know I'll get you for this Ketchum?" Silver said.
"Oh, fear not cousin" Ash said shocking Silver "I'll find you myself very soon. Stay safe and sound in Goldenrod won't you? Being sound matters just as much as being safe you know? Ta-ta for now cousin." The line went dead. Silver stared at the phone in shock for several moments at the conversation that just took place. Ash knew who he was and knew his relationship to him. He would never admit to anyone but right then he was terrified. He had read Ash's dossier so many times that he felt like a close relation. But his exploits were not to be sneered at.
Turning around he made his way back to his seat and put his head in his hands.
"Ash Ketchum" he growled "has just killed Fuji. He has raided New Island and taken control of the island." Looking at Jessie and James he continued "you two are to eliminate his mother. I want her dead. We'll see how he likes having his mother out of the picture."
"Sir," Jessie said scared "that won't be possible. Sam Oak is staying with her. None of us stand a chance against his Charizard or Dragonite."
"You cowards" Domino screeched standing up "the boss gave you an order so get to it."
"No!" James said standing up and shocking Domino "I saw that fiend Charizard rip apart people like they were made of tissue paper. His Dragonite carried three Rocket members up into the sky and then Seismic Tossed them into the ground where they then resembled pizza! And you want us to go back?" James took off his lapel that had been given to him by Silver a few months ago and tossed it onto the table "I will do whatever it takes to keep Team Rocket going, but I will not sacrifice myself stupidly. If you want to do so, then go ahead. I'll make sure to carry a dustpan and brush to sweep up what is left of you."
"Enough" Silver said standing up "they are correct Domino. You two are friends with Ketchum. Get close to him, find out where he is staying during the league, where his mum will be staying from now until the league and how they are getting there. We will get her during her travel to Indigo Plateau. Until then I want a watch put on Sam Oak and Pallet Town. Domino, with me. I have a father to deal with."
Silver then stood up and marched out of the room quickly followed by Domino who glared at the two new executives.
"I suggest you all go home" Jessie said to the people who had stayed behind "your lives are at risk should you stay and enough have been killed today." Almost as one there was a mad scramble to reach the door and soon enough it was just Jessie and James left.
Picking up the lapel James looked at it with sadness. "a year ago, I would have given anything to have this on my uniform Jessie. Anything. I would have killed to get one." Looking up at her he continued "but now? I'm likely to get killed for wearing one."
"I agree" Jessie said "but we have a role to play in this world. And we have a mission to find the leak."
Looking at her wryly he attached the lapel back onto his collar "we already know who it is Jessie."
"We do" she replied as she took his hand "so let's find someone to take our place, shall we?"
Nodding James followed Jessie out of the room and down the elevator before releasing Jessies Kadabra. "Can you take us home please? We need rest." Immediately they winked out of existence.
Ash
"Wait" he said interrupting Pikachu from his re-telling of what happened. Pinching his nose he continued "are you telling me that Arceus appeared but did nothing. Not only that but she was willing to let you sacrifice yourself to bring me back despite knowing how important you are to me. And still, she did nothing? And THEN on top of that she allowed Lord Zapdos to sacrifice himself to bring me back, and still, she did nothing? Is that the gist of what you're telling me?"
"Yes" Lady Moltres said sounding very upset "Lord Zapdos' sacrifice was deemed sufficient enough to bring you back. Do not waste the opportunity."
"You already know I won't" Ash said struggling to his feet "but how are you two not as angry at Arceus as I am over this?"
"Oh, believe me, we are" Articuno said "Zapdos was the first of us and looked after us for centuries. We owe him a great deal. And now he is gone."
"Who will take his place?" Ash asked, "I was told that he doesn't reproduce like you two do."
"He told you that I presume?" Moltres asked earning a nod "there is one Zapdos left in the world. I imagine Arceus will create another, and his son will take his place."
"Just like that? It's not right" Ash said shaking his head "and why is it every time a sacrifice has to be made Arceus is involved, and she does precisely dick to actually help?"
"Darkrai asked as much when Mew died" Moltres said "but her edicts rule her thoughts."
"Those edicts are ridiculous" Charizard said angrily "Ash has nearly died three times now in less than a year doing her bidding. He has literally just died. And she sits on her throne doing nothing to aid us. Ash was told years ago that he was created to counter Mewtwo. At the time we were told there possibly two. And all we can see he's been helped with is by us being placed in his path and his aura ability. If she knew where Mew was and that Mewtwo had been created, then she should have done it herself. She hides behind those edicts and lets others do the dirty work. And to think I used to be angry that Ash was considering not doing her will. Well, I won't anymore. We've done enough." Ash's Pokémon agreed by vigorously nodding their heads.
Mewtwo had been listening keenly at the conversation and was astounded that Ash felt the same way he did. Arceus had let him be created, let him be experimented on, let him be controlled and exploited and he had rebelled. Strangely though he didn't feel the anger he once felt at the world. Ash's words had hit a part of him he had forgotten existed. Hovering over to the group he was met with hostile glares. He was used to them though, so he remained uncaring.
"You fought valiantly for a cause you had stopped believing in a long time ago. Why?" he asked.
"The cause wasn't the issue" Ash said rubbing his chest "your way of thinking was. You were created to be a slave and you freed yourself from it, but you let your anger fester into hatred. That's where the issue for me was. My Pokémon are my family and I would never ask them to do something I wasn't willing to do. 99% of humans believe the same thing and are good people. But you chose to judge us on the worst of humanity. There are Pokémon out there that happily go along with those 1% but the rest of them don't. It does not matter what you were created to do, the fact is you are alive, and you have the choice to be whoever you want to be. I didn't fight against you because I wanted to, I fought to keep everyone I loved alive, and if that came at the expense of my own death then I was ready to do so."
"I see now" Mewtwo said pondering "that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant. It's what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are. What is to become of me?"
"Nothing" Ash said shocking them "you're free to live the life you want Mewtwo. My suggestion? I suggest you travel and look for your place in the world. Every legendary Pokémon has a role to play in keeping the balance of the world flowing. Your role is out there waiting for you to discover it."
Nodding he looked around before making a decision. Concentrating his eyes glowed blue and there was a huge flash of light as the people at New Island disappeared along with their Pokémon. Seeing Ash's questioning gaze, he said.
"They do not need to know what truly happened here today. I have erased the last day from their memory. The events of today are best forgotten for them. You on the other hand I feel need to remember. Your aura is strong Ash. I shall do as you say and travel. Maybe I can find a place I can call home."
"My house will always be open to you Mewtwo" Ash said as he walked up to Mewtwo and placed his hand on his head. Concentrating a flash of blue, a brief flash of pain and Mewtwo looked at him questioningly "the control device is now useless. And I killed Fuji so he cannot create another to control you. You're free."
Nodding Mewtwo gathered his power and vanished from sight along with Mew and his clones. Moltres and Articuno dipped their heads and took off into the sunset where they quickly disappeared from view leaving just Ash and his Pokémon. Looking around Ash put his jacket back on that he had taken off when looking at his new scar and felt something brush against his skin. Wonderingly he took out the file he had taken before. The name on the front said Red Ketchum. Opening it Ash nearly fell down. It was a dossier on his dad that went on well beyond his disappearance date. Ash cursed out loud that he had forgotten to ask Mewtwo where he had taken his father. He would have to do so later.
Pulsing out his aura he made sure he was truly alone in this place before recalling everyone except Charizard. "Let's go home pal. I'm sure mum will be worried." Growling Charizard nodded before taking off and slowly making their way across the vast sea towards Pallet Town. It would be at midday the next day that he finally landed at Oaks Choral where he noticed several things out of place. Many of the trees had been ripped up, there were police everywhere and burns on several parts of the field. Had a battle taken place here? Walking into town he was stopped by police who questioned his whereabouts but didn't inform him why they were asking. Telling them he investigated the blue light was met with suspicion, but he was let go and he quickly made his way to his mum's home in confusion.
Walking into the house he was met by raised voices.
"You cannot go out there Delia." Sam's voice rang out "I know you're worried about Ash, but you have to trust he'll be ok."
"I felt him die!" Delia said hysterically "I know what I felt Sam. Don't tell me I'm crazy."
"Delia, think about what you're saying." Sam said, "how can you feel something like that?"
"I can feel aura Sam" Delia said "I can tell when the worlds aura changes and last night it spiked so much! And then I felt an emptiness I have never felt before. I couldn't feel him Sam. He disappeared."
"I don't know what to say to that Delia" Sam said sounding exhausted.
"Just let me go and find him Sam" Delia said quietly sounding desperate.
"There's no need mum, I'm here" Ash said walking into the room. Delia immediately rushed over to him and swept him in a hug and burst out crying again. Ash gripped her for all he was worth as he hugged her back. After a few minutes Delia calmed down and held his face in her hands before pulling him back into a hug. It was a good five minutes later that Delia let him go and pulled him to the dining table where an exhausted looking Sam clapped him on the shoulder.
"It's good to see you Ash" Sam said "you worried us all rushing off the way you did. What happened?"
Sighing Ash stood up and made them all a cup of tea before he sat back down. "It all started 6 years ago when I was attacked by Riley…" the next few hours were devoted to Ash and Delia telling Sam everything that they'd been through, everything they'd discovered and all the trouble he had been in. Ash was very apologetic about keeping certain things from Sam, he truly did feel guilty about doing so but he was under orders. He left out all the people he had killed, Sam didn't need to know that, but he slightly embellished more of his Team Rocket encounters.
"Last night was the reason I was born Sam" Ash said as he eventually finished his story.
Sam Oak was astounded by what Ash just told him. He felt an enormous sense of pride along with incredible irritation that something this huge had been kept from him. He understood of course that you can't really say no to a deity. The fact Ash had interacted with Arceus blew his mind. Here was proof she was real, and he couldn't say anything to anyone without looking senile. He felt so sorry for Ash having to go through what he did at such a young age. But all told his story made a lot of sense. He couldn't see Ash lying about it, not to him and his mother anyway.
"So, Fuji is dead and Mewtwo is on the loose?" Sam asked.
"Yes" Ash said "Fuji had an accident with his cloning machine while I was chasing after him which resulted in his decapitation. That wasn't a nice sight either. I then made my way to the battlefield again where I fought Mewtwo and drew. I said something to him which made him sad and then angry. Our last attacks collided, and we were thrown backwards into separate pillars. I cracked my head open and Mewtwo broke his back. Mums right. I died last night. I was told the story of how I lived after Arceus walked the earth again. According to my Pokémon Zapdos sacrificed his life so that I would live like I sacrificed my ability to find love for Mew. My Pokémon wouldn't lie to me, and neither would the other two legendary birds. I have a scar over my heart shaped like a lightning bolt as proof" he finished taking of his shirt and showing them. "I let Mewtwo go as he was just as much of a pawn in this game as I was."
"Did he tell you where he had taken Red?" Delia asked after several minutes.
"I forgot to ask him; I will do so next time I see him though. I did find this" Ash said pulling out the folder "maybe we can figure out where dad is being held, or at least get his body back."
Nodding Delia gave the file a quick glance before handing it to Sam.
"What happened here by the way?" Ash asked "the police questioned me rather heavily when I landed at your lab Sam."
"Well, that's the strange thing isn't it." Sam said, "Team Rocket attacked my lab for a then unknown reason, but they were unlucky enough to come across Charizard and Dragonite."
"How many lived?" Ash asked wryly.
"Two, your two friends by the way" Sam said, "eight didn't."
"I'm guessing Charizard is furious?" Ash asked.
"To say the least. Sam replied "I found out from my son an hour before you arrived why they attacked here. Apparently, my son visibly led an ambush on the leader of Team Rockets mother and took her hostage hoping to draw him out. Across Kanto and Johto various places were also hit by the two Elite Fours and the G-Men taking out Rocket holdings across the two regions. Anyway, they attacked to try and get me as a bargaining chip in retaliation as a trade for Silvers mother. Yes, that was a shock too finding out Silver was alive after all this time. Obviously, they failed. But I've been told to stay with Delia for now to protect us both. Oh, you may want to go and see Sylveon. She was hurt quite badly protecting Togepi who wandered onto the battlefield thinking people were playing."
"I will do when we're finished here." Ash said draining the last of his cold cup of tea. "I spoke to Silver" he said suddenly as he remembered "just before my confrontation with Fuji. He was on the video phone when I interrupted them. He knows I know he's my cousin so he may target mum."
"Then it's good we're both here together" Sam said.
"I don't think they'd dare attack you or mum now" Ash said as he washed his cup "they were beaten quite soundly and by all accounts are now down to the bare bones of an organisation."
"You could be right" Sam said "I'll stay another day but then I need to get back to work, as does Delia. We can't live our lives in fear of them."
"Take my bed Sam" Ash said "I'll set up my tent in the back garden. I think all my Pokémon would like to be out of their balls tonight anyway." Standing up Ash grabbed his backpack he had left in the hallway and made his way out of the back patio door and set up his tent. Calling everyone out he explained what had happened and received nods. Charizard immediately took off to go and talk to Oaks Charizard who was protecting the Choral. Ash walked back inside and did what he could to help heal Sylveon. His aura felt very strange now though after the incident at New Island. It was like he could focus it more precisely and channel it better.
The next week flew by and soon it was time for Ash to leave for the league. Things had settled down quite quickly in Pallet Town after the attack. Ash had visited his finished house. It was just a shell at the moment, furniture was due to arrive in the next few weeks along with all the plants that was going to be placed in the garden. The work on the lake was still ongoing but should be finished in the next month. Over the week Venusaur and Delia had come up with a basic sketch of where the plants were going to go and were happy with the design. Venusaur was a little sad he wouldn't be there the day they were being delivered as Ash would be at Indigo Plateau waiting to start the league tournament.
"You can stay here with mum if you want? I can always wait until the knockout stages to get you back" Ash said after seeing how morose Venusaur was "we all know we're going deep into the tournament and it's not more than three on three until the last thirty-two which is likely the only time I will need you. The other five have you covered pal."
"I'll think about it" Venusaur said walking off leaving a bemused Ash.
A few days later Venusaur told Ash he'd like to stay so Ash handed his pokeball to his mum. She would be visiting the second week of the tournament and would give him back then. Ash would just have to remember to register him. The day before Ash was due to leave, he found an envelope on the doorstep of his new home. Opening it he read the short note.
Ash- need to meet- tonight here, 10pm
Very strange Ash thought as he looked around. He knew they were all being watched; his aura level had taken on a new level after being infused with Zapdos' aura, so he was able to feel anyone within one hundred meters of him a lot easier now. It was also easier to differentiate between people, so he knew that it wasn't the same people observing him every day. Ash had left them alone mainly because he was still sore from Mewtwo's attack.
That night he left his mums house and flew on Charizard at 9:30. He wanted to lay down an ambush should it turn out to be a trap. Letting his Pokémon know of his plan they each went off and hid in various places. He was very lucky that his house had such a deep forest surrounding it. At 9:55 Ash heard a noise off to the side of him. Scanning them he knew who it was. Waiting for them to come into the porches light he saw a very concerned looking Jessie and James.
"You guys look like crap" Ash said.
"You would be too if you've just had to deal with an irate boss. What do you know of him?" James said.
"I don't know a lot about him" Ash said "he's my cousin, the son of Giovanni the Viridian Gym leader and some rich model he met thirty odd years ago. Gio said he didn't know who he was until he first met him when he was 17. Didn't find out he was the Rocket Leader until a year later. Gio told mum and dad he died shortly after his 20th birthday. He knew who he was the entire time that the investigation into my father was going on and didn't say a word. I doubt mum will ever speak to Uncle Gio again."
"That explains why the office seemed familiar when we raided his gym" Jessie said "the layout is the same. The boss is fuming. He ordered the kidnap of Sam after he found out Blue has his mum, only that didn't go so well. We were then ordered to kidnap your mother as retaliation for the humiliation you gave him on New Island, but we were able to talk him out of it."
"I'm still being watched" Ash said "and mum has two of my Pokémon on her at all times. That won't change until she's at the league with me. Sam is bringing her on Dragonite."
"Good" James said "that's good. We were ordered to find out your plans and to arrange a kidnap on her travels, but no one is going to be stupid enough to attack Sam's Dragonite. The boss is concerned about the leak amongst his ranks. We have until tomorrow to come up with a patsy to take our place."
"That should be easy" Jessie said waving it away "we have plenty of people we can use. Don't worry about us."
"I'm not" Ash said smirking "if it's two people I don't have to worry about it's you two. I take it the watchperson needs to live?" he finished nodding at the treeline.
"Yeah" Jessie said, "the boss is paranoid about anything to do with you at the moment, but we've been ordered to find out anything we can."
"Interesting" Ash said with a thoughtful face "I'm sure I can use that. I do have something you can tell him." With a grin he gave Jessie and James the information which made them both gulp. "I need to be going now. I'm up early for my travels. Remember what I've said, hopefully we'll meet up at the league." Whistling all his Pokémon came out of their hiding places, and he recalled them. Taking off on Charizard he grinned. Hopefully Silver would be looking over his shoulder even more now.
Silver
The last week had been horrible. He had found out that only one place he owned hadn't been hit as it was off the books. It wasn't enough to keep him financially stable, but it was better than nothing. He still had a huge fortune in the bank but that would quickly dwindle with the amount of costs he was incurring on a daily basis.
His father wasn't at the Viridian Gym when he went there. Apparently, he had left for important business a few days before and wouldn't be back for a week yet before he would then be headed to the League for the Indigo tournament. Seething Silver had no choice but to leave and come back later.
For some reason Silph had sent him an email declaring that until he could pay the costs of all his projects, in full then they would be halting proceedings. This left him furious as he desperately needed their inventions. He could pay them easily, but it would leave him stuck for possibly years until the inventions were created. And with his rapidly dwindling money he didn't think it was cost effective. For the moment he just left it, vowing to get vengeance as soon as he could. His last run in with the head of Silph wasn't a fun one as he had quickly been escorted from the building along with his henchmen.
He knew what was happening. TheY had gone public with their partnership with Ash, a rising star in not only the Pokémon world but the academic one too. His book on aura was intriguing but he'd found he couldn't calm his mind enough to practice more than the basics. He couldn't care less about the breeding book. No, it was his theories that had intrigued Silver for years. He was very envious that Ash could understand Pokémon. What he wouldn't give for that ability.
Picking up the daily newspaper he read about places that had been raided and his anger grew again. When he next saw Blue he would kill him. Slowly. His receptionist calling through startled him for a moment before he answered.
"Sir, Executives Jessie and James are here with information you required."
"Send them through" Silver replied. Leaning back, he wondered just what they'd bring to him. He was very intrigued.
Jessie and James walked in and sat down opposite Silver and handed over a folder. Picking it up his eyes widened at the name on the list. Reading on he grew steadily angrier as the proof was written out for him to see.
"How did you come by this information?" Silver asked.
"It was mainly James" Jessie said, "he's a whizz on the computer."
"It wasn't hard really" James said shrugging "we just wrote down timelines of key events, who had access to the information and went from there. It didn't take long to cross-reference things really. We found out a few days ago but we needed proof of other leaks she had been part of. We don't know who she is though."
"I do" Silver said angrily standing up and looking out of the window. "I'll deal with her when I am able to. What of Ketchum?"
"He plans to leave for the league in a few days" Jessie said "he's left two of his Pokémon with her for protection as she has some last-minute business, something to do with Ash's house. She has plans to travel with Samuel Oak to the league in a few weeks' time so snatching her will be very difficult."
"Damn" Silver said sitting down "so that's a no go. How about the place she's staying when she gets to the league?"
"She's staying with Ash" James said "Oak will be with them when he's not doing official league business. It's a few chalets away from the Champions Chalet so again, that will be difficult, doable but very risky."
"We do have a message from him for you though" Jessie said "he said you'd understand what he meant when he said 'your project is not happy with you and is unplugged. Stay safe and sound won't you'."
Nodding he scratched his chin not indicating the fear that gripped him "I want you to hunt down Giovanni. Domino has not returned from the mission, and I've heard nothing from her in the last week. Touch base with her, if you find her tell her to contact me. If she's alive return here for a new mission, if she's captured or dead complete her mission first. Dismissed."
Jessie and James stood up and left being keenly observed as they did so. Picking the folder up he read the name again. He refused to believe it. Looking at where they had left, he came to a decision. Calling his receptionist, he asked for Executive Andrew to come to his office. An hour later the man appeared, and Silver looked at him "Jessie and James are to be eliminated. They have a mission to get in contact with Domino to find out her status. Domino is hunting Giovanni. If she's still alive they're coming back here, or so they think. If Domino is dead, they're to complete her mission. Act afterwards. Observe them for now. Dismissed."
The man silently nodded and left the office. Silver picked up the file and walked to his shredder and placed it into it. Gradually the papers disappeared along with the name on the top Alexis Hanzo. His mother.
Ash
His preparations were complete. Tomorrow would begin the next step of his journey. He had already completed two of the hurdles; the league gym challenge and Mewtwo's rage and now he would be headed to the league where he would cement his name for all time as a superstar. In just over five weeks' time he would no longer be a rookie, he would be league champion. Ash looked at himself in the mirror and cast his mind back to just over a year ago. He had grown a lot since then, mentally and physically. His body was littered with scars, but he was strong. He had a perfect team, and he had a fantastic family. The Team Rocket arc of his life was coming to a close, he could feel it. He was very worried about leaving his mother behind, but he had a job to complete. Venusaur staying behind reassured him and over the last week he had trained Sylveon too. She was phenomenal. He was considering using her in the finals, but he didn't know who he'd replace.
Nodding to himself he turned around and picked up his rucksack from the side of his door and made his way downstairs. Placing it at the side of the front door he made his way into the kitchen to have breakfast with his mum. After chatting aimlessly for an hour Ash stood up and washed his bowl and cup. Delia was quiet as she observed him. Since coming back from New Island Ash had become much more serious about things. Maybe dying gave him a new perspective on life. She was so grateful he was still around.
"Look at you" she said quietly holding her mug "it seems like only yesterday I was bringing you home. I do wish your father could be here for this."
"He'll be here for the next one mum" Ash said as his eyes dropped to the folder that was still on the counter-top "when I win the league I'll go on a hunt and follow those breadcrumbs. Those clues are awfully specific. I'll track down Mewtwo and get the information from him. He owes me that at least."
"I'm very proud of you Ash" Delia said standing up and giving him a hug "take care of yourself."
"I will" Ash said as he unclipped Venusaur's pokeball and handed it to her. "you too."
Picking up the bag he left his mums house, Pikachu on his shoulder and walked out of Pallet Town. Turning around when he was on the hill, he looked over it. The next time he would see it would be as champion. Releasing Charizard he flew to Viridian and decided to walk the last bit of his journey. He had a week left after all to get there and if he was pushed for time he'd just fly. Walking down Route 22 he came across a few trainers who were getting in last minute preparation by battling others. Ash had no desire to let anyone know what his team consisted of so declined all the challenges. He received many dirty looks and called a few names, but he just didn't care. He knew it would be a waste of time battling them. He could see his Pokémon were much better trained and stronger than those around him.
Eventually he reached a huge mountain with a cave entrance. The signpost read Victory Road. The last hurdle for all trainers. It was a rite of passage to traverse the mountain and make it to the league, so Ash decided to head inside. From what he'd read it was around a two day walk through the mountain and as it was only early afternoon he could easily be out of here by the next night. Strangely for a cave the entire thing was lit up. The trek was quite peaceful really and he chatted non-stop to Pikachu about what they were going to do once they reached the Indigo Village.
"Pi" Ash said "there's this restaurant there that sells nothing but Calamari and other ocean-going food. It's amazing. Mum told me about it from when her and dad went on dates before they had me. It's still run by the same people."
"Oh, why couldn't we have flown there?" Pikachu said grumpily "we could be having it right now!"
"I didn't think" Ash said equally as sad "but it just means we know where the first place we're calling at is."
"We better do" Pikachu responded, "I've not had decent calamari since Vermillion before the cruise."
"Can you believe that was seven months ago?" Ash asked shaking his head. "I'm planning on surprising mum with tickets again for next year. We'll miss this one because of the league and the recovery period afterwards but the year after we should be fine."
"It was nice" Pikachu admitted "I did enjoy the cruise, not the events at Pokémon Land or Porta Vista so much though."
"Yeah, well I think it's safe to say they won't happen again." Ash said chuckling.
"Better not" Pikachu replied causing them both to laugh.
"Come on" Ash said after another five hours of travelling "we'll set up camp here. We've made great progress and should be out by tomorrow evening."
Setting up camp Ash called out his Pokémon. It was a sad event as for the first time in nearly a year they were one member short. Ash made Venusaur's bowl up without even realising he'd done so. Talk was stilted when they realised what Ash had done. They all felt Venusaur's loss. The next day Ash made a lot of progress travelling through the cave. they had come across many Pokémon as they walked through the cave, but none had challenged him, so he let them be. Machoke had walked alongside him and talked about how he had felt that he hadn't gotten any better.
"I'm sorry" Ash said "we completely forgot to ask Oak for a trade for you in Pallet Town. I'll see if there's anything I can do once we reach Indigo. We'll have to spar a lot though because you're going to be gaining extra limbs. Once we register, I'll try and get it sorted otherwise we may have to wait until after the league."
"I understand" Machoke said.
"Actually, we may not" Ash said thinking out loud "let's be honest, we're making it to the knockout stages. The preliminaries are two weeks long, so we have a month to train you up for the finals. Is that ok?"
"Should be fine" Machoke said happily.
The next few hours weren't particularly gruelling. Ash was wondering why they weren't being challenged. Every Pokémon they'd come across had done nothing but watch them pass. Curious Ash stopped a Machop who warily looked at Ash and his Machoke but bowed at Ash.
"Why haven't we been challenged while walking through here?" Ash asked confused about the bowing.
"You bear Lord Zapdos' mark and you have been blessed by the Original One." Machop said "you bear them heavily, but you bear them well nonetheless."
"Oh right" Ash said less confused "well, thank you for letting me know. You know you're all free to challenge us, right?"
"We do" Machop said "but it wouldn't be right." Bowing Machop left them standing there bemused. Ash decided to carry on walking and soon enough the exit came into view. Walking out Ash was amazed to find it was early evening. The route was littered with people that had obviously just come through he cave. Ash chuckled as he and his team were just fine. Walking on Indigo Plateau slowly came into view. Sadly, Ash had been here a few times over the last few months for one thing or another, so a lot of the majesty had been taken away, but it was still impressive nonetheless. As Ash walked onto the plaza he stopped and took a deep breath. He was now a few battles away from being crowned champion and cementing his legacy. Another Ketchum was about to become world famous again.
