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…

54. Chapter 53 - Getting Closer

THE BLUE SPIRIT

CHAPTER 53 – GETTING CLOSER

It was the dead of night and the Indigo Plateau stadium was mostly silent and empty except for the night guards. And one other person. At the very top of the stadium were several large light fixtures that were connected via thick metal poles and are spaced around evenly around the perimeter of the stadium. At the base of one of these light fixtures, a blonde woman was working on attaching a small metal box to it's under panel. Having snuck in without any of the security personnel noticing her presence thanks to her cunning and swiftness, she was able to conduct her mission. As of now, she was working on getting the psychic disrupters installed and ready to go.

She had already attached one on the base of the light fixture in the south side of the stadium and was now working on the east side. Afterwards, she'd do the north and finally the west side before she was finished. After securing the disrupter to the panel, she took out some wiring from her pack. While connecting the wire to supply power to the device, a little bit of static was heard in her ear. "Domino, state your progress," said a voice that spoke to her from the ear piece.

Agent double-oh-nine swiftly answered. "South side has been installed and finishing up on the east. The north and west will soon be done. Estimated time until completion is twenty minutes if no complications occur," replied back the blonde in a low voice as she secured the connection and turned on the disrupter. "What is the status update on your end Oakley?" she asked while adjusting the settings on the device before she could test it.

"Aura limiters are fully assembled. But we need to calibrate them to the right level. One of the sensors we brought exploded soon after you left the motel," answered the younger of the two sisters with silver colored hair.

Domino's eyes widened as she stopped what she was doing for the moment. "Exploded? How?" she asked them in a surprised tone.

Oakley was about to answer her when Annie called for her assistance on the limiter since she was better with electronics. Switching roles, the elder sibling spoke while the younger continued the adjustments. "We have no idea how," answered Annie for her sister. "It just started picking up a reading and kept going up. It was almost to the maximum and it stayed there for almost a full minute before it overloaded and blew up," explained the Rocket member.

Domino was stunned over the news she was just told. What the hell?! There's no way! How can that be possible?! She thought for a bit about what she found out and what she saw the guardian do first hand. It was then that she realized something, making her let out a small gasp. He's stronger than we thought. More so than the last one. We can't afford to make any mistakes. Snapping out of her stupor when Annie asked what they should do, she replied back. "Alright. I'll calibrate the extra sensor when I get back. Don't turn it on until then. We're going to need it to make sure the limiters are adjusted to the right level so we can take on the guardian," explained Domino.

Annie nodded her head on the other end of the line. "Roger that. We'll leave that to you then. Since we're finished here at the moment, we'll go check out the police station. Over and out," she replied back. Some static and then nothing but silence surrounded the Rocket executive once more.

Domino let out a sigh before she continued on the disrupter by running a test on the device with the calculations she had made. When it finished, the results were displayed on the small LCD screen. Seeing that they were satisfactory, she dismissed them and then placed the disrupter into standby mode. Cleaning up the area and placing her tools back into her pack, she stood up and turned towards the north side. Raising herself to a crouching position, she quickly moved towards her next destination. Without a sound made, she was like the still night air, unnoticed and unseen as she made her way around the top of the stadium.

Reaching the third area, she quickly took out the third disrupter and her tools from her pack. While working on her objective, she thought about how they were so close to achieving their goals. How close her lover Giovanni was to having everything within his grasp. But there was one who could stand in their way. One who could prevent them from reaching their goals. Anger engulfed her all of a sudden. "Damn the guardian!" she burst out saying without thinking. But she quickly composed herself. She took in a breath and let it out so she can focus.

Continuing her work, the deadly woman was just about to attach the power wire when sudden footsteps were heard by her. Domino quickly hid behind the light fixture's pole, leaving her equipment at the base of the pole. A moment later, two security officers came into view about ten feet below her in the stands. She eyed them from above as they looked around the area. The one on the right turned to the left. "Dude, I told you, there's nothing here. You're hearing things again," stated the guard.

The one on the left shook his head. "I'm telling you I heard a woman's voice and she said 'guardian'," said his partner. His words made Domino's heart beat a little faster and she cursed at herself mentally for allowing herself to lose her composure momentarily. Looking around some more, the guard maneuvered his flashlight all over the place to shine its light to help him see. "Just help me look will ya?" he asked the other. The two continued their search while Domino stayed in her position, still as a statue yet she was ready to react if needed. Finally, after a few minutes, the one who heard the sound lowered his flashlight and sighed while running a hand through his hair. "I guess there's nothing here."

His shift partner scoffed and crossed his arms. "I freakin told you man. Now let's get back to our patrol and you're buying me a soda from the vending machines," he said while walking back into the tunnel. "Or I'm telling your girlfriend that you've been imagining random girl voices at work," threatened the second guard as he began laughing, moving away from the area.

"Hey man, that's blackmail! And I was just trying to do my job!" whined the first as he went after him.

After the two guards left, the sounds of their footsteps faded away as the distance between them greatened and Domino let out a relieved breath. That was too close. If I was caught, it would've been bad. I could've taken them out. But we can't afford any attention or suspicion right now. Picking up her tools, she continued her mission. As she worked on the disrupter, she thought about how much power the guardian has and what he was capable of. How rare it was for her to lose her cool. She kept thinking until she shook her head. Doesn't matter how much power he has. We have the equipment and the numbers. Raising her gaze to the night sky, she allowed a smirk to form on her face. And if somehow that's not enough, we have our secret weapon; a merging of the power of nature and Team Rocket's ingenuity. There is no chance he'll win. Lowering her gaze back down, she continued on her current task.

When she finished with that, she quickly cleaned up and made for the fourth and final area. On her way there, she then remembered something else. John better get the job done. Or else I'll have to. Thinking that however didn't upset her; instead it made an evil grin spread on her face. I hope he does mess up. Then we can get rid of his stupid ass for failing and then I'll have the pleasure of ending that slut once and for all! Domino let out a quiet laugh as she reached the final area.

In another part of the Indigo Plateau area, two women were on the roof of a tall building, having just arrived a short while ago. One of the two, with silver hair, was looking through a pair of binoculars. Her job was to recon the police station that held their recruited allies. She was to report anything that may be important or vital in the near future so they could be as prepared as possible for when they made their move. The other one with blonde hair was writing down the notes while keeping watch of their surroundings. Both had a full team of six powerful pokémon with them, currently inside their poke balls, that were clipped onto their belts. Not only that, each also had a handgun that was inside its holster and was strapped to their legs. They were prepared in case things went south during their reconnaissance but luckily for them, everything was going smoothly so far.

Seeing something move into view, the one who was looking through the binoculars adjusted the magnification on it. "I see another guard," mentioned the silver haired girl, seeing the security personnel come around the far corner.

Jotting it down quickly, her partner counted the total number they have at the moment. "That makes five so far. Do you see any others Oakley?" asked the blonde.

Oakley shook her head. "Negative Annie. From our position and height, I can see most of the police station's perimeter and those are the only ones at the moment," she informed her sister.

Annie nodded before she glanced at her younger sister. Her eyes roamed up and down her body. "And from my position, I can see a lot as well," she remarked offhandedly. For her sister had propped her elbows on top of the roof's walls to hold her binoculars steady while crouched behind them. Her position had allowed her rear to show some since her pants had slipped down a bit from her crouching.

Oakley however didn't even turn her gaze to Annie as she responded. "Why complain about something when you actually enjoy it?" she asked rhetorically.

Annie however still answered it. "Who said I was complaining? You know I admire how you don't care about showing it off. And I do like seeing it," she said sincerely.

"I know," replied Oakley softly, moving her gaze to her sister's before letting a smirk form on her face. "I just wanted to tease you and hear you say that." Her smirk grew wider over her sister's sudden glare.

There was something very personal between the two blood related sisters that shouldn't be. Having no one but each other since they were children and having gone through many trials and hardships together, those experiences brought them extremely close. Though they had found where they belonged in Team Rocket, and were close with Giovanni and Domino, who they also trusted, respected and loved, what they had with each other was something else entirely. They always placed their bond together first against everything else. And they did nothing without the other, no matter what as the two sisters were inseparable. And because of all that, their sibling bond had morphed into something else and birthed a twisted version of love that was wrong and immoral to most everyone else. Yet they didn't care at all over what others thought of it.

Oakley moved her sight back to look at the police station again to search for more information that could benefit them in the near future. "Alright, so still only five patrols. I see each have two poke balls, a baton, a radio and probably the standard issue police handgun equipped on them only."

Annie jotted down those details and it was quiet for a minute between the two sisters. "Hey Oakley," she started and continued when her sister made a sound to indicate she was listening. "What do you think of the mission that Giovanni gave us?" she asked her.

Without stopping her current task, the silver haired woman answered her. "It's a pretty well made one in my opinion. And we haven't done something this big in a long time. It's the perfect way to announce our return into the spotlight." She turned her face away from the binoculars and looked at her sister. "Why do you ask?" Oakley was curious over the sudden question. It wasn't like her sister to question their mission.

Annie let out a sigh before facing forward, away from her sister's gaze. "It's just this is a very big thing we're trying to pull off here. It requires many pieces to fall into place at the right time and…" She stopped, not knowing if she should say what was on her mind. If she should say what was bothering her.

Knowing that something was up, Oakley wanted to exactly what it was. "And? What is so different this time around than all the other jobs we did that's making you nervous?"

Annie looked at Oakley for a moment before she answered her. "Domino and Giovanni." Tilting her head, the younger of the two was confused. Seeing her not get it, the blonde let out a sigh and explained. "Giovanni is completely on edge and he's planning on using everything in his arsenal as if he's going to war. And that small chance of the mission failing, there's no telling what he'll do. And when Domino was told of the sensor exploding, that was the first time I've ever heard shock in her voice." Shaking her head before looking up towards the night sky, she took in a breath. "I'm worried…"

Oakley's eyes widened over what her sister just admitted. "Worried?" she repeated but Annie kept quiet, her gaze locked onto the night sky. The younger woman had her heart beat faster, never before seeing her sister so unsure of things. But then she thought of something. "Is it because of this guardian? This Ash Ketchum?" she asked her sister. Annie slowly shifted her gaze onto Oakley. The look on her face was all that she needed for an answer. "Why? I know we failed our mission in Alto Mare all those years ago because of him but that doesn't mean…"

"That's not it," interrupted Annie, shaking her head and making her sister go quiet. "It's because he's the only one to ever make Domino and Giovanni lose their composure," clarified Annie, making her sister have understanding dawn on her. "He's the biggest obstacle in the way of Team Rocket reaching their goals. Even with all the advancements we've reached."

"I see." Oakley thought about what her sister just revealed to her. How she wasn't fully confident this time and how she was worried that they would taste the agony of defeat once more. Annie, I've never seen you be filled with doubt. This isn't like you. I gotta snap you out of this! It didn't take long for her to come up with something to do just that. "Even so, we've come this far and we've achieved many things," she started, making her sister look at her again. "The strength enhancers we developed for our organization that also makes its users completely obedient. The secret weapon we constructed that can even destroy entire cities at maximum power. The grand vision our leader has for the world and it's within his grasp after so long." Each statement that she said was making Annie's doubt and fears fade away and believe that they can succeed and achieve their goals. "So what if this Aura Guardian is in our way? He may have an army of strong pokémon along with legendaries. He may have powerful aura abilities. He may be an expert hand to hand fighter. But that doesn't matter. For we have the numbers, the equipment and the element of surprise. And we are smarter than him. We cannot and will not lose," finished Oakley with conviction, giving her sister a blazing look.

Annie was surprised over her sister's little speech. She never would have anticipated her to say something like that. Then again, she herself never lost confidence in what they were doing. Looks like we're still learning new things about each other. She let a smile form on her face. "You're right. Thanks for helping me get back on track," remarked Annie and Oakley nodded her head while returning a smile. "But where did complimenting the guardian come from?" she asked her little sister with a hint of jealousy.

Oakley shrugged as she responded. "Hey, I'm just stating the facts. And stating that doesn't mean I'm complimenting him. Don't be so insecure," stated the younger sibling before laughing.

Glaring at her, Annie crossed her arms over her taunting. "Right. I'm not insecure. You just don't normally give respect or credit where it's due, even if they deserve it. And then you say all that out of nowhere. Of course I'm going to be surprised," she remarked but again Oakley just replied back saying she should relax and not take everything so seriously in between her laughing. Deciding to let it go for the moment, she moved on. "Fine, whatever. Let's get back on track. The jail cells should be in the southeast corner. How is the defense around that area?"

Oakley agreed to that and after calming down from her laughing, looked through her binoculars again. Moving her sight towards the area her sister stated, she took in the surroundings. "Minimal. The closest stationed guard is at least fifty feet away and his sight is obscured by bushes and trees. Idiots. They should've gotten rid of all that," criticized the silver haired girl.

Though she wrote down what her sister said, Annie still wanted to get back at her sister for her taunting. Getting an idea, she smiled to herself before putting it into action. "But it'll make it easier for us to sneak in close to plant the explosives using that as cover," remarked the blonde haired girl as she moved closer to her sister and wrapped her arm around her body.

"And where are you trying to sneak into right now?" asked Oakley calmly as she felt her sister's hand travel over her attire on her stomach, though she did tremble slightly from anticipation.

Grinning lecherously to herself, Annie answered her. "Oh you know, just want to thank you for helping me focus," she said as her hand stopped traveling downwards. Slowly, she began massaging her lower abdomen but never really going further down.

Oakley felt her body temperature rising while still looking through the binoculars. "Hey, didn't we agree not to do stuff like this anymore when on the field?" she reminded her sister, yet did nothing to actually stop her.

Annie continued her action a little longer before stopping and removing her hand. "Yea, you're right. This is unprofessional," she replied back with a smirk, knowing what her actions would do to her sister.

"You bitch," growled Oakley, giving her sister an angry expression over her teasing. "You know how much I hate it when you tease me so."

"Call it pay back for earlier," she replied back and Oakley growled at her. "Don't worry, we'll continue this later," advised Annie, knowing how much more fun they had when her sister was teased and made to wait before they were able to have their taboo intimacy with one another. It was the best and worst punishment she could give her. "But right now, we got a job to do."

"Fine. But when we get back to the motel, you're in for it," promised Oakley before returning to accomplish her mission objectives. Annie moved back to her spot to watch their surroundings and take down notes with a large grin on her face. And with that, both sisters continued their reconnaissance for a while longer, gathering intel.

At the Indigo Hospital, some time past midnight, Nurse Johansen was going about her rounds as she checked each patient's condition on her floor. The one she was in now belonged to a red haired woman who was being watched over by two pokémon. Normally, they wouldn't allow pokémon to stay overnight in the hospital but Doctor Swanson had okayed it after reading a note that was given to her by the frog pokémon. She didn't mind either as both pokémon just stayed in the corners of the room, were respectful and didn't get in her way. It was kind of like when the Aura Guardian was being taken cared off after defending the stadium from the invaders and had his pokémon watch over him. Writing down a few notes on her clipboard from the sensors and scanners attached to her patient, she finished up and then left the room to continue her rounds.

After checking on a few other patients, she made her way to the counter in the lobby. Reaching her destination, she took a seat on one of the chairs behind the counter and placed her clipboard with each patient's notes on the desk. Letting out a sigh, she stretched out her arms as well as her back and looked up towards the ceiling. Man, I'm beat. Can't wait for this shift to end and then I'm off tomorrow and so is Lilit. Lucky her got to go home already. Hmm, should I hang out with her or should I spend it with him? Becoming lost in thought, she didn't notice that someone had appeared in front of the counter. That is until that someone cleared their throat loudly. Adrine jumped a little from that, startled from the sound. She looked up at the person with an annoyed expression, thinking it was one of her coworkers. But then immediately changed it to a more welcoming one when she saw it was someone else. "Apologies. I'm Nurse Adrine Johansen. This is a pretty late visit. How may I help you?" she asked sincerely as she stood up from her seat with a smile.

A man that looked to be in his early thirties, dressed in black pants and white button down short sleeved shirt was standing in front of her. He was holding a bouquet of red flowers in his hands and had a concerned expression on his face. "Good evening. I'm sorry for bothering you at such a late hour but I just got into town. I'm looking for my girlfriend. I heard she was hurt and was brought here. Can you please tell me which room she's in?" he asked the nurse in a sullen tone of voice.

Feeling bad for the man, Adrine wanted to help him. But she didn't know who he was or who he was talking about. "I'm really sorry, but I don't know who your girlfriend is and if she's here or not. May I have her name? And excuse me, but who are you?" asked the nurse.

The man was quiet for a moment before replying back. "How rude of me, I should've introduced myself. My name is John Walters. And I'm sure that my girlfriend is here because I was told she was here by my friend. Her name is Natasha Dobrev," answered the man.

Adrine became surprised from his answer but kept her expression neutral. She had a lot of practice keeping her reactions in check as a nurse. Huh, I was just in that girl's room. So he's looking for her? Should I let him see her? And who told him? Maybe the guardian told him...but that can't be right… Ash hadn't mentioned anyone else coming to visit Natasha in the note. And she remembered what he had told them of the girl when he brought her the first time. Becoming slightly suspicious over this random man just showing up out of nowhere in the middle of the night for the red head, Adrine decided to try to find out more about this man as discreetly as she could. "Oh, so you're here to see Ms. Dobrev?" she asked him, keeping her tone casual and professional. He confirmed it by nodding his head. "Okay. Well, we have rules here that must be followed. And so, you must sign in this guest sheet and we must check your ID as well to make sure you are who you say you are. But also, we have to double check that you are allowed to see her since there are extra measures set for her because of her condition. Do you have anyone who can vouch for you?" she asked him while taking out the sign in sheet and placing it on top of the counter.

John started feeling very nervous and was about to start panicking because he was trying to remember what he had planned and prepared with Domino before. Until he forced himself to calm down and remember why he was there. Get a grip! You're here for Natasha! You're close! Don't fuck this up now! Composing himself and remembering what Domino had made for him and told him what to say and do if this type of situation arose, he replied back to the nurse. "I have no problem with that and understand what needs to be done. It is important to be cautious with your patients," replied back the man as calmly as he could while he placed the flowers onto the counter. Taking out his wallet, he then took out two things from it and placed it on the counter for the nurse to see. One was his ID card and the other was a photo. He took the pen from the nurse and signed in.

As he wrote on the paper, Adrine took both items and looked at the top one first. The ID had the same name as he said; John Walters. And the picture on it matched the man in front of her. It doesn't look or feel fake. Well, that's in order I guess. She then looked at the photo and her eyes widened slightly. In the picture were a man and woman hugging one another. The man was John and the woman was Natasha. Huh. Looks like he is her boyfriend. But, why hadn't he shown up until now? And why didn't she or Ash mention him at all? This all feels weird…

"Here you go," said John after signing in.

Adrine snapped out of her thoughts. "Thank you," she replied back, taking the sign in sheet and handing him back his belongings. "And thank you for showing proof but just out of curiosity, how did you find out she was here?"

Though becoming annoyed over her intrusive questions, John was able to mask it. "Like I said, my friend told me that she was here," he repeated.

"Do you mean the Aura Guardian, Ash Ketchum?" she asked him offhandedly.

John had a split second twitch in his eye that wasn't noticed by the nurse. His blood began boiling after hearing his name but kept himself in check. He couldn't afford any mistakes right now when he was so close to getting what he wanted and what he had to do. Suppressing his anger for the moment, he answered her as calmly as he could. "No, it wasn't him who told me. My friend is Jason Masters and he's from…"

"The board of directors of the pokémon league," interrupted Adrine all of sudden. John gave a slightly curious look and she reddened a bit. "Um, we're seeing each other."

Having a look of understanding dawn on him, John nodded while a thought went through his head. What luck! I can use this to my advantage! He decided to use this new information to butter up the nurse and get what he wanted. "Ah, so you're who he keeps talking about." Her cheeks reddened even more over his words and he noticed that, making him smile a little for several reasons. "Don't worry it's only good things. So, does this mean I'm in the clear now?" he asked her. That's it John, he told himself. Just keep doing what you're doing!

Adrine nodded, becoming embarrassed over what was going on. "Yes and I'm sorry. We just have to make sure, especially with critical care patients," explained the nurse.

"I understand and…wait…" He tilted his head at that and gave her a concerned expression. "Critical care?" She nodded once more and his expression turned grave. "Please, can you show me the way? And what state is she in?" he asked her in a pleading like tone. She agreed to show him the way while explaining what happened to his girlfriend. John followed after her while staying silent but was barely listening to her. So far so good. You're almost there man. Just keep acting like the caring boyfriend and don't fuck up now! The two soon reached the red head's room and Adrine opened the door before walking in with John following after her.

The first thing that happened as soon as he stepped inside the room was John's heart began beating much faster. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The woman he was obsessed with was lying down on the hospital bed unconscious. Many sensors were on her with their long wires attached to several monitors and equipment in the room. His mission forgotten for the time being as his feelings took over, he quickly moved to her while letting the flowers drop from his hands. Right before he was about to reach her, a tall figure appeared out of nowhere, blocking his path and he bumped into it. "Ah!" he grunted out, stumbling back a couple steps. He straightened out while filling up with anger over being prevented from reaching his goal. His eyes widened as he looked at the intimidating blue ninja frog standing in front of him with his arms crossed and his narrowed red eyes locked onto him. His heart thumping loudly in his ears, his anger was quickly replaced with fear that was clearly shown on his face.

Immediately afterwards, Adrine spoke up. "I'm sorry, but I should've mentioned that Ms. Dobrev is being protected by the Aura Guardian. He has left instructions that no one be allowed to see her without his pokémon being inside the room as well," explained the nurse.

Unable to look away from the powerful pokémon at first when she started speaking, John was able to snap out of it and glanced back at Adrine when she mentioned the guardian. Once again, his eye twitched a bit and his blood boiled. Using his cover as boyfriend, he let out a worried and angry tone to hide his rage. "The Aura Guardian?! Protected? From what and who? And I'm her boyfriend! How dare he think that he can control others like this! I should be allowed to be with her properly with no restrictions!" he shot at her angrily.

Adrine raised her hands in front of her and gestured for him to relax. "I'm sorry Mr. Walters, but you should calm down. The hospital has agreed to allow his pokémon to stay and watch over Ms. Dobrev because of what happened to her in the past and who he is. Mr. Ketchum is only trying to help her and…"

John's eyes bulged after hearing his name. Unable to control himself anymore, he exploded. "I don't care!" snapped John angrily, scaring the nurse and making her take a couple steps back. A low growl was heard that made both the nurse and the man turn to look at the pokémon. Greninja was glaring at John. He took a step back from the frog but his anger didn't subside. Damn it! This has turned into a cluster fuck! Damn the Guardian! Damn this annoying bitch! And damn this fucking pokémon! His rage clouding his judgment, he went off on the pokémon. "Listen here you!" commanded John, speaking directly to Greninja. He pointed at him with his right hand and continued talking. "I am Natasha's boyfriend! The only person she has in her life! How dare you try to stop me from being with her! Do you think I care who you are or who your trainer is? Get out of my way or I will make you and him regret messing with me!" threatened John angrily.

After John's words, the room became deathly silent. Adrine was frozen in her spot, with her hands clapped over her mouth and a shocked expression on her face. She couldn't believe what just happened in front of her. John kept his position, pointing at the pokémon with his heart pounding in his chest. Greninja kept his glare on the man for a long time and no one made a sound or moved during that time. Right when John started to wonder if he had taken a step too far, Greninja reacted.

He uncrossed his arms and had his arms hang loosely by his side. John had a smirk appear on his face over what he saw, believing the pokémon was going to leave. But then it faded away as quickly as it appeared because of what the pokémon did next. A water shuriken appeared in Greninja's right webbed hand. John and Adrine had their eyes widen over what the pokémon was doing and stood still from fear. Moving towards the man, Greninja stopped right in front of him and raised the water ninja star to be level with his face. The Kalos starter then slowly moved it back and forth in front of John's face, who nodded once as he understood the message. Knowing he got it, Greninja had the shuriken disappear. Afterwards, the ninja frog casually went back to his corner and took up his guarding position once more, with his sight locked onto the red head. Blissey, who had remained in her corner and remained quiet the entire time, went back to polishing her egg with a towel.

Seeing that nothing happened, Adrine let out a sigh of relief. She then walked to stand beside John and began speaking. "So everything okay now? They're only trying to help and protect her. You see that now right? And they understand you too. Everything good right?" asked the nurse timidly.

John was quiet for a moment as he processed everything. Realizing he was losing his cool and had to fix things fast before it became more complicated, he turned to face the nurse. "I'm sorry Nurse Johansen. I just haven't seen my girlfriend in a long time and was searching for her. I feared about what might have happened to her. But when I found out she was here just recently, I just lost myself since I had to see her," he told her with a very convincing sorrow filled tone of voice.

Believing him, Adrine smiled a little and patted his shoulder. "It's alright. It's good that you care so much about her. But I don't think she would want you to be like this over her. You found her and she's right here. Hopefully she'll wake back up soon so you two can be together again," remarked the nurse kindly.

John let out a sigh and turned around to face Natasha. He moved to her again and this time was able to reach her since Greninja didn't stop him. However, the pokémon kept his attention on what was going on, ready to jump in and prevent anything bad from happening. John glanced at the water starter before he quickly looked away after seeing the glare on Greninja's face. A couple seconds later, he grasped the comatose girl's hand with his right hand. He looked at her for a moment. "Natasha…" he whispered but it was heard by everyone in the room since it was so quiet. Staring at her for a moment, his feelings took hold of him. You're mine Natasha. He leaned in close to her face and then set his lips onto hers. He kissed her for a short while, making Greninja narrow his eyes over the action. He then stood up and right when he did, he got a call. Taking out his phone, he saw who it was and glanced at the others in the room. "May I have some privacy?" he asked them.

"Of course," replied Adrine as she headed towards the door. "I can show you a room where you can take the call in private," she told him.

John's blood boiled again over the fact that he would have to leave and not the pokémon. But he didn't react further to that because his attention was on the phone. Shit, I need to take this. Damn it, I have no choice. "Alright. Where is this empty room?" he asked her while stepping out and she escorted him to it.

After the two left, Greninja glanced at Blissey who was sporting a saddened look. He frowned and shook his head before looking at the girl. He didn't like the new person at all. Though he couldn't sense anything from him, which was weird in itself, he had a bad feeling fill him. Yet, he did nothing to stop that man's action of kissing her because he said he was her boyfriend, the nurse's words supported his statement and he wasn't hurting Natasha. But if he had tried to do anything more than that, he would've been thrown right through the wall. And that would be the kindest thing he would do to him. But until he did something bad, he would have to keep things civil. He couldn't do anything to jeopardize his trainer's name and reputation. Letting out a sigh, Greninja just leaned against the wall and continued his silent vigil over Natasha.

When he was finally alone in an empty room, John answered the call. The instant he answered the call, an annoyed tone of voice was heard. "Who the hell do you think you are, making me wait for you to pick up?!" came Domino's voice. John winced from that and even covered up his face out of instinct even though he wasn't in danger of being physically hit at that moment. He opened his mouth but wasn't allowed to answer her since she kept going. "Don't you dare do that again to me! I've already finished up with my tasks. Oakley and Annie are almost finished as well. What's taking you so long? What's your status?" she demanded from him.

John nervously swallowed his saliva and began speaking. "Hey, this is my first field assignment alright?" A scoff was heard from the woman and he quickly continued. "Anyway, I was able to find her with not much issue. But there's a problem," revealed John. He then began explaining what it was.

After listening to him, Domino let out a disgruntled sound. "Damn it. Alright fine. Come back to the motel and we'll adjust the plan accordingly. Then you'll go back and get it done," she ordered him before hanging up.

John took in a breath as he inserted his phone into his pants pocket. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a long slow breath. Damn it. Things are so freakin complicated! But I will get what I want in the end! Composing himself, he then left the room.

Hours later, the sun had risen into the sky, with its rays of light and warmth brightening the new day. As the light shined through her bedroom window's curtains, a purple haired girl was curled up in her new single bed in a new room with her new roommates. Iris had moved in with Misty, May, Dawn and Serena yesterday after revealing to them that she and Cilan had broken up. That was when the four told her that they are here for her and convinced her to stay with them in their room from now on. Unable to resist or even say anything for that matter, Iris allowed them to do just that. They helped her pack her belongings in silence at first before trying to help the Unovan native feel better with cheerful talks and encouragement that all will be well soon.

Though Cilan did enter the room when they were packing Iris's stuff and even offered to help, they declined the offer. It wasn't out of anger or hate or anything else bad that they refused it. They just felt that they'd handle it themselves and he understood. There was no trouble between any of them since Iris had explained to her friends that it was mutual and they had decided to go on separate paths on good terms. And so, the four harbored no ill will or feelings against him and kept their friendship with the connoisseur intact. When they finally finished and left the room, Cilan stared at the door for a moment, thinking about what he saw between them until he just smiled. There you go Iris. Wishing her luck, he then took out his phone to call Burgundy before going to sleep.

Right now however, Iris was seeing a dream while still asleep in bed. She mumbled a little before turning to her other side. Letting out some more sounds of distress, she rolled onto her back. Moving her head to the right, she let out a whimper. "No," she pleaded in her sleep and then moved to face the left. "I…I…" Her body shook and she began to alternate her gaze from left to right nonstop, her distress getting more severe. Her voice was gradually getting louder as well. "No…not fair…" She went quiet for a short while until she began whimpering in her sleep once more. "Please don't…don't leave…DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND!" she shouted suddenly as she woke up and sat upright all of a sudden. She was breathing heavily, with some sweat pouring down her body. It took a couple minutes for her to calm down. She had a seen a dream about her past. Of what happened during her search for the raven haired guardian and what she learned about the four girls. Of how she felt it was unfair that the girls were so close to each other, both in distance and in friendship. How she was alone most of the time. How it was hard for her to keep contact with them and vice versa. She took in a long slow breath and shook her head slowly before checking to see if she had woken up anyone.

That was when Iris saw that she was alone in the room. The girls' beds were empty and already made. Did they wake up earlier and let me sleep in? Iris glanced at the room clock and saw it was barely 840am. Remembering her past and dream, she drew her legs in to her body and wrapped her arms around her knees. Did they…did they leave me behind again? Her thoughts swirled around in her head for a bit and were starting to drift towards darker ones before she forced herself to stop. NO! That's not how they are. I need to stop! She shook her head again, trying to clear it. They're not like that and I know that. They probably just got up early. Yea, that's it since they probably want to help Ash prepare for his match. She took in another deep breath before exhaling it out. She then glanced at the curtains, seeing the sun's rays shining through it. I should get up and get ready myself. She got out of bed and headed into the attached bathroom to wash up. Exiting it, she changed her clothes and while putting on her shoes, she thought about what her friends did for her the previous day. How they knew something was wrong with her and how they came to help her out. She felt a little better remembering that they cared about her. Finishing up, Iris stood up, left the bedroom and headed to the living room.

Seeing that no one was up yet and the penthouse suite was very quiet, she assumed that everyone was still asleep, still being relatively early in the morning. They'll probably wake up soon to have breakfast and get ready for Ash's match. Hmm, I wonder if he's up… Iris decided to check if Ash was still asleep as well. Heading to his bedroom, she was starting to feel anxious with a little bit of dread in the pit of her stomach. As she drew closer to her destination, those feelings were intensifying and she couldn't shake it off. She reached the room and knocked on it twice but not too loudly. Not getting an answer, she grasped the handle, turned it and opened the door. Peeking inside the room, she then stepped inside immediately after with a surprised expression because of what she saw.

Or rather, what she didn't see. For there was no one in the room. Not Ash or even any of his girlfriends were there. Iris tilted her head in confusion. What the...Where did he go? And where did the girls go? Maneuvering her gaze around the room, she looked for any note or clue as to where he or the others could have gone. But there was nothing to be found that could have let her know what was going on. Becoming slightly worried, Iris left the master bedroom and headed into the living room. Is everything alright? Why would they just leave like that with no note or anything? Iris let her mind wonder until she stopped herself after a little bit of time. Planning to turn on the TV to distract herself from her thoughts, Iris believed it to be the best course of action until the others woke up and asked them if they knew what was going on. She didn't want to make this into a big deal if it was nothing.

But right when she grasped the TV remote from the coffee table, she noticed a sudden blue glow coming from the balcony. Turning her gaze towards it in time, she saw the raven haired guardian appear with Pikachu on his shoulder. She calmed down instantly and let out a relieved breath. There he is. But…I wonder where he went? And with that, Iris walked towards him while keeping her emotions and thoughts in check. "Hey, morning Ash. Where'd you go?"

Turning to face his greeter, Ash gave his friend a smile along with a wave. "Hey, good morning Iris. Though I got them ready yesterday, I just went to check on my pokémon when I woke up earlier to make sure they're all set for their battles today. How come you're up already?" he asked her.

Oh, so that's where he went. Should've guessed that. "Oh, okay. Well, I just couldn't sleep anymore," remarked Iris, finally knowing what had happened and Ash nodded over her answer. "So, looks like the kid is finally ready to take on the world's Elites, huh?" she asked him with a smirk and Ash replied back with a grin and so did Pikachu. She chuckled at that and shook her head. "Figures. You'll never change," she said afterwards while crossing her arms. And I hope you never do.

Ash didn't hear her thoughts since he wasn't focusing on her. He only did that in certain situations. He merely shrugged while giving an innocent look. "Hey, better a kid than something bad."

"True," remarked Iris, before remembering something. "So, you went to your pokémon. Do you know where the girls went? Cause they're not here at the moment."

Ash was quiet for a moment before responding back. "Oh right, we woke up at the same time. They decided to go to the nearby grocery store together to get some fresh food for breakfast," revealed Ash and Iris let out an 'oh' in understanding. He didn't say anything else about that matter because he didn't know how he would be able to explain things yet. In addition, he and his girlfriends had decided that they wouldn't say anything about their new status until after the tournament concluded. Raising his left wrist, Ash checked his Poketch and saw that it was a little past 9am. "They should be back soon. Probably within ten or twenty minutes. Hmm, by the time they prepare the meal, that should give me enough time…" He trailed off, not finishing his statement.

Iris tilted her head. "Enough time for what?"

Ash looked at her before answering back. "To go check on Natasha and see if anything changed."

"Oh that's right. Natasha's at the hospital."

"Yea," said Ash with a heavy tone, making Iris feel saddened by it and he noticed it. "Sorry, didn't mean to make you sad," apologized the guardian while rubbing the back of his head.

She shook her head. "No, it's alright. How long are you going for?"

Lowering his hand, Ash shrugged in response. "Not long. I'm just gonna go check on her and stay by her side for a bit. No more than half an hour or so."

"Okay. Well, I'll see you later then," said Iris, as she turned around and started heading back inside. "I'll just go do something on my own till the girls return or someone eventually wakes up." I just hope that I don't over think things in the meanwhile.

Seeing her walk inside and noticing the slight change in her tone, Ash wondered if everything was okay with his friend. It was then that he remembered how he sensed her and Cilan's auras being all weird. He wanted to know what was wrong. Getting an idea that may allow her to open up to him, he called out to her suddenly. "Hey, Iris…" She stopped and glanced back at him. "If you're not busy and if you want to, why don't you come with me?"

For some reason, Iris had her heart beat just slightly faster. But it wasn't enough to cause her to lose control. "What, you can't handle it on your own?" she asked him with a teasing tone, preventing her actual state from being shown.

Ash chuckled in response. "Well, you did say I'm a kid," he remarked and Iris rolled her eyes. "I just figured it would be nice to not go alone. And it's been a while since you and I have done something together. I mean, we did travel throughout Unova together. I know you and Cilan are together but we're still friends aren't we?" he asked her sincerely.

After his question, Iris had flashes of a few of their adventures together in her mind during their travels through her home region. Remembering those made her smile. "Yea, we did…" She started to say but then she realized what he said afterwards; about her and Cilan being together and how she and Ash are just friends. "And you're right," she said, keeping her smile to keep the truth hidden, yet her emotions were starting to overwhelm her.

This allowed Ash to sense that her feelings were not what she was trying to portray. But he didn't force her to spill it. He respected the people he cares about too much to do that. He would either wait for them to say it on their own when they're ready, or when the right moment came up. "So, do you want to come? This kid could use an adult's help," joked Ash, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

Iris thought for a moment before replying back. "Alright. I'll go with you. Just don't cry," she teased him. Knowing she was just playing, Ash merely smiled and nodded. Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and made his way inside. "Pikachu's not coming?" asked Iris, surprised that the mouse wasn't going with them.

Ash let out a chuckle. "Nah, he wants to take a nap again cause I woke him up early. I swear he's turning into Snorlax." Iris shook her head while giggling. "Anyway, we'll go now if you're ready?" Iris nodded and the two disappeared in blue glows.

After those two left, sometime later one from the group emerged from her room. Delia had woken up and after getting ready, she decided to get started on breakfast. She wanted to make a grand meal for her son because he was going to face the Elites of the world. I can't believe my little Ashy has grown so strong. I knew he would become so, but not like this. She then thought about his lovely girlfriends who will always be by his side and be there for him. But what's more amazing is that he's found not one, but several incredible girls who are with him and love him. I can't believe it. Oh how I can't wait for grandchildren! Smiling to herself and feeling all giddy about helping to raise their children, she continued thinking about all of that as she made her way to the kitchen.

On her way, the suite door opened and she looked to see who it was. A group of people walked in that surprised Delia. It was Ash's girlfriends and the other girls with them. Seeing them holding plastic bags, Delia assumed that they had gone shopping. Seeing their beloved's mother there, they all greeted her with happy looks on their faces while saying good morning to her. "Good morning to you all too," remarked Delia as she walked over to them. "Isn't it a little early to go to the mall?" she asked them with a chuckle and smile.

The girls laughed a bit before shaking their heads. Walking towards the kitchen, the blunette from Sinnoh explained. "Well, it is early but we went to the super market. We decided to get some food to prepare a grand breakfast for everyone and get them ready for Ash's battles," revealed Dawn with a cheerful look on her face.

Delia felt her heart warmed by Dawn's words. But as she looked around the large group of girls, she wondered why they all went together. "And you all went?" asked Delia, as they entered the kitchen and placed their purchases onto the large counter table in the middle of the area. She looked at the fifteen girls standing around her, who glanced at one another. "I mean, I understand the buddy system and all, especially after what's happened here. But isn't this a bit much?" she asked them with a chuckle.

The girls glanced nervously at one another. They didn't know how to explain what had happened the night before. And why they had left together to do this very simple errand. Until the brunette from Hoenn thought up of something. "True, it may be overkill but hey, why not? Its fun going on group outings," answered May for them all.

"And we're all excited so we all kind of just woke up early. It's not often that the Elites are challenged. Plus, more hands means less bags for each person to carry," added Serena in the end. Some of the girls voiced the same while the rest nodded.

It was still true, what the Kalos native had said. She just left out some details. Some very big details that they weren't quite ready to share just yet because they just didn't know how to. And they had agreed to wait till after the tournament. Plus, they wanted to not immediately share some of their personal things right off the bat. Each of the girls wanted to keep what happened last night within them only. Not their discussion with Ash but what happened afterwards. How thanks to Mewtwo, they had all slept in the same room, sharing one gigantic bed between themselves and their beloved. They wanted to keep them between themselves for it was something they shared for the first time between them all.

Delia smiled sweetly at the girls, though she had a feeling that something was up. But as she had taught her son so long ago, it wouldn't be nice to try to force things. Deciding to come back to it later at a better time, she decided to move on. "So, what did you buy and what are we preparing?" she asked them, taking one of the bags and peeking inside it before taking its contents out.

While they started on making breakfast for everyone, a certain couple had just woken up and was talking to one another. Brock was just keeping his gaze on his fiancée while still lying down on his back on the bed. Lucy however had sat up on the bed and kept talking about how lucky they are, how happy they are, reminisced about what they went through together and what they should do to plan their wedding. She kept going for a few more minutes until she realized she's been talking nonstop. She stopped all of a sudden and looked at him. "I was talking too much again wasn't I?" she asked him with an embarrassed look.

Brock just chuckled and sat up as well before moving a piece of hair behind her ear. "I'll never get tired of it so don't worry," he told her.

"Yeah you will," replied Lucy but she still smiled. Hugging him tightly for a moment, she raised her head and looked at him. "Brock, I love you."

"I love you too Lucy," he told her with a smile. The two shared a simple kiss before the Pike Queen took up a sitting position on his lap. "So, what were you talking about again?" asked Brock sarcastically.

"I knew it, you weren't listening." She hit him playfully against his chest while he just chuckled. "I was saying we should start planning our wedding soon after the tournament." Brock agreed with that, saying they should get that done before focusing on their future child and what was coming in two years time. "Yeah, you have a point. So, have you asked him yet?" asked Lucy.

Brock shook his head before letting out a sigh. "No, not yet. I was going to but then there was just too much going on that I couldn't. I'll ask him the first chance I get. What about you? Have you asked Anabel yet?"

"No, not yet. I think I'll do that as well," revealed Lucy and Brock nodded. "Hey, do you smell that?" she asked him suddenly.

Brock tilted his head. "Smell what?" His squinty eyes widened suddenly as he thought of something. "Don't tell me you're getting your pregnancy cravings already?!"

Lucy punched him in the chest, making him grunt. "What if I was?!" she asked him angrily.

"Hey, I was just joking," said Brock while rubbing the area he was hit.

She crossed her arms and turned her gaze to the side. "Hmph. Idiot. Anyways, no it's not a craving. You seriously don't smell it?" asked Lucy rather calmly now. She may not have her cravings yet, but it looks like her hormones were already swinging from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Brock sniffed the air and shook his head. "No, I don't smell anything." He glanced at the clock and saw that it read 940am. "Maybe someone's making breakfast. Might as well get up and help them out. Or start if no one is there and you're imagining things," he teased her, earning himself another punch in the chest.

"Do you like pissing me off or do you like getting hurt?" asked Lucy and he just laughed before saying only because it's her. "You're such an idiot. But that's right; only me." She hit him again, but this time playfully before the two shared a kiss again. Afterwards, the two got up, changed out of their pajamas and headed out of their room together. They were surprised to find many people in the kitchen, dressed in aprons and getting breakfast ready. "Hey, what's going on?" asked Lucy.

"Oh we just decided to make breakfast for everyone," answered Anabel as she took out the toasted bagels from the toaster and placed them on a plate. She then inserted a new batch into the toaster before facing her fellow Frontier Brain. "We got this so if you want you can just go relax until it's ready," she suggested.

Lucy and Brock glanced at one another and just shrugged. "Alright, if you say so. It's good to not worry about cooking for once," admitted Brock, seeing them all getting their own tasks done, such as Dawn cutting up some fruits and Shauna slicing bread loafs into smaller pieces.

"Hey, no worries," piped in Sarah as she watched over the pancakes on the stove. "But can you two go wake everyone up? Breakfast should be ready by the time they're here."

"Sure, no problem. I'll go wake everyone up," agreed Brock. Before he left, he gave Lucy a look and then nodded at Anabel.

Getting the hint, Lucy smiled, agreeing to it. After he left to wake the others, the Pike Queen made her way to her closest friend while the others were in their own conversations and jobs. "Hey Anabel, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?" answered the Salon Maiden while taking out the next round of toasted bagels and inserting another batch.

Not feeling embarrassed in asking the question in front of so many people, Lucy still felt a little hesitant in asking the question. She was feeling nervous over what her best friend's answer would be all of a sudden. Normally she wouldn't be, but maybe it was because of so many things happening roughly at the same time, that no one can expect what could happen next. Gathering her will, Lucy took in a quick breath. "Anabel Lila, will you be my Maid of Honor?"

The kitchen went suddenly quiet after she asked her question. All eyes were on her and her best friend. Anabel snapped her gaze onto Lucy with an astonished expression, her heart beating a little faster. It took a moment for her to recover enough to respond. "Me? Are you sure?" she asked in a low voice, but everyone there still heard her.

Lucy gave a small smile over her question. "Do I really have to say why? You're my closest and best friend. You know everything about me. Who else would I ask?"

Anabel's eyes filled with water some before she hugged Lucy suddenly. "Of course I will! I'll happily be your Maid of Honor!" The women around them smiled happily for the two and even let out happy shouts of their own to celebrate it.

Lucy couldn't help herself and started letting out happy tears. "Thank you but did you really have to make me nervous?"

Anabel let out chuckle. "I'm sorry, didn't mean to. I was just surprised." The two separated and smiled at each other. "So, do we need to guess who Brock's going to ask to be his Best Man?" Lucy grinned at that and so did the rest in the kitchen. They all knew that there was only person he could ask…

On the thirty eight floor of the Indigo Plateau hotel, the Elites of the world were finishing up breakfast in the large dining room. The twenty three powerful trainers were seated along one very large and long table, having woken up earlier due to their alarms. For they wanted to be as prepared as possible for their upcoming battles against their challenger. It had been a while since any of them had been in the spotlight to show off their abilities and strength. Even with Sarah Wiseman defeating the Johto Elite, that had been quite some time ago. And yet, even with all of their jobs, responsibilities and tasks that they had to do as their region's elites and to help their champions, they still enjoyed a good battle as the next trainer. Yet their hunger for battle was more than a typical trainer's. It had to be or they would never have reached their current status in the first place.

Finishing up his meal, Lucian of the Sinnoh Elite picked up his tea and took a long sip. "Ah," he sighed after, lowering his cup. "Nothing better than tea after a good breakfast." A few of the others agreed while the rest merely continued their eating. "So, are we all prepared for today?" he asked them.

A collective of confirmations came from the group, having prepared their pokémon yesterday and making a plan with their champions and fellow elites. "I can't wait till noon. Which region gets to battle first?" exclaimed Pheobe, practically bouncing in her seat.

"The challenger gets to pick that and will you relax? You're not a child!" scolded Glacia, annoyed over her behavior.

Before Pheobe could respond, another did for her. "Let her be Glacia," requested Drake. "It's only natural to be excited for a grand battle and you know how she is," he said, which made Pheobe give Glacia a triumphant smirk who glared back at her. Drake let out a sigh as he shook his head while the others chuckled over their antics. "This better be worth it. That Ketchum better bring his A game."

"That's one thing you don't have to worry about Drake," said a red haired woman.

Drake faced the woman. "I know that Malva. After what our most knowledgeable and experienced Elite…" He glanced at the ghost master Agatha and gave her a respectful nod who returned it before facing the fire trainer again. "…and remembering what he's done in just this tournament alone, I have realized that Ash will be a worthy opponent. I just don't want to get my hopes too high in having a great battle and then being disappointed."

Several murmured their agreement over his words. "We're all feeling the same way Drake," added Bertha, drawing attention to her now. "We can sit here for hours and discuss this topic again. But that would be a waste of our time. We all know that we'll have a grand challenge and have some fun again." She glanced at the clock in the dining room. "You know, we should start getting ready."

"Agreed," said a voice, making them all turn their gazes towards the dining room entrance and saw their Champions there, except for one. "You have more important things to get ready for," continued Lance as he, Steven, Alder and Diantha walked over to them.

"Yes, you're right boss!" replied Ethan instantly, standing up. "I'm sorry for not being more serious about this! I promise that I'll do my best! That I'll make you proud to have me as one of your Johto Elites! I will do whatever it takes to…"

"Okay, alright, calm down Ethan," interrupted Lance, making the youngest member out of all the elites to go quiet at once. Several chuckled over his behavior, causing Ethan to go red in embarrassment and sat down. Lance knew that he was strong and had great potential. Yet, because he was a relatively fresh addition to the Elites, he was still adjusting and getting over the fact that he was one of them. And though there must be respect shown between them all, Ethan was being a little overboard and taking things way too seriously. "Thank you for your commitment but remember to keep your head on straight Ethan," advised Lance and the young man merely nodded back, too embarrassed to say anything. The dragon champion faced the rest of the elites. "Alright. We've come to tell you this before today's matches against Ash Ketchum." Giving their utmost attention to him, they all went silent. "Remember to not hold anything back. Go all out."

Many of the elites nodded but one spoke up. "Why is it that we're supposed to go all out?" asked Marshal, leaning back against his chair and crossing his arms. "I mean, we're already planning on doing that. Isn't that why you helped us prepare all day yesterday? But why did you do that? None of you assisted us in getting ready before. So why this time?" asked the Unovan elite, suspicious about their motives for doing that.

Several of them murmured their wonderings on that as well. Glancing at one another, the champions were each thinking the same thing, debating if they should tell them. A moment later and then Alder stepped forward. "We'll tell you the reasons behind that but not yet. After the tournament is done," he said and they agreed to it, knowing they'll tell them.

"Good luck with your battles today," said Diantha with a smile. "And do your region proud. We'll see you at the stadium." She and Lance glanced at one another before saying their farewells.

"What about you boss? Aren't you going to say anything?" asked Sidney for his team.

Steven smiled at his elites. "Don't have to. I know you guys will do your best. That's all I want. And don't forget to have some fun," he told them before turning around to leave with Alder.

"And that's why our champion is the best!" exclaimed Pheobe happily as he left and several chuckled over it, while Steven became slightly embarrassed over her words as he left.

Some however took that as a declaration and one even decided to speak on behalf of his own. "Please, our champion can wipe the floor with yours," boasted Flint while playing with a spoon in his hand, making Pheobe scowl at him, though the other Hoenn elites just ignored it.

But one from the other regions spoke his mind then. "At least their champion was here. Where's yours? What's more important than seeing you off before you face your challenger?" asked one of the Kalos Elites.

"There's been no need before. This is just a special case I assume. Even so, our Champion already knows we won't hold back and believes in our abilities. She doesn't need to babysit us unlike yours do," he remarked, making some of the elites around the table narrow their eyes onto him, but he wasn't done. "But what are you trying to say Siebold?" asked Flint, his temper rising. Aaron nudged him gently on the side to remind him to stop but it was ignored. Bertha looked around at the other elites who didn't say anything.

"Why ask a question when you already know the answer to it?" countered Will instead with an insinuating tone. Flint and the rest of his fellow elites from Hoenn glared at the psychic trainer because of his tone but he wasn't fazed by it. "Your champion was barely here yesterday and she didn't show up today. You want to know why? It's not because she believes in you or whatever. It's because she's too busy sleeping with the challenger." Most of the elites had their eyes widen over what he said, with several of the females letting out gasps. Though they had suspicions of that because of the news and rumors, they didn't bring it into the open. But it looks like Will didn't care about being mindful. The Sinnoh Elites had their eyes growled at the Johto elite. "What? Why get angry over something that's true? Haven't you heard the rumors? Or seen the news? And isn't she with him right now? Shouldn't she be here with you or with the champions instead?"

They didn't answer him as someone else did. "And what does that matter?" asked Karen, his own fellow Elite. Will glanced over at her, surprised that she spoke up. "Even if she is with him, do you think she'll just drop her responsibilities as a Champion and leave her Elites behind?" she asked him in a rather fierce tone, making Will recoil a bit in his chair. The dark type trainer never liked it when people would speak about others in such a way behind their backs. And she definitely didn't like it when others spoke about what a woman does in her own personal time. She believed that it was nobody's business but hers and whoever is involved with her. "And when was it important to even talk about other people's personal business?"

Will was quiet for a moment before replying back. "It's not like I spoke about her life. I merely stated the facts. She's not here and it's been implied that she's one of his girlfriends. Ergo, she's with him instead of being here to do her job. That's all."

The water and ice type trainer had heard enough and spoke up then, abruptly cutting off Karen before she could reply back. "And even if they are facts, where is it said that a woman's confidential and personal things should be shared with others? Especially without her consent?" asked Lorelei angrily while glaring at Will.

The male elites noticed the furious expressions on the female elites and glanced at one another. They knew that Will was in some deep shit for crossing the line. He never did know when to draw the line, his arrogance of believing himself to be smarter than most getting him into trouble with those of the opposite sex many times. Will began defending his actions. But then the women would bring up other things. And some of those statements brought the other men into the mix. Soon, the elites, with only a handful staying out of it, were arguing with one another, even bringing up other issues that didn't even relate to what they were talking about originally. This went on for a few more minutes until one of them decided to end it.

A cane was banged against the floor a few times, its echoes silencing them. Agatha had heard enough of their squabble. "Is this what we've become?" she asked them angrily, glaring at them all. No one dared to say a word. She stood up from her chair and eyed them all angrily, making them freeze in their seats. "You're acting like children when you should be setting the example. Who gives a damn who Cynthia is with or what she does? As long as she upholds her duties and responsibilities as a champion, everything else she does is of no concern to us. Same goes to each of you! Understood?!" The ones who were arguing with one another slowly nodded their heads, too scared to speak. "Good. Now, you must focus. We will have our battles soon enough and you must be ready. Show the world the power of an Elite. And if you should lose, do so with dignity." No one said a word after Agatha once again set them straight. She turned around and began walking to her room. "And one more thing," she called out to them while walking. "Some of you were implying that Cynthia wasn't here to help her elites. Well, those preparations we did and the plans we made, she was there yesterday was she not to help out?" She stopped to glance back to see several ashamed faces that they had forgotten that. "She may be with him and love him. But she's also a champion and will uphold her duties as one. Just like she's always done." With those final statements, Agatha left the dining area, leaving behind many stunned elites over what they just learned.

A moment later, the ones who were arguing, gave their apologies to one another over their foolish argument. Afterwards, they cleaned up the table and headed to their rooms to get ready. As they changed into their signature attire for whenever they officially battled, every single one of the elites thought about their upcoming battle with the aura guardian, feeling both excitement and anxiousness. For it was a long time since they all had official battles against a challenger and it was the first time they were doing things this way. Finally ready, they stepped into the living room of the suite and waited for the fellow elites. Glancing at the large clock hanging in the living room, they saw they had time but decided to make their way to the stadium. Going to their balcony, they brought out their flying pokémon to travel to the stadium.

At the Indigo Hospital, two people appeared out of thin air right in the middle of the room of one of its patients. The second that the raven haired guardian showed up, his water starter immediately moved towards him. Ash turned to face his pokémon, sensing that he wanted to say something. "Hey, what's going on Greninja?" he asked the blue frog in a slightly worried tone, causing Iris to also give a concerned expression. Greninja communicated to Ash through their aura bond, giving him information about what had occurred. After fully explaining, it took a moment for his trainer to give a reply. "Okay. Thank you for telling me that and for doing as I requested. I hate to ask, but would you mind continuing to stay to watch over her?" Greninja didn't say anything, either with sound or mentally. Instead, he gave his answer by moving back to his corner and took up a guarding position once more. Ash smiled at his pokémon and nodded his head. "Thank you buddy," he said and the ninja frog nodded in return.

Iris wondered what they had talked about, having only heard Ash speaking. She wanted to know what would cause Greninja to just act like that. Seeing that Ash was now being silent, she wondered if he was alright. Moving closer to him, she was about to touch his shoulder to snap him out of it. But then she stopped herself from doing so an inch away from him. She didn't know what made her stop. What kept her from doing such a simple action? A second later, she lowered her hand and took in a silent breath, hoping he didn't notice what just happened. He didn't', but a certain round pink pokémon did. "Ash?"

Ash snapped out of it over Iris's worried tone and turned his gaze to look at her. "Sorry Iris. Nothing to worry about. I was only thinking," he told her with a soft smile.

Unable to help herself, Iris smiled a little in return. "Okay." She allowed herself to look at him for a moment before turning to look at the comatose girl. Ash moved to stand beside the bed Natasha was lying on and that made the purple haired girl look at him again. She saw the concern written all over his face, how he was looking at her as if he lost something precious to him. That made her heart skip a beat as a thought entered her mind. If I was lying there, would he look at me the same way? Immediately after thinking that thought, Iris felt ashamed of herself and couldn't believe she thought that. Forcing it out of her mind, Iris wanted to say something to distract herself and to get rid of the silence in the room. She walked closer to him, stood by his side and looked at the red head again. "Did the doctors find anything?" she asked in a low voice.

Ash shook his head. "No. They couldn't find anything. For all they know, she shouldn't be like this at all. Even if she was a bad person before, she's not that person anymore. And this just happened out of nowhere. That's why I'm so worried." He let out a sigh and shook his head slightly, making Iris look at him now. "I'm worried that she'll never get a chance to pursue a new life and fix things. And I'm also worried that this might have something to do with the…the darkness that's coming," revealed the raven haired guardian in a heavy tone.

Iris understood him perfectly and she could practically feel how distraught he was. She had momentarily forgotten about the coming darkness. How he had trained and prepared for three years to face it night and day while suffering through so much. Compared to her own problems and issues, Iris felt as if it was nothing compared to what he had dealt with and what he had to face in the future. Once again, Iris felt ashamed but for many more reasons now. She turned her sight back towards Natasha while thinking.

Ash turned his gaze towards his friend and saw her staring at the red head sullenly. "I'm sorry Iris." His apology made the purple haired girl look at him. She was about to say something when he continued. "I'm sorry for making you saddened because of my worries."

Iris could feel the sincerity of his words and she felt that he was being ridiculous for saying that. She shook her head. "No, it's alright. There's no need to apologize. I understand fully." She faced Natasha again. "It's hard when things don't go the way you thought they'd go," remarked the purple haired girl quietly.

Sensing Iris's aura being filled with negativity as well as hearing her say those words, made Ash remember what he noticed before. How she and Cilan were acting strange lately and how their auras were all messed up. Realizing that he should've acted on this earlier, Ash decided to find out just what had happened. "Iris?" She glanced at him. "Is everything okay?" he asked her quietly.

Feeling her heart beat a little faster, especially over the concern for her in his voice, Iris didn't know how to respond. She looked away from him, having her gaze towards the door. "Everything's alright Ash," she said after a moment.

He wasn't buying it though. "Hey…" Ash waited for her to look at him again before he continued. "I know when something's wrong Iris. I sensed it. I'm your friend and I'm here for you. So please, why don't you tell me what's wrong?" He wanted to know why two of his closest friends were like this. And he also wanted to try to help them out. He knew that it wasn't his fault for not giving as much attention to his friends lately because of everything that has happened. But he still strived to be there for them as much as he could. And this is one opportunity to help someone he cares about that he couldn't let pass.

Hearing him say those words was not what she was expecting at all. Though she shouldn't have been surprised over how much he cares about his family, friends and pokémon. But after everything that had happened in the past between them and here at the tournament, she just didn't think that he would place her so high on his priorities and notice that something was off with her. Not when he had so many other things on his mind and how his heart belonged to several girls. Her eyes began to water but kept her tears at bay. However, she couldn't stop her body from shaking slightly. Not ready at all to let her deepest secret be known, especially to the one who it concerns, yet knowing that she had to say something, she told him something else instead. "Cilan and I…are no more."

"No more?" repeated Ash, slightly confused. Until it hit him a little later. "Wait… you two…broke up?" he asked her and Iris nodded. "But…why?" Iris didn't reply back. Instead, she just shook her head. "Iris, what happened?" he asked her, turning his body to fully face her. He was becoming filled with sadness and he felt a little guilty for not noticing how one of his friends was going through something so bad.

With her heart starting to beat faster, Iris tried to stay in control. To keep herself from losing it. "We just realized that…that we aren't for one another. Even though we had good times together and were as happy as we could be, it just wasn't enough and wasn't what we really wanted," explained Iris, making Ash become incredibly astonished over what he was finding out. "After the incident with Drax, we had argued many times about him and other things until we came to realize all that," she revealed to him.

Ash felt so horrible for Iris. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Iris…I'm so sorry that happened. I don't know what I could do to change things for you or to make things better. Maybe I can talk to Cilan, make him see sense," offered Ash, wanting both of them to be happy. More so for Iris because he knew her well and that she was alone for the most part. Cilan still had his brothers and connoisseur buddies at least.

To hear him offer to do something like that for her made Iris become filled with emotion. That she was that important to him. "Thank you Ash, but no. We both wanted this," she told him, turning to face him fully now as well. She couldn't hold back anymore, allowing a few tears to roll down her cheeks. "Like I said, it wasn't what we originally wanted. And we ended it on good terms. There's just nothing left." Ash felt awful over how she said that there's just nothing left between them. During their travels through Unova together, he thought he saw something between the two and did his best to help them realize it and get together. And when he found out that they did in fact get together, he thought they were happy. But it looks like he was wrong once again. He was about to say something when Iris cut him off. "It's okay Ash. Really. And now I can…I can finally focus on what's truly important to me. And I can see if…if I can…make my dream…come true," she told him while looking into his eyes before starting to let out some more tears.

Ash couldn't bear seeing her become so and as a result, he pulled her into a tight hug. Iris was stunned at first over his action but soon reciprocated the hug. Wrapping her arms around his back tightly, she allowed herself to let go and cried into his chest. Ash rubbed her back tenderly with one hand while the other stroked her long purple hair gently. "Iris…I'm so sorry that you had to go through something like this. I know I haven't been a good friend lately but I swear I will do all I can to help you achieve your dream. Whatever it is, anything you need, anything at all, I'm here for you. I promise," he told her.

Iris continued crying in the embrace, wetting Ash's shirt with her tears. She was letting it all out now that she allowed herself to. And it was for everything that she hadn't done, that she had done and everything else in between. It took a few minutes for her crying to slowly stop and she started breathing heavily over it. A little bit later, she was able to calm down enough to raise her tear streaked gaze and looked into his brown eyes. "Ash…I…"

It was at that moment that the door to Natasha's room was opened, making her stop. Both Iris and Ash, while still in the embrace, turned to face who was coming into the room. Two people walked into the room and stopped after taking a couple of steps when they saw Ash and Iris. One was an unfamiliar nurse and the other was an unfamiliar man. Both were surprised to see that the red head had other visitors with one of the two started having his blood boil at the sight of the raven haired man. The nurse moved forward and began speaking. "Hello there. I didn't know that Ms. Dobrev had other guests. When did you…hold on, is everything alright?" she asked them after noticing the purple haired girl had been crying.

Iris separated from Ash and hurriedly wiped away her tears, feeling as if she had become hollow after leaving the embrace. Yet she quickly said something to not cause any awkwardness. "We just arrived a few minutes ago and yes, everything is fine. We're just saddened over what our friend is going through," she said convincingly.

Ash went along with her story by nodding his head as he looked at the two. But when he looked at the man, he couldn't sense anything coming from him. No feelings, no intentions, no thoughts, nothing at all. That's odd. I can't sense anything from him. Just like that Tanya person... Deciding to be a little more cautious around this new person, Ash kept calm as he spoke. "That's right. My name is Ash and this is Iris. I was the one who brought Natasha here after she somehow fell into her coma," he informed them. "And may I ask who you are?" asked Ash, directing his question to the male.

The nurse understood, having been updated of the situation from Adrine and stayed in the room for the moment. She wanted to make sure that everything went alright before doing her checks and leaving the room. John was angry that the guardian was here. He had gone and spoke with Domino back at the motel, rested, prepared himself and came back. He was supposed to stay and wait for her signal to complete his task. But now, his mission may become compromised if the guardian realized his intentions. And he was angry for another reason. He despised him for being able to capture Natasha's affection so easily and quickly while he had been trying for years with no success. Controlling himself so he wouldn't fail when he was so close, the pilot kept things civil. "My name is John Walters and I'm here visiting my girlfriend." He made his point known by looking at Natasha.

Iris had her eyes widen a little while Ash didn't react visibly, keeping a neutral expression on his face. That's odd. Natasha never mentioned that she had a boyfriend. She said that she was always alone. Who is this person? Something doesn't add up. Walking towards John, Ash had locked his sight onto him. "Is that so? Because Natasha never mentioned you to any of us and she's been with us for a while now," he stated seriously with a slight accusing tone of voice. He stopped in front of the man.

Both girls in the room became suspicious of John, understanding what the guardian was saying. John felt a little nervous but kept himself in check. Just like before, he remembered what Domino had told him to do and what she prepared for him to use in case of these scenarios popping up. He reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet. Opening it, he then took out a photo from it and held it for them to see. It was a picture of himself and Natasha in an embrace. "Is this proof enough?" he asked them, making Ash and Iris become surprised at the photo. "She didn't tell you because she doesn't tell anyone. She keeps her personal life to herself most of the time," he told them. Nodding in understanding, the two girls relaxed a little and the nurse went to work, checking on the red head's vitals.

Ash however, still felt that something was off. He remembered what Natasha had revealed to him of who she was, how she had nothing and no one and had a hard life. He knew she was telling the truth because he sensed it from her with his aura. However, he couldn't do so with this John, just like back with Tanya. He couldn't verify his words with his aura and so he wanted to ask some more questions to see if he could find the whole truth. Even though John had a picture of the two together, it could mean nothing. But above all, he wanted to know one thing at least if this man truly was Natasha's boyfriend. Because if he was, then he should know about who she really was and who she worked for. But he had to be cautious of what he said and around whom. Deciding on what to say for now, Ash spoke again. "Where were you?" he asked John. His question made the nurse and Iris to glance at him over his question while John gave him a confused look. "Where were you and how could you?" repeated Ash with a little more force behind his voice and they all noticed it.

John felt anger rise within him over his tone. "Excuse me? What the hell are you even saying?" spat the pilot.

His anger rising, Ash's hand clenched into a fist. But then a gentle hand was felt over his enclosed hand. He glanced towards the hand and followed it to its source. He found that Iris was the one. Seeing the concern on her face, he calmed down and sent her a mental message. Thank you Iris. Her eyes widened at hearing his voice in her head, being surprised over it. Yet she quickly overcame it, remembering that he could do that and let go of his hand. Ash faced John again, having calmed down now and continued on with his questioning. "If you truly are her boyfriend, how could you not be there for Natasha to prevent what happened to her? Where were you when she was beaten and violated?!" asked Ash with a serious tone of voice coated with anger. The nurse had her eyes widen, moving her gaze onto John. Iris let out a silent gasp, now knowing what Ash was doing. He wanted to know why John wasn't there for Natasha in her hour of need.

John could tell that Ash was angry but so was he. He didn't like how he was being spoken to like that. How dare he say that! Who the fuck does this piece of shit think he is?! He started yelling at Ash, his anger controlling him. "It's none of your business where I was and what I was doing! I rushed to her side as soon as I heard about what happened to her!" John was losing it, lost in his anger with his blood boiling. Something about the guardian just makes him lose his cool. And that reason involved the red haired woman. He kept going, saying whatever came to mind without hesitation. "How dare you insinuate that I don't care about her! I tried my best to keep her safe as she's the most important thing in the world to me! But it was her fault for…"

Ash swiftly moved forward and grabbed John by the neck with his right hand before pushing him against the room wall, slamming him against it, cutting him off. His action made both the nurse and Iris let out shocked yelps. Greninja and Blissey went on guard but stayed in their corners. Ash was absolutely furious over what he just heard. "Natasha is not a thing," snarled the raven haired guardian, his grip tightening on John's throat but made sure he could still breathe. "She's not an object for you to have and think about when it's convenient." John was feeling intense fear fill him over what was happening, unable to react at all from that and from the pain he was feeling. The two other girls in the room were frozen in their spots over what they were witnessing. "And for you to say that it was her fault for what happened to her…how dare you say something like that. A true man should always be there for his loved ones. He should drop anything and everything to be with them and help them when they need it. And he should never leave them alone if they aren't protected." His grip tightening even more on his throat, John was starting to choke, having difficulty breathing. Seeing him suffer a bit, Ash leaned in closer before asking him a question. "Do you understand?" he asked, his blazing brown eyes narrowed onto him.

John's eyes were bulging and his breathing was ragged. But he answered the guardian out of fear. "Yes," he barely wheezed out.

Ash let him go and John dropped to the floor immediately. The nurse snapped out of her trance and moved to check on the man. Iris was looking at the back of Ash with widened eyes, her heart pounding quickly. The way he just acted astounded her even though she always knew how Ash was. She's seen him do many incredible, crazy and heroic things. She's seen him care for others when no one else would, going out of his way to help those in need. She's seen him stand up against others, stand against overwhelming odds and against those with terrible views of others or the world. She's seen it so many times that she should be used to it by now. But every single time he did so, she would feel the same thing; stunned over his actions, that there was such a caring person in the world and feel something inside of her. A thought entered her head again during this time; Ash sure does care about Natasha. But I wonder…does he care the same amount for me too? She brought herself out of her thoughts when Ash moved back to Natasha's side. She was about to say something when someone else spoke.

"You're going to pay for this!" shot John angrily as he stood back up on his feet with the help of the nurse and caught his breath. "Do you know who I am and who I know?!" he asked rhetorically. Iris glanced at Ash but he didn't move his gaze away from the comatose girl. John let out a growl but again he was ignored by Ash.

The nurse took a step away from John. This was getting way too intense and she needed help to contain it. She left the room to get some more staff involved to prevent more from happening. The second she left the room, Ash spoke freely now since there were no others. "John," started Ash calmly, surprising both him and Iris. "Did you know that Natasha was in Team Rocket?" John froze in his spot and Iris gave Ash a bewildered look, astonished that he let that out. "That she was here on a mission and the same people that had violated her were the ones she hired to get a job done?" John kept quiet, even after Ash turned around and faced him. "Did you? Answer me."

John didn't say anything at first, since what the guardian just said made his anger vanish and become worried instantly. He didn't think that Natasha would come clean to the guardian about that. He thought about what he should say. He knew he was walking on a fine line. He wondered how Domino would handle this situation and that gave him an idea. "You want to know the truth?" he asked but Ash remained silent. "The truth is I didn't know who betrayed her but I did know that she's with Team Rocket." Iris let out a gasp but Ash didn't react, keeping a stoic expression on his face as he continued listening to him. The pilot continued on, expanding his story to make it sound more convincing."I knew she was one of them but I didn't care. Because I love her and would do anything for her. Even keep that secret for her. Even being alright with her not telling anyone about us. Because she was doing it for me, to keep me protected from them. And I said what I said before because I've been trying to convince her to leave them, to start fresh and not do what she did anymore. And that's the truth. And I won't allow you to keep me from her," finished John, surprised at himself for what he said. And he said so seriously and rather calmly. Maybe it was because since the guardian knew who Natasha really was, he had to be extra cautious now and keep his emotions in check. He couldn't lose control over himself anymore. Not when he was so close to what he wanted and the guardian was in the know.

Neither Ash nor Iris said anything for a bit since both were thinking about what he told them just now. After a few moments, Ash walked towards John, who went on guard. He stopped and raised his hand, causing him to become confused until the guardian spoke. "I apologize for my behavior. I am merely concerned about Natasha since she's been through enough and trying to change now after what she went through. Will you agree to a truce?" he asked John, who didn't react. "For Natasha," added Ash after a moment, seeing him not take his offer.

John wanted none of that, wanting the guardian to go away or better yet, to perish while in agony. But he knew that this was an opportunity that he couldn't and shouldn't pass on. It would help him in his goal and mission. And perhaps he could even find out something and inform Giovanni about it. That would help him gain favor and position immensely. "Alright, for Natasha," said John, agreeing to it and shook Ash's hand. Yet he felt disgusted with himself for doing so. Can't believe that chip is working. I'm going to have thank Domino for that. As they let go, he got a sudden idea. "But I would like to have some privacy with my girlfriend. Not with your pokémon here," requested John.

Ash thought for a moment and Iris looked at him, wondering if he'll do that. "I see. I understand what you want…" he started, looking at Natasha for a few seconds before facing John again and continued. "…but I want to make sure that she's protected. Especially from Team Rocket. If they find out that she failed her mission and come after her…" Ash trailed off after emphasizing his last few words, letting what he said sink in.

John had his eyes widened. Shit, he's right. If I disagree with this, it'll make him suspicious again. John nodded slowly a moment later. "You have a point. Alright, and I appreciate that." Saying just those few words made him hate himself for it but kept up the act. It was then that the nurse retuned with several staff members. When they entered the room and asked what was going on, John answered them. "Nothing's wrong. We just had a little bit of a communication problem but all is well now." The staff looked around at the room's occupants and no one challenged his words. Seeing that nothing is happening, John spoke again. "If you'll excuse me, I have to use the restroom." And with that, he left the room with the intention of using the bathroom as cover to make a call. The staff personnel glanced at one another before shrugging and leaving the room.

The moment the door closed and they were the only ones left in the room, Ash turned to face Greninja. "Keep an eye on John and don't leave Natasha alone. I don't trust what he said but I can't prove anything yet." Greninja nodded his head, agreeing with his trainer. Ash thanked his pokémon again before facing Iris. He found her in a trance. Iris was lost in thought, thinking about what just happened and how Ash was being crafty. It impressed her and yet also made her wonder if he was hiding other things as well. Things that could've been regarding the future war against the darkness. Or even her. And that made her emotions go all over the place. Ash sensed her feelings going haywire so he walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, making her snap out of it and look at him. "Hey, sorry about all that. Are you alright?" he asked her.

Iris felt great comfort from his touch and calmed down because of it. She let herself smile a little before nodding. "Yea. I'm okay. Thank you." Ash returned the smile as he removed his hand and asked her if she wanted to tell him what she was going to say from before. Thinking at first about that, she then shook her head. "No. It's not the right time. But I do feel a little better now." Ash remarked that he was glad to hear that. "And that was pretty sneaky what you just did there. I'm impressed," she revealed with a smirk.

Ash let out a sigh. "Well, it's because I don't really trust him, even after what he said. Something's just off about him…" When Iris asked what he meant by that, he explained. "When I focused on him, I couldn't hear his thoughts or sense his feelings," revealed Ash, making Iris become shocked, having forgotten he could do that too, worried that he may have been listening to her thoughts as well at first. Until she heard his other words, that he had to focus on someone. She asked him if he's been listening in on her or anyone else's thoughts. "No, not really Iris. I respect people's privacy. But sometimes I hear things without meaning to as I'm still trying to learn how to control it." She understood what he said and nodded. "And I understand. Whenever you're ready, I'm here for you. Okay?" Hearing the sincerity in his words, Iris had her lips form into a soft smile and gave him a hug who returned it. Feeling comforted by it, Iris relaxed into the embrace for a moment before the two separated. Ash moved back towards the comatose girl and looked at her.

Iris didn't act for a moment until she moved to stand beside him once again, trying to be there for him like he's been there for her and so many others before. "She'll be okay Ash. Especially with you watching over her. She's lucky to have someone care about her so much," admitted the purpled haired girl.

Ash turned his gaze to Iris and saw that she was looking at Natasha. He thought of how she's been alone most of the time, even though he and their other friends would catch up every now and then on the phone. Something hit him then that made him realize something. Has Iris ever wondered if we care about her? Could she be thinking that we don't care because we haven't spent much time with her? Feeling immense guilt over that, Ash swore in his mind that he would make it up to her somehow. And he had to let her know what the truth is. "She's not the only one I care about," he said and she moved her face to look at him. He smiled softly at her and she felt warm inside. She nodded at him, to show she got what he was saying. Ash felt a little better that she knew that and looked at Natasha for a final time before they left. I hope you wake up soon. That nothing else happens to you. That you change for the better. And help us know what the truth is. Letting out a sigh, Ash then said his next words out loud. "You ready to go?" he asked and Iris replied back that she was. Ash faced his pokémon. "If anything bad happens, send word to me or Mewtwo immediately." Greninja and Blissey agreed to it and the next second, both of them vanished in blue glows.

Ash and Iris reappeared in the living room of their hotel suite. The instant they appeared, they heard their family and friends talking, laughing and eating from the dining room. "They started without us?!" whined Ash, while making his way to join them. Iris followed after him with a big smile on her face, amused over his still childish ways when it comes to food.

The second they entered the dining room, the two caught the attention of the rest of the group who gave them greetings. Ash went to sit between Cynthia and his mother while Iris sat near the end of the table next to Serena. Nobody found it odd that Iris and Ash arrived together because they knew and trusted the two. And they knew that Ash had gone to check on his pokémon before the battles started, having been told by the girls. However, some wondered why Ash had Iris go with him to check on his pokémon. But one of them felt happy for the purple haired girl. Cilan gave Iris a split second look that almost nobody caught except for his brothers Chili and Cress. That made them become confused and both brothers decided to speak with him after their meal to find out what that look was for.

After Ash sat down and piled food onto his plate, one of the mothers spoke up as he began to eat. "So Ash, are you ready for your battles today?" asked Grace after sipping some tea.

Nodding his head to answer for the moment because his mouth was full, Ash quickly chewed and swallowed his food before speaking. "Yup. My pokémon are ready to go. They're actually so excited it was a little hard to get them to calm down and pay attention when going over the plans," he revealed as he started cutting up his pancakes. Several from the group chuckled over his words, knowing how his pokémon were just like him; too excited sometimes to just settle down and be patient. "But I finished up pretty early and came back around nine. I saw that almost everyone was still asleep except for Iris. I figured since I have some time left, I should check on Natasha and see if there were any changes. I asked Iris if she wanted to go too so she wouldn't be bored waiting for all of you to wake up," he joked and a few chuckled while Iris merely rolled her eyes.

The ones who were wondering why Iris was with him now understood and let out 'ohs' in understanding before moving on. "So is there an update?" asked Caroline in concern, with Norman glancing at the raven haired trainer.

Ash stopped chuckling and his expression turned serious. "No, there wasn't. She's still in a coma." His answer made many frown and several even felt saddened by the news. "But something else happened that is just making me even more worried," said Ash before quieting down and stared at his half filled plate. He was thinking about John and what happened in the hospital room. He wondered if he was truly being honest with him…

His words made everyone become both worried and anxious, making them desire to know what occurred. "What happened?" asked Johanna for them all.

Seeing that Ash was lost in thought, Iris decided to answer for him. "Well, when we arrived there, Natasha was still in a coma and nothing had changed," started Iris, drawing everyone's attention onto her now. "But then someone entered the room with one of the nurses and…" Iris explained everything that transpired during their hospital visit. To John saying he was Natasha's boyfriend, to the reasons why him and Ash argued, what Ash asked him, how John revealed he knew but didn't care about her past, how Ash didn't trust him because of his reasons and how he had his pokémon be extra careful because of all that.

When she finally finished, everyone now knew why it had taken them a while to come back home and were now thinking about it. Finally after a short silence, Anabel spoke up. "That is weird that you couldn't hear his thoughts or sense his emotions, even though you were focusing on him." Ash remarked that he had only ever experienced that once before. How back at the mall when they had their trip, he and Natasha bumped into one of her friends, Tanya and how she was odd like that too. "Hmm, that is worrying. What do you think Sabrina?" asked the Frontier Brain.

The psychic prodigy thought for a moment before answering. "I don't know what the cause could be. Usually only another psychic or aura user would be able to shield their minds and/or their emotions from being read or sensed. And that's usually only if they are more powerful or skilled than the one attempting to do so," clarified Sabrina, making everyone think about what she just said.

"But I don't think its something like that though," stated Ash after a moment to the group. "After all of my training with Mewtwo and Lucario, it felt…different than another psychic or aura user trying to keep you from sensing their present state. I feel like I'm missing something too. Something that I've experienced before…" he revealed and several exchanged surprised looks.

"Well, the important thing is Natasha is being looked after by your pokémon and we're on our guard. Let's just be more cautious from now on and we'll come back to this later. You have some pretty important matches to get prepared for," advised Delia and many voiced their agreement. Ash nodded and said no more. The group continued their meals and conversations. Yet many were still thinking about what they just learned then. When everyone finished with their meals, Delia stood up and caught everyone's attention as she clapped her hands a few times. "Alright people, time to clean this up and get ready to go. Chop chop!"

As the group got up to do as she said, Cynthia turned to Ash. "Hey, I have to go be with my fellow Champions since our Elites are battling against you today. I hope you're ready," said Cynthia as she helped clean up the table, ending her words with slight taunting.

Ash let a grin form on his face as the two headed into the kitchen with the others while carrying their dirty plates and utensils. "Alright Cynthia and I think you should be worried about your Elites instead," he shot back with respectful competitiveness.

Cynthia gave a playful glare after they both placed their items into the sink. "Is that so? Well, even if you do get lucky, and beat them all, you'll still have to verse me and the Champions at the same time. You think you got what it takes?" She was enjoying this little teasing banter between the two. Though she loved Ash and he loved her, the two were also competitive by nature. Both were glad that they could be so with one another.

Ash's grin grew wider and he gave her a cocky look as the two and everyone else made their way into the living room. The dishes would be taken care of later. "Oh Cynthia, what I have in store for your Elites, it's going to be something you've never seen before. You're going to be so surprised. Why, I bet in the end, when I beat your elites, you'll be left with your mouth open before begging me to teach you myself," he boasted.

That bold statement of his made Cynthia and the others who heard him laugh out loud before most of the group split off and went into their own rooms to get ready. Cynthia stopped in the middle of the living room and crossed her arms, making Ash stop as well. She was giving him a disbelieving look over his words. "Really? After everything we've seen you do and knowing what kind of pokémon you have, how could you surprise me? And as strong as you are, you really think you can take on each region's elites at once? And not only that, but us champions all at once too?" she asked him seriously. Ash didn't reply back with words but with his actions. He crossed his arms and gave a respectful challenging look that made Cynthia take in a sharp breath at once. It was the exact same look he first gave her when they first met all those years ago. The look that caught her eye, intrigued her and made her think about him from that day on. She felt her heart beat faster all of a sudden. However, the powerful champion maintained her composure and kept up the act while also getting an idea. "I see. Well then, we'll see what you got. And if you are able to do that, if you can beat my elites and the rest…if you can beat us champions all at once…" She walked closer to him before leaning in to whisper the rest in his ear. "…then I guess I would have to reward you." Using her hair has cover, Cynthia nibbled against his ear lobe, causing him to have a shiver go through his body before pulling away from him. Giving him a devious grin but also blushing like mad over what she just did, having never done something of the sort before, Cynthia then quickly yet gracefully walked towards the balcony, while leaving her beloved frozen in his spot.

Ash watched her take out a poke ball and tossed it into the air. Her Garchomp appeared with a loud roar before she took off to meet up with her Elites. He didn't move from his spot since he was watching her fade into the distance. A reward huh? Well, I'll hold you to it Cynthia. Ash smiled to himself and when she was no longer visible, he went to his room to change and get ready.

Two blunettes were changing their clothes with large smiles on their faces. Both Lizabeth and Shauna were feeling incredibly happy over last night's events. It was hard containing their newfound states during breakfast. But now that they were in the privacy of their room, they allowed themselves to smile like crazy. Glancing at one another, they knew what the other was thinking and feeling. And they didn't need their newly formed aura bond to know that. "So, on a scale of one to ten, how happy are you right now?" asked Shauna jokingly. She took off her top and looked through her clothes to find another.

Lizabeth placed her right index finger to her mouth as she had a mock thinking expression on her face. "Hmm, I would have to say…eleven," she answered in a serious tone before giggling.

"Idiot," responded Shauna without even looking back but then she giggled a bit too. Finding a top she liked, she took it out and looked at herself in the mirror with it over her body. "Perfect." She was about to put it on when she noticed her aura tattoo in the mirror. "You know, I never thought that I would like having a tattoo."

Lizabeth looked at her while in the middle of putting on new pants after taking off her clothes. She saw her friend looking at her tattoo in the mirror with a smile. She buttoned her pants and then looked at her own tattoo. The perfect blue circle with the seven dark blue lightning bolts in it on her stomach's left side. The pure white lettering of her beloved's name that was centered in the middle of it all. "It's funny, neither did I," she remarked, which made Shauna glance back at her. "But I wonder if my parents would get angry at me over this and everything else," she said, letting her fears out again.

Knowing how traditional her family is, Shauna knew the reasons why Lizabeth was worried. She spoke to her through the mirror. "Hey, don't worry about it too much," she began, making her friend look up at her. "Especially now since they're not here. We'll cross that bridge together when we reach it. And you know that Ash won't let you go through that alone either. None of us will," promised the Hoenn fighter.

Unable to help herself, Lizabeth smiled and nodded at her, feeling a little better. Yet she was still slightly worried. Without thinking, she placed her hand gently onto her tattoo. Instantly she felt a wave of comfort wash over her that seemed to come from the symbol itself. "Whoa," gasped Lizabeth, making Shauna tilt her head at her from the mirror. "Oh my…when I touched it, I felt this relaxing energy just spread through my body. And I felt like…like…"

"Like you were floating on a cloud?"

"Yea. How'd you know?"

Shauna giggled a bit before answering her. "I touched mine accidently last night when I was trying to sleep while on that big bed with everyone but couldn't because I was thinking too much about everything."

"Oh." They both went silent for a moment, with their faces reddening since they remembered how they slept last night. The first time they all shared an experience together, even if it was something as normal as sleeping. Until Lizabeth spoke again. "Hey, remember when Lucario said that it will let Ash know what we're feeling when we touch them? Do you think he sensed it?"

Shauna wondered about that for a moment. She then shrugged before continuing to get dress. "I don't know. Maybe. He sensed that you were sacred last night right? Was anything different from then and now?"

Thinking carefully about that, Lizabeth put on her new blouse and buttoned it up. "Well, last night when we first got them and I saw that I had a tattoo on my body, I was terrified. Like really scared because I feared what my parents would say about it." Silence filled the room until she had an idea as to what the difference could be. "I think…I think Ash only feels it when it's extreme. Because I was very scared last night but right now when I touched it, I wasn't as scared as last night."

Shauna considered what she heard and nodded after a moment. "That makes sense. I mean, if Ash sensed or felt every little thing from us, he'd go crazy." Giving each other a knowing look, both blunettes burst out laughing and continued for a bit before finally calming down. They finished getting dressed and once ready, left their room and headed towards the living room to wait for everyone else.

When everyone had split up to go into their rooms to change, Cress and Chili told Lily and Violet that they'll meet up with them in the living room before they split up. Both brothers went to their room, quickly changed and then left it to follow up on what they saw earlier. Reaching his room, Chili didn't bother in knocking on the door as he just let himself in and Cress followed in from behind. "Cilan?" called out the blue haired brother as he stepped inside.

"What is it?" answered Cilan's voice from the attached bathroom.

"Hey bro, we gotta talk to you about something," informed Chili.

"Alright. Give me a minute." While waiting for their brother, the two siblings sat on the two twin beds and looked around the room. Noticing that Iris's belongings were gone, the brothers shared a concerned look. Right then, the bathroom door opened and Cilan stepped out, making his brothers look at him. "Alright. I'm dressed and ready to go. What's going on?" he asked his brothers.

Chili stood up and crossed his arms. "Bro, we should be asking you that question." Cilan gave a confused look and glanced at Cress who said nothing since he knew their rash brother would just spit it out sooner or later. "What's going on with you and Iris?" And there it was.

Their green haired brother said nothing for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Nothing."

Both Cress and Chili exchanged looks once more before the blue haired brother spoke this time. "What do you mean nothing?" asked Cress as he stood up now as well. "Iris's belongings aren't here. You left her alone during Ash's match against Tobias and never came back. Iris has been hanging with the others more often and you haven't been around lately, always taking off in the morning and coming back in the evening." Each piece of evidence that he mentioned was making Cilan become more and more flustered. But before he could even think of something to say, Cress kept going until he finished it up with a question. "And so I will repeat what our brother just asked you; what's going on with you and Iris?"

Frozen in his position, Cilan didn't move or say anything for a moment as he thought about what to say, how to answer their questions. How to give them the truth without causing more trouble and issues for Iris or himself. Taking in a deep breath, Cilan then exhaled it out before he began speaking. "And I will repeat what I said before; nothing." His brothers gave confused and alarmed expressions before he clarified what he meant. "Nothing because there is nothing. Iris and I are no more."

Finally understanding their brother, both Cress and Chili had their eyes widen, shocked over hearing that. "What? Why?" asked both brothers at the same time.

"It's a long story but I'll try to not make it too long." Cilan began explaining everything. About his past failed relationship with Roxie. About him spending time and using Iris in a way to get over that. How he noticed that she was trying to reach her goals but he did nothing to help her, thinking it would be best that she did them on her own. Ignoring the signs that depicted how they weren't for one another. The incident with Drax and how he started questioning their relationship and wondered if it was right. He even included how after that, they were arguing nonstop, even over trivial matters and couldn't come to common ground. That lead to their agreement in calling it quits and took some time away from one another. How that allowed them to figure out what both of them truly wanted. That he wanted to be with Burgundy and how she wanted to pursue her dream of being a great dragon trainer and another dream that he couldn't tell them. And how they had one final talk and apologized to each other before burying the hatchet and moving on from one another in a mutual and friendly manner.

During the entire time that he explained things, Cilan never once mentioned Iris having feelings for Ash. He mentioned their searching for him, but nothing else. He didn't believe that it was necessary for his brothers to know and he had promised her that he would do all he can to help her. And this was the least he could do for her as a friend since he had done wrong by her. He would never again be a shitty friend and that was one vow he couldn't break again. And so, withholding only those bits of information, he wanted them to understand that this was not Iris's fault whatsoever and not to hold a grudge or anything against her. In fact, he'd much rather they think he was at fault for it all.

"…and that's everything," finished up Cilan and he took in a breath. He had talked for a while nonstop, with his brothers listening to every word with rapt attention. Even Chili, who normally couldn't sit still for too long, managed to stay quiet and listen. "I want to be with Burgundy and I have been spending time with her lately. And I'm happy with how everything turned out," he told them with a small smile on his face.

Cress thought about everything that his brother just revealed to them before asking something that came to mind. "You are? Are you happy for Iris too? Is that why you gave her a happy look when she arrived with Ash?" he asked his brother, making Chili glance at him before facing Cilan again.

"Yes and it's because she's pursuing her dream." His brothers asked him what he meant by that and he tried to explain it in a way where it wouldn't be too suspicious. "Ash is one of the few who can help her become a great dragon trainer. And you know how he is. He has this uncanny ability to make people do their best. He'll support her, encourage her, be a much better friend to her than I ever was or could even be and that will help her accomplish her dreams," he admitted to his brothers and they finally understood. And perhaps, in the process, things may blossom from there, thought Cilan in his head. "You know, I would like to thank you for-AH!"

Chili had just punched Cilan in the chest. "That was for acting like an ass with Iris." Cilan said he was sorry about that and even apologized to her too. Giving him sympathetic looks, the two brothers felt bad for their sibling. Yet Chili hit him again, with this time smacking him upside the head, making Cilan yelp in pain once more. "And that was for keeping this secret from us. You dodo brain, why keep something like this a secret? And why not tell everyone so we don't think that something's wrong and worry over nothing?"

"I'm sorry," apologized Cilan while massaging his head. "Were you really worried?"

"It's alright and yes we were," admitted Cress as he placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. "But now that we're on the same page, we can move forward and not worry about it anymore." Cilan smiled slightly and nodded.

Overcome with emotion all of a sudden and glad that everything was alright, the red haired brother just wanted to say something at that moment. "Good! Now the three musketeers are on the same page again! Oh I love you guys!" cried Chili as he hugged both of his brothers tightly.

"Chili…you're breaking my back! Let me go!" requested Cilan while Cress just endured it but his brother didn't heed his plea. He kept hugging them for a little while longer before finally letting go. Cilan rubbed his back and let out a groan. "Thank Arceus…"

Chili grinned at his brother and Cress merely chuckled. "C'mon Chili, let's go. Violet and Lily are probably waiting for us already."

"Oh damn, that's right! C'mon bro! Our gals await!" stated Chili. He was about to leave when he was held back by Cilan grabbing the back of his shirt. "What the hell man?!"

"Listen," started his green haired brother seriously, catching his and Cress's attention. "Don't tell anyone what I told you. They don't need to know. Iris and I will tell them soon that we're not together and it was mutual and that's it. Okay?" His brothers nodded in reply. "Good. And thanks."

"No problemo bro. We got your back. Alright, let's go!" exclaimed Chili as he threw open the door and made a beeline to the living room with Cress following after him calmly. After his brothers left, Cilan thought of when he and Iris could tell everyone at once so these kinds of situations wouldn't come up anymore. Not getting an idea, he decided to think about that later. Instead, he called a certain girl to set up a rendezvous point at the stadium.

When their boyfriends told them that they'll see them back in the living room, Lilly and Violet when to change and get ready themselves. But the second they stepped inside their room, they noticed that their eldest sister was in the room. Daisy was sitting on her bed, hugging her Squirtle doll while having the largest smile they had ever seen on her face. "What are you so happy about?" asked the blue haired girl as she opened the dresser and looked for a different blouse to wear.

Daisy faced her sisters when they entered the bedroom but didn't say anything until Violet asked the question. "Oh, you know, it's just a great day. And a lot of good things have and is happening after all the bad stuff," she told them while still having the crazy large smile on her face.

Lily raised one of her eyebrows and stopped tying her shoes. "Like?"

"You know what I mean," remarked Daisy but her two sisters gave her 'just explain' looks. "Well, you two are in good relationships with Chili and Cress." Violet and Lily smiled and felt happy feelings fill them from her words. "Misty is with Ash and he's about to face the Elites of the world in awesome battles." Nodding their heads in agreement with that, the two continued getting dressed. "And there's no attack coming anytime soon from what Arceus told us so we don't have to think about that right now and just enjoy our time here."

"Good points," commented Violet, putting on her skirt and buttoning it. "But that still doesn't explain why you're so freakin happy all of a sudden. I mean, I'm glad that you're happy. But you're a little too happy and that's freaking me out," admitted the blue haired girl.

Daisy laughed at that. Though what she said was the truth, she wanted to tell them the biggest reason behind it too. But she couldn't. Not yet. She and her new 'sisters' had agreed to keep what happened last night a secret for the time being. That they would only reveal it after the tournament. And would set up new rules in a way to make sure everything was fair. But until then, they just had to keep it to themselves while Cynthia finally had her turn and that was fine by them. For they had several to speak about it all with and if they were being honest with themselves, they were having a lot of fun keeping this secret between just them. While laughing a bit, Daisy came up with an idea to mess with her sisters for the time being. "Well, if you must know, I found someone," revealed the eldest Waterflower. She grinned at her sisters shocked faces, who were frozen by the news. Okay, it's gonna take a few seconds for them to react to this news. And I bet it's gonna be in 3…2…1... Lily and Violet both let out surprised yet thrilled shrieks right when Daisy counted to zero and both sisters shot to the blonde. They gave her tight hugs while saying things nonstop.

"I'm so happy for you!"

"Who is he?!"

"Do we know him?!"

"We can have triple dates!"

"Where'd you meet?"

"Is he tall?"

"He better not be hotter than our boyfriends!"

"Where's he from?"

"It is a 'he' right?"

Daisy was enjoying herself over keeping quiet from their questions and statements. Though she did reply that of course it was a guy that she met with a peeved look. But both sisters merely shrugged and just commented back that they wouldn't have cared if it was a girl. They just cared if she was happy and the one she picked was a good person, especially to her. Daisy filled with emotion over what her sisters said. "Aw, thanks you guys!" She hugged her sisters and they reciprocated the hug. "But it is a guy and I'm still not saying anything to you."

"Aw, come on!" whined Lily, separating from the hug while Violet gave a disappointed look.

"I'll tell you but not yet. After the tournament. Okay?" she reasoned with them and both sisters glared at her before they reluctantly agreed. Continuing on with their wardrobe change, the two got ready and the third joined them in leaving the room.

In one of the other rooms, two girls were waiting for their friend to finish getting ready. Liza and Clair were ready to go before breakfast, having changed into their attire already. But Giselle wanted to change what she was wearing. For the matches started at noon and would probably take a long time to finish so she wanted to dress for the more than likely warm weather.

After watching the black haired girl look through her clothes for a bit, the blunette turned to her green haired friend. "So, when are you going to tell Ash about the gauntlet?"

Giselle glanced back at the two before continuing on yet kept listening. Liza let out a sigh before shaking her head. "I'm not sure Clair. I don't think now is the right time but I'll probably tell him when this tournament is finally over."

Agreeing with her, Giselle decided to give her two cents worth. "That's probably the best course," she started, causing the two women to look in her direction as she put on her attire. "I mean, you're already with him and so are we. No need to try to do everything at once," advised the younger girl.

"You make a fair point there valedictorian," commented Liza with respect.

Giselle smiled though she reddened slightly over being called that. She never could handle praise all that well anymore. Not since when Ash opened her eyes to how conceited she was being in the past. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," replied Liza before getting up and stretching, arching her back. "Well, that's the only thing I have to do and with what happened between him, me, you, us, it's practically the same thing." She sat back down and grinned at her sisters. "I just have to let him know about the fine print later on I guess," she remarked and her two friends shook their heads in amusement. "What about you two?"

"Do you mean about our families and things like that?" asked Clair and Liza nodded. "Well, you already know what I decided. And Lance is on board so they won't make much of a fuss."

Giselle's eyes widened and she glanced back at the gym leader while in the middle of putting on her clothes. "Lance knows about you loving Ash?!" she asked her new sister with surprise.

Clair chuckled a bit and so did Liza. "Yea, he does and he's supporting me. But even if he wasn't, and my family says I have to get with a powerful dragon trainer, Ash is already one. So either way, I don't have anything to worry about," she revealed with a happy and confident look.

Giselle nodded her head and turned away from the two. "That's good. I wish I could say the same about my family though." When Liza and Clair asked her what's wrong, she finished getting dressed, sat down on her bed and explained while putting on her shoes and tied the laces. "My parents are very old fashioned. They believe in proper backgrounds, arranged marriages, upholding traditions and all that." Giving the black haired girl sympathetic looks, both Clair and Liza understood what she was saying. That she was going to have to go against her family. Giselle finished tying her laces and leaned against her knees with her elbows. "I know that you two had to deal with that too but you were able to find a way out or got lucky. I don't know what I'm going to do honestly when I have to tell my Mom and Dad about all this and how they're going to take it." Burying her head in her hands, Giselle closed her eyes and thought about all that.

Clair and Liza got up at once and sat down on opposite sides of their sister and each placed a hand on her back to show that they were there for her. "Hey, we'll be right there with ya when you do so don't worry about it just yet," suggested caretaker and the gym leader voiced the same.

The valedictorian felt better from their actions and words and raised her gaze to face the two. Thanks you two. You're right, I shouldn't worry about this right now." Smiling at them and receiving one in return, Giselle stood up. "I'm ready. Let's go," she told them and the three left the room together.

Four girls had gone to their room when the large group split up to get ready to watch their beloved battle against the Elites. While changing their attires, they talked happily, joked and even made a few predictions over who Ash might use and how the battles might go. They were just about ready when the door was knocked on. "Who is it?" asked May.

"It's me," replied a young woman's voice.

"Come on in Daisy," said Dawn and the eldest sensational sister walked in and closed the door. "You know you don't have to knock anymore right?" teased the Sinnoh native.

"Yea, I know. Old habits die hard," replied back Daisy and they chuckled. "So, you ready yet?"

"Almost," answered Misty as she brushed her hair.

"Hey Daisy, Misty…" started Serena, making the two blood sisters look at her. "Have you told Violet and Lily yet?"

That question made May and Dawn to look at them as well. Misty and Daisy looked at each other. "Not yet. We'll tell them after the tournament. But I did have some fun with them just now," revealed the eldest sensational sister before she explained what happened and the five of them laughed.

Before any of them could say anything else, their bedroom door opened and a group of girls walked in. Sarah, Anabel, Leaf and Sabrina were ready to go and wanted to see what was taking their sisters so long. "Hurry up slowpokes! I want to get good seats," stated Leaf as the four of them sat down on the beds.

"Oh relax will ya? We still have half an hour and we somehow always manage to find seats together," countered May. Leaf crossed her arms and stuck her nose in the air while the rest chuckled.

At that moment, the door opened once more and several more girls walked in who were Shauna, Lizabeth, Giselle, Clair and Liza. "We were wondering what's taking so long but now we know. Having a meeting without us?" asked Liza as she gave a fake pout.

The girls in the room merely rolled their eyes. "Not really," replied Sabrina. "We just randomly grouped up here wanting to see if they were ready to go," revealed the psychic prodigy.

"That makes sense since that's what we did as well," replied Giselle as she took a seat on one of the beds.

The other girls also took up positions around the room. One of the new arrivals then asked a question. "Hey, by the way, I know we said after the tournament we'll tell everyone, but when exactly? And how are we going to do it?" asked Lizabeth after a moment.

The girls went silent for a bit before they all turned their gazes onto one from their group. All eyes had locked onto the red haired mermaid who tilted her head. "Why are you all looking at me?" she asked them in confusion.

"Ah, we voted for you to be the 'leader', remember?" reminded Sarah kindly.

"Oh. Right." Misty looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry but I completely forgot about that because of what happened last night." The girls smiled softly as a couple of them had their left hands placed gently over their clothes where their aura tattoos were. Misty thought for a bit before saying something. "Well, when the tournament is done, I guess we could set up some sort of get together where we could invite our families and close friends and let them all know at once. About our very hard to believe situation as well as about what's coming in the future. What do you think?" she asked them.

Each of her sisters thought about what she suggested. Then, glancing at one another, they all nodded and voiced their agreement. "Good work leader!" praised May, slightly joking and the others laughed.

Misty allowed herself to chuckle too before continuing to get dressed. As she did so, she let out a relieved breath and began thinking about her 'position'. She was in no ways the eldest out of the group or even the most experienced. She merely traveled with Ash the longest. No one could deny what she's done with and for him of course and vice versa. But she wondered if it was fair to her sisters for her to have this kind of 'power' so to speak. If she would be able to be a good leader for them. If she truly could speak on their behalf to Ash or to others regarding their situation with him.

Looking at the other girls through the corner of her eyes, she remembered all the things the other girls have done with and for Ash. Especially May, Dawn and Serena who had traveled with him as well. What he did for and with them as well. And the three, along with the other girls, each of them had the qualities and even the right to be the 'leader' as well. And they did have their own set of rules in place that they all had to follow. So, was it necessary for there to even be a leader?

As Misty thought about all that, she finished getting dressed and once her sisters were ready as well, they all headed out of the room towards the living room. Deciding to think about the 'leader' role more heavily later on, whether it was necessary or if it should be changed a bit if not gotten rid of, the red head focused on what was happening right now. Joining the others already there, they waited for the last few people to show up. And one of those people was coincidently the person they were going to go watch battle…

Earlier on when Ash went to his room so he could change into his guardian's uniform, he felt a rush of excitement going through his body. He knew he had more important things to get ready for that was coming in the future. But he just couldn't help it. He was about to challenge the Elites of the world. Something he had dreamed about since he was a little kid. Slipping his belt around his pants through the belt holes, the door was knocked on before it opened. He glanced back to see that it was his mother who walked in. "Hey Mom," he greeted her before turning his attention back to his belt, facing away from her. He fastened it and moved towards the rest of his guardian's attire that was hanging on the door.

Delia smiled at her son, extremely proud and happy over what he's reached. Even the scars on his back couldn't make her become sullen. If anything, they made her feel even more good things over who her son grew to be. A courageous, selfless, caring and handsome young man. "Hey sweetie. You almost ready? Everyone is waiting for you," informed Delia.

"Sorry, I'm almost done," he said as he put on the long sleeved tight black shirt. He turned around afterwards and was about to put on his blue vest when he saw his mother in a trance. "Mom? Are you okay?" he asked her.

Delia snapped out of her stupor when she heard her son speak. She shook her head and formed a small smile on her face. "Yes, I'm fine sweetie. I'm just so proud of you and excited to see you get closer to your dream. I'll wait with the others so hurry up okay? And good luck!" she said as she left the room.

"Thanks Mom," he said as he watched her leave. Continuing to get dressed after she left, it took a few more minutes for him to get ready. Now tying his black boots, he finished up and glanced at his Pikachu who woke up earlier from his nap and was waiting for him while sitting on the bed. "You ready buddy?" he asked him. Pikachu nodded and jumped to his shoulder. He stepped out of his room and went into the living room. Seeing everyone there, he smiled at them and they returned it. "Well, this is it. Time for me to face the Elites. You guys ready to go?"

"Hell yea! This is gonna be awesome!" stated Max, pumping his fist into the air, making several chuckle over his excitement. Bonnie shook her head over her now boyfriend's behavior but was smiling.

"Good luck buddy," said Brock while standing next to Lucy who voiced the same.

"Thanks you two." Ash turned his gaze towards his girlfriends. The eight that the group knew about and the six others that no one knew about yet were standing near each other. He smiled at them before saying something. "If I win, I have a surprise for you all."

That made them become curious. "Ouh, what is it?!" asked Anabel with excitement.

"Like I said, if I win, you'll see," he told them, making his girlfriends give him playful glares that made him smirk before he vanished from sight.

Next second, the group was teleported to be in front of the stadium. "That Ketchum! Always making us wait," whined Sarah, making her friends chuckle.

"Come on, let's go get our seats," advised Sabrina and they agreed.

The group made their way inside the stadium and once again, they found a good area for them all to sit together. As they sat down together and got comfortable they looked around the stadium at the other spectators while they waited for the battles to begin. As they waited, many conversations began occurring between them while some were just staying quiet. Among those, Cilan was waiting for a call from Burgundy so he could go and meet up with her at their rendezvous point. Another was Iris, who was lost in thought over what she went through with Ash that morning. Violet and Lily, who normally would've been speaking with their boyfriends Chili and Cress, were whispering to one another as they tried to figure out who this guy was that their sister had met. The two brothers didn't mind and just spoke with each other as they did that. Or more accurately, Chili talked while Cress listened.

There was one from the group who was chatting away with the other parents to keep herself distracted. She didn't want to dwell on what she had decided to do after what happened earlier on when she had seen something in her son's room. When he was putting on his clothes, before he could cover it up, Delia had seen a blue symbol on his chest because of the mirror on the dresser. The second she saw it, she had become stuck in a trance until her son speaking brought her out of it. After quickly coming up with something and wishing her son luck, she left his room and made her way to one of the nearby bathrooms.

While in the privacy of the bathroom, Delia looked at herself in the mirror and began thinking. What was that? Trying to remember what she saw exactly, the image in her mind sharpened a little and she let out a gasp. It couldn't be…could it? Placing her hands on the counter, she hung her head and looked at the floor. If it is…what does this mean? Her sight moving to her stomach, she wondered if it was the same thing that she had gone through in the past…with him. Maneuvering her left hand to the left side of her body, she grasped her blouse and raised it. Looking at it for a moment, she then raised her gaze back to the mirror on the wall. A reflection of a perfect blue circle with seven dark blue lightning bolts spaced evenly in it along with pure white lettering that spelled out her husband's name was clearly seen. Seeing its reflection, Delia's eyes filled with water. It is the same…but what he told me in the past about it…about what it represented…is it true? She let go of her blouse and it covered her body once more. Leaning against the counter again, Delia took in a slow breath. And if it's not…does that mean that…that there is a chance…that my Ashy...could make the same mistakes? That there is a chance, however small it may be, that what he has with the girls, could fade or isn't real?

She looked herself in the mirror and thought some more. Memories of the past flowed through her mind for a while. Then she thought about her son's memories and what the girls had done for him in front of everyone. She closed her eyes and shook her head. No…that can't happen because this is different. And I'll make sure that my Ashy knows. I'll tell him after his matches so he can stay focused right now. I will do everything I can to make sure that they don't go through what I did! I swear it! After making that promise, Delia washed up and left to join the others before they left for the stadium.

By speaking with the girls' parents, Delia kept herself distracted and was able to stay in a somewhat cheery mood until the matches began. And luckily for her, she didn't have to wait long at all. Because only a couple minutes later, the announcer's voice boomed out through the speakers and the crowd quieted down to listen to him. "LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE! IT'S NOW TIME TO START THE BATTLES THAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN EAGERLY WAITING FOR! THE EXTENDED MATCHES OF THE SPIRIT TOURNAMENT BETWEEN THE ELITES OF THE WORLD AND THEIR CHALLENGER WILL NOW BEGIN!" At that moment, the trainer entrances on both sides of the field had their large steel doors open. Many people exited out of the tunnels with excited yet determined gazes as they walked onto the field to the welcoming roar of the crowd…