Chapter 19

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of it's affiliates.

A/N: Well here we are at the last chapter, kinda makes me sad to see my first fanfiction come to an end but also proud. I want to thank all of you who have reviewed, favorited, and followed this story, it really made doing this all the more enjoyable. A special thanks to my loyal guest reviewer and Mark Andrew for all the awesome reviews that you two have left me and the great ideas you offered. It was great to have such amazing reviewers who truly enjoyed the story. Since this is the last chapter that means that the poll is officially closed and the winner is Ash becoming a Gym Leader as my next story. I hope to see all of you when that story is published and sorry to those who voted for the other story. Well that's all I have to say so thanks again and I hope your all not too disappointed by how this ends.

"Is he dead?" A feminine voice asked curiously.

"No of course not." A deep gruff voice answered. "But I must say that whatever this human is made of makes him hard to kill."

"I must agree with you there Mewtwo." Another deep voice joined the discussion. "But why is he here in the first place? No human has been brought here before."

"What Giratina says is true, no human has ever been brought to the Hall of Origins before so why now?" Another female voice asked calmly.

"It was by my order that Mewtwo brought Ash here." A loud commanding voice spoke drawing the four Legendaries attention.

"Lord Arceus, I have brought him here as you requested sir." Mewtwo said with a bow.

"You have done well Mewtwo. Now Mew, Celebi, Giratina gather around. It is time to wake our guest and answer the many questions he must have. Mewtwo if you please." Arceus said as he motioned toward Ash's body.

"Yes sir." Mewtwo replied and moved closer to Ash and began to shake his shoulders. "Ash. Wake up Ash."

As Mewtwo continued shaking Ash's shoulders, the boys eye's slowly began to open. Seeing this Mewtwo stopped shaking and allowed Ash to groggily sit up and look at his surroundings. It appeared he was in a very large white room with what looked like a large vanity mirror on the floor in the center of the room. "Ugh, where am I?"

"You are in the Hall of Origin, the home of Arceus." Mewtwo answered while motioning to Arceus and the others.

Looking at the group of Legendaries surrounding him, Ash's face went from surprise to worry. "What happened to Yveltal? Did I fail to stop it?"

"Yveltal has returned to its hibernation, you have restored things to the way they were." Celebi answered, calming the young man's worries.

"Then what am I doing here? Am I dead?"

"No but you gave it your best shot." Mewtwo said with a chuckle.

"You were brought here so that you could know the truth young one." Arceus answered in his deep booming voice. Throughout your short life there have been unexplained events that have changed and shaped you into the man you are today. Now it is time for you to get the answers that you rightfully deserve."

"So I can ask anything?" Ash asked seriously.

"Yes. I will answer any questions that are within my power to answer." Arceus replied as the other Legendaries moved to either side of him so they too were facing Ash, an intimidating sight to say the least.

Ash's face gained a pained expression as he looked between the five Legendaries before finally speaking. "Why did my mother and Pikachu have to die? Why after all I did for all of you, you couldn't do me one thing and save my family?!" Anger was building in Ash as he finished his question causing his fists to clench and black flames to burn around them.

Seeing the flames on Ash's hands, Arceus let out a sigh. "I will tell you Ash but you must calm down first. Violence won't get you the answers you seek."

Staring at Arceus with a piercing glare for a moment longer, Ash slowly unclenched his fists and the flames went out. Seeing Ash relax Arceus continued. "Your mother and Pikachu's death was unfortunate but necessary for you to become the Aura Prince."

"What?! They died so I could have these damn powers! You bastard! How could you?!" Ash screamed as he charged toward Arceus with black flames burning brightly all over his body. Arceus didn't budge as Ash got closer but before Ash could land a hit on Arceus a giant black and gray tail wrapped tits way around his body restraining him. "Let go of me you fucking dragon!" Ash yelled as he struggled against Giratina's powerful tail.

"Calm down human or it will only get tighter." Giratina growled threateningly as he flexed his tail to prove his point.

"I understand that this is hard to hear but you must understand that the world needs The Aura Prince to help keep balance. That is why you must hear everything so you can understand why all this has happened to you." Arceus explained calmly.

Ash slowed his struggling but a scowl stayed on his face. The flames on his body dimmed but they didn't go out as he gave a small nod of understanding.

Taking a deep breath, Arceus began. "Since the beginning humans and Pokemon have lived in reasonable coexistence, each giving and taking from the other. Sometimes however there needed to be a mediator or go between of sorts to help keep the peace between the two species. This is where the Aura Guardians come in, humans with the ability to understand Pokemon and the power to stop any squabbles that may occur."

"Blah Blah Blah." Mew mouthed as she floated around Mewtwo's head. As Mew's tail flicked past Mewtwo's face for the tenth time, the clone grabbed it and pulled Mew so the were face to face and gave her a shut up and sit still glare as Arceus continued the story.

"Now this system worked for many years, allowing peace to reign throughout the regions. But eventually corruption began among the ranks of the Aura Guardians, they began to abuse their powers by using them to rule over others and force them to do their bidding. This caused conflict to form between the Guardians who were ruling over others and those who followed the old ways of keeping balance in the world. Eventually a war broke out between the two sides, many lives were lost and the number of Aura Guardians dwindled. With so few Guardians left, myself and the other Legendaries decided that a new way to keep balance must be used."

"The Aura Prince right?" Ash asked bitterly while still stuck in Giratina's tail.

"Yes but we didn't come to this decision lightly. We knew that giving so much power to one person could have catastrophic effects. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. So we had to chose the person carefully, make sure that they had a good sense of fairness and justice with a selfless nature. They would also have to go through trials to gain their full powers."

"Trials? What do you mean?" Ash asked, curious of where this was going.

Celebi moved forward to answer, "In order for the Prince to maintain balance in the world they must have a good understanding of all aspects of that world. They would need to know the happiness of friends and family but also the sadness of losing those close to them. The joy of success and the pain of defeat, the feeling of loving someone more than yourself and of hating someone with all your being. That is why the Prince can use both light and dark aura, because they know the world is a wonderful beautiful place but it is also a dark and dangerous place so both are needed to keep it that way."

"That is right." Arceus agreed. "Think back through your life and all the experiences and emotions that you have felt Ash. You have been through more than most go through in a lifetime and it has made you stronger and able to empathize with most anyone you meet, be they happy and joyful to sad and suffering."

Ash looked down and thought about what Arceus and Celebi had said. It was true that he had been through a lot in his short life. Growing up without a dad, surviving the spearow attack on his first day, being called a murderer and then exiled, all of that had been terrible at the time but it made all the good things shine brighter. The love of his mom and Pikachu, all his friends and people he had met, and competing in all those battles seemed all the happier with all the darkness behind it. And it was true that all of that had given him a broad perspective of the world and it's inhabitants, both the good and the bad. Looking over his life it truly was a life lived to the fullest.

"Giratina please release him." Arceus ordered. Giratina hesitated for a moment and then uncoiled his tail from around Ash and set him on the ground. Ash was still off in his thoughts but a small smile was on his face and the flames on his body had disappeared. "Now I don't want you to think that we are not grateful for all that you have done and suffered through. A hero should be rewarded for all he has done. But since so many choices have been taken away from you over the years, this time you will be able to chose your reward as it were."

Ash looked up to see the small smile on all the Legendaries faces. Using a much kinder voice Ash spoke. "Thank you and sorry for earlier, I've been so angry at all of you for a long time but after the incident with Mewtwo I thought I was past it. I guess it will take some time for that wound to heal."

"We understand Ash." Celebi said with a nod.

Ash then turned back to Arceus. "So what are these choices you mentioned?"

"There will be three choices and you can chose any one of them that you like. These three choices represent the paths that your life can go. This is your chance to control your own fate young Prince."

"Wow, high pressure choice." Ash muttered

Arceus didn't hear Ash and continued. "The first choice is slightly grim but it will allow you to see your mom and Pikachu again. You can chose to give up your life and join them in the after life. No more pain or suffering just peace like you would have if Mewtwo hadn't intervened."

Arceus watched the shocked expression cross not only Ash's face but the other Legendaries face's as well by what he had said. It was an outrageous choice but if anyone could make it happen it would be the Alpha Pokemon. Before any of them could ask, Arceus continued. "The second choice is the one that I hope you give some serious consideration. It would benefit not only you but the world as well. The second choice is to stay here and work along side the Legendaries as a protector of humans and Pokemon alike."

"No way! I am not working with him! Not after what he did to Mewtwo!" Mew yelled angrily as she darted around frantically.

"Mew just be quiet you annoying little cat." Giratina growled at the smaller Legendary.

"Don't tell me what to do you pointy headed freak!" Mew yelled while floating in front of Giratina's face.

"Silence!" Arceus boomed while Celebi laughed while Ash and Mewtwo smirked at the feuding Legendaries. Shaking his head in disbelief, Arceus turned back to Ash. "Sorry about that. Now where was I?"

"My last choice." Ash said seriously.

"Ah yes. The final option is simply for you to return to your life. You would keep your powers and your Pokemon would be returned to you. You would have to wait for a few months but I promise you the world that you return to will be better than the one you left and you could go back to the life you once had. A Pokemon trainer with a dream. These are your choices, chose wisely."

"Thank you. I really appreciate that you are allowing me to chose my own fate." Ash said while bowing to Arceus. When he raised his head he had tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. "But in the end, there really is no choice at all. I know where I belong."

"Thank you Chuck for that exciting report on Psyduck behavior patterns, compelling stuff."

"Its been three months since the attack on Luminoise City by the Legendary Pokemon Yveltal and clean up efforts are almost completed. The Destruction Pokemon caused massive damage to the northern part of the city and though there was minimal casualties, the amount of damage to buildings and infrastructure went into the millions for repairs. Elite Four Member Malva has been heading the clean up effort from the start and when questioned said that she is proud of how quickly and efficiently the clean up has gone and can't wait to see Luminoise be returned to it's former glory."

"Back in the Kanto Region recently elected League President Red has continued his crusade in cleaning up the League. Red, the former Kanto Champion, who returned three months ago after an extended absence has been making big waves since his return. Red started by exposing a large number of criminal activities committed by high ranking League officials including former President Lance who is set to go to trial early next week."

"Red has also started an evaluation of all Gym Leaders and Elite Four members to ensure that they measure up to the Leagues standards. In a statement Red explained that he wants the quality of battling to continue to improve, not be held back by complacent Gym Leaders and elites. The future of the League will truly be a bright one if we all do our very best to make it that way. And that's the news, I'm Anne" "Click!"

Paul spun his chair to face the four women who had also been watching the report. Cynthia, Misty, Lily and Sabrina had come to Paul's office to watch the news report, hoping for news on Ash. When Ash never returned from fighting Yveltal everyone was devastated but they continued to hope that he would show up as he had done before. But days had turned turned to weeks and weeks to months and still no Ash.

"For someone who hates publicity, Red sure does show up on TV a lot." Paul stated with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah. He's on there almost as much as the News reporters." Cynthia added but the other girls didn't see the humor of the little joke.

Sighing deeply Paul continued. "All of you are dismissed. I'll send word of any news I receive as soon as I get it."

Receiving small nods from Sabrina, Lily and Misty, the trio left Paul's office in different directions. Once they had left Cynthia spoke up sadly. "They are still taking this really hard. They must have really loved him."

"I know." Paul replied. "But eventually they will have to accept the truth and move on."

"First loves never end Paul." Cynthia said as she grabbed the door handle. "They will always love him, even when they do eventually move on and get married and have kids. He will always be their first love." As she finished, Cynthia closed the door behind her leaving Paul to think about what she had said.

Meanwhile on the roof Sabrina was leaning against the railing of the Sinnoh League watching the Wingull fly by in the cloudless blue sky. "Ash." Sabrina whispered as a lone tear fell from her eye. "Why did you have to leave me? We had such a short time together, I just wanted it to last ."

The tears were flowing freely now, just as they had done for the past few months. But even in all her sadness, Sabrina still noticed the light touch on her hand. Looking up from her hunched over position, she saw a feather that was perfectly white and had an otherworldly glow.

"Sabrina."

The breath hitched in Sabrina's throat at the voice, a voice that she desperately hoped she hadn't imagined. Turning around quickly Sabrina bumped into someones chest and would have fallen down if not for a pair of strong arms holding her close. Looking up Sabrina locked eyes with a pair of chocolate brown ones that she knew all to well. "Ash?"

"Yeah it's me. Sorry for the long wait but..." Ash began to apologize but Sabrina had thrown her arms around him and began kissing him passionately.

After a few minutes the pair finally separated for air but continued to look at each other, memorizing every detail of the others face. "I missed you Ash. Where have you been these past few months?"

"Its a long story that will have to wait but there is something that can't wait. Something I need you to do for me." Ash said with a smile as he held Sabrina in his arms.

"And what might that be?" Sabrina asked curiously while she laid her head on Ash's shoulder.

"I want you to read my mind."

Pushing her head away, Sabrina looked at Ash with a curious expression. "Why? Last time didn't exactly go so well."

"True but this time will be different, trust me." Ash said with a smirk as he moved his face closer to Sabrina's.

"Okay if you insist." Sabrina answered as her eyes began to glow. She entered Ash's mind much easier than the last time and couldn't believe the difference of how Ash's mind looked. Instead of darkness there was images flicking around of people from Ash's past either laughing or smiling. Everywhere you looked there was joy and happiness, it made Sabrina smile to know that Ash was happy again. Looking to the middle of all the images Sabrina saw a small orb and moved toward it. When she got close to the orb it began playing images like a movie projector. It showed sweet scenes of Ash and his mom from when he was young all the way up to when he was sixteen then it changed to images of him and Pikachu. The two playing in a field, Pikachu shocking him awake in the morning, and fighting gym battles together. Just when Sabrina thought that was it more images started up, images of her. Her laughing at Haunter, her giving him a peck on the cheek, and her telling him she loved him then acting as the end credits for a movie four big words appeared making Sabrina gasp.

I love you Sabrina.

As the glow faded from Sabrina's eyes tears took their place. She didn't know what to say, those four little words meant everything to her and she knew he truly meant them.

"I really mean it. I love you Sabrina and I always will. Will you be my girlfriend?" Ash asked sweetly.

"Yes of course I will." Sabrina said as she jumped him and began kissing him passionately again. After a few moments they separated again and Sabrina took Ash's hand in hers.

"Lets go and tell everyone the good news." Ash said while heading toward the stairwell only to have Sabrina pull him back.

"Hang on a minute. I just got you back and I'm not ready to share you just yet." Sabrina said with a seductive smirk.

"What did you have in mind?" Ash asked curiously while tilting his head.

Sabrina raised her free hand, revealing the pure white feather that had fallen on her hand earlier. Smiling Ash leaned in and whispered softly. "For you anything." He then leaned down and scooped Sabrina up in his arms bridal style as his white wings spread wide from his back.

"My hero." Sabrina said sweetly as Ash pushed off and the two went soaring through the clear blue skies together.

End?