~Attractive Altomare Chapter 15~

~Fighting With All My Force;Innocence Reaped~

Inside an office space resided a man shrouded in shadows. Looking at the Dark Ball as it worked its magic. Though, he could tell that something was wrong.

"Damn! It's taking longer than it should…" The Dark Ball merely sat on his desk, sparking every few moments.

When he had captured his other Pokemon with them, it didn't take nearly as long to subjugate their minds, but this Latias was resisting. Her willpower must be incredibly strong.

He pondered, 'She is a legend… Maybe that Masked Marauder was just exaggerating the power of the Dark Ball.' In the background, the TV he had was playing the battle of Ash Vs Brock.

He moved his eyes to that, placing both his hands together, clasping them, 'The battle is coming down to the wire. What will you do, Ash?'

As the camera cut from them, he also caught sight of Koro. Even for that split second, The man saw doubt on his hired help's face. It disgusted him to know that the one person he put his money on was still awestruck by Ash. It made him tighten his hands.

'As for you Koro… Can you pull off your greatest win again?'

Turning away, the man looked at the other screen. It was playing black noise and what he had witnessed had excited him.

'Latios has shown up.' Taking another moment to watch the small sparks shine off the Dark Ball, he smirked.

'Everything will fall into place, then I can formally take revenge on Ash. I'll torture him until he begs for me to end it.' His goals were cemented in his mind and the man's resolve wouldn't allow for him to stray from the path.

'Now, how far could you possibly run, Latios?' He knew for a fact that if he saved Sato and his Pokemon, it couldn't be too distant, 'Wherever you go, I'll find you.'

Deep inside the darkness, Latias floated through. She desperately tried to find a way to free herself, but the inky black void constantly tore at her. A spark would fire off and her mind would be set ablaze with pain.

Latias suffered through the intense electricity, 'Please… Brother… I've tried reaching you, but…' Latias' tears were dried up at this point.

Everywhere she'd run dark distorted beings were dredging themselves to the surface. The memories of people she'd helped, attacking her, trying to overwhelm her psyche. Determined to tear her down and smash out the blazing light within.

All she wanted was to go home and forget all this pain. She closed her eyes. Home. Home? Home!

The sounds of calming ocean water flowing back and forth filled her senses. Latias felt a gentle heat pass over her form. The wind caressed her body, making it appear more vibrant when all these factors combined.

She found herself looking over the horizon of Altomare after opening her eyes. The shocks had seemingly left and she still knew it had to be a lie. She couldn't help but smile anyway, flying around in a circle and then blasting through the city.

Latias saw just how deserted it was, her mind was quickly degrading. Not a soul would rush out from the twisting bends of the intricate city. She got close to the canals, but the water didn't ripple.

A miserable rush of emotion was torrential in its output. Going through her mind, frustrating her to no end and making a mockery of her love for this city.

'I want to save myself… I want to save everyone… I need help… Sato…' She wanted to see him again.

The sparks were returning in greater force. Latias or Benihime. Whoever she wanted to be felt the intensity driving higher than before. She let out horrid noises and screams as Latias closed her eyes tightly taking the attacks.

Benihime opened her eyes and then noticed something far more horrific than an empty town. Just like the stories she'd been told. The ending had begun.

A giant tsunami had come to swallow the city. Latias made an alarmed noise, freaking out and heading to where she was sure everyone would be. Only to see them all standing on the coastline.

As the watery doom cut through the ocean, Latias reached out to her family and friends. However, they all looked at peace. They were ready to accept an end to the suffering. Latias was hit by the shocks, but she powered through it. She would save them and herself!

'Mama?! Bianca! We need to go! Lorenzo? Brother…' She had floated to them all. Not a single one did anything. Tormenting her by just standing there. Watching death rush toward them unabated.. She knew this wasn't real! She just had to get out! Latias felt a tap on her shoulder.

That touch was already familiar. Latias had just felt those hands an hour ago. Turning, she saw Sato with fresh cuts across his torso. Beni's pupils shrunk, horrified as he fell forward into her arms.

"SATO!"

That's when she noticed her body had changed. Sato's agony filled expression brought fresh tears out as she started to shudder. Breaking down while Sato bled onto her dress.

"Beni… hime…" He croaked out, trying to cling to her tightly as his chest expanded with the difficulty of breathing.

Benihime hugged him close, trying to use Heal Pulse, but it didn't work. She saw the wounds get deeper and deeper. The stains on her own clothing grew and grew. Beni's breathing was becoming more labored by the second.

'I'm hurting him! No… I'm killing him!' Some small part of her wanted to shout that it wasn't real! She knew this, but seeing Sato's face contorted as it was even after knowing him for such a short amount of time still scared her. It was like tearing out her own heart.

"Beni… Give up…"

Benihime was shocked, her mouth agape as the words spilled out of Sato's mouth. He struggled to stand, looking into her eyes with his pleading gaze.

"I need you to stay here. I don't want to drown cold and alone..." Benihime realized that the tsunami was still coming. It was taking even more mass. Swallowing entire boats into its bloated self. If she stayed here, she would meet a watery grave. Still, she didn't want to leave Sato here.

'I want to save him!' She knew this wasn't real! That's when the sudden touch of his lips on hers froze Beni up even more.

As the shocks coursed up her body and Sato pulled her down. Benihime and Latias collectively surrendered to the end. It crashed down and took everything to the bottom of the ocean. The world was murky, the sun barely shimmered as the tears she shed were taken by the salty water.

Greninja and Swampert stood on opposite sides of the battlefield. Each one taking in their surroundings, awaiting the commands of their respective trainer's. Ash shook with anticipation for this final clash. Brock was ready for the battle of a lifetime. Being the first match up was for all intents in and purposes meant nothing to two trainers like this.

Ash tightened his grip on the front of his hat, twisting it backward, "Alright Greninja! Let's go!" Greninja nodded, summoning two kunais, flipping one backwards and inviting Swampert to get close.

Swampert and Brock smirked, "Let's get things started! Swampert, earthquake!" Swampert slammed the ground with all his force causing it to rumble with effort before crumbling up beneath around Greninja who leaped into the air.

Brock punched the air before crossing his arms to his front, "Ice Punch!" Swampert leapt at Greninja, who fell back to the uneven earth below, but stabbed with his first kunai into the frozen fist, using it as a point to move straight past Swampert. The mixed typing bellowed in pain as its knuckles were graced with what equated to a giant splinter. Gripping its clenched hand, he turned back to find Greninja rushing toward him.

Ash thrust his arm to the side, "Double Team followed by Night Slash!" All at once, Greninja became many different clones that surged in number, confusing the Swampert. Each one of them manifests dark energy into black kunais. Half of them jumped on the gigantic vines created by Torterra earlier while a good portion of the copies leapt high into the sky.

Swampert couldn't believe the size of the cloud of darkness. The black energy in each Greninja's hands seemingly helps to blot out the sunlight itself. Even Brock looked worried.

"G- Get out of there, Swampert! Waterfall!" He shouted as Swampert nodded, quickly regaining his bearings and summoning a large body of water beneath him that rushed in the air much to Greninja's surprise. Swampert got closer and closer looking on as most of the clones were swallowed by the water.

Greninja merely focused as he closed in on Swampert, "GRENINJA!" He shouted, Swampert covered himself with both arms as the Night Slash slashed up the side. Greninja ended up falling into the water as some blood was drawn from the mud fish's arms.

"Swampert, Ice Punch the Waterfall!" Brock yelled, confidently smirking as his Pokemon obliged with a heavy frigid blow, creating an icy tower that spread over half the battlefield in a sheet of ice. Ash was astounded, seeing Swampert standing at such a height.

He could also feel Greninja's very being stuck below the ice. Ash winced, he tried to come up with an idea to free Greninja, but Brock was already on top of it.

"Let's use Earthquake on the ice, Swampert!" Brock commanded, as Swampert utterly crushed the ice beneath him. Leaping away, the sheet ripped open into heavy shards. Ash could only watch as it rained down on the battlefield. Greninja felt the powerful quake and even as the shattered remains of the ice shot toward him with painful stabs, his focus was intensifying.

Glowing pulsations of red energy warped his form as two conscious combined. Through this hellish battlefield, Greninja saw his opponent.

"Greninja!" Ash shouted as the rush of emotions rippled out, surging toward the only other recipient who could match him being Greninja. Brock watched, anticipating that the pressure weighing him down was a terrifyingly strong opponent waiting from beneath that shrapnel like ice.

Brock called out to his Pokemon, "Move back, Swampert! Somethings not right!"

Swampert acknowledged it, sweat dripping down his own forehead as he retreated a bit further away. All at once, the ice blasted back into the sky as a grandiose display of water burst high into the air. A glow shines from within the water at the very bottom.

Power boisterously grew from that singular spot as the water began to conform to that area. Brock realized that if he didn't get a move on himself, the match would already be over.

He looked at Swampert, "Let's go! Mega Evolve!" He tapped the Mega Stone circlet on his wrist. Energy poured out, rippling from both himself and Swampert's stone. As soon as the lights touched, Swampert's body morphed, muscles in his arms expanded.

The excess power feed back changed the shape of the very earth beneath him as he grew. Leaning forward with a more threatening pose was Mega Swampert, ready to fight as a red gleam was seen from within the water.

Greninja threw both his arms outward, causing the water to mold itself into a giant shuriken placed onto his back. The full reveal of Greninja made the crowd erupt into a loud assortment of yells. Greninja and Mega Swampert looked side to side, seeing all the people waiting while cheering for their intense battle.

Ash felt like he'd waited a long while for a real fight from Brock. As he stood across from his friend, no… Rival. He could feel the same sentimentality being thrown back his way. Both of them had been through thick and thin together. This was just another challenge.

Ash didn't need to say anything, Greninja could feel the rising need to attack. Mega Swampert was feeling the same way. The bonds between Trainer and Pokemon were going to be tested in this short bout. A rush of endorphins fueled them both as they willed a clash to happen.

In the same moment, both Pokemon collided with the other! Breaking the arena floor with their mutual strength. Greninja materialized two kunai and began to slash in great arcs at his opponent. However, each Night Slash broke upon contact with Swampert's thick hide much to Greninja's surprise.

Brock grinned, "Take advantage of it, Ice Punch!" Swampert jumped forward as Ash smirked.

Greninja took the shuriken off his back, and let it take the blow instead of himself. Brock gasped in shock! The shuriken froze as Greninja took off in a desperate bid for a large vine.

"Give chase, Swampert!" Swampert nodded and started running toward the fleeing Pokemon.

Greninja looked back, as Ash moved in sync with him, 'Run up the vine and we'll execute a counter attack!' Leaping onto the vine, Greninja proceeded to do just that. Shifting his weight, he threw the frozen shuriken straight at Swampert who jumped to the side.

"Yeah, great dodge Swampert! Waterfall!" However, Swampert was caught up when the shuriken hit the ground, exploding into shards of ice that struck his hide.

"Double Water Shuriken!" Swampert's immediate surprise was taken up by the frog's twin attack smashing into him, causing a huge explosion to overtake the mudfish.

The powerful water attack sent him flying back, "Night Slash!" Greninja spawned two kunai and shunted them at his opponent. Greninja was satisfied when the attacks planted firmly stabbing Swampert's thick arms while he was caught off guard. However, the mudfish ignored the pain and chose to keep his eye on Greninja.

Quickly making his way to the top of the vines, Greninja stopped to look over the battlefield. Calculating it just right, he figured that his best option was for an all out offense. Ash nodded, understanding what was to come next. Swampert saw Greninja who was leapt down from the tops of the vines, "Double Team!" Ash shouted as the sky filled with Greninjas.

Brock grunted, "Waterfall again!" Swampert nodded, creating a gale of water that rose as he swam into it. Eager to meet the flying frog midway, Swampert grunted in exertion. Brock was prepared for this, his ultimate move would surely end it.

"Greninja, Water Shuriken! The big one!" Clenching his fingers, Ash raised his hand above his head. All at once, the clones disappeared, leaving Greninja exposed as he and his trainer's movements were in perfect sync. The ultimate Water Shuriken expanded into an orange mass above Greninja's ahead.

Swampert was already there though directly in front of him, "DO IT NOW! SUPERPOWER!" Brock shouted, watching as a large yellow glow began to expand all around Swampert. The energy superseded the Waterfall, dispersing it all around. Greninja threw the shuriken as Superpower collided with his body. Swampert took the entirety of the shuriken as both Pokemon were caught in a massive explosion that shone so brightly it even overtook the sun itself!

The two opponents flew out of the explosion and hit the floor of the arena with resounding crashes. Brock and Ash watched in suspense as even the audience gasped in surprise. Some cheered loudly despite the shocking twist. This battle was only a first round fight and was already so intense!

Ash hit the ground, landing on his knees as his body took the pain that Greninja felt, "GGGHNNAHH!" He screamed out, breathing heavily as the shooting agony took its course.

'Bianca! I've gotta do something for him!' Latias practically shouted into her head.

Bianca shook her head, "We're not allowed to go into the arena. We have to wait." She clenched her chest, trying to stop her own heart from beating out of her chest in worry.

Misty looked over at Bianca, "As much as I hate to say it, that's true. We need to wait." However, Latias scrunched her nose at that. Seeing as he hadn't gotten up yet, the dragoness in human form decided to take matters into her own hands.

Not being able to handle watching Ash be in so much pain. Jumping up, she made her way through the crowd. Getting to the stairs and rushing down them to hop over the barricade, touching down on the ground. Before finally running over to comfort Ash who was still doubled over.

'Ash! Are you okay?!' She asked, bending down to touch him, but Ash refused her touch by swinging his arm out. Gripping his midsection, Ash got up albeit shakily.

Looking over to Latias, Ash smiled, "It's alright… It's just how our connection works…" Latias was still visibly worried as the judge floated overhead.

He looked over the area, but couldn't make heads or tails of anything clear, "It seems as though both Pokemon are down, but without a clear vantage point due to the smoke! I'll hold off on the ruling!"

Floating down to Ash's side, the judge looked over at Latias, "Since you're not participating in this battle ma'am. Unless Ash has an objection, I'll require you to go back to the stands." But Ash shook his head.

"S- She's fine to stay." Ash said, as Latias reached around his shoulder, trying to support him.

The judge sighed, but allowed it. Turning away and flying high into the air. He disappeared from their view as Latias rubbed Ash's side. Ash had to admit, it was nice that she came in his time of need. His focus turning back to the battlefield, he waited for Greninja to move.

Lucy had been silently cheering for Brock, but was now cupping her hands and hoping that Swampert would make it onto his feet. Tobias tapped his shoulder impatiently, eager to see where this would go. Koro merely shook his head, watching in disdain.

Misty sighed, taking in the battle with both interest and fret, 'Ash and Brock really trained their Pokemon well. Who's going to make it out though?' She cupped her hands wishing that perhaps she went down there herself.

Bianca watched Latias, wondering if she should have done the same. Hoping that Ash didn't think any less of her, Bianca hoped for Greninja to get back on his feet and close it out for Ash.

Latios felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. He didn't like what he'd done. He silently apologized while putting Lorenzo on the couch in the living room of his own home. Latios hoped that his caretaker would understand his reasoning later. Yet, he had an idea what was coming his way when the inevitable dropping of all this information would come about.

'Mama is going to whip my ass…' Latios struggled to think of a way out of that future dystopian timeline. He definitely didn't want to be on the receiving end of that, but maybe it was for the greater good. A sacrifice he'd be willing to make. The word "willing" being vaguely true at best. Latios shuddered in disdain.

'I'll have to just hope for mercy. I've gotta go.' Making sure to check the contents of the bag one more time and give Lorenzo a once over, Latios confirmed that it would be exactly what he needed before teleporting off.

Sneasel sat at the entrance of the cave, idly wasting away and hoping that Latios would return soon. Her mind was still chaotic with thoughts buzzing through it like a swarm of angry Beedrills. Practically beating herself up over the details that kept reminding her of each and every second of the fight that had transpired not long ago.

She pulled her legs closer till her knees touched her forehead, crying and gasping away while shaking. The little weasel's sharp bladed hands were tempted to claw herself, but something in the back of her mind kept her from doing so. Sneasel could feel Charmeleon's glare practically burning the back of her skull.

'What do I do now?' More questions had surfaced up. The obvious ones being, "Would he accept me back?" or "Would he release her into the wild?". She certainly had no want for that. Sneasel detested the wilds at this point having grown around her trainer for a while. Though, he'd never quite understood what she wanted.

Sneasel loved to battle, it was the one thing she woke up for. Sato was more than gracious enough to allow her the opportunity for all of that. In her head was this lingering doubt though. It pushed her to believe he wasn't fit to be the leader. Her original trainer had been incredible. Then she was traded away to his little brother who wasn't as strong.

It bothered her more than she'd like to admit. Sneasel hated it. No, she didn't hate Sato for it, but his older brother hadn't cared about her feelings on the matter whatsoever. He had just decided to leave her with him. That was the end of it. At least, on that side of things.

A few years would pass, but things never got better. When Sato finally went out on his journey, eager to be just like his hero. Professor Elm didn't have a Pikachu, but pointed him in the direction of Charmander instead. Saying he could pull some strings and telling him of when Ash came through with his Charizard. The light in Sato's eyes was infectious, but Sneasel would try to ignore it, choosing to think of her own misery instead.

So, when he got that Charmander. Sato decided to use him more often. Not only was she seeing the light of day less and less. Things were starting to add up. Maybe Sato never wanted her either. It just made sense. He had obviously only gone with the trade because he looked up to his brother. So, when they finally made it to Violet City. She had expected it to go just the same.

So, when she saw the light again, it made her understandably confused, "Sneasel?"

She looked up at him, seeing the weak Sato looking at her like she was his only lifeline made Sneasel sneer at him, "I need you to battle with me… I don't think we can take on Falkner without you."

She looked around, seeing the rest of his team. They looked ready to pass out. If she was his last hope. Sneasel would at the very least need to see what was in it for her. She turned, looking at her opponent, seeing a Xatu staring them down.

'Great. A potential challenge.' Sneasel kind of liked these odds, no she wouldn't do it for Sato. This was all for her.

Padding onto the battlefield, she grinned eagerly. Sato looked so relieved to see her stepping up for him. Oh, the poor child was about to witness hell.

Sneasel brandished her claws threateningly, her eyes gleamed malice at her opponent. Xatu was sweating ever so slightly, turning back to his trainer.

Falkner merely gave a few words of encouragement. That didn't assuage Xatu's feelings at all. It just pushed them toward the forefront of his mind.

Turning back to his opponent, he shot toward her. Sneasel stood there, awaiting his arrival. When at last, Sato would call out, "Ice Beam!"

Even Xatu had decided to dodge at the last moment, but was surprised when nothing happened.

He wouldn't have to feel surprised for very long. Falkner tried to shout, but it was too late. A powerful night slash sliced up Xatu's side.

The totem bird squawked in agony as Sneasel slashed two, three, and even four more times. Even when he had hit the ground and was trying to be returned. She just continued mercilessly. Sneasel's thirst for a real battle dominated her senses!

Falkner raised his voice, screaming out, "STOP HER NOW!"

Sneasel raised her claws again and raked them through Xatu's feathers, drawing blood from her enemy. As she pushed forward, Sneasel saw not Xatu, but her former trainer looking back up at her. Holding his hands up, scared out of his wits and begging for her to stop. As she went for another strike, the world disappeared for her.

Sato had returned Sneasel as Falkner rushed to his Pokemon. Trying to render aid to him, but finding that Xatu was far more damaged than a potion could help. Returning him quickly and turning to Sato, he shook his head in disdain.

Walking over to him, Falkner stopped next to Sato. Knowing he couldn't deny victory thanks to the league's rules. He threw the badge in front of the child who was kneeling in disbelief as it clattered on the floor.

Falkner grit his teeth, "If that's how you like to win… Don't show your face here again…" The gym leader ran out, leaving Sato looking at the badge with tears running down his face.

Even as Sato slept, his unconscious mind had brought up that same memory. It was almost as if he was living his worst nightmares beside Sneasel. He even tossed and turned, causing Charmeleon to try and hold down his master. It scared the fire lizard to see him like this.

He turned, seeing Sneasel still at the front on lookout duty, 'If it wasn't for her… We'd be fine…' He was stressed as all hell, but then he heard a pokeball scraping the cave floor. The rattling burst it open and a flash of light graced the area.

Charmeleon let go of his anger rather quickly upon seeing Miltank shape into existence, "Miltank?" The response he got was a subdued nod.

Miltank clopped up, putting a hoof on Charmeleon's shoulder, "It's okay baby… Wish I could've been there to help you." She said comfortingly as Charmeleon leaned into her touch.

"It's like you know me so well… Though I'm surprised you knew what happened…" Charmeleon asked, holding her while making sure to maintain his close watch on Sato.

Miltank smiled, "I've just read your patterns."

She then sighed, "As for knowing what happened. It was weird, something just showed me memories of the event." The soothing nature of the motherly Miltank let Charmeleon relax and he nuzzled her affectionately which made her blush lightly.

Charmeleon thought the explanation of hers was sound enough. If that Legend was as strong with psychic abilities as he appeared to be, then he could have done just that. His stomach felt a bit lighter than it had been the last little while.

"I really wish you had been there too… Maybe things would have turned out for the better…" Charmeleon closed his eyes, clutching his claws against his chest and Miltank felt the world for him.

"Oh baby…" She lightly whispered, holding him tighter than before. Everyone had moments of weakness. That was just how it was. The thing Charmeleon was sure of the most was that he really loved her more than he let on. She was someone he could confide in. That meant a lot to the fire lizard.

As for Sato, things were pretty awful. His fever dreams kept bringing up horrible moments from within his life until he couldn't see anything but an inky black void. Turning to and fro, he felt an ominous presence lurking all around him. It scared him.

"Hello?! Hey!" He shouted to no avail.

The world was quiet, eerily so. It was getting colder too. Sato grasped his own shoulders, rubbing them up and down. A sudden spark of light emitted from one area and it made him run toward it. It was gone as he got closer.

Sato frowned, 'That was warm… Where did it go?' A path began to form directly under his feet. It was made of yellow bricks and directed him to move forward.

Sato cautiously stepped on it, only to find it was dragging him forward at a breakneck speed. The unknown force stopped once he hit the edge of it. Looking into the deep chasm below, he forced himself backward, slipping and landing on his back.

"Sato… Sato. Sato!" The voice would change from loving, to monotone, and then scream his name as if she was in agony. She?

His eyes widened, "Benihime?!" He shouted, jumping up and rushing toward the edge of the proverbial cliff. His arms spread wide, falling and uncaring of his end if only to see her one more time. What he saw was horrifying to him. Latias floated still out of reach as he fell toward her.

Half her body contorted into the Benihime he knew. Both sides wanted to reach for him and Sato thought he'd finally be able to grasp them any second now, but it was all for naught. Beni and Latias disappeared as the floor took their place. Closing his eyes, Sato accepted it. Knowing he'd never see her again.

The wind seemed to stop. Opening his eyes, Sato saw that he was suspended in midair. He couldn't turn or move so much as even a little bit. Sato panicked slightly as his body began to flip around. He heard several steps echoing in the distance. Seeing a man he was unfamiliar with currently approaching him, Sato prepared for the worst.

"I've been watching for a few minutes now. Sato, you leaped into the depths for my Sister not caring for your own safety. Why?" The man asked as Sato shook slightly.

"Y- Your Sister?! That means…" He trailed off, not needing to complete that sentence. Sato looked down in frustration, "This is a nightmare, isn't it?" He asked the man who nodded lightly.

The man's piercing red glare caught Sato's gaze, "It is. For all intents and purposes. Your body is dealing with the hell it's been put through. I've been trying to save you for the past while." Turning to take in the scenery, he sighed.

"It's something else when the mind puts you in a prison worse than hell after you've already faced a horrid fate." The man said, trying to figure a way out of the dark pit.

Sato had another question aching in his forethought, "You're Latios then?! Right?!" He shouted a bit louder than he had anticipated.

The man studied the boy for a moment before nodding, "Yes, no point in denying it. That much is true. Since I've answered your question, I've got one for you." Latios said as Sato listened intently.

Latios walked over to Sato, "When you wake up. I want to know if you'll be truthful with me? As of now, what I've witnessed here has given me reason to trust you. So, will you?" He asked as Sato nodded without hesitation.

"Of course! I told Benihime if I ever got to meet you, I'd want to impress! I don't want to let you down if I can help it!" Sato said quickly, surprising Latios.

In fact, it made the man think back to Ash Ketchum almost and Mama. This familiar thought was making him realize something more was afoot. He looked at Sato with a degree of anger. Even though the boy's answers had been more than satisfactory. There was a pit in his own stomach that made him wonder just how far Sato's feelings ran.

'That was something… No doubt.' That thought alone had scared the older brother.

Latios turned away from Sato, "What I can do is free you from this nightmare for the time being. I'll see you when you're ready." Sato was left alone at that moment.

Sato would await the time he could finally meet Latios face to face.

The crowd watched with bated breath. All eyes on the two spots where the Pokemon touched down. So far, neither one has moved. Ash could still feel the connection with Greninja and that confirmed that that watery ninja was just fine. Vice versa could be said for Brock. Swampert hadn't fallen out of his mega form yet. Which meant their fighting spirit was still high.

Latias gripped him tightly, 'So, it's not over yet?' She asked Ash who confirmed it with a thumbs up.

'No, we're coming to the true finale. Though, it might be down to whoever can stay up longest. I doubt either of us can pull off any more massive moves at this point.' Ash returned as Latias felt him tap her lightly, making her let go of Ash so he could stand on his own.

Which is when Greninja picked himself at the same time as Swampert. Both Pokemon gave off a loud battle cry before giving each other a wearied glare. Swampert grunted as he got into position, gripping the ground beneath his fins. Greninja brought out two Night Slash kunais and leaned forward. Both of them seemed shaky at best.

"YEAH! THAT'S MY BROCK! HARD AS ROCK!" Lucy shouted from the stands as Brock grinned awkwardly.

He waved at Lucy before turning back to Ash, "LET'S GET IT DONE!" Brock shouted as Ash smirked eagerly.

Greninja ran at Swampert, trying to get in some clean slices, but a frigid Ice Punch would catch the frog on his side. Just barely scraping Greninja and making him leap backward. Going on the offensive, Swampert unleashed a few punches. Greninja blocked one with a kunai, but the other rather solidly hit his torso.

Latias felt Ash slump down slightly as a short pained breath escaped his body. Thankfully for both him and Greninja, it hadn't been an ice punch. Gritting his teeth, Ash stood back up as did Greninja who's eyes were still focused. Swinging his right arm out and flinging his weapon, the kunai hit home. Being struck in the head, Swampert felt an intense bout of pain himself.

"Swam!" He roared, trying to stay up.

"That's the way, Swampert. Let's break through and defeat my friend!" Brock said a bit too intensely.

Latias did her best to support Ash who returned Brock's sentiment, "Same goes for me! Let's do our best, Greninja!"

Shooting forward, both Pokemon clashed. Exchanging blows, Greninja avoided the ones he could, but took more and more damage as the fight continued. The same could be said for Swampert. Even as the sun began to dip out of the sky. The two Pokemon stood, panting incredibly hard.

Ash was feeling all the fatigue and anguish coming from Greninja, not to mention his own body about ready to give out, 'Not much longer…'

Brock was sweating, there wasn't a single command that he could make. He knew that Swampert had reached his limit. The same could be said for Greninja. The fight was getting more physical as the only thing keeping them going was adrenaline.

In the tops of the stands, Tobias watched with increasing difficulty. Sweat ran down his forehead, the battle had been going on for what seemed like three or four hours. How much stamina did they have left? His wonders kept growing which each successive hit.

'So, Ash has become this strong? Even my legendary Pokemon might have trouble with him.' Tobias was slightly worried, but he'd maintain his composure. Even the gym leader Brock might be a worthy challenge himself.

Koro turned, leaving as Tobias looked over at him, "You're not going to finish watching this?" He asked him as Koro shrugged.

"I've gotta prepare for my match. I've spent all the time I can gathering info. It's not even a fight anymore. It's only stamina. I doubt many others are going to get to this point." Koro said, waving nonchalantly while heading out the back.

Tobias shook his head. Wanting to see the outcome first hand.

Misty was trembling and biting her thumb in anticipation, she's never seen such raw fighting ability coming from either of her friends. It was eye opening to see how far they had both gone. When she had left them, she had vowed to work on herself and push through any challenge that might come her way. To that end, Misty felt she had succeeded.

'If there's anything more than this, Swampert and Greninja might just fall from pure exhaustion. It would be a tie.' Misty thought, trying to hope for the best ending, but not sure which she would prefer more.

Bianca had taken to being in the same predicament as Misty by this point. The fight had been drawn out. She'd like to see an ending if nothing more than to ease the pain of both Ash and Greninja. It hurt her to keep watching this struggle.

'Please let it end…'

Latias was shouldering just as much of the burden. Hearing Ash's pained groans anytime Greninja got hit wasn't getting any easier. She knew better than to stop them though. This was a fight between rivals. Just like her battle with Bayleef a day or so back. Getting in their way would be pointless.

Greninja tried forming a new kunai, but it dissipated just as suddenly as it had appeared. Swampert was trying his best to do another Ice Punch for real, but his fists wouldn't freeze. The ice itself just melted away. Heavy huffs and puffs were becoming the norm for these two battle hardened Pokemon.

'Try one more hit, Greninja!' Ash communicated through their connection to which Greninja nodded.

"Get in one more punch, Swampert!" Brock shouted as Swampert grunted with effort.

Greninja stumbled forward, ready to deliver another blow, but Swampert would meet him. Their fists tapped against one another without much of a sound to accompany it. Greninja and Swampert looked into each other's eyes. Swampert smiled, as his fist lowered and he hit the ground. The mega evolution faded away with a hissing sound and glow of light. Greninja looked over his opponent, bowing lightly in a show of respect.

The judge looked on in awe, almost forgetting to make the ruling until his mind caught up, "OH! THIS UNBELIEVABLE MATCH HAS FINALLY COME TO A CLOSE! ASH IS VICTORIOUS!" He shouted almost manically into the mic which set it in for the audience as well. It started with a slow clap that became a vast section of noise congratulating the two combatants.

Then the cheering out shined even that.

For Ash, it was surreal. He never expected to get a win over Brock. Not legitimately. The sounds of the crowd were background noise that he was completely cutting out by this point. Brock smiled, returning Swampert. Greninja was still feeling the fatigue. Which he made all the more obvious by sitting down and crossing his legs.

Latias held onto his side as Ash bayed her to help him walk over to Greninja. Brock was approaching them of his own volition. Once they all met on the battlefield. Brock thrust his hand out to which Ash gripped it and they shook.

Brock's smile transformed into a grin, "Bout time you made it."

Ash started chuckling, "Glad to make you proud." He returned as the camera caught it live. If the crowd couldn't go anymore wild, they were proving it wrong this moment. As the moon began to rise, the climactic battle of Ash Vs Brock would finally be at an end.

~End of Chapter~

Legacy of Time: This was tough to write. I'll probably be taking a break from this story for a little bit just to recharge my batteries. Please review if you want me to continue though. After all, if I'm properly motivated then obviously I won't be able to leave it alone. Hope you're all having a nice New Year.