AN: Final chapter! AHHHH! I can't believe this has taken me almost two years to write. Definitely didn't expect it to be almost 200,000 words!

But! I will be including a list of updates at the end of this chapter sooo CHECK THE END OF THE STORY FOR UPDATES! (hint – may be citrus involved. Wink wink.)

Chapter Warnings: Language, death, assault on your feelings, end of the era, etc.

Pairing: Ash x Gary

Chapter 45 - Gone

The Draconids huddle together in the middle of the Indigo City. When the King issued the orders for retreat, they followed blindly. Running into the protection the City walls had to offer. All to avoid the devastating attacks of the raging League pokemon.

The Aerials and Captains were able to give them time to get away. They distracted the giant beasts long enough for them to file in past the great fortified gates. The flyers quickly following as the dragons began unleashing attack after attack.

A giant trench split the Plateau width-wise from a combined diving Earthquake attack. The gorge was quickly filled with fire and electricity. Creating a roaring barrier between the League and the City while they regrouped.

Orders to create the barrier they made at the beginning of the battle were issued. Quickly executed by the remaining pokemon they had left. But it was weak and didn't extend all the way around the city. Just the front half that faced the League's monsters.

The clansmen and women huddled together as terrifying roars echoed over the wall. The enclosure protecting them shaking and rumbling as attacks rained down on it.

The dragons struggled to hold the massive gates shut. Almost completely out of energy from the series of attacks they unleashed to get their people away in time.

Just as it seems like the Dragonites would fall to their knees, too weak to keep them safe any longer, two members of the Elite Four appeared.

Bruno and his heavily muscled fighting pokemon immediately take over guarding the gate. Even two large Onix lend their support. Burying their tails in the ground and using their long bodies as massive doorstops.

Agatha stands in the shadows of two skyscrapers. Her ghost pokemon along with the King's Gengar fortifying their protective barrier tenfold with their powers. Strengthening what the Draconid pokemon created and extending it cover the whole City.

Even though they refused to help them fight the League in actual battle, the Elite Four are still required to guard the City that is under their protection. They came through when they were needed most. When the Draconids were too exhausted to protect themselves, the Elite Four stepped up like they promised.

A piercing scream draws all eyes upward. A blue speck blinks in the late afternoon light. Like a shooting star.

But this star isn't shooting by the Earth for onlookers to wish on. This star is hurtling toward the Plateau faster than the speed of sound.

The Draconids can only watch in horror as their King and his Knight plummet towards them. Many having only had the chance to talk to the two heroes of Prophecy once or twice in the short time they had been among them.

And now they were going to lose them both the same way they lost their first King.

Sacrificing themselves in order for the Draconids to survive another day.

The shining light from the Draco Meteor casts everything in a brilliant blue hue. The clansmen and women grab those nearby. Huddling in silence with tears streaming down their cheeks as the honor their saviors.

Screeching through the sky, the two ruling Dragonites strike the Plateau. The shockwave sending everyone to their knees at its intensity. The roar of the flames drowning out all sound as the inferno races across the ground. Hurtling up and over the thin barrier that is all that is between them and certain death.

Wave after wave of dragon fire rushes above them. But the barrier holds. Leaving a ringing silence in its wake.

No roars of the League's deranged pokemon. No rhythmic marching of League troops.

No triumphant roars of the two ruling Dragonites.

As soon as the barrier falls, the five remaining Captains launch into the air. Racing over the City wall as they search for their missing King and Knight.

The rest of the Draconids wait impatiently. Waiting for some word that their saviors are alive against all odds. For some signal that this war is finally over.

A lone dragon's cry of mourning echoes over the silence.

Rushing towards the gate, they wait impatiently for Bruno to let them out of the City. Even the most hardened warrior shedding tears they can no longer contain.

Bruno's two Onix slide into the ravine that allowed their escape. Using their long necks to form a makeshift bridge.

As one, the Draconids move across the empty Plateau. Sprinting towards the center. Now home to a massive crater.

The five Dragonite's stand guard over the crater's lip. At its center lies four bodies. Somehow, miraculously, still intact after the devastating attack. Somehow not atomized from the impact and subsequent release of immense energy.

They watch as the Crimson Streak Rider slides off his dragon and stumbles into the crater. Sliding down its shallow edges to reach his son at the center. Removing the King's helmet as he cradles his son's limp body to his chest. Uncontrollable sobs shaking the Captain's body as he once again failed to protect his only child.

A keening wail rises from the dragons. Crying out their loss of their Alpha and Beta to the sky. Heartbreaking to hear. Pulling at the heartstrings of all present.

The cries of the dragon pokemon reach out to the heavens. As if they are trying to call their leaders back from beyond the veil.

But then the most spectacular thing happens.

The Alpha Dragonite stirs.

Rising its massive head off of the bottom of the crater, the titan stretches its thick neck to nudge his mate. The Beta's head rising in response. Nuzzling together for several quiet moments before both dragons stretch out towards their bonded humans.

Stunned into silence at the movement, the Draconids begin to cheer. Echoed by the exultant trumpets and roars of their pokemon.

For there is one thing any Draconid knows from the time they can talk.

As long as a Dragonite lives, so does it's Rider.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash struggles to open his eyes. His body is too warm and the light beyond his closed eyelids is too bright.

With a groan, he opens them all the way. Blinking to bring them back into focus. He casts his gaze around curiously. Taking in the massive tent he finds himself in. On one side, behind his head, the looming Indigo City wall rises. Its grey surface scorched black in multiple swirling patterns extending all over its surface.

High above him, anchored to the wall, stretches a large tarp from the wall all the way down to the ground. Creating a giant lean-to tent.

Upon closer examination, he can make out multiple colors in the tarp. Pointing to the fact that the massive structure must have been created with most of the tents that survived the battle.

He struggles to get up on his elbows. His entire body groaning in agony and pain. Eyes squinting when a beam of sunlight filters in from a hole above to assault his vision again.

Spotting his prone partner in the makeshift cot next to his, Ash flings off the covers and swings his legs to the side. Only to be stopped by several Healers that rush to his side upon noticing that he's awake.

They ignore his questions about Gary until they give him a thorough check-up. Only letting him go once they determine that he only has minor wounds and severely drained of energy. Explaining that Gary is still asleep with only a broken arm already wrapped tight in a dark blue cast.

I can't believe we actually survived. His plan worked.

Sitting on Gary's bed, he casts out with his mind. The Alpha responds immediately. Humming with pleasure upon seeing that his trainer is alright and awake. Explaining that his mate is alive and well minus a broken wing. Already well on the way to recovery thanks to the Healers' pokemon.

Ash is pulled away before his partner wakes. Summoned to the newly reconstructed Command Pavilion at the Elders' request.

He's immediately engulfed into strong arms the moment he steps out of the Medic Tent. Tears soaking his hair as Frank embraces him for several long minutes. Muttering apologies for being unable to protect him once again.

Ash forgives him. There was nothing his father could do anyway. It was their only option to beat the League. Besides, he's still alive right? No need for apologies.

The Elders fill him in on what happened after they unleashed the Draco Meteor. How the dragons were first to awaken. How Gary and him were immediately surrounded by Healers to make sure they would survive.

They mentioned how there was evidence that a few thousand League soldiers hid from the attack in an uncollapsed tunnel on the edge of the Plateau. How they managed to get away in the confusion afterward.

They mentioned how the Draconids lost over 5,000 warriors. Of the 3,000 that remained, many were injured. They would have to stay on the Plateau for several days until they healed enough for the trip back to Mt. Silver.

However, Aerials that had enough strength for the long flight had already left. Racing back towards their home to provide support to those left behind in case they are still under siege. With orders to report back if the situation takes a turn for the worse.

It was then that Gary finally shuffles into the Pavilion. Eyes immediately searching for Ash. A strange emotion swirling in their sea foam depths once his partner locks onto him.

After filling Gary in, the other leaders of the Draconid clan piled food in the weary arms and sent them on their way. Ordering them to go to their own tent to eat and catch up on rest. Promising them they won't be disturbed again until they got a good night's rest.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

They eat in silence. Slowly chewing and swallowing their food as the reflect on the past few days. It hasn't even been two weeks since they stepped into the Dragon's Den to begin their Trial.

And in that short amount of time, they were revealed to be the two heroes in the Prophecy. The two that saved all of Kanto from the League's influence by taking almost all of their forces out in the deciding battle.

But there was still much to do. They had to take time to recover and bury their dead. Find the citizens that fled from Indigo City and return them to their home. March back to Mt. Silver sure their home still stands. Send out scouts to find the remaining League soldiers and command structure. Send some kind of representative to the media before they can turn this battle against them.

Plus those pokemon worried him. The pokemon who are too large to be normal. The ones with the glowing red eyes that couldn't be controlled. Not by their own trainers or the strange power Ash discovered within himself.

So much to do and it all has to be taken care of as soon as possible. Ash sighs in exhaustion as the weight of what's to come settles on his shoulders.

"Did you mean it?" Gary asks suddenly as the brunet picks at his food. Eyes now suddenly unwilling to meet Ash's own. "What you told me when we were falling?"

Ash stiffens at the words. Suddenly unable to face them now that they actually survived the attack. He can only picture Gary's stupefied face after he pushed his thoughts through their bonds. And that same face again when his emotions overcame him three weeks ago. Causing the kiss after that rockslide.

A soothing rumble echoes through his mind. Calming his nerves and giving him strength.

No matter what happens. Gary is still my partner. Plus our dragons are mated. He won't leave. He can't leave. The Beta won't let him go.

I can tell him now.

"I wanted to tell you earlier." Ash began slowly. "On the rooftop. I just couldn't get the words out then."

He pauses but Gary says nothing in response. Just looking at him blankly with his jaw clenched tight.

Worried that his partner would get upset, Ash rushes everything out before his partner attacks him. "After Arceus brought me back, I didn't want to say anything. Not when we suddenly found ourselves in what we thought was hostile territory. And then we had to pretend we were married again. And I just thought that 'I'll take what I can get. Even if he's just acting' you know? Carys actually figured us out though."

Ash knows he's rambling at this point but he just can't stop. The words finally flowing out of him after being locked up for so long.

"And then there was that rockslide and I thought I lost you and I just couldn't help myself! I was just so relieved you were okay. And when we were falling, I thought that I couldn't die again without telling you. So I pushed it through the Alpha to the Beta and then to you and I just...I'm sorry I guess. I know I should have told you sooner. I shouldn't have hidden it for so long. I was worried about how you would react. I know you are just my partner and nothing will change that but I didn't want to make it awkward. Plus being rejected flat out would just suck. And I-"

His hurried explanation is cut of by a pair of rough lips pressing violently against his own. Bruising them with their pressure.

Breath caught in his throat, Ash just stares wide-eyed at his partner as Gary pulls away. Forehead resting against his own as the brunet sighs.

"Ash, shut up." Gary's whispers across the small space. His voice thick with emotion. Ash can only nod in stunned silence as his partner leans in once more.

Warning: Slight citrus ahead. Nothing too graphic but YE HAVE BEEN WARNED. Skip ahead to next break if this offends you in any way. Written just cuz my mind is a dirty place. Skipping will not take anything out of the story. Enjoy

He sucks in air harshly as their lips meet again. Quickly increasing in speed and intensity.

Ash buries his hands in Gary's thick brown hair. Pulling his partner's face closer to him as Gary devours him.

He leans back as Gary pushes forward. Landing on their sleeping bags as their legs tangle together. Bodies pressing closer until there is almost no space between them anymore.

Ash gasps as Gary bites his bottom lip harshly. The brunet taking the opportunity to bury his tongue in his mouth. Tangling with Ash's in a furious battle for dominance.

He slides one hand down his partner's spine. Gary shivers in response. Ash's soul soars. Loving that he was the one causing Gary to respond this way. That he was the one making his partner fall apart.

Ash presses his hips upward. Grinding into the brunet above him. Tossing his head back as shockwaves of pleasure assault his body.

A deep groan echoes in his ears. Gary burying his face in Ash's neck as he presses back with force. Using gravity to his advantage as he struggles to hold himself up on his good arm.

"Ash."His partner whispers. Voice thick with desire and lust.

He shivers. That voice fueling his own carnal hunger. Gasping as teeth latch onto his neck. Pulling harshly at the skin. Leaving a trail of bruises in their wake.

Ash grunts in frustration when those lips leave him. Pulling away for just several seconds as Gary struggles to remove his tight shirt with one hand.

Ash is happy to help. Running his hands over the pale skin as soon as its revealed to him. Tracing ridges of muscles and lines of scars.

His partner shivers at the fleeting touches to his sensitive skin. Reaching forward to practically rip Ash's shirt off of him in response. Pressing them back together like two pokemon in heat.

He wraps his legs around the waist above him. Bringing them even closer together. Separated by only a few layers of cloth.

A particularly forceful thrust has Ash crying out in pain. His ribs creaking in protest in the new position. Not yet fully healed from the assault they took when the crashed into the Plateau.

The sound freezes Gary in place. Panting harshly as he slowly pulls away from Ash. Sea foam eyes take in the dark bruises circling Ash's torso.

Long fingers brush the dark purple skin tenderly. Ash flinching in response.

With a sigh, Gary pulls away from the iron grip his legs have on the brunet's waist. Ignoring Ash's growl of protest.

~~~~~End Citrus~~~~~

Pulling the edge of the open sleeping bag with him, Gary lays down gingerly next to him. Pulling Ash close as he tucks them in.

Blue-green eyes slide closed as Gary lays a gentle kiss onto his forehead before laying down to sleep. Ash stares at him for several moments. Reliving the past few minutes over and over in his mind just to make sure this isn't another dream. To make sure that this is real.

That Gary apparently has feelings for him as well.

"You know we're picking back up where we left off when we get home right?" Ash whispers into the growing darkness.

All he gets is an absolutely wicked smirk in response.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Loud roaring fills his mind. Flashes of his dragon flying off with the Beta in his arms. The two dragons growling in pleasure as they mate in the wilderness. Their instincts skyrocketing in response to Gary and his actions in their tent.

Their roar of release as they finish mating as their humans fall asleep.

Their leisurely flight back to the Draconid camp. The soothing rumbles as they snuggle together next to their humans' tent. Protecting them even as they slumber together.

Then everything changes.

A grunt of pain fills the small space. Sounds of shuffling. The thick cloying scent of chloroform assaulting his senses.

Ash leaps out of the sleeping bag as soon as he makes out the two foreign shapes in his tent. Reaching out for any kind of weapon he can find when he sees the limp form of his partner on the floor.

He begins to shout for help. Crouching as he prepares to body slam the nearest intruder.

At least, he tries to. But in the dark, he didn't see the staff flying towards him. Striking him in the side of his head.

Ash hits the ground hard. Ears ringing at the impact. His exhausted body not having the strength to tense even a single muscle after that strike.

His vision fades as the two dark shapes seemingly melt into the ground. Dragging his partner's limp body with them.

He loses consciousness just before a rumbling growl vibrates through the small space. A golden pokemon bursting through the tent entrance. Eyeing the mysterious hole in the ground. Growling in anger before crawling back out into the night.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

Ash groans as a thin beam of bright light assaults his open eyes. Professor Ivy looms beyond the beam. Studying him intently as her penlight shines back and forth. Monitoring his pupils response to the sudden change in light.

He pushes her away gently. Struggling to rise from the hard ground. Accepting her help when his ribs cry out in protest.

He blinks in confusion at the destroyed tent. Lying on the ground haphazardly with several long gashes torn through the front fabric. Pulled roughly to the side to reveal a gaping tunnel right next to where their sleeping bag was.

Ash stares around. Touching the side of his head gingerly when a throb of pain assaults his mind. His hand comes away sticky with blood.

"What happened?" He asks the doctor. His voice slurry from his forced sleep.

She hesitates for just a second too long. Setting alarm bells off in his mind. With a bottomless dread quickly filling his stomach, he whips his head around. Searching desperately for his partner even when his vision swims in protest at the sudden movement.

A thin whine echoes through his mind. Long and keening. The sound of uncontrolled grief. Laced heavily with the guilt of being unable to prevent such a tragedy.

His dragon lays defeated several feet away. Body quivering in exhaustion. Arms and legs quivering as it struggles to get off the ground only to collapse again and again. Energy completely depleted from the Draco Meteor and mating with the Beta.

"He's gone." She whispers. Her deep voice thick with sorrow. "The Beta Dragonite is too. We think she took off after him. Her cries of alarm woke the Alpha who roused the camp."

Ash stares at her uncomprehending. Gaze searching as they finally stop walking. The remaining Captains and Elders staring back at him with sadness and pity etched all over their faces.

"He's gone." Ansehelm reiterates. "The League kidnapped Gary last night. We already sent out a search party but their trail disappeared at the edge of the Plateau...They're gone."

Gary.

xxx-War of the Dragon Riders-xxx

AN: Omg guys. That's it! The end of The War of the Dragon Riders! Do you hate me now? There will be a sequel though! I promise!

Now that the story is done, Did you like it? Anything confuse you? Anything you may want to see in the next story? I feel like most of the reviews were from the same awesome readers so I can't tell what you guys are thinking :'(

UPDATES TO WDR:

Arcs have been added to the beginning of the following chapters to bring more detail to this version of the poke-world: Chapter 2, 20, 32, 39

The first few chapters got major uplifts to match the rest of the story

Citrus has been added… Chapters 12 & 28

Next up – The Hunt for Dragon Riders

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