Trying to get timelines to match up to ages is bloody difficult :D hopefully it makes sense to people.
Chapter 24
June 1984
Martha Oak was riding through the town that was Pallet on her way home from where she worked in the flower shop. She had been a florist for the last ten years, after spending her life working for the Botanical Gardens in Viridian City. Her life's work had been creating and nurturing new plant-life that would be able to survive conditions they normally wouldn't and been very famous in her field for several breakthroughs in the twenty years she worked there. Growing up she never knew what she wanted to do, her life in Arborville didn't exactly lend itself to doing anything except being born, living and eventually dying there but she knew from an early age she was different. Certain things happened around her that no one could ever explain but she had a gift for working with plants. Her first memory was of coaxing a dead flower back to life with just her hands and for years she couldn't explain what it was, that was until a young lady passed through the forest town and explained what she was. It was something she had never told anyone in her life, not even her husband of thirty years.
Her mum looked very conflicted when she was told by the young lady that she would need to travel to Rota to begin her training when she turned eleven. What baffled her though was that her mum and sister showed no signs of being able to utilise Aura, even to her basic degree. She hated leaving her sister alone in Arborville, especially given what her mother had told her about the responsibilities placed on them as guardians. Looking back on it she always wondered why her mother always made sure to let her know that it wouldn't be her that would take over the role as Shrines Protector and it wasn't until she was 21 years old that she found out why. By this time, she had long since completed her training five years ago at the age of sixteen and had been married to Sam for four years when they found out she was pregnant with Blue. Ironically Sam was a man her sister knew longer than she did.
Her mother had left a very detailed letter in her will, along with several other documents. She was extremely sad to find out that her birth parents had died at the same time in a horrific landslide on the outskirts of Viridian City, she had been two years old at the time and at her grandmothers when the incident happened but due to her grandmothers advanced age she was unable to take care of her and so she was about to be put up for adoption. Beth had given birth to Towa a few days before in Goldenrod Hospital and was checking on her as she was a few months premature when she noticed a little girl playing with a toy in the corner of the room. For several weeks she visited and got to know her before the doctors told her of her circumstances. Beth was heartbroken for the young girl and given that her opportunity to have another child was very slim due to the window she decided Martha would come home with her. It didn't take long for the papers to be pushed through; the hospital was getting increasingly concerned about her as she had come in with her grandmother who sadly never left and had started to withdraw into herself.
Martha had grown up believing she was the daughter of Beth and the sister of Towa, so it was a lot to take in to find out they weren't related at all. By the time she was 21 she had long since stopped talking to Towa, the role she had as guardian of Arborville had created a resentment over the years and the last time they spoke very harsh words were said. She could understand her sister's frustration, to only be able to leave Arborville for a maximum of four years was a horrible fate so to see her sister living happily and freely elsewhere really did a number on Towas psyche. So, when she arrived home, she was astonished to find a letter on the table addressed to her in a very familiar handwriting.
"Towa finally got in touch then eh?" Sam said setting down a brew in front of her and taking a drink of his tea as he finished typing up a report at the computer.
"How did you know it's from her?" Martha asked taking a sip and smiling. Sam had a knack for making hot drinks, he always knew which drink matched which occasion, even one such as strange as this so to taste peppermint tea was a nice thing. "Ah right yeah, you've known her since she was eleven haven't you?"
"Yeah" Sam said nodding "every year I would visit Arborville around the same time and see how she was doing. It wasn't until I met you when I was fourteen that my reason for visiting there changed."
"That and the incident" Martha remarked causing Sam to grimace and nod at the time Towa caught her and Sam sharing a kiss at the shrine when she turned sixteen and was visiting her family. Towa had gone ballistic accusing her of not only stealing her man but also abandoning them without explanation. Marth had long since got over the guilt of doing what se was required to do and had had a go back at her sister telling her in no uncertain terms that Sam was hers and that her mother knew the reasons, accepted them and that was the end of the discussion. Sam had apologised to Martha stating he had no idea that Towa felt that way about him.
"It wasn't the first time I had to beat off someone with a Martha shaped stick" Martha said amused at the time she put Agatha in her place. She often felt sorry for Sam as she felt she had deceived him to some degree. She had staked her claim in him without telling him that if he rejected her, she wouldn't be able to choose anyone else due to her ability to wield aura. Thankfully Sam never questioned her having fallen for her too, but she knew that if she'd have met him in his twenties he'd have long since been married to the Ghost type trainer.
"Yes" he replied shaking his head and turn back to his report "I'm not sure why you felt the need to threaten to beat Agatha up using her own cane but I'm glad you got past that. I hated the thought of having to choose between the woman I loved and the woman who was my best friend. Of course, it wasn't even a choice in my head. It has always been you."
Unable to contain herself she walked up to where Sam was still typing away and hugged him from behind kissing him on the cheek "thank you for saying that."
"Have I not told you that before?" he asked craning his neck to look at her.
"You have" Marha said "but it's always nice to hear it said again. Anyway, I better see what she wants eh?"
"I suppose so" Sam said, "want me to leave you to it?"
"Please" Martha said sighing and sitting back down, taking another sip as Sam kissed her on the cheek before leaving.
"I'll go and see how Blue is doing. Daisy is going to be a stunner when she grows up. I forget how tiny newborns are" Sam said as he left.
Martha sat there for a good ten minutes before biting the bullet and opening the envelope.
'Sister,
It has been far too long since we last spoke. I'm afraid that I let the resentment of this place get to me and I said some very hurtful things in my anger. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I accused you of abandoning us, I'm sorry I was resentful of you being able to go on a journey but I'm also sorry for trying to come between you and Sammie.
I miss you sis. I miss the good times we had when we were younger, I miss the excursions we had with mother but mostly I just miss having a sister. My daughter is all grown up now and has left for her own mini break from this place and words cannot express how sad it makes me that she'll be forced to come back here and take over the role from me. I don't know if you know but when mother died, she left you something in her will and for the last 22 years I've just not had the courage to send it to you and it brings me great shame on a daily basis. It's still on our mantlepiece and hasn't moved for years now.
Something is happening here Martha. Something I cannot explain yet every day the fear grows. Often when I am praying at the shrine, I swear I can hear a voice calling to me, a voice that I don't recognise. Of course, no one would believe me if I told them, but I know you will. Every time I visit the voice cries to me, it sounds like he's in pain.
I'm sorry for rambling but I just know it's something important. Is there any way you can get in contact with your trainer? Hopefully they know what the issue is. Yes, I know all about your training. Mum left me a letter that explained why you were never going to take over as guardian after her. I'll freely admit I was so angry at the news that we weren't actually related was kept from me. I cannot imagine the burden she must have been going through on a daily basis knowing it appeared she was playing favourites when in reality she was protecting us both. I just want you to know that regardless of blood you will always be my sister. Always.
Hoping you can help
Towa'
Marth sat back in disbelief. She wanted to be angry at mother for telling her, but she could understand why she felt the need to tell her daughter why things happened the way they did. She didn't think she'd want Blue to resent her for keeping anything from him. Of course, she was already keeping a huge secret from them all and knew that should it get out. There was only one person that knew about it. And she knew that right now he was the only person that may be able to help.
Folding the letter, she placed it back in the envelope and headed out of the lab and down into Pallet Town. Knocking on a door she prayed he was in.
"Hello Mrs Oak" a sweet voice said opening the door "what can I do for you?"
"Delia" she replied hugging the younger woman "is Red home, I need his advice."
"He's out back at the minute if you'd like to go through" Delia said welcoming her into her home and walking her to the back door where upon exiting she shook her head at seeing her sons best friend balancing on one arm. "Red, you'll break your neck one of these days" Delia said shaking her head in exasperation "Mrs Oak is here to see you."
"Martha" Martha said correcting Delia who nodded hesitatingly "all this Mrs Oak business makes me feel I'm in work and not with friends."
"What can I do for you?" Red said wandering over and sitting down, stretching his long legs out.
"My sister has got in touch with me" she said handing the letter over to Red who read it with interest "It's been a long time since I visited Rota, I just wondered if you knew of anyone?"
Looking up at her shrewdly he said "you don't have to speak in riddles here Mrs Oak. I don't keep anything from Delia, she knows what you are."
"Oh" Martha said sounding concerned.
"I'm not going to say anything" Delia said assuring her "it's not my business. For my part I think Sam deserves to know but that's between a husband and wife to talk about."
"I want to" Martha said sighing "it's just not an easy thing to tell your husband you've kept a huge secret from him for over thirty years. Anyway, what do you think Red?"
"I can ask around" Red said "however you are probably the best person to sort this out yourself given you grew up there. I'm assuming you know what the issue is, I think you just need to rip the band aid off and go sort it out yourself."
"I feared you'd say that" Martha said sighing "Sam is not going to like this."
Sam in fact loved the idea "I think it's a great idea. I know how much not talking to your sister has hurt you and her inviting you to meet her daughter can only be a good thing. You never know we could turn it into an annual thing. Obviously, I know they can't leave Arborville but it's only a four-day journey to Olivine. We can Teleport from there."
Marth felt very guilty as two weeks later she was on the ferry heading to Olivine City. Obviously, she had not told Sam the real reason for going to Arborville. If he had the slightest inclination that Celebi was involved, he would have banned her from going. He didn't have great memories of the Time-travelling Legendary and would still from time to time wake up shouting a boy's name. Sam didn't tell her who this 'Ash' was but given his nightmares it couldn't be good.
Arriving in Olivine she stopped along the harbour and smiled. It had been a long time since she was last here, almost twenty years now for a botanical convention when she was just a lowly researcher hiding who she really was. Taking out a Pokéball she released her husband's Alakazam and asked it to take her to Arborville. Winking out she appeared in the middle of an extremely familiar setting. The smells, the sights and the houses made her very happy. Oh how she had missed this. Had it really been thirty years since she was last here? Wandering over to her old house she stopped in amazement. The ladder that had always been there had gone and was now replaced with wrought iron spiral steps, something which she thought should have been there from the start. It made things so much easier. Walking up them she paused at the top as the familiar doorway appeared.
Breathing heavily outwards she was about to step into the house when a lady in her forties came out of the kitchen with a metal pot in her hands. She took one look at Martha and dropped the pot in shock, her hand flying to her mouth as she instantly recognised her sister.
"You're here" Towa whispered clutching at the couch for support "I didn't think you'd come yourself."
"I had to" Martha said smiling softly "Sam convinced me to come myself."
"Sammie did?" she asked wonderingly "I would have thought he would have wanted you as far away from here as possible given what happened to him."
"Nope" Martha said "so tell me what the issue is. I only have a few days before I need to be back home, there's a talk Sam is scheduled to give in Pewter City."
"Oh ok" Towa said rushing forwards and gabbing her sister in a bear hug, one that was reciprocated. The next few hours they talked about what they had been up to in their lives, Martha doing her best to not rub into her sisters face that her life was far more exciting.
"What did mum leave me?" Martha asked during a lull in the conversation.
"Oh this" Towa said standing up and walking over to a familiar picture. Pulling the back off she stopped as the feather was no longer there "that's strange, it's gone."
"What has?" Martha said joining her.
"In the back here, there was a letter along with a feather. Only it's gone." Towa said replacing the picture back onto the fireplace.
"Come with me" she said suddenly grabbing a shawl and placing it on her head "it's better I tell you about why you're here where no one can hear us."
Confused Martha walked back down the stairs and followed her sister through the opening and headed down the path in silence. It wasn't long until they came to the shrine and stopped as Martha let out a big sigh.
"Can you feel that?" she asked curiously walking up to the shrine and kneeling down. Focusing on her hand it started to glow blue before it fizzled out. "Damn" she said shaking her hand "I've not used aura for years now except sparingly. Come on" focusing again her body glowed and she placed it on the shrine and gasped when she felt the pain emanating from it. panting she came to herself and realised she'd crawled backwards several feet. Looking around in fright she finally focused on her sister who looked concerned.
"What was that?" she asked rushing and grabbing her sisters face "what happened?"
"What happened to Sam?" Martha asked her sister "he's never told me what happened with him and Celebi."
"I have no idea" came the reply "he never told anyone what happened. All I know is whatever happened had a profound effect on him. So much so that within years he became so much more than even he thought. I've followed his career over the years, from the talks we had before he stopped coming all I could get from him was 'I must do what I can to protect the Pokémon worldwide'. Anyway, you are the one who married him, shouldn't you know?"
Ignoring the slight undercurrent of envy she shook her head "No, he never told me what happened but for years he had nightmares about it. it seems we are both keeping something important from each other."
Curiously Towa looked at Martha wondering what she was on about before it clicked "he doesn't know you're an aura guardian does he?"
"No" Martha said standing up "it's a secret I'll take to my grave if I can. Anyway, whatever happened to him is likely what the issue is here. I can hear pain; I can also hear anger. The aura feels familiar but it's not Sams. It also feels like something huge is going to happen and I can't explain why."
A pop from behind them made them twirl around and gasp in shock as staring at them was a very familiar green being. Before they could say anything, she glowed green, and the air became so thick they struggled to breathe before a dark rift opened up in front of them. Backing away as quickly as they could the rift closed and a man was seen lying there, his clothes ripped up and hanging off him. Attached to him though was a long belt that clearly held his Pokéballs but there was a few missing and it was barely in one piece. The man was clearly strong, owing to his muscular frame but it was his hair and aura that made Martha immediately recognise him.
"Red?" she asked heaving him over before realising it wasn't Red. Who the hell was he? Looking at where Celebi was still located, she was about to ask who he was when Celebi beat her to the punch.
"He's the most important human being you will ever meet. Tell him nothing that he does not need to know, do not give in to his rage. I will be back as soon as I can, I fear my daughter is going to need all of our help." With that she winked out of existence and the man groaned and opened his eyes. Towa gasped in shock as the blue was absolutely startling.
"He's an Aura Guardian?" Towa asked looking to Martha for confirmation.
"His aura is off the charts, but at the minute it's in flux and not happy. Whatever he was doing before he landed here was not good. Be ready for anything."
"I am not a guardian" Ash said groaning and sitting up with his arms holding him up looking up he watched the saw the two women and had to hold in his surprise as he recognised one as the lady who's house he stayed in last night. Looking around he saw that he was at the Shrine hat had been destroyed earlier that day, but amazingly it was fine. His brain clicked into gear for him almost immediately.
"Celebi" he growled and heaved himself to his feet ignoring the gasps as the women saw all the cuts that littered his body. Amazingly a slight blue glow sheen covered him, and the cuts started to heal themselves very slowly, but Martha knew by the next day the cuts would be gone. She had only ever heard of this happening once before. During her training in Rota every guardian learns about Sir Aaron and his relationship with aura and from the records they had he was the only one that could heal himself in such a way.
"Aaron?" Martha asked, "Sir Aaron?"
"No" Ash said shaking his head when he realised, he wasn't the only aura user here "close though. I'm descended from him."
"Sir Aaron had no descendants" Martha said immediately, angry that this man would lie in such a way.
"Oh, you're one of the Rota lot, aren't you" Ash said shaking his head and wincing "so assured that you're always right when you have no idea. Anyway, I thought by now the truth would have spread. It's been two years since I gave my talk and Lucario wouldn't let the lies continue."
"What are you on about?" Martha asked confused.
Sighing Ash pinched his nose as he realised what was going on "It's not happened yet Ash" he murmured looking around.
"Ash?" Martha asked in alarm "you don't happen to know a Samuel Oak, do you?"
"Very much so" Ash said nodding and walking over to the shrine and placing his hand on it "I've met a few versions of him so far, the boy I met yesterday but the older version I've known all my life. What year is it?" he asked suddenly.
"1984" Towa answered not really understanding what was going on and why he was so dismissive of her sister.
"1984" Ash murmured again before sighing "you wouldn't happen to have seen a little green shit by the name of Celebi hanging around here, would you? I would quite like to have a word with her."
"No" Martha said quickly, ignoring the gasp from her sister and nudging her with her foot "you just appeared as we were praying."
"You know the pre-requisite of a lie needs you to believe it yourself" Ash said casually looking at her making her blush in embarrassment a being caught out so easily "what did she tell you?"
"That we were to tell you nothing important" Towa said immediately "and that her daughter was in danger."
"Wise of her" Ash said nodding "her daughter has been captured by a bellend for whatever reason. I was trying to free her when I was sent here. I suspect mummy interfered though and rather than go where her daughter wanted to send me, I was sent here. For what reason though I do not know."
Without warning another rift opened and a very familiar boy to everyone appeared clutching a very familiar Pokémon.
Quickly Ash rushed over and turned Sammie onto his back and began to scan him. He was very injured, and it took Ash nearly twenty minutes to get him somewhat stable. He was still out cold though. Looking at the injured Pokémon in his hands Ash gently prized Celebi from him and tried to heal her but found his aura was too depleted to do anything. Sitting down in exhaustion Ash shook his head before collapsing backwards in a dead faint.
"He must be knackered" Martha said kneeling beside Ash "I've never seen anyone be able to use Aura as liberally as he was doing just then. He needs to be careful not to go too far or it could backlash and kill him."
"It can do that?" Towa asked rubbing Sammies head and checking for any cuts.
"Yeah" came the reply. Releasing Alakazam he immediately moved away from Ash "I know, but he needs our help. Can you teleport us back to Towas house?"
"No" came a reply from behind them as Celebi appeared "Sammie shouldn't be here, he is out of time, quite literally but it was the only safe place I could think of bringing him for now. My daughter, who he is holding is about to do something that should never be done. She is about to change the past so I am going to send you all to the future before he can do anything. You must stop him. It is crucial that Ash be the one to complete the task. Nothing else matters. Once he's released my daughter, I can then put a stop to what is happening, but you must not interfere more than is necessary. Ash is the only one that should be there as it is his time. And under no circumstances must anyone but Ash be seen. Do you understand?"
"Why?" Marth asked looking down at the two unconscious boys.
"Do I really have to explain time-travel to you?" Celebi asked sounding exasperated.
"Well given I've never gone through it, yes." Martha replied.
"Fine, but you're getting the condensed version. At Ash's moment in history there are two Samuel Oaks, two Towas and Two Ash's in the vicinity. When you get sent back to 2001 future Sammie will be awake as will Towa and will be close by having chased after Ash. Meeting them could be a disaster, especially given the nature of the issue at hand. If either of yourselves meet, then your future selves could kill off the alternate ones because there can only be one of you. The world will choose which one, I do not get a choice in the matter. At the moment I have split the timeline at the exact moment Ash was sent away by my daughter, you must find a way to free her from the man who has captured her. Ash will disappear the moment you appear, I cannot change his destination until his destination has been chosen. It's more complicated than you believe."
"You're telling me" Towa said rubbing her head in pain as she tried to process the information.
"All you need to do is free my daughter. I can sort out the issue from then." Stopping she concentrated and continued "his destination has been chosen, I will do what I can to aid him but do not look to Ash for help anytime soon."
A deep toll was heard echoing through the forest as Ash's body glowed black and disappeared once more. Towa, Sammie and Martha tensed as a green wave followed the black and they too winked out of existence.
1951
A toll was heard come from the forest that was heard in the nearby town of Azalea. Every Pokémon in the vicinity tensed up before relaxing as a man appeared out of thin air next to the shrine of the guardian. Knowing Celebi wouldn't let just anyone be so close to it the rest of the inhabitants gradually drifted away. An hour later the man stirred wondering what happened before the events of the day caught up with him and he passed out from exhaustion. It was a day later that he woke up for a second time and sighed. He was very hungry, but his bag was nowhere to be found. Realising it was likely back in his own timeline he sighed again. This was intolerable. Luckily the nearby trees housed some berries that he knew from experience were safe but they would hardly be much of a meal, more of a temporary fix.
It was just as he was finishing a fourth Oran Berry that he heard a familiar pop from the side and leaped out of the way, sending an Aura Sphere in the direction as he did so. A yelp was heard, followed by an almighty crash before utter silence. Cautiously Ash peered from around the tree he had taken refuge behind and gasped in shock as there lying in the wreckage of a very familiar looking shrine was the unconscious body of Celebi.
"Well shit" Ash said walking out and looking around. It didn't look like a familiar place but extending his aura he knew that other than the two of them there was only one other person making their way through the undergrowth towards them. He knew he had maybe half an hour before the person made it to him so taking off his ruined vest, he wrapped Celebi up and prepared to leave when an idea came to him. He would likely be chased by the person if they didn't believe Celebi had done this and he didn't fancy having his name reviled throughout history so seeing a sharp stone and walked back to the shrine. Luckily the roof of the ruined shrine was made of two huge pieces of slate and therefore easy to write on. Smirking at his work being done Ash quickly scooped up the unconscious body of Celebi and ran through the trees, as far away from the man as possible.
Fifteen minutes later a huge hulking man chopped down the last branch and stopped in shock at what he saw. Who would defile the shrine of the Guardian like this. Walking up to it he stopped as propped against the ruined wall was the roof, that had writing on it.
Humans have tested my patience for the last time. Let this be a warning to all, do not meddle with Time.
Had the guardian done this? If so, why? Finding the slate wasn't too heavy the man hefted it into his arms and began his trek to Azalea Town and showed the inhabitants what he had discovered.
Ash never realised what he had set into motion when writing the message. He never found out or connected the dots to the legend that Celebi destroyed her own shrine in anger at humans to him doing it and leaving a message to simply cover his own skin.
An hour later Ash arrived at a very familiar looking stream and gently washed himself, wincing at the cuts that were very nearly healed as he did so.
"Did you have to hit so hard?" a voice came from the banking.
"Yes" Ash said "to be fair you kidnapped me three times today. Is it still today? Never mind, I was forced to come here by you and your daughter. You're lucky an Aura Sphere is all I stopped at Celebi. Why am I here?"
"You were always destined to be here Ash" she said floating in mid-air "just as you were always destined to save my daughter from the clutches of the Masked Marauder."
"Why?" he asked furiously stopping his washing and looking over at her "why me?"
"We've been over this Ash" Celebi said patiently "you are Arceus' Chosen One. Always have been, always will be. She was always destined to be placed into hibernation, just as you are the one destined to release her. Such is the way of Time. Everything happens for a reason Ash. A leaf falls to the ground to indicate a time of change is upon us just as a sprout pushes its way through the hard soil and eventually becomes an oak using that very leaf as sustenance. I do not pretend to be all knowing, the actions of every individual in the world, whether that be humans, Pokémon, insects, leaves are their own, but everything follows a strict set of instructions that are invisible. Life is followed by death but out of that comes renewal as the great circle continues. My Lord Dialga could probably put it into terms you would understand, I am very much his junior when it comes to my abilities and what they can do."
"That still doesn't explain why I have to be the one to rectify all your mess-ups" Ash said shaking his head.
"You were not chosen at random Ash Ketchum" Celebi said patiently "just as the previous incarnations weren't. You were all specifically chosen because you had all the attributes needed to succeed where others would fail. Whether that be your drive to succeed, your ability to wield Aura unlike anyone else. Even your way of getting your point across, as brusque as it is, was a desirable attribute as people listen to strength. Not just physical strength but convictions in your words. People listen to you because you believe whole-heartedly in what you do. Your anger at mother is justified, just as it is often misplaced. Every bad thing that has happened to you in your life could possibly be traced back to her feet, but the converse is true too. The friends you have met, the relationships you have formed and the love you have felt can also be traced back to her. You have been thrown into situations like this because you are more than capable of finding a solution where others cannot."
"You're speaking in half-truths and twisting situations to try and make it seem like you lot had no choice" Ash said walking out of the stream "I never wanted any of this, I never asked for any of this. I was content to just be a trainer and live my life."
"That's a lie and you know it" Celebi said interrupting him "your very make-up would not let you be anything less than extraordinary Ash. It's why you were chosen over millions of others. As I said I am not privy to the decisions mother makes, I just have to find a way of controlling the situation. This is a prime example, had I not been around you would have been erased from existence."
"Had you not been around I would have been in Goldenrod City and not anywhere near here" Ash said interrupting her "you reasoning is flawed. You created this situation by forcing me to be here. I want my tent back by the way. If you hadn't have kidnapped me, I wouldn't be anywhere near this place, but your choices have defined my future. My choice didn't even come into it so don't pretend I have ever had any say in this. You and Arceus are to blame for this situation and you both know it."
"And had you not been around then Vincent would still have captured my daughter and changed the past and you wouldn't know anything about it" Celebi countered, "we can do this all day Ash, but it doesn't change the fact we are here now."
"I can see why Arceus chose you" Ash said sounding disgusted "you take the same level of accountability for your actions as she does. That is, absolutely none. It's no wonder Humans are the way they are with Pokémon like you and her trying to control the world. We are not your playthings; we are not pawns in this never-ending chess game you call life, and you should be made accountable for your actions just as we are. My mother had a plaque made when I was young that she still has today that is over the entrance to the kitchen. It reads your actions have consequences. It's about time you took responsibility for yours." Gathering up his ruined vest he put it back on and started to walk away uncaring of where he was going. He knew roughly where he was due to a map he looked at when he was in Azalea Town months ago. His aura wouldn't lead him too far astray either, so it wasn't long before he found the dirt-path that led back to the quiet little town. Hopefully he would be able to get some food whilst there. He just hoped he could survive the ten-mile trek through what was as incredibly humid jungle.
Celebi sighed in exasperation as she watched Ash walk away. Why didn't he understand that no one had a choice in their future once a decision had been made. Nothing was guaranteed in this life except death, especially for squishy mortals such as Ash. She couldn't ever remember any stories from mother where the Chosen Ones were this difficult either. She missed the days where people treated Legendaries with awe and respect instead of the distain and envy they did now. Life was a lot better back then. Just as she was about to go and find Ash a huge amount of pressure was felt behind her, and she winced as she realised who it was as a huge slice appeared in the very air.
"What is happening to the timeline Celebi?" Lord Dialga said stepping though sounding very angry "explain why you felt it necessary to split my timeline and why I shouldn't supplant you with one of your daughters. Now!"
Explaining as quickly as she could he looked at her impassively "we are not to interfere in the timelines in any way. No one authorised you to do so and now I must find a way of correcting your mistakes."
"I didn't make any mistakes" she said haughtily "I was told exactly what to do by mother. It's not my fault she didn't tell you!"
"Mother told me exactly what was going to happen!" he thundered earning a squeak from her "I am the LORD OF TIME ITSELF! You brought Ash to the wrong time and as such he has directly influenced a future he shouldn't have. The Chosen One is currently out there on his own in a time that does not have a Chosen One for a very good reason and we have no way of knowing the repercussions of him even being here never mind how to correct for all eventualities. Get him back here instantly."
Concentrating she found he was cutting his way through a large piece of the path that had become overgrown and locked onto him. Ash had just enough time to stiffen in anger as he reappeared in front of her, glaring at her.
"I thought I made it perfectly clear I want nothing to do with you Celebi or your plans for my future." He said looking livid.
"Unfortunately, none of us have a choice in the matter anymore" Dialga said making Ash take notice and look confused.
"What's happened to you?" Ash said, "and why are you here?"
"I'm assuming you are referring to my aura?" Dialga said impassively "the time is coming where I must hibernate to protect the future timeline and to stop myself from interfering with what is destined to come. Something some of us should have thought of" he said looking at Celebi in disgust "and I am here to correct her mistakes. As for my aura I am diminishing for now, it will soon be time for me to be unmade before being reborn."
"As I said I made no mistakes" Celebi said, "everything is as it should be."
"No, it is not!" Dialga said angrily "he is not meant to be here. In fact, he is not meant to be anywhere at this moment in time. There is a reason he was meant to be in limbo, but your interference has accelerated plans, and I am now having to fix them. The timeline that he should occupy has forever now gone."
"What should have happened?" Ash asked concerned at the thought of never seeing his family again.
Seeing no reason Ash couldn't know Dialga explained "You were supposed to end the life of the one known as Vincent and protect Samuel Oak and Celebi from certain death. A choice would then be made, and Samuel Oak lived again and became who you knew him to be. As it is Samuel Oak may have to be the one who makes your original choice as it is currently him aiding your Pokémon against you enemy."
That made sense to Ash as while they were his Pokémon they all knew Sam and would all trust his judgement and follow him.
"So, what happens now?" Ash asked.
"Now you will be sent back to the time you disappeared and hope that the original timeline finds a way of correcting itself. We cannot interfere in any way until the situation is resolved. One way or another things must come to a head" Dialga said making Ash sigh "take him back to his timeline, that's an order."
Nodding Ash looked on expectantly as Dialga gave Celebi one last look before he walked back through his rift.
As soon as he was gone Celebi said "he has no idea what was meant to happen. I was charged by mother to bring you here, why I have no idea, but I do not question her judgement. Her instructions were to bring you here and show you certain things as you progressed back towards your timeline. Her hoping was you gain insight into why things are the way they are."
"I don't know if I care to be honest" Ash said in irritation "am I still going to be taken back to the time I disappeared either way?"
"Yes" Celebi said.
"Then go ahead" Ash said bracing himself "but you're explaining to Dialga why you've ignored him. I'm sick of dealing with you guys."
Without answering Celebi gathered her powers and started singing. The world around him began to spin making him quite queasy as he was bodily lifted from the ground, and he winked out of existence.
What felt like hours later Ash appeared and slammed hard into the ground groaning as his breath left him in one hit. Flipping himself onto his back he struggled to open his eyes but as his senses came to him he succeeded in opening them. Heaving himself onto his knees he looked around and realised he was back at the Slowpoke Well. Celebi must have messed up again and got the time wrong.
"I haven't" her voice said from his side. "We have gone forward from where we were a few years. Eight years in fact but we're here to make sure a tragedy still happens. It must happen. In an hours' time Vincents mother will perish in a fire in Azalea Town. Vincent captured Celebi because he wanted to stop this from happening. Her death is important Ash. All you need to do is to make sure Vincent doesn't prevent it."
"Why must she die?" Ash asked appalled at the indifference Celebi showed of a lady losing her life.
"For Team Rocket to get to where they are now, the one named Dr Namba must think that he has got his revenge on Vincent. Rebecca's death needs to happen because it was her time, it's that simple. When you see smoke rise from Azalea come back here as he won't be able to take on Mewtwo and yourself. Remember once you see smoke the timeline will start to correct itself."
"Yet again I'm digging you out of the shit." Ash said as he rushed off down Route 33 and arrived on the outskirts of Azalea in forty minutes. From here he could see the buildings on the horizon but had no idea which one was Vincent's mothers. Instead, he decided to hide in a tree on the outskirts as he doubted Vincent would just pop into existence in the middle of a Town. He was right as not five minutes later a dark pressure built up and the very man himself appeared. Ash wasted no time in leaping from the tree and diving onto Vincent who could only cry out in surprise as he was thrown into a tree.
Ash let him stand up and see who it was, and he saw Vincents eyes widen in shock.
"You!" he said in shock as he got to his feet "I killed you!"
"Not quite" Ash said smirking "you've been a very naughty boy Vincent. A very naughty boy indeed."
"I don't have time for this" Vincent said snarling as he brought out two daggers from his side and leaped forwards attacking Ash. Ash ducked the first strike, blocked the second with his arm and punched Vincent in the nose earning a shout of rage as they both felt it break. Ash pressed his advantage and started to duck in between the slashes targeting the limbs and ribs and it wasn't long before he had disarmed Vincent who panted at being beaten. He hadn't been beaten in combat like this since he first started the training all those years ago. Ash however didn't try and finish Vincent off, he knew that he had to do that after getting back to his original timeline so when he saw smoke start to rise in the distance, he knew his job was done. Vincent looked to where Ash was looking and cried out in anguish when he realised what it meant. His mother was gone. Angrily he turned to snarl at Ash only Ash was no longer there. Frustrated he released Celebi and commanded her to take them both away.
Ash reached his Celebi half an hour later and looked at her expectantly. "Good, the stitch in time is beginning to heal. Our next destination is somewhere else you'll find familiar." She started to sing again and they disappeared and reappeared in front of a very familiar castle.
"New Island?" Ash asked "why?"
"This is nine months before you beat Mewtwo" Celebi said "you have just received your starter but there is an item here that should be familiar to you. It is in a set of drawers in the office on the top floor. You need to place it the drawers in his secret office. You have half a day before he arrives here."
"Vincent came here?" Ash asked surprised "why?"
"You'll know when you open the drawers. Hurry" Celebi said disappearing.
Taking the very familiar path up the stairs Ash walked into the office and growled. The last time he was here in this office he had killed the bastard that performed experiments on his dad not long after. His dad! Was he still here? Quickly he rifled through the drawers and growled when he saw the GS Ball lying innocently. "What the hell?" he asked picking it up and feeling an extremely familiar aura emanating from it. It was if a million-piece puzzle went off in his head as he placed it inside his pocket and took the hidden tunnel down to the secret lab. Walking past the machine he stopped when he saw a door just off to the side, one he missed the last time he was here. 'Cold Storage'. Immediately he ignored the office door and walked into the freezer, ignoring the chill and began to open the chests one by one until finally he stopped in front of the only one that was upright. Tentatively he placed his hand on the handle and pulled it open, falling to his knees when the very familiar body of his father stared back at him. It was a good ten minutes later when he realised that he had been standing there in shock, meters away from his dad. It made him so angry to realise that he had totally ignored this area last time he was here. Should he take his dad with him? No, he couldn't. he had no way of doing so, plus he might destroy the timeline in doing so. His dad was perfectly healthy and alive back in his timeline. It was this thought that gave him the courage to close the freezer and force his legs to move into the office. Opening the top drawer he reluctantly placed the GS Ball inside and closing the drawer he left, heading through the hidden doorways before finally exiting the castle. Looking back inside he bit his cheek in anger that he had left his dad inside.
"Good" Celebi said appearing in front of him "we just have one more thing to do here then we can get back to your timeline." Teleporting them to Old Shore Wharf Ash looked around and wondered why they were here "its only been a few hours but at this moment Vincent is taking the GS Ball for himself."
"About that," Ash said "if he's taking it then how did it come to be on Valencia Island in a few moths time?"
"That's why we're here" Celebi said "you have a few water types on you correct?"
"Yeah" Ash said releasing Blastoise and Lapras who looked at him and Celebi expectantly.
"We'll only need Blastoise for this" Celebi said confusing them. Ash shrugged his shoulders and recalled Lapras. "Blastoise, I need you to sail towards New Island and use Rain Dance, when visibility is practically zero, I need you to use Surf to create a tidal wave that is directed at New Island. Now it likely won't reach, but it doesn't need to, all that I need you to do is check that a rowboat capsizes during the storm. Once you've confirmed that come back here."
Blastoise, if he was confused didn't show it as he leaped into the water and raced off, quickly going out of sight. The only indication that Blastoise had done what was asked was storm clouds suddenly appearing on the horizon far away. Ash used this time to meditate and try and heal himself some more. Between the fight, healing Sam, being teleported out of existence and all the shenanigans of the last few hours Ash was exhausted. He felt somewhat more of himself as he felt Blastoise getting nearer and stood up in expectation.
"It's done" Blastoise said as he jumped onto the jetty "why did I do that?"
"I have no idea" Ash said, "if I find out I'll let you know."
"Home is close by" Blastoise said "can I go? It'll save me being transferred."
"No" Ash replied shaking his head "we're in the past. At this moment home doesn't even exist as I've only just left Pallet Town with Pikachu. We won't meet for another two months yet."
"Wild" Blastoise said as Celebi appeared in front of them again.
"That should be the last stop" Celebi said "we need to stop Vincent, but we also need to send Martha and Towa back to their time. That's going to be difficult as it was me that sent them into the future in the first place."
"Then don't" Ash said "go back to the correct timeline and send them back once the situation is resolved. They both already know to keep anything related to you a secret and I don't want to be around you any longer than I need to. Sammie is the only issue, but I know you can modify memories."
"That's too risky" Celebi said worriedly.
"No riskier than sending them to a time and place where they could easily run into their other selves." Ash countered impatient to get back.
"Very well" Celebi said deciding "however once you get there the timeline will be very nearly as it was, my daughter is still captured, and Vincent is still dangerous. You will arrive just a few minutes after you disappeared. Make the most of it. Remember this though, where there is death, there will always be death." Before Ash could ask what she was on about the green toll happened again and they disappeared, this time arriving at the original Shrine with the uprooted tree. He was getting sick of having his face planted in the dirt. He was happy to be back in 2001 though.
Standing up he realised he was still at least ten minutes away from where he made his stand and shook his head. Why couldn't she have dropped him where they had the battle. He realised as he started running that maybe it was a good thing to drop him somewhere where he was able to recover and be of use rather than be vulnerable. Given that time was of the essence he ran as fast as he could to where he felt himself already doing battle. Getting there was easy, making sure he wasn't seen was a bigger issue but thankfully his other self was too busy doing battle. He very nearly broke cover when he saw Pikachu get captured, he very nearly lost himself, but it was only because he saw the other Ash lose himself that he kept his sanity. He couldn't let himself be distracted like that, especially given how open he left himself battling Pikachu.
When the crescendo was reached though and Pikachu was sent flying into the tree he set himself. This would likely be the only opportunity he had to surprise Vincent. As he felt the wave of black spread out and hit him, he tensed but amazingly it didn't affect him. Watching his past-self disappear though made him wince as he knew what he was going to go through.
Vincent cackled as Ash disappeared. "I always knew I'd be the one to end that boy's life. I suggest the rest of you stand down" he said smirking at Ash's other three Pokémon who remained wary. Looking around Vincent wondered what he could use as they were still pretty powerful Pokémon that could cause him problems. It was only because the Shadow Ball gave his Pokémon the belief they were at max level that they could even fight lie they did but all of them looked exhausted. He needed to bluff here.
"Round them up, lock them in the house" he said pointing at his Pokémon "I suggest you do as your told before I order Celebi to help you join your deceased master" he finished staring at Ash's. Cautiously they moved off and as soon the three were locked away he let out a breath. "Tyranitar, Rock Slide, cover the exits of the house." Turning round he noticed the young boy and the elderly woman looking at him with hatred. Grabbing some rope, he walked over to Towa and ordered her to tie up Sam before he used the rest of the rope to tie her up too. The boy was very capable of battling given how well he did ordering around Pokémon that didn't belong to him.
Looking at his newly acquired Legendary he wondered what to do with it when he remembered the very reason that he wanted to capture her in the first place. Recalling his other Pokémon he said "Celebi, we have a destination. Azalea Town, August 18th 1992. Pikachu stand guard over your friends; I'll be back shortly to cash in on you all."
As soon as he disappeared Ash dashed out and his fist glowing blue punched a surprised Pikachu in the face sending him sprawling. Before Pikachu could react, Ash picked him up and forced his aura into him causing Pikachu to cry out in pain as the darkness was purged from him. Less than a minute later Ash knelt in exhaustion as Pikachu was finally cleansed.
"Ash?" Pikachu asked looking around in confusion.
Before Ash could respond another voice was heard "what was that?"
Looking round he saw Sammie with the eldest Towa tied up leaning against a rock.
"It was aura" another voice said causing Ash to groan as off to the side Martha walked out with the other Towa who looked warily at the situation.
"Martha" she said grasping her hand "we were told not to interact with our other selves, what are you doing?"
"I'm sorry" she said as she looked contrite "I've just never seen aura used in such a way before. My own master couldn't do that."
"Martha?" the Towa with Sammie asked tearing up at seeing her sister again "is that really you?"
"Yeah" Marth said looking at Towa and chuckling "you got old sis." Walking over she released her sister and the young boy who looked on in confusion.
Ash shook his head clear at the surreal situation and decided enough was enough "right, you two" he said pointing to the ones from 1984 "say absolutely nothing more. I've just spent the last few days cleaning up the mess Celebi has made by dragging us all into this and trying to reform the timeline she broke. These two" he said pointing to Sammie and the eldest Towa "are to be told nothing. Sammie is already nearly fifty years out of his time because of that little green shit kidnapping him, you two are seventeen years out of yours because of the same thing. The only ones that belong here are the oldest Towa and myself. So, Celebi, do your thing." Ash said looking around and hoping she did. "Anytime now Celebi," Utter silence. Snarling Ash looked around in annoyance "You're making me look like a right dick now talking to thin air Celebi. I've danced enough for you today, get your arse out here and send these people back to their proper timelines!"
"Celebi is right here Ketchum" Vincents voice said making Ash turn around and watch the masked man walk out of the forest. "Imagine my surprise when I went back in time to save my mother and you were there to stop me. And then imagine my surprise when I come back here to claim my prizes and yet again, you're here. How are you here when I have Celebi in my possession?"
Ash ignored him and walked forwards until they were twenty feet away from each other, Pikachu joining him on his shoulder.
Looking down at his belt he saw to his frustration another Shadow Ball that was empty. "You're making a habit of destroying my creations Ketchum. I'm going to really enjoy seeing the light leave your eyes." taking a step back he pulled the other four balls off his chest and released them all. "As you can see, I've had ample chance to heal my Pokémon fully, looks like you're out of luck Ketchum."
"No, he isn't" Sammie said grabbing his starters ball and releasing Charmeleon.
Vincent laughed uproariously at the boys audacity "I don't know who you are kid, but you've got gumption. But one middle evolution and a rat against my line-up? You're out of your depth."
"You forget something Vincent" Ash said taking two Pokéballs from his belt and noticing how frayed it was "I am Ashton Satoshi Ketchum, Champion of the Kanto Pokémon League and Master Aura Wielder. You're just an assassin with delusions of grandeur." throwing them out Vincent frowned when he recognised them. He'd seen the Blastoise several times before, mainly during Ash's Kanto league challenge. It was the second one that made him tense in nervousness though as the last time he has seen this one was also at the same league only Ash had to forfeit her for being too aggressive.
"Queenie, Blastoise" Ash said in a calm voice "this prick needs to die. He's kidnapped that black Celebi and is messing with the timeline. Attack!"
Vincent wasn't ready for Ash to start charging forwards but his Pokémon were, and they intercepted Ash's and engaged them in battle. Salamence had quickly taken the Tyranitar out of their battlefield and was fighting forty feet to the side. The forest around them had quickly been levelled during their struggles and the rest of them were giving the two Pseudo-Legendaries a wide berth lest they be hit. Blastoise had engaged the Floatzel leaving Pikachu to once again take on the Scizor leaving Charmeleon to battle Alakazam who kept Teleporting out of the way leaving Sammie frustrated. Vincent had raced off into the trees while Ash was directing traffic but soon reappeared inside his now three-legged machine. Ash groaned when the familiar whirring started up and immediately ran off to engage Vincent.
Twenty minutes later the battle showed no signs of slowing down but during the melee Sammie was fighting alongside Martha while the two Towas watched on from the treeline feeling useless. A pop behind Martha made her turn quickly and on instinct launched an Aura Sphere at the Alakazam who was sent flying into the treeline. "Nice work" Sammie said his eyes shining with battle lust. Martha who had seen that several times over the years when watching him compete just shook her head in fond remembrance before an unearthly sound came from just behind them as a huge tree was uprooted and launched their way. Martha in the few seconds she had to think about it, shoved Sammie out of the way and tried to focus her aura into her legs to leap over the tree. Unfortunately, it had been so long since she had done this that her body didn't respond in time, and she was clipped by several roots and sent tumbling ten feet away where she lay unmoving.
Ash of course was unaware of all this as he was focused on staying alive. He had managed to disable one the last arm but was having to dodge the feet that didn't care where they landed. The imagination needed to come up with this machine made Ash quite envious. He wasn't that envious though when he ducked underneath a tree Vincent had uprooted and sent his way but he was very grateful that he had aura because he felt something speeding towards him and he leaped out of the way as Vincents Tyranitar was charging forwards and smashed into the machine of her master sending it flying. Ash quickly charged behind the Tyranitar and brought an aura infused hand onto the back of her neck knocking her out of the fight.
A cough was heard from across the destroyed field as the hatch opened on the machine and Vincent crawled out coughing blood up. Ash, ignoring the destruction around him jumped over the leg of the machine and harshly stepped onto Vincents arm crushing the controls for it and making Vincent cry out in pain. Bodily Ash picked him up and punched him in the face repeatedly until he felt an arm stop him. Looking around he saw it was Blastoise who had lumbered over. Giving him a questioning look Blastoise just shook his head and nodded to Vincent who's face was now a bloody mess. Disgusted with himself he dropped the man and nodded gratefully to his turtle.
Sammie watched as the dirt settled and gasped when he saw Martha lying in a heap after saving his life. Quickly he scrambled over to her on his hands and knees and turned her over, crying out in alarm when he saw the back of her head covered in blood.
"Martha, Martha!" He shouted holding her head in his lap as tears fell from his face, all thoughts of the battle gone from his mind. Wiping them away furiously he held on to her tightly and shouted in relief when he felt her stir. "You're ok!" he said happily "I'm so glad."
"Sammie" she said smiling looking up at him. Slowly she raised one of her hands and cupped his cheek "I want you to do something for me ok?" she asked "I want you to remember something the most honourable person I've ever met once told me. Talent without application will only take you so far in life. You have it in you to be remarkable Sammie, promise me that you'll earn it."
Grabbing the older womans hand he nodded, unable to say anything as he felt her hand go limp and drop to her chest as the light left her eyes. Sammie, unabashedly crying his heart out for the woman who didn't even know him saving his life.
Ash had an inkling of who this woman was and he shook his head in disgust that Celebi had caused all of this. She had a lot to answer for when she returned. Walking over to Sam he put his hand on his shoulder making him look up quizzically. "She's gone Sam. I'm so sorry. Where's her Towa by the way?"
"She's over there" the eldest Towa said walking out, tears streaming down her face and nodding to the treeline where the younger Towa was leaning sat against a tree also crying.
"Ah" Ash said "this was the date right?" he asked her getting a nod. Looking at Sam he pondered on what else to say before another noise was heard from the side. Standing up he walked over to Salamence who had just landed with a Pokéball in her mouth only it wasn't a normal ball. It was a Shadow Ball.
"That's mine Ketchum" Vincent said as he came to leaning against his machine, his mask half broken and his face full of blood "that Celebi is mine and when I recover from this I will end you."
Ash stood up and walked over to Vincent with the ball in his left hand hanging by his side. Kneeling five feet from Vincent he looked at him, pondering the man who had caused so much grief. Shaking his head Ash stood up and began to turn away.
"Mark my words Ketchum, I will find out who you all are and kill you all, starting with your mum, after all it's only fair as you let mine be killed." he didn't get the chance to continue as Ash whirled round and sent an Aura Lance into the mans eye ending his life.
"I doubt it" Ash said letting out a deep breath and leaving the dead man lying against his creation.
A few hours later Ash had released his team and destroyed the Shadow Balls letting each of the Pokémon go their own way. The Tyranitar though posed a problem for Ash as she was miles away from where she was captured.
"I can send you to Mt Silver" Ash said making her nod uncertainly "it's either that or you find your own way through Johto."
Quietly she said "I'd like that."
Ash nodded "I'll capture you when I get my bag back. Until then can you help clear the rubble from the house, I'd like my friends back."
Nodding Sammie with his Charmeloen and Ash with his Pokémon gradually moved all the rocks and broke the door off the hinges as Sneasel, Machamp and Suicune walked out and looked warily at the Tyranitar. "She's fine now" Ash said "it's over."
Recalling them until it was just Pikachu and Tyranitar out with him they walked back to the two Towas who were cleaning their sisters body of the blood and talking quietly. Looking up they smiled before noticing the last Shadow Ball in Ash's hands. "You need to finish this Ash" the youngest Towa said. "I think we've been here long enough."
Nodding Ash pressed the release button on the ball and watched as the black Celebi came out waiting in silence for an instruction. Concentrating Ash focused the aura into his hands and placed them onto Celebi who cried out in pain as he grabbed her. Ten minutes later an exhausted Ash collapsed to the ground panting as he looked up at the sky. A pop to his left made him look over and groan as the original Celebi appeared.
"Where the hell were you?" Ash asked angrily trying to sit up and failing "I called for you an hour ago and you ignored me. This is all your doing."
"It is as it should be Ash" Celebi said "the world has been saved, the choice made, and the timeline renewed. Everything is nearly as it should be."
"Are you telling me my sister was supposed to die here today?" the youngest Towa asked sounding angry "do you mean to tell me that I asked my sister to come and see me, after nearly thirty years apart only to be the cause of her death?"
"You did not cause her death" Celebi said not answering the question.
"No, you did that" Ash said finally heaving himself onto his feet "when you messed with the timelines, you did that."
"I will not ask you to understand the decisions made here today" Celebi said sighing "just that everything was preordained for a reason, one that hopefully in time you will accept."
"I will never accept needless death" Ash said standing up "I've just rescued your daughter, you owe me Celebi. Do not forget that."
"I'm aware" Celebi said "name your boon."
Looking at Sam who was tending to the body of Martha he started to speak before Celebi interrupted him.
"Not that" she said.
"Later then" Ash said looking around at his companions "first I think everyone that shouldn't be here needs to be sent home."
Without saying anything the two Celebis nodded and started to sing, the world around them began swirling in a haze of green as Sammie, Martha and the younger Towa disappeared in a flash. A few seconds later the world slowed down again and then righted itself. Groaning Ash heaved up the very little contents of his stomach as his head began to pound and with a groan he passed out.
It was a full day later that he awoke on a very familiar couch. "Oh, what the hell happened?" he asked aloud.
"You passed out" Towa's voice said from the other couch making him fall off in surprise at having his question answered unexpectedly. Alarmed Towa sprang up and helped him sit up leaning against the couch. Looking expectantly at Towa she began to speak.
"You passed out, possibly from over-usage of aura. More likely though it was everything became too much for your head. Anyway it's been less than a day since we got back, your Machamp retrieved your bag from the shrine where you left it. It's in the corner over there if you're wondering."
"It did" an annoyingly familiar voice said from the side of them as Celebi appeared. "don't be like that. Everything is back to how it was. Sammie is back in his own time and continuing on with his journey. I had to modify his memory somewhat, the Sammie you know doesn't know it was his future wife that exchanged her life for his, but he is aware something significant happened and feels the loss every year since then. You must not tell him what happened. Your younger self Towa has taken care of the funeral of your sister and Martha's body is now on its way back to Pallet Town. And as for you Ash your role in my prophecy is fulfilled. Mother will be pleased."
"Yipee" Ash said sarcastically as they heard a patter of feet come into the room. Ash looked confused for a second before he realised it was the young girl from a few days ago. "your granddaughter, right?" he asked Towa who nodded in happiness as she held her arms out to her. The young girl walked cautiously forwards as the huge man from a few days ago was watching her with what she was told was the Pokémon who's shrine she must rebuild and watch over in the future. "What's you name sweetheart?"
"Del" she said cautiously looking at her grandmother "it's short for Delia."
"Oh" Ash said smiling "that's my mother's name. She'll be tickled pink to know I've met another Delia. How old are you Delia?"
"Ten" she replied.
"That's not much younger than I am." he muttered before gaining an idea "I've made my choice Celebi."
"Ok" she said looking curious.
"You will lift the curse on Towas family" Ash said getting a gasp from Towa who hugged her granddaughter tighter, apologising for squeezing too hard before looking at Celebi in hope. "You owe me Celebi, and I think this curse has run its course don't you think? You've kept them here for over five hundred years."
"My shrine still needs maintaining" Celebi replied sounding uncertain.
"Cover her ears Towa" Ash said. Seeing her do so he continued "that's bullshit, and you know it. How many of your other shrines are looked after? The answer, none. So, you have no reason for keeping her family here."
"That's not the point Ash" Celebi said, "The shrine needs to be maintained."
"Then the village here can do it on a rota basis. A family a year can look after it." Ash said glaring at her "stop being so vain."
"I'm sorry, I just cannot do it." Celebi said.
"Ok" Ash said looking at Towa who looked distraught "then I'll do you a deal. You release them from this curse and I won't completely demolish your shrine."
"You would dare?" Celebi asked in outrage.
"You're damn right I would" Ash said standing up pointing at Delia "if it means this young girl and every child that follows her gets to be free then you're damn right I would. Free her."
Celebi couldn't find the words necessary to express the outrage she felt at that moment. The audacity of this boy knew no bounds, but he was right, she owed him, and this was well within her power to grant.
"Right" Ash said walking over to the corner of the room where he saw his bag "let's go Towa." Ash marched out of the house and walked down the stairs quickly being followed by Towa and Delia. He hadn't walked forty yards when Celebi appeared in front of him shouting at him to stop. Ash however ignored her and carried on walking. The sleepy town, hearing raised voices again walked out onto their balconies and watched as the strange man who appeared a few days ago was arguing with Celebi. The people gasped when they realised who Ash was arguing with, Celebi hadn't been seen in over a hundred years and other than rumours they doubted she even existed.
"I told you my terms Celebi" Ash said walking around her "free the girl from the curse or I destroy your shrine. I know full well you can do it."
"Ash" Towa said holding Delias hand and stopping a few feet from him "you don't have to do this. You can ask her for something else."
"No" Ash replied "it's the principal of the thing Towa. For five hundred years her vanity has kept your family from being able to leave freely. She has always been able to release your ancestors from the curse but for whatever reason hasn't. Well that stops today."
"FINE" Celebi cried as Ash began to walk towards the big hole in the cliff-face "fine" she said sighing before chanting. Incredibly, to the amazement of the townspeople eight more Celebi appeared in the square. They could only look on in awe as they all surrounded Towa and her granddaughter and started up another chant, this time spinning around them. As the noise reached a crescendo Towa and Delia collapsed to their knees as out of their body came a spectral Celebi that dissipated as the chanting slowed down and eventually stopped. One by one the Celebi disappeared until it was only the original one left. Glaring at Ash she uttered the phrase "I hope you're happy."
"Oh, I am" Ash said "at times I struggle to explain to people that you Legendaries aren't anything like you're believed to be. I've known for years how selfish and self-centered some of you guys are and every interaction I have with ones like you disgusts me. I would have thought what Dialga said to you would have sunk in but obviously not. You have kept Towas family bound to this town for your own selfish reasons, and they have done nothing but keep your memory alive and revere you. But every time I have met you Celebi someone has suffered, you're very much your mother's daughter and that isn't something to be proud of. I really hope I never see you again. Oh, and I want my tent back."
Celebi said nothing as she winked out of existence alleviating the pressure that the people could feel. Letting out a deep breath Ash quickly jumped to the side as a mangled green tent appeared where he was stood. Gingerly he picked up a frame and shook his head "the company are never going to believe what destroyed this tent Pi."
"Thank you, Ash" Towa said walking forwards and hugging him "you've no idea what this means to me" she finished looking at Delia in happiness.
"I hate people that trap Pokémon for their own selfish ends" Ash said "Pokémon like her can be just as bad. Life should be here to be enjoyed, so enjoy it. Anyway, I need to be going" letting her go he picked up his ruined tent and tried to place it back into his bag. He had to take a few things out to do so but he managed it. It was as he was placing the items back in that he stopped at the last one. The GS Ball. "You don't still happen to have Celebi's feather, do you?" he asked Towa.
Two hours later the people of Goldenrod City looked up in awe as a huge blue dragon soared over their heads. Landing outside the train station he ignored the gasps he gained for how torn up his outfit was and boarded the train to Saffron City and sighed.
"So much for catching up to where we needed to be" Pikachu said sighing.
"I know" Ash said grimacing in agreement "but this needs to be done Pi."
The journey only took an hour, but it was late afternoon when he exited the train station. Sending a quick message to a few people he released Salamence again and gave her the heading. It was 1am when he landed at his house and collapsed onto his bed, exhausted from the event. He cursed his body clock though when he was wakened at 6am. Walking down his path he basked in the silence and stood at the bench that was next to the flowerbed he buried Andrew under. Saying hello to various workers he walked back to the house and walked into his room where he shut the door. Getting the GS Ball out he placed it on the desk and sighed. He really hoped this would work. Taking the Silver Wing and the Rainbow Wing out of the case he placed them down onto the bench where they started to move slowly towards the ball. Getting out Celebi's feather though he immediately felt a build-up of pressure. Picking up the others he began to make a plait out of them and wrapped it around the ball where upon touching what would be the release mechanism a huge wave of aura swirled around him wrapping him in a cocoon of silver, green and red until it settled down a few minutes later and retreated into the ball, the feathers disappearing with the cocoon.
Smiling Ash picked it up and pressed the button to shrink it, happy that now worked and placed the ball into his pocket. Rushing outside he climbed onto Salamence and he along with Pikachu winged their way to Pallet Town. They arrived very soon, and Ash thanked Queenie as he rushed into the house.
"Ash!" Delia said in surprise "You look a mess! I've been so worried about you! That message told us nothing, what's been going on?"
"Is everyone here?" Ash asked.
"Yes" Sam arrived ten minutes ago "what's going on?"
"Come on" Ash said linking his heavily pregnant mother "I'll tell you all at once."
Walking through the bay doors he greeted everyone who looked in shock at the state of Ash. While he had changed his attire he was still covered in small cuts and bruises. He was glad Sam and Gary could make it along with Laura and Daisy. His dad was stood off to the side in conversation with Blue which stopped as he looked at the state of his son.
"It's ok" he said holding his hand up to stop people from clamouring over him as he held out a chair for his mum to sit in "Daisy please don't get up; I know you're pregnant. As for the rest of you there's something you need to know."
"Is this about Arborville?" Gary asked getting a sharp look from Sam who he ignored "My memory is pretty good Gramps. You told us something would happen soon with Ash and that place."
"Yes" Ash said nodding and looking at Sam "before I start, I just want to say this. I've been ordered not to tell you certain things but given what Celebi has put me through in the last few days she can get fucked. Sorry mum and Aunt Laura" he said as they looked at him with narrowed eyes at his language "I don't know how much you remember Sam so if you could fill in the blanks when I begin it would be appreciated." Ash struggled to find the words to start but once he did, he found he couldn't stop, Sams version was pretty much the same right up until they reached Ash disappearing in a black wave.
"Everything after this you likely won't remember Sam as you weren't supposed to be there." Ash said "Celebi messed up by taking you out of both timelines. She instead brought you to one you were never part of. Daisy looks so much like Martha, doesn't she?"
"You met Martha?" Sam asked leaning forwards in shock.
"We all did." Ash said sighing and closing is eyes at the memory "what have you guys been told about how she died?"
"Nothing" Sam said angrily "that witch Towa refuses to tell me."
"Towa didn't know herself until yesterday" Ash said "I know it sounds confusing Sam but the original timeline was destroyed. Another one was created by Celebi and I as we tried to fix her mess. Yesterday a person named Samuel Oak, a fourteen year old boy fresh off his first Pokémon League was supposed to die. He was then supposed to be resurrected via sacrifice and live on to become the Champion, father and Professor who sat in front of you all a few days ago. Instead that young boy was saved by his future wife who threw herself in front of a tree to stop that boy from dying and now this man sits in front of us. Martha Oak is a hero in every sense of the word."
"She died because of me?" Sam asked in shock as silence pervaded the garden.
"No!" Ash said sharply "she died saving you Sam and she died in the arms of the boy who would go on to become her husband of thirty years. Her last words were to you. She died because she chose to, because she knew who you would grow up to be and the impact you would make on thousands of people's lives."
"What were her last words?" Blue asked clapping his father on the shoulder.
"Let's just say your father's motto wasn't his idea" Ash said smiling "or maybe it was given Sam gave her the idea to start with. Time-travel is very confusing."
"So, what happens now?" Daisy asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Whatever you want to do" Ash said shrugging "Vincent is dead and will never trouble you again, I made sure of that. Your life is what you make it."
"That's downright profound" Gary said shaking his head.
"I have my moments" Ash said smiling before looking at Sam "Sam, I only met her briefly but I just wanted you to know that she loved you for a very long time. You do her a disservice for blaming Towa, put the blame where it should be. If you need someone to blame then blame Celebi, she caused all of this."
Nodding Sam stood up shakily and started to leave. Ash though stood in front of him, and he looked up at Ash wondering why. Grabbing the man in a tight hug Ash whispered, "thank you for fighting alongside me that day, I wouldn't have survived without you." hugging him back Sam nodded against him before he let him go "Oh" Ash said loudly for everyone to hear "Towa has a granddaughter who is incredibly sweet. Her name, believe it or not is Delia." he finished looking at his mum who smiled in happiness.
"We'll have to go and see her then." Sam said nodding.
"Or she could come here" Ash said to his confusion "Celebi owed me big time for what she caused. The cost for her was to release Towa and her granddaughter from the curse she placed on them. Her family is now free."
"You never cease to amaze me Ash" Sam said, "you could have asked for anything, and you chose to help someone you didn't even know."
"I already have everything I need" Ash said shrugging his shoulders and wincing at the twinge "Delia deserved the opportunity to live her life freely. I have no regrets."
Sam nodded before leaving through the door, closing it behind him.
"He just needs time" Laura said wiping tears from her cheeks "he's been kept in the dark about how she died for so long, he's just in shock."
"Are you ok Blue?" Red asked his best friend. Red had known Martha after all.
"I think so" he said nodding uncertainly "in a way I'm relieved. We know the truth now at least and knowing my mum died a hero makes me proud."
Ash walked behind his mum as they were talking and hugged her from behind. "Do they know she was an aura guardian?" he whispered into her ear. Getting a shake of Delias head he nodded "Ok." Gripping his hand Delia looked up at him and conveyed her message with just a look. "I know" he said gripping it back and looking up as the Oaks started to get up.
Ten minutes later Red walked back outside and sighed heavily as he sat down. "Well, that wasn't what I was expecting when you messaged me last night. Are you ok?"
"No" Ash said shaking his head and stroking Pikachu on his "I'm tired Dad. No, we're tired" he said nodding at Pikachu "tired of cleaning up messes we should never have been involved in. The Lugia thing at the Whirl Cup wasn't even a week ago! We're sick of it. We even told Celebi that we wouldn't be getting involved and she still kidnapped us and placed us smack bang in the middle of the situation."
"The only good thing to come of that situation was letting Sam know something that has been kept from him all this time" Delia said "so maybe it was a good thing you were there."
"That's surprising coming from you" Ash said looking at her questioningly.
"Oh, don't get me wrong I'm furious" Delia said "but there's literally nothing I can say or do to change what happened."
"Well, it's not the only good thing to come of it" Ash said as he brought out the GS Ball. Immediately his dad scooted the chair away as he felt the pain coming from it. Falling backwards in his chair he scrambled up onto his knees and looked up just in time to see the ball come flying at his head and smacking him right between the eyes. He could have sworn he heard a shout as darkness overtook him.