I waited outside the pokemon center for Serena, promising her I would wait. She was currently getting changed. The day was filled with excitement, the Flectling were gliding on the smooth winds, the rays beaming upon the Kalos region, and upon my face. It felt... peaceful. For the first time in a while, I had no worries. My body felt at ease, and my mind at peace. Peace that was soon disturbed by a strong gust flowing through. My signature hat getting knocked off, and then caught by a person. A person I knew all too well.

"Tobias..." I put in a cold tone, both of us now in an eye lock. "Ash, it's good to see you as well, old..." I cut him off before he could finish "Acquaintance. Last time I saw you was in the Sinnoh league. I'm sure we can both recall what happened" I turned my head out towards the way of the school, then at my watch. 

"Listen, if this is urgent. Speak up, don't butter me up for anything. I don't have time to deal with this, there's a person who is catching onto me. This will only look even more suspicious." I explained to Tobias the current situation.

"I see. I am well aware that you are apart of the Kanto Protection Association, but are currently under a protection program and have decided to join forces with the Kalos Protection Association." I nodded, indicating him to continue. "We heard of your work in Kanto, and the take down of Team Rocket. Proffesor Rowan, head of SPA sent me personally to deliver this message. We are asking for you to join us, and help us with the infiltration of Team Galactic, knocking them out of this world" Tobias proposed, while I raised my hand to my chin, and thought upon it.

My deep thought was cut short by Tobias "Ash, let's both be honest here. You clearly aren't enjoying any of your time here, put your skills to use. There's isn't much for you to do here, of course you will have those uncommon occurrences such as the Prism Tower incident, that must have been quite something" The fact that he knew it was me caught me off guard

"What led you do that conclusion? There's no evidence implying that I'm the one who was on the tower." I asked, questioning Tobias' deductive skills "I don't know anyone else, who's heart is filled with such greatness, that would risk their own lives jumping off of a tower and plummeting to their inevitable deaths only to save a pokemon." He said with a smile. I stared at him, into his right visible eye, the other covered by the long hair.

"If you know this... are you aware of my past as well, by any chance?" I asked with sternness in my voice. He sighed and replied "Unfortunately I am, and-" I stopped his sentence by raising my hand "Then you would realize how this may impact my decision. You know it happened because I got into something I shouldn't have, and here I am, put forth with another decision that could potentially escalate and the outcome could be exactly the same" I put clearly, explaining my view on the proposal.

"That may be true, although as harsh and dreadful this may sound... You have no one, nor anything to lose at this point. You should fight now, more than ever. Besides, I thought the idea of beating the living hell out of villains would indulge you." There was a moment of silence, I didn't feel like saying anything, but I was considering it more and more. Emptiness was the feeling that filled my body.

"Think of all the others who will suffer if these organizations are to continue their doings. Think of others that will suffer, think of yourself and what you have suffered. There is no one left in your life now, there isn't any reason for you to decline this" Tobias put coldly, but truly. I can't argue with him. The feeling of appreciation and caring has long left my mind. 

An image of Serena flashed through my mind. 'No... Only a lie, only brings pain, only another deception of reality' I shook the thought then turned to Tobias and nodded "I'm in. What do I need to do?"

He gained a grin, and put a hand on my shoulder "Glad to hear so, the operation will take in Sinnoh, as you may have expected. The details will be explained to you in a meeting consisting of myself, the professor and another member of my squad. For now you mu-" Tobias stopped and changed his attention towards the direction of the pokemon center.

"The person you are worried about, she is coming" He said with a cold tone, his hand left my shoulder and his mouth released his last sentence "Go to professor Sycamore, he has already been filled in on the details" I gave another nod, and watched him walk down the path from which he came only to soon disappear out of sight.

Serena ran up to me and looked at the direction that Tobias had just left in. Her expression was that of flabbergasted, while taking a few steps towards the path, scraping her shoes against the dirt. "Ready to go?" I asked from behind. She turned around, her eyes still fixed on the empty path "Yeah... I'm ready" her voice was filled with suspicion.

We stayed silent walking towards the school, until the voice of the girl near me broke said silence "Do you mind if I ask who that person was? I've never seen him before." I anticipated for her to question Tobias' appearance, and was quick to reply "Oh him? Simply a friend, or well more of a colleague" Or well, soon to be a colleague. That reminds me, I need to shake off Serena and talk with the professor.

"Oh, Ok..." I heard her mutter under her breath. "Ash..." I heard her say, I didn't want to make eye contact and refrained from turn my head back "Yes?" I said, there was a moment of silence before she continued "Why, do you push yourself and your pokemon so hard? It's really worrisome, and could be dangerous" I shook my head, indicating that I disagreed with her, then replied 

"Only by pushing our limits, can we hope to further them" 

Ending the conversation there. The walk to school was nothing but silence, filled with the surrounding noise of nature.

Not long after, we had reached school premises. I needed to make contact professor Sycamore as soon as possible and discuss this help with Team Galactic in Sinnoh. I turned to Serena at the entrance "Go on ahead, go to your friends. I have to talk with professor Sycamore" She stopped and faced me "Thanks for walking me to school Ash, and letting me s-sleep in the same room with y-you" I could see the color of her cheeks transition to a shade of crimson. I nodded and headed towards the office.

Upon arrival I was met by professor Sycamore sitting in his chair, pointing the opposite direction "Professor" I said and got his attention "Ash! Marvelous to see you!" He said as he turned around. "I assume you know why we are having this meeting, Tobias did end up finding you correct?" I nodded and took a seat. He turned his computer screen around and showed a map of the Sinnoh region "This is where you'll be going the-" I cut him off "Sinnoh region, yes I'm quite well aware of the region as, if you would recall I have traveled across it before" 

Sycamore sweat dropped and then put on a serious expression "Well Ash? Did you come to a conclusion, your answer is?" He asked me, with his elbows on the desk and his hands together over his mouth, giving an inquisitive look. I shrugged my shoulders, closed my eyes and gave my answer "I've got nothing to lose at this point, I'm in. Tell me where, when and I'll be there" I told the professor, crossing my hands.

"Marvelous, that was the answer I was hoping to hear. The details are yet unclear to me, however I know that you will take an airplane to Jubilife City, there you will get picked up by a member of the Sinnoh Protection Association and transferred over to a discrete area, where you will have a meeting with their special forces squad and discuss the current situation regarding Team Galactic." The professor explained, while I continued to listen keeping my eyes closed.

"Mhmm" I answered "Ash are you even listening?" I nodded my head "Listening is not the same as hearing, I expec-" 

"Details are unclear, I am to take an aircraft overseas to the Sinnoh region, upon arrival I will be greeted by a member from SPA, then taken to a discrete location to uphold a meeting regarding the infiltration of Team Galactic" I told the professor then opened my eyes, seeing him in a bit of a confused state "Anything else I should know about?" I asked him "Actually, I was going to ask you the same question. Tobias sent me a message regarding your concern for you identity within the special forces unit. You believe someone is on to you?" He asked, to which I nodded.

"Serena already noticed the cut, and by now has most likely already come with a theory and in time, short time she will eventually put two and two together to find out what is actually happening." I paused putting my hand on my chin, as did the professor "And what to do about this..." The professor said "Wait, I have an idea. It's a long shot but it might work. Although it will cost us the identity of one of our members in order to keep mine a secret." Sycamore seemed intrigued and motioned me to continue.

"We can set up a fake interview. Alain has nearly the same posture and physical appearance as me. Should he be the one to claim to be the hero everyone is hunting for, it will take attention off of me. Since Alain isn't one to be in public, this will help us both. Since I'm often out in open public, it could cause an issue for my safety." I explained my plan to the professor. He slouched back into the chair, and gazed at the ceiling.

"...It just might work..." He said, then turned to me "Marvelous idea Ash. We will contact Alain and let him know. By the time you reach Sinnoh you should or rather will be able to see the interview. For now then" He stood up and walked to the window "Finish the rest of your classes, and first thing after school take the flight to Sinnoh." He finished

I stood up from my chair and walked towards the door exiting, and proceeding towards the rest of my classes and hoping to go through this day smoothly and swiftly.

Now, I am sitting. Up in the sky, watching down upon this land we live upon. The sun is soon to begin setting, darkness filling the world once more. I gaze down towards the blue ocean, the vastness of it never seeming to surprise. 

"Pika-Pikachu!" The mouse pokemon cried out, as it slowly woke up and nuzzled against my chest "Hey there buddy. I don't know how close we are yet" I said giving another look outside "Pikachu, remember. Giovanni is still out there, somewhere. I still can't stand the thought of it, planning his way back. I can feel it, he will show up. It's only a matter of time" 

"Pika..." Pikachu replied in a sad tone. I turned back to my most loyal pokemon and petted him, "Chaaaa" he squealed out "Don't worry. When that day comes, we'll beat him for sure. It won't be like last time. Our weakness' have been eliminated, only strength is left." I told him in a reassuring way, forming a fist full of determination.

"Now Pikachu, we go to the meeting with Tobias and discuss with professor Rowan. We learn all there is about Team Galactic... and then we crush them. No mercy." Fire began forming in my eyes. Pikachu nodded and also gave a fist of determination. I grinned and then turned to face the window.

From a distance, pieces of land could be seen visible, slowly coming into view. 'Sinnoh...' I said to myself in my head 'So we meet again after all this time' There was a short pause, silence. All turned into darkness 'Team Galactic... No... Cyrus... I will... kill you' I looked down at my hands, shaking vigorously. My eyes fixed back onto the Sinnoh region, and caught the attention off a light in the distance. A bright light illuminated in the mountain region of Sinnoh. I stared in awe as the beam of light exploded and shot out towards the sky 'What the...' I thought to myself.

An image flashed through my head, for a mere moment. Everything could visible. Everything, yet nothing. I saw everything, but can't remember anything. I chuckled, followed by a grin. I relaxed back into the semi-comfortable chair and closed my eyes "It was you then" I said out loud.

I got off the plane, my hair swaying left and right from the gust of air blowing through. I walk down the steps only to be met by exactly who I was expecting "Ash" I looked them up and down, reassuring it's actually them. Now finished, I nodded. "Come with us please" One of them said as they opened the door to a car. I took a seat inside, next to me was Tobias. 

"Glad you could make it Ash. How was the flight?" He asked trying to make talk. I shrugged and looked out the window "Just like any other flight" I put in an expressionless tone. "We will be arriving to the meeting spot soon. I hope you're ready for this" He said. I decided to ignore him. The quicker we get this stupid meeting over with, the faster I'm able to go out and act on my own. 

"Did you end up taking care of the incident?" He asked, the question intrigued me, but I didn't exactly know what he was talking about "Which one might you be referring to?" I replied with my own question "As I recall from this morning, you told me there was someone who is catching onto you. I assume it was the girl that was with you outside of the pokemon center?" I nodded and spoke "All things are sorted, she shouldn't be a bother anymore. We set up a fake interview to make everyone believe it was someone else, getting attention away from me." I explained 

Tobias slightly chuckled "And if I may ask, why are you so keen on making sure she doesn't find out?" I shot a dead look into his eyes "You may not ask" I snapped at him. Our eyes were now staring at each other, mine filled with fire, his filled with confusion "You can't keep everything a secret forever. Eventually she will find out-" I cut him off  "Eventually, and by that day. I will be the one to tell her. I don't need anyone getting dragged into something they shouldn't be in. I will reveal my actions. Only when I am certain that I am done, once and for all"

I recieved another confusing look from Tobias "What do you mean done?" I looked back outside "Time can only tell you the answer" The rest of the ride was silent. By the time we reached the headquarters of the Sinnoh Protection Association, it was nightfall. I exited the vehicle and walked towards the entrance. I walked in, only to bump into somebody, ending with them on the floor. "Arghh, hey watch it kid. I'm gonna fine you for that!"

I looked upon the figure, blond hair, orange striped shirt mixed with white, green scarf and gray jeans. "Hey! I'm talking to you. Speak up, do you know who I am? I'm calling sec-" His voice was overtaken by one coming from behind "Barry stop, this is no way to speak to one of the most respectable members within the Associations" And old man came from behind, white hair and beard, his clothing covered by a lab coat.

"Professor Rowan" I said as I extended my hand out to him. He gladly accepted "Ash, it's been too long. I apologize for the behavior of Barry." He said and my eyes went back to Barry who was now talking to Tobias "Who is he?" I asked the professor with a dead voice "He is on the special forces team along side Tobias." The moment I heard that I gave out a huge sigh "I'm going to be working with him?" I asked, to which the professor nodded. "Fine, let's get this over with."

While we were walking there I grinned slightly 'Doesn't matter who I work along side with. They are all useless anyway. All I need is the location, then the rest is history' I thought to myself "What are you smiling at Ash?" Tobias asked me "Just excited about taking down Team Galactic, that's all" I said in a calm tone "Hmm... A little too excited if you ask me." I heard him say under his breath

"Here we are" The professor announced as he opened the door with a key card and allowed us to all pass through. We took a seat at the table. "Let's get straight down to business." The professor said as he sat down. We all nodded

"I would like to thank you Ash for taking your time to come here. Having you help us is a great addition to the team" I nodded "You three are here because you have the abilities required to take this task on. Team Galactic is not a force to be reckoned with, but I've seen you pull of things that I wouldn't imagine. Your reputations commend you all. Down to the details. We have recently gathered intel that Team Galactic is planning on using Dialga and Palkia for their own selfish needs. We have been disturbed to find out, they plan on opening a portal to another dimension, we do not know the intended purpose, but what we do know is what we exactly don't know" The professor said which confused the two next to me.

"What he means is that when they open the portal, dangerous entities could enter this region and cause havoc. Or it could simply be nothing, and it's a risk the SPA isn't willing to take" I explained to the two. The professor was surprised at my deductive skills, and carried on "Precisely, this is a matter of national security. As Ash stated, the uncertainties within this plan from Team Galactic are too far off of and we cannot take a gamble on whether or not something will happen. Your job is to intercept this plan, and stop them before they can reach their goal. Got it?"

I nodded and got up, and headed towards the door "I haven't finished yet Ash." The professor said I took the door handle, and stopped "Where?" I asked, the professor looked confused "Where what?" He asked, I turned to him "Where is Team Galactic Headquarters?" I asked, my eyes filling with rage and anger once more.

"We believe it is located on the outskirts of Veilstone City. Now Ash don't do anything irrat-" I closed the door and ran towards the exit of the building, a massive grin appearing on my face, stretching from ear to ear.

'Check mate'