The Blue Spirit

by silentplayermc03

A vision has been seen by Arceus; a world covered in darkness, corrupting both humans & pokemon alike but it also showed two heroes fighting against it. Plans are formed, old & new friends meet, relationships are made, emotions run high, secrets are revealed & an inevitable world war engulfs them all against the darkness…

30. Chapter 29 - Memories

THE BLUE SPIRIT

CHAPTER 29 – MEMORIES

Lance was about to leave with May in hand cuffs when Ash agreed to show him proof that he wasn't involved in the stadium attack in exchange for May's freedom. After Lance took off May's handcuffs, Caroline quickly went to her daughter and hugged her tightly before leading her back to their group.

"Well, I'm waiting." Lance crossed his arms and glared at Ash. The raven haired trainer sighed before looking at his psychic pokémon.

"Gardevoir, come here please," said Ash softly. Gardevoir gracefully moved towards him and stopped by his side, a questioning look on her face. "You know what to do."

"But, I don't have much experience in this. I'm not sure I can do it," remarked Gardevoir. Queen Ilene, Riley, Bonnie and Clemont stared at the psychic and fairy type, never before hearing a Gardevoir speak, even though it was through telepathy.

"Ash, what are you trying to do?" asked May, worried but Ash held up his hand, signaling her to wait.

"You'll see," replied Ash as he glanced at her before facing his pokémon again. "You can do it Gardevoir, I believe in you. But if you want, I'm sure Anabel can help you. She is a psychic too."

Anabel blushed slightly at being mentioned by her crush but quickly got over it and moved towards them. She stopped right in front of the two.

"I will be happy to help Ash with whatever it is you're trying to do. Just tell me what and how," stated Anabel with a smile.

"What is going on here?" asked Steven, confused at what he was trying to do.

"I would also like to know what it is you're planning Ash," commented Diantha.

"Gardevoir is going to bring out my memories and Anabel is going to help her stabilize the connection. You're going to see what I've done in my life to show the type of person I am as your proof that I wasn't and wouldn't be involved in the stadium attack or anything of the sort."

"I see. Well, if that's the case then we need a neutral third party," said Lance. He took out his phone and quickly called someone as Ash's eyes narrowed. "I need you here. Now."

Lance hung up and a second later, a pink glow appeared in front of them. Sabrina, the beautiful psychic Gym Leader of Saffron City appeared, having just teleported to their location. She was wearing her trademark gym outfit consisting of a red knee length skirt and red jacket over her black blouse, complimenting her black hair. Gary yelped at the sight of her and quickly hid behind Leaf and Ilene, who glanced back at him with amused but also confused faces.

"I'm here Lance. And Gary, I know you're there. You can stop hiding and being afraid. I've moved on."

Gary slowly peered out from behind the two girls and gulped before giving his ex-girlfriend of barely a month a small smile.

"Typical Gare-Bear," jabbed Leaf, earning some chuckles from their friends. Gary scowled and moved to stand between her and Ilene again. The latter of the two wondered for a brief moment as to the reason why the young man would be so scared of the black haired girl but then pushed it aside. She had more important things going on right now that she wanted to focus on.

"What is it Lance?" asked Sabrina calmly, facing him and the other Champions.

"Ash here is going to show us some of his memories. I want you to be part of these two who bring them out to make sure they aren't altering anything." Sabrina looked at the people that Lance pointed to and noticed the raven haired trainer standing near her. The gym leader's cold demeanor softened at the sight of him, who nodded at her with a straight face. She still remembered how he helped her break free of her cold emotionless self years ago.

"I see. Very well," said Sabrina. She moved to stand near Gardevoir and Anabel who were nervous.

"Relax Gardevoir; I know you can do it. Show them what you believe will help them see the type of person I am and that I'm not lying. And I know you'll do great too Anabel. Sabrina, thanks for doing this," remarked Ash. Gardevoir and Anabel smiled, gathering confidence from his encouragement and Sabrina merely nodded with a stoic look on her face though her eyes were locked onto Ash.

Sabrina, Gardevoir and Anabel glanced at one another before each of them placed a hand on Ash's head and a moment later, their eyes glowed blue and so did Ash's. They used their powers together to bring out the raven haired guardian's memories. A large blue sphere appeared above them suddenly and it showed a blurry image. Everyone was in awe as to what they were witnessing but quickly got over it as the image's quality got much better with the blue coloring fading away to reveal normal coloring. Pretty soon they could clearly see what was going on.

MEMORY #1

A young Ash Ketchum, around six years of age, was in his room, having just woken up. He yawned as he stretched before getting dressed and headed downstairs. While making his way down, he heard someone crying and froze as he became scared. After a few seconds, he moved faster down and headed into the kitchen to see who was sobbing so early in the morning. It was his mom who was crying.

"Mommy, why are you crying?" asked kid Ash. Delia was sobbing loudly and looked up at her son when she heard him with a tear streaked face.

"Oh Ash…I don't know how to say this but…Daddy is gone!"

"What? What do you mean Mommy? Daddy will never leave! He's hiding as always! We always play hide and seek remember? I'll find him, you'll see!"

"Ash, wait!" cried Delia but kid Ash was already out of the house by the time she said anything. They watched kid Ash run around the town, checking all the usual spots that his daddy would hide in but found nothing. After checking the last place, he sighed while shrugging and went back home.

"Mommy, Daddy is getting good, I can't find him! I checked all his spots!" exclaimed kid Ash, panting as he doubled over, leaning against his knees with his hands. He noticed his mommy was on the couch now and still crying. She faced him before quickly getting up and hugging her son.

"Oh Ashy…sweetie...I don't think you will be able to find him again. He's gone. He went away for good!"

"What?" whispered kid Ash, finally understanding and taking a step back. "He…he left? Why would he leave? Was it because of me? Did I do something wrong? Is it because he doesn't love me anymore?" Kid Ash started to cry thinking it was his fault his daddy left, making the people who were watching the memory fidget around as they were uncomfortable watching such a personal and emotional memory. Delia let out silent tears as the memory of that day flashed through her mind's eye, remembering the whirlwind of emotions she felt that day.

"No it's not because of you, sweetie. I don't-ASH!"

Kid Ash had suddenly run out the door, crying like mad, ignoring his mommy's shouts as he ran towards the cliff near Pallet Town overlooking the ocean. He ran and he ran until he couldn't anymore, falling to his hands and knees, near the cliff's edge. He was crying and breathing hard. He started whispering to himself as he panted for air in between his crying.

"Why'd you…leave…daddy? Why…I thought you…loved…me…"

Many who were watching the memory had tears in their eyes, including Cynthia but Lance kept his serious gaze, though Steven, Alder and Diantha showed signs of concern. Kid Ash looked up and stared out into the horizon. The sun was setting, striking the water with its rays, making the ocean sparkle. If he wasn't so sad, he would've thought it looked amazing. The young boy felt someone sit down on the ground next to him after a few minutes of watching the sunset. He knew it was his mom without even glancing at her. Kid Ash wiped his noise with the back of his hand as he kept looking straight ahead.

"Why did Daddy leave?" asked kid Ash after a long silence.

"I don't know…I have no idea as to why he'd leave like that. I'm so sorry Ash," answered Delia quietly, barely holding back tears. Suddenly kid Ash threw himself at his mommy as he hugged her and started sobbing loudly. "It's okay sweetie. Mommy's here and I'll never leave you."

"You promise?" asked kid Ash after a moment.

"I promise. And can you make a promise and keep it for me?" Ash nodded as he looked up at her, unable to speak. "Never let anything keep you down. Life is hard and difficult. But we cannot let it control us. We will fall. We will hurt. We will lose people we love. People will walk out of our lives. But we must never let it keep us from living. Can you do that for me? Promise me that you'll always look for the good in life, that you'll never give up and that you'll never let bad things keep you down."

"I promise Mommy. I promise to do my best. And I promise that I won't be like him either. I'll never leave you or anyone else without saying why," promised kid Ash. The two hugged and stayed like that as the sun completely set, with Delia letting out more tears as she remembered that day. The memory faded away before another took its place.

MEMORY #2

A young honey blonde haired girl, barely nine years old, was crying in the middle of a forest, holding her leg. She had fallen and grazed her leg after being spooked by a Poliwag and it had begun to bleed. She was lost, scared and hurt and didn't know what to do besides crying.

"Hey don't cry," said a dark haired boy as he appeared out of some bushes. The girl stopped crying immediately and eyed the boy. As he got closer she moved backwards a little, scared since she did not know him. "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help," said the boy as he kneeled down next to her. He saw her leg bleeding and took out a blue handkerchief and wrapped it around her wound. She looked at what he did before looking at him.

"Thank you," said the girl quietly, her cheeks turning pink.

"No problem. I'm glad I could help. I'm Ash Ketchum by the way," said the boy standing up, holding out his hand to her. She took it and stood up.

"I'm Serena," replied back the girl, her face becoming redder though Ash didn't comment on it since he didn't notice, being a kid.

"Cool. Nice to meet you. Let's get out of here," said young Ash as he began to walk away but when Serena tried to follow after him, she stumbled a bit.

"I can't! My leg hurts too much!" cried young Serena, kneeling down and holding her injured leg.

"Don't worry, I got you." Young Ash took young Serena's hand and pulled her up. The young girl's cheeks reddened even more. "We'll go get you fixed up and then we can play with my friends Gary and Leaf. They're good people even though they can be a little annoying sometimes. OK?" Serena nodded but then she sniffed a bit, trying to hide that she was still scared. "Hey." Serena turned her gaze to Ash who was looking at her. He smiled a bit before speaking. "Don't worry. I'm here and I won't leave you. Don't give up until it's over," he said to her.

He then led her out of the forest while holding her hand and back to their camp grounds. As the memory faded away and the third one came up, Serena smiled at the memory, remembering the first time she met the love of her life.

MEMORY #3

Ash Ketchum had just started his pokémon journey with Pikachu when a flock of Spearow tore after the two after being angered by the trainer and his pokémon. They were shocked to see him in such danger but were also surprised to be able to hear the memory Ash's thoughts.

What a terrible first day and it's not even over yet! First I wake up late, I didn't get the pokémon I wanted for my starter, I ended up with a Pikachu who doesn't listen to me, Gary was a complete jerk to me while bragging how he has a bunch of cheer leaders following him as he travels, Leaf broke her promise to travel together on our journey as she left without me and now I have a bunch of Spearow trying to kill me! Why is this happening to me? Why? What did I do to deserve such bad luck?

Leaf and Gary glanced at each other, feeling horrible for what they did to Ash in the past before facing the memory again. Leaf was especially sullen, remembering that promise. She had broken it because of her impatience to start her journey and felt that he was going to slow her down. Ilene gave another covert curious look at Gary, thinking about the cheerleader remark before facing the sphere again. Ash ran for a while longer before he tripped and fell, dropping Pikachu who hit the ground hard and cried out in pain. He looked up at his starter pokémon who was beyond beat up and whimpering.

I'm getting nowhere with this. I can't blame anyone or anything. This is the hand I've been dealt and I have to make it work. I can't keep running and Pikachu is hurt badly. I won't let them hurt him anymore! I have to face them!

His thoughts moved the people as they watched the tired memory Ash place Pikachu's poke ball next to the electric mouse, telling him to get inside it to be safe. He then struggled to get up before facing the flock of Spearow as a clap of thunder was heard from overhead, making some of the viewers flinch.

"Spearow! Do you know who I am?" shouted Ash at the many Spearow who cawed back at him.

"My name is Ash Ketchum and I'm going to become the greatest Pokémon Master there ever was or ever will be! That means that I can't be beaten by the likes of you! I know you're angry but that doesn't mean you can do as you like! And you will stop hurting my Pikachu as I won't let you! I'm not afraid of you so come and get me if you dare!" roared Ash, spreading his arms out as thunder clapped over head again.

The flock of Spearow all shot towards the young trainer. Some of the people watching the memory shouted out pointless warnings as they saw the angry pokémon get closer. Ash braced himself but he felt something run up his body and from the corner of his eye he saw a yellow mouse jump into the air from his shoulder in front of him. Pikachu jumped at such a perfect time that he absorbed a lightning bolt that struck at that second.

"PIKA…CHUUUUUU!" Pikachu used the lightning strike to fire a supercharged electrical attack that engulfed all the Spearow but also blasted Ash down to the ground, blacking out.

Ash woke up the next morning and saw his Pikachu lying down on the ground next to him, facing him with the Spearow finally gone. He looked very weak. Before he could do or say anything, the sunlight shone down on them as the clouds parted and a soft cry was heard from overhead. Ash and Pikachu looked up at the sky, expecting to see Spearow again but instead saw a massive yet beautiful rainbow colored bird flying overhead. The people watching were stunned at the fact that Ash had seen a legendary pokémon so soon in his journey.

"A Ho-Oh…seeing one is said to be a blessing from the legendary and that it will bring good fortune to those who see it," remarked Oak while everyone else stood in silence, too stunned to speak.

"Pika…" cried the yellow mouse weakly as Ash slowly got up and picked up his starter pokémon.

"I can't believe you did that for me. Thank you Pikachu. Don't worry buddy, I'm going to make sure you feel better, I promise." Ash tore down the dirt path, feeling his legs screaming for him to stop but he didn't. They watched him run down the path as the memory faded away before another took shape. Pikachu dropped his ears as he remembering that day.

MEMORY #4

Ash, Pikachu, a red headed girl named Misty and a dark skinned boy with squinty eyes named Brock were inside an old building in Lavender Town, looking for a Ghost type pokémon so Ash can use it to battle Sabrina and her Kadabra. As they explored the haunted building, they started hearing noises.

"What's causing all those noises?"whispered Misty while looking around wildly, beginning to get afraid.

"Probably the ghost pokémon," answered Brock with a shrug.

"GHOST?!" yelped Misty while jumping on top of Ash's back.

"Misty! You know that's why we're here!" remarked Ash, struggling to keep his balance.

The real Misty went pink over seeing her past self jump onto Ash, who didn't complain about holding her up and the others chuckled. Memory Misty got off of Ash, blushing in embarrassment over what she just did as Brock told them to quiet down and they continued. Brock passed underneath a large chandelier and when Misty went underneath it as well, the cord keeping it hanging from the ceiling snapped. Misty screamed, frozen in shock but was pushed out of the way at the last second. When she hit the floor, she heard a loud crash and turned around only to have her heart leap to her throat. Ash and Pikachu were under the large chandelier, having pushed her out of harm's way and they weren't moving.

"ASH!" screamed Misty and went to him with Brock following her. Some of the viewers, especially Delia, screamed in fright over what they saw.

"Oh no, please no!"whimpered Misty. The two struggled a little before getting Ash and Pikachu out from underneath the chandelier. A transparent Ash and Pikachu were then spotted floating above them, watching what was happening before they then noticed three ghost pokémon nearby; Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar, who were laughing.

"So you think it's hilarious that I got injured badly and practically dead?" asked ghost Ash, mad. The ghosts explained that it was just a prank. "Pranks are meant to be funny, not seriously hurt or kill someone," snapped ghost Ash. The ghost pokémon frowned before looking away, embarrassed. "You want to have fun that's fine but don't endanger anyone's life," chastised ghost Ash.

"Pi pika pi pikachu!" agreed ghost Pikachu, mad at the three, before ghost Ash and Pikachu floated down and went back into their bodies.

"Ash please wake up!" cried Misty, holding him in her arms, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Please!"

Ash murmured a bit before slowly opening his eyes. He saw a blurry face with red hair. "Misty?" groaned out Ash as Pikachu got up and shook his head in Brock's arms.

"Oh thank Mew you're alright! Don't ever scare me like that again!" cried Misty, hugging him tightly.

Better me than you Misty, thought Ash as he returned the hug. Real Misty felt her heart flutter hearing memory Ash's thoughts, that even back then he was willing to risk his life for her. Many of the viewers couldn't believe that even at such a young age he was willing to give his life up for others.

"C'mon you two, let's get out of here," said Brock softly as he led them out of the old tower. Right as they reached the door, Ash turned back around as he felt something nearby. Misty and Brock glanced back to see why he was standing there and were about to ask what's wrong when a transparent Haunter appeared. Misty and Brock were about to scream in fright when Ash silenced them. The Haunter's form became corporeal and the memory faded away to show another.

MEMORY #5

Many different pokémon were fighting across a large stadium arena. The pokémon were fighting against another of its own species, who were cloned, while the legendary pink Mew and its purple clone Mewtwo were fighting against each other high up in the air. The group watching the memory was horrified at the savage fighting between all the pokémon but also awed at seeing the two legendary pokémon locked in a heated battle between the two powerful psychics.

"Pokémon shouldn't fight. Not like this," said Nurse Joy, clasping her hands together to her chest.

"Won't they ever stop?" asked Misty as she sunk to her knees.

"These pokémon won't stop until one of them drops. Mewtwo just cares about showing how powerful his super clones are," answered Brock.

"That's a battle that no one will ever win," whined Misty.

"Somebody's got to take a stand, to not fight. Just like Pikachu," said Ash and they looked at Pikachu.

Pikachu was getting attacked by another Pikachu but wasn't fighting back, just taking the hits as he stood there. The other Pikachu was demanding him to fight, taunting him and striking him but Ash's Pikachu just kept refusing. Suddenly Mew and Mewtwo landed in the middle of the stadium after trading blows and were charging up their next attacks. Ash glanced at all the tired and hurt pokémon along the stadium walls and he felt both angry and sad at what he was seeing. He got up and ran towards the two legendary pokémon as Misty and Brock called out to him to stop but he didn't listen.

"You need to stop! STOP FIGHTING!"shouted Ash as he ran into the middle of the field right when Mew and Mewtwo sent out their attacks.

Both charged beams of energy struck him at the same time, causing a small explosion. Both the people in the memory and those watching the memory screamed in fright. When the dust finally cleared they all saw Ash's body glow white and float in the air for a second before falling down to the ground and turn to stone. They watched on in silence, horrorstruck as Pikachu ran to him and shook him.

"Pikapi…" Pikachu shook Ash, trying to wake his trainer and friend but nothing happened.

"NOOOOOO!" shrieked Misty as she fell to her knees, tears in her eyes.

"MY BABY!" screamed Delia, completely overtaken by what she was seeing in the memory while all the girls had their hearts leap to their throats. The Champions were wide eyed at what they just saw. Caroline, Grace and Johanna gathered round the hysterical mother to try and calm her down as the memory continued.

"Fool…trying to stop our battle," commented Mewtwo, utterly confused as to what the young boy just did while Mew merely tilted her head.

"PIKAA...CHUU!" shouted Pikachu, shocking the stone body of Ash, attempting to wake him up but nothing happened. He tried again and again and again until he ran out of energy but Ash did not wake. Seeing how no matter what he did, Ash wasn't waking up, the yellow mouse realized that he was truly gone and felt sadness fill his heart. "Pikapi…"

Pikachu began to cry and so did all the other pokémon around them besides Mew and Mewtwo. Then, something strange happened as all the pokémon's tears suddenly traveled through the air and landed on Ash's stone body. The streams of tears floating from each pokémon to Ash brightened the night sky and even cleared away the clouds from over head, revealing the stars in the sky.

As the tears traveled to the stone body of Ash, it glowed blue, glowing brighter and brighter as more and more tears traveled to him. Misty, Brock, Nurse Joy, a few other trainers, Mewtwo and Mew were stunned at what was happening as they bared witness to the incredible event. As the last tears from the pokémon traveled and landed onto Ash, the petrified body glowed so bright that they had to shield their eyes. After about ten seconds of Ash glowing blue, the stone around Ash disappeared and the blue glow faded away. Ash groaned before slowly lifting his head and saw his Pikachu in front of him. The two stared at one another until Pikachu cried out in happiness before hugging his friend. Misty and Brock ran to the two and hugged Ash, happy that he came back.

"Why would he sacrifice himself?" wondered a confused Mewtwo out loud.

"Because he cares for all pokémon without prejudice," explained Mew through her telepathy. Mewtwo sighed and shook his head slightly.

"So you're saying regardless of how they came to be, he cares for all pokémon, naturally born or through other means like being cloned…I never would have believe it had I not witnessed it for myself…"

Mewtwo moved forward towards Ash and his friends. When they faced him, the psychic feline apologized for the fighting and informed him that he is going to go travel and think about what he has learned from him as the scene faded away and another appeared.

MEMORY # 6

"I choose you! Charizard!" shouted Ash as he tossed out a poke ball and his powerful red dragon Charizard appeared with a roar as he shot a Flamethrower into the sky. After his display of power, Charizard looked at his opponent who was a tough looking Poliwrath who had a gold belt wrapped around his body.

"Not bad Ash," complimented the trainer he was battling but then Charizard fired a Flamethrower at Poliwrath without a command.

"I didn't say start!"cried out a startled Ash that his pokémon started the fight with no warning.

Seeing Poliwrath unfazed from his attack, Charizard flew up and shot more flame attacks while ignoring Ash's pleas and commands. The trainer sighed and ordered his Poliwrath to use Ice Beam. The icy energy beam hit the dragon and encased him in ice, making the great red dragon crash down onto the ground. Charizard was frozen solid except for the dragon's tail that had its flame on the tip. It had become dangerously small and weak. Ash began to frantically chip away at the ice with a rock as the other trainer walked away.

"Let me know when you can finally control that thing and I'd be happy to have a rematch Ash," he said as he left.

Ash kept hammering away until the ice finally shattered, freeing his pokémon who cried out, shivering from the intense cold he was feeling all over his body. Ash, Misty and Tracey gathered some wood and lit several fires around Charizard. Ash then began rubbing his pokémon's back to help him recover from the cold but Charizard groaned as he shivered again, making Ash rub harder and faster. Charizard's flame on his tail grew a little larger from all the heat and rubbing after a while.

"That's the man from the attack! He is involved with them!" yelled Lance suddenly after recognizing the younger Tracey, making everyone glare at him.

"Didn't you hear Ash when he fought him?!" asked Dawn with a furious look.

"He admitted to them being friends before but then he renounced it! Try to keep up with current events will you?!" finished Misty with a snarl. Lance sweat dropped before he went silent again as he continued watching the memory.

"Ash, your hands!" yelped Misty after a while, making Ash look down at his hands and saw that they were red and blistering.

"It's okay Misty. Charizard's need is greater than mine," replied Ash while smiling a little, about to get back to work.

"Wait. Rub his back over this then," said Misty, throwing a blanket onto Charizard for two reasons; one to warm Charizard and two, so Ash doesn't rub his hands raw.

"Thanks Mist." Misty smiled and blushed slightly when he said her nickname before she knelt down and helped Ash rub Charizard's back through the blanket. He continued even as Misty and Tracey fell asleep, long into the night before falling asleep himself, leaning against Charizard's back. He woke up in the morning on the ground and when he looked around he saw Charizard standing near the coast, looking out into the horizon.

"Charizard?" asked Ash, getting up and getting closer. Charizard glanced back at Ash before smiling slightly and showed his tail's flame, which was strong and large. "That's great Charizard!" shouted Ash as he hugged his pokémon, who returned the hug.

They continued watching the memory as a couple events unfolded. After dealing with the meddlesome Team Rocket trio, Jessie, James and Meowth as they tried stealing Pikachu again, Ash and Charizard faced the man with the Poliwrath once more. With Charizard finally obeying Ash's commands, they were able to beat the powerful water and fighting type with ease. Both dragon and trainer cheered in victory and hugged each other, solidifying their new status as friends and battle partners. The memory faded away to reveal another one.

MEMORY #7

Ash was standing on the edge of a cliff, looking out towards the horizon at three large mountains that were on separate islands near each other that were across the ocean. He saw the three legendary birds, Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres fighting against one another in the distance. The weather around him was turning horrible, with terrible winds, heavy rain and loud thunders heard with flashes of lightning piercing the sky. The viewers were awed at seeing the legendary birds and the powerful weather storm.

"You must go to the last island and get the last treasure from the mountain so the Guardian's Song can soothe them and calm them from their angered states. Only then would we be able to stop the legendary birds' conflict and keep the world from getting out of balance," said Slowking. The pokémon talking caused some of the people watching the memory to gasp but most have gotten used to talking pokémon now because of Lucario and Gardevoir.

"What if I can't do it? What if I fail?" asked Ash, trying to hide his increasing fear at both the danger in front of him and of him failing to get the job done. No matter how hard he tried, a certain red haired girl noticed it.

"I know you can do it Ash. I believe in you," said Misty, grasping his hand and squeezing it a bit. Ash glanced at her, who blushed, then at their friends Tracey and Melody who were standing a bit away, but nodded before smiling slightly.

"Thanks guys." He turned to face the red head once more. "Misty…You always know what to say to motivate me. Thank you. I choose you! Charizard!"

Charizard appeared with a loud roar and Ash climbed on top of him with Pikachu jumping onto Ash's shoulder. A large whirlpool appeared in the ocean before it caused a water tornado to form, rising higher and higher into the air. A large creature's shadow was shown swimming up inside it before revealing itself in all its majestic glory. It was the legendary silver and blue colored pokémon Lugia, the Guardian of the Seas!

"I shall provide cover for you against the three birds Chosen One as you gather the last treasure."

The Champions glanced at each other when Lugia said 'Chosen One' and several of Ash's friends tilted their heads in confusion as well. Ash, Charizard and Pikachu took off for the last island. The legendary birds stopped their fighting and focused on Lugia and Ash as they drew closer. Ash turned his hat backwards as he committed himself to what he was about to do.

"Let's finish this," said Ash with conviction, making the people watching the memory get goose bumps as they watched him charge in courageously with his pokémon.

Charizard roared as he sped towards the advancing birds, dodging some of their attacks and countering others with Pikachu while Lugia intercepted the others that they couldn't while nearing the middle island. They saw him finally get to the last treasure sitting at the top of the mountain after Lugia gave them an opening to rush past. Charizard landed on the ground in front of the shrine holding the treasure. Ash jumped down from the dragon with Pikachu and ran to the shrine. He grabbed the last treasure, which was a small sphere that glowed at his touch. He was about to run back to Charizard when Zapdos and Articuno appeared out of nowhere and knocked out the red dragon with a team attack of Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. They were about to attack Ash when Lugia came in between them and fired a large meteor like attack, an Aero Blast, that overwhelmed the two legendary birds, sending them flying away after it exploded in front of them.

"Such power…incredible," commented the Unovan Champion Alder, speaking for the first time while the others gasped at the sheer power of the large silver and blue legendary.

"Hurry Chosen One!" shot Lugia, landing on the ground so Ash and Pikachu can climb onto him after he returned his Charizard. Lugia took off with Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres tailing them, with the first two having recovered already. Lugia and Ash were almost back to the shrine but then the legendary bird trio was able to connect their signature elemental attacks at once after failing to hit him for so long. Lugia shrieked in pain before dropping from the sky back into the water while Ash and Pikachu were thrown from the blast of the attacks into the water.

"ASH!" cried out several people as they witnessed him fall.

They saw him hit the water hard, wincing as they imagined the pain he would have felt before slowly sinking into the ocean. Right when his head became submerged, a small yet strong hand grabbed his hand and pulled him up to the surface of the water. Misty had jumped into the water when she saw him fall. She swam while carrying Ash, struggling to keep them both afloat with Pikachu right beside them until they finally reached the shore.

"Ash, wake up! Please!" cried Misty as she shook him. Ash murmured and coughed up some water before opening his eyes. His vision was a little blurry but there was no mistaking who it was.

"Thank you Mist." Misty half smiled before she helped him up. The three of them hurried to the shrine in time to see the bird trio knock each other out in the distance. Ash placed the last treasure, which was a glowing orb, into the last spot before their friend Melody began playing the Guardian's Song on her musical instrument made from a large sea shell. As she played the song, the shrine activated, glowing green. The green glow then expanded, traveling along the ground and water. As the green glow reached the fallen legendary birds on the base of the mountain on one of the islands, they glowed green as well that healed their wounds. They each woke up a moment later and flew back to their respective mountains without any more confrontations.

"We did it," sighed Ash as he looked at Misty, Pikachu, Melody and Tracey. Suddenly, the large water tornado appeared again from the water before Lugia appeared once more also healed from the song.

"Thank you Chosen One. Because of you, the world is now once more in balance. Many owe their lives to you. On behalf of the legendaries, I thank you," stated Lugia before diving back down into the water.

Ash, Misty, Melody, Pikachu and Tracey cheered and hugged as the memory faded away for another.

MEMORY #8

Ash, Brock and Misty were headed back home after traveling through Kanto, the Orange Islands and Johto together.

"I guess this is us," said Brock sadly as they reached a fork in the road.

Brock and Misty had to go north to head back to their homes in Pewter City and Cerulean City respectively but Ash had to go south to reach Pallet Town. Misty was walking her bike back as they traveled together since she had gotten it back all fixed up from the Nurse Joy at the last Pokémon Center they visited before reaching the fork. Misty and Ash glanced at each other. Brock, knowing how the two felt for one another, said something about checking his stuff so he moved away after saying his goodbye to Ash. Lucy smiled at seeing Brock's thoughtfulness in the memory and grasped Brock's hand who smiled at his girlfriend. Ash and Misty hugged before a slight silence came up between them.

"Misty, I'm going to miss you," said Ash, scratching the back of his head, nervous. Both Ash and Misty blushed.

"I'm going to miss you too Ash," replied Misty, gazing at him. "Here, I want you to have this as something to remember me by." Misty took out a pink handkerchief from her bag and gave it to him.

"I'll keep it with my always," replied Ash as he took it causing her to smile as he placed it in his front jeans pocket. "Misty…"

"Yea Ash?" asked Misty, making eye contact with him. Ash began stuttering as he tried to gather the words and courage needed to say what he's wanted to say for a while now.

C'mon, say something damn it! Don't be such a chicken! Said a voice that popped up from inside his head out of nowhere.

"I…ah…I'll never forget you."

Loser! Pathetic! You damn wimp!

"I won't forget you either," replied Misty with a hopeful smile.

Say something to her! Anything!

"I'll keep in touch with you okay Misty?"

Not that! You freaking idiot! You coward!

"Oh, okay Ash. I'll keep in touch with you too," replied a crestfallen Misty as she began to walk away.

"I promise I'll visit you Mist!"

Ash's sudden promise and use of her nickname caused Misty to redden but smiled as she waved goodbye before she and Brock left. Ash looked at them for a moment before sprinting away from that spot towards the opposite direction. Pikachu was right at his heels. Ash had tears falling from his face as he argued against the voice in his mind.

You damn coward, insulted the voice.

Doesn't matter since I don't deserve her, he replied back to the voice in his mind.

You do!

No I don't!

You like her and you know she likes you! All those hints she gave! I know you've noticed them but you acted like you didn't. What's the problem besides being a coward?

I'm not good enough for her alright?

Bullshit! There's something else!

Doesn't matter, it's too late.

It's never too late.

Ash continued to cry as he ran, ignoring the voice in his head who kept trying to encourage him to go back but not in a good way. The memory ended and another formed as real Misty had tears fall down her face as she had seen Ash thinking himself not good enough for her when he actually means the world to her. Her three sisters noticed her crying and hugged her, attempting to make her feel better, which worked a little.

MEMORY #9

A raven haired trainer and a pretty brunette with a red bandana were training together in a large clearing.

"I can't do this!" yelled the girl, dropping to the ground after messing up her training session.

"Yes you can May, you just need some practice," said Ash. He was helping her train her pokémon in showing off their moves for contests. He didn't have any experience in participating in contests but knew how to teach moves to his pokémon. Her little brother Max was watching them and Brock was busy making lunch.

"No I can't! I'm not good at all at this contest stuff. And I can't even battle anywhere as well as you!" admitted May, getting pink circles on her face.

"Hey, I wasn't this good right off the bat and I'm still nowhere near other trainers. Everyone has their own progress and it's up to you to just keep at it and not give up okay?"encouraged Ash, earning impressed nods at his little speech from the people watching the memory.

"I guess…you're right. I'll try," said May, getting to her feet. Ash smiled as May looked at him.

"Good. And I know you'll be one of the best coordinators in the world," said Ash as he grinned at her.

"You really think so?" she asked quietly, her cheeks flushing pink. Ash nodded with his trademark goofy grin. "Thank you Ash."May smiled and hugged him tightly.

"You're welcome May," replied Ash as the memory faded away and another formed as real May smiled at the memory of Ash helping her out when she first started her journey.

MEMORY #10

Ash, Pikachu, May and a small blue legendary pokémon named Manaphy were inside a rapidly flooding temple. Ash looked around wildly trying to look for a way out but instead he found an escape pod. He pushed May, Pikachu and Manaphy inside of it as the water rose to his chest before closing it. He didn't get in himself as it wasn't big enough for him to fit in it with them and he still had a job to do.

"ASH!" yelled May who was filled with fear at what was happening and of him not joining them.

"PIKAPI!" squeaked Pikachu as he watched the water steadily rise.

Ash dove into the rising water around him and picked up two more gems before swimming up. He swam to the center of the temple where an old stone crown was placed on a pedestal, and placed the two gems into it. May and he had put on the others but he was still missing a piece. He dove back down into the water as the escape pod became submerged. May and Pikachu were screaming for Ash as they watched him look for the last gem. Ash looked around frantically and finally found the last gem, swimming down even further to reach it. His muscles were aching and his eyesight blurring from the lack of oxygen. He grabbed the gem and made to swim back up but the lack of oxygen caught up to him. He slowed down and then stopped, floating in the water, the gem still in his hand.

"ASH! ASH!" screamed May, becoming teary eyed while pounding on the escape pod's inner wall. Manaphy grew concerned. He didn't like his mommy crying and shouting. He concentrated and sent his mommy's words to the boy.

ASH! ASH! WAKE UP!

May?

PLEASE DON'T DIE ON ME! PLEASE WAKE UP!

Ash woke up from his semi-unconscious state, shaking his head a bit, his mind and body screaming for oxygen. He swam with every ounce of strength and will he could muster towards the crown. The escape pod suddenly floated away, leaving Ash behind with the sinking temple, the occupants crying over him. Ash reached the crown and placed the last gem onto it before losing consciousness again, floating in the water near the shrine as the crown glowed yellow.

Many of the people watching the memory reacted as they witnessed Ash drowning. Delia shrieked loudly before dropping to her knees, who soon was surrounded by the three mothers to comfort her. Lucy grabbed Brock's arm, Ilene and Iris doing the same to Gary and Cilan respectively, the seven girls screamed and Norman's eyes went wide, seeing Ash sacrifice himself for his daughter. Cynthia's heart beat faster as she let out a loud gasp at the sight. Goodshow grimaced with sad eyes and the other Champions, including Lance, showed shock and sadness.

The escape pod broke the water's surface and May, Pikachu and Manaphy climbed out of the pod with tears on their faces as they sat on top of it.

"HEY!" shouted a girl whose voice was familiar to May.

"Lizabeth! Help us! Ash is still down in the temple!" shouted May back as she looked in her friend's direction, seeing her and their other friends on a decently sized speed boat.

"Jack, move the boat closer and get ready to dive to the temple!" said Lizabeth to the Pokémon Ranger who was steering the boat while Max was standing next to them with a worried look.

Jack moved the boat closer towards them while simultaneously getting his scuba gear on but before they could reach the three, a man in a cloak snatched Manaphy out of Mays' hands since her attention was somewhere else. He had snuck near with his submarine without them noticing.

"Give him back!" shouted a tear streaked May furiously but Phantom merely laughed at her.

"He's mine! He's finally in my grasp! He will guide me to the power of the seas and the world's oceans will be mine to command!" said the Phantom.

He laughed at May and the others but then stopped as something caught their attention. A golden glow began to appear underneath the water between them all and it grew larger and brighter. A golden sphere with a raven haired trainer in the middle of it slowly floated out of the water and soon it was hovering over the surface of the ocean. The golden sphere faded away to reveal that Ash's eyes were glowing a bright yellow-gold color while he was outlined in a yellow-gold glow as well.

"ASH! / PIKAPI!" cried May and Pikachu in shock seeing him outlined in a gold glow, but they were beyond happy seeing him alive. The people watching the memory gasped seeing Ash alive and glowing with a golden aura, yet were wondering how until it was answered by the memory.

"The crown picked him! It sensed his pure heart and saved him, giving him power over the seas!" explained Jack, who had helped May and Pikachu get on board from the escape pod.

"NO! That power should've been mine! Give it to me!" roared the Phantom with anger.

"You will not harm the Prince of the Seas!" growled Ash with a deeper version of his voice that echoed, shocking all in the memory and those viewing it.

He then shot forward through the air, a trail of gold energy behind him, surprising the Phantom long enough to grasp Manaphy out of his arms as he struck down Phantom with his enhanced speed and strength before he moved away. Many water pokémon, including the legendary pokémon Kyogre, appeared from beneath the water. Manaphy cried out and all the water pokémon shot attacks at Phantom and his submarine causing it to explode and Phantom to be blasted away into the sky. Ash and company traveled back to land afterwards. Ash returned Manaphy to May, stepping onto land as he did so, causing the golden glow to vanish from around him. Pikachu jumped into his arms, snuggling into his chest before moving up onto his shoulder. Max ran to Ash and hugged him tightly.

"Thank goodness you're alright," cried Max and Ash simply patted his back before the young boy let him go so his sister can hug him too.

"I'm so glad you're alright and thank you Ash," said May as she hugged him tightly and he returned it.

"You're welcome May. I'm just lucky that the crown chose me," replied Ash, scratching the back of his head as he chuckled when they separated. May punched him in the shoulder for scaring her and Ash sweat dropped as he chuckled nervously and apologized for scaring her. That interaction brought a few chuckles from the memory viewers.

"Mana!" Manaphy hugged May tighter. When finished with the hug, Manaphy then jumped out of her arms and moved towards the water before glancing back at her. After a moment of silence, the legendary water pokémon nodded with a smile and entered the sea to travel back to the temple.

"I'm going to miss him," sighed May walking towards the shoreline.

"I know May but he has to go," said Ash, standing next to her and placing his hand on her shoulder.

"I know." May grasped his hand on her shoulder while gazing out into the horizon as the memory faded before another took place. May smiled as she remembered her 'son' and how Ash came back to her.

MEMORY #11

Ash, Pikachu, May, Max, Brock, a woman named Kidd and Lucario were inside a large mountain like tree, running from many huge pink blobs that were after them.

"Keep running, don't stop!" shouted Ash as they ran through the tunnels until they entered the central area of the Tree of Beginning and ran through a pathway that led them to the heart of the tree. The pink blobs stopped following them and soon they found out why. They found Mew, who was on the ground in front of the mountain like tree's center and was looking very sick and pale.

"Mew!" shouted Ash with concern as they neared her.

"Mew…" said the small pink legendary pokémon weakly.

"She's hurt pretty bad," commented Brock as he inspected her.

"What can we do?" asked Kidd before a small blue glow appeared on the ground near them that caught their attention.

"Look, a time flower!" exclaimed Max.

They went near it and when Ash touched it, they saw a vision of Sir Aaron. He came there a long time ago and asked Mew to stop the war using his aura. He channeled his aura to Mew who shot up into the tree, glowing green and spreading the glow over the tree, which then spread out over the land, calming the two advancing armies and making them stop the fighting. Sir Aaron fell to the ground; white streaks of electricity that looked like lightning bolts were shooting around him. He took off his gloves and set them on the floor near him.

"My task is done. Farewell Lucario and my Queen. I hope one day you find out and that you understand what I needed to do Lucario. I'm sorry for leaving you. Take care." Sir Aaron then went quiet as he closed his eyes, accepting his fate and his body was encased in a large crystal.

"So that's what happened to him," remarked May sadly.

"How could I think he would betray me? That he would abandon everyone? I must make things right. I must do the same as my Master," said Lucario as he focused his energy to channel aura to Mew, to save her and everyone else. After doing so for a bit, he saw that nothing was happening. "My aura alone is not strong enough?!" asked Lucario, confused.

"Lucario, you said my aura was similar to Sir Aaron's right?" asked Ash as he picked up Sir Aaron's gloves that were placed on the ground near a large crystal. The small round aura crystals embedded in the gloves responded to Ash as he put them on. "Well, let's do this together."

"Ash don't!"pleaded May while Kidd gave Ash a look of shock and admiration at his courage.

"If I don't try, then everyone will die," replied Ash simply as he concentrated on bringing out his aura. A minute later, his aura manifested with the help of Sir Aaron's gloves and he began channeling it to Mew. Lucario copied his actions and they were able to strengthen Mew who started to glow green, as she did in the vision. Lucario glanced at Ash and then pushed him away with his body, breaking the connection.

"Lucario!" shouted Ash, stunned as he stumbled back.

"I'll handle it from here Ash." Lucario roared as he gave his entire aura to Mew who glowed completely green and shot up into the tree, making it glow green as well, healing the tree and everything inside it and around it. Lucario dropped to the ground, white streaks of lightning shooting up around him.

"It is done. I hope I made Sir Aaron proud," said Lucario before becoming encased in a large crystal.

"Lucario…we will never forget your sacrifice. Thank you," said Ash as he and the others kneeled and bowed their heads in respect to the pokémon who sacrificed himself. Ash's Lucario gave a bow in respect to the fallen Lucario's memory as the memory faded away and another took shape.

MEMORY #12

Ash, Pikachu, Brock, May, Max, a pretty girl named Soledad and a green haired boy named Drew were hanging out in a town and about to say their byes as they had to split up and go in different directions. Ash, Pikachu and Brock had to go back to Kanto while May, Max, Soledad and Drew were heading towards Johto so May, Soledad and Drew could compete in the contests there. After Brock said his byes and Ash said bye to Drew, Soledad and Max, Brock once again made up an excuse to usher them away as May and Ash said their goodbyes. Lance was about to comment on the green haired boy but then he caught May's scowl and decided to keep quiet.

"Ash, I want to say thank you for everything," said May, holding her hands together in front of her.

"No problem and same here," replied Ash. "I'll miss you May."

"I'm gonna miss you too."May blushed when she said that.

Don't mess this up too. Tell her damn it, spoke up the voice from inside his head.

"May…"

"Yes?"

That's it! C'mon!

"I…I...if you ever need anything, let me know and good luck in your contests."

You fucking coward! Fix it now!

"And if anyone bothers you, let me know and I'll come in a flash."

NO! You idiot!

"Oh, okay. Thank you Ash," replied May, looking sullen, though she hugged him. They separated as the others returned. Brock, Ash and Pikachu walked down the path one way as May, Max, Soledad and Drew went the other. Ash and May glanced back at each other at the same time, causing the two to smile before they waved. "Keep in touch!" shouted May.

"Same to you!" replied Ash, yelling back. Ash saw May face forward and so did he. After a couple seconds he ran ahead, Brock calling out to him to wait up, Pikachu hanging on his shoulder.

You messed up again, said the voice.

I couldn't stop her, replied Ash.

Yes you could have.

And mess up her dreams? No, I couldn't do that to Misty, I'm not going to do that to her.

But you like her.

I do but I also can't stop thinking about Misty.

Speaking of which, what did she say when you last called her?

She said to visit but I can't. I'm not good enough.

Are you mental?

I'm not! And they both deserve better than me.

You are mental.

Tears fell down his face as he continued to run, not slowing down at all with Brock barely keeping up a few steps behind. The memory fades and another starts as Misty and May glanced at one another before shaking their heads in disbelief at what they just saw.

MEMORY 13

"STOP!" screamed Ash as he witnessed a smug looking young man with purple hair beat up his Chimchar with his other pokémon. Dawn and Brock stood beside him and looked at the trainer with hatred and fury.

"He's too weak anyways since he can't keep up with my training," replied the purple haired man coldly and released the beat up Chimchar by crushing his poke ball under his foot before walking away.

"That's not training, that's abuse! How could you just leave him like that?" yelled Ash as he kneels down next to the hurt pokémon.

"I don't have time for weak pokémon. You can have him since you're both weak," said the man as he walked away without a care. Ash growled at him but quickly focused his attention on the hurt fire type.

"Chim…" cried Chimchar weakly.

"Hey Chimchar, I'm sorry for what he did. He's not worthy of being your trainer. I can take you to a pokémon center to get you healed up and if you want, you can come with me. I promise to take care of you and to help you get stronger if you do become part of the family," offered Ash kindly.

Chimchar fixed his gaze with the raven haired trainer with surprise. He looked into the raven haired trainer's eyes and saw that he was being serious. Chimchar thought about it a little more and then nodded. Ash picked him up and left the area with his friends. They ran to the nearest pokémon center and told the Nurse Joy there what happened. The nurse was appalled and quickly took the Chimchar into emergency care. As she disappeared behind the doors, someone tapped Ash's shoulder and he turned around to see a tall and beautiful blonde girl in front of him.

Brock went into his usual flirtatious mode but was stopped by Dawn, who pulled his ear. Both memory and real Cynthia raised an eyebrow at that before chuckling. The people watching laughed as well at his expense and Brock blushed in embarrassment. Lucy glanced at him with a jealous and angry look and Brock hurriedly apologized to her, adding that he was an idiot back then. She relaxed her gaze a bit but turned back to the memory without a word.

"Sorry, but I overheard what you said and I wanted to say that that was a good thing you did. Do you know who the trainer was?" complimented the woman before asking her question.

"Ah thanks I guess. I would do it again without question. Hopefully that doesn't happen again though. Sorry but I don't know who he was. And, um, who are you?" asked Ash, blushing a bit in embarrassment because of the praise coming from such an attractive girl. Dawn had a jealous look appear on her face but Ash didn't notice. Johanna nudged her daughter a bit, making Dawn pout.

"Oh I'm sorry, how rude of me. My name is Cynthia Shirona and you are?" asked Cynthia and Dawn's jaw dropped in the memory, knowing who Cynthia Shirona is.

"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and I'm going to be a Pokémon Master one day. Nice to meet you Cynthia," replied Ash with his trademark goofy smile as they shook hands and his Pikachu pumped his fist into the air in agreement.

Dawn smacked Ash upside the head suddenly, making him cry out in pain before asking what her deal was. She then told him that she was the Champion of Sinnoh and to show her proper respect, making the people watching the memory chuckle a bit. Memory Cynthia smiled at their antics and reddened slightly when he looked at her again but it was different than what she was used to. It was a look of respect and admiration but it also consisted of a friendly challenging one instead of the usual lust filled look that she was accustomed to from many, even young trainers. They viewed her as an object to have but not Ash. His look on her was completely different. It definitely intrigued her.

"If that's your dream, then I will be looking forward to our battle in the future. See you around Ash," replied Cynthia with a smile as she left the center.

"Keep the Champion's seat warm for me!" shouted Ash as she left, making Cynthia glance back and smile at him again. She told him she will be waiting for the day they do meet and Ash told her to be prepared for a grand battle.

The memory faded away and another showed as many in the group nodded with respect over the raven haired trainer's actions in the memory and Cynthia smiled as she remembered meeting him for the first time.

MEMORY #14

A blue haired girl was crying and sitting alone on a bench in front of a store. A raven haired trainer sat down next to her after a few seconds.

"Dawn…" started Ash but was caught off by the blunette.

"I suck Ash! My mom would be ashamed of me! She was a top coordinator! I'm her daughter and I lost the first time I competed! I thought I knew what to do and I had practiced so much and I still lost!" wailed Dawn, completely upset over losing in her first ever appearance in a contest.

Johanna's eyes watered seeing her daughter Dawn become so sad and hugged the real Dawn, who hugged her back. Ash placed his arm around her shoulders, drawing her in close to him while she still cried before speaking.

"Dawn, you're mother won't ever be ashamed of you and you lost not because of you, but because who you faced had much more experience than you. It's not your fault. I've seen you practice and you know your stuff and your imagination is second to none. I know you will be one of the best coordinators in the world, just like another friend I know," said Ash soothingly.

Dawn cried as he spoke but it slowed down as she listened to him before finally stopping. She took a couple breaths before talking again. Her head was still leaning against his chest.

"Do you really mean that?" asked Dawn quietly with her eyes closed.

"Of course I do. I would never lie to you," answered Ash. Dawn looked up at him, opening her eyes that were shining because of her tears.

"Thank you Ash." Dawn hugged him and he returned the hug as he smiled.

"You're welcome. Remember I'll be there with you every step of the way and don't give up until it's over," said Ash as the memory faded and another formed as Dawn and Johanna smiled at one another.

MEMORY #15

Ash and Dawn were running up a circular staircase holding a device while the sounds of a battle raging on was heard from outside.

"Hurry Dawn! We don't have much time!" shouted Ash as they ran with Pikachu right behind them. A loud blast was heard from outside. Something hit the structure they were in, causing them to stumble.

"AAAHHHH!" screamed Dawn as she lost balance and fell over the stair's railing.

"DAWN!" yelled Ash as he jumped to catch her before he could miss his chance, dropping the device on the stairs and catching her hand, stopping her from falling. Dawn winced as the sudden stop put pressure on her arm and shoulder.

"Ash, you have to let me go! We don't have much time. You have to finish it," said Dawn as she began to tear up. Johanna hugged her daughter tighter, seeing the memory version of her daughter wanting to sacrifice herself.

"NO!" defied Ash. "I'll never let you go Dawn and you better not let go either! Just hold on!" Ash struggled a bit before he was able to summon his strength and pull Dawn up. Dawn was shivering from her near death fall but quickly hugged Ash.

"Thank you Ash, thank you…" said Dawn as she cried.

"No problem Dawn, but c'mon, we're not done yet."Dawn nodded, gathering herself and they continued running up the stairs. They reached their destination and put the device into it. They pushed a button but nothing happened.

"There's no power!" exclaimed Dawn.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" said Ash.

"Use Discharge Pachirisu!" said Dawn as she called out her pokémon.

The two pokémon's electric attacks powered up the device and the machine began to work. A calming melody was blasted out of the large sound system to all nearby the structure. Dawn, Ash, Pikachu and Pachirisu ran onto a nearby balcony and watched as the two legendary deity pokémon, Dialga and Palkia stopped fighting and relaxed. The memory viewers had their jaws drop at the sight of the deity pokémon. Palkia's wound healed itself and the two nodded at each other before Dialga left through a portal. Palkia used his powers to restore the fading city and brought everyone and everything back and in their normal states before he too left via his own portal.

"We did it! We did it!" said Dawn happily as she and Ash high fived one another and then hugged.

"Yes, we did." Ash looked up while still hugging Dawn and saw Darkrai standing on top of the structure, who gave Ash a curt nod before vanishing. The memory faded and another took shape.

MEMORY #16

Ash, Pikachu, Dawn and Brock were at an airport, on their way home. Ash, Pikachu and Brock were heading back to Kanto and Dawn was going back home. Brock once again came up with an excuse and left the two alone.

"I'm going to miss you Ash," said Dawn, getting pink circles on her cheeks.

"I'm going to miss you too Dawn," replied Ash a little embarrassed as the two hugged and separated before gazing at one another.

"Dawn, thank you for everything and I hope you do well in your contests," said Ash.

"Thanks Ash, I hope you do well in your dream to become a Pokémon Maser," said Dawn smiling.

Please tell me you finally learned! Tell her, said the voice inside his mind.

"I….ah…I want…" Started Ash but stopped.

"You want what Ash?" asked Dawn giving a curious expression, trying unsuccessfully to hide her hopeful face but Ash didn't notice. Once again, Joanna nudged her daughter who whined for her to stop, making the people near them to chuckle.

C'mon, third time's the charm!

"I want to say that I'll never forget you," finished Ash.

"Oh…I'll never forget you either Ash." Dawn went red.

Not bad, she's responding so go on.

"We'll keep in touch alright since that's what close friends do," said Ash, unable to say what he really wanted to.

Friend? FRIEND? Seriously?

"I will most definitely keep in touch," said Dawn, trying to give him a boost to say what she thinks he might want to say.

"Sounds good Dawn."

REALLY?

"Hey we got to go! Our plane is on the other side of the airport!" said Brock as he came back.

"Oh okay. Bye Ash, bye Brock!" said Dawn as she hugged Brock then Ash, though she held onto him much longer than when she hugged Brock, who noticed and gave a small smile.

"Bye Dawn." Ash separated from the blunette and looked her in the eyes before leaving with Brock. Dawn watched him leave for a couple seconds before Ash glanced back at her. They both smiled and waved their farewells. He faced forward, his eyes watering and so Brock couldn't see, he dashed away from his older friend, Pikachu running behind him with Brock.

You sir, are a bon-a-fide idiot, remarked the voice in his head.

Shut up, replied Ash.

You know she likes you. You did the same thing again. What the fuck is wrong with you?

I said shut up! I don't know, I just can't alright. Something's holding me back and I don't know what.

And?

And I still think about the other two….

This is going to make it three now you know.

I know.

No retort? Hmm…

The memory faded and another appeared. Misty and May looked at Dawn who shook her head at them, while still being hugged by her mother.

MEMORY # 17

"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!" yelled Ash. Pikachu fired the powerful attack against the pillars that supported the barrier that trapped the small fire and psychic legendary pokémon Victini. Again, the memory watchers were stunned that Ash was helping another legendary pokémon.

"Victini!" cried out the small legendary pokémon while struggling against its confinement to get free.

"We have to leave now! The castle is rising up into the air!" yelled a man.

"I can't leave Victini!" shouted back Ash as Pikachu tried another attack. The man left with his dragon pokémon, flying away on its back before stopping and watching the sword shaped castle and landmass fly up into the sky. The Dragon Force, a green colored aura-like energy, was trailing it. Ash and Pikachu did everything they could think of to save Victini but as they continued climbing into the sky, Ash collapsed from the increasing coldness and dwindling oxygen as they rose into the sky.

"Pikapi…" said Pikachu, trying to get him to get up by slowly shaking him as he too began to lose energy.

"Pika…chu…I'm sorry…buddy…" replied Ash weakly as he began to get covered up in ice. Victini looked at the young trainer with fear and anger swelling up inside him. He couldn't let him die. Not after being so kind to him and being his friend. The fire and psychic type focused all of his energy into readying his final attack.

"VIC…TINI!" screamed the small legendary as he used all of its power to destroy the barrier and the pillars while reviving Ash and Pikachu. The small pokémon disappeared, apparently destroyed by its own act and the castle stopped rising. It began to fall, having lost its power source that was Victini. The two legendary dragon pokémon, Reshiram and Zekrom, flew up and guided the falling landmass into the heart of the Dragon Force, to contain it and prevent it from spreading out and causing destruction.

They next see Ash and Pikachu rejoin his friends Cilan and Iris at the entrance of the sword shaped castle.

"What happened to Victini?" asked Iris.

"He…he sacrificed himself to save me, Pikachu and to stop the castle from rising," explained Ash as tears streamed down his cheeks. Iris and Cilan had their eyes water after hearing how their friend was gone. Many of the viewers shed tears at hearing that.

They decided to travel to the ocean in Vicitini's memory. Cilan opened his macaroon basket to hand them out and he tosses one out into the ocean for the 'dead'. But instead of falling into the ocean, the macaroon is caught by an invisible creature who reveals himself and its Victini.

"VICTINI! You're alive!" shouted Ash happily. Victini hugs Ash, Cilan and Iris with a happy smile on its face since now he can travel around the world as he is no longer trapped by the pillars. Cilan gives him the basket of macaroons as a farewell gift and they leave shortly after with Victini waving goodbye to them. The memory fades and another formed.

MEMORY # 18

A group of friends were relaxing in a secluded spot near a lake in the Kalos region that had a pokémon rental booth for Rhyhorn racing practitioners. A raven haired trainer glanced at the booth.

"Serena, you think you can teach me how to be a Rhyhorn rider for the Rhyhorn races that are coming up?" asked Ash.

"I don't really like it but I'll show you what I know," replied Serena. She helped Ash practice riding Rhyhorn and how to race properly with a rented Rhyhorn. As she did so, she remembered her mother's lessons and her view of the sport began to change and she didn't hate it as much as before.

"Good job Ash! You're learning quickly!" exclaimed Serena, impressed.

"Thanks and it's because I have a great teacher!"praised Ash, making Serena go pink. Grace glanced at her daughter who was doing her absolute best to not get embarrassed but failed miserably as she was blushing because of the memory.

"You're welcome and thank you. Let's take a break."Ash and Serena rejoined Clemont and Bonnie who were sitting at a picnic table and had set up lunch. The four ate their meals while talking and joking around. After finishing her meal, Serena excused herself and walked towards the nearby lake's shore and sat down on the sand, drawing her legs close to her and wrapping her arms around them as she rested her head on her knees.

"You okay Serena?"asked a raven haired trainer as he sat down beside her, legs stretched out in front of him and leaning back a bit as his hands were placed behind him, supporting him.

"I'm fine Ash. It's just…" she didn't finish as she stared ahead.

"It isn't about the showcase is it?" asked Ash. She turned her face to look at him, her expression answering his question. "It's okay. It was your first time. You'll get better, I'm sure of it."

"How can you be so sure?" asked Serena.

"Because I've been through so much and never gave up. And if I can keep going, so can others."

Serena gazed at him, before glancing back at the lake, lost in thought.

"Thanks Ash."The memory faded away and another formed as Grace smiled at how Ash supported and encouraged her daughter.

MEMORY #19

Ash, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie were fighting several Team Flare members and quickly knocked them out. They ran down the stairs in front of them and continued down, fighting several of the evil team members as they made their way down before reaching a large steel door.

"Hawlucha, break it down!" called out Ash as he tossed out a poke ball.

"Hawlucha!" cried the winged wrestling bird pokémon as it used Hi Jump Kick against the steel door, making it break open. They all ran inside and what they saw made them stop dead in their tracks.

Xerneas, the legendary pokémon that represents life, and Yveltal, the legendary pokémon that represents destruction, were stuck inside two large containment spheres while a machine absorbed their energies. A tall man with flaming red hair stood in front of them dressed in a black suite, glaring at the trespassers.

"So I'm impressed you made it this far. But you will never stop me. I must purge the world of all the ugliness before I rebuild everything the way it was supposed to be; beautiful," said Lysandre.

"I won't let you! You have no right to do that!" roared Ash as he tossed out two more poke balls. Frogadier and Talonflame appeared, taking up battle positions next to Pikachu and Hawlucha. "I'll handle Lysandre. The rest of you, free the two pokémon!" ordered Ash to his friends who ran past them as Lysandre called out his pokémon; Pyroar, Gyarados, Mienshao and Honchkrow appeared.

"Such beautiful bravery in the face of defeat. Such a shame that you are opposing me. We could make the world a more beautiful place, you and I," advised Lysandre.

"We can make the world a better place, but only by working together and helping each other. Not by trying to destroy it and making it only how you see fit!" spat Ash and the people watching the memory were awed by his conviction.

"So be it," said Lysandre coldly as he pressed his mega ring. His Gyarados was engulfed in a white sphere that exploded after a few seconds revealing his Mega form. Mega Gyarados roared, causing Ash and his pokémon to sweat drop a bit before he ordered his pokémon to attack.

Ash's pokémon and Lysandre's pokémon fought fiercely, each side giving it their all as Clemont worked to disable the containment field while Serena and Bonnie provided cover from stray attacks or last minute reinforcements from Team Flare members. A little while later, Serena called out to Ash, pointing out the energy readings on the large screen nearby were almost full. It's now or never, thought Ash.

"Serena, Bonnie, Clemont; take cover!" shouted Ash. His friends didn't need to be told twice. The three hit the deck as Ash gave a final order, hoping it was right. "PIKACHU! FULL POWER DISCHARGE!"

"PIKA…CHUUUUUU!" Pikachu focused all of his energy and let loose dozens and dozens of electrical bolts that shot out in all directions. The attack was so powerful and so wide ranged that there was almost no place to hide from it. The attack hit all of Lysandre's pokémon and knocked them out as well as hitting the machinery around them, causing some to short circuit and the others to overload.

Pikachu fainted after using all of his power and Ash picked him up as loud warning sounds blared around them. Xerneas and Yveltal were freed from their containment fields and roared as they focused their powers. Xerneas used its powers to shield Ash, his pokémon and his friends and carried them out of the building as Yveltal used its powers to destroy everything around him.

"NOOOOO! This isn't how it was supposed to be!" yelled Lysandre as he fell to his knees. "My beautiful world…" Lysandre stayed on the floor as everything crumbled around him.

Xerneas fled the area with Ash and his friends as a large explosion occurred behind them. Ash glanced back and saw a huge energy doom made of dark colors swirling around as it got larger for a few seconds before it stopped and faded away. Xerneas stopped running as it reached a field and the protective shields went away. A loud roar was heard from over head and Yveltal glided down to join them.

"Thank you children for your aid in freeing us and stopping Team Flare," said Xerneas as Yveltal nodded.

"We must go now to balance what has happened but do not worry; there has been enough destruction for a long time," added Yveltal. Ash and his friends nodded and said their byes as the two legendary pokémon left. The memory faded and another showed.

MEMORY #20

Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie were at the docks, as Ash had to go back home. Ash said bye to Clemont and Bonnie and when he turned to Serena, Bonnie led her brother away with an excuse. Serena glanced at Ash who became embarrassed and scratched the back of his head, making her giggle.

"I guess I have to go home now," said Ash.

You have got to be kidding me, remarked the voice in his head.

"Yea," replied a sullen Serena.

"Serena, I'm going to miss you a lot," said Ash suddenly, making Serena go pink.

"I'll miss you too."

Are we really going to go through this again?

"And I wanted to tell you…" he trailed off, choking.

"Tell me what?" asked Serena, hope filling her.

You better tell her!

"I…wanted…to tell you…."

"Yes?"

"I wanted to tell you…good luck with your performances."

Dude! Come on…

"Oh. Thank you." Serena deflated, sad at not hearing what she wanted to hear.

The ship's horn blared, making them jump. Clemont and Bonnie returned, the small girl giving Ash a hug goodbye as her brother shook hands with Ash. Serena gave Ash a hug, holding on to him for too long to be just a regular hug, though Clemont didn't notice and neither did Ash, but Bonnie did who smiled.

"Take care Ash. And you better keep in touch," said Serena as they separated.

"Thanks and I will. Same to you all," said Ash as he smiled at them before turning to run to board the ship. Pikachu had jumped onto his shoulder before he ran down.

I can't keep doing this, thought Ash as he ran down the pier to the ship, boarding it on time. He looked back and saw the three wave goodbye at him which he returned with his own wave.

You said it. Why does this keep happening to you, asked the voice in his head.

I don't know but no more.

No more?

I need to get away from everything.

Why?

To figure out why this keeps happening to me.

Good idea. Then maybe you'll stop messing up a girl's life. The count is at four now. That we KNOW of.

Very funny and I don't mean to! And she deserves someone who'll never fail her. They all do.

Even so you still did and you have got to stop thinking that way.

Easier said than done.

The memory faded away and another appeared as Misty, May, Dawn, and Serena looked at one another, having finally learned what Ash had gone through in regards to the four of them.

MEMORY #21

Ash was at Mount Silver, practicing his aura abilities after getting a few lessons from Master Riley. He was meditating, sitting at the edge of the mountain with a blue glow that outlined him and his starter while the freezing wind shot around him and Pikachu yet they sat still, not reacting to the cold. The people watching were beyond impressed as how he wasn't affected by the blistering cold of the mountain's blizzard. Besides the howling blizzard around the two, it was silent until they heard his thoughts.

Why am I so afraid to tell a girl I like her? he thought.

You're blowing this out of proportion, remarked the voice in his head.

No I'm not. And can't I think without you bothering me?

Well somebody's moody.

Whatever...Who are you anyway? How are you able to speak with me? Are you a psychic? Where are you? And why are you talking to me?

...

Oh now you shut up. After years of bothering me. Great, thanks for nothing.

I was merely thinking on how to respond to you. All I can say is I'm a friend. I can't speak with you all the time as I am a busy person but we've met before during your pokémon journey and I decided to help you from time to time. I can't tell you my name until we meet again. Work rules.

I see. Well, I guess that sounds alright. You haven't really done anything wrong except try to help me…though in your own twisted way…So help me out with this. What's keeping me from doing so? I'd throw myself into battles against legendary pokémon and fight against evil organizations without hesitation but I'm too scared to tell a girl I like her. Why? What the hell is the cause? Why do I feel like I'm not good enough? What the hell is the answer?

That is something that even I cannot help you out with. You have to figure this out for yourself, replied the voice.

Thanks for the help, replied Ash sarcastically.

Hearing his thoughts made several tilt their heads. Everyone was curious as to who the voice belonged to. It made things seem very suspicious and made them worry about his problem. But some thought that it could very well be just a friend. Even Lance was having second thoughts about it too. The Kanto Champion was beginning to feel like an idiot for doubting Ash because of seeing everything he's done so far but still held his reservations for the time being until they finished with the memories. Very few knew about the dilemma regarding the girls and Ash, which only the four girls and Joy knew about so they felt sad at hearing it again and knowing the reason why he was like that and he would later figure out.

After a few more minutes of him meditating and thinking, Ash and Pikachu got up and went inside a cabin nearby. A moment later Ash opened the door and saw Mewtwo standing there with a surprised look on his face. Many people gasped and shouted seeing the legendary pokémon again, since last they saw he was trying to destroy everyone and everything in one of the earlier memories.

"Took you long enough. Want to come inside or do you want to freeze your tail off first?" joked Ash.

"I should've known," replied Mewtwo as he stepped inside.

"What brings you here Mewtwo?" asked Ash as he continued preparing some soup while putting on some clothes that were better suited for the cold weather.

"I've come to get you. There is something you must help me with," said Mewtwo and the memory faded away.

MEMORY #22

Ash was on the video phone at Professor Oak's laboratory and was speaking with his friends. Mewtwo and Riolu were standing in the same room waiting for him to finish. The people watched as he told them he was going away to help out a friend and to keep up their training. They realized that his 'friend' had to be Mewtwo as it now made some sense. Ash's friends saw themselves get angry and sad over Ash's words and they instantly remembered how they felt that day. They watched on as Ash said goodbye, asking them to remember him as he hung up crying.

They then witnessed Professor Oak hand him an updated PokeDex, a Poketch and a bag filled with all of his pokémon's poke balls with his pokémon already inside them. He then traveled to his home and picked up some supplies from his mom. Mewtwo's eyes glowed blue and the purple feline, Ash, Pikachu and Riolu teleported away to the inside of a well furnished mini-mansion, making the memory viewers gasp in surprise.

"Okay, so we got some supplies, almost all of my pokémon and that just leaves a few others out in the wild or that are with others and then we go take care of business," said Ash and the pokémon around him nodded in agreement.

"After that, we should start on our mission. I remember the research I did long ago during my darker days and I still remember where we can find some powerful pokémon to add to the group and train for the coming days," added Mewtwo.

"Sounds good buddy. We should follow the plan we made. Remember, during our first year we are to look for powerful pokémon to join the team. Then the next two years is nonstop heavy training both here and around the world. We'll start practicing but just a little during our first year. C'mon, let's get started," replied Ash and they disappeared in blue glows as the memory faded and another formed while everyone had confused looks on their faces when he talked about the plan.

MEMORY #23

"That was a great catch Master," stated Riolu. "That Ponyta has an incredible spirit."

"Stop calling me Master, Riolu but yea you're right. She'll be an incredible fighter and…wait…do you feel that sad aura?" asked Ash as he, Pikachu, Riolu and Mewtwo traveled through a dense forest. They were looking for more pokémon and Ash was wearing a hooded cloak along with a mask to conceal his identity.

"It's coming from over here," answered Riolu, using his aura senses to verify and Mewtwo agreed immediately after as he had sensed it long before. He didn't mention it since he wanted Ash to practice and to see how long it would take for him to sense it. He and Riolu had agreed on it since both their senses were at their peak for the time being and Ash needed the practice and would only say something if he missed it.

The group traveled in the direction that the canine pokémon pointed at and soon found a small white and green pokémon on the floor, covered in bruises, bleeding from some cuts and barely conscious. Ash ran to the pokémon and knelt down beside it, causing the small pokémon to whimper in fright. Misty gasped, covering her mouth with her hands, realizing who it was first before the others did.

"Hey, don't be scared Kirlia. I'm not here to hurt you. I can help if you let me," said Ash kindly but Kirlia shook her head, crying. She attempted to get away by crawling but couldn't. Instead she laid still on the ground since she was so hurt.

"As much as I would like to find the bastards responsible for this, our time is short. We don't have time for games. Just take her and we'll leave her at a pokémon center," stated Mewtwo.

"I don't want to force any pokémon but maybe you're right. She's hurt extremely bad," replied Ash but then looked to the side as he, Riolu and Mewtwo sensed some people approaching.

"Ah man, I thought you were a pokémon!" whined a stranger with two friends when the three walked through some bushes. "I thought using that pokémon as bait would've brought better pokémon out. Oh well."

"You did this to your own pokémon?" asked Ash, angered, as he stood up. Pikachu had sparks fly out of his cheeks and Riolu growled. Mewtwo had made himself invisible but stayed next to them though they could hear his thoughts being sent to Ash and they weren't pretty, making some of the viewers cringe at what they heard him say. Ash very slightly shook his head that the new trainers didn't catch.

"My OWN pokémon? Yea right. I found that pathetic thing a little while ago and battled it and it didn't even last a minute against my Aggron. We left it there hoping some other pokémon might come by to check on it or to get a free meal," admitted the stranger as his two friends laughed.

"People like you give trainers a bad name. You disgust me. You don't deserve to be friends with pokémon, let alone train them!" growled Ash as his eyes glowed a blue catching the attention of the three and Kirlia lifted her head slightly to glance at Ash, not believing what she just heard. The people watching felt shivers go down their spines at hearing the coldness in his voice.

"Who the fuck do you think you are? Let's show this naïve punk what happens to those who mess with us."The three released their pokémon; Aggron, Snorlax and Hariyama appeared.

Ash, want me to handle this? I could crush their minds in less than a second.

Thanks Mewtwo but no. Nicely done going invisible.

Alright and you did say to not be seen by others.

"Maybe if you apologize, we may call our pokémon back," sniggered the stranger but Ash just growled. "Alright then it's your funeral! Get them!"

The three large pokémon advanced at Ash, Pikachu, Riolu and Kirlia.

"Pikachu…Thunder," ordered Ash.

"PIKA…CHUUU!" The yellow mouse launched the attack and a large pillar of electrical energy slammed down on the three pokémon at once, making them writhe and cry out in extreme pain.

While the three pokémon were being shocked, Ash and Riolu glanced at each other before nodding. Riolu disappeared from sight before anyone could even realize what happened and a moment later, the three large pokémon dropped to the floor, knocked out with multiple bruises and scorch marks on their bodies. Riolu reappeared, having used a Close Combat and Power Up Punch combination. The aura canine was not even the least bit tired and neither was Pikachu. Both pokémon were snarling, scaring the three strangers.

"That rodent's from hell!" shouted one of the two who hadn't spoken before as they were utterly stupefied at what just happened.

"Please! We're sorry! Don't hurt us!" cried the third man.

"Return your pokémon and take them to a pokémon center. If I ever find out you don't treat pokémon properly again, I may not be able to control my pokémon let alone my own rage. NOW LEAVE!" roared Ash. The three ran away after returning their pokémon, shouting out apologies as Mewtwo reappeared.

"Well done Ash. I read their minds and they each swore to change their ways," remarked Mewtwo.

"Good." Ash knelt down beside Kirlia and fixed his gaze on hers. "Kirlia, I'm sorry for what they did to you. Please allow me to take you to a pokémon center so you can get healed up."

Kirlia looked at him for a second before shaking her head again. She still was unsure of trusting him as a couple trainers had tricked her before doing the same thing.

"Ash, we don't have time for this," repeated Mewtwo, getting impatient. Ash removed his mask and lowered his hood before responding.

"Yes we do Mewtwo. It's only been four months since you came to me. We still have time on our side so be a little patient. Kirlia, you need to get treatment. If you come with me, I promise that I will never let anything happen to you. I will protect you from everything and anything. You can train with me or just relax by my side. I won't force you to do anything that you don't want to do."

"You can trust him Kirlia. He is a man of his word. And he saved me as well," added Riolu, kneeling down to face her and Kirlia's eyes widened at the revelation, thinking hard before she finally nodded.

"Okay. Mewtwo get us to the nearest center," smiled Ash as he gently picked her up after putting his mask on and hood up once more. The five of them vanished from the spot. They reappeared at a pokémon center. The resident Nurse Joy took Kirlia in and after healing her, Ash stayed by Kirlia's side the whole night. In the morning Kirlia joined Ash after he promised her again to always be there for her and to keep her safe. The memory faded away and another formed while many of the viewers smiled over what he did.

MEMORY #24

Ash was seen leaning over a desk table with a bunch of books spread out in front of him along with three computer screens that was turned on in front of him. The screen on the left was showing a Poke Dex like entry on his Charizard with details such as height, weight, pokémon type, fastest running speed, fastest flying speed, abilities, moves known, moves capable of learning, his stats, weaknesses, strengths, resistances, etc. The screen on the right showed a calendar with the days that were past marked with an 'X' and had some notes on certain days such as 'Sinnoh – Mount Coronet' on an upcoming Thursday, 'Hoenn – Mount Pyre' on Friday and several others. There was also a 'time passed' indicator and a 'time remaining' indicator at the bottom of the calendar. The time passed showed eight months and the time remaining showed two different countdowns. One said two years and four months left and the second said four years and four months left. The third and final screen that was in the middle was on a news website that showed world news and with live streaming of important or interesting events.

Ash had a notebook in front of him that was turned to a page that was half way filled. There were other papers as well that were on the desk. They saw that each of the papers had a different title and had different lists. One was a list of all the known technical machines, which were used to teach pokémon new moves that they could learn. Another had a list of a bunch of pokémon that had a title of 'Captured'. They were stunned that he had caught so many since the list was spread out over three columns. Another paper had another list spread into columns of pokémon with a title that read 'Need to Catch'. Another paper with it being completely filled out was titled 'Resistance Exercises'. The last paper that they could make out had a title that read 'Combination Moves'.

The paper he was working on right now though had a title that stated 'Moves to Teach'. He had several pokémon listed on the page he was currently on such as Pikachu, Lucario, Greninja, Sceptile and Charizard. Under each pokémon's name there was a list of attacks that he wanted them to learn. As he continued working on the paper, the middle screen showing the news website suddenly updated with a new broadcast, catching Ash's attention since the lighting on the screen changed colors. The title of the news report said 'MISSING TRAINER FROM PALLET'. Wondering if it was about him or someone else, he increased the volume to hear it and watched.

"HELLO EVERYONE, THIS IS BRITNEY SNOW REPORTING LIVE FROM CERULEAN CITY. I'M HERE IN FRONT OF THE FAMOUS CERULEAN GYM, ONE OF THE TOUGHEST GYMS TO GET A BADGE FROM SINCE THE INCREDIBLE MISTY WATERFLOWER HAS TAKEN UP ITS CHARGE A FEW YEARS AGO. BUT THAT'S NOT THE REASON WHY WE'RE HERE. IT'S BEEN EIGHT MONTHS SINCE ANYONE HAS SEEN OR HEARD FROM THE PALLET TOWN TRAINER ASH KETCHUM. MANY HAVE GONE TO SEARCH FOR HIM BUT NOBODY HAS HAD ANY LUCK. WE ARE ABOUT TO ENTER THE GYM AND SPEAK WITH THE GYM LEADER MISTY TO SEE IF SHE HAS ANY NEWS OF HIM SINCE IT'S WELL KNOWN THAT THEY ARE CLOSE FRIENDS AND RUMORED TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP TOGETHER. LET'S GO!"

Ash felt his heart rate go higher as he clenched his chair's hand rest. He would be seeing Misty on the news channel after so long of not talking or seeing her. He watched as Britney entered the dome shaped gym with her camera man following behind her while she talked. Suddenly, a blue glow appeared next to Ash.

"Ash, we're ready to go find that Zoroark. Are you ready to go?" asked Mewtwo.

"Just a minute. I want to watch this," replied Ash and Mewtwo nodded as he turned his attention to the news as well. They started hearing the sounds of a battle going on.

"LOOKS LIKE THERE'S A BATTLE GOING ON RIGHT NOW. LET'S HURRY AS WE MAY BE ABLE TO SEE AT LEAST THE END OF IT!"Britney and her camera man hurried along down the hallway and found the battle arena in time to see a torrent of pressurized water hit the challenger's pokémon, knocking it out.

"Damn it…I thought I had it," sighed the challenger as he returned his fainted pokémon, which was a Pidgeotto. The young boy thanked the gym leader for showing that he's not ready yet and ran towards the exit as the red headed girl approached the reporter.

"Can I help you?" asked Misty. She was wearing her yellow swimsuit with white shorts over it. Ash had his heart rate beat faster at the sight of her. Wow, she's even more beautiful than I remember. Memory Ash's thoughts made Misty blush as some smiled and the girls nudged Misty slightly who shouted at them to stop, making the others laugh at the situation.

"HELLO MISTY. I'M BRITNEY SNOW, A REPORTER FOR KANTO NEWS. GREAT BATTLE BY THE WAY."

"Ah, thanks. So why are you here?"

"WELL, THIS MAY BE A TOUCHY SUBJECT BUT WE'RE DOING A PIECE ON ASH KETCHUM AND HOW HE'S BEEN MISSING FOR EIGHT MONTHS NOW."Misty's face grew sullen and Ash felt his heart drop into his stomach. Mewtwo placed his three digit hand on his shoulder to help calm him and show support. Real Misty suddenly went a little sad as she remembered what happened next as she continued watching the memory. "YOU JUST CAME BACK FROM A TRIP OF YOUR OWN SO WE WERE WONDERING IF YOU HAD GOTTEN WORD OF HIM OR KNOW WHERE HE IS SINCE IT'S KNOWN THAT YOU TWO ARE VERY CLOSE. BY THE WAY ARE YOU JUST FRIENDS OR ARE YOU TOGETHER? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN TELL US SUCH AS IF HE'S ALRIGHT OR WHY HE'S DISAPPEARED? DO YOU HAVE ANY INFOR-"

"PLEASE STOP!" shouted Misty suddenly and Britney went quiet immediately. Before either of them could say anything, more voices were heard.

"Is everything alright Misty?" asked a female's voice.

They turned around to see a blunette, a brunette and a honey blonde haired girl approaching them. Each of them was wearing a swimsuit with shorts over them. Ash's eyes went wide at the sight of them as a couple thoughts went through his head; when did Misty, May, Dawn and Serena start hanging out together? And were they always this stunning?

Once again, the four girls were nudged by their mothers and friends and they shouted at them to stop and that next person who does that is getting slapped. They stopped instantly and several people sweat dropped.

"Yea, everything's fine," sighed Misty as the girls gathered around her. Misty faced Britney again as her friends stood beside her. After a moment of silence that Misty used to think, she spoke again. "Look, I'm sorry but I don't want to talk about Ash. And no we're not together." Ash had a sullen look appear on his face and slumped down into his chair. "I don't want to talk about how he's disappeared and how no one can find him. It's bad enough I can't stop thinking about him without you and other people asking about him. My friends here and I even went looking for him together but found no trace of him. So please stop asking about him okay? Now please leave." Britney nodded and turned to leave but then Misty stopped her. "Wait! I need to say something else as well." Britney nodded and the cameraman focused onto the four girls. Misty glanced at her friends who nodded at her to show their support before she looked into the camera and took a deep breath before speaking. "Ash, if you're watching this there's something the four of us want you to know. We don't know where you are and we don't know what you're doing…but know that we miss you…we want you to come back home. We know you said you're helping out a friend but it's been eight months. That's the longest amount of time that we haven't heard from you so far. If you're not done helping your friend yet can you at least call so we know that you're alright? Please Ash…"

Misty couldn't talk anymore as her eyes had filled up with water and she started sobbing and the same thing happened to the girls beside her. Even Britney was about to cry but kept it at bay to finish her reporting.

"THIS IS BRITNEY SNOW AND THERE YOU HAVE IT. EVEN HIS CLOSEST FRIENDS HAVEN'T SEEN OR HEARD OF HIM. ASH, IF YOU'RE OUT THERE AND YOU'RE SEEING THIS, PLEASE COME BACK. EVERYONE MISSES YOU AND IS WORRIED ABOUT YOU. OR AT LEAST CALL. THIS IS BRITNEY SNOW SIGNING OFF."

The news website screen went black before it went back to the home page. Ash had tears going down his cheeks as he raised his left hand that had his Poketch on it. He went through the call menu and found Misty's number. Right when he was about to contact her, he was stopped.

"You know you shouldn't do that Ash."

"I know. But it can't hurt can it? Just a quick message at least to let her know I'm fine and that I'm thinking about them every day too. Please Mewtwo," pleaded Ash as he looked at him but Mewtwo shook his head.

"Remember we had known of this from the start. We are to make no contact. I know it's hard but you must continue this way. At least until the tournament starts. That's in less than two and a half years," reminded Mewtwo and many of the viewers gasped as they learned that Ash knew that the Spirit Tournament would be happening long before anyone else.

"Alright! Fine!" shouted Ash angrily as he looked away before he calmed down. "I just miss them so much."

"I know. But you're strong and you'll be able to push through. Let's go Ash. We have some more pokémon to go catch. But first, we'll get Pikachu, Lucario and Kirlia. You know how she gets scared without you around, even though she's taking a liking to Pikachu and Lucario. Afterwards, we'll come back and we'll work on the move tutor machine we were talking about before. But before we leave…"

Mewtwo's eyes glowed blue and a second later, a small blue sphere appeared on the desk and faded away to reveal a photograph. Ash picked it up and saw that it was a group picture of him, his family and all of his friends who had come to his house in Pallet Town after returning from Kalos in the first week since his mom made a surprise get together without telling him; he, Misty, Brock, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, Cilan, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Richie, Gary, Professor Oak and his Mom were all smiling in the photo. Mewtwo had teleported it from the wall of his room in his home in Pallet. He smiled at the picture, as he looked at each face for a second. Ash folded the photo and put it in his pocket before he turned his tear streaked gaze at Mewtwo. Before the psychic feline knew what was happening, he was being hugged by the raven haired guardian.

"Thank you buddy."

"You're welcome. Let's go. They're waiting for us."

Ash nodded as they separated, wiping away his tears. He and Mewtwo disappeared in blue glows as the memory faded and another formed.

MEMORY #25

Ash was in the middle of a training session, working on his aura abilities with Lucario at the top of Mount Chimney, the active volcano in the Hoenn region. His large group of many different pokémon was training as well all around the peak of the mountain next to the center where the lava was. There were so many around them that the people watching the memory couldn't count them all. They could see a faint purple mist around the volcano's sides. Mewtwo had set up a barrier around them that made people and pokémon who came too close to them to remember something important and leave. They saw that several of his pokémon had evolved and were in full blown battles with one another.

"Well done Master," said Lucario as Ash sent an Aura Sphere at him who blocked it with his own attack. "You have perfected the technique required to use an Aura Sphere. Right now it will stun your opponent but it will only continue to get stronger and much more devastating against your enemies the more you use it. Let us practice defensive moves now." Ash nodded before he put up an Aura Shield as Lucario shot many weaker attacks at him though he held his shield. "Your Aura Shield technique is still perfect. All you need to do is make it stronger to resist stronger attacks."

"Let's focus on that a bit as we kick things up a notch," remarked Mewtwo as he joined the two. He shot his own Aura Sphere at Ash, who barely held the shield against the attack. Mewtwo shot a couple more spheres at him, causing the shield to bear some cracks here and there but somehow Ash was able to hold it. When Mewtwo finished, Ash dropped to his hands and knees, the shield disappearing.

"It's been a while since I left home. Four months of intense training everyday and I can barely keep an Aura Shield up against a few strong attacks," admitted Ash as he gasped for air.

"Nobody becomes great over night or in a short time. You know that better than anyone. But you must push through Ash. When we face our greatest battles, we will not be shown mercy."

"Mewtwo is right Master. We must go past our limits so we can be ready to protect everyone when the time comes," added Lucario.

Hearing the two pokémon talk about protecting everyone and fighting great battles with no mercy made many people wonder what he was preparing for. Before they could dwell on it, hearing Ash made them focus their attention back onto the memory.

"I know, I know. You're right. I'll do better."Ash took a long breath before he got up and Lucario nodded at the psychic feline before both he and Mewtwo readied Aura Spheres to launch at Ash.

Ash took up a defensive position, his eyes glowed blue and he had a blue glow outline him. He readied another Aura Shield and nodded at them to begin the training. Mewtwo and Lucario shot the Aura Spheres at him. Both blue energy spheres exploded against his shield but it held. More was shot at the shield and yet Ash was able to hold.

"You're getting better Master. But those were only child's play. Time for full powered attacks!" warned Lucario, making Ash sweat drop and the memory viewers to gulp and get scared for Ash.

Lucario fired a Flash Cannon and Mewtwo launched an Ice Beam at the shield. Both attacks struck the shield and pushed Ash back but he was able to still hold the shield up even though several cracks appeared on the shield. More attacks were launched by both pokémon and struck the shield that caused more cracks to form. Seeing Ash not putting more into it, Lucario told Mewtwo to stand down for the rest of the training session as he had other plans before the aura canine charged forward towards Ash.

"You must concentrate Master!" roared Lucario as slammed against the shield before he began striking the shield with physical attacks now such as Metal Claw and Force Palm. The people watching the memory grew even more worried of the intensity of Lucario's training.

"I am! It's too much! I need a break!" pleaded Ash but Lucario ignored him.

"Your enemies will not give you a break! They will not warn you! They will not go easy on you or show you any mercy! YOU MUST PUSH THROUGH!" shouted Lucario as he launched another Flash Cannon that exploded on the shield, causing Ash to be pushed back more.

"I'm at my limit! I'm still learning! I CAN'T DO MORE!" retorted Ash as he felt his energy go down a bit.

Lucario growled in response and started using Power Up Punch and Shadow Claw, making more cracks appear on the shield. All of Ash's pokémon heard the shouting and stopped their training. They gathered around Lucario, Mewtwo and Ash. Many of his pokémon were worried but knew not to get involved. Kirlia had tears in her eyes and wanted to go to Lucario to stop him but was held back by Pikachu. When she glanced at the electric mouse, he shook his head, telling her that he wanted it to stop too but this was necessary. Kirlia kept crying but stood her ground.

"IS THIS YOUR EXCUSE?! IS THIS WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO SAY WHEN YOU FAIL THEM?!"

A series of Shadow Claws struck the shield, causing it to flicker.

"I WON'T FAIL THEM! I'LL DO EVERYTHING I CAN FOR THEM!"

A Dragon Pulse was launched at the shield, making the cracks larger.

"AT THIS RATE YOU WILL FAIL! YOU'RE GOING TOO EASY, TOO CAUTIOUSLY! YOU NEED TO BREAK PAST YOUR LIMITS! YOU AREN'T EVEN USING YOUR FULL AURA POWERS! YOU'RE AFRAID TO LET IT COME OUT! BRING IT OUT! BRING IT OUT NOW!" roared Lucario.

The aura canine took a couple steps back and began powering up an attack. A blue ball of aura energy began swirling in his hands and Ash's eyes grew wide. He knew what it is; an Aura Beam. One of the advanced techniques he could learn later on IF he could become stronger. He summoned some more aura to strengthen his shield and hoped it would be enough.

"THAT WON'T STOP ME FOR LONG!" bellowed Lucario as he fired the powerful Aura Beam.

Many viewers screamed in fright at what they were seeing. Ash's training was harsh and Lucario was ruthless. They saw the blue beam of powerful aura energy hit the shield and pushed Ash back. The shield was having more and more cracks appear on it as Lucario kept up the attack.

"I CAN'T HOLD IT FOR LONG! PLEASE STOP LUCARIO!"

"I WILL NOT STOP! NOT UNTIL YOU PUSH IT BACK! NOT UNTIL YOU TAKE ME DOWN!"

"I CAN'T! I'M NOT STRONG ENOUGH YET!"

"IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO SAY TO THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE WHEN YOU FAIL TO PROTECT THEM? TO YOUR MOTHER? TO YOUR FRIENDS? TO YOUR POKÉMON? ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE EXCUSES? ARE YOU GOING TO JUST LET THEM SUFFER PAINFUL DEATHS WHILE YOU JUST STAND THERE AND SAY YOU'RE SORRY?!"

Ash growled a bit and tried to summon more energy but he was losing focus due to his anger, his frustrations and being afraid to bring forth his power.

"YOU HAVE THE POWER NEEDED SO SHOW ME OTHERWISE! SHOW ME YOUR POWER! SHOW ME THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF THE TITLE OF AURA GUARDIAN! SHOW ME THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF BECOMING A POKÉMON MASTER! SHOW ME THAT YOU DO CARE AND LOVE YOUR FRIENDS! YOUR FAMILY! YOUR POKÉMON! SHOW ME! SHOW ME NOW!"

Ash heard Lucario as he was being pushed slowly back towards the edge of the volcano. He thought of his mother and how she was always there waiting for him when he got home. He thought of his friends Brock and Max who he thought of his brothers. He thought of Gary and Richie and how they were his rivals. He thought of Cilan and Iris and their journey together throughout Unova. He thought of Clemont and Bonnie and their journey together throughout Kalos. He thought of all the people he met during his journeys such as Lance, Cynthia, Sabrina, Jack, Harrison, Flannery, Tierno, Trevor, Shauna and many others. He then thought of the girls that he had developed feelings for while they traveled together. He thought of the loyal red head, Misty. He thought of the motherly brunette May. He thought of the always cheerful blunette Dawn. He thought of the passionate honey blonde girl Serena.

He thought of everything that they experienced together. Flashes of their travels together went across his mind's eye. He then thought of them getting hurt and him not being strong enough to protect them. He thought of him losing them to evil. He thought of him letting them down, disappointing them. He thought how he couldn't live with himself if anything ever happened to them.

Suddenly, Ash felt something within him snap. He knew at that moment that he had to get stronger. He had to reach his limit and break past. He had to reach a level far above any before him so he can protect them from what was coming. He knew now what he had to do.

Ash narrowed his eyes and the blue glow in them began to shine brightly as he focused. He searched deep within himself to bring out the power he knows he has. Lucario sensed what his Master was trying to do and pushed harder, concentrating more energy into the Aura Beam. The beam became thicker and began pushing Ash back faster. Right when Ash was pushed to the edge of the volcano, he found the power he has and dug his heels into the ground.

"LUCARIO!" roared Ash as he began drawing out his full power. "I..." Howling winds began swirling around Ash from out of nowhere. "WILL…" The very ground began shaking. First lightly and then stronger and stronger. "NOT…" Streaks of blue light began escaping from Ash's body. "FAIL!"

A bright blue light erupted from Ash that blinded everyone in the memory and those watching for a split second before they were able to see again. Blue flame-like aura had emerged from his body and was dancing around him wildly and his shield instantly became stronger. The winds died down and so did the earthquake after a few seconds. Ash began pushing against the beam with his shield as he took a step forward. Then another. And another.

"My god…" whispered Oak as he watched Ash bring out his power for the first time under such pressure.

"Incredible," commented a stunned Riley at seeing a newbie Aura Guardian have so much power right from the beginning while everyone else was too stunned to say anything.

"THAT'S IT MASTER! PUSH THROUGH! BREAK YOUR LIMITS! YOU HAVE FOUND THE POWER YOU HAVE! NOW USE IT! REACH ME! DEFEAT ME! PROVE THAT YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SAVE EVERYONE! PROVE IT NOW!"

Hearing Lucario's challenge made Ash focus all of his being into pushing back the beam. He took a couple more steps forward but then couldn't anymore as Lucario put even more energy into the attack.

"IS THAT IT?! IS THAT THE EXTENT OF YOUR GREAT POWER?! YOU WILL LOSE EVERYTHING! IF YOU CANNOT EVEN BEAT ME WHEN I'M NOT EVEN USING HALF OF MY STRENGTH, HOW WILL YOU FARE AGAINST OTHERS?!"

Hearing that this display of Lucario's power wasn't even half of it made everyone's jaw drop. How could he be so powerful?! As they continued watching they saw that Ash was struggling even though he had brought out his aura.

"I'm disappointed Master. You have brought out your power but still you are afraid to use it and because of that you cannot win against me. Let me show you what is possible when you embrace it. LET ME SHOW YOU MY FULL POWER!"

Lucario's eyes glowed blue and his aura flared up around him. He focused his power into the attack and once ready, he added it to the Aura Beam. The blue beam of energy tripled in size and the power of it was unbelievable. It raced across the volcano top and smashed into Ash's Aura Shield, causing dozens of cracks to form instantly as it made him go flying back towards the edge once more. Ash was stunned for a second but his shield held somehow and he quickly lowered his feet to dig into the ground, which made extreme pain shoot through his legs. He stopped again near the very edge. He felt incredible pain on his body but he would not give up.

But how could he continue? He brought out his aura already. What could make him focus his power even more? His mind wondered to the girls again and how much he cared about them and that he couldn't let anything happen to them no matter what. His power skyrocketed suddenly out of nowhere and he finally understood. His power didn't come from anger. It didn't come from trying to be the best. It didn't come from focusing on the mission. No. It came from love. His love for the girls. His love for his pokémon. His love for his friends. That was his power. And it was now time to use that power.

"IS THAT ALL YOU GOT LUCARIO?!" shouted Ash and Lucario tilted his head in surprise at hearing Ash talk since he thought that he was struggling to keep the shield up. "BECAUSE IF THAT'S IT, THEN THIS IS OVER!"

Ash used his incredible power to strengthen his shield and it expanded against the Aura Beam. The shield kept expanding and expanding, pushing the Aura Beam back. Lucario's eyes grew wide at the sight of his Master's shield expanding greatly and kept going while he walked towards him. Ash started pushing back the beam, walking towards it as his shield stopped expanding after growing to twice his height. He kept pushing and pushing until he was barely twenty feet away from Lucario. Lucario smirked as Ash grinned while they were still pushing against one another.

"Well done Master. I am glad that you have learned where your power comes from. But there is something you should know; I lied about that being my full power."

Everyone watching the memory gasped and Ash's eyes widened when Lucario said that. With a mighty roar, Lucario channeled his entire remaining aura into the attack and the Aura Beam grew so large that it completely engulfed Ash's shield, shattering it and blasting Ash back. The raven haired guardian flew across the air with smoke trailing his body before crashing against the ground and his aura faded away. Lucario immediately went to work on healing his Master with Heal Pulse. Mewtwo told the pokémon to get ready to teleport back home to rest once they healed Ash a bit.

"You think we got carried away? I mean it's only been a couple months since we started training heavily," asked Lucario, worried that he may have gone overboard.

"No. When it starts, we will be shown no mercy and the only way to prepare for that is this type of training. We don't go easy on our selves, on each other until one drops to the floor, as his pokémon have done until now. All of us know what is coming and what is at stake. The time will come when we will be glad we went through this type of training," answered Mewtwo.

Lucario sighed and said no more. A moment later, he finished healing Ash of most of his minor wounds and he slowly stood up while complimenting Lucario's strength and strategy. Lucario returned the praise and told Ash that they would have to work harder now. Ash nodded before Mewtwo's eyes glowed blue and they all vanished as the memory faded and another formed.

MEMORY #26

A large stadium was seen with a raven haired trainer working out with a series of exercising equipment in at one edge of the arena while dozens of pokémon were running laps around the outer edges of the arena. While they did the laps, they would run up a set of stairs and then run down the next set of stairs, run up the next and on and on, working on their endurance. Ash was currently performing some bench presses while a Machamp was spotting him. Many of the females in the group, both young and old, went extremely red at the sight of Ash's toned but not too muscular body that was covered in sweat, since he was only wearing work out pants. Some of the guys sighed at how the females were swooning over him but didn't comment as they really didn't want to anger them. An angered girl was not something you wanted to deal with at all.

"97…" grunted Ash as he pushed up on the heavy weight and Machamp nodded in approval and cried out its name to encourage his trainer to keep going. "98…99…100."

CLUNK! Ash had set the bar back onto the small but strong metal holders. He sat up and panted a bit, his six pack abs tightening, making the girls inhale sharply at the sight.

"Damn, that was tiring." Ash glanced at his Machamp who smirked at him. "Yea, yea, I know you can do more but I'm only human alright? Three hundred pounds is a great amount for us," explained Ash as his fighting type pokémon chuckled at him.

Everyone besides Lucario, Gardevoir and Pikachu had their jaws drop once they heard the amount of weight that he had been lifting. Even trained athletes had some trouble benching two hundred pounds a dozen times yet Ash did more weight and did it a hundred times. They couldn't believe it but didn't comment as they watched him get up, take a drink from a water bottle and sat on another machine that involved his legs. Before he started he called out to his pokémon.

"Alright guys, good job but now launch a special attack into the air every time you reach the top of the stairs!"

His pokémon didn't even respond back and Ash didn't need them to as he knew they would do it. Not even a minute later and many different types of elemental attacks were shot into the air once his pokémon reached the top of the first set of stairs they reached after he added the new command and continued doing so every time they reached the top of a set of stairs.

"Impressive," commented Diantha and several people glanced at her. "He's combining physical endurance training with move endurance training," she explained and they understood.

They returned their attention back to the memory and saw the pokémon continue their training with the added variation while Ash began working out his legs. They saw that the weight was at five hundred pounds and he was pushing against the machine with a little bit of ease. Once again the viewers were stunned as to how strong he had become. They watched him get to fifty repetitions, which surprisingly didn't take too long before he was stopped by Lucario who had entered the arena.

"Master, I have some good news." Ash stood up and gave him his full attention after taking another drink of water. "Mewtwo was finally able to build the move tutor machine. Any attack that our comrades can learn, whether naturally, by use of technical machine, breeding or by tutoring, the machine can grant the knowledge to perform the move."

"Sweet Lucario! That will make things so much easier," replied Ash as he pumped his fist into the air and the memory viewers had their eyes widen in shock that a machine like that could even exist.

"Yes it will but there is a downside. The machine can only grant the knowledge to pokémon who can both learn the move and can handle the move. So if they aren't strong enough or experienced enough yet, the machine will be unable to pass the knowledge to them," informed Lucario.

"Even so Lucario, with this machine, teaching new techniques will be far easier. It'll make the process faster. Of course they would still have to practice using the moves to get a handle on it, make it stronger and easier to use but at least learning how to be able to use the move won't be much of an issue," remarked Ash and Lucario nodded.

"You're right Master. Who would've thought that it would only take two years to make the ultimate move teaching machine and it would be made by a pokémon none the less?" wondered Lucario out loud while Ash chuckled.

"Nobody would've thought that and nobody else could have done that. Only I have the intelligence and power to make such a thing."

Ash and Lucario turned to the psychic feline who said that that had just teleported to their side and scoffed at their friend who glared at them.

"Yea, yea whatever. You're the best Mewtwo," responded Ash sarcastically with a wave of his hand. He was about to continue his leg exercise when he was outlined by a purple outline and lifted into the air. "Put me back down Mewtwo or you will regret it."

The memory watchers gasped as they heard him threaten the powerful purple psychic but Mewtwo merely smirked.

"Is that so? Well then let's go. It's been a while," replied Mewtwo. Ash glared at the legendary.

"We'll go another round Mewtwo but when it's our day to train together. Today is working out and later on hand to hand training with Lucario. You know we stick to the schedule. Now put me down! AND GENTLY THIS TIME!" yelled Ash, making some of the viewers laugh.

Mewtwo chuckled while Lucario sighed. The purple feline lowered Ash to the ground and let him go when he was only a few inches above it. Ash landed without any problems and before you could say 'Pokémon Master', he launched an Aura Sphere at the psychic feline who lazily brought out a shield to block it. After the attack, Mewtwo scoffed.

"Did you really think I wouldn't be able to block that attack?" asked Mewtwo with disappointment on his face.

"No. But you're it and no powers," smiled Ash as he began backing away and Lucario started chuckling.

"Are you kidding me? We don't have time for this kind of nonsense. Why are you acting so childishly when we have so much-YOU'RE IT LUCARIO!" shouted Mewtwo after smacking Lucario upside the back of his head and levitated into the air to escape. "Have fun Ash!" taunted Mewtwo before teleporting away, knowing how Lucario gets in these types of games.

"Ah fuck…" muttered Ash as he saw the almost feral like grin form on Lucario's face. He slowly began to back away. "Now Lucario, I said he was it not you and…ah…"

"Too late Master. You should run. Oh and let's make this interesting." Ash titled his head but then his eyes widened when Lucario shouted out to the pokémon nearby. "COMRADES! WE'RE PLAYING TAG AND WE'RE ALL IT! FIRST ONE TO GET MASTER GETS A DAY OFF FROM TRAINING!"

"Ashy-boy better start running," laughed Gary as he and the others watched the horde of pokémon chase after their trainer. They watched Ash bring out his aura to run away from his pokémon and began laughing at his predicament.

"SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT! I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK FOR THIS LUCARIO!" roared Ash as he ran out of the stadium and towards the nearby forest, attempting to lose his pokémon on his tail. "AND YOU TOO MEWTWO!" he shouted into the sky.

The memory faded away as they watched Ash dodge a couple tackles from his pokémon and another slowly formed while they laughed so hard that they were holding their stomachs.

MEMORY #27

Ash was standing with his arms crossed with Pikachu standing on his shoulder while Lucario, Gardevoir and Mewtwo were standing beside him. He put his hood down since it was a little hot. They were looking over a large ravine where there were hundreds of tall rock pillars, each about ten feet in diameter that rose up into the air about a hundred feet near each other. Ash turned to his group.

"I think it's perfect. What do you guys think?"

"Everyone will be able to train there, whether on top or in it," replied Mewtwo.

"Agreed. We should set up camp here for the night since it will be dark soon and start training at daybreak," advised Lucario and the agreed.

They watched the group in the memory set up camp, start a fire and Ash set to work preparing dinner for everyone. When finished, the raven haired trainer called his friends to him and they sat around the fire and each had a bowl of chicken soup while they conversed. Suddenly, Ash placed his half empty bowl down and stood up, his friends copying him as he did so. Ash, Lucario, Gardevoir, Pikachu and Mewtwo each stared into the nearby bush and took up battle stances.

"We know you're there! Show yourselves or we will attack!" warned Ash and they waited for a few seconds until three familiar figures came tumbling through the bushes.

"Damn, that hurt!" shouted a man.

"Which one of you is grabbing my ass?!" shrieked a woman.

"You landed on my tail!" cried a pokémon.

Ash and Pikachu glanced at each other before they both burst out laughing and fell to the floor, unable to keep standing. Lucario, Gardevoir and Mewtwo looked at them with curious looks and then at the three in front of them who were trying to untangle themselves from each other. When they heard the laughing, they stopped and instantly righted themselves. One was an athletic looking man who had short blue hair and was wearing black pants with a black shirt. The second one was a curvy woman with long red hair that seemed to defy gravity as it streaked down diagonally and she was wearing a black skirt and black mini blouse that hugged her chest tightly showing it off. The third was a small whitish beige cat pokémon that stood on its hind legs and had a gold charm on its forehead. Many of the viewers gasped as they saw who the tree were.

"What's so funny twerp?!" asked the red head as she scowled.

"Ah, Jessie, I don't think we should…" started the blue haired man.

"Stop being so timid James!" interrupted Meowth.

"A talking Meowth. Interesting," commented Mewtwo making Jessie, James and Meowth stare at the purple feline who chuckled at their stunned expressions and Ash glanced at his friend.

"Who would've thought it would only take two years and four months for you to fully change from a serious and brooding pokémon to a kinder one who finds things amusing now," grinned Ash and Mewtwo glared at him.

"Keep talking Ash and I'll have you bouncing through those rock pillars in a psychic ball and that will amuse me. You know what, I'm gonna do that now," replied Mewtwo with a smirk forming on him.

"I'll get out eventually buddy and then you'll be sorry," replied Ash and Mewtwo scoffed. He was about to reply back when the red headed woman interrupted them.

"Stop ignoring us!" shouted Jessie, fuming that they were not paying them any attention. The people watching the memory laughed at her outburst.

"Alright fine. What do you want? You know that Team Rocket is finished right? So what are you doing still following me? Speaking of which, how did you find me?" asked Ash.

"Well, we weren't really following you. Ever since you finished Team Rocket for good after the incident in with Landorus, we've been trying to find a new calling. But it's been hard with no money or any ideas so we've been traveling around trying to find something that ignites the spark in us. We somehow ended up here on this island off the coast of Johto," revealed James as he sunk his head.

"At least when we were chasing Pikachu or on a mission for Giovanni, we had a purpose. Now, we don't know what to do and frankly it's starting to be annoying," added Meowth.

"I see. Well, you could join us for dinner if you'd like. I just made some chicken soup and you're welcome to it," offered Ash.

Some of the viewers were surprised that he would do that while the ones who knew him better merely smiled a bit, knowing the type of person he is.

"Really? Even after all we did to you over the past years?" asked Jessie and James together in disbelief.

"Yea, it's alright. You guys were more annoying than being an actual threat. Plus no more Team Rocket means you guys can get away from that. Why did you guys join that awful group in the first place? I always had a feeling that you guys weren't like the other cold bastards in it," said Ash as he poured soup into three bowls and handed it to the three former Rockets who thanked him while his pokémon sat back down and continued eating.

"Well, Jessie was an orphan, James ran away from home and I was an outcast so we had nowhere else to go and no one took us in besides Team Rocket," answered Meowth.

Ash nodded solemnly and continued eating. The former Team Rocket members and Ash's group spoke together for a bit and when they finished eating, they exchanged stories well into the night.

"I think we should go to sleep. But before we do, I need to ask you guys a favor. Don't tell anyone that you've seen me, who I'm with, where I was, absolutely nothing okay? I'm in heavy training for about eight more months and I don't want anyone to know what I've been up to until I make my reappearance," requested Ash.

"You know, I was wondering why you were alone. You usually have a twerpette or two running around with you. Kicked them to the curb have you? Did they cheat on you or something? Find someone better? Looking for someone better?" asked Jessie with a sly smirk.

"No I haven't and they're not like that!" shouted Ash.

Everyone, both in the memory and those watching were stunned at his outburst and the four girls smiled at how he defended them even when they weren't together, were far apart and hadn't seen each other for so long.

"Okay, sorry, relax twerp," replied Jessie as she sweat dropped.

"I'm sorry too," said Ash with a sigh. "It's just…complicated. Anyway, do you agree?" he asked again and they promised to not say a word. "Good. As a thank you…" Ash went to his backpack and pulled out a small metal box. He opened it, took out something, then put the box back in his backpack and rejoined the group around the fire. "Here, use this to start new lives. It's not much, but it's some extra money that I don't really need. Start a business selling food, merchandise or something. You guys seem to do well with that until you blow it trying to catch Pikachu. Stay on the good side this time alright?" he said as he handed them a stack of money.

Jessie, James and Meowth looked at Ash with wide eyes before they slowly reached for the money. They took it, glanced at one another and then pinched each other's cheeks to see if they were dreaming or not. Ash and the pokémon laughed at their actions and so did the people watching the memory. When the trio realized that it wasn't a dream, they stared at Ash before they got up and hugged the raven haired trainer, crying and thanking him. They separated after a moment and promised to keep their mouths shut and that they will be good from then on. Ash smiled at them as they sat back down. He handed them three sleeping bags and bade them goodnight before heading into his tenth with Pikachu and Gardevoir. Lucario and Mewtwo moved towards the three, who glanced at the two coming.

"Do not taint this agreement," warned Lucario. "Master believes everyone deserves a second chance if they are willing to change. I however do not believe it in certain cases. Your auras do not seem to be marked with evil but even so…do not betray his trust and make me come after you."

"We will not. You have our word," replied the three together. Lucario and Mewtwo nodded.

"Why is he alone though?" asked James.

"We cannot tell you much, but he is on a journey to become stronger so he can protect those who he loves and cares about. He has gone through many trials, captured many powerful and rare pokémon and has traveled all over the six regions again. He is preparing to make his debut back into the world where he will take the competition by storm and prepare for what is coming," explained Lucario.

"What is coming and how strong is he now?" asked Jessie, curious.

"We are not sure of what is coming but it is a threat to the people he cares about," replied Mewtwo, taking over for Lucario who didn't know what to say. "Ash has reached a level far beyond many in the world. He still has a ways to go before he reveals himself. However, I would estimate that he is a little above the Elite Four's level by now. By the time he goes back, I believe he will be stronger than all the Champions combined. He may possibly be even stronger than the last Pokémon Master."

The trio and the people watching the memory had their jaws drop, unable to believe that he had become that strong in just a little over two years and would become even stronger. The trio recovered and were about to ask more questions when Ash's voice sounded out from the tent.

"Shut up! Let me go to sleep!" whined Ash.

"Pika pikachu!" yelled Pikachu as well.

Everyone laughed, both in the memory and the ones watching. The trio thanked Mewtwo and Lucario for giving them some information and promised them they will be good from now on and if they needed anything, to let them know. Mewtwo teleported himself to a large tree branch to sleep on and Lucario leaned against the log while sitting on the ground in front of the dying fire. As they all fell asleep, the memory faded away to form another one.

MEMORY #28

"SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!"

Ash was cursing up a storm as he hopped from the top of one of the rock pillars to another as he tried to avoid the powerful attacks that were sent against him. He glanced back at him and saw a wicked Thunderbolt chasing after him. His eyes widened and jumped from his spot at the last second onto another rock pillar as the powerful bolt of lightning exploded behind him when it hit the top of the pillar. Many impressed but also worried looks were on the viewers' faces as they watched.

Whose idea was it again to stay here for the past four months now? Oh yea, that was Lucario. Damn it, I really am going to have to get him back for all this.

Ash and his pokémon were training in the ravine they had found that had hundreds of rock pillars for months now. Mewtwo had once again set up a protective barrier around the island after the former Rocket trio left to keep everyone away. Each pillar was about ten feet in diameter that rose about a hundred feet into the air nearby one another on a small island off the coast of Johto. Most of his pokémon were training in groups in between the large rock pillars, on the rock pillars, around it or above it. Another elemental attack, an Ice Beam, was shot at Ash who jumped a little too early and ended up not reaching the next rock pillar.

"FUUCCCKKKK!" yelled out Ash as he began falling down towards the ground from about a hundred feet in the air.

Everyone screamed in fright and shock seeing him about to fall to his death but then they stopped as they saw what Ash did next. His eyes glowed blue and he manifested two aura swords from out of thin air, grabbed the two sharp weapons and stabbed them into the rocky pillar near him. His descent slowed down as the aura swords dug into its new home. Finally he stopped after about thirty feet of descent like that. He sighed and took a breather.

"NO TIME TO REST MASTER!"

Ash snapped his gaze to the right and saw Lucario jumping from one rocky pillar to the next as he climbed up to reach him. Ash sweat dropped before he lifted his legs and planted his feet against the rocky pillar. He bend his legs and then pushed off the pillar with a little bit of aura as he let go of the aura swords, which disappeared. He shot up some through the air towards the closest pillar as he readied another two aura swords to stab into the stone. He kept doing that until he reached the top of one of the rocky pillars and climbed onto it to be on the top of the pillar again.

"Damn, he's as athletic as some pokémon now," commented Brock and several people nodded with impressed gazes on what they saw him do just now.

"PIKA…CHUUUU!"

A powerful Thunderbolt was launched at Ash who brought up an Aura Shield at the last second. The connecting attack caused an explosion that also kicked up a bunch of dust around him. When the dust finally settled, they could see Ash looking at the pokémon who were surrounding him. His Charizard, Greninja, Sceptile, Garchomp, Lucario, Pikachu and Gardevoir were each on a separate pillar and each of them were readying an attack to launch at him.

"You should throw in the towel Master," advised Lucario as the blue sphere of energy in his paws began swirling faster and faster.

"You know me buddy. I can't pass up some fun," he replied cheekily as his eyes glowed a bright blue and his aura flared out. He took up a battle stance and eyed each of his attackers.

"Alright then since you asked for it. FIRE NOW!" ordered Lucario and each pokémon launched their attacks.

Charizard shot a Flamethrower.

Greninja fired an Ice Beam.

Sceptile threw an Energy Ball.

Garchomp fired a Dragon Pulse.

Lucario threw an Aura Sphere.

Pikachu launched a Thunderbolt.

Gardevoir fired a Moon Blast.

The seven powerful attacks were launched simultaneously and at the last second Ash brought out his Aura Shield again to block the attacks. A large explosion occurred that pushed his pokémon back a bit as the blast covered the area in smoke. The viewers and the pokémon waited a few seconds to see the smoke clear. Before the smoke fully cleared however, seven Aura Spheres were shot from within the smoke and struck each of the pokémon, causing seven smaller explosions to occur at once and brought up some more smoke. After a couple of minutes, all the smoke cleared finally and they saw the seven pokémon and Ash kneeling and panting for breath.

"Well…that was…fun," panted Ash and his pokémon chuckled in between taking in air.

"Nicely done Master," commented Lucario as he slowly stood back up. "I think you're ready to start learning how to use an Aura Beam."

Ash grinned but before any of them could say anything else, a purple feline appeared above them from out of nowhere.

"We have company," informed Mewtwo as he lowered himself next to Ash while still levitating in the air. Ash glanced at his friend who nodded toward the north side of the area. Ash and the seven pokémon around him looked in the indicated direction. They could see three large figures obscured by some fog on a nearby cliff. They were in the same area that they had set up camp the night before.

"Looks like we do. Send message to everyone Mewtwo and then teleport us to them," requested Ash as he stood up and Mewtwo nodded.

A moment later, they all teleported to the cliff and saw who their guests were after Mewtwo pushed away the fog with his psychic powers. Ash gasped as he looked up towards the three large pokémon in front of him. The trio of large pokémon was the Legendary Beasts of Johto; Entei, Raikou and Suicune! Ash stepped forward with Pikachu on his shoulder while all of his pokémon stood directly behind him, eyeing the legendary pokémon with respect but also caution as they didn't know the reason they were here. But they each were ready to fight and protect themselves and their trainer should they attack. Mewtwo and the three legendaries gave each other a curt nod of respect. He had purposely made it so only legendary pokémon would be able to pass through his barrier in case they needed to speak with them.

"Hey Entei, Raikou, Suicune; how have you been and what brings you three here?" asked Ash as he took a couple steps forward and then stopped in front of the three. Everyone couldn't believe that three legendary pokémon just showed themselves to him and that Ash was talking to the legendaries so casually as if they were long time friends.

"Hello Chosen One," replied back Raikou with telepathy.

"We are doing well and it looks like you're training is going well too," added Suicune.

"We are here because we have heard how you have been training hard for the coming days and we wanted to see for ourselves. Also, we have a bit of a proposition for you," explained Entei.

"I see. So what is this proposition?" asked Ash though he and many of his pokémon had an idea of what it could be.

"That we have come to join you in your mission but only if you can defeat each of us in a one on one battle with someone who belongs to our element," proposed Suicune.

"So that's where he met them and how he caught them," muttered Leaf with a small smile and a shake of her head and everyone let out 'ohs' as they figured it out too.

"Alright, if you guys really want to join and this is how you want it done then you guys got yourselves a deal. But let's make it a fair fight. I will tell you which of my pokémon will fight against you but allow us to rest for the rest of the day today as we just finished some heavy training and won't be able to fight at maximum strength yet. We can have our battles tomorrow morning. Sound good?" asked Ash.

The three legendaries nodded their heads with respect over how the young Aura Guardian was thinking about the well being of his pokémon. Even the people watching the memory smiled at what he just did. Many would have reacted and done something without thinking at the chance of catching a legendary but not Ash. He took his time and thought about his pokémon first.

"Awesome! Alright. Let's have some lunch while I think over who I'm going to have battle against you and I'll tell you once we finish eating."

Ash, his pokémon, Mewtwo, Entei, Raikou and Suicune gathered around the campsite and after Mewtwo teleported some food from their home with his psychic powers and Ash cooked some of it, they sat down to enjoy their meals. There were so many pokémon around that they ended up taking up the entire clearing and it still wasn't enough since they saw some of the pokémon in the trees or some of the smaller pokémon sitting or lying down on top of the larger pokémon.

"So many pokémon…he really does have an army with him," remarked Max and everyone nodded.

"Alright, I've chosen," stated Ash after finishing his meal and stood up. All eyes were on him as he faced the Johto legendaries. "You said a pokémon of your element on a one on one match with you. These three are just a few of some of my strongest and I believe you will find the challenge very entertaining."

The three legendaries nodded as their faces lit up a bit. As any other legendary, they were excited about the prospect of finding a worthy opponent who could stand up to their incredible power and go toe to toe with them. They were still pokémon after all and did enjoy a good battle every now and then.

"Entei, you will face one of my oldest pokémon who's always ready for a worthy opponent to test his strength against. He has gone toe to toe with several other legendary pokémon before. You will battle against Charizard."

Charizard roared as he stepped forward, spreading his mighty wings. He had a grin form after his roar. He always wanted a rematch against Entei since his defeat by him years ago. Now it was time for his revenge so to speak. Entei nodded his head in approval at the choice.

"Suicune, you will face one of my most cunning and versatile pokémon who is also very proper for some reason. You will battle against Greninja."

Greninja vanished from his spot and reappeared in front of the legendary water beast and gave his opponent a short bow in respect. Suicune nodded her approval of her opponent.

"Raikou, you will face one of my pokémon who has always gone the distance and who has always surprised everyone with his courage, power and never give in attitude. You will battle against my starter, Pikachu."

Pikachu jumped down onto the ground and gave a cheery wave at the electric legendary. Now, any other Pikachu and Raikou would have scoffed. Hell, even if it were a Raichu he would still scoff a bit. But no, he wouldn't disrespect this particular electric mouse. He, along with almost all of the legendary pokémon, have heard the stories about this particular yellow mouse. This particular Pikachu had power that made Zekrom want to absorb it from him. This particular Pikachu had the strength to send Regice flying into a stadium wall with an Iron Tail. This particular Pikachu had the speed and endurance to run circles around other pokémon all day long. Yes, this particular Pikachu was a very worthy opponent indeed. Raikou grinned at his opponent and nodded his head in approval.

"Great! I hope you all are ready for your grand battle tomorrow and wish you all good luck," commented Ash.

The Legendary Beasts of Johto nodded and so did his three chosen Pokémon. They spent the rest of the day relaxing and resting while they talked and joked around with each other before they went to bed as soon as night fall. They woke up in the morning and had breakfast before getting ready for the battles and they soon decided to have them on the top of the rocky pillars.

Ash, the Johto trio, Mewtwo and all of his pokémon were floating a good distance away from the top of the rocky pillars in the air with purple outlines around them, thanks to Mewtwo's incredible powers. Like this they could see the battle perfectly and not get in the way or get in the cross fire. Mewtwo lowered Entei and Charizard onto two of the rocky pillars and as soon as they landed, the purple outlines around the two faded away. The two powerful fire types roared, signaling that they were ready and soon charged at each other as the memory faded and another formed.

MEMORY #29

Ash, Pikachu, Gardevoir, Mewtwo and Lucario were lying down on the roof of a large building, looking up at the stars with many other pokémon sleeping besides them on the roof and on the ground around the building.

"Man, that was lucky we weren't caught huh guys?" asked Ash.

"Why did we even go to the Battle Frontier again last week?" asked Lucario rhetorically.

"Supplies and to check on a certain legendary pokémon who called us to meet him there remember?" reminded Mewtwo and Lucario glared at him with a look that plainly said that he knows, making the psychic pokémon smirk.

"Who would've thought when invisible we could still be detected. Anabel's powers sure have grown stronger," remarked Ash.

"Anabel? Is that the name of the purple haired girl who looked in our direction even though Mewtwo had turned us invisible?" asked Lucario and Ash nodded, telling them that she is an empath and a psychic as well.

Lucario and Mewtwo exchanged impressed looks before the group went quiet and observed the stars. A few minutes passed by with the group commenting on the constellations that they found or what they thought made up something else. When they finally quieted down, Lucario broke the silence.

"It's finally been three years everyone. We will be making our return as soon as we get the invitation. Are you ready to go back Master?" asked Lucario as he glanced at Ash.

"Yes. It's been a while Lucario," answered Ash as he took out a photograph from his pocket and held it in front of his face. It was the group picture that Mewtwo had teleported from his house and he looked at it every night before going to sleep. The photo had some creases, the edges were starting to crumple and the colors had started fading a little but to Ash, it was still perfect. Tears escaped from his eyes that run down his cheek. Gardevoir looked sullen and stretched out her hand to his arm as she was lying next to him. Ash glanced at her and found her to have tears in her eyes over seeing him so sad.

"Hey, I'm alright Gardevoir. I just miss them so much. I hope they're doing fine. I want to see them so badly but I don't know if I can. I finally figured out why I kept messing up with the girls a couple months ago though and ever since I did, I stopped hearing that voice from inside my head. But they might hate me and might want nothing to do with me after leaving them for so long," confessed Ash. The girls watching the memory were filled with sadness seeing him like that.

"I doubt that," remarked Mewtwo as he sat up, locking eyes with Ash who also sat up. "You are a very unique human Ash and you showed me that I was wrong and I've seen the light thanks to you. You are a very selfless person and there is nothing but goodness in your heart. Your friends will not have forgotten you and I'm sure they will be happy to see you again. Especially the girls you love so dearly. I have seen your memories and have seen how they are around you."

"That may be Mewtwo, but I don't know. Maybe I'll go in disguise at first as they might kill me on site because I disappeared for so long," chuckled Ash. They laughed a bit, knowing the situation.

"Whatever you decide Master, I will stand by your side and help you," promised Lucario and the others promised as well.

"Thanks guys." Ash looked at the photograph again, softly grazing his finger over the faces of Misty, May, Dawn and Serena. "I miss you so much," whispered Ash. The pokémon around him heard but said nothing. "I hope you four are happy and I'm so sorry about everything. If you've found someone, they better take care of you and if not…I might get a chance again with one of you if I'm lucky enough…"

The memory faded away and another formed as the four girls let out silent tears. Leaf, Anabel, Sarah and Cynthia were also saddened as to how much their crush had suffered and how he seemed to be so in love with the four girls, each thinking that their feelings might not ever get returned.

MEMORY #30

A bearded man was training in the forest near the Indigo Plateau Hotel with his Lucario and Gardevoir. They were talking about what's been happening recently, such as running into his old group of friends suddenly, sharing a room with them, how it's so hard to not reveal himself to them. They soon finished their training and began heading back towards the Indigo Hotel. They conversed with one another for a bit when suddenly he sensed something.

"Did you feel that Lucario? Gardevoir?" asked the man, the two pokémon nodding at his question. "We gotta move now!"

The three of them ran closer to the hotel and Ash was able to sense what was going on as he ran to the edge of the forest and saw the hotel doors.

"They're angry and scared and…..oh no, it's Misty! Gardevoir teleport to her side now!" commanded Ash.

Gardevoir vanished as Ash and Lucario entered the hotel soon after, enraged. They saw a man with his hand raised and stretched out towards Misty, who was on the floor trembling in fear and a Scyther had Gary pinned against a wall. Gardevoir was blocking the man from reaching the red head. The memory viewers gasped at the horrible scene in front of them.

"Don't you dare touch her!" yelled out Ash.

"NOW WHAT?!" screamed a man as he whirled around and Ash saw who it was.

Misty remembered the altercation and felt everything that she experienced during that time as she watched the memory. She shivered as she continued watching, her sister Daisy noticing it and hugged her, though it didn't help much but what she heard next made her relax again with a smile.

I'm here Misty. I won't let anything happen to you, thought memory Ash.

They watched him and Lucario overpower Scyther and Tracey before throwing him towards the door and watched him run away. They watched Ash try to comfort Misty who ended up shouting at him some things about how would he know what Ash wanted and that he didn't give a damn, not knowing the bearded man was really Ash since he was in disguise. Then they saw Ash reveal himself and saw the four girls tackled him in a group hug and the five were crying and Ash was apologizing to them. When they stood back up, the four girls delivered eight hard slaps against his right cheek, one after the other, making him stumble.

"Mew, that stings!" cried out Ash.

The people watching the memory winced at the sight of Ash getting slapped hard several times in a row but the four girls were grinning and so were their parents and sisters. Cynthia thought that that was a little much but at least he took it like a man unlike a certain Champion of Kanto who couldn't deal with one. They focused on the memory in time to hear Ash say that he deserved that and the girls agreed.

"I'm sorry guys for not revealing myself to you and for being gone for so long." Ash hung his head, looking at the floor. "Will you forgive me or are you too angry at me?"

"Of course we're angry!" shot Misty. "But we're also happy to have you here with us again," finished the red head softly.

"Is that true guys?" asked Ash as he looked up. As he looked at each person in the group, they nodded. Ash's eyes began to water. "I'm so sorry for everything."

"Hey, it's fine, it's in the past. No need to worry," replied Dawn softly as she hugged him again.

"Just make sure you never do something like that to us again." added May as she hugged him too.

"Otherwise you'll get more than just slaps to the face," threatened Serena as she joined them as well.

Everybody joined in on the hug, with Ash in the middle apologizing and having a few tears run down his cheeks, trying to pull himself back together. He felt happier than he had ever felt in a long time.

That memory faded away and finally no more was shown after that one and the blue sphere faded away into nothing. The group of people was quiet as they were still in a bit of trance from seeing the memory. Finally, the Champion of Kanto broke the silence.

"I'm so sorry for doubting you Ash," said Lance as he slowly dropped his gaze from where the sphere was to look at Ash. But the thing was that he wasn't standing anymore.

When Anabel, Sabrina and Gardevoir finished the process, they severed their connection with Ash and let go of him as they took a couple stumbling steps back as they were exhausted. Ash however, could no longer stand. Instead, he was on the floor, sitting on his legs and holding his head in his hands, shaking violently. Everyone was confused as to what happened but what Ash said made everyone become greatly concerned yet they didn't know what to do.

"Help…me…" whimpered Ash in barely a whisper.