Chapter 57: Battle of the Heroes
Roxas briefly stared at Ash and May while they were busy awing at the fireworks alongside Iris, Cilan, and their Pokémon. He smiled at the sight of their happiness. When he saw how they held hands, it reminded him of the world he was fighting for in his crusade against Omega.
Back there when you revealed that Genesis, Silver, and Cloud were one of us, I was concerned you might spill the beans about everything else, Lucario chuckled and spoke telepathically to his trainer.
Roxas smiled at him, Including the fact that you hatched from an egg given to me by Ash's Lucario?
Lucario smirked at Roxas's teasing. Yeah, even though he's still some years away from having a Lucario I am sure his eyes would shine the moment you dropped that fact on him.
All jokes aside, I don't know if I'll ever be prepared to tell who I really am, Roxas sighed as he still hid the truth from Ash and May.
Lucario quickly noticed his trainer's brooding disposition returning and made another joke to lighten the mood. The Aura Pokémon was not about to let his trainer sadden himself on such a pleasant night. Remember how I kicked you in the face because I didn't like you at first?
Roxas burst laughing and responded by noting how he could ever forget. They reminisced over simpler times and shared their chuckles much like the younger teens they accompanied for the evening.
The two enjoyed their conversation and savored the brief moment of peace as the night sky was brightened by the multi-colored fireworks. Roxas closed his eyes and took a deep breath, this is great, he thought before his mind reminded him of the chaos that awaited them.
"Iris, be careful!" Cilan cautioned Iris as the purple-haired trainer rushed to an injured Dragonite lying against a broken tree.
"Who could've done this to it," May looked with concern at the Dragonite that was wincing at the stinging pain it felt.
"It looks pretty bruised up," Ash lamented as it approached it with Pikachu and Victini.
"Poor Dragonite," Iris neared the Dragon-type with Axew.
When the dragon noticed Iris and Axew nearing it, it growled at them with annoyance. Axew quickly hid in Iris's hair and Iris took a step back to be sure it wasn't going to chomp her head off.
Roxas crossed his arms, "It doesn't appear to like humans very much." The raven-haired hero had a hunch as to what injured Dragonite based on the surrounding devastation and their location. Roxas stared at the cloudy skies for signs of anything.
May, Ash, and Cilan also noticed the devastation around them and wondered what could have done all this damage. "Who would do such a thing," Iris kneeled as it tried to earn Dragonite's trust by reaching its hand. Dragonite kept his glare right on her and wasn't sure if he should allow the human to touch it.
"Unfortunately, Legendary Pokémon did this," Auro jumped out of the trees and arrived on the scene just in time.
"Auro, long time no see," Ash greeted the blue-haired trainer.
Auro greeted his group of friends with a warm smile and wave. "So, my hunch was correct. This Dragonite is injured by the very reason we are here," Roxas uncrossed his arms.
"You mean this Dragonite is hurt, and the wooded area was destroyed because of the Forces of Nature or the Swords of Justice?" Cilan raised an eyebrow.
"Maybe both," Auro didn't rule out the possibility of both Legendary groups causing all this damage.
"This isn't right," Iris sighed as she still tried to get her hand close to Dragonite. As a future Dragon Master, the purple-haired trainer couldn't help but feel deeply saddened seeing one of her dream Pokémon in this condition.
Roxas approached Auro with a serious look, "Have you been able to pinpoint the location of either group of Pokémon Hugh?"
Auro rolled his eyes, "Hey c'mon, you know I hate my middle name, 'Red'." The blue-haired trainer's counter caused Roxas to groan at the mention of his nickname.
"Hugh?" Ash looked confused.
"Red?" May seemed just as perplexed.
"When Roxas wants to give me a hard time, he calls me by my middle name. When he wants to play that game, I call him 'Red'. You know he got that nickname because he used to go around bragging about this stupid red hat he always wore as a kid," Auro chuckled as he thought about it.
"Something I've obviously outgrown," Roxas pointed out with a serious tone.
Ash, May, Cilan, and Iris weren't sure if they were really bickering or just poking fun at each other. "Jokes aside though, I haven't been able to pinpoint either group Roxas," Auro sighed as he crossed his arms.
"No surprise, given how fast those legendaries move it is not an easy feat to track them," Roxas understood the challenge.
While Roxas and Auro were busy discussing the issue at hand, May focused her gaze on Iris and the Dragonite. She knew how Iris was feeling and wanted to help. That's when an idea struck her. May approached Iris with a Pokéball and handed it to her, "Here Iris, use Alomomola and have her use Heal Pulse on Dragonite."
"Great idea May," Ash cheered over the solution to the more immediate problem.
"Wait May, how come you don't just do it?" Iris wondered as she received the Pokéball.
May smiled warmly at her. "I know how important becoming a Dragon Master is to you and feel that if you do this, then you might learn something more about Dragon-type Pokémon," the brunette insisted that Iris do it.
The purple-haired trainer smiled sheepishly and thanked May for her unwavering kindness. "Alomomola, please use Heal Pulse on Dragonite!" Iris announced as she threw the Pokéball. In a burst of light, the Water-type emerged and targeted green energy waves at Dragonite. The dragon winced as it felt the sting of the move, but it suddenly felt Iris's soothing touch. Iris grinned, "It's ok Dragonite, I know it stings but Alomomola is healing your injuries." Dragonite allowed Iris to rub it as it frowned and closed its eyes while Heal Pulse did its thing.
A beeping sound came from Roxas's device and the trainer raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright Roxas?" Cilan asked him.
"Looks like something else came up. Sadly, I am needed elsewhere," the young adult regretted having to leave his group.
"You're leaving so soon," May looked saddened when he indicated that he would be leaving.
"Do you think we can do this without you?" Iris inquired as she still rubbed Dragonite.
"We can," Ash interjected and gave his friends a confident grin. The raven-haired boy with the Pikachu and Victini knew he'd see Roxas again, but he was confident that he and his friends could rise to the challenge without Roxas.
Roxas and Auro were surprised for a moment, but then they smiled. "You heard it here," Roxas chuckled.
Seeing Ash's grin gave May, Iris, and Cilan the confidence they needed. The group of friends agreed they could handle things from here. "Auro will still accompany you since this is his assignment anyways, but I am confident in the abilities you all have," Roxas reminded them that he also had confidence in them.
With that said, the teens waved goodbye to Roxas as he used Aura to dash out of the forest like a superhero. As soon as Roxas left, Alomomola finished using Heal Pulse on Dragonite, and the dragon was restored to its full strength. Dragonite roared as it stood up, spreading its small wings proudly.
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion in the distance and the group witnessed flocks of bird Pokémon flying into the air in a panic. Auro sighed, "Wouldn't you know it? They show up the moment Red decides to dash off on another assignment." He chuckled at himself for mocking Roxas in his absence.
"There's no doubt, it must be them," Ash knew what waited for them not too far from their spot. Dragonite already knew what was occurring and flew off without a moment's hesitation toward the sight of the explosion. May quickly returned Alomomola as they prepped for what was about to happen.
"Dragonite!" Iris exclaimed, concerned for its well-being. Cilan ordered the gang to run to the source. They all prepared themselves mentally for what awaited them.
I know this is not going to be easy, but we'll come through. Like we always have, May thought as she looked at her friends.
Unsurprisingly, the moment they arrived at the scene of the explosion they witnessed a full-blown battle. Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion were firing Sacred Sword at their rivals. Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus fought them in their incarnate forms and countered with their signature attacks. Wildbolt Storm, Bleakwind Storm, and Sandsear Storm canceled out the triple Sacred Sword.
The Forces of Nature unleashed a barrage of attacks that sent blades of energy and lightning firing in every direction. There were wild Pokémon nervously trying to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. A group of Deerling trying to escape were nearly struck by Air Slash and yelped in fear.
"The Deerling!" May shouted in fear as the friends weren't able to do anything in time.
Out of nowhere though, Dragonite appeared and destroyed the Air Slash with a Dragon Claw. Dragonite nodded at the Grass-type Pokémon and the Deerling thanked the dragon, successfully escaping.
"Way to go Dragonite!" Iris cheered for its heroism.
The shouts from the teens alerted the Legendary Pokémon to their presence and were momentarily shocked. It's Ash and his friends! Virizion became concerned that they may get caught in the crossfire.
It's not safe, Auro get them out of here! Cobalion commanded.
You heard em, Terrakion also believed the humans shouldn't be here.
Tornadus easily recognized the humans and growled in anger. Landorus and Thundurus already knew the backstory and also roared with anger upon seeing Ash, May, and their friends. Cobalion insisted once more that the humans leave, or they would likely get hurt in their battle with the genies.
"Sorry Cobalion, I am afraid we can't leave. We are here to stop the fighting between your factions before you destroy the Unova region or worse," Auro stepped up.
Cobalion was surprised by Auro's response. We aided you in your fight at the P2 Lab and this is how we are repaid. If you wish to die, then stay but don't get in our way. We must protect the Reveal Glass, the leader of the Swords of Justice retorted. Virizion and Terrakion were disappointed by the humans' stubbornness and charged forward against the Forces of Nature.
Dragonite continued to protect any wild Pokémon caught in the crossfire as more homes belonging to wild Pokémon were destroyed. In its anger, the Dragon Pokémon used Dragon Rush that targeted both Landorus and Cobalion. The two legendary rivals saw the dragon coming and bashed it back with a Sacred Sword and Stone Edge.
"Dragonite!" Iris cried out as Dragonite crashed to the ground. The young trainer quickly ran to aid it.
Anyone that has no business in this conflict…leave! Landorus angrily proclaimed as it used Stone Edge on the entire battlefield.
"Blaziken, use Sky Uppercut to protect us from the Stone Edge!" May summoned her fire starter.
"Dewott, Pikachu use Razor Shell and Iron Tail to protect the wild Pokémon from the Stone Edge!" Ash called on his Pokémon to do the same as he threw Dewott's Pokéball.
"Crustle you too," Cilan joined in with his Rock-type.
"Electivire, join us too," Auro brought his Electric-type out as well.
Victini and Axew also joined the fray by using their powers to protect and escort wild Pokémon out of harm's way. Everyone recognized that resolving this was going to take more than brute force though.
Fools, Thundurus glared at the humans intervening.
While their Pokémon did their duties, Ash and May rushed to stand in between the two factions of Legendary Pokémon. "Swords of Justice and Forces of Nature, stop!" May spread her arms out. She knew as a human she could do nothing against their great powers, but she was going to stand her ground.
"You can't do this. We want to help, there's been a huge misunderstanding!" Ash also prepared to stand his ground even though he was a measly human compared to these powerful beasts.
What kind of misunderstanding? Virizion asked as the 6 Legendary Pokémon became intrigued and listened to what the little mortals had to say.
"You've been manipulated to fight against each other by Omega. This whole time we were all led to believe that his goons were after the Reveal Glass, but that's not the case. They're not after the Reveal Glass. They're after all of you!" May made her case loudly.
"Omega wanted the Swords of Justice to believe that the Forces of Nature were the next target of their ambitions with the Reveal Glass. In reality, he just wanted both groups to fight over control of the Reveal Glass so that when you least expected he'd come and capture all of you. He would take advantage of your weakened states after all the fighting amongst you," Ash added to strengthen their case.
Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion were caught off guard by the revelation. They looked at each other to wonder if this could be true. The Forces of Nature, on the other hand, were less receptive.
You were there when Virizion stole my portion of the Reveal Glass. I see no reason to trust you, humans! Tornadus shouted and fired a Hurricane at them. Ash and May bravely prepared to take on the Hurricane, knowing that none of their Pokémon could get to them in time to protect them.
"Dragonite, counter with Hurricane!" Iris shouted and the wild Dragonite aiding them fired an equally powerful Hurricane that cancelled out Tornadus's Hurricane. The Dragon Pokémon took deep breaths as it clung to its arm from a distance, it was expending a lot of energy.
Ash and May thanked Iris with a nod for the last-minute save as the Forces of Nature only became more upset. Thundurus and Landorus unleashed a shower of lightning strikes and stones to destroy anyone involved in their conflict with the Swords of Justice.
"Everyone behind me, Crustle, use Protect!" Cilan ordered for as many wild Pokémon to rush behind them as Crustle's energy dome withstood the force of the attacks. Additionally, Dewott used Razor Shell to bash any incoming rocks.
Iris looked at Dragonite and begged, "Dragonite, please protect my friends."
Dragonite bobbed its head and used Dragon Claw to counter any lightning strikes or stones that dared to hit Ash or May. Blaziken and Pikachu came from nowhere and fired a Fire Spin and Thunderbolt respectively at the genies, but Tornadus cancelled the attacks out with Air Slash and sent the two Pokémon crashing toward the floor.
Auro clenched his teeth as he and Electivire continued protecting as many wild Pokémon as they could. The whole forest was going up in flames. This is not good, there's no way to calm them down, he thought.
Ash and May looked at the growing devastation around them as the Swords of Justice continued to collide attacks with the Forces of Nature. "Cobalion, Virizion, Terrakion, you have to return the Reveal Glass to them!" Ash ordered.
"It's the only way they might stop this destruction!" May lifted her arm to cover her eyes from any flying debris.
Terrakion growled, We can't be sure the Reveal Glass is safe with them. The Forces of Nature have always been a hot-headed lot!
As the Musketeer Trio prepared to fire another triple Sacred Sword, the Forces of Nature shouted in unison, Speak for yourself! Together the genies combined the power of Bleakwind, Sandsear, and Wildbolt into one powerful attack that sent the Swords of Justice crashing into the dirt.
"Oh no!" Iris shouted as she saw the three quadrupedal Pokémon fall to the ground. She turned once more to Dragonite, "Dragonite, we have to stop them. Follow my lead."
The Dragonite looked at her and seemed hesitant at first since it wasn't willing to obey every order a random human gave it. "Please, I know I am not your trainer, but this is to protect my friends and your friends. I know you care about all the wild Pokémon here, so let me help you protect them. We have to defeat Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus!" Iris insisted.
Dragonite continued to gaze at her and then saw Auro and Cilan continuing to evacuate the area with the help of Victini, Dewott, Axew, Crustle, and Electivire. He saw Pikachu and Blaziken struggling to get up as they tried their best to defend their trainers. Then the dragon looked at Ash and May, who despite having all odds stacked against them continued to stand in between the two factions and refused to give up ground.
"Please…" Iris clasped her hands together and begged once again. Seeing the tears in her eyes, Dragonite closed its eyes. Iris could feel that Dragonite agreed and smiled. "Thank you," she let out a sigh of relief. The two looked to Thundurus and saw that it prepared to unleash a Thunderbolt at Ash and May. "Dragonite, use Thunder Punch!" Iris stretched her arm out.
Dragonite dashed like a jet. Ash and May hugged each other for comfort as they prepared to take on another assault, but Dragonite came to their defense yet again. They were surprised to see a Dragonite use a Thunder Punch and even more surprisingly, it absorbed the Thunderbolt into its Thunder Punch. Without a moment's hesitation, Dragonite delivered a Thunder Punch to Thundurus similar to Sky Uppercut. The powered-up attack sent the Bolt Strike Pokémon flying backward while the other genies glared at Dragonite.
Tornadus fired an Air Slash to bring the dragon down, but a Thunderbolt came from below that canceled out its attack. The Cyclone Pokémon looked down and noticed the injured Pikachu breathing heavily as it prevented Air Slash from hitting Dragonite. "Now, Ice Beam!" Iris let out another command. Taking advantage of the defense Pikachu gave it, Dragonite unleashed an Ice Beam that sent Tornadus flying toward a tree.
"That Dragonite is awesome, I've never seen one with a moveset like that," May said as she watched in awe.
Ash was also in awe, "Neither have I."
Enough! Landorus growled and used a variation of Stone Edge that sent a barrage of jagged rocks at Dragonite. The Abundance Pokémon released the attack too quickly for Dragonite or Iris to react and the Dragon Pokémon squealed in pain as the sharp stones dug into its reptilian skin. "No, Dragonite!" Iris ran to where Dragonite dropped and held him. The Dragonite was in deep pain as it clenched its teeth and glared at a descending Landorus.
Tornadus and Thundurus soon revealed themselves next to Landorus, having recovered from Dragonite's assault. Tornadus and Thundurus prepared to fire Bleakwind Storm and Wildbolt Storm at the dragon when they were struck by a Sacred Sword. The three genies turned around and saw Cobalion barely standing while also gasping for air. Virizion and Terrakion could not stand up, but they encouraged Cobalion's last stand. Do your worst, Cobalion growled at the Forces of Nature.
Landorus glared at Cobalion as it approached the Iron Will Pokémon to deliver a Hammer Arm. Know that I did not enjoy this, Landorus lamented. Before Hammer Arm could strike Cobalion, a Hydro Pump fired from among the trees and sent Landorus crashing into the ground.
"Who was that?" May looked to the trees where it shot from.
Ash, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Axew, Victini, and the other Pokémon also looked with wonderment as the strongest genie struggled to get up after being hit with a super effective move. Auro grinned as he knew who it was.
Halt already. You're destroying hundreds of homes that belong to the Pokémon native to this forest! Keldeo revealed itself in its Resolute Form, standing proudly next to Ash and May. It not only glared at the Forces of Nature but the Swords of Justice as well.
"It's the fourth member of the Swords of Justice, Keldeo!" Cilan cheered, hoping for a change in this grim situation.
Ash pulled out is Pokédex, "Keldeo, the Colt Pokémon. When it is resolute, its body fills with power, and it becomes swifter. Its jumps are then too fast to follow."
"Awesome," May admired the unicorn-like Legendary.
Keldeo, we told you to stay away from this battle! Virizion scolded the younger Pokémon as it struggled to get up.
Cobalion added to her comment, This is no place for you, young one.
You're not ready for this, Terrakion also barely stood up as it looked at Keldeo.
I've been watching everything that's happened from afar and I can't stand back doing nothing anymore. Keldeo turned its eyes from the Swords of Justice to the Forces of Nature who stared down the water horse. I am not here to take sides because we should all be working as a team to combat the evil that is actually threatening Unova. Swords of Justice and Forces of Nature are not supposed to be hurting Pokémon or destroying homes. We should be protecting them at a moment's notice. That's our duty!
Keldeo's eyes then shifted one more time, focusing their gaze on Ash and May. Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus…you have a right to be upset with us for intruding on your duties. It was wrong and we cannot take back what we did. However, the humans came to us with important information that has significant implications for all of us. I've been keeping my eye on this group for a while, Keldeo looked at Iris, Cilan, Auro, and all their Pokémon, and then back at Ash and May. I never personally met them, but I know in my heart that I can trust Ash, May, and their friends because their endeavors have revealed that their hearts are true. We will return the Reveal Glass to you Forces of Nature because we need to be on the same side. Please join us in protecting Unova, let's defend our home together. Let's help Ash, May, and all the humans out there against Omega's threat. Defending life is our ultimate duty, not arguing over who is the best protector.
Thundurus and Tornadus heard Keldeo and gently descended closer to it. Landorus also recovered enough strength to join them near Keldeo, Ash, and May. You make a strong argument young Keldeo. If you say we can trust these humans and we have all been misled, then I will agree to your terms as long as your group agrees as well, Landorus brought forth its conditions.
Keldeo, Ash, and May turned to Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion to see what they had to say. This… Cobalion was unsure of what to say since the trio still felt hesitant to hand over the Reveal Glass.
Cobalion, Virizion, Terrakion, please. This is our duty. Keldeo reminded them.
"Please help us. Look around you, this isn't how things are supposed to be," May pleaded with Keldeo.
"Keldeo's right. All this infighting between Legendary Pokémon has done more harm than good. I know you're all better than this," Ash added his plea with May's. The Musketeer Trio looked at the damage their conflict caused. They noticed many wild Pokémon seeking shelter behind Victini, the humans, and their Pokémon. Many quiet homes were destroyed, and the forest has been reduced to nearly nothing. Cobalion, in particular, looked at Iris and Dragonite. The Iron Will Pokémon remembered how it struck the dragon but then saw how bravely it protected the other wild Pokémon and stood up to them as well as the Forces of Nature. It admired Dragonite's dedication, and it also admired the care Iris had shown toward it. The humans and lesser Pokémon had done a better job at what the Swords of Justice were normally responsible for.
Ash, May, Keldeo…you are correct. Forgive our rashness and we will return the Reveal Glass to its rightful guardians. Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion bowed as a sign of atonement for their mistakes, which gave everyone great relief. The Swords of Justice then presented their pieces of the Reveal Glass to the Forces of Nature.
We also acted rashly and went against our duties of protecting the world we inhabit. The Forces of Nature should have never unleashed a rampage at the expense of others. Please forgive us as well, Landorus stated as it bowed to the humans and Pokémon too with Thundurus and Tornadus.
From now on, if we run into any trouble then we will overcome it together, Virizion declared, and her teammates agreed.
We have no one else to thank but the humans that are here with us that made this truce possible, Keldeo acknowledged the role Ash, May, and their friends played today.
Indeed, Terrakion concurred. The Forces of Nature and Swords of Justice gave a final thank you to the real heroes who came to inform them of Omega's treachery. With peace finally brokered the two factions parted ways and swore to right their wrongs. Keldeo took one last look at Ash and May, thank you for maintaining my faith in humanity, then dashed off with the older trio. Ash and May smiled as they stared at Keldeo until it vanished in the distance.
"That was a little too close," Auro approached Ash and May with relief.
"I never thought I'd see the day where a battle was settled with dialogue rather than force. What a flavorful ending to an otherwise chaotic day," Cilan chuckled.
"Thank you to all of you, for giving everything you had out there," Ash smiled at his friends.
"Pi!" Pikachu and Victini jumped into Ash's arms, relieved to see the trainer in one piece and the three embraced. Dewott cheered for the same thing as well and waved its shell proudly.
May noticed Iris walking towards them with Dragonite hanging onto her. "Iris, Dragonite, you guys were amazing out there. Thank you for protecting us when we had no way to defend ourselves," May lent Iris a hand with carrying Dragonite.
Axew also gave them a hand by giving words of thanks to Dragonite, "Axew ew ax."
"It was all Dragonite, to be honest. He defended all those wild Pokémon valiantly as a Dragon Pokémon should," Iris chuckled as they reunited with the group.
"Let's use Alomomola to heal Dragonite quickly," Ash instructed, and the girls nodded.
May released Alomomola and commanded it to use Heal Pulse, knowing that Iris and Dragonite had already developed a significant bond thus no need to have Iris command Alomomola again. With Heal Pulse, Dragonite healed in no time once again.
"Well, I guess you're ready to take off aren't you Dragonite," Iris gave the dragon a sad smile.
The proud Dragonite nodded and flew off but suddenly stopped. "What's wrong Dragonite?" Iris asked the dragon as it hovered in midair.
"Drag," the Dragon-type murmured as it appeared indecisive about something.
The teens weren't sure what was happening until Cilan snapped his fingers. "I've got it, I think Dragonite wants to join Iris and Axew," the green-haired connoisseur deduced.
"Is that true Dragonite?" Iris questioned the dragon.
Dragonite frowned and then roared, spreading its wings proudly. "Sounds like a resounding yes," Auro crossed his arms, cheerful over the sight.
"Alright," Iris grinned confidently. "Go Pokéball!" the purple-haired trainer threw her ball at Dragonite. The red beam shot out and took Dragonite into the ball. It shook for a bit, then stood still as Iris proudly lifted her Pokéball. "We caught a Dragonite!" She cheered with Axew jumping beside her.
"Well done guys," May giggled as she celebrated with her friends.
Unbeknownst to any of them, the cloudy sky had cleared, and a vibrant sun was accompanied by a rainbow. Curiously, there was a majestic Ho-oh flying over them that gazed down at the group. Then the rainbow-colored bird took its leave.
"Thank you, friend," Genesis petted Ho-oh as the Legendary bird took off into the sky once more.
"I've always liked Ho-oh. It has a special ability to sense the goodness in humans. It was part of the reason I decided to trust you," Roxas came up from behind Genesis as they stood over a cliff.
"I tried to catch it once, but I ended up saving it from some malicious people. It insisted that it owed me a favor even though I said it didn't," Genesis engaged in the conversation.
Roxas chuckled, "So you settled on having it keep an eye on Ash during his journeys."
"Exactly," Genesis responded.
"Then I assume you already know they successfully resolved the conflict between the Swords of Justice and the Forces of Nature," Roxas crossed his arms and flashed a large smile.
"That's right," Genesis chuckled.
Roxas sighed, "Shame I couldn't be there with them. I was summoned to help our mutual friend with a Reshiram situation."
"Our alliance grows bigger by the day," Genesis sounded delighted by the news.
"And yet you refuse to reveal that you are Ash's father," Roxas raised an eyebrow at Genesis.
The older male sighed and took off his helmet. Revealing a more veteran, raven-haired version of Ash. "It has always been better to watch him grow from afar rather than have me shadowing him. Plus, he handles himself quite well without me," Genesis noted.
"That so?" Roxas acknowledged.
Genesis chuckled, "Besides, he barely likes 'Genesis'. I can't even begin to imagine what he would feel if he discovered his father tried to hurt him, his girlfriend, or his Pokémon for some secretive mission." Roxas agreed with the point he made. Then Genesis added, "You know, I had my doubts about you Roxas. When we first met, I thought you were speaking nonsense until I met Omega for myself. That's when I discovered the threat was real."
"The price has been steep, but the intelligence you've gathered for us has been invaluable. Without you we would not have been able to discover the Griseous Orb's location or Omega's real intentions for the Swords of Justice and the Forces of Nature," the younger sapphire-eyed trainer admitted.
Genesis crossed his arms, "That's what I have hoped for. I am curious though, why have Ash and May confront the two legendary factions instead of you?"
Roxas looked at the blue sky and spoke, "Ash and May's actions come from a pure heart. You can't sense malevolence in them. The Swords of Justice and Forces of Nature answer better to those with a pure heart, rather than tainted ones like Auro, Nate, Rosa, or me. We've taken lives, that's enough to make them distrustful of us. In other words, we simply can't connect to the heart in the same way they do." Genesis understood the validity behind Roxas's logic.
"Ya know, while we're on the subject of secret identities and the like. What's your situation, 'grandson'?" Genesis raised an eyebrow at him.
Roxas knew the inevitable question would come up with Genesis as it has with everyone else that he knew. "I can't let them know I am their son because I don't want them to become too emotionally attached to me."
"Might be too late for that," Genesis believed.
Roxas merely shrugged at his comment. "Anyways Roxas, I didn't ask for an audience to discuss familial complications. I have a lead for you and your squad," Genesis revealed.
"Do tell," Roxas became intrigued.
"Giovanni is hiding something at the 'abandoned' lab in Area 28 that should be looked into. I am not sure what it is, but Omega has been digging his nose into it. If he is trying to hide something from him, then it is definitely worth investigating.
A village burned to the ground as a lone silver-haired man held an elderly woman in his grasp. Omega held her in the air as he spoke with frustration, "I ravaged your entire village to get answers, yet no one is here. You knew we were coming elder and evacuated."
"I'll never reveal the whereabouts of the Griseous Orb," the village elder said with her last breath.
"A shame," Omega glared at her and threw the woman into the fire.
Zero emerged from a portal behind Omega with a displeased look, "Nothing my lord?"
"The only thing we know is that we have a traitor amongst us," Omega clenched his fists, and dark energy manifested from them. His orange eyes showed that he was intent on fulfilling his objective.
