This fic is rated T for blood, death, and basically anything you can find in a medieval setting.

This story is crossposted on Archive of Our Own, under the same username.

I want to give a special thanks to my wonderful friend, Dragon, who is the beta for this story! A link to their profile can be found on my profile under this story.

Arc One – The Arrival

Chapter One

"Persian– Shadow Claw."

The voice was quiet, eerily soft, but it cut through the air like a knife. A small pink Pokemon flinched as the command was given, her green eyes fluttering open as she watched the sleek cat Pokemon race forward, her claws outlined in a shadowy energy, slashing at her target– a yellow mouse.

The Pikachu threw himself to the side, cheeks sparking as the Persian slid past him. The Persian quickly turned, eyes still locked on the Pikachu as she pressed forward. The Pikachu's tail twitched, waiting for the Persian to make her next move. She tensed, then leapt forward with another Shadow Claw.

"Pikachu, catch it with an Iron Tail!" A young voice ordered, and the mouse sprang into action. He leapt up, tail turning to metal as he prepared the Iron Tail. He brought down the metallic tail towards the Persian, who slashed at it with her Shadow Claw. The attacks met mid-air, clashing as the two Pokemon broke apart. "Now a Thunderbolt!"

"Pika..." The Pikachu growled, building up an electric charge in his cheeks. "Chu!"

A bolt of electricity was released from the mouse, lighting up the dark cave they were currently in. The Thunderbolt struck the Persian, electricity pulsing through her body, the Pokemon screeching in pain. She staggered back, fur frizzled from the attack. The Persian flicked an ear, glaring at the Pikachu, far from down. Her claws became outlined in a Shadow Claw once more, and the Pikachu took off with a Quick Attack, dodging the fierce slashes.

The Pokemon shuddered as she watched the battle, remembering the feeling of when the Persian's Shadow Claw had dug into her own form not long before. The Pokemon twitched slightly, her whole body still in a horrible pain that was keeping her abilities at bay. Red light surged across her vision, a pair of metallic bands clasped around her wrists pulsing with the painful light, drenching her in the agonizing pain.

The Pokemon cursed in her mind as the energy died down– why had she bothered returning to this era? While much more peaceful than the past, the technology here was simply too much for this world. She had put herself at risk every time she had come here, and now her risks had caught up to her. She took in a shaky breath, closing her eyes as a boy shouted another order at his Pikachu. Sounds of battle, both theirs and others, echoed throughout the many caves of Mt. Moon, all fighting for control of the mountain.

For control of her.

"So determined, aren't we?" A dark voice murmured, and the Pokemon shuddered. She hated his voice, the one that had captured her and put her in this state. The one who lead Team Rocket. The organization was like a plague in this time– spreading and growing, little hindering it as it progressed. She wished she could draw on her powers– to slip away from this nightmare– but the bands on her wrists continued to release their painful light.

"Let Celebi go!" The boy snarled. "I've already taken down most of your forces, Giovanni!"

"Chu-pika!" His Pikachu added, standing at the young boy's side.

Celebi shifted her gaze, opening one eye to look at the boy. Her body sagged, taking him in despite her pain. He had changed, but that was to be expected after fourteen years. It was a shame that humans never lived for long, though Ash was still in his youth. Celebi studied him for a moment longer, before she closed her eyes, biting back a cry of pain. She hadn't seen the boy since he was a baby, but she knew it was him. She could sense the same energy on him like she could all those years ago.

Giovanni smiled. "Yes, I have gotten plenty of reports from my grunts about you and your friends forcing your way into here," the smile turned to a smirk, "but you know what that means? You've already used your Pokemon's energy to get this far into Mt. Moon, leaving you weak enough to be no threat." He pulled out an Ultra ball, tossing it to the ground. "Earth Power."

The Nidoqueen appeared from out of the Pokeball with a roar, standing next to the Persian. Ash scanned the Pokemon, a wariness in his eye with the ground type, but he didn't back down. The Nidoqueen stomped her foot and the ground began to shake. The Pikachu became outlined in a silver energy of a Quick Attack and ran straight at his trainer. The force of the attack pushed Ash out of the way, just as the earth began to bulge under them. The Pikachu landed, panting as the Earth Power reached them– the ground exploding beneath him.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried, the whole cave shaking as the attack died down. The dust from the attack began to settle, showing the electric type stumbling– the attack had clearly hit him hard. The Pikachu gave his trainer a small smile before racing at the Persian. The Pikachu's whole body began to crackle with electricity, surrounding him in a powerful current as he raced forward. The Persian took a hesitant step back, but was unable to avoid the fully powered Volt Tackle as it slammed into her, the voltage being forced into the normal type.

Celebi winced, the red energy around her crackling.

"Persian, use Shadow Claw. Nidoqueen, hit him with a Poison Jab," Giovanni ordered his Pokemon quietly. The Persian sprang to her feet, slashing with a Shadow Claw at the Pikachu as he dealt with the recoil of Volt Tackle. The mouse was sent flying back, roughly hitting the stone wall of the cave, groaning as he stumbled to his feet. The Nidoqueen charged forward, racing at the undefended boy. Celebi's eyes widened as the Nidoqueen slammed a glowing purple fist into Ash's gut, the rough earth grating against his skin as he was knocked to the cave floor. Ash let out a cry of pain as the Poison Jab hit. Celebi writhed desperately as she tried to draw on her powers, but was unable to do anything to help him.

"Rah!" A low roar echoed through the cave, and Giovanni glanced up. A light could be seen approaching from the tunnel, the sound of wings flapping as they made their way through the large caves. Celebi shuddered– they were deep in Mt. Moon, far from the paths the humans traveled through– just about anything could be headed their way.

An orange beast burst into the cavern, a pair of sky blue eyes lit with anger. The dragon-like Pokemon landed with a roar, scanning the chamber. His eyes flickered over the weakened Pikachu, but settled on a grounded Ash– the Nidoqueen standing over him. The fire on the creature's tail crackled dangerously, the Pokemon's eyes gleaming with a dark rage. He let out another roar, one that drowned out the footsteps charging up from the cave he had just come from– and he sprang at the Nidoqueen.

The Charizard released a powerful Flamethrower, engulfing the Nidoqueen in flames. He whipped about with a glowing Dragon Tail, the scaley limb knocking the Pokemon away from his trainer. The lizard stood defensively over Ash, embers flying from his mouth as he snarled. His claws began to glow, expanding with the energy of Slash, and he took to the air once more. Limited by the ceiling of the cave, the Charizard flew low, striking at the Persian as he charged. He swooped away as he came close to the cave wall, heading back towards Ash's limp form.

"Power Gem," Giovanni ordered, his voice cracking like a whip. The Persian's red gem gleamed, preparing the rock type move. The Charizard let out a nervous grunt, landing next to his trainer. A wing was raised, glowing with a metallic light as he formed a Steel Wing, raising it up as his shield. The Persian fired the beam of blue light, blasting it against the Steel Wing. The Charizard slid back with a smirk, his wing blocking the majority of the damage.

"Bee..." Celebi whimpered, Ash shouldn't be here... this was what Giovanni wanted... she couldn't let him get hurt...

Ash was now sitting up, looking up at his Charizard gratefully. The lizard gave his trainer a nod, huffing in exhaustion. It was quite clear that he had been battling before he had raced up here– while Giovanni's Pokemon were still quite fresh and energized– they stood before their trainer, glaring at their challengers.

"Ash!" A voice cried from the tunnel, and Ash raised his head. Celebi raised her head as well, in time to see a flash of orange hair as another flicker of red light washed over her. Celebi gritted her teeth, limbs trembling as she sagged to the earth.

"Misty," Ash grunted, clutching his stomach. "Y-you shouldn't–"

Misty scoffed, a hand resting on a Pokeball. An Azumarill stood near her, whipping its tail side to side as it scanned the room nervously. Footsteps could be heard charging up the tunnel she had just come from, and Celebi winced. That had to be at least a dozen people, if not more, and she had a feeling that they weren't going to be helping Ash.

"Brock is trying hold the entrance of Mt. Moon," Misty replied, glancing at Giovanni and his Pokemon nervously. "I was fighting the grunts, but there's no way I was going to leave you to fight this idiot on your own!"

The footfalls were getting louder, and Giovanni looked too relaxed for Celebi's comfort. "Persian, give her a Shadow Claw," he ordered calmly, and the Persian charged at Misty. Her Azumarill's eyes widened, quickly jumping in front of her trainer, tail glowing. She started to draw in water from the air, forming a powerful Aqua Tail around her. She swung her body around, hitting the Persian with the attack before it could strike her trainer. "Again Persian. Nidoqueen, take care of the Charizard."

The Nidoqueen stepped forward, white orbs floating about her, slowly solidifying into stones. The Stone Edge was sharp and jagged, and the Nidoqueen jabbed her hand forward, sending the knife-like stones flying at Charizard– just as the sound of a Pokeball opening was heard.

"Hydro Pump!" Misty ordered, her Gyarados taking form. The sea serpent reared back, his head brushing against the ceiling as he released a torrent of water from his throat. The jet of water knocked the Stone Edges away before they could hit Charizard, the Hydro Pump rushing on to engulf the Nidoqueen. The blast of water sent her flying past Giovanni, laying sagged against the wall.

Celebi shivered, hating how close the Pokemon was to her now.

The footsteps were louder than ever, and Gyarados protectively coiled around his trainer just as a dozen grunts burst into the cavern with their Pokemon with. Celebi's nose crinkled at all of the poison type Pokemon, but there was nothing she could do, lying there helplessly. One psychic blast would take care of the lot of them...

Celebi attempted to draw on her powers but the bands around her wrists heated up, releasing the most powerful wave of red light yet. Celebi couldn't hold back a scream this time, her pain tolerance reaching its limit.

"Bee!" She cried, tears stinging her eyes as she writhed on the ground.

"Celebi!" Ash cried, barely managing to drag himself to his feet. He stumbled, and Charizard glanced at him, concern in his gaze. "Hang in there! We're c-coming," Ash leaned over, coughing into his hands. "We're–!"

The grunts quickly spread out, blocking the tunnel that lead out from Mt. Moon, easily outnumbering Misty and Ash. Pikachu staggered forward a few steps, cheeks sparking as he glared at the grunts' Pokemon. Persian turned and raced to Giovanni's side, standing ready for another order. Gyarados and Azumarill stood near Misty, eyes flickering across the grunts and their Pokemon. Charizard held his head high, eyes focused right on Giovanni, lips pulled back in a snarl.

"This is just not any Celebi, Ash," Giovanni said calmly, holding a hand up, letting his grunts know not to attack just yet. He smirked at the boy, who was leaning up against his Charizard, still coughing. "Is something a matter?" The boss of Team Rocket asked mockingly, chuckling.

Ash gritted his teeth. "S-so what if she's pink," He growled, trying to gain control of his shaking limbs as he fell into another coughing fit. "I'm not about to let– let you– let you hurt any Pokemon!"

He fell to one knee, trembling. Charizard drew his long neck in close, sniffing at the purple tinge starting to cover of Ash's face.

"Poisoned, are we?" Giovanni muttered, and Charizard snarled. "Seems Nidoqueen did me a nice favor..." Giovanni let his gaze flicker back towards his fallen Nidoqueen, before shifting them to Celebi, who was still twisting in pain. He smirked, looking back towards Ash. "This Celebi here is much more powerful than the 'common' green Celebi, who are mere Timekeepers. This Celebi is much greater, the leader of all Celebis, the Guardian of Time."

The pink Celebi shivered at the sound of her title.

"Cela..." She whimpered, the red light dying down slightly as she went still.

"Man over nature," Giovanni mused quietly. "Here she is, confined by my powers, by Rocket's technology." Giovanni turned back towards Ash, and Charizard's claws began to glow. No one moved to attack, but everyone was ready to fire off their moves. There was a deadly silence in the cave, only the sounds of breathing and Ash's coughing filling the emptiness until Giovanni continued. "You're outnumbered, Ash Ketchum. Your gym leader friend at the entrance is being subdued by my forces as we speak, and you're only down to two Pokemon yourself."

"Brock..." Ash muttered in worry.

"With one word my Pokemon and grunts will take out the last of your allies," Giovanni said calmly. "There is only one thing I need, besides the Celebi. Give me what I want, and I will let everyone else walk free from this cave."

"And wh-what is that?" Ash growled.

Persian was pacing in front of Giovanni, who smirked. "That would be you, aura user."

Pikachu's eyes widened, and he quickly turned away from the grunts– racing towards Ash with a Quick Attack. He threw himself in front of his trainer, standing next to Charizard. Electricity crackled around him.

"Chu-pika!" He screamed at Giovanni.

"Like we'd ever give in to someone like you!" Misty snarled. "Attack!" She cried at her Pokemon.

Azumarill released a Bubblebeam, sending a stream explosive bubbles at the grunts and their Pokemon. Gyarados reared up, beginning to draw in the energy for a Hyper Beam. Ash's Pokemon took to Misty's call, racing into battle as well. Charizard opened his wings, racing towards the grunts, a Flamethrower forming in the back of his throat. Pikachu had his eyes locked on Persian as he took off racing, surrounded in the silvery energy of Quick Attack. Persian let out a yowl and rushed to meet him, her teeth surrounded in the dark aura of a Bite.

"We fight to the end," Ash growled, the purple tinge of the poisoning spreading across him. "Your threats m-mean nothing to me."

Giovanni smiled as the Pokemon clashed, then snapped his fingers. He grunts bellowed out commands, their Pokemon joining the brawl. Persian sank her fangs into Pikachu's back, who responded with a blinding Thunderbolt.

"Do you think it was mere chance that you learned of my plans at Mt. Moon?" Giovanni asked quietly, watching Ash stumble as the poison slowly took hold of him. Sweat ran down his face as he glared at Giovanni. "That you managed to make it all the way to me? It was not, I wanted you to come this far. I need you, little aura user, for my plan to work. Do you even know what lies in the tunnel ahead of us?"

Celebi shuddered, aura users... the mere thought filled her with hatred. Thieves... stealing things far more valuable than gems... She forced one eye open, watching Ash closely... she knew he was different than others of his kind, but still...

"Yes," Ash growled, "your failure."

Giovanni paused, before letting out a laugh at this response, though it was drowned out in the sound of attacks clashing. He took a few steps forward, watching Ash closely as their Pikachu and Persian battled on. "In the tunnels ahead lay a set of ruins," Giovanni said quietly, "formed by an ancient Instinct clan. Do you even know what that is?"

"P-pikachu!" Ash cried. "Break free with an Iron Tail and give her your strongest Thunderbolt!"

"Pika!" Pikachu cried, slamming an Iron Tail up into the jaw of the Persian. She let out a yowl of pain and he followed up with a Thunderbolt. Persian's claws dug into the ground as she took the attack, and she raised her head, firing a Power Gem towards Ash. Pikachu leapt up into the air, slashing with another Iron Tail, blocking the attack from reaching his trainer.

The two Pokemon stood apart for a moment, then Persian took off, standing in front of Giovanni, snarling towards Ash. Pikachu raced towards Ash's side, releasing a Thunderbolt straight at Giovanni and Persian.

Giovanni simply snapped his fingers.

Suddenly the seemingly fallen Nidoqueen leapt to her feet, still drenched with water from the Hydro Pump. She charged towards Giovanni, throwing herself in front of him, absorbing the Thunderbolt with ease. Ash stumbled back, startled to find the Nidoqueen back in the battle.

"B-but–" He began. "T-the Hydro–"

Giovanni snorted. "It would take more than a spray of water to keep my Nidoqueen down. Poison Jab, now!"

Nidoqueen barreled forward, claws gleaming in a toxic energy. Pikachu rushed to meet her, leaping up and bringing an Iron Tail down on her head. The Nidoqueen stumbled back at the force, the Poison Jab fading away.

"That's it, bud!" Ash called out. "Quick Attack, now!"

Pikachu began to glow silver, taking off with the speed-based attack. Nidoqueen growled as he slammed into her, pulling back. Nidoqueen glanced back at Giovanni, as if requesting something, and he gave her a short nod.

"Nidoqueen– Fissure."

Celebi stiffened at the command, alongside Ash. The Nidoqueen raised a fist, her whole body glowing white with the sheer force of the attack she was powering up. Pikachu paled as Nidoqueen slammed her fist into the ground, and the whole cavern began to shake, cracks webbing out across the floor.

The grunts and their Pokemon froze, watching as the powerful quake began to grow, the cracks spreading across the ground, racing towards Pikachu. Misty had recalled her fallen Azumarill, only her weakened Gyarados left. Her viridian eyes were wide as she watched the ground tearing open. Pikachu was scrambling back, but he couldn't avoid the rapidly widening cracks in his state. A crevice started to appear below him, the small mouse falling into the crumbling earth.

"Pikachu!" Ash screamed as the crevice crashed together, and Celebi went still. Fissure was the strongest ground type move, with so much power behind it that it could take out most foes with a single hit. The whole cave system was shaking as the earth shifted below them, loose rocks falling from the ceiling. The earth opened back up, releasing the Pikachu. Ash began to stumble towards his starter, coughing on both the dust and the poison within him. "P-pikachu!"

"Pikapi..." Pikachu whimpered, twitching. Bruises and cuts covered the small mouse, who was barely conscious. He lifted his head, coppery eyes locking on Ash as he made his way towards him.

"Again," Giovanni ordered, and the Nidoqueen started preparing another Fissure.

"No!" Ash cried, body shaking as he fell into another coughing fit. Nidoqueen slammed her fist into the ground once more, the cracks reopening as the cavern shook. Pikachu couldn't move, so the small mouse could do nothing but shake as the crevice opened below him, slipping down into it once more. Ash's eyes were wide with panic, afraid of the Fissure closing in on the mouse.

But it remained open.

"I leave you with your choice once more, Ash," Giovanni said, his Nidoqueen quivering as she kept the power of the Fissure back from crashing in on Pikachu. "Surrender yourself to me– and I'll spare the Pikachu. One Fissure is enough to take a healthy Pokemon completely out of a battle... I don't think two in a row would be a pretty sight."

"P-pikapi..." Pikachu called weakly, trapped in the earth, the walls of the crevice inches away from crushing him. Ash was shaking, looking from the cracks, to Giovanni, then towards Celebi.

Twin Flamethrowers drenched the grunts' Pokemon, Gyarados and Charizard still fighting on, side by side as they tried to fight off the swarm of poison types. The two had been holding their own for some time now, but were simply too outnumbered to win. Charizard let out a roar as as several Golbats sunk a Bite attack into his neck, while Gyarados was being pelted with Venoshocks from Arboks and Muks. A Weezing rolled near the weakened Gyarados, beginning to glow white as it prepared an Explosion.

The sudden blast engulfed the Gyarados, the serpent letting out a roar. He sagged towards the ground, trembling as the Pokemon kept on attacking him. Misty quickly fumbled for his Pokeball, recalling her final Pokemon before he was injured further. The grunts grinned at Misty, walking towards her. Charizard snarled, Slashing an Arbok away from him, before diving in front of Misty, growling protectively, his fire crackling with the same ferocity in his eyes.

"All of your friends can walk out of this cave unharmed," Giovanni said as the battling came to a standstill. The grunts and their Pokemon had Misty and Charizard surrounded, while Pikachu was one Fissure away from more than just defeat. Ash was left standing in the middle of the cavern, shaking as the poison worked through him. His eyes kept flickering about, clouded with a desperate conflict. "...but if you refuse me, Ash Ketchum," Giovanni said darkly. "I swear that you will watch the mouse die, followed by the lizard and the girl. I will send forces towards your friend defending the entrance of Mt. Moon– and I will take you by force."

"Nido..." Nidoqueen growled, using all of her energy to keep the Fissure at bay.

"Choose now," Giovanni ordered. "Come with me peacefully, or let them die."

"Don't listen to him Ash!" Misty cried. "He'll kill you!"

"Zard!" Charizard growled.

"Bee..." Celebi quivered, and Ash glanced at her. He knew what surrendering meant, it meant that he couldn't save her, that he was admitting defeat, giving in to his enemies. Giovanni kept his gaze level with Ash.

"...P-pikapi..." Pikachu whimpered.

Ash lowered his head, flinching as he heard Pikachu calling out. His gaze flickered up towards Giovanni, who was watching him with a sharp gaze. Ash clenched his fists, shaking as his dried lips parted to speak.

"...I s-surrender," Ash whispered, voice cracking.

"No Ash!" Misty cried, and Giovanni smirked.

"Stop the Fissure," Giovanni ordered Nidoqueen, who grunted weakly. The glow around Nidoqueen faded, the cracks slowly fusing back together. The earth pushed up, lifting Pikachu out of the crevice. The little mouse laid there as the ground resealed itself, as if the attack had never been there. Ash scrambled towards Pikachu, trying not to shake as the poison sapped his strength.

Celebi's heart filled with pity as she watched the boy scoop up the weakened Pokemon, cradling him to his chest. Blood pooled around several cuts on the mouse's body, small drops soaking into Ash's clothes as he embraced the Pikachu, holding him close, whispering as Pikachu struggled against him.

"Pikapi," He whimpered, looking at Ash desperately, as if trying to get his trainer to take back what he had said. "Pikapi."

Charizard unfurled his wings, rushing to his trainer's side. He landed next to Ash, bringing his head in close, Ash looked weakly up at Charizard, skin pale and crawling with sweat. Charizard snorted, sending a puff of smoke into the air.

"Y-you trust me... right Charizard?" Ash asked quietly. The lizard twitched, then gave his trainer a deep nod. Ash smiled, "Then you'll get everyone to safety..." Ash whispered, holding Pikachu out to the dragon-like Pokemon. Pikachu lashed out weakly against Ash, and Charizard let out a low growl. "...Do it for me, Charizard..." Ash whispered. "...Please?"

"Ash!" Misty cried. "Don't listen to him!"

Charizard's blue eyes were clouded with conflict, a trembling taking hold of his scales. He looked at Ash, then glanced back at Misty as the grunts surrounded her. He returned his gaze back to Ash, their eyes locked together. Ash mouthed the word 'please', not taking his gaze from the lizard. Charizard grimaced, then finally gave a slow nod, carefully taking the fallen Pikachu from Ash.

"Zard..." He rumbled.

Relief washed over Ash's face and he carefully unclipped his belt, five Pokeballs gleaming on it. Charizard slid it around his wrist, shaking as he looked at the trainer he was about to leave. Charizard snapped his jaws together, holding a struggling Pikachu in one arm, then took to the air. His wings clipped the cave ceiling as he flew, and he then dove down towards Misty. The grunts scattered as Charizard grabbed Misty with his free claws, lifting her into the air. Giovanni made no effort to stop the lizard, watching him with cold eyes. Charizard glanced back at Ash one more time.

"Ash!" Misty cried, a pale panic on her face. She twisted in Charizard's grasp, but she couldn't seem to find any words to say. Giovanni had them surrounded and outnumbered– this was the only way any of them would be able to leave alive.

"Zar," Charizard grunted quietly, giving Ash a final nod.

With another flap of his wings he drifted up towards the roof of the cavern, then shakily took off down the tunnel that lead to the exit of Mt. Moon. Pikachu struggled against Charizard as he flew, screaming Ash's name over and over.

"Pikapi! Pikapi!" His cries echoed through the caves, fading to a distance call. "Pikapi!"

Ash was shaking, staring down at his hands. He flinched at the sound of the calls, refusing to lift his gaze. The grunts were recalling their Pokemon, glancing towards their boss as they awaited their next orders.

"...G-goodbye..." Ash whispered, voice crackling as he spoke. Celebi shifted sadly, the red energy still washing over her.

Giovanni had a triumphant smile on his face. "Good choice, Ash Ketchum," He said quietly. "As promised, my forces won't touch your friends as they exit Mt. Moon." A grin spread over his face. "...But I promised nothing about after that."

Ash said nothing, shaking and falling to his knees as the poison took its toll.

"You!" Giovanni snapped at his grunts, who all quickly jumped to attention. "Secure Mt. Moon, let no one else in! Inform all others of the current situation."

"Yes Boss, sir!" They cried in unison, saluting. Ash fell into another coughing fit, his lips starting to turn purple from the poison. Giovanni watched his grunts left, eyes cold with excitement, before turning his gaze towards Ash. The teen glared up at the leader of Team Rocket, trembling from the poison.

"Nidoqueen," Giovanni ordered. "Bring him along. Persian, grab the Celebi."

The Nidoqueen strolled forward, picking Ash up and slinging him over her shoulder like he was a sack of berries. Celebi stiffened up, watching as Persian raced towards her. The Persian gave her a cruel grin, dark energy dancing along her teeth as she prepared a Bite attack. She sank her fangs into the shiny pink Celebi, picking her up with ease. Celebi let out a cry of pain from the dark type move, laying there helplessly as the Persian raced towards Giovanni's side, Nidoqueen right behind them.

"It's almost time..." Giovanni muttered, bringing a blue sphere out of his pocket. Celebi managed to twist her head through the pain, looking at the object in his hands with wide eyes. The orb gleamed with its own gentle glow, covered in many reflective facets. As the Guardian of Time, the shiny Celebi knew all too well what it was.

The Adamant Orb.

Ash grunted with each step the Nidoqueen took. His heart was pounding in his chest, sweat sliding down his back as the poison swept through his veins. The Nidoqueen took no heed of his condition, carrying him as if he were a spare backpack. Black spots danced across his vision with every few steps the Nidoqueen took.

Nobody spoke as they made their way deeper into Mt. Moon, only the sound of Nidoqueen's and Giovanni's footsteps echoing through the cavern. Persian walked silently, a Celebi resting in her mouth as if it were a Rattata she had just captured. Ash shifted his head, looking towards the Celebi.

She was a pretty creature, with a soft pink hue on her leaf-like skin. A pair of emerald eyes were hidden behind her drooping eyelids, which fluttered open every few seconds. Celebi's body gleamed in the light of Persian's gem, who was using Flash to keep the caves lit as they traveled deeper into the mountain. Her green-tipped antennae hung low, alongside her wings. She barely moved in the Persian's mouth, struggling to even take in a breath. The Persian's jaws were locked around her body, using Bite to keep her in place. The dark type move made the Celebi shiver, at the mercy of Persian.

Ash's eyes flickered to the small metallic bands on the legendary– one around each wrist. Ash wasn't quite sure what they did, but he knew they were responsible for the red glow around Celebi. She let out no sound that suggested that it pained her, but with the way she held her face Ash had his suspicions that she was hurting a lot more than she was letting on. The Celebi twitched, causing Persian to growl in warning.

...Mmm mmh mmm...

Ash frowned, blinking as he heard a soft humming sound between the silence. It died down after a moment, leaving Ash to wonder if he had simply imagined it. He could feel the poison in him still slowly spreading, perhaps it was affecting his mind…

...Mmmmashmm...mmm...

The boy blinked, not able to doubt the humming as he heard it again– but he hadn't heard it with his ears– but rather with his mind. Ash shifted his gaze, trying to focus on the hum as it struck up again in his mind. It was almost like he was hearing a voice in the next room, able to make out the sound, but not the words themselves. A faint headache began to form in his head, and he reached out mentally, and the humming slowly began to unscramble into recognizable words.

...Ash... Can you... hear me...? The female voice asked weakly. Am... I... reaching you?

Ash took in the words for a moment. At first he opened his mouth, but he knew better than to respond verbally, so he closed his eyes instead. Focusing on his own thoughts, he formed an answer, pushing the thought towards whomever had spoken to him.

Yes. He replied simply, waiting in the silence of his mind to see if the voice would speak again.

Good. She said after a moment, and the voice paused. Sorry, I cannot push myself far– the bands will act up if I actively attempt to use my powers. I must do as little as possible.

Her words came much clearer now that Ash was reaching out mentally to her, and it felt like some connection had been formed. He found his thoughts naturally flowing towards the psychic voice, linking to her mind with ease.

Celebi? Ash asked quietly, thinking of the small bands on the shiny time travel Pokemon.

Correct. Celebi replied, sounding quite calm for what was happening to them. I'm sorry you were brought into this– I never wished this fate onto one of your line.

No. Ash replied, guilt building up in him. I'm the one that's sorry, I'm the one that just gave up... I just let him take you...

You gave up yourself to protect your friends. Celebi responded. There is no shame in that. But it doesn't matter now, this man is going to take our lives.

Ash's heart thumped a bit harder in his chest.

So... this is it? He asked weakly, a fear taking hold of him. He had known that Giovanni hadn't intended to let him walk away alive– but the realization was just starting to settle into Ash. This man was going to kill him, Ash was never going to see the sun again, see his mother and friends again.

This man is resourceful. Celebi admitted. He was able to catch me completely off guard when he came after me. I typically try to avoid this era of time, only entering this realm to... She trailed, and Ash could hear her taking in a pained breath. He had this planned out– down to luring you and your friends into attempting to stop him. Celebi's tone turned cold. It's a shame you inherited aura.

That's why he wants me? Ash asked. For aura abilities I've never attempted to use? Ash shifted, causing the Nidoqueen to growl at him. Isn't there something we can do? Can't you time travel or something?

...No. Celebi said after a moment. The bands act up when I draw on my powers too much, intensifying the glow... and pain. He'd know what I was doing as soon as he sees the glow and would stop me– even if I tried to keep going through the pain. Celebi hesitated. I... I could attempt to draw on my powers little by little... store up the energy without setting off a signal. She went quiet again. But I don't believe we have enough time to do so. Even if we did I'd be left in a helpless state afterwards– I am simply too weak at the moment.

Ash took in this information, his mind slowly trying to formulate a plan of any kind.

It would be better to try than to just sit here. Ash finally said after a moment. Perhaps I can stall him in some way, get him talking while you gather the energy. If you're left helpless I will protect you... better than I did this time. He added bitterly.

Celebi smiled faintly, before it faded away in her pain. It's nice to see you have a good soul, I was unsure for a time if that were so. I will do what I can, but please be aware that chances of success are low.

I get it. Ash replied weakly.

I will have to cut of the telepathy. Celebi said. All of my focus must be on gathering energy if we are to attempt this.

Ash felt Celebi's presence withdrawn from his mind, leaving him alone in his own echoing thoughts. The teen blinked a few times, trying to process everything that had just happened through the dimness the poison was causing to him. Ash shifted slightly, ignoring the growl of the Nidoqueen, and opened his mouth to speak.

"N-now what?" Ash asked, voice cracking. Giovanni glanced back at him, a dark smirk on his face.

"Now you die," He said, not breaking pace.

"...I think I got that..." Ash said quietly, his arms starting to shake as the poison took further hold. "But what are you going to do to me? Don't I deserve to know that at least?"

Giovanni scanned Ash. "...If you're trying to get me to change my mind, that won't work. But if you wish to know what's going to happen, then I'll humor you." Giovanni pointed to the tunnel they were walking through. "The cave system we are currently in is not natural to Mt. Moon– this was hollowed out by ground types and Instinct aura users centuries ago. Perhaps even longer."

Ash let his gaze flicker to Celebi, but she didn't look any different than before. Either she was making no effort to gather energy to time travel, or she was truly not showing any sign of what she was trying to do.

"These aura users created a set of ruins, near the heart of Mt. Moon," Giovanni continued, "alongside many other places of worship. Most notable is the shrine to Zapdos on the summit of the mountain. I've had my scientists excavating these tunnels and learning more of this ancient clan, and that how we learned the purpose of some of these the ruins– to draw powers out of other beings."

Giovanni smiled at Ash, causing the boy to shiver.

"They of course never had any ill intent with the ruins," Giovanni said. "My scientists believed it was used to draw aura out of dying members, so it could be preserved, stored within another object. A sacred ceremony to the people." Giovanni reached into his pocket, pulling out an object. "But today we shall be doing something much greater."

Ash's eyes settled on the orb Giovanni was holding. The blue crystal reflected the light of Persian's Flash– its many flat reflective surfaces creating the spherical shape. Giovanni held the diamond-like orb up, admiring the object.

"This is the Adamant Orb," Giovanni said with reverence, "said to strengthen Dialga itself." Giovanni turned his gaze towards Ash. "So what will be happening, you ask? I will be using the ruins to draw out your aura powers, and then the Celebi's ability to time travel. They both will be stored within the orb, allowing me to draw upon both of your powers at will. The force of the ritual will kill both of you... but a small price to pay for power."

Ash felt his stomach churning, and he wasn't sure if it was from the poison or from what Giovanni just told him. "You- y-you–"

"No need to panic, Ash Ketchum," Giovanni said calmly, "we are just about at the ruins, it will be over soon," Giovanni grinned. "Since you were so kind to peacefully come with me, I'll let you live longer. I'll drain the Celebi first."

"N-no!" Ash cried, Celebi needed every second she could get. Even if he couldn't escape this alive, she could have the chance to slip away. "I- I will– do me first!"

Giovanni drew to a stop. "...We're here."

Ash shivered as a breeze rushed by them, and the Nidoqueen dragged him out of the tunnel. They were now in a large cavern, though not quite as big as the one they had battled in. Giovanni looked around as they entered, satisfied. Persian set Celebi down at Giovanni's feet, before darting towards the wall of the chamber. The cat-like Pokemon darted up onto a ledge, turning and shining the Flash attack down at them, lighting up the whole room in her blue light. Nidoqueen dumped Ash roughly onto the ground next to Celebi, and he couldn't help but look around the cavern despite his pain.

The walls were nothing special, though clearly this room had been created by man or Pokemon, judging by the marks across the walls and ceiling, as if it had been hollowed out piece by piece, creating the cube-shape enclosure.

Ash quickly tore his gaze from the walls and towards the center of the room– where the true masterpiece laid. When Ash had heard the term 'ruins', he had expected something worn down and falling apart. What he got instead was three towering pillars holding up the room, looking as if they had been carved yesterday. Though made of the same stone as the rest of the caves, they had been carved with great detail. One pillar displayed an image of the night sky, a large moon resting near the top, stars covering the rest of the stone. An image of a Zapdos winded up the pillar, carvings of lightning coming forth from the legendary.

The second pillar was of day time, the image of the sun hidden behind the chiseling of storm clouds, rain and lighting pouring down them, swirling across the stone pillar as if a wind were blowing them. Once more there was a Zapdos, this time it carved near tall the top of the pillar, as if flying over all.

And the last pillar was more of a statue than pillar, making it the most impressive of the three. The giant sculpture of the Zapdos was holding up the ceiling like the rest of the pillars in ruins, his head was touching the cave roof and feet digging into the stone floor. A pair of stone wings were unfolded on the statue, gleaming black garnets acting as the Zapdos' eyes. More gems were infused into the ruins, and carvings on the floor connecting all three pillars together in a triangle formation. At the foot of the Zapdos statue there was a smooth indent lined with a white stone, as if the concave was some sort of place for offerings. In the center of the triangle of pillars was a pedestal, made out of the same white stone as the indent.

Giovanni gave a small hand signal to his Nidoqueen, who drew up next to him. She plucked up Celebi from the ground, who shivered as the poison type touched her. The Nidoqueen was far from gentle, claws gripping the small Celebi, stomping across the ruins. She deposited Celebi in the white concave in front of the Zapdos statue, backing away just as quickly. Giovanni pulled out an Ultra ball, recalling the Nidoqueen to her Pokeball without a word.

Ash's heart raced, perhaps they could run...? No, he knew that wouldn't work. Not only was the Nidoqueen able to be released again in seconds, Ash knew there was no way he could out run the Persian, let alone do it in his current condition. The poison was slowly sapping away every ounce of energy he had left, so instead Ash forced himself to sit up, blackness dancing in the corners of his vision as he did so.

Celebi...? Ash asked nervously as he watched Giovanni move towards the pedestal in the center.

Not ready. She replied, voice faint, but panicked. She shifted within the concave, the Zapdos statue glaring down at her.

"Giovanni!" Ash cried desperately, and the man glanced at him. "I- I, um–" His mouth went dry, mind only drawing up blanks as he tried to think of some way to delay the Rocket leader. He smiled at Ash's efforts– a cold, mocking smile.

"Relax Ash," Giovanni said. "I'm sure it won't be that painful. Just watch."

With that he focused his gaze on the pedestal in front of him, gently placing the Adamant Orb onto the pedestal. Ash flinched as it clanged against the stone, settling into place, and then the orb began to glow. Ash's eyes widened, watching as the orb's brightness intensified, causing light to dance across the ruins. The white pedestal that the orb was resting on began to glow with the same energy of the Adamant Orb. The light slowly seemed to spread, rolling away from the pedestal and towards the two far pillars. Ash watched the white radiance winded its across the ruins, quickly reaching the base of the pillars. The glow spread up the carvings, lighting up the images on them. It threw shadows across the pillars as well, giving the illusion that the images were moving. Once the pillars were completely lit with the glow, the light began to travel across the carvings across the ground– making their way towards the Zapdos pillar. Towards Celebi.

The Adamant Orb glowed bright, releasing even more of its energy. The light slowly turned from white to a deep blue, and Ash could hear the hum of its energy. Ash's eyes quickly turned towards Celebi, watching as the Zapdos statue began to light up. Celebi shivered in its shadow, the red glow around her starting to flicker brighter and she let out a groan of pain. Ash watched as the energy began to spread away from the Zapdos statue– mere seconds until it touched Celebi.

"Celebi! Now! You g-gotta do it now!" Ash cried desperately to the Pokemon– they didn't have another moment. Celebi open up her eyes, tears sliding down as the red glow flared up to brighter than ever. The pink Celebi didn't let it over take her though, her eyes starting to fill with a white glow, attempting to release the energy needed for time travel. Ash's heart fell, he had seen a Celebi time travel before, and the dimness he was seeing now was nothing compared to the brightness he had witnessed in others of her kind. He knew by that this wouldn't be enough as the little Pokemon released the small burst of white light– just as the blue glow of the ruins connected to her.

For a single moment there was pure silence, no sound of the hum or even of the air moving through the cave. Ash felt his heart thump once in the silence, the luster of the Adamant Orb and Celebi's glow meeting.

Then there was an eruption of light.

Celebi's weak pulse surged, going from a spark to a burning blaze. Another wave of light came from her, a huge white burst like a flare, radiating out. The orb was not draining energy from Celebi– it was giving it to her. The bands around her wrists shattered as the intense energy coursed through them, the painful red light around her evaporating as her radiance filled the room. Ash raised a shaking hand to block the light, closing his eyes as a blinding flash engulfed the cavern.

Giovanni stumbled back from the pedestal, which was crumbling under the energy the Adamant Orb was radiating. Cracks began to appear along the wall, each one filled with the fiery white light. Ash's stomach jerked, his skin tingling as he felt himself be slowly lifted from the ground. He wasn't the only one– Persian leapt forward, only for her to start rising up into the air. The ruins kept crumbling around them, the shrapnel slowly rising around them, as if gravity had simply vanished.

Ash watched as the walls gave away, shattering as the cracks spread. But instead of revealing more caves and stone behind the walls, there was a blue abyss. Ash felt his breath get caught in his throat as Celebi released another wave of light– hovering in the center of the collapsing ruins. She was no longer conscious, eyes rolled back in her head as she rose higher–under the same force that was holding Ash and the ruins up in the air.

The walls crumbled away, and Mt. Moon was completely gone. Ash blinked, blood roaring in his ears as his poisoned body tried to keep up with what his mind was seeing. Celebi and the Adamant Orb were drifting between the floating ruins, which were all hovering in the empty void around them. Ash twisted in midair, trying to take in his surrounds. He caught sight of Giovanni recalling his Persian to a Pokeball right before she collided with one of the drifting pillars.

There was an eerie silence in the air as they drifted through the emptiness. It was as if they were floating through the nothingness of space, blackness as far as the eye to see. Auroras of glowing blue cosmic energy rushed around them, swirling through the foreign realm with great speed. The poisoned boy blinked once, dimly recognizing this place. He had been summoned to this realm once before, when he had been traveling through Sinnoh– when Dialga had sent him back to Damos' time.

Ash grunted weakly as he collided with a large fragment of one of the pillars as they floated through Time. His voice sounded strange and echoey, as if the sounds were coming from deep underwater. Ash twisted, trying to find some sense of balance within the Time Stream, but there was nothing. Gravity was void here, no sky or earth, no up or down. His brown eyes flickered about, before finally settling on the shiny Celebi.

She was surrounded with the fiery white light still, though it didn't flare up as it had in the ruins. It calmly danced about the unconscious Pokemon as she freely drifted through the Time Stream. The Adamant Orb drew near her, flickering weakly as if it were a light about to go out. Ash's stomach twisted as he watched the orb come closer to Celebi, as if some part of him knew what would happen when they touched.

Celebi gently bumped up against the Adamant Orb, a small ping echoing through the void around them as they touched. The white energy around Celebi flickered for a moment, before being drawn into the Adamant Orb with a harsh flash. Ash recoiled, watching as the orb absorbed the energy from Celebi. The white light pulsed several times within the glassy orb, as if it were a beating heart, before flaring up with a blinding intensity that Ash had yet to see.

And then the Adamant Orb shattered.

The cracks appeared along the orb, the white energy pouring out as the cracking of the fractures echoed through the Time Stream. The orb split, three clean pieces flying apart as they released the energy. The white light flared, rippling through Time. Ash shivered as the wave rushed passed him, before spreading out to fill every corner of the void. Tears stung his eyes at the brightness of the flare, but the wave died down as quickly as it had came. Once more an eerie silence took hold of the abyss, a stillness in the air.

"Rrrrhhahh..."

The low growl rolled across Time, as if responding to the wave that had just been released. Shivers raced through Ash as he heard it, the growl reaching both his ears and his mind. Though low, the growl held the same volume as a roar from Charizard. He watched as the cosmic energy around them twisted and spun, a large blue rift appearing above the drifting ruins. The tear widened, a blue glow flickering as a large, draconic creature pulled itself through the breach. The low growl echoed again, the rift in Time closing in and resealing itself.

Ash felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him, and the Time Stream itself seem to tense as the large Pokemon before them raised its crested head. The being was covered with cobalt scales, plated metal covering its legs, chest, and head. A fin-like sail on his back flared open, its dark red eyes narrowing as it examined the scene before him. A diamond protruded from its chest, gleaming in the light of the auroras racing through Time.

"Dialga," Ash whispered, coughing slightly.

The Master of Time turned its head towards Ash as he spoke, eyes glowing like coals. There was a deep rage brewing in his gaze, cold and harsh. There was no recognition in the dragon's eyes as he looked over Ash. His head turned, examining the drifting ruins that had intruded into his realm, mouth opening with a snarl.

Dialga's ruby gaze was fixated on the fainted Celebi, and he slowly drifted closer. Time swirled faster around them, as if reacting to the anger radiating from Dialga. His crystal glowed, releasing a burst of energy towards Celebi. The blue gleam quickly surrounded Celebi, covering her and a fragment of the Adamant Orb in a protective shield. Ash let out a cry of pain, hands flying to his head as a headache flashed through his mind, his connection to Celebi suddenly cut off.

"Dialga!" Ash cried out to the legendary. The dragon twitched, eyes distant and unfocused, the rage in his gaze only growing. Dialga gave no sign that he had heard Ash, let alone recognized him. Dialga rose up, hovering above the shattered ruins. He regarded him and Giovanni for a moment, a deep snarl began to build up in his throat. Time whirled loudly, the Time Stream twisting about as Dialga's growls grew, slowly gathering energy. The metal fins on his back expanded, diamond glowing blue as an orb of indigo energy formed in front of him.

If Dialga's growls had been loud, then the roar he released was nothing short from deafening. The roar erupted from his throat, the energy flaring as the powerful soundwave tore across the Time Stream with deadly force, thundering across the void. The Roar of Time shattered the remains of the ruins, turning the drifting stones to gravel as the blue shockwaves of the bellow struck them. The attack slammed into Ash, pain rushing through him as he was sent flying back. Pieces of rubble struck him as he was flung across the Time Stream– gaining more speed by the second. He struggled to draw in a breath, everything slowly becoming a blur as he was rushed away from the remains of the ruins.

Despite the speeds he was moving, there was no rushing of wind nor air as he was sent soaring through Time. His breath was knocked out of him, and Ash was able to catch of glimpse of Giovanni flying back through the other side before Dialga and the others were out of sight– mere specks in the distant. Within moments the cosmic-scape was a mere blue blur as he was sent flying through the Time Stream. Blackness spread across the edges of his vision, head hammering in his pain. He wrapped his arms around himself, mind failing to process the chaos around him.

He struggled to breath, his chest tightening. He could feel beads of sticky sweat forming on his skin as the poison spread through him, but the moisture was torn away as he rushed through Time. His eyes flickered open, trying to gather some sense from the blur that surrounded him. A flash of light caused Ash's eyes to open once more, blinking weakly. It was a fracture of the Adamant Orb, rushing alongside him through Time. Crumbling sections of the ruins flew past him as well, the gray stones nothing in comparison to the orb. Ash stared weakly at it, trying to piece everything together. He winced as a section of the ruins nicked his side, the remains jagged and sharp.

Limbs shaking, Ash reached out with one arm, waiting for the orb to fall within reach. Ash's hand clasped around the gem, shivering at the coldness of its flat surfaces. The white energy was no longer flowing through it, and it had seemed to lose a some of its gleam, now just merely reflecting the light around it. He drew the Adamant Orb fracture in, clutching it to his chest– trying to give his mind the illusion that he was rooted to something in this abyss.

The orb grew warm in Ash's hands, and he let his eyes slide shut as his vision was dipped into darkness. His fingertips tingled, and he felt a fiery feeling forming in his chest. The feeling stirred, and bright flashes of blue crossed Ash's vision. He recoiled– he knew that his eyes were still closed, yet he was starting to see shapes forming– there was the orb resting in his hands, and he could see the small pieces of rubble still flying with him. But this view was different– everything was a dim gray, outlined with a slight glow. His hands and the orb were shining the brightest– a harsh fiery blue. The rubble pulsed a faint yellow, as if it were merely a dying light.

Ash still didn't dare to open his eyes, simply taking in the strange sight. He shivered and watched as his view expanded– reaching far beyond what he was supposed to be able to see. He could view his almost-limp form, all flickering a bright blue. The Time Stream around him swirled with the many colors– dark purples and deep greens. Flecks of red pulsed throughout the light display, weaving between the orange hues and dull yellows. There were even colors that Ash had never seen before, intertwined between the stunning light display. Ash watched in silence, sparks of blue coming off of his glowing form. The light from him seemed to be drawn towards the Time Stream, the strings of energy winding farther from him. The farther he went the more his energy began to flare up, and a strange sense of familiarity settled into Ash as he felt a sharp pull in his gut.

The fragment of the Adamant Orb flickered, and the feeling of weightlessness fled from Ash. He felt himself being drawn out of the strange view, and his eyes opened. It felt like gravity had suddenly returned– his arms grew heavy, and Ash felt himself start to fall. His stomach flipped over, mind racing as the cosmic energy swirled up to meet him.

It was as if he had fell into a deep lake– chills raced through him as the energy consumed him, and his breath was whisked away. It felt like he was sinking through murky water, slowly suffocating in the thickness of his surroundings. The sensation quickly passed and once more a bright light filled Ash's vision. But instead of strange energy and glowing orbs, Ash knew what this light was– the sun. Once more he could feel the sensation of air rushing by him as he fell, and the cosmic energy vanished all at once. Wind rushed by his ears, the Time Stream now completely gone.

"Ugh!" Ash grunted as he slammed into the cold ground, his lungs burning as they desperately drew in air. The air felt thick, his sides aching as they drew in the precious oxygen. Ash groaned, eyes shifting open. The edges of his vision danced with blackness, the poison taking its toll.

Ash laid there for a moment, laying on his back as he stared up, trying to gather his thoughts. He seemed to be laying in the forest– large branches spreading overhead, the gentle glow of sunlight shining through them. The wind rushed by, the only sound to reach his ears. Ash shifted, wincing in pain as he did so, but forced himself to turn over on his side. He didn't think that he had the energy to stand up at the moment, so instead he tried to gather more of his surroundings.

It was quite clear that he was no longer in Mt. Moon– this whole forest seemed to be made up of mostly thick pine trees. Dried needles lined the forest floor, which dug into his exposed skin. Fragments from the ruins laid scattered around him, nearly unrecognizable now, just scattered gray stones. Ash's eyes quickly passed over those, settling on the several bright objects resting in front of him. The first one was easy to identify– the red cap he always kept on his head. It sat near the fragment of the Adamant Orb, which was reflecting the sunlight that hit its many surfaces. Laying a bit closer to Ash was a small red and white sphere– one with a small worn lightning bolt on the front of it.

Ash shakily reached for Pikachu's Pokeball, though he knew that it would be empty, but still it wasn't something he'd want to lose. Ash's trembling fingers fumbled for the Pokeball, but it slipped between shaking grasps, the force pushing it forward. He watched the Pokeball roll a little ways, gently bumping into the Adamant Orb with a light cling. The Pokeball snapped open upon contact, as if it had just collided with a wild Pokemon, releasing a burst of red light at the Adamant Orb.

The orb was covered with the red glow, slowly turning the Adamant Orb to light, drawing it inside the Pokeball as if it were a Pokemon. Ash barely had time to blink before the Pokeball snapped shut, going still as if nothing had happened. Ash blinked again, his mind trying to make sense of what had just taken place. His mind was blank, filled with nothing but confusion of what was happening.

Shaking, Ash reached out for the Pokeball again, grunting as he moved his whole body forward in an attempt to reach it. His hand managed to wrap around the sphere this time, and he clutched it tightly. He drew it back towards him, slipping the Pokeball away into his pocket. It bumped up against the Pokedex stored in his pocket, and Ash slowly withdrew his hand.

He shifted, trying hard not to wince at the pain racing through his limbs. His dark brown eyes locked on his fallen red cap. He reached out, the sweat on his hands making the hat feel sticky as he picked it up. Though battered from the ordeal they had just gone through, the hat looked unharmed. He placed the cap on his head with a shuddering breath, just glad to have something familiar with him.

Ash stared at his hand, a purple tinge had formed on his fingertips. The poison was powerful, spreading farther than he had expected, draining every ounce of energy from him. He didn't have the strength to stand, so he instead closed his eyes, which were starting to water from his pain.

Ash wasn't quite sure how long he laid there, unmoving, waiting for something to happen. He drifted in and out of consciousness, the poison dulling his senses. The pine forest silent around him, his beating heart and the soft wind his only company as he wondered where he was.

Or perhaps the better question was when.

It wasn't until he heard something in the distance that Ash managed to find the will to open his eyes, wearily turning his head towards the sound. His fingers curled as he listened to the thumping sounds in the distance– steady and gradually getting louder. The noise seemed to draw him out of the trance he had slipped into, and he attempted to sit up.

That proved to be a mistake– his muscles crying out in pain as he attempted the feat. He slid back to the ground, all energy gone to even pull off the task. His breathing grew heavy from the effort, but he remained focused on the noise drawing closer. He recognized the sound, but it took his mind a moment longer to process the thumping of footsteps.

Ash blinked once, listening to the sounds of someone racing through the forest– heading straight towards him.