The tournament hall was packed with people. Most of them were just there to watch the event, but if you looked really hard, you could spot some competitors trying to go through unnoticed. Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Togekiss had just appeared through the doors, but it was hard to even imagine them making it toward the inner sanctum. Not to mention that as soon as he showed up, a lot of people turned their heads to see him.

"Ash Ketchum?! No way!" One of them shouted as several others joined in, surrounding Ash, making him fall backward. But before the crowd could completely cover him, a ball on Ash's belt wiggled and burst open. Bayleef erupted from it, making the crowd back down as she gave them a harsh glare with her red eyes.

Ash sighed in relief, "Thanks for the backup." He smiled at Bayleef who just looked awkwardly away.

Misty had been just as surprised by the interruption, but even more so when a certain person walked up. Bayleef pulled Ash onto his feet as that person stopped before him, "It's been a while, Ash. Have you gotten better?" The man extended his hand and Ash took a moment before realizing who it was.

Gripping that hand and shaking it, Ash smirked, "I didn't expect to see you here… I thought this tournament was going to be a small time event, Tobias." The hand shake tightened slightly.

Tobias smiled, "Ah yes… I heard a rumor that you might show up and since I managed to beat you last time… I figured that since you were a champ now." He let go as Ash returned the favor.

Tobias continued, "We could give it another go. That performance you put on at the end of the Kalos league was truly amazing." Ash chuckled a bit embarrassed by this sudden praise.

"If that's the case, I can't wait to face your Darkrai and Latios again." Ash smirked which was returned by Tobias.

"Just remember. I'm in the second bracket, so you better beat your first opponent, Ash. I know I won't lose to mine." Tobias said, turning and walking off toward the back of the makeshift building.

Ash was feeling a fire burning from deep within, 'You just wait… I'll go all the way!'

It might be a small-scale tournament, but the competition was fierce. Which was strange, but rumors of another Champion being in the area would always attract attention. Ash figured he should be a bit quieter about his traveling plans from here on out. He also felt a bit better about taking the spot. Sato might've had a lot of trouble here.

He felt a touch on his shoulder and turned to see Misty giving him her own competitive grin, "I know you'll do just fine." She said as Ash blushed a bit, tipping his hat.

'Aw, I've taken Latias's move… Still…' He smiled anyway, making Misty blush a bit.

Bayleef sighed, tapping Ash's pokeball to return herself as the crowd dispersed. Ash noticed that Bayleef seemed a bit off, but everything was fine. He'd forgiven her, so she'll be alright. Right? Ash shook his head, there wasn't much time to dwell on it. He had a battle to look forward to. Speaking of the battle, he'd not seen his opponent quite yet. Then a screen popped on.

A young man stepped up to a podium to address the crowd, "Welcome! It's wonderful to see you all here today for the sake of this miniature Tournament that happens to feature some very well known individuals!" He said as the screen blanked him out and the brackets appeared.

Ash saw that he was in the first round just as Tobias was indeed in the bracket next to his own. Then he saw his own opponent.

'Brock? Really?' Ash hadn't expected that.

Misty was also surprised to see it, but she figured it would be something that both Ash and Brock would've eventually done anyway, 'I can't root for just one of them though.'' This would be tough for her.

There was restless chatter among the multitude of people about the secondary brackets. Ash looked over to see Koro in the third round bracket and his opponent being… Huh. The screen appeared to cut back to the announcer. Ash wasn't too worried about not seeing him. If he can pull off a win against Brock that is. Technically, he'd never battled Brock and legitimately won. This might be a real challenge.

Ash smirked, looking forward to it, 'I'll give it my all. Just you wait, Brock."

Misty stood next to Ash as she turned to see the twin doors opening. Bianca, Latias, Brock and Lucy all filed in while the announcer blared in the background, "Please enter the tournament hall toward the miniature stadium out back! We'll be starting Round 1 in about five minutes. If you're not ready, make your preparations now!" With that, the audience was funneled toward a different hall where they would be seated.

Brock turned to Ash, "So, did you see the brackets?" He asked as Ash smiled.

Ash was compelled to say no, but he wouldn't lie. His excitement was growing in anticipation, "You and me. First round. Looks like we're getting that test after all." Misty jumped in.

"Did you see the other contestants, Ash?" She asked as Ash nodded.

"I didn't get a chance to see the other half, but I've got my own work cut out for me." Ash said as he put his fist out to Brock who tapped it with his own.

"Then I'll give it my all, Ash. We've been wanting to battle for a while. This will settle things too." Brock said as Ash nodded.

"Yeah, I'm going to hopefully pull this off. It'd be the first real win I could have against you. If I can do it." Ash said, seeing Brock smile and nod himself.

"Then I'm looking forward to it." With that, Brock left to prepare himself for the match to come.

Ash had five minutes, he'd make the most of it. Well, until he was hugged from behind by Latias who cooed into his ear, 'Hey!' She said mischievously as Misty frowned a bit. Though, she looked the other way. After all, she wasn't the first here. So, she'd have to try and get used to this idea of sharing.

~Crescent Inlet~

Waves lapped at the shoreline of this hidden place. Krabbys walked up the side of the beach and some blew bubbles into the air. Other than that, this place was eerily quiet. A small black colored Pokemon would open her eyes to see that the sun was indeed still high in the sky. She tried to move and found that she had taken the least amount of damage. When she ascertained that she could in fact get up with no issue.

"Sneasel?! Snea!" She said, rolling over and getting up quickly to run over to the first person she saw, being her trainer Sato.

Sato had washed up on shore, but he had laid there in the sun still unmoving. She ran to her trainer, panicking all the while. Not sure what to do. She leaned down to his chest. Sneasel could hear his heart beating, but very slowly. She rushed to Charmeleon, but despite her poking. He just wouldn't budge.

"SNEA!" Sneasel yelled, wishing that perhaps she had listened to him when he asked earlier for the help, but hindsight was twenty twenty. She was hopelessly looking at her claws. Her trainer had bled out and was weakened at the moment. Sneasel had failed him in the first place.

Sneasel would at the very least, do what she could! Turning and running through the sand, she quickly made her way to the edge of the clearing. Sneasel took a moment to look back at Sato and vowed to get the first help she could find. As soon as possible. Climbing up the tree, Sneasel began to leap from branch to branch.

Much faster than running on sand, 'I really hate sand…' She'd probably avoid beaches unless Sato deemed it a place that they were going to be no matter what.

Cringing to herself, the little weasel continued her path. Each branch seemed quite sturdy underneath her claws and she really appreciated that. She herself didn't have that in her right now and was quite jealous of each one. Sneasel almost wished she was a steel type right now. Her mind was rushing all over the place. Maybe a miracle could come to her? Right now though? Anything! Anything at all! She'd take it.

As she shot off another branch, she caught sight of a glowing figure in the distance. It appeared and manifested out of nothing.

Her eyes widened, 'That's somebody!' She thought, zipping toward it faster than she thought possible.

Perhaps she could be truly lucky. As she got closer, the human noticed her in a flash of his red eyes. An odd pressure made her stop, clinging to the branch just above him.

Every muscle in her body had frozen up and now she was unsure, 'WAIT! Why am I…?' She thought, tensing up.

That's when she'd dared look into those red orbs again. They were intense to stare into and she found herself having an ounce of fear. He was dangerous, but then his eyes brightened up as if he recognized her.

"You!" He said, Sneasel's eyes widened again. He was speaking her language?

He continued, "Yes. You. What are you doing here? I saw you before." Sneasel again, wanted to be a steel type right now.

She cuffed her claw over her other, speaking up, "I don't remember ever seeing you." She said as the person gave her a motion of his hand, indicating for her to continue and she knew she better.

There's no time to really waste here, "Forget all that though! I need your help! My trainer is in trouble and he could die without someone there to get him on his feet." Sneasel hopped down and bowed at the man's feet.

"Please! Save him! He tried to do all he could!" Sneasel wailed out as the man looked down at the Pokemon who had begun to cry. He couldn't say no, he knew better. So, he eased up on the questions besides the next one anyway.

"Is he at the inlet?" He asked as Sneasel looked up and nodded to which he let out a brief smile. Trying to comfort this Pokemon.

"Then let's go. I saw a bit of what happened." Sneasel was definitely intrigued by this man and followed him to make their way back to that horrible place.

The walk didn't take nearly as long as she thought because they were already there. But how? She had no idea, but the man was already walking over to Sato. He put two fingers to the boy's neck and found that he was having quite a bit of trouble.

Placing a hand on his chest, he gathered up psychic energy and within mere moments. Water began to flow from his mouth into a decent sized ball and was chucked promptly back into the ocean. Immediately, Sato began to look less pale and he could feel a difference in his heartbeat.

He examined the slash marks on Sato's chest and quickly tore off the boys shirt. He cleaned the wound with psychic, picking out all the pebbles he could and then wrapped it tightly with what was left of Sato's shirt. Then he got up, levitating the boy in his psychic grasp. Stunning Sneasel immediately. She had a feeling that he'd have to be a Pokemon.

Then Sneasel heard a crushing sound and looked to see a camera being absolutely atomized by the man. He then made his way over to Scyther, picking him out of the sandy crater. Then he'd disappear and reappear where Charmeleon was. Taking him as well. Sneasel noticed that the man was reluctant to pick up the poke balls in the area, but did it anyway. The look of disgust on his face was enough to make Sneasel back up.

Then he turned to her, "Okay. Grab my leg." He told her to which Sneasel hesitated, but his eyes narrowed, "NOW!" She nodded immediately and came to touch his leg. He rolled his eyes and they disappeared before quickly reappearing inside what looked to be a cave.

He carefully placed Sato down before putting down each of his pokemon. Then he looked to Sneasel, "Watch after them. I'm going to get some firewood. Then we'll wait for him to wake up. I have a lot of questions." He said, leaving her to tend to the others.

Sneasel sat between the Pokemon and her trainer. She could only hope this stranger would come through for them.

~In the Woods~

'I've gotta handle this carefully… I haven't been able to reach Latias since that brief message she sent me before.' Latios shook his head in disdain, trying to push away any negativity that might come up.

He kept failing to do so, 'If that kid is the reason she got stolen… I'll…' A dark thought crossed his mind. He took in a breath of air and let it exhale harshly.

His mind was a stew of darker ideas, 'If she dies… I won't forgive anyone.' He had flashes of thoughts sparking in his mind.

The horrible torture she must be going through at this moment. Then a sudden bout of sight sharing took hold. He dropped the firewood as Latias's eyes became his own. He saw Bianca and Lorenzo, hearing their words.

Lorenzo's anger was palpable, "You'll never live up to your predecessor. Give up, run away just like how you do on the daily." Latias shrieked as more sparks of purple ran up her sides, but she maintained the sight share with tears running down her cheeks though it was getting blurry.

Bianca's face was contorting into something truly awful, "You're a failure, just like your Mama… You've led another human into your lives and promised the death of Altomare."

Latias tried flying away, but the apparitions followed her. Latios stood shell shocked, wishing he could do something to make these tormentors go away.

"SISTER!" He shouted knowing Latias couldn't hear him, but then she was hit with more purple shocks, stopping her mid flight. Falling to the ethereal floor, Latias squirmed in pain. Latios screamed in righteous fury and flew at the monsters that weren't his family. All in vain, but admirable in his efforts no less.

He wanted to protect her from this menace, whatever these copies were, but then as he looked up, or Latias looked up that is.

He saw an older Latias approaching them, "No…" He said, tears spilling from his own eyes, "STOP! SHE CAN'T DEAL WITH THIS!" Latios shouted to no avail.

The sight sharing was cutting in and out as he saw who he considered to be his Mama grinning horribly at his little sister, "You wondered about falling in love?" Latias tearfully nodded, but she wasn't receiving mercy, "I can tell you what happens when you love someone enough." His sister clung to these words as Latios tried to attack again only for the strike to fail and him to pass through them again.

Her Mama seemed to take pleasure in these words as she wove them, "They'll die. Even Ash will pass on eventually. Sato won't outlive you. You'll be miserable in the end just like me." She spat the last words like they were a delightful poison and the shocks once again tore at Latias. Latios saw her weakening further and his rage gave into sorrow.

Latios begged in his sister's place even though he knew these projections weren't real and couldn't hear him, "Please leave her alone… She's done nothing wrong…" He quietly begged as the vision began to fade.

When his immediate surroundings came back into focus, Latios looked around feeling immeasurably worse than before. He even forgot for the moment about his psychic abilities, choosing to take the hard route of picking each stick up by hand. Crying all the while. His blurry vision only grew, as the stack of wood in his got heavier. Latios grunted with the effort as he walked toward the cave.

He had to stop the tears, needing clarity to think. Latios was going to rescue her no matter what it took. His thoughts trailed back to stories that Mama would tell of her Brother and how courageous he had been. If push came to shove and there wasn't another option. Latios would rather see his sister live than himself, no matter what he went through.

His resolve was much stronger than it had been before, 'I will do what I must.'

His first obstacle was the boy. Whoever this was, he'd been around Latias for probably most of the morning and rest of the day. So, he'd have to have some idea why this happened. He'd better know. As he was continuing on the path back to the cave, he heard several large things approaching.

Turning quickly, he found himself face to face with some of the wild Pokemon in the area, "What do you all want?" He asked them as one of them bowed their heads.

"Humble protector of this island, I beseech you. Are you looking for information about the events that transpired here?" A Nidoking asked the red eyed human who looked away.

"Yes… Did you see everything?" Latios asked the imposing power house who nodded.

Nidoking looked toward the inlet, "We were close to the edge, but another mad Pokemon was holding us all back by himself. A fierce dragon with incredible power. It didn't let any of us interfere with what happened in the inlet." Nidoking stopped as Latios implored him to continue, "Well, what I did see was the lone human trying to defend the other protector of this island, but the masked man had already taken him down quickly…" Nidoking looked incredibly frustrated.

Latios felt very much the same, at the very least he knew the Pokemon they'd help train were trying to stop this thing from happening even if it amounted to nothing. It unnerved him that someone had figured out his sister so easily at the same time. He'd almost thrown the wood to the ground again, but righted it in his hands instead.

"Thanks for letting me know." Latios looked at Nidoking with an eerie smile, "I'm going to look into this further. Feel free to return to your homes." He finished leaving them to their own devices.

~Ash Vs Brock~

The arena was well formed with jagged rocks shooting up in several areas. At least for a temporary build. The crowd was fired up and the flag of Altomare flew above the main building. From the sky above, you could see a dot incoming.

The announcer rode in flying around on a Rotom powered device and raised his hands, "Hope you're all ready for the first match! Put your hands together for on the left is the Kalos League Champion, Ash Ketchum!"

Ash was invigorated as the crowd cheered for him, he waved to them unabashedly, 'Alright Ash, let's show Brock what we've learned!' Clenching his hands and looking to the other side of the arena.

The announcer then looked to the right, "Now, take a look out on this side to see Pewter City's Gym Leader, Brock!" Brock waved at Lucy specifically who watched from the sidelines.

"This is for you, Lucy!" He shouted as she cheered for him in turn.

"Give it your all and I'll make it worth your while!" Lucy exclaimed back in excitement.

Brock nodded, giving her his signature grin before turning back to Ash, "ARE YOU READY, ASH?!" He yelled at his opponent.

Ash nodded, smirking all the while, "ONLY WHEN YOU ARE!" Picking his first Pokemon just as Brock did, they tossed out their first Pokemon.

"Let's go, Torterra!" Out of the ball erupted the bulky turtle Pokemon.

"TERRA!" He shouted loudly, shaking the stadium slightly with a stomp.

On the other side, a fierce dog Pokemon faded into existence to stand as the raven haired boy realized he hadn't seen it before. Ash was astounded by how strong it looked. He quickly pulled out his phone which doubled as a Pokedex now.

The mechanical voice spoke up, "Dusk Form Lycanroc. When properly raised from a young age, it will become a trustworthy partner that will absolutely never betray its trainer." Ash looked up, figuring that Brock had probably done just what this entry stated. He would need to handle this well.

Lycanroc gave a look that gleamed in the distance as he took in his surroundings, "Torterra, let's start this match off with Frenzy Plant!" All at once, massive vines shot out of the ground toward the dog, only for him to leap onto said vine, charging right at Torterra even when more of them leapt out of the ground trying to stop his advance.

"Lycanroc, Accelerock!" Brock commanded, swinging his arm out as Lycanroc blitzed Torterra's face with a powerful blast of earth. Torterra withstood it with ease, which surprised the dog as he bounced backward.

Ash's smirk transitioned into a grin that caught the sunlight, "Looks like he's stuck in the air, get a Head Smash in!"

Torterra's skull glowed as he leapt forward, clobbering Lycanroc in the snout and sending him crashing through one of the rock pillars with a deafening collision that sent pieces of earth skittering across the arena floor. Sliding backwards a few more feet, Lycanroc halted his movement though shakily.

As Lycanroc regained his bearings Brock gave Ash a thumbs down, "Nice move, Ash! Still won't be enough to take us down!" Brock shouted as Lucy cheered from the stand with a loud scream of excitement. Brock grinned, he'd be hearing that later so he better knock Ash out quick.

"Take advantage of your superior speed, Lycanroc!" Lycanroc nodded, tensing his muscles as he shot forward, surrounding Torterra with multiple copies of himself! Torterra looked around, but couldn't so much as keep up with him. The crowd cheered, watching this display even though they couldn't fully see the dog's movements.

Ash wasn't worried in the slightest, in fact this just made him more pumped, "Just wait it out! He won't be able to keep this up forever!" Torterra nodded, closing his eyes and waiting for Lycanroc to come in for another strike. Ash closed his eyes, joining his Pokemon in the serenity of battle.

Latias could feel it, 'He's doing this again! Just like before!' Torterra and Ash opened their eyes.

"Lycanroc, Crunch now!" Lycanroc dropped down on Torterra's head trying to get a powerful Crunch on the vulnerable neck of Torterra, but the large turtle leapt backwards at the last moment. Misty noted that no command had been given.

Ash clenched his fist shouting another command, "Leech Seed!" Torterra roared, shooting a small seed out of his tree that struck home on Lycanroc directly as it hit the ground and growled at the large turtle who merely glared back. Small vines covered the dog and began to sap his hp much to his displeasure.

Ash was ready to have Torterra move back in to close it out, but a beam of light shot out and engulfed Lycanroc in red light before returning it to the Poke Ball. Ash looked up, seeing Brock pulling out another ball.

"Sorry Ash, but I'm not letting you get a win here!" Brock said confidently, tossing the ball into the air. Ash looked with wide eyes as Crobat made his appearance, "I'd like to see you try and handle this!"

The announcer flew just around the edge of the arena, "Looks like Brock has recalled his Lycanroc for Crobat instead! Continue the match!" His voice reverberated off the speakers causing the crowd to go wild.

Latias made her connection with Ash, 'You're doing great!' Ash gave her a thumbs up as he turned to Brock.

"You sure you don't want to switch, Ash?! I'd understand if you do!" Brock yelled, but Ash shook his head.

"Me and my Pokemon have always created a path forward! So, I'm not going to stop here!" He stomped his foot the same way Torterra did, "Let's not waste time, Frenzy Plant!" Once more, more vines began to rupture through the floor, almost creating a jungle with the old vines.

Crobat zipped and flew around each of them before making his own approach, "Try a Leech Seed when he gets close!" Brock arched an eye.

"Crobat, make quick work of the vines with an Air Cutter!" Corbat swiveled in the air as blasts of white scars tore apart each vine. Crobat gained a bit of breathing room, leaving Torterra unable to get a clear hit in.

"I'll take the initiative with a Sludge Bomb!" Brock shouted, Crobat opened his mouth, firing a barrage of poisonous balls.

"Torterra, counter with Hyper Beam!" The beam and the bombs clashed with one another causing a massive explosion in the center of the ring. Covering the area in smoke and severing Ash's connection with Torterra, he gritted his teeth.

Brock was calm and collected, he figured that he had managed to catch Torterra in his own attack. Crobat flew out the smoke cloud, looking as if it took a little damage from the explosion.

Ash clenched his fingers, anxious to see Torterra. Brock wasn't planning on giving Ash the time for that.

"Go in for consecutive Air Cutters!" Brock commanded, watching Crobat dance in the sky, delivering blow after blow into the smoke, Ash could hear it finally making contact.

"TOR! TERR!" He shouted in pain as the Air Cutter's took their toll, slamming the turtle in the forehead with razor sharp intent. Finally, he could take it no longer, with a roar of defeat its legs gave out and his eyes swirled up.

The judge floated down from the side, looking over the land turtle, only to raise a green flag for Brock, "Torterra is unable to battle! Crobat takes a victory!" Crobat joyfully flapped its wings, dancing in victory around his trainer.

"Yeah, you did great, Crobat! You think that you got more in you?" Crobat nodded as he turned to face the next potential challenge.

Ash watched the screen fade Torterra to a harsh gray as he returned him to the Pokeball, 'So, I was going to start with Pikachu… Glad I didn't. I know two of Brock's three Pokemon. Torterra did just fine to sniff them out.' He looked at his little buddy who nodded at him.

Pikachu jumped into the ring. Brock frowned deeply, 'I see… Ash is getting serious now.'

Any other Pikachu and he'd probably underestimate it. Not this one though. He returned Crobat, 'I'll match speed with speed.' Taking out Lycanroc's ball, he smiled.

"Alright Ash! Let's see how Pikachu fairs against Lycanroc!" Within seconds, the dog had hit the field, ready for its second bout. Though, it was still covered in leech seed's vines. Which immediately began to sap him once more.

The judge threw out two flags, "Let the battle recommence!"

From the stands, you could see the other trainers watching the first round with increased interest. Especially Tobias and Koro.

Tobias smiled, 'This match's finale should be well worth it. Let's see what you've got Ash.'

Koro looked conflicted, watching the display that the two trainers were putting on. He was wondering if he would even fight Ash at all. Sure, Pikachu had put up great fights in the past and hopefully this time he would pull through. Because dammit, he couldn't ignore his inner self wanting for that man to succeed. It was frustrating. Koro shook his head, trying to focus on something else. Fanboying was for losers.

Brock made the first move, "Lycanroc, get in close with Accelerock!" Just as Lycanroc disappeared, Pikachu already knew where he was.

Ash swung his left arm out, "Iron Tail!" Pikachu obliged with a jump into a quick spin right as Lycanroc appeared below in confusion.

Pikachu gave a crushing blow to Lycanroc's back. Slamming him into the earth so harshly he bounced back up. Pikachu then delivered a second mighty blow to the side that sent him crashing through another rock pillar until he hit the ground, knocked out.

Everyone in the stand was surprised. Brock was aghast at what just happened. Misty had taken two looks at Pikachu to make sure that it was the same electric rat.

Tobias frowned, 'Well, I'll be damned.'

Koro was astounded, 'Shit… I guess he is that good.'

Bianca had gotten fired up, "Yeah! That's our Pikachu! Let's go!" Latias was copying her movements, but without the added verbal statements.

Pikachu blushed at the compliments. Ash smirked, "Yep! Raised him myself!" Brock couldn't hold it against Ash to be proud of that display of power, but that was a little too fast for his taste.

Brock would have to save his ace for the final, "Alright, let's go Crobat!"

A flash of white and Crobat burst back out, though he looked a bit confused when he saw Pikachu not having taken a bit of damage. He looked back at Brock who was scratching his head with a bit too cheerful of a smile on his face.

"I'm counting on you Crobat. Lycanroc probably needs a bit more training. Haha!" Brock laughed it off as Crobat began to sweat.

"Croooo…" He trailed off, knowing what this Pikachu was capable of.

Pikachu clenched his little arms, showing off for the crowd. The judge sighed, raising a red flag, "Lycanroc is unable to battle! Pikachu is the victor! Send out your next Pokemon!" Brock nodded.

"You know what to do! Let's take that Pikachu down a notch!" Crobat nodded, if shakily and flew to his side of the battlefield.

Pikachu flexed a little, welcoming the bat to his battleground. Crobat would merely grunt in response to that challenge. Brock and Ash faced each other, one ready to try and outlast while the other wanted to end it quickly if he got the chance.

"Let's go!" They both shouted as their Pokemon charged at one another.

~In the cave~

Sneasel kept feeling for Sato's pulse every few moments just to make sure he wasn't gone already. Latios still hadn't returned yet and she was growing increasingly more worried by the second, 'Please don't die… I'm sorry!' Her thoughts were full of inner turmoil for not taking him seriously.

That's when she saw Charmeleon start to twitch. His fire started to burn brighter on the tip of his tail. She heard him speak.

"Urgh… My head… What…" He looked over to see Sato and remembered the events that transpired, "No! SATO!" He roared, jumping up and rushing over to the side of his trainer before his passing glance caught Sneasel. Charmeleon bared his fangs at her, furrowing his brow and snorting some flames which made her visibly flinch.

"YOU! Get away from him!" He moved his tail closer to Sato, trying to warm him up. Sneasel reached out, but ultimately backed off. She deserved this…

'It's what I get…' Sneasel walked away as Charmeleon tended to the boy.

Scyther twitched, but still seemed restless above all else. He and Sato had probably suffered the most damage in this fight. HIs twitched awkwardly, trying to face Sato only to find that he just couldn't. Instead looking at the cave ceiling before passing out once more.

As Sneasel made her way toward the front of the cave, she could hear the ocean lapping at the front. Latios stood at the entrance, looking disheveled as ever. Yet he held quite a bit of firewood in his arms.

Sneasel was tensed up as the man seemed more desperate looking than before. There was a certain amount of anger that you didn't need to be psychic to feel. She was receiving the full effect of it which made the weasel back away from him as well.

Latios walked past her once he felt the need to move again. Each click of his shoes on the uneven stone floor was heard, making Charmeleon focus in on him too. Charmeleon growled at him, but Sneasel spoke up, "He helped us! Leave him be!" But Charmeleon snorted at her.

"And I should take any order from you?! Sneasel, you didn't do anything that got us out of that jam!" Charmeleon snarled at Sneasel. She flinched away.

He clenched his jaw, looking back at Sato, "Because you decided to do whatever you liked!" Sneasel knew he was right. She also wished she could curl up and die right now. However, the man spoke up, surprising Charmeleon.

"It's in the past, Charmeleon, if you want to save your trainer… Then let me help and if you want him to die…" Latios paused.

It gave Charmeleon a second to think as Latios continued, "Then you can stay by his side and help toward that end. Whatever happens to him, I don't care because I will still find my sister regardless." Latios said coldly to the fire lizard.

This made Charmeleon look at the man with barely disguised hatred. Yet, in some part of his mind, he couldn't deny that something compelled him to want to listen to this man. Latios approached before he even had permission. Setting the firewood down and then looking into the fire lizard's eyes as if to challenge him. A familiar feeling washed over Charmeleon in that instance and an intense pressure.

He quickly hopped back, "You! You're a legend! That's…" Latios nodded.

"Yes, now stay out of my way and let me work." He leaned down, placing a hand on Sato's forehead and then the other on the center of his chest.

Latios made sure he was steady, "Heal Pulse." He said, beginning the process of making sure Sato could recover from this damage he'd received.

Charmeleon wanted to say something, but then he looked over at the firewood. It was like a silent command from the legend. He was still frustrated and wanted to keep berating Sneasel, but he would rather be useful.

He placed several sticks together and did a light breath of flame causing the fire to light. The cave was already warming up within the next few minutes. Charmeleon tended to the fire as Latios stopped his healing process.

"Hah… I've done everything I can at the moment. I'll have to leave again soon. To pick up some supplies. Can you both watch over him without starting anything?" Latios asked, looking between both the fire lizard and the little weasel.

Sneasel nodded, "I'll do whatever I can." While Charmeleon scoffed, Latios gave him the eye which said, "AGREE!"

Charmeleon nodded begrudgingly, "Yes… For Sato's sake."

Latios was satisfied with that, disappearing before them in a flash of light.

~Secret Garden~

Reappearing on the outer edge of the false wall, Latios ran inside. Lorenzo was sitting to the side, enjoying the peaceful garden as he saw the still unfamiliar human form that Latios rarely ever took. It was still quite the sight. Latios also seemed to be a bit more anxious than before.

"Ah… Latios, are you okay? You left so quickly before that I was a little worried, but I couldn't really give chase." Lorenzo was getting older, it wasn't something that Latios didn't acknowledge. He was grateful that someone was worried about him. If he was the only one that worried, it'd be too emotionally draining.

Lorenzo heard his voice in his mind, 'Lorenzo, I need to know what to do for someone who's lost a lot of blood. I've done some work on him, but I fear it may not be everything I could be doing.' His mouth opened in shock.

"What?! You need to take him to the hospital or at the very least the Pokemon Center… Did you heal him yourself?" Lorenzo questioned, his heart starting to beat a tick faster.

'Yes, I used Heal Pulse. It should have stabilized him for now. I know he'll need food. Do we have anything around here?' Latios asked, trying to think about every possibility.

Lorenzo clenched his hand, "We have a few things in the fridge at my shop. I can get you some Orange Juice, and other things I keep stocked there." Latios nodded, anything that would get this young man back up would be a blessing even if he didn't really care about the guy.

Lorenzo made his way back up the stairs with Latios in tow. He would speak about the day and how it had been so far, but Latios wouldn't respond. He was too busy thinking. Every moment he was here and not doing something to further his investigation was another minute his sister was being tortured.

"Tios?" Latios heard, looking up and snapping out of the daze he was in.

'Erm… Sorry… A bit stressed and losing time…' Latios shook his head, trying to clear the myriad of thoughts still rushing through his mind.

Lorenzo coughed a little, reaching for the door and sliding it open, "It's fine. What exactly happened to your sister though? When you left, you didn't tell me anything." Lorenzo gave Latios a stern stare not unlike what Mama would do if he did something wrong.

Latios grimaced, looking away from Lorenzo, 'I'll tell you when I figure it out.' Lorenzo shook his head and stood firm.

"I can't stand aside, Latios. Please, tell me. I want to be able to support you." He finished as Latios gritted his teeth.

Latios couldn't lie to him, but he didn't want him to worry, 'I need you to understand that I'm trying to save someone's life so I can get those details. I appreciate what you can do currently. I cannot ask more from you.'

Latios gave his full attention to Lorenzo, 'Just understand that all I need is for you to understand that.' His eyes blazed with a passion that Lorenzo had seen before.

Lorenzo cupped his forehead, moving his hand down to his beard before taking a deep breath, "You and him are just alike. Stubborn and wanting to take on a threat by yourself… I will call Bianca after this and let her know something is wrong." He said as he went inside his gondola shop to pick out the various items mentioned before. Latios simply grunted in frustration.

If Lorenzo did contact Bianca. He wouldn't be able to resolve this issue without endangering more people. People Latios cared about. Especially Bianca, he'd like to avoid her getting involved. Though, he already knew about how his old predecessor had passed and he knew in the back of his mind that Lorenzo was correct, but that didn't mean he had to give up on his current path. This time he'd make it work out. He heard Lorenzo shut the fridge door. This was his only shot.

He didn't have a choice… He'd have to do something regrettable. As Lorenzo returned with the bag and passed it to Latios, he looked into Latios's eyes with his own determined ones. Then Lorenzo felt drowsy. Sleep took hold, but he didn't fall to the ground. Latios made sure he was alright and picked him up in a psychic hold. Looking around, he closed the door with his mind and locked up the shop before disappearing with Lorenzo.

In the garden, a familiar entity watched with disappointment heavy on his mind, but he could do nothing to stop these current events.

~Ash Vs Brock~

The battle was going well enough, Pikachu and Crobat were both toughing it out. Pikachu had managed to get a few hits in, but no thunderbolts to his chagrin. Crobat had gotten a few potshots with Sludge Bomb, but used Double Team to avoid any lightning contact. Though, the constant movement was beginning to take its toll on both Pokemon. They panted heavily, trying to gain some ground.

"Hey! Stop flying away!" Pikachu shouted at the bat who simply grunted.

"No! I'm not letting you hit me!" Crobat yelled back.

To Brock and Ash it was just a cacophony of, "Chu Pikas!" alongside "Ba Cros!". Ash kinda wished he could fully understand them. The two Pokemon seemed frustrated with one another.

Brock had watched and made the correct moves so far. He'd worn down Pikachu considerably with Crobat's Sludge Bombs spreading poison on the ground. Yet he also knew that Crobat was suffering from all the methodical movement and the few licks Pikachu had inflicted.

'We just have to outlast Pikachu… If we can, my ace can take over from there.' Brock looked over at Ash, 'Sorry Ash, I'm going to beat you.' Ash watched him from his side with just as much fervor.

'Pikachu is being worn down, I don't think he'll be able to take much more.' Ash gritted his teeth, a familiar flame burning brightly in his heart, 'But we've both been through adversity before…'

Pikachu looked over at a rock jutting from the ground, one of the ten left that hadn't been destroyed. He took a split second to look back at Ash as if to communicate that he was about to do something reckless. It only took Ash nodding to make Pikachu smirk.

Ash smirked, turning his hat backwards, "Alright, no holding back! Pikachu, take out Crobat!" Pikachu sped off with a quick attack toward the rock eager to test out his last attempt to bring the battle in Ash's favor.

Brock returned the grin with an eager smile, "Crobat, give chase and Sludge Bomb!" Crobat zoomed toward Pikachu while still maintaining a safe distance. Shooting off several blasts of poison that all missed the mark. Pikachu however, wasn't intending to miss as he shot up the side of the rock formation that made the world turn upside down for the speeding rat.

When Brock realized what the mouse was doing he shouted, "Crobat, back off!" Yet, it was already too late!

"Iron Tail!" Ash shouted, as Pikachu jumped backwards, still flying at a high velocity to strike Crobat right in the center of his skull. Crobat had made a last ditch effort, firing off a Sludge Bomb right as Pikachu struck. Both Pokemon took the attacks head on as each of them hit the ground and were unable to battle.

As the judge floated down to confirm the double knockout, Ash and Brock proceeded to return their Pokemon. Well, Ash had to run out and pick up Pikachu, but that's besides the point. As he walked back to his side, Ash gently put Pikachu in his backpack to let him rest. He then turned back to face Brock who was already facing him with determination.

"Will the challengers bring out their last Pokemon?!" The judge echoed as Ash and Brock took out their final Poke Balls. Wanting to finish on a high note, these two combatants threw out their Pokemon. Two flashes of light later would reveal Greninja and Swampert. The end was in sight.

~End of Chapter~

Legacy of Time: This is the last chapter before Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful one at that. Please review and tell me what you thought of the chapter and I'll see you all in the next one!