Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue

"Shit, SHIT!" The words were a hushed mumble as he ran. His beige trench coat billowing out behind him.

Where were they all coming from?

He surveyed the area, hoping desperately to find somewhere to take cover, anywhere he could escape.

There was nothing, no way out.

"Come...In. Agent Looker, do you read me?"

"Loud and clear, boss! Crap, Growlithe, try a Flamethrower, we'll attempt to clear a path." The canine Pokémon complied immediately, but the jet of flames had little effect.

"What's your position Looker? We'll send backup immediately"

The Agent swore as another wave of grunts appeared out of nowhere, Golbat positioned for attack.

There were too many of them.

"It's not looking good Annabel, I'm surrounded."

"How the hell did you blow your cover?!"

"This mission was doomed from the start. They'd been watching us, longer even than we'd been watching them. They knew exactly what we were planning. They knew everything, about me, about the Federal Investigation Bureau, about the prophecy- -"

He sighed in defeat, finger hovering over his Xtransceiver, prepared to end the call at any moment. "There's no way Growlithe and I are getting out of this one, boss. Not a chance, Not this time."

"Don't say that Looker, send me your location so I can get backup to you immediately. It doesn't have to end like this-"

With great effort he stumbled into the hallway, knees threatening to buckle with every step.

"No- Don't," A pain-filled cry erupted from now pale lips as he crashed to the cold, concrete ground. His hands seeped in crimson from his blood-slicked shirt. "Listen to me Annabel, sending more agents in here right now would be a suicide mission. Cyrus knows I'm here. Whatever they're up to has been years in the making, we've lost… I've lost…"

"Looker, please-"

He gave a breathy chuckle, one that was filled with tears. "I don't have much time, I'm sending you every ounce of data I have now."

"LOOKER, PLEASE-"

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry."

Once more the line crackled, then there was nothing but deafening silence.

The Beasts of our great world shall clash,

And hence the world will turn to Ash.

Through darkness, light it shall prevail,

But stand alone and he shall fail.

For when he opens heaven's door,

This world's brave hero will be no more.

He said the words slowly, as though testing how they'd sound. Trembling hands were shoved deep down into his pockets, cloak obscuring his features, allowing only the odd, wayward lock of flaming red hair to be visible in the pale moonlight.

"Hope you don't mind me interrupting your daily brooding, Lance!"

The man, Lance, gave a half smile as he turned to face the source of the teasing voice.

"Jackie! So glad you could make it on such short notice!"

"But of course, things are finally getting interesting around here. But it's good to see you again!"

Lance smiled sadly, raising his head to meet the blonde's blue eyes; "Indeed. However, I do so dearly wish it were under better circumstances, old friend."

It was cold, their breath coming out in puffs and visible in the freezing winter air.

"How bad is it exactly? Like the end of the world bad or...?"

Lance shook his head solemnly, raising his left hand slowly and effectively ceasing the ranger's ramblings. "I promise I will explain all in due course, so please, follow me."

A series of wooden torches led him down a long, winding hallway, dimly lit, as he followed the redhead blindly. "Jeez, you'd think the Johto champion could afford more modern decor… It's like you're leading me to a dungeon, it's giving me the creeps." The ranger glanced around distastefully, his nose wrinkled, lips pressed together in a thin, white line.

Lance didn't grace him with a response, merely rolling his eyes as he tugged open the large oaken door that lay before them. Behind it, around a long beechwood table, sat several of the world's champions, exchanging hushed, hurried whispers. Jackie glanced around quickly with curious eyes, gaze eventually resting upon Alola's professor Kukui who seemed almost out-of-place amid the others.

"Forgive me if I'm wrong Professor, but if I recall correctly young Ash Ketchum is the Alolan champion now, is he not?"

"You would be correct,"

"Yes, well, we would endeavour to have him here as well were this meeting not about the Alolan champion in question!"

Immediately Kukui's entire being tensed, and Jackie's eyes widened slightly. "Oh my…" The Ranger said, "Well now you have my attention. What sort of trouble has the lovely King of the Seas gotten himself into now?"

"Trouble of an omnipotent nature it would seem…"

"What exactly do you mean by that, Lance?" The Alolan's tone was as icy as a Weavile, his amiable smile gone, replaced instead by something akin to a glare.

Heaving a hefty sigh, Lance sat heavily upon the chair at the head of the table, rustling the series of papers he'd clenched tightly in his hands. "Strange things have been happening, Professor, things we can't quite explain. Our research team recently unearthed this old scroll, it seems to relate to a prophecy centuries in the making-"

"Wait, is this the same thing I heard you mumbling to yourself when I arrived, about clashing beasts and the world turning to ash?"

"Yes Jackie, that is correct."

"Well, what exactly does that have to do with the Alolan champion?"

"The Elders of Shamouti island believe it may refer to the young man who'd saved them all before-"

"Ash Ketchum."

"Exactly…"

"Why do I feel this may tie in with the rumours of a newly formed team Galactic?" Cynthia's voice was soft, though alarmed.

"Because it does. And it's not just them either, Rocket, Plasma, Galactic, Flare, they seemed to have formed some kind of Alliance…"

"Ah, the elusive Team Vires…"

"Jackie? You've heard of them?"

The ranger smirked. "I hear of a lot of things and pay little heed to any of them. Though judging by your expression I take it these rumours are no mere rumours."

"Unfortunately so"

"Oh, how wonderful!"

"We're awaiting Agent Looker's report for more information, but such a threat is not one we can afford to take lightly!"

The sound of Kukui's fist connecting with the wooden tabletop made the occupants of the room jump.

"Professor?"

"Get to the damn point. What the hell has any of this got to do with my son?!"

"I understand your concern, Professor Kukui, but you must understand, Ash- he seems to be the key to all of this. I've been watching him for many years, ever since our paths first crossed. I believe his previous adventures, the connections he's made with the legendary Pokémon all around the globe… It all was to prepare for this moment, for the prophecy. He's the one the prophecy refers to, I just know it!"

"HE'S A CHILD!" The chair screeched against the hardwood floor as Kukui stood furiously to his feet.

"No offence Lance, I've seen how capable the kid is with my own two eyes, but I don't exactly know how I feel knowing the fate of the world is in the hands of a sixteen-year-old-"

"Did you even tell Ash any of this?!"

Lance exhaled shakily. "I didn't want to tell him anything until I was sure... And even so I could be wrong but..."

"He's our best chance." Cynthia finished.

"Exactly. Whether he is indeed the one the prophecy refers to or not, I'd like him on our side."

A series of murmured agreement echoed through the room for a moment before Cynthia spoke. "I think you're right… I believe Ash Ketchum is someone we need, regardless. You have my support…"

"So we are all in favour of recruiting Ash Ketchum then, yes?"

All hands but Kukui's rose.

"Professor…?"

The man's hands were clenched by his sides, as though to quell their desperate shaking.

He seemed to gather himself for a moment. "Nothing I say can stop you…" he trailed off, "And should Ash get wind of the matter, nothing I say could stop him either…" He paused, "But I beg of you, please, until you are completely certain, tell him nothing of the prophecy…"

Lance gave a quick nod.

"I accept your conditions, Professor Kukui. Now please, if you are willing, would you accompany me to Pallet Town?"

Chapter Text

Chapter One

Fire… All Ash Ketchum could see was fire, searing hot and endless. Above his head smoke curled in coils, choking him, burning his nose and throat.

 “Gou? Gary?” he tried to call out to his friends, desperate to be heard, though the only thing that greeted him was a deathly silence.

He struggled forward, stumbling blindly as around him clouds of ash danced, flurrying like a midwinter snowfall. “Lucario, Pikachu? Where are you? Where did you go?” Ash’s voice echoed all around him, coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once. 

‘Come hero, hear me.’ the words rumbled from beneath the earth as though sourced from the land itself and Ash glanced around timorously, seeing only remnants of crumbled stone houses, some still flickering with the remains of amber flames. No stars illuminated the murky sky, not even the slightest hint of a crescent moon. 

Was this Pallet Town? Was this his home? It couldn’t be. It was wrong, all wrong...

Despite the haze, he could smell no smoke and suddenly, beneath the singed wood-forged arch that stood before him, he could just make out the outline of a figure. They appeared to be hunched over, their back to him, clothed in dark robes that reached their ankles. Wisps of silvery hair escaped the confines of a tightly cinched hood as they turned to face him, their long, white, leathery fingers outstretched and grasping. 

At that moment Ash wished to do nothing more than find his friends and flee, but something had a hold on him, one so strong he didn’t dare fight against it. So he stood there, frozen, eyes searching desperately for any sign of his Pokémon, for Gary, for Gou.

“Fear the flame that knows no bounds for darkness slumbers like an ancient god”

The next thing he knew, the ground beneath his feet lurched violently, accompanied by the flash of a golden feather. Then eyes of crimson glowed amidst a sea of black and suddenly Ash was falling, down, down, down into an abyss of oblivion.

He woke with a start, heart pounding, head reeling. Slowly he ran a trembling hand through unruly raven locks, exhaling shakily. Next to him Pikachu continued to snooze soundly, snoring slightly between muffled ‘ Pika, pikas’.  

“Hey buddy, c’mon, it’s time to wake up, we’ve got some serious training to do!” He ran his fingers across the yellow fur atop the Pokémon’s head, and slowly Pikachu’s eyes flickered open as it gave a sizable yawn. “You ready?” A nod, “Great, we’re gonna have the whole place to ourselves until Gary and Gou grab the stuff they need for their newest expedition, so let's make the most of it alright?!”

The electric mouse trilled happily, climbing onto its trainer's shoulder and nuzzling Ash’s cheek. 

The Alolan champion dressed as quickly as he could, throwing on his jacket and cap before bounding down the stairs excitedly, furiously running his goals for today's training over and over in his head in a desperate bid to forget the frankly terrifying nightmare that had plagued his usually peaceful sleep.

The remnants of the town he’d dreamt of were far too similar to Pallet town than he liked to admit, and the thought alone unnerved him terribly. He shook his head to rid himself of the terrifying thoughts, imagining them being swept away on the currents of the fresh, early morning breeze that caressed his skin. After all, it had been nothing more than a silly dream. 

Immediately he released his team from their pokéballs, Sirfetch’d, Lucario, Dracovish, Dragonite and Gengar lining up patiently before him with excited cries. 

From the depths of Professor Oak’s conservatory, his other Pokemon traipsed out, each excited to be involved in Ash’s training in any way they could. “Oh man, it feels like its been ages since we last did this sort of thing! Okay guys, partner up! Charizard and Lucario I want you two up first!”

“Ash could practically hear Lucario’s confused ‘huh’ as it tilted its head curiously.”

The young champion simply smiled in response. “I know Lucario, you’re at a double disadvantage, that’s the reason I paired you and Charizard up to begin with. He’s gonna help us come up with some kinda strategy! The ranked battles are only going to get tougher from here on out, so we need to make sure we’re ready for anything! Okay?”

His words seemed to calm any of Lucario's previous qualms and his partner growled determinedly, smirking at the large fire type Pokemon that stood before him with the quick wave of a spiked paw.

"Great, okay then, let's start with double team!"

Immediately Lucario leapt into action, multiplying itself over and over until it had Charizard surrounded. The fire type roared in response, letting loose a powerful flamethrower that ripped through Lucario’s doubles as though they were nothing more than paper.

“Good work Charizard! Now fly!”

The fire dragon complied instantaneously, flapping its large wings as he prepared to launch himself into the sky.

“Okay Lucario, you ready to try something?” The Jackel Pokémon gave an impassioned cry, awaiting further instruction from its trainer.

“Just what I wanted to hear bud, now, double team once more, then follow it with Extreme Speed! Use the wind from Charizards wings to launch yourself into the air!”

Immediately Lucario did as asked, shooting itself into the sky, expression momentarily morphing into one of shock as it did so. “Incredible Lucario! Now, dive and use Thunder Punch! the momentum of the fall will strengthen your blow, give it all you’ve got!” 

Lucario’s fist glowed a vibrant yellow as it cut through the air hurtling towards Charizard with unyielding speed. It hit its mark, the blow immediately sending Charizard crashing to the ground below. He barely managed to catch himself in time, spreading his wings and gliding at the last minute. Though mere meters above him Lucario fell in a hopeless freefall.

“Try using Aura sphere to control your landing!” Though the command came too late  and Ash barely managed to cushion Lucario’s fall, though despite that, they both smiled widely.

“That was incredible Lucario! All we gotta do now is figure out how to stick the landing!” Lucario growled happily in agreement, it’s eyes bright.

“Gotta say Ashy, I’ve seen a hell of a lot of things on my journey, but I reckon that’s the first time I’ve ever seen a flying Lucario!” Ash smirked as he turned to see Gary strolling leisurely toward him. 

In contrast Gou sprinted in his direction, grinning widely. Both researchers were still clad in their expedition gear, their slender frames practically drowning in their oversized corduroy coveralls. Their tanned hiking boots made their footsteps echo loudly.

“Gahh! Ash, Lucario, that was so awesome!”

Ash beamed as he offered the two an enthusiastic wave, “Gary, Gou, welcome back!” 

“We woulda been here sooner were Goulash here not such an amateur.”

“For the millionth time, my name is Gou you imbecile G-O-U”

Gary scoffed, “Pfft it’s all the same to me!”

Ash gave a tired sigh and massaged his temples, glancing between the two exasperatedly.  “Seriously guys, its been six months, you’re both on the same expedition team, would it kill you to just get along?!”

“YES” both huffed in perfect harmony. 

Ash simply rolled his eyes good naturedly, choosing to say nothing further.

"Uh Ash, you doing okay, you look kinda um...tired?" Gou's voice was soft, almost tentative. Ash blanched, bringing a hand up to brush across his cheek. Was it really that obvious?

Gou’s words seemed to garner Gary's attention, and he studied Ash's face curiously. "Huh, Goulash is right, you look like shit!"

Ash felt his face flush a vibrant red. "Seriously, of all things, that's what you both agree on?"

His companions merely shrugged in response.

“Well whatever, it's not something you guys need to worry about anyway, I just had a stupid nightmare.” 

“About what?” Gary questioned,

“I uh, I don’t really remember,” Ash lied, averting his gaze. Both Gou and Gary appeared unconvinced, though didn’t push the matter any further.

“Anyway, didn’t you guys tell me you were sticking around to support me until my next match? So I’d appreciate if we could stop our babblin’ and get to battlin’”

“Oh well, if you insist, Ashy boy, I’d be happy to oblige! Umbreon, let’s go!” 

“Oh, now we’re talking, Pikachu, for old time's sake, let's do this!”

“How about we show your little buddy over there how the prides of Pallet town fight, no holding back!”

Ash snorted, “We never do!”

“I’ll start off then if you don’t mind”

“Be my guest!”

Okay then,  Umbreon, Dark Pulse!”

“Brace yourself Pikachu!” A ring of dark purple energy launched itself at the electric mouse.

“Dodge it, then Electro Ball!” In an instant Pikachu was in mid-air with a crackling ball of electrical energy advancing towards Umbreon at a terrifying pace.

“Get outta there Umbreon!” Umbreon darted left, the electric move missing it by an inch.

Ash gave a thumbs up in the younger Oak’s direction, grinning broadly “Nice dodge!”

Gary returned it in earnest. “Nice Move!”

“Alright Umbreon, Shadow Ball!” Gary commanded.

“Deflect it with Iron Tail Pikachu!” Ash countered.

“Skunktank, Nightshade!”

“Purugly, Fake Out!”

It was as though they’d come out of nowhere, completely catching the Pallet natives off guard. “Excuse our interruption boys.”

Ash would recognise those faces anywhere, though they seemed taller than he remembered and far better dressed, though the cruel glint in their eyes seemed more prominent than before and the thought made him uneasy. 

They were clad in form fitting black uniforms and thick leather boots, their hair falling loosely around their shoulders.

“No way!” Ash muttered,

“It’s not possible!” Gary exclaimed, “They arrested you two when Cyrus got trapped in the Distortion World. How in the name of Arceus did you escape?!”

“Now, now, now little professor, loose lips sink ships you know.” Jupiter retorted

 Mars’ attention momentarily became focused on Gou who gazed upon the scene unfurling in silence. Ash could almost see the gears turning in the other boy's brain. “Oh my, I see you’ve collected another stray. How adorable! You do seem awfully fond of collecting little, lost souls!”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Gou spat.

“We’ve been watching you for quite some time, Champion of Alola, you’ve been quite... busy. ”

Her words unnerved him, and he struggled to maintain his composure.

“Less of your little games Team Galactic, now square up so Ash and I can put you back into whatever hole you crawled out of!”

Jupiter tutted with a smug smirk. “Not so fast, little sapling, we’ve no business with you. So I’ll give you a choice. In the next five minutes your grandfather’s grand conservatory will be engulfed in flames. If you get moving now, you might get all the Pokémon out!”

“You’re bluffing!” 

 “Oh really? Are you sure that’s a gamble you want to make though?” she snickered

“What the hell is wrong with you people!” Gou growled, Cinderace’s Pokéball poised to be thrown.

“Oh the stray speaks--”

“Why you--”

“Gou!” Ash cut him off. “It’s not worth it. You and Gary go make sure the other Pokémon are safe! I can handle them myself!”

“But--”

“Trust me!” 

Gou gnawed on his lower lip almost nervously, “Ash-”

“I’ll be fine, I promise!” 

“Don’t screw this up Ashy, we’ll be counting on you!”

The raven haired teen smirked, “Just leave it to me! Okay, Lucario, Pikachu, you’re up!” From its trainer's side, Pikachu gave a determined cry “Alright Aura Sphere on Skunktank, Pikachu, Iron tail on Purugly!”

As if on queue, a deafening boom rattled the earth beneath his feet. From the depths of Professor Oak’s conservatory, wisps of smoke curled upward, dancing high above the trees. For a moment Ash could feel his stomach clench, his mind racing as he remembered his unsettling dream. Could this have been what it had depicted, would Team Galactic really go that far?

The Alolan champion could have sworn that in that moment the surrounding air rippled, whispering to him to get it together, to focus. He pushed his dread as deep down as he could, turning his attention back to the battle at hand. Gou and Gary would take care of it, he knew that, yet...

He shook his head, his Pokémon’s attacks staggered his opponents, pushing them back ever so slightly. He needed to buy some time, to hold them off. For all he knew, they could have some other scheme up their sleeves should he defeat them too quickly and he couldn’t take that chance.

They were counting on him, so stall he would.

“Skunktank, Poison Jab on that pesky Pikachu!”

“Purugly, Shadow Ball”

“Pikachu, Lucario use Double Team, Pikachu you use Quick Attack, Lucario Extreme Speed, run circles around them!”

“Attack them all!”

“Keep Moving, wear them down, outlast them, I know you can do it!” 

He could no longer tell how much time had passed. “Come on Gou, Gary any time now…”

“Ash!” He visibly exhaled as next to him his friends sprinted into view.

“The water Pokémon helped us put the fires out! Everyone should be safe now!”

“Okay Pikachu, Lucario, finish this Thunderbolt! Aura Sphere.” The moves met their mark and the opposing Pokémon fell unconscious at their trainers’ feet.

“Toxicroak, let’s go!”

From behind him another voice emanated, “Our objective is to secure the champion, Hyperbeam now, we’ve no use for the little researchers .” 

Ash could feel his heart pound as suddenly time stood still, Gary and Gou seemed to be stood, frozen. He had to reach them, somehow; he had to protect them, had to get to them. 

Without a second thought, he dived toward them, arms outstretched, amber eyes squeezed shut as he awaited the impact. Though it never came and finally he worked up the courage to slowly open his eyes.

In front of his now glowing hands, a thin blue film had formed, effectively absorbing the impact of the oncoming attack.

“I-I wha--”

“My, my Little Champion, you truly are quite the marvel! Jupiter, Mars, we must retreat at once. It seems the adept is more developed than the boss estimated.”

“U-Understood commander! Dragalge, come out, use smokescreen!”

And just like that they were gone, just the stale smell of smoke remaining.

“Ash-- wh-”

“I-I don’t--” Without warning, the searing pain that shot through his skull caused his knees to buckle and he cried out. He was vaguely aware of the feeling of his friends’ fingers digging into his shoulders and could hear their frantic voices calling his name. Though he couldn’t respond, tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, slipping down his cheeks.

“Ash? Ashy, hey snap out of it, c’mon! You’re okay, you’re fine!”

“Ash--?”

It was too much, the pain, the noise, it was as though the atmosphere was literally whispering to him...

“Come on Ash, you’ve got to keep your eyes open okay, stay with us!”

“I’m sorry I--”

“Ash, snap out of it!”

He didn’t speak, he could feel the last of his energy leave him as he shook his head slowly, succumbing to the boundless darkness that awaited him.

Chapter Text

Chapter Two

Ash’s consciousness returned to him in a world he didn’t recognise. All around him strange, stone forged structures towered above his head. He struggled to his feet, glancing around in confusion. Where the hell was he? Flowing white robes brushed against his ankles as the soles of brown leather sandals crunched against gravel. “Gary? Gou? Pikachu?” his words echoed all around, though seemed not to reach a single soul. It was quiet, too quiet, as though he were the only being in existence. 

A strong flash of white light suddenly blinded him and he cried out, squeezing his eyes shut. When he reopened them, he was no longer alone, the streets now bustling and alive with the constant hum of chatter. 

“Lord Aaron! Hellooo, Lord Aaron! Oi!” The palm of someone’s hand colliding with the back of his head caused Ash to wince.

He turned around to see a boy gazing at him in annoyance, arms folded across his chest as he scowled. He was about a head taller than he was, long dark hair tied in a low ponytail, cat-like golden eyes trained on him almost tiredly.

Something about him was so familiar, though what exactly, he couldn't quite tell.

“Are you- uh were you talking to me?”

“What other Lord Aaron do you know? Jeez, I always knew you were a space cadet but this is a whole ‘nother level!” 

Ash simply stared mutely, tilting his head in confusion. “I um… I think you have the wrong person!”

“What the hell, dude? Did you bump your head or somethin? Well let me spell it out for you then!" He tapped himself on the chest with his index finger, then brought it to poke Ash between the eyes,  "Me Dion, You Aaron. You got all that?!"

"Um…"

"Well whatever, hurry it on, the princess is waiting for us!" 

"The...Princess…?" 

"Wow, you really are zonked, did you train too hard or somethin?! I've said it before but that whole meditation of yours can't be good for the brain, all this crazy talk about leaving the physical realm, it gives me the heebie-jeebies! Now come on will ya, Princess Rin is waiting on us!"

Princess Rin… Why was the name so familiar?

Then suddenly it hit him, Cameran… The ancient kingdom...

The place he'd met that Lucario… He felt his heart clench almost painfully at the memory. It felt like decades ago now...

"Why are we going to see the Princess of Cameran?"

Dion rolled his eyes, whacking Ash on the back of the head once more, "She's our best friend, dummy! Why wouldn't we be going to see her?! You're seriously weirding me out right now Aaron, you know that?!"

"Uh, sorry"

"Well whatever, now you coming or not?!"

"Yeah I… I guess so…"

“You know what, I've changed my mind. I don't wanna know what's up with you! Way too freaky, it’s like you have amnesia or something."

Ash almost scoffed at the words. Amnesia wasn’t even a valid explanation for whatever crazy fever dream he was living in right now and honestly, he kinda wished it was. At least then he’d have a vague notion of what the hell was going on. 

His head suddenly throbbed painfully, and he cried out, clutching it between his palms and squeezing his eyes shut. When he opened them once more, he was in his childhood bedroom, he was home… In Pallet Town.

He’d been trapped beneath a mountain of sheets, the room dark and stuffy. For some reason, his mattress felt even more comfortable than usual, though he credited that to his seemingly endless exhaustion. 

“Ash! You’re okay! You’re really okay!” He barely had the chance to turn towards the source of the voice when a pair of scrawny arms had locked themselves around his neck. “You scared the crap outta us!”

For a moment Ash’s mind was blank until everything came rushing back all at once. He shot up in bed, ignoring the pounding of his head and the heaviness of his body.

“Team Galactic--”

“Calm down Ashy, they’re gone!” A sharp voice said.

He glanced up as Gary’s onyx orbs met his own. They were dark, stormy...Angry…

“WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING!” 

“I--”

“Arceus Ash, I knew you had a tendency to be stupid but this… This is a whole other fucking level!”

“Well what was I s’posed to do! If I hadn’t stepped in you two woulda been toast!”

“We would have figured something out! I don’t know what the hell you did back there, Ketchum, but you sure as shit hadn’t planned it! Are you seriously so willing to live up to your damn name, because ashes are all that woulda been left of you had that move hit!”

Involuntarily Ash’s hands trembled and he could feel tears prick at his eyes, though why he couldn’t comprehend. That seemed to soften the youngest Oak somewhat as he exhaled a shuddering breath. The bed creaked as Gary sat on his other side, bringing a hand up to give Ash’s shoulder a quick squeeze. 

“Sorry I-I, it’s just- Ash you scared the shit out of me. What the hell was that?”

Ash sniffled slightly, wiping his face with the cuff of his dirty sleeve.

“I think - It felt like- in the Tree of Beginning, like my entire body was burning.” 

Gary’s eyes widened in understanding. “Aura…”

Ash nodded mutely.

 Gou glanced between the two for a moment, tilting his head in confusion. “Aura… You mean like what Lucario has?”  

“In some ways--”

“But humans can’t harness their auras, can they? The only person in living history I’ve ever heard of doing it before is…”
“Sir Aaron.” Ash finished,

 “But he wasn’t the only one…” Gary started. “When you told me about what happened in Cameran, I did some research. There used to be an elite army of them. They were the royal family's personal guard--”

“Wait back up a second, you said Tree of Beginning a-and Cameran… Like the story--” Gou’s entire being tensed as he spoke, as he awaited some means of response from his friend. 

“Four years ago I--I met Sir Aaron’s Lucario…”

“YOU DID WHAT?!”

Ash winced at the volume of Gou’s voice, but continued. “Sir Aaron had trapped him in his staff to keep him safe and I… I awakened him.”

“H-how in the name of Lugia…”

“My Aura and Sir Aaron’s, t-they’re the same. The Tree of Beginning, it was dying and Lucario and I had to use our Aura to save it… I was going to meet the same fate as Sir Aaron - he pushed me out of the way… He saved me, but he didn’t make it out…”

His gut twisted at the memory, he’d never forgotten that guilt, could never let it go. If only he had been stronger…

“Ash...Kid, that you I hear?”

Ash’s head shot up at the familiar warm, baritone and he couldn’t stop the smile that broke out onto his face.

“P-professor Kukui?”

Ash barely had time to glance at him when his Pokémon burst through the door with excited cries. Both Pikachu and Lucario pushed past Gary and Gou, Lucario effectively sending both of them tumbling to the carpeted floor.

“I must have worried you guys pretty badly, I’m sorry!”  

“You apologise for being a dumbass to the Pokémon?” Gary sniped, “Seriously?” 

Ash ignored him. “Where are the others?”

“We returned them to their Pokéballs so we could clean up the mess those Galactic goons left behind. But well Pikachu is Pikachu and somehow Lucario kept busting out.”

Professor Kukui made his way through the door slowly, donning his signature lab coat, though he’d exchanged his usual shorts and bare chest for clothing more suited to Kanto’s cooler climate. 

“Lemme tell you kiddo, you sure as hell know how to give a guy a heart attack!”

He gathered Ash in his arms in one fell swoop, embracing him tightly. “You know, the last thing I expected when I arrived here two days ago was to find my kid unconscious. I swear, I’m gonna go grey far before my time if you keep pulling stuff like this!”

“T-two days- It’s been that long? Shit- Team Galactic could be anywhere right now!”

“Language!”

“Team Galactic aren’t your problem right now Mr Ketchum… There are even more pressing matters at hand-”   

“L-Lance--?”

“Between Galactic and you lot— Are any more people going to drop by for a surprise visit?” Gary grit out.

“Mr Ketchum, I’ve come to discuss an urgent matter with you”

“The guy’s been unconscious for two days, can’t you at least give him some time to recover?!”

“Gary--”

“Unfortunately, Professor Oak, time is of the essence!” 

“Well then, will you at least explain why the hell Team Galactic are back in business? ‘Cause last time I checked their leader was in Pokémon Purgatory!”

“And what the hell do they want with Ash?” Gou added.

Ash shifted slightly from beneath the covers, wincing as the pain in his skull worsened.

“You okay?” Gou questioned, rubbing Ash’s back gently.

Ash hummed in affirmation as the pain eased ever so slightly. “Mr Ketchum… I don’t know how to say this, but... Team Galactic aren’t the only ones who will be looking for you.”

“What are you talking about?” Gary’s tone was so icy the entire room shivered.

“I don’t quite know when it started but… They’ve been watching you and not just them, but Rocket, Plasma and Flare too- they’ve formed an Alliance of sorts…Call themselves Team Vires ”

“W-what…” Ash’s voice trembled as the word left his lips.

Lance continued, “Agent Looker infiltrated their newest base, but they caught him... As of now his current status is...Unknown…” 

“ Arceus” it was no louder than a whisper.

“He managed to send all the data he’d collected. But Mr Ketchum, they know everything about you. Every place you’ve been, every legendary creature you’ve saved or befriended, every friend and rival you’ve ever had…”

“My friends, my family... does that mean they--”

“We’ll keep them safe Mr Ketchum. You needn’t worry. Besides, they severely miscalculated, I imagine they won’t strike again for quite some time…” He paused, “You need to be aware that they know of your actions in the Tree of Beginning…”

“What does that--”

 "Mr Ketchum, it appears you possess the power to be the world's most powerful weapon should you learn to wield your power effectively. One I would very much like to have on my side...”

“He’s a boy Lance!” Professor Kukui erupted, “he’s not some...some thing you can use at your leisure!”

Ash’s mind raced a mile a minute and he’d never felt such a desperate urge to flee in his life. 

“A-a weapon…?I’m a--”Ash didn’t understand, his head was fuzzy, his entire body ached. “Lance, then y-you know what I am, why t-they called me an Adept-- Why my Aura is an identical match to Sir Aarons--”

“What I know is very limited, there’s a lot we’ve yet to learn, about who you really are, about where your power came from.” 

“Who he really is? He’s Ash Ketchum from Pallet town, the guy who’s gonna be the world's first Pokémon Master! Nothing more nothing less--” Gary snapped.

“He’s a lot more than simply just ‘ Ash Ketchum from pallet town’, he always has been!”

“Don’t act like you know a damn thing about who Ash is or isn’t!” Gou screamed, his face was red, his fists were clenched.

Lance massaged his temples before he continued. “What I do know, is that Aura Adepts are some of the most powerful beings in existence!  Aura, it’s a rather strange phenomenon indeed; what you displayed in the heart of the Tree of Beginning was only a mere fraction, even when protecting your friends, that was nothing compared to what you can do. This power, it’ll only continue to grow and your body is in no way accustomed to handling it.”

“What does that mean?” Gou questioned, gripping Ash’s forearm tightly between his fingers. 

“He was unconscious for as long as he was because his body needed to recover!” He exhaled shakily, “You must learn to control it Mr Ketchum, otherwise you’ll no longer be able to contain it.”

“And if I don’t?”

He didn't know why, but Ash feared the answer...

“If you don't, you’ll be a ticking time bomb in human form, and should you explode, the entire world will go down with you…”

Chapter Text

Chapter Three

Lance’s words chilled Ash to the bone. 

The entire room seemed to have been stunned into silence, all glancing around mutely, no one knowing quite what to say.

Ash could feel Gou’s grip on him tighten and he found himself absent-mindedly clutching the fabric of his friend’s night shirt. He slumped slightly against Kukui’s side, exchanging worried looks with Gary who appeared to be struggling to discern what to do next. 

Lance’s brow was furrowed, and his lips were pressed together in a thin, white line.

“H-how… How do I control it?” His voice was thick with tears, his entire being trembling.

"That Mr Ketchum, I'm still trying to learn. Though I feel consulting Riley in the Sinnoh Region may be a good place to begin."

"Is-is he an adept too?"

"Not quite, but he is an Aura Guardian and a powerful one at that. My hope is that he may be able to give you the tools necessary to understand exactly what that power of yours can do."

"S-So, he can help me?"

“I can’t say for certain, but I do think he may be your best chance.”

Ash’s mind raced, there was so much he didn’t understand, so many questions left unanswered. If he truly was as powerful as Lance seemed to believe - should he fail to contain it… He didn’t want to have to think about it.

"I'll contact Riley as soon as possible and inform him of the situation! Will you be travelling alone?"

"I--"

"No way in hell!"

"Gary!" 

The auburn haired boy merely shrugged, his usual smug smirk firmly in place. "What? Goulash and I told you we're gonna stick with you until your next battle, why do you look so surprised?"

"But-"

"Nuh-uh, no buts!" Gou piped up.

Ash merely looked between the two in silence, no idea what to say, though he got the feeling nothing really needed to be said.

"Mr Ketchum, there was one more thing I wished to discuss with you!"

"You're not gonna drop some other bombshell on me are you?" He joked feebly

Lance frowned slightly, shaking his head, "No, not quite. But Mr Ketchum, I didn't just seek you out because of the power you possess."

"Y-you didn't?"

"If I'm honest, I thought at most you may be an Aura Guardian, that what happened in the Tree of Beginning may have resulted from your desperation to protect the tree and all that lived in it." He paused, "Look Mr Ketchum….Ash...The main reason I'm here is because I’ve seen for myself how capable you are. Even back when I first met you, when you’d just started out on your journey, your bravery, your compassion, your strength of heart, they have always impressed me! Your reputation precedes you - particularly when it comes to taking down criminal organisations! Power or no power, you’re someone I would love to have on my side!” 

He offered his hand, giving the young man a pointed nod. "So Champion of Alola, please, lend me your strength." 

Ash looked upon Lance's outstretched palm with wide amber eyes, before inhaling sharply and squaring his shoulders. Eventually he clasped Lance's fingers in his own, bobbing his head slowly. "I-I'll do all I can"

For the first time since he'd arrived, the Johto champion smiled.

"Thank you… Ash...I'll meet you in Canalave city five days from now! Give yourself some time to recover, however long you may need. What I’ve told you lately is, to put it mildly - well...quite a lot…” 

“Tch you can say that again!” Gary muttered, only partially trying to disguise his disdain, Ash couldn’t quite understand the reason for Gary’s rather obvious stand-offishness, though whatever had gone down between Gary and the Johto Champion (If anything at all, considering the auburn haired teens frankly prickly personality in general) was none of his concern. 

“Well I suppose it’s time I took my leave then, until Sinnoh young champion!”

“U-until Sinnoh!”

Ash’s sleep in the two days that passed had been fraught with Nightmares…

The dreams had started off normal enough, he’d been strolling through Viridian Forest, flanked on both sides by Gary and Gou who were talking animatedly. 

Then the scene would shift suddenly, lightning flashing, thunder rumbling as rain fell from the boundless black sky in torrents.

His body was separated from his spirit and all he could do was watch, frozen. His entire being pulsed with an eerie purple glow, his eyes a blue so pale they were almost completely white… Though worst of all, at his feet Gary and Gou now lay, pallid flesh and crimson staining their skin. They stared unblinkingly upward, still...so terribly still.

He remembered nothing but he knew, deep down he knew… He had done this.

He woke constantly with violent tremors and tear-stained cheeks, wiping them away as quickly as possible and burying his face in the pillow so they couldn’t see.

Sometimes he woke up so shaken he considered running to Professor Kukui or calling his mom hoping the cruise ship she and Professor Oak were on had docked somewhere with a decent phone signal. 

 In the end, he never did, how could he? It wasn’t like there was anything either of them could do.

"Ash?"

He jumped, "Oh, uh hi Professor"

"How are you feeling?"

He hesitated, mulling it over, "I...um is it okay to say I don't know?"

Kukui gave him a soft smile, ruffling his hair. "Perfectly Okay. Look kiddo, if you need me to stay--"

He grabbed Kukui's forearm and gave it a quick squeeze, "Please don't worry, Burnet  and Rei probably miss you- Y-you should go home to your family."

"You know you're family too, don't you?"

Ash could feel his amber eyes fill with tears and cascade down his cheeks. Professor Kukui huffed out a soft puff of air, wrapping his arms around the younger man and pulling him tightly to his chest. 

"You're family too Ash!" He repeated with a whisper. "You always will be!"

He barely managed a choked ‘ thank you’ before he pulled away slowly, wiping his eyes quickly.

“It’s okay to be overwhelmed and it’s okay to be scared! It’s only human.”

“Y-yeah" Though what Lance had said made him feel as though he wasn't human...Or at least not anymore…” 

“It’ll be okay!” Kukui smiled, ruffling the teens hair, “I promise...You’re not doing any of this alone. Y’know, those two-” He gestured out the window to where Gary and Gou appeared to be arguing about something once more. They both were gesticulating wildly, their expressions continuously changing, Ash couldn’t help but chuckle slightly at their antics despite himself. “They seem to be good friends to have by your side kid.”

He turned to gaze upon the two once more, welcoming the warmth that felt as though it were blossoming in his chest. Though it was replaced with an icy chill as fragments of his recurring nightmares flashed through his mind. 

He would control this power, whatever it took, no matter how many sacrifices he would have to make, he'd protect his friends, his family - until his lungs no longer drew breath. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Four

The only clue Ash had about how to control his powers was what he’d learned from the strange dream in which he had inherited Sir Aaron’s body. His-or he supposed he should say Aaron’s, friend- Dion, had mentioned meditation, about how it apparently allowed him to transcend time and space. He’d tried it multiple times since then, but nothing seemed to have changed.

If he was honest though, the more he thought about it, it was still the closest thing to a lead Ash had. 

He was tired, so very tired, it weighed upon him, heavy like a woollen blanket, practically pinning him in place. Though what could he do? It wasn’t like the others had any idea what was happening either.

He’d been avoiding Gou and Gary as much as he possibly could, refusing to leave his room and feigning sleep any time either of them chose to check on him.

‘ A ticking time bomb.’ Lance had so callously stated, he couldn’t get the words out of his head. They stalked his every waking moment and consumed his every thought.

‘ A human weapon…’  

The nightmares were yet to cease their incessant hauntings. Every night was the same and every morning he awoke with that familiar paralysing sense of fear. In the three days that had passed, it continued to eat away at him.

What the hell was he going to do… 

"Pika pi…" The electric mouse trilled from its place beside Ash, nuzzling the boys trembling hand with its nose.

" How am I gonna control this Pikachu? It feels so much bigger than me."

He brought his fingers down to trace the pokeballs that were attached to his belt. He could feel a gentle heat emanating from them and it calmed him somewhat.

“Ash?” Gou’s tentative tone was accompanied by a soft knock and the squeak of the door as he peered around it. His form in the lamplight caused his shadow to stretch across the length of the bedroom.

“Oh… uh hey Gou…”

“M-may I?” 

He sounded almost frightened and for a moment Ash felt his stomach drop. Was Gou just as scared of Ash now as Ash was of himself?

 He should have expected as much.

He realised he’d forgotten to reply as Gou remained rooted on the spot, sky-blue eyes searching for some indication that Ash would allow him to enter.

“Uh Yeah ‘course, what’s up?” He tried to make himself sound chirpy, but he sounded deflated, even to his own ear. 

Gou climbed onto the bed next to him, tapping his fingers upon his thigh slowly as he mulled over his thoughts- he was nervous about something, struggling to choose just what to say. Ash knew the other boy well enough by now that he could read him like a book. 

Gou remained silent a moment longer before giving a shaky exhale. 

Without warning, he grabbed Ash’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze - just for a split second before pulling quickly away.

“Wha—”

“I’m really worried about you!” He blurted, then flushed a vibrant red. “I-I mean—”

“What he means is that you’re acting even weirder than usual and that’s sayin’ somethin’!”  

Gary was leaning against the doorframe now, stone-faced and sullen, arms folded and his back resting against the banged-up wood. 

“I-I--” Ash tried to formulate some kind of response though all his words evaded him.

“Okay yeah, we get it. Lance waltzed right on in and fucked up everything for you, changed every thought you’ve ever had about yourself. So, you’ve locked yourself away in here for the past three days feeling sorry for yourself.”

He strode forward, grabbing the front of Ash’s worn sleep shirt, pulling him roughly to his feet, until they were nose to nose. He could feel the youngest Oak’s breath upon his face, could see the anger burning in his onyx eyes and hidden in every line that creased his skin. 

“How the hell is hiding yourself away like a coward gonna change a damn thing?!” 

“Screw you, Gary!” Ash hissed, shoving the auburn-haired teen away from him with a growl.

“No, screw you! For Arceus’ sake Ash we’re your friends, we told you we’ve got your back, you know we’re here, so why the fuck are you trying to deal with this shitshow all by yourself?” 

“I’m trying to protect you—”

“You’re a kid Ash, and by the sounds of it, probably the most powerful kid in existence! If anything, you’re the one that needs to be protected, not me, not Gou—"

Gary’s words made his heart clench and tears sting the corners of his eyes, threatening to fall, though he swallowed the sobs.

“I’m scared, okay! Is that what you want to hear?! I’m absolutely terrified! What if I can’t control it, what if I hurt you or Gou, or any of the people I love?! They’ve been watching me! For months, maybe even years! You’re already in danger by even knowing me! Don’t you get that?” 

“Of course we do. Do you really think any of that crap even matters, that it changes a thing?”

“It should!”

“You utter buffoon!” What surprised Ash the most was that this had come from Gou. He stood between he and Gary, fists clenched and his chest heaving, eyes squeezed tightly shut as though wishing desperately on some kind of distant star.

"Wha--" 

" No, just shut up and listen to me! As much as I hate to admit it Gary is right, you sitting here wallowing in self-pity isn't going to get you anywhere! We're your friends, you're supposed to be able to talk to us, not hide from us! We can figure out how to help you control them! Together!" 

"Gou--"

"Just get up, we'll meet you outside in five." 

He didn't even give Ash time to respond, instead turning on his heel and striding out the door, Gary following right behind him. 

Ash gaped at the empty room, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He brought his fingers up to rest upon his chest and could feel his heart pounding almost painfully. Gou and Gary were right, sitting around moping wasn't going to help him master his powers any faster. He dressed quickly, giving Pikachu a quick scratch behind his pointed ears.

Here goes nothing I guess…

The first thing he noticed was the cold. The wind was biting and harsh and Ash found himself involuntarily shivering. A couple feet ahead of him, Gary and Gou were bundled up in their winter coats, the smell of smoke from Team Galactic’s (or vires as they had now deemed themselves) unprovoked attack lingered in the air. 

“Oh good, you’re here. Was wondering if Gou and I would have to go back in and carry you out.”

Ash flushed slightly and ducked his head, mumbling a quick apology under his breath. He should have known better than to keep secrets from them and the more he thought about it, he supposed that had the roles been reversed he most likely would have reacted exactly the same.

He needed to pull himself together, but he felt as though his head were about to explode at any moment, his thoughts racing wildly and without cease.    

“Ash, back in the tree of beginning, how were you able to manifest your powers?”

“Gloves… Sir Aaron’s gloves, they’d been left there after he…” A sharp pain shot through his skull as he squeezed his eyes shut,  and for a moment an image flashed through his mind, he was back in the tree’s heart, he could feel his aura ebbing and flowing within him, a strange sense of relief enveloped him, as the words ‘ I’m sorry.’ escaped his lips in a breathy whisper. 

When he reopened his eyes he could still feel that energy within him. It moved inside of him as though it were a river, when he looked down, his hands were glowing softly. Suddenly he could feel it begin to bubble violently, he tried to control it, to push it back down deep within him - but it was far stronger than he was. 

“Ash…?” He could hear Gou speak his name but spots danced in his vision. He grappled with his aura struggling to contain it, desperately fighting the fear he could sense beginning to overtake him. 

Fight it, fight it, fight it…

He tried, Arceus he tried… The light that emanated from his palms continued to grow brighter until he almost couldn’t bear to stare at it directly.

Never before had Ash ever felt so lacking in control, the aura so desperate to escape the confines of his body, if he couldn’t stop it, he’d have to at least try to redirect it. 

He could feel the pressure within him continue to build as it tugged on his gut almost painfully - he brought his palm down to collide with the dirt beneath his feet with a furious cry. There was a sudden violent tremor, one that knocked Gou and Gary off balance and sent them crashing unceremoniously to the ground. 

Beneath his hand the earth had completely shattered, a crater now bigger than Ash himself decorated the Oak conservatory and all he could really do was stare mutely, mouth agape.

Just how powerful was he?

“My, my, my” a voice echoed from behind them. “I always knew you were something special Ash Ketchum… But this... This is beyond anything I could  have ever imagined...”

Chapter Text

Chapter Five

For a moment Ash forgot how to breathe as he turned to face the man that stood before him. Not much about him had changed in the years since last Ash had seen him, but it didn’t stop the fluttering of his stomach and the sudden quickening of his heartbeat.

“You— How did you find me?” The man’s expression never changed, features frozen into a twisted sneer. 

“Didn’t those Galactic fools already tell you? We’ve been watching you, Mr Ketchum. It’s oh- so wonderful to see you again.” 

“Not sure I can return the sentiment... Lysandre.”

 Ash could vividly recall his last encounter with the Team Flare boss. He could remember the excruciating pain that had enveloped him - the way he’d tried to break his spirit and control him as though he were nothing more than a puppet. He and Greninja had barely made it out of that in one piece. Had it taken any longer for Alain to intervene, they probably wouldn’t have made it out at all…

Although nearly two years had passed since then, the thought still made his palms sweat and his fingers tremble.

“Ash? Is this?” Gary growled,

“Lysandre” Ash spat. “Yeah…” Gary’s eyes widened in recognition. Ash had told him all about this man, about what he’d done to him, how he’d tried to use him to destroy Kalos. 

“You son of a bitch!” He snarled, “Blastoise, let’s go!”

“Gary--”

“Feel free to join in if you want, but I’ve a score to settle with this piece of shit!” 

“Oh my, adorable, you’ve gotten yourself a bodyguard. How amusing! Honchkrow, Pyroar, let’s put these foolish children in their place. I’m afraid you’ll be coming with me, little champion of Alola!”

Gou snorted, “Yeah right, over our dead bodies.”

Lysandre gave a twisted smirk, “I mean, that can be arranged.” 

“You won’t touch them!” Ash snapped.

Gou visibly gulped at Lysandre’s words but refused to waver, continuing to stand his ground. “Cinderace, we need to protect Ash!”

“Guys….” Seeing the way they both stood before him, their arms outstretched as though preparing to shield him from all harm…. Ash could feel his resolve strengthen.

 This time, it was his turn.

“Thank you- but I need to settle this myself!”

“Ash--”

“Just leave it to me!”

Although reluctant, both Gary and Gou complied, they could see the flames blazing in the depths of Ash’s amber eyes. This was Ash’s fight - they couldn’t deny him that.

“Fine, he’s all yours - but should you need back-up--”

“I’ve got the two of you. I know.” He smiled then, big and wide and brighter than Gary and Gou had seen in quite some time.

“Kick his ass, Ash!” Gou yelled enthusiastically.

“With pleasure. Dragonite, Dracovish, let’s end this!” Both Pokémon materialised in front of their trainer with triumphant roars. Ash stood with squared shoulders and clenched fists. 

“Dracovish, fishious rend on Pyroar, Dragonite, Hurricane, disrupt Honchkrow’s flight. If he can’t fly, he can’t fight. Go, now!” His partners complied almost immediately, darting into action. Dracovish’s strong jaw clamped decisively onto Pyroar’s flank, causing the fire feline to scream out in pain.

Ash couldn’t disguise the smug smirk that momentarily danced across his features. He allowed that familiar thrill to travel through him, the joy of battle, and in that moment, everything else faded away. His fear, his doubt, the uncertainty of where the path he now walked would take him - all of it disappeared, consumed by the shadows cast by the early evening sun and dispersed by the sudden flames of determination that burned within him.

He was Ash Ketchum, champion of Alola, he was one of top trainers in the world, his ranking amid the top twenty only further cemented that fact.

There was no way he’d lose to someone like Lysandre - criminal leader or not - he was nothing more than another opponent. One he had to defeat.

Dragonite’s hurricane met its mark, catching Honchcrow within its sharp, unpredictable gusts and it struggled to stay aloft. Meanwhile Dracovish’s Fishious rend had weakened Pyroar significantly--logically Ash’s victory seemed inevitable, but Lysandre was unpredictable and that made him one of the most dangerous men Ash had ever met. No matter what, he couldn’t let his guard down.

“Impressive little champion, you’re as skillful as I remember.”

“Wish I could return the compliment, but you seem to be a little rusty! Looks like all those years away caused you to lose your touch.”

Lysandre didn’t flinch - his face not giving even the slightest twitch. Despite his precarious position in the battle at hand he didn’t seem even remotely bothered- an observation that was becoming increasingly more concerning.

“Fire Fang on the Dragonite. Thunderwave on the other. We’ve only just begun afterall!”

“As wonderful as that is, I think it’s about time we wrapped this up.” Ash sniped, “Places to be, people to see y’know.”

Lysandre simply bared his teeth in a wide grin, not dignifying Ash with any form of a response.

“Dragonite hurricane once more, throw him off balance screw with its aim! Dracovish, counter with Hydro Pump!”  

“Lysandre, come in zrrt...Commander Lysandre, retreat, we’ve gathered enough data.”

The man swore loudly, though his eyes  flickered with an almost twisted sort of humour. “Really Ariana, your timing couldn’t be more poorly, things were starting to get quite exciting over here and you just had to go and interrupt!”

“Oh my apologies Lysandre.” Was the snarky response, “Now hurry up and return to base, you’ve done your job perfectly.”

“If I must, Pyroar, Honchkrow, return.” They disappeared in a beam of light before Ash’s moves could connect and Lysandre simply smirked in his irritatingly smug manner. “As always it’s been a pleasure Mr Ketchum. Until we meet again little adept and I can assure you sweet boy, this time you will not escape my control!”

He fiddled with something on his wristwatch and in a flash of blinding light, Lysandre and his Pokemon were gone.

“Godsdamn it!” Ash clenched his fists, he could feel his anger consume him, suddenly everything around him was far louder than before, every shape and landmark was crisper, clearer. He felt that recently all-to-familiar tug of his gut like a rising wave.

“Ash-” Gou’s soft voice came from behind him, ripping him from whatever reverie he’d been entrapped in. He whirled around quickly to face him, “Ash--” Gou breathed.

“Your eyes.” Gary finished. 

Slowly Ash brought his fingers up to touch the skin beneath his lower lashes. “W-what about them?”

“They look--” Suddenly Gary was right in his face, staring at him intently, “Their colour--”

Immediately Ash brought his hands up to shield them from his friends’ view.

“He really pissed you off, that much huh?” Gary said softly.

Ash closed his eyes, breathing deeply as he did so, slowly he exhaled, reopening them and meeting Gary’s gaze. He felt  that rising pressure fall as that feeling slowly begun to disappear. No longer did his senses feel so...heightened...

“Well look at that!” Gou smirked, “turns out you can control it, a little bit at least! Your eyes look like yours again!”

“Ah I --”

“Ash, listen to me.” Gary’s tone was uncharacteristically gentle as he wrapped his fingers tightly around Ash’s forearm, holding him firmly in place.

“Huh?”

“No matter what that bastard says, he’ll never be able to control you! You’re too strong for that!” 

“Gary--” 

“You’re nobody’s toy, or their little powerful plaything. Not Lysandre’s, not Lance’s --But unless you figure out how to control this--this aura or whatever--”

Ash gave a shaky sigh, “They might figure out how to control it first and in turn...control me…”

“Exactly. I don’t think you should trust anyone-- For now at least. Not until you know who truly has your best interests at heart.”

“And what about you two?” 

“Of course you can trust us!” Gou practically shouted.

Gary gnawed his lower lip almost nervously. “I know I’ve never been the best at showing you but I… Ash, I’ve always had your best interests at heart, I always will!”

Ash laughed softly-

“Hey--I’m out here baring my heart to you, you dumbass!” the youngest Oak squawked.

“I’m sorry Gar- I just-- Of course I know that! Of course I can trust the two of you--I”

He paused…  He looked between them, eyes gently. “I-I’m counting on you.” He reached out a hand toward them both - palm facing down and slowly Gary and Gou outstretched theirs to meet his. "Thank you, for everything!"

“To Sinnoh then!”

There was an exchange of toothy grins.

“Yeah, to Sinnoh.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Six

Much to Ash’s relief, the journey to Sinnoh thus far had been relatively uneventful. For the first time in what seemed like an age he felt as though he could relax.
Lysandre’s sudden appearance the previous day had completely unnerved him, leaving him feeling unsettled and with a foul taste in his mouth. For whatever reason they wanted as much information on him as possible - perhaps due to the fact they were still searching for something to lord over him, for anything to use against him. 

He wouldn’t put it past Lysandre to dig until he discovered something that would completely force him into submission. Though Gary was right, he wasn’t someone’s toy, or their weapon as Lance had so tastelessly put it. He was his own person who possessed the right to make his own decisions. 

On his lap Pikachu snored softly in perfect harmony with Gary who had dozed off almost immediately, his head resting upon the cool surface of the window.
 In sleep he looked years younger, his fists were loosely clenched and he showed no signs of waking any time soon. 

On his other side, Gou was scrolling through what Ash guessed to be some recent reports of Mew sightings and mumbling something incomprehensible to himself. One hand tapped rhythmically against the arm rest as he scowled at something with a furrowed brow.

“Ash” he eventually said, making the raven haired teen jump slightly.
“Uh yeah…?”
“You mentioned the Tree of Beginning when we talked the other day, did you- did you meet Mew back then? Did you see it?”

For a moment Ash considered lying. He’d promised not to speak of what he’d seen that day, but Gou was Gou and surely it wouldn’t hurt to be honest with him of all people.

“Yeah” he whispered, “It feels like so long ago now. We kept it quiet to keep it safe. Seemed like the best thing we could do for it. So many other creatures lived in that tree. So many Pokémon relied on it for protection and in turn on Mew.”
“You never speak much of it but- how many legendary Pokémon have you really met? Honestly…?”
Ash didn’t quite know what to say, his encounters with the ancient beasts had been plentiful and every meeting he’d had, he cherished so deeply. It had never really been something he deemed completely necessary to share, instead it had always felt as though it were his little secret. The only reason he’d even told Gary to begin with was because the youngest Oak always seemed to have a sixth sense about these kinds of things and a lot of what he’d seen had always been in some way relevant to whatever research Gary was doing at that point in time.

He exhaled shakily. “I...uh, a few… Why’d you wanna know?”

“Because you’re the best  friend I’ve ever had and I’m starting to realise I don’t know the first thing about you...Not really, not like Gary does… I mean I had no idea your Aura was the same as Sir Aaron’s or that you’d even used your Aura before, is that why you and Lucario were drawn to one another? Is that why you can understand how Pokémon feel as well as you do?” 

“Gou- Gary--”
“And you go way back, I know, he never fails to remind me!”  His voice cracked slightly and he refused to meet Ash’s gaze.

“Look Gou, listen to me. I don’t know if my Aura is the reason I’ve met so many Legendaries or if that’s why my Pokémon and I have the bond we do, I wish I could give you a definitive answer - but--I just don’t know… In fact, even I--I'm starting to think I don’t know the first thing about me...”

There was silence between them both, just for a moment before Ash eventually spoke once more.
“I’m really sorry Gou, I promise I wasn’t intentionally keeping these things from you—”
Gou cut him off with a small smile, “No I know that, sorry I didn’t mean to get so worked up about it. I just- you know you can trust me too, right? I know you haven’t known me as long as you’ve known him but—”
“That doesn’t matter! I absolutely trust you, please, don’t doubt that! From now on, no more secrets, I swear!”

“Good, I’m always gonna have your back Ash. Thick or thin, we’re in this together!”

He smiled slightly at that, giving Gou’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.
“Oh whoa, look! It’s Sinnoh, we’re finally here!”
The rugged peaks of Mount Coronet glistened beneath the sunshine, they could clearly see exactly where its craggy cliffs split the region in two, a multitude of colours painting the vast landscape.
Probably more abruptly than he should have, Ash reached over and shook Gary roughly awake, the youngest Oak groaned, muttering something unintelligible, but eventually onyx eyes fluttered open as he glanced around slow and sluggish. 

“We’re landing!” Ash whispered excitedly.
Gary brought up a hand to rub his face, running his fingers through unruly auburn hair. “Oh, thanks.” 

“How long has it been Gar? Since you were last here?”

“A year or more I guess? Feels like an age if I’m honest. I liked Sinnoh, I sometimes even miss Rowan’s stuffy old lab!” 

"So where is it we're to meet Lance again?" Gou questioned, looking between the two for a moment.

"Really Goulash, you've seriously forgotten already?" Gary snarked,

"Well excuse me, I've been a little busy trying to process the fact that my best friend has the same powers as a legendary hero-–"
"Your best friend? Ash is my best friend, idiot!"

"Can you both just quit it?" Ash's head was pounding, his patience growing thin with every second the two spent on pointless arguments. "Can't you two please at least try to get along! We've bigger things to worry about, not to mention, we need to be in Canalave city in two days!" 

Gary and Gou glared at one another once more before eventually relenting. 

"Fine, let's get going then!"

"Ash, over here!!" Ash whirled around at the sudden call of his name.

The Sinnoh Champion strode towards him, elegantly as ever, her long, golden hair gleaming in the afternoon sun. "Miss Cynthia? What are you doing here?"
"Visiting an old friend, one could say" she replied kindly.

 From just behind her, Ash caught a quick glimpse of familiar mauve locks. "Huh… Paul? S'that really you?" 
"Ketchum…" Came the curt response.
“It is! How have you been! How long’s it been since our last battle? A couple months? How are you, how’s Electivire?”

Paul simply groaned in response as he massaged the bridge of his nose, “Arceus, do you ever stop talking? Sometimes I wonder if you even remember to breathe!”
“Hey!”

“Who the hell is this guy again?” Gary hissed, 
“One of his rivals from Sinnoh—”
“Oh that’s right, the guy he beat in the Sinnoh league. He’s got a piss-poor attitude, that’s for sure.”
It took all of Gou’s self-control to suppress his scoff, “Like you’re one to talk about attitudes!”
“What exactly are you implying Goulash?”
“You’re smart, figure it out for yourself! And for the millionth time my name is Gou, G-O-U.”

“Uh sorry ‘bout them! So what brings you here Miss Cynthia? I wasn’t expecting to see you…. Well at all really!”
“Lance contacted me.”

“Ah, and what exactly has he told you?” Ash questioned cautiously. 

Trust no-one. 

The words echoed in his head, it’s true, Cynthia had always looked out for him, there was no reason to assume the worst, at least not of her. Yet still he couldn’t shake the unease that stalked him like a shadow

“Not much, he told me you’d want to fill me in yourself. But let’s not talk here, too many people.”
“Right good call, lead the way!” 

They covered the ground quickly, Hearthome city was bustling with people, the air around them filled with copious amounts of chatter as the city goers went about their daily routines. The air was humid and still, not a single trace of a breeze to be found. 
She led them to a small grey, brick house, unlocking the door quickly as she ushered them all inside. The room they'd entered was sparsely decorated but larger than Ash expected, quickly, and with Pikachu sitting snugly next to him he settled cross legged, upon the plush grey carpet, the others following suit soon thereafter. 
"So how much do you know?" He eventually sighed.

Cynthia fell silent for a moment, from where she was seated on the worn, green armchair, her long, lithe, fingers tapped rhythmically against the skin of her pale cheek. 
" Just the basics really, all the enemy teams joining forces and apparently all their eyes are on you." 
"Right. Though there is a reason for that."

He recounted everything that had transpired quickly, explaining what he knew to the best of his ability. The Sinnoh champion's expression was inscrutable, she remained almost unnervingly still, her grey eyes fixed unblinking on Ash, as she listened intently.
Next to her, Paul's eyes had widened considerably, Ash could practically see the cogs whirring in his brain as he struggled to comprehend everything he was hearing. 

"So let me get this straight." He said slowly, looking between Ash, Gou and Gary, "Team Vires are hunting Ketchum down because he possesses the power of a Legendary Hero? What do they want from you?"

"To force me into submission, at least that's what Lysandre said. They want to control me, but what it is they want me to do…I'm just as clueless as you are on that front."
"That's unhinged, you're a human being! Humans aren't supposed to be controlled!"
Ash couldn't stop the bitter laugh that escaped his lips. "Apparently not, but then  again, according to Lance I'm nothing more than a weapon."
He was taken aback by the bite of his own words.
"Ash…" Gary whispered. 

"Ah, sorry, guess what he said kinda got to me!" Ash laughed sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. "But is there anything you know, Miss Cynthia? Anything that could help us put some of the pieces together?"

She shook her head slowly, “Alas Ash, I’m just as lost as you are. They’ve hardly made any moves and our intel… Well, Looker’s whereabouts continue to be unknown.”

‘Ash…’ 
‘Ash…’
‘ASH…’

Ash glanced around wildly. The whispers of his names seemed to be coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Yet the voice, it was so familiar…
He stood quickly to his feet, desperately trying to determine the source.
“Ashy….? ASH!” He flicked his amber eyes to Gary quickly, the youngest Oak, was waving a hand in front of his face, staring at him in concern.
“Ashy? Talk to me, what’s going on?”

His head was suddenly spinning, the sound of his name grew louder and louder, though no one else seemed to be able to hear it.

“I–”

“The mirror… Hero… come to me…” 
Shakily, Ash stood to his feet. Gary and Gou continued to reach for him, they repeated his name over and over. Though he chose to ignore them, pushing past their outstretched arms, he couldn’t explain the feeling, as though something was pulling him, it was so strong he couldn’t resist, in fact he didn’t dare try.

The mirror that hung upon the opposing wall glinted in the sunlight as though beckoning him to approach and so Ash continued his slow, steady pace forward. He reached towards it, half expecting his hand to meet its cool, reflective surface, though it never happened, instead his fingers passed through, greeting nothing but emptiness and air.

“Ketchum? The hell’s going on? What are you doing?”  Though Paul’s words were nothing more than a buzz like white noise.

“What the—"

He was vaguely aware of the concerned shouts of his name, though suddenly they seemed miles away as a harsh tug of his hand sent him toppling forward and suddenly Ash was falling. 

Down, down, down into an abyss of oblivion.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Ash didn’t quite know when exactly he’d lost consciousness, he could feel someone shaking him roughly and slowly his amber eyes flickered open as he found himself face to face with dark eyes. Paul’s purple hair tickled his face from where he was leaning over him, fingers digging into the flesh of Ash’s shoulders.

“Jeez finally, I was wondering how long you were intending to sleep for.”

“Huh… How’d you get here?!”

“The same way you did!” He snapped. “I tried to stop you from getting sucked into wherever the hell this is, but instead you took me with you! Where… What is this place?”

Ash sat up slowly, his head pounded, though no more could he hear the calls of his name. He glanced around quickly, it was dark, unnervingly so and all around him strange stone structures stuck out at odd angles, accompanied by a series of misshapen houses that decorated every square inch of the place. Though slightly different than he remembered, still it was familiar “The Distortion World.” He eventually said. “Giratina’s realm…” 

“You mean like the Legendary Pokèmon Giratina?” Paul exclaimed incredulously.

“Mhmm… I think… It was the one calling to me, no I’m sure of it…”

“What—”

“Back in Miss Cynthia’s, I could hear something call my name. If I’m here then it was definitely Giratina!”

“Why the hell would it do that?”

“Because it’s my friend…”

“You’ve got to be kidding me— Do you know how insane that sounds?!"

"We need to find it Paul! If it's called me here, maybe it needs my help."

His rival simply stared back at him in utter bewilderment, "Do you even know where you need to go, where it is? This place is huge! If you don't know where it's hiding it'll take forever to find it!" 

Ash mulled Paul's words over for a moment, sure the older had a point, but if Giratina had called him here, they had to be connected somehow. Perhaps if he concentrated hard enough, he'd be able to sense it. He squeezed his eyes shut and focused on calming his mind, clearing it of all thought, the way he did when he and Lucario were in sync. Once more there was a strange pull in his gut, he could feel that energy within him ebbing and flowing as though it were a gentle wave. He clung to it, trying to cast it as far as he could, trying to sense his surroundings without ever opening his eyes.

For a moment, for the first time in an age, Ash felt at peace. 

'Ash…'

There it was again, the soft whisper of his name. A series of images flashed behind his eyes ever so quickly, faint glimmers of landmarks, things he to look out for, things that would lead him straight to Giratina. 

"Ash… You—" he turned to face Paul, lashes fluttering as he slowly opened his eyes.

"Your eyes they—" he trailed off, "Ketchum, what the hell are you?"

The ebony haired teen merely snorted, "As soon as I figure it out, I'll let you know!" 

"But your eyes they–"

He could feel his heartbeat stutter, a chill clinging to every inch of his being, they must have changed colour. Just like before, just like in his nightmares…

"Let's just go… I want to keep moving!" And for once Paul didn't argue. "Make sure you stay close, things can get…" Ash trailed off, "Well you'll see."

"How do you know all of this?" 

"I've been here before. Now come on, I don't think we have much time." 

“What do you mean you’ve been here before? Oi! Ketchum, slow down.”

Ash offered a quick apology, his expression gentle, however Paul merely glared back. “So could you please explain how the hell you know Giratina? That’s a pretty big claim, especially for an idiot like you!”

“Hey!” Ash exclaimed, “Come on Paul, gimme a bit more credit than that!”

“Why should I?”

“Y’know what, just forget it!”

“So are you gonna tell me or not?”

“I will when you stop being so–” He trailed off, “Hey, grab my hand.”
“Wha–” Ash didn’t wait for him to respond, instead he clamped his fingers around Paul’s wrist. “Why –”

“Zero gravity zone!” Ash said softly, “Last thing we want is to lose one another, especially in a place like this.”

“You really have been here before…”

“I told you!”

“Yeah, well… What the hell—”

Ash simply chuckled, “Relax, you’ll get the hang of it all pretty quickly, just follow me!”

“Not like I have a choice!”

“I mean if you wanna get yourself lost in the Distortion world, be my guest!”

Paul merely grumbled something incoherent as he glanced around in confusion.  

Silence fell between the two, just for a moment.

"Giratina and I met about two years ago now." Ash eventually started, “Dawn, Brock and I, we befriended a Pokémon called Shaymin, one that we’d never seen or heard of before and Giratina had taken an interest in it.” He exhaled. “But at the same time, this guy called Zero had taken an interest in Giratina. Long story short, Brock, Dawn and I managed to save Giratina and we parted ways, though it seemed to take a liking to me, I got to ride around on its back for a bit, it was awesome!”

Paul simply stared, speechless, his mouth opened and closed as though he wished to say something though no sound came out. “Ketchum, you realise how insane that sounds?”

“I’m not finished!”

“Wait there’s more?!”

“Do you want me to tell you the story or what?”

“Yeah but–”

“Then quit interrupting me!”  The Sinnoh native sighed loudly, but clamped his lips shut and gestured for Ash to continue.

“Thank you, now as I was saying! Giratina and I went our separate ways but a couple of months later I came across it again. It was filled with so much… rage, I could sense it and I just wanted to help it to try and calm its rampage, so I approached it. It remembered me and I managed to assuage its anger. I haven’t seen it since, but if Giratina is in trouble, no matter what, I’m going to help it. I won’t betray the trust it has put in me, never.”

Paul fell silent, he simply studied Ash’s face intently, his mind racing a mile a minute.

“I know it sounds nuts, but I promise you Paul, I’m telling the truth.”

The mauve haired teen shook his head mutely, before lifting his head to meet Ash’s amber eyes with his own. 

“You’re right it does, it sounds completely insane, but somehow… Somehow I believe you!”

They continued on for what felt like hours though in reality it was probably just mere minutes. They were getting closer now. The whisper of his name continued, guiding Ash forth. He couldn’t explain how instinctively he knew exactly where he was going, yet continually Paul questioned it. 

“I’ve told you already, just… trust me!”

Eventually Paul relented, following Ash in silence.

“Are we close?”

Ash gave a pointed nod. “I… I think it’s just up ahead. Stay close!”

Gravity had returned to normal by now and they moved swiftly, their surroundings becoming a blur of blue and black.

‘Ash…’

‘ Hurry…’

‘ Battle…Danger…’

“Paul, do you have some of your Pokémon with you?”

“Huh? Yeah… Why? Don't you?”

“Pikachu got stuck back in Cynthia’s when I got pulled through, but I at least have the rest of my team. We have to hurry, I think Giratina is telling us to be prepared for battle.”

Ash picked up speed and Paul struggled to match his pace as he trailed behind him. As they turned sharply, they could just make out two figures cast in shadows and just beyond them…

 Giratina… 

It looked just as he remembered, its mountainous form towered over him, it’s small, round eyes that glistened like rubies, fell upon Ash’s small frame, as it spread its ragged wings and cried out in greeting.

“Hey! Back off, leave it alone!” Ash yelled, as he stole towards them at a lightning speed.

“And here I thought this would be easy!” A female voice sneered, she strode towards him, her long, red hair cascading in waves down her back, crimson eyes twinkling with an expression Ash couldn’t quite identify.

“Who the hell are you?”

”I must say little adept, I’m rather disappointed you don’t know who I am, especially when I went to the effort of learning absolutely everything about you, Ash Ketchum... Champion of Alola, friend of the ancient beasts, you’ve caused my boss an awful lot of trouble y’know! Really I should kill you on the spot and save myself the hassle—”

“Ariana! Enough of your games!” A male voice chastised, “You know the boss will murder us if we lay a hand on the boy, he’s integral to our success afterall.”

"Like I'd ever willingly help you."

"Who said you'd have to be willing."

The words hung unsettlingly in the air.

The second figure stepped slowly into view, a malicious smirk playing upon his thin, pink lips. “Let’s just beat him here and now so we can finish what we came to do, yes? After all, we’ve already gotten the cores from both Dialga and Palkia, Giratina is all that’s left in this region!”

Cores? What one earth were they talking about?

“What did you do to them?!" Ash shouted furiously, "Dialga and Palkia, what did you do?! What do you mean you stole their cores?”

“Now, now Little Champion, telling you that would ruin the fun! How about we just have a little battle instead. Then we can beat you, capture you and be on our merry little way with a beautiful pay rise waiting for us back at HQ.” Ariana said, “So now, Arbok, stand by for battle.” The poisonous serpent materialised instantly, baring its fangs with a furious hiss.

“Ooh how exciting, I must say it has been a while since I’ve had a good battle! I suppose dear Giratina can wait just a little longer, Houndoom, let’s go!” Archer called.

“You!” Paul’s voice was nothing more than a growl, “Finally, I found you! Now tell me, what the hell did you do to my brother?!”

Ash froze, a chill seizing his spine.

“You’re going to have to be a little more specific, I've encountered many peoples Brothers. What exactly is so memorable about yours?” The man, Archer, snarled, with a twisted grin.

“Reggie! His name is Reggie, I know you're the ones who took him, so tell me! Where is he?!”

The woman’s eyes widened with recognition and glinted with cruelty. "Ah that's right, that foolish, righteous breeder."

Ash’s mind raced at a furious speed. “Paul…? What do you mean they took Reggie? What did they do to him?!”

“They took him. Dragged him out of Veilstone right in front of me and I couldn't do a damn thing!” Paul’s voice cracked and his dark eyes glistened with unshed tears that he furiously blinked away, replacing the sorrow with unadulterated ire. “Mark my words, I will take out every last one of you bastards, I will get him back! I swear it!”

Ash could feel his anger flare to life, it burned within him, searing and strong, his stomach lurched, he could feel that familiar tug of his gut. Not now, not here, he needed to fight it, he couldn’t lose control. 

“Ketchum – hey, snap out of it!”

He could barely register Paul’s cries of his name, in fact he couldn’t register anything anymore except the desperate pull of his Aura, bubbling, broiling and desperate for release.

“ASH.”

It was no use, that feeling, it grew stronger and stronger, he was losing his grip, no matter how much he grappled with it, it was beginning to overpower him. His blood felt as though it were burning, his skin feeling as though he’d just been struck by one of Pikachu’s thunderbolts. Ash glanced around, the Distortion World’s sky, it’s reach was endless, if he could just send all the energy up there into the nothingness, maybe then he wouldn’t hurt anyone, but his anger, his frustration, never before had he felt such negative emotions so strongly. He had to pull himself together.

First Looker, now Reggie. Team Vires were ruthless, no matter what, he couldn’t let them get away with this.

Reggie was caring and kind, and Ash would do whatever it took to help him. But first, first he had to fight this godforsaken power before it consumed him completely, for if he lost control now, he’d be of no use to anyone.

All at once it tore through him, expelling, causing his entire body to shudder violently as he willed it to go toward the sky above his head. It was like a pillar of pure blue light, blinding and dense. 

He screamed out in agony, his entire body felt as though it were engulfed in flames. It hurt, Arceus it hurt, spots danced in his vision, but he couldn’t give in to the pull of unconsciousness, Giratina needed him, Reggie needed him, he had to fight. He was vaguely aware of Paul’s hands resting on his shoulders, keeping him upright.

“I don’t know what the hell you are exactly Ketchum… But right now all I care about is whether or not you can battle!” 

Ash straightened and immediately plucked a Pokéball from his belt by means of response, tossing it into the air. “ Sir’fetched, I choose you.” 

Paul smirked, “Alright then, Electivire, stand by.” 

He turned to Ash, jaw set.

“Come on Ketchum. Time to put these bastards in their place once and for all.”

A/N: Hey everyone, I'm really struggling with writers block at the moment, so I might end up re-editing this in the near future, but for now I hope you enjoy. I know exactly what's going to happen, but getting it from my head onto paper has been really difficult! So please Bear with me as I try to find my feet again!

Chapter Text

Chapter Eight

“Alright Sir’fetched, time to protect Giratina! Meteor Assault on Houndoom, don’t even give it a chance to move!” The bird’s feathers took on a fiery glow as it jabbed its blade towards the horned pokémon.

“Flame-charge–”

But Sir’Fetched’s move had already hit, sending the fire Pokemon crashing to the ground.

“Holy shit–” Paul breathed as he stared at his old rival. 

That single attack had almost taken out their opponent in one hit… since when had Ketchum gotten so…strong?

He’d always been good, but this was beyond anything Paul could ever have expected. His amber eyes burned with an emotion Paul couldn’t decipher,though he didn’t really care, all he knew was that he needed to save his brother and Ash Ketchum, in all his foolish naiveté, was the strongest ally he had right now - his only ally.

“Arbok – mud-bomb!”

Crap, he shouldn’t have let himself get so distracted, it wouldn’t be good if that move hit.

“Electivire, discharge!” he didn’t have enough time to dodge, but he’d managed to weaken the blow, a little at least.

“Paul, you good?”

“Uh, yeah.” 

“Don’t worry, we’ll find out where they’re keeping Reggie, I’m with you, all the way!” 

Damn him and that childish optimism of his! Ash’s grin was blinding and what frustrated Paul even more was that just for a moment, he’d wanted to return it.

He needed to focus, at this rate Ash would take down both commander’s himself and there was no way Paul could let him have all the fun.

 Not to mention his pride wouldn’t be able to take it…

Giratina roared out in pain, it seemed to be imprisoned by some kind of invisible force, though at times Paul swore he could see the glint of crimson bonds. 

He saw Ash’s face immediately harden. It was an unfamiliar expression, one that unnerved him immensely.  Strangely, this iciness, this anger, it didn’t suit him and Paul didn’t like it, not one bit. Not that he’d ever admit such a thing aloud.

“Meteor Assault, once more, don’t give them the chance to make a counter-move!” Ash’s Sir-fetch’d was relentless, its speed astounding, within seconds it had struck again and Houndoom fell gracelessly… Unconscious… 

Ash didn’t even allow the red-haired commander a chance to react, he returned Sirfetch’d to its Pokéball and stole towards Giratina, leaving Paul unable to do anything but stare at his former rival aghast. 

“Are you nuts?!” he found himself screaming,  “Of all the reckless, foolish things–”

“Sorry Paul!” He grinned sheepishly, “Think you can cover me?” 

“Arceus be damned, it’s not like I have a choice!”

“Knew I could count on you!”

“Don’t let the adept near our target!” Arianna screamed, “He could jeopardise the entire operation–”

“Planning on it!” Came Ash’s curt response, “Don’t worry Giratina, we’re gonna get you out of this.”

“Arbok. Smoke screen, obscure the adept’s route, buy us some time!

Paul simply growled, “Not so fast, Electivire thunderbolt!” His Pokémon’s move hit before the serpents, stopping the smoke-screen in its tracks.

“Nice one!” Ash called.

“Thunderbolt one last time Electivire, finish it off!” 

The other commander swore, “I told HQ we’d need more than one Pokémon each for this one.”

“Cool it Archer, it’s not like he can do anything, Giratina’s core is as good as ours!”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that!”

Paul looked up just in time to see Ash pulling at the chains surrounding the ghostly dragon. He winced every time his hands touched the metal, though he seemed to merely ignore it, desperately grasping at them with every ounce of his strength, his face screwing up in agony with every violent tug.

“Ash what are you–”

“I told you Paul! Giratina’s my friend, so I’ll do everything within my power to protect it!”

“It’s hurting you–” He tried to argue, though Ash ignored him, instead choosing to grin. 

“It’s nothing I can’t handle, so don’t you worry about me!”

“But–”

He doesn’t have time to respond as the commanders exchanged twisted sneers before making a beeline for the unprotected Ash.

“Like hell!” Paul snarled, “Electivire, go to Ash’s side, protect him!”

He took off after his Pokémon, smirking triumphantly as his partner kept  Arianna and Archer at bay with a barrage of Thunderbolts.

The pain Team Vires’ contraption appeared to cause him was evident in every pained expression, though it didn’t seem to deter him, rather it seemed to only further fuel his determination. 

Paul didn't quite know what to think,  he struggled to decide whether Ash Ketchum was incredibly brave or incredibly stupid, though both right now were extremely plausible. 

“Ketchum, how much longer is this gonna take?”

“Nearly….there, just hang on Giratina.” 

There was a resounding snap that echoed in harmony with Ariana and Archer’s  frustrated cries, Paul could only watch as Ash sank to his knees with an exhausted sigh, his chest heaved, his face glistened with sweat.

 And Ash’s hands… They were completely covered in burns and blood. Yet still the idiot smiled brilliantly.

“Ketchum–”

“Abort mission Archer!”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” They threw a strange, spherical contraption to the ground that filled the air with smoke and just like that they were gone.

“DAMN IT!” Paul couldn’t stop the frustrated shout that escaped his lips.  

They’d known… they’d known about Reggie and he’d failed to extract even a modicum of information from them.

“Paul–”

“Stop it! Stop looking at me with that stupid pitiful expression! I didn’t ask for it!”

“Paul–”

“STOP”

“We’ll find him, Paul. You don’t have to deal with this alone.”

There’s no response, just a resounding silence that’s fractured by a weak growl from Giratina, as it nuzzled its large face against Ash’s grimy cheek.

“I know!” Ash giggled, “I missed you too Buddy.”

“ My… core….”  

Ash froze, “Your.. core?”

“ EH? It- it’s talking to you, like right now?” 

Ash nodded. “Giratina, Ariana and Archer, they said they stole Dialga and Palkia’s cores?”

“ Our cores are a part of us, a physical manifestation of our power.”

“Of… your power?” 

“It is… merely a fraction of our life-force. But the power it possesses can do unspeakable things,  should they fall into wrong hands.”

“And Team Vires wants to find them!”

The legendary beast nodded, “ They want to steal every last one of them. Hero,  I beseech you. you must stop them.”

“Ash, what’s it saying?” Paul demanded.

Ash exhales, “The cores that Ariana and Archer spoke of, Giratina says they possess incredible power.”

“And what do they plan on doing with them?”

Ash turned to Giratina at Paul’s words and tilted his head in an unspoken question.

It shook its head and Ash gave a shaky exhale. 

“It doesn’t know. All Giratina knows is that they’ve secured both Dialga and Palkia’s. He wants me to stop them.”

“You must protect the cores young hero, as you did once before in aeons past…” 

“What do you mean ‘as I did before’, I-I don’t understand!”

“It is not yet time for you to know all. It is much too early for that. Take my core, protect it and gather the others. Before vires can.”

A shimmering orb of deep, purple energy rises above Giratina’s head, so blindingly bright Ash and Paul have no choice but to shield their faces.

“Wha–” Paul gasps, opening dark eyes just wide enough to see Ash, cloaked head to toe in searing white.

“What is–”

“My core hero is a part of you now. It should help to contain your power and in doing so will allow you to protect ours. Now go young one, return to your world, seek the cores of the other legendary beasts. You are the only creature powerful enough to stop them.”

“But wait! Giratina please, there’s still so much I don’t know, so many questions I don’t know the answer to–”

Though he received no response as everything faded away to nothing and the world turned black.

Chapter Text

Chapter Nine 

When Ash’s consciousness returned a familiar face swam above him. Gary’s lips appeared to be moving though Ash couldn't make out a word he spoke, all he could see were wide, onyx eyes filled with poorly-concealed concern.

“Ga-ry” 

“Arceus Ashy, are you trying to send me to an early grave?!” 

“Pika-chu”

His partner launched towards him, nuzzling his cheek affectionately. “Hi Pikachu” He whispered, running his fingers softly through smooth yellow fur.

Ash jumped slightly as Gary grasped his injured hand gently as he carefully dressed the wounds. “Seriously, idiot, what the hell did you do?”

“Team Vires, I had to stop them, I had to help Giratina. He was calling for me.”

“The Giratina you befriended in Sinnoh all those years ago?” Ash nodded. 

“I see… So he was behind all that then?”

“All what?”

“Your weird behaviour, before you decided to poof away to a different dimension.” 

“Poof…? Dimension?” Ash’s brain was foggy, he felt as though he’d awoken from a nap he’d thought was a mere fifteen minutes, only to realise upon awakening it’d been hours long.

Then everything rushed back so quickly his head spun and he shot up, wide eyed and straight as a poker.

‘ Protect the cores.’ Giratina had said ‘as you did before in aeons past.’  

“Woah, Ash, take it easy, you’ve been out for hours!”

“Hou..rs?” He slurred,

“Yeah Paul woke up the second you both re-appeared. But he said something strange happened to you, that you lost control of your power again.”

Nothing made sense.

“Ashy?”

“I…” Ash fiddled with the blanket he’d only now realised had been draped over him. He was no longer in Cynthia’s living room either. Instead he lay upon the cool sheets of a king-sized, wood-framed bed.

Gary studied him intently before sitting upon the mattress next to him. 

“I don’t know what’s happening to me.” Ash whispered, fingers trembling as he clenched the tweed blanket tightly between them.

“Tell me everything.” And Ash did. Shakily he relayed the tale of what transpired in the distortion world. Gary listened to every word he spoke, expression unreadable. 

“So let me make sure I’ve got this right, every legendary Pokemon has this… this core ?”

Ash nodded.

 “And Giratina said you’ve collected these things before?!” Gary said incredulously.

“I know, it doesn't make any sense!”

“No Ashy, what doesn't make sense is Giratina’s core being inside of you”

“It must have something to do with my aura then, right? I-I mean Giratina said it would help me, like it’ll help me control my power, but it didn't explain much more than that… I— Arceus Gary, this whole thing is really freaking me out!” A firm hand squeezed his shoulder and helped quell the desperate tremors of his body.”

“Snap out of it Ash! We’ll figure it out, you, me and Goulash, together!”

“Gary, you’ve got to stop calling him that!”

“No can do Ashy-boy, y’know I’d do anything for you, but irritating him is far too entertaining for me to give up… Sorry” he smirked, not sounding apologetic in the least.. 

Ash huffed out a laugh and Gary’s expression grew smug. 

“I feel different than before, strangely… calmer…”

“Do you think it’s ‘cause of the core?”

“I-I don’t know. I want to hope so though." he paused, "Wait, you said Paul woke up almost immediately, do you know if he's still here?"

“Last I saw of him, yeah, but he seemed kinda freaked.”

Ash sighed, glancing down at the raw skin of his palms hidden by the starch white bandages Gary had wrapped them in. "I can't blame him."

“Ashy—"

Slowly and carefully Ash pushed to his feet, ignoring Gary’s momentary gasp of protest. "Thank you Gary."

He eyed him curiously. "For what, idiot?"

"For looking out for me."

A strange expression flitted across Gary's features, just for a moment. “Gary, I'm alright! But I need to speak with Paul!”

“Fine, but you can at least let me help you!” 

Before Ash could argue further, an arm wrapped around his shoulders and despite how much he wanted to protest, he couldn’t deny the shakiness of his limbs. He muttered a quick thanks, allowing Gary to take most of his weight and with Pikachu settled comfortably in his usual place in the crook of Ash’s shoulder, they stumbled towards the kitchen.

“ASH!” He was immediately greeted by Gou’s cry of relief, “I’d hug you, but it looks like if I tried I’d just knock you over.”

“If you tried you’d knock both of us over Goulash!” 

Gou didn’t even grace Gary with a response, instead turning his attention to Ash. Looking him over in a way that strangely reminded Ash of his mother whenever he returned after being away for months on end. “Are you alright, what happened? I mean Paul’s told us some of it but—” 

Ash gave a soft smile as he pat Gou’s shoulder affectionately, “I promise I’ll tell you everything later, but for now I really need to speak with Paul,  have you seen him?”

Gou nodded in affirmation, “He’s with Cynthia in the other room, he seemed kind of shaken up!”

“I’d expect as much” 

He pushed away from Gary gently, despite the older’s protest.

 “I’m okay, you don’t need to worry—”

“Ash, with all due respect, your utter lack of self-preservation means that if no-one worried about you, you’d be dead.”

The raven haired teen snickered at that, but continued his series of shaky steps forward, he reached the door just as Cynthia slung it open.

She smiled brilliantly at the sight of him, the relief evident in every inch of her features. “Oh thank goodness you’re alright! You gave us all a terrible fright! Disappearing like that!”

“I’m really sorry ‘bout that Miss Cynthia, I promise it wasn’t the intention.” 

“ Paul tells me that Giratina was responsible for all of this!”

Ash nodded slowly, “I promise I’ll tell you everything, but I’ve gotta talk to Paul!”

Cynthia simply stepped aside and said nothing further, allowing him to pass before she closed the door behind her.

Ash entered the room almost cautiously, and on the worn wooden floor, Paul was sat, knees hugged to his chest, and an unguarded expression on his face that Ash had never seen before.

“Hey...”

Immediately Paul’s features hardened, his shoulders tensed.

“So you’re awake then? Took you long enough.”

Ash ignored him, refusing to rise to the bait, instead, wordlessly, he fell gracelessly next to him.

Paul looked as though he wanted to scream at him, to demand that Ash leave him alone and yell some kind of insult for good measure, but he didn't and strangely that terse silence that enrobed them was so much worse.

“What the hell are you?!” He eventually barked.

Ash didn't even flinch, “It's like I said before, as soon as I figure it out myself, I’ll let you know.”

“It's like you’re some kind of monster—“

That stung, though he refused to let the hurt show. Afterall Paul was just saying aloud the thoughts Ash had been too frightened to express.

“Maybe you’re right, maybe I am. But Paul, I-I want to help you find Reggie.”

“What?”

“It seems Team Vires are after me now, I might as well be walking bait, so use it. Use me to find out where they’re keeping your brother.”

“Why?” Was the only word that left Paul’s lips. Though it sounded different than before, almost soft. 

Ash thought of Gary, of Gou, of his mom and professor Kukui, “Because I’d do whatever it took to save my family too.”

The hardness seeped out of Paul at those words, suddenly he seemed so much smaller as he hugged his arms to his chest.

“He’s all I have Ash” 

“I know. So please-“ Ash stumbled to his feet, hand outstretched. 

“Please Paul, come with us, let me help you!”

Chapter Text

Chapter Ten

Paul hadn’t needed much convincing to come with them,the two had come up with the bones of a plan to lure Team Vires back out into the open. Though the details were tenuous at best.

 Once Ash had filled both Cynthia and Gou in on all that had happened, they’d left for Canalave city. Cynthia had organised their passage to the water locked city immediately, and now, judging by the buildings that slowly came into view, and the sun setting behind the horizon, they were mere minutes from arrival.

Ash probably shouldn’t have been surprised, but from the moment Paul had chosen to accompany them, he and Gary had refused to see eye to eye on anything. They argued constantly, both riling one another up relentlessly much to Ash's endless frustration. 

Paul and Ash's relationship was (If he could even call it that) was strained at best, but Ash and Gary had always been close, mostly because as children they’d been all the other had. Most of the other children in Pallet town had just ignored Ash, they found him too much, too loud and annoying and Gary too obnoxious so it wasn't a surprise that growing up, the two of them had often been left out of the other kids’ games.

His childhood friend had always looked out for him in his own strange way, usually with half-hearted insults that would piss Ash off so much, he’d immediately take action and stop second guessing himself.  It had taken quite a few years, but once Ash had realised that was the way Gary showed he cared, their dynamic had suddenly shifted and they grew closer than they’d ever been before.

Ash liked it, he liked being able to call Gary whenever he saw something interesting, liked that he could gush about Pokémon for hours on end, and that Gary would just listen or laugh at whatever stupid antics Ash had gotten himself caught up in that week. It finally felt as though they were actual friends, by choice, and not because neither of them had anyone else to spend their time with.

But this new over-protectiveness that Gary no longer even bothered to hide, it was strange.  Whereas Gou had always expressed his care and concern so openly, Gary never had.

 Though Ash couldn’t deny it made him feel safe. Knowing both of them were there, that they were just as willing to protect Ash as he was them, it made this strange new burden all the more bearable. 

He needed to learn how to control this power, before the only thing Ash would have to protect Gary and Gou from was himself.

His amber gaze fixed upon the brilliant blue of the waves that lapped against the side of their boat. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening intently to the sound of the crashing waves. 

“Ashy? Hey-“ he felt an elbow jab his ribs playfully and he looked up to meet a pair of Onyx eyes that glinted mischievously. “If you keep thinking so hard, your brain’s going to explode y’know”

“Oh shut up Gary!” 

“Rude”

Ash snorted. “Gou still asleep?”

“Yeah, kid’s out for the count, someone’s gonna need to wake him soon.”

“And Paul?”

“Don't know, dont care” came the immediate retort.

“Gar—“

“He’s an ass, I don't know why you’re so insistent that he tags along.”

Ash exhaled tiredly, running his fingers through his unkempt raven hair. “He needs our help, you know that!”

“No he needs your help— and why do you keep letting him talk to you like that anyway?! Calling you bait, like, like—- Ugh” he growled in frustration,  “That bastard really pisses me off! Do you truly think baiting them is our best step forward? What if this wacky plan of yours goes awry? If they manage to catch you? What then?”

“Reggie is all he has Gary—”

“And you’re all I have!” Gary’s face reddened at the admission and he immediately averted his gaze.

“Gary— that’s not, The Professor—“

“The old man and I have never been close!” 

If Ash were honest he’d figured as much, throughout the years the two clashed constantly, Gary seemingly feeling as though he could never escape the confines of his grandfather’s insurmountable shadow. It wasn’t hard to tell that those feelings of inadequacy on Gary’s part had made their relationship strenuous and at times almost tumultuous, a relationship that they were just now beginning to mend.

“You’re my family, you idiot.” 

“Gar—”

“I mean it Ketchum, if this recklessness of yours gets you killed, I’ll never fucking forgive you, y’know!” 

Ash gives a shaky smile and gives Gary’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “Yeah Gar, I know.” 

“Well as long as we’re clear then.” He swallows almost nervously. “I’ll go wake Goulash and tell him we’re nearly there. Guess I’m leaving the asshole to  you then!”

“Gary!” Ash chided, though the auburn haired teen didn’t respond, only rolling his eyes good-naturedly.

“Meet you on the deck in five then?”

“Yeah.” 

It didn’t take very long to locate the asshole in question. He was leaning against the railing gazing at the high-rise, grey buildings of Canalave city as they came into focus. 

“Ketchum” He said by way of greeting. 

“Paul. We’re about to dock.”

“Where’s your shadow?”

“Shadow?” Ash questioned,

“Yeah, that childhood friend of yours. To be honest, I never thought there was anyone in the world more hot-headed than you used to be. Guess I was wrong…” 

“So that’s why you kept calling me ‘ bait’ .”

“Yup.” 

“Well give it a rest would you, your constant arguing is beginning to grate on my nerves!”

Paul scoffed, turning to face him. 

“You sure have changed a hell of a lot, Ketchum. It’s refreshing. So what happens now?”

“We have to meet Lance at Canalave library. After that I need to find Riley on Iron Island.”

“So whatever Team Vires are doing, whatever they’re planning… It’s really that big?”

“I think…” Ash trails off, “I think the threat is even greater than we imagined.”

“I don’t get it! Reggie is just a breeder, why did they take him? How could he possibly be of any use to them?”

“I don’t know Paul, but we’ll figure it out. I promise!”

Canalave city was cool and breezy. The coastal winds nipped at Ash’s nose and cheeks as they disembarked. To Ash it looked the exact same as he remembered, a sprawling mass of grey brick and flagstone. Gary stuck close to his side, pausing to shoot Paul a glare every time there was a lull in his conversation with Ash.

Gou rubbed at his eyes blearily as he followed them clumsily through the streets and Paul trailed a few paces behind them as they made their way toward the library. 

Lance waited for them in the entrance hall, his hulking figure hugely out of place in the crowded room, h e waved them over with a solemn expression, eying their retinue in an almost curious manner.

“Ash, it is good to see you.” he offered an acknowledging nod to both Gary and Gou, though he eyed Paul almost warily. 

“And you are?”

“Paul…” Came the curt, mono-syllabic response. “Pleasure.” Though he sounded almost bored . 

“Follow me then, if you will.”

“Is it just you then?” Gary questioned immediately,

“Ah not quite Mr Oak.” Gary wrinkled his nose at the formality.

“Can’t you just use my first name? Mr Oak makes me think of my dad and I’d rather not be reminded of the deadbeat, thanks.”

“Very well then Gary, come along then.” 

When they entered the conference room, they were greeted by a familiar face. At the head of the table, a mischievous smile on her face, sat Dawn. She waved cheerfully the moment she saw them, rising immediately to greet them.

“Ash, Gou, it’s great to see you! Woah and is that Gary and Paul too? How’s it goin’?” 

“What are you doing here?” Ash questioned brightly, reaching a hand up for their usual high-five, Dawn’s palm met his immediately with a resounding slap.

“She followed me.” Lance eventually grumbled.

“Huh?” 

“I thought I’d overheard him say you’d gotten yourself into some kind of trouble, didn’t know for sure though, so I followed him here just in case.”

“Wait what?” Gary snickered, “That’s kind of incredible.”

“Guess we should expect as much from Dawn!” Gou said with a snort, “You and Ash are way more alike than either of you even realise.”

Ash and Dawn merely exchanged an amused look and shrugged simultaneously, which elicited the ghost of a laugh from the Johto Champion.

“Alright, then, if you're ready, let us take our seats. It seems we all have much to discuss.”

Chapter Text

Ash relayed everything that happened in the distortion world to Lance as quickly as he could. To the man’s credit, he was utterly impassive, not a single expression flitted across his features, a stark contrast to Dawn who seemed utterly enthralled. She’d gasped in all the right places, her eyes widening with every word. 

Next to him, Gary’s fingernails dug so roughly into his thigh that his knuckles were white, and Ash feared that if he kept pressing down like that, eventually he’d draw blood. 

He placed a reassuring hand on Gary’s shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze, and watched as the Auburn-haired teen’s hands eventually relaxed.

After what seemed like an eternity, the Johto champion spoke, his voice strangely soft. “Well, it seems things are slightly worse than we expected.” 

“Slightly?” Paul snorted, “Don’t be such a coward, say it as it is, we’re fucked.”

“Paul!” Ash admonished, though there was no real heat to it. A chill had seized his spine and he felt nauseous. 

 Gary remained uncharacteristically silent.

“How many do they have?” Gou eventually asked. 

“From what Giratina claims, two. Dialga’s and Palkia’s.”

“But how do they even extract them?” Dawn questioned, “You absorbed it into yourself; it became a part of you. Is… Is that what they did, too?”

“I don’t know,” Ash said softly, the only thing Ash knew for certain was that it was his duty to protect the rest... Though Giratina's words from earlier echoed in his head, how it had fallen on him to protect them all before. 

For a moment, he considered telling Lance that, but he hesitated.

“I suggest we continue as intended, with you seeking out Riley as soon as possible.” 

“But the orbs–”

“Controlling your power is the priority. I will not have your power destroy the very place we seek to protect.” Lance snapped.

The champion’s words were a punch to the gut, as they always seemed to be lately.

Gary’s chair gave a deafening squeak as he stood quickly to his feet, his clenched fists collided with the tabletop, and he fixed Lance with a glare Ash could only describe as caustic. He couldn’t recall ever seeing Gary’s face look like that, in all the years he’d known him.

“You don’t fucking talk to him like that!”

“Gar–”

“No, Ashy. He doesn’t get to speak to you like that! No one speaks to you like that.”

“Calm yourself, Mr. Oak,” Lance responded monotonously, unflinching. “You aren’t thinking logically; allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment like this will do you no good.”

Gary merely growled. 

“It was not an attack on Mr Ketchum or his capabilities; I was merely stating facts.”

The auburn-haired teen scoffed. “Oh yeah? Well, it sure as hell sounded like one.”

Deep down, Ash knew Lance was right, but what about the Pokémon? What sort of Pokémon master couldn’t help the creatures he swore he’d save? They were his responsibility; he’d promised Giratina.

Ash watched as Dawn glanced between him and Gary curiously, and to be honest, he couldn’t blame her. The last time she’d seen the two, they’d argued relentlessly, always mere seconds away from trading blows. But the two had grown since then. At least Ash believed they had.

“I understand the importance of controlling this power, Mr. Lance, honestly, I do! But what about the Pokémon? We need to protect them, too.”

“That you can leave to us.”

“And how exactly are we supposed to do that?” Gou questioned. 

“We can monitor them.” Came Lance’s curt response. “Have eyes on them at all times. If we suspect, even for a moment, that Team Vires intends to make a move, we’ll call you.”

Around the table, Dawn, Paul, and Gou – each of his companions were nodding in agreement.

“But–” Ash started, “But there are so many of them…” 

“We have people, Ash! Other champions, gym leaders. We can rely on all of them.”

“I thought you told me to be careful who I trust!” 

“About you and your power! The Pokémon are another matter entirely. This burden, at least, is one we all can bear.”

Ash was silent for a moment. 

“Okay.” A mere whisper, but a clear-cut affirmation nonetheless. " So what next?”

“You seek out Riley in the islands. See if he can help you understand what you are. Who you are.”

“We’ve been over this, he’s Ash Ketchum. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Ash felt as though Gary’s words should have been reassuring, a reminder that he wasn’t yet the monster Lance seemed to fear he’d become.

But in that moment, simply being  Ash Ketchum felt as though it wasn't enough.

It would never be enough. 

“Ashy?” 

He stayed silent as Gary tilted his head slightly to one side, an unspoken question.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”

Ash was convinced that Gary would push it further,  instead, though, he gave him a look that promised they’d discuss it later.

“I can organise a boat to the Iron Islands by daybreak tomorrow.”

“So soon?” 

“Have I not emphasised enough that controlling his powers is of utmost importance?”

“Yeah, but—” Gou started.

“No buts, how many times must I express to you that the fate of the world hangs in the balance and saving it relies solely on the control Mr Ketchum has on his aura!”

“That’s a hell of a lot of pressure to put on a kid,” Gou bit back.

“I believe we’ve established that Mr Ketchum is no ordinary  kid.”

“You okay, Ash?” He barely heard Dawn, his frustration bubbling to a boiling point. 

He couldn’t control his powers; he couldn’t make his own choices. Instead, everyone else was deciding for him, speaking for him, like he wasn't his own person, like he was exactly what Lance had said he was, a weapon, a tool, something to be used by others.

He thought back to Lysandre when he’d captured him in Kalos, using him as a source of energy, utterly uncaring of whether or not the strain would kill him. He was just a body. A thing.

Is that all he was? Is that all he would ever be now?

No longer a person, no longer himself.

A weapon.

A tool.

A monster. 

His insides burned, searing white light blazed behind his eyelids.

“Ash” one voice

“Ash” another,

“ASH”

His name sounded like a curse.

“ Aaron, what is this? What are you? Aaron?”

“Aaron”

“AARON” 

For a moment, Ash felt as though his insides had ruptured, everything was aching and burning and blinding.

Control, he needed control. But there was nothingness, nothing to grasp at, nothing to hold onto, just an endless expanse of white and pain and a cacophony, different voices, different words.

His name, Aaron’s name. 

The ground trembled. 

Screams, something begging, pleading, and something else desperate for release.

Control.

Control.

CONTROL.

Books toppled from shelves, and the ceiling splintered.

Somewhere distant, screams echoed. An alarm blared.

 Then everything went still and silent. 

There was emptiness and bone-chilling cold as everything seeped back into focus. 

His hands burned, and when he looked at them, they were red and raw.

His own powers were hurting him.

 He saw his friends.

He saw their faces.

He saw their fear.

Gary took a step towards him, arm outstretched. Onyx eyes were wide, and a large gash,   jagged and bloody, that marred his previously unblemished skin. 

Crimson dripped down the side of his friend's face, a stark contrast to his ashen complexion.

He’d hurt him.

He’d hurt him.

There was so much blood.

Just like in his nightmares.

“Ashy? Ash? It’s okay.”

But it wasn’t.

Nothing had been okay since the day Team Vires attacked, and Ash’s entire world had turned on its head.

Nothing would ever be okay again.

Gary was bleeding; Ash had hurt him.

He knew this would happen.

That it would only be a matter of time.

“Mr Oak, we must attend to your wound.”

“Monster”

“Weapon”

“Tool”

“What the hell was that? What the hell is he?” 

His childhood friend reached for him once more, but Ash hurriedly backed away.

He didn’t deserve to look at him, didn’t deserve to be forgiven.

He’d hurt him.

Lance was right; he was dangerous.

Could Riley even help him? Could anyone?

  ‘What are you?’

‘Please, Dion, I swear to you— I”

‘You’re not Aaron. You-you’re…. Monster’

The unfamiliar voices crescendoed, then ached. Those names again, Dion and Sir Aaron. Why were their voices in his head, why did the memory play so clearly in his head, as though he'd experienced it himself.

“Ash?” then it was Dawn’s voice. She touched his arm, and he jolted away as though he’d been burned.

“No, no, no, no”

“Ash!” Gou.

“Mr Ketchum!”

‘ Aaron!’

He pressed his hands to his ears, eyes squeezed shut.

'Dion, please--"

'MONSTER'.

No more. Ash couldn’t take it anymore.

The voices, the fear, the shame.

His heart pounded like a drum, his breathing quickened, and Ash ran.

 He ran and he didn’t look back.