(Ash POV)
I arrived back at the Pokemon Center which was slowly being cleaned up after the riot that happened last night. Somebody was cooking some sort of delicacy in the Pokemon Center's Kitchen as the scent of food intrigued my nose. My stomach responded with a low growl.

I walked into the kitchen to see Sawyer cooking some Pancakes. Just looking at the fluffy soft pancakes finally put my mind off the war just for a moment.

"Morning Ash! I made some Morning Pancakes to get us ready for today." Sawyer explained while flipping the pancake from the frying pan with ease. I watched Sawyer's Sceptile set up the table and make the room a lot less messy. Professor Sycamore walked in and helped Sawyer bake more Pancakes, explaining to him some tips for how to improve Pancakes.

I just sat at the table quietly waiting for my breakfast to be served. I really didn't feel like cooking that morning, especially after last night which was still buzzing around in my mind. I just took this slow morning to relax before anything else comes to pass. I tried my best to ignore every explosion in the background from the old battlefield. But, of course it was rush hour on the Old Battlefield of constant trainers trying to prove their teams superior over the other. I just wanted a single hour to not be about War.

Finally, the Pancakes were Done, and I was handed a stack of them to eat. As much as I wanted to dine in immediately eat all of these pancakes in one bite, I waited on Sawyer and Professor Sycamore to sit down. Mainly because I knew Professor Sycamore wanted to pray before we eat.

"Ash, would you like to be the one who leads today?" He asked as politely as possible. I nodded my head and got into position to begin praying. The room became extremely quiet, with only the wind being able to be heard.

"Oh Lord Arceus, we Thank that you have Spared us from the dangers of War thus far and have allowed us to eat another delicious plate of food. May you continue to watch over People and Pokemon and Forgive us for waging War against each other. We wish that you'll protect us today with our goals and will continue having faith in us. Thank you Lord Arceus."

Immediately as I finished praying all three of us dug into the food, and it was delicious. It was so soft and warm as it slid down your throat. The room was full of noises that sounded pleasing. The Pokemon we had out were also enjoying their pancakes. Pikachu consistently kept nibbling on each piece of the pancake he had, Sceptile had already gone through 7 pancakes along with Garchomp, both of whom were competing with each other to see who could eat more. Meanwhile Greninja was slowly eating his Pancake. Now, Greninja's a slow eater for obvious reasons, but today he seemed a lot slower than usual. I ended up moving him to sit next to me, which must've made Pikachu slightly offended as when I saw Pikachu his eyes got huge.

"So today's plans were to find and talk to N?" Sawyer asked while talking to Professor Sycamore. We had finished our pancakes and were discussing what today's plans were.

"Precisely. If Ash thinks it's important to dedicate a day to finding him, it's something that needs to be accomplished." Professor Sycamore responded while looking at me. Immediately he started talking again,
"You'll be accompanying him, Sawyer. I have other business to attend to today. Somebody requested a meeting in the Lumiose Forests. An old ally who wished to say something to me."

"You sure this isn't a trap Professor? This whole meeting sounds very sketchy..." I expressed to him while rubbing Pikachu's Head. The Professor simply closed his eyes and nodded.

"I have a feeling this Meeting isn't war related Ash. Even so, I have calculated escape routes shall anything go wrong in that situation. I have Pokemon on standby in that area as to avoid getting captured. I didn't make it official without planning." He told me before Garchomp nuzzled against Professor's Hand.

I sighed in relief and got up from the table. Pikachu hopped on my shoulder, and Greninja struggled to get up, requiring some assistance from me.
"Imma start getting ready. We can head out at 9:15, in 26 minutes." I explained as I left the room.

I snuck around the Center's halls as to not get noticed by the people using the Pokemon Center currently. Pikachu being a major help telling me if anybody was coming or not around every corner.

When I got to my Room, I placed Greninja who I'd been carrying around the Center on the Bed. He seemed to be struggling slightly still. I was debating on which clothes to wear for the day, but I felt the need to wear my Kalos clothes today.

"Greninja, are you gonna last today? You seem to still need to recover after last night slightly. I don't wanna push you more than I have to, that just isn't right." I exclaimed while sitting in the chair I slept in last night. Greninja gave me a thumbs up and curled one webbed hand on my hand as if he wanted to symbolize something.

"Are you saying yes or what?" I said very confused. Trying to play charades with Greninja is something I don't recommend ever. Thankfully, Pikachu understood better than I did, and I personally can understand Pikachu better in some scenarios.

Pikachu did a pose I recognized instantly; the pose I did to protect him from a swarm of spearows.

"He wants to come so he can Protect me? Is that what you mean?" I asked to get a nod from Pikachu signifying a yes. I looked back at Greninja who's eyes were pretty big, or more so than usual. It felt like he was trying his best to pull his best Baby Doll Eyes impression. It was actually convincing, except a memory quickly rolled into my brain of the Battle with Alain. The picture of what Greninja had looked like that day appeared in my mind at that very moment...

His face just screamed immense pain, and I could barely look at it without feeling chills down my spine.

"Greninja... I really think you shouldn't go. Please rest and recover here. I promise I'll be fine." I reassured him trying my best to persuade him to just stay. I felt a wave of guilt just wash over my whole mind and body, and something deep within my soul felt dejected. I looked back at Pikachu who kept giving me an X with his tiny hands, and I'm sure if he could talk he would be yelling "No Ash!" At me nonstop. However nothing could change my mind.

I walked out of my room, leaving Greninja on the bed. Pikachu followed behind me shortly afterwards. I had a mindset of how I was gonna find N, and it required some misdirection. I noticed Professor Sycamore missing from his desk, probably already left to deal with his shifty meeting. Sawyer was waiting by the door with Sceptile next to him.

"So Ash, who did you choose for your plan?" Sawyer asked stopping me before I headed out into the open streets.

"I was thinking of using you Sawyer, however I want somebody else that's human to accompany me to the battlefield. Thus I'm choosing Leavanny for the Mission." I told him while pulling Leavanny's Pokeball from my Belt.

"Ohhh, that makes sense! I didn't even know you had a Leavanny!" Sawyer enthusiastically told me while his eyes seemed to just shine a lot more than it did a few moments before.

With that, both of us walked outside onto the Kalos Streets, Prism Tower standing tall and beautifully as ever. I passed by all the tents that were in the streets of people who stayed in Kalos to just fight on the huge battlefield. Some people seemed tempted to attack me, yet were too exhausted and out of breath to do so. I hid my eyes under my cap as we walked past.

The sun was beating down on the Earth intensely as we slowly made our way to the battlefield. It was getting hard to walk in the heat, but I was gonna find N even if it killed me. Sawyer had to occasionally stop to drink water for himself and Sceptile. We also stopped to fight off random ambushes of teenagers who were too immature to realize what their actions would consequence in.

We hid in the woods to set up our plans. Me and Sawyer let a kid escape "on accident" with the information that I was heading to the battlefield. Knowing people in this war, they'll prepare to attack me in order to "win a part of the war".

I called out Leavanny and Charizard from their pokeballs. Both were enjoying the heat.
"You guys remember the plan right? I entrust both of you to make it through this event as this can be a major factor in our mission to end the war." I told both of them with as much confidence as I could without showing how scared I was of this plan.

Leavanny got onto Charizard's Back gently, and Charizard was stretching it's wings preparing to fly for a while. Sawyer placed a random baseball cap on top of Leavanny's Head, which from a far made Leavanny look like a trainer.
"Stay Safe you Two!" I told them before Charizard seamlessly took to the skies and over the Old Battlefield. Sawyer threw his supply bag he brought into a random tree and prepped with me. Sceptile and Pikachu both were quietly waiting for the signal to be sent. Me and Sawyer shook nervously as we waited for our calling.

Then...
A Thunderous, Earthshaking Roar could be heard, and a ton of people screaming and yelling.
Here we Go...

All four of us sprinted through the trees of the forest and out into the crowded battlefield. Nearly all the trainers had their eyes on the flying object above them that seemed to be blocking the sun out.

Me and Sawyer sprinted through the crowd without them looking at us for too long. We searched for the man with signature green hair and a black cap. Yet there didn't seem to be a man with that description in the crowd. Not to mention a few people realized who the kid running recklessly through the crowd was and began following me. And the more I ran, the worse things were getting. Attacks flew everywhere, more than it was a few minutes prior, and lots of people were aiming for Charizard.

I had ran into a clearing in the direct center of the battlefield to catch my breath, and soon I was getting  surrounded. A variety of Pokemon surrounded me, some Mega-Evolved while some were still in their first evolution. I didn't know where Pikachu was, so I was on my own, and Charizard was in his own situation in the sky with Leavanny. It was Checkmate.

Or so I thought.

In the Distance, People and Pokemon were getting sent flying into the air. A few leaf storms were also making the people move away as they surrounded me. Lastly, a Mega Sceptile made a Frenzy Plant tear the Earth.

"Hurry Ash! Go find whomever you need!" I heard Sawyer yell next to where Sceptile was standing. A vine from Sceptile sprouted from the ground next to me, and went high above the battlefield. Without a second thought, I climbed up the vine and started running on them, searching for the supposed tracker of the War. People tried attacking the vine, but it didn't break. People tried attacking me, some had hit and it hurt like a sword in your arm.

The vine stopped at another part of the forest. Yet, this part of the forest was the part where the Ultimate Weapon had sat dormant for eons. Then I saw it. The color that was different than a majority of things on the battlefield. That iconic green hair.

I slid off the vine and began sprinting for the woods to see him. I was gonna get the answers I needed.

Thump!

I felt something grip my ankle and pull it. I fell hard on my face as I felt my leg being pulled hard.
I turned to see a Mega Venasaur using vine whip to grip my leg. Its trainer holding a manila rope, a grin on his face. I wanted to scream for help like a lost child in the woods, but I knew if I did the opposite would happen. It'd draw more people to see me.

I couldn't see Pikachu nearby, nobody I knew was nearby as N was slowly walking deeper into the woods. The Venusaur just tugged, harder and harder, on my left leg. It felt like my entire leg was gonna get pulled off.

All of this prep for nothing. A harsh wind seemed to wash over my body as my vision became blurry. I felt something roll down my face as I was getting dragged. A single tear.

The man must've been standing over me now, about to tie the rope. I braced myself for what was to come next. I closed my eyes and tried accepting my fate.

I never got touched.

I opened my eyes and turned my head to look at what had happened. The man was on the floor, desperately trying to breathe for air. The rope completely cut into many pieces. The Mega Venasaur had a huge scratch on its face.

They both were looking at something behind me, pure terror on their face. I didn't even have to look behind me to know who it was. I would have to discuss with him later about disobeying my orders, but for this moment, I didn't care.

"Your gonna regret what you attempted to do to me! Aerial Ace!" I angrily said while turning my head to not look the man in the eyes. I didn't need to look at his reaction of what was about to happen. I'm sure it's him being shocked. However I didn't want to look at my own Pokemon I gave the command to at that moment. I was mad at both of them for very separate reasons. One of them for trying to hold me hostage, and the other for disobeying me.

I stood there till I heard the Man return his Venasaur. I was beginning to walk off before I got tackled to the floor by him. The man's face was bright red, and his face screamed pure hatred for what I'd done. I sat there, not scared or anything. I just felt nothing in the moment. Before he could even begin unleashing a world of hate with his words onto me, he got struck by a thunderbolt and hit off with an iron tail. The man soon ran away with fear after.

Both of my most Trusted Pokemon stared at me waiting for me to say something. I simply got up and started walking to where N was previously standing. Pikachu tried getting my attention with his little high pitched squeaks, but I refused to even look at him. I felt him grab my shoulder. I gripped his webbed hand so hard that I myself was feeling the pain in my own wrist. I stared directly into his eyes, disregarding the pain in my wrist.

"I told you I needed you to recover, Greninja! Yet here you are coming onto the main battlefield of this war! What if you got captured!? What if somebody had beaten you?! Do you even think about these things!? What if you had gotten hurt like you did last time! I don't wanna see you in that sort of pain again!!" I yelled before letting go of his hand and falling onto my knees on the grass. I felt a wave of anger wash over me, I just wanted to scream at his face about everything he'd done. I looked back up at him, his face full of regret.

"How can I trust you if you can't put faith into me? When I said get better and recover, I didn't say fight a Mega Evolved Pokemon! I didn't say follow me! It's a miracle your even awake right now! You don't understand how I felt after seeing your condition after that battle. After seeing your face, your physicality, the pain that I received coming from you. Greninja you recklessly risk yourself for my safety! You need to worry more about yourself!!"
I shouted before stopping when I finally looked back at Greninja. He was softly crying as he stood over me. The first time I'd seen him cry over words I've said.

"Well, that was quite harsh of you to say. Greninja is torn over what you have said."

I turned around after hearing that voice, and there he was. The Man of Myth, N.

N simply stared at me with discontent. His eyes stared with such intensity it felt as though they were piercing my heart.

"N! I've been searching for you for so long I-" I was beginning to explain before N cut me off. He walked up to me and rubbed underneath Pikachu's chin. A tiny squeal could be heard from the rodent.

In the background, behind N, I saw a Zoroark watching ominously. It looked like it was watching my every move, and seemed to be watching the Frog specifically.

"Follow me Ash, I would like to speak with some privacy. And please make it fast. I don't wanna be seen talking to you as the rumors would grow more and more. As if they haven't already."
N spoke quickly before walking away from me at rapid paces. A fair reminder that N speaks fast and moves fast.

I followed N as he led me inside the Ultimate Weapon, the very machine that destroyed the world. The inside of the Ultimate Weapon was gloomy and dark, and there was an atmosphere of death that filled the air. The building underneath the Ultimate Weapon was unknown on why it was built, some say it was to put all items he may had have in here, others think he planned on trapping all pokemon used to power this machine in this room. However, despite all the efforts, I don't believe they'll ever discover why the person built this room.

N went over to a seat by a tent and moved it towards me. He ushered me to sit down and handed me a cup of tea. He had quickly set up what felt like me sitting at the Principal's Office about to get in trouble. Zoroark stood behind me, guarding the door.

"So, why did you spend your busy schedule looking for me? And please make this fast, Ash. The battlefield is already exploding outside and before long people will be rushing in here for shelter." N said perfectly without any stuttering despite how fast he speaks.

"I came here to find you because I wanted to make sure you were ok with you being a judge and all-"

"I'm fine, I've been hiding in various spots I shall
not be saying aloud for safety reasons. I've also travelled in private around the world to gather information."

N replied with barely a second thought in mind. It creeped me out slightly how fast he could reply.

"Look Ash, Imma save us both some time in our schedule and just tell you what you want and some extra knowledge you might have not known about. But I'll begin with telling you what your Pokemon are thinking."

N simply stood up from his seat and walked over to Pikachu. He placed his hand on Pikachu's Head and closed his eyes. The room got quiet, only disturbed by the explosions outside and the breathing between us. But, more questions were flooding my mind-

How did N know what I wanted when I didn't tell him? What's N doing now? What Extra Knowledge does N know? Can N read my thoughts as I'm thinking them right now? Is N a Psychic like Olympia? Fear had just taken my body, and I was anxious about what he was gonna say.

Finally N opened his eyes and placed his hand off of Pikachu. My partner looked scared and confused. N stood up from his kneel and went to sit back down in his chair. His expression showing no emotion. Whatever N did seem to have troubled him.

"Ash, your Pikachu here has a library of thoughts and opinions. Pikachu is awfully tired, physically and mentally. It desires a break from all of the chaos of this war. However, what's worrying in my opinion is how Pikachu is slowly losing trust in you, Ash. It doesn't approve of some of your actions recently, and it wishes you'd acknowledge his existence more and would watch your surroundings more instead of letting your guard down nilly willy."

N had explained as slow as he could, catching his breath from the information. I quickly glaced at Pikachu with my peripherals, and it seemed a little guilty over what N was saying. And that face was making my heartache slightly.

"However, Pikachu regardless of all these emotions will continue to support you to the very end.
That he will never give up till the very end. He still will never forgive your Father, Ash. Yet he'll keep fighting for the sake of you Ash. Whether to protect you or win a battle for you. Pikachu will stay with you, no matter if everyone leaves you, betrays you, or if the world were to burn and it'd be just you left."

N finished before standing up again to pet Pikachu, a half attempt of a smile on his face. Meanwhile I just kinda sat there awkwardly feeling mixed about Pikachu's Thoughts. Before long Pikachu jumped in my lap and merely looked up at me. His eyes looking ancient and tired, something I didn't even notice before this talk. Were they always like this?

N then turned his attention to him, whom I hadn't looked at the entire time we sat here. Judging by N's Expression, the best I could read from him was amazement and some fear. He was hesitant to approach him, and even I felt some sort of emotion radiating off the disobedient frog. But N finally got ahold of the Frog's Hand, and the tension I felt before soften. Soon, a wave of emotions filled the room, and my vision made the world fuzzy. Before long, everything around me faded to black...
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I awoke again, sitting on the chair I had sat at previously. In front of me was Zoroark, carefully observing me. It ran off outside. A few moments later N came back into the room with Pikachu and Greninja.

N sat back down where he was sitting, his eyes closed. The explosions outside couldn't have been from far, as they were louder then before. We don't have much time.

"Ash, I'll attempt to make this quick. Similar to Pikachu, your Greninja has a ton of thoughts it wishes to share with you. However, I can tell you it wishes to keep these thoughts to itself and away from you Ash due to what happened today. What I did gather from Greninja was sorrow and mental pain. It doesn't like being away from you Ash. It wishes to stay by your side at any moment. He only trusts you in this world, Ash."

N quickly spoke, taking a quick breather.

"Greninja has heavy feelings for you Ash, which I'm sure you already know. I think anyone at this point can sense the invisible ties that bind you together. But I'm here to tell you that this tie is in a knot right now. Ash, I'm speaking on the behalf of Greninja and Pikachu right now, but Ash, you need to apologize."

N stood up from where he sat and walked over to a bag that sat in the corner of the building. He came back to where we sat and handed the bag to me.

"N, thank you for all the in-"

"Ash, stop talking for the next few minutes. I have limited time to tell you the following information."

N had assertively said, cutting me off. I could hear people whispering outside the Ultimate Weapon, something about trying to find me. However for a split moment time seemed to slow as the room suddenly turned purple. N firmly placed both of his hands on my shoulders and stared directly at me.

"Listen to me Ash, Olympia had told me this information so that it could be spread to you. She has told me that the future rests on your shoulders for the remainder of this War. Your very actions in the future will carry more consequences than anything you've done thus far.
Your trust and bonds will be tested in the coming years.
Ash, you must save us all, both People and Pokemon  are in desperate need for saving."

When N stopped speaking, a crowd of people came into the building, shocked to see N. Instantly however they got knocked out by Zoroark.

"Run Ash, and I bid you the fondest farewell." N calmly stated whilst saluting me. Then out of the blue N shoved me towards the exit, only for Greninja to catch me.

I didn't have time to respond as Greninja was already gripping my hand and trying to get me out of the building. Pikachu had jumped on my shoulder as we hurried out the building. I looked behind me to see N at Zoroark's Side.

I looked to the sky to see Charizard flying above me, although he was awfully low to the ground. It was as if he knew I was in trouble. Finally! Something actually went right!

Or so I thought.

The Charizard had fired a flamethrower at the ground in front of us, stopping our forward progress. And soon lightning surrounded us due to an electric terrain. I looked up to see a figure I didn't want to see. Red.

He sat upon his prized Charizard with his dead eyes locked on me. His Pikachu wore a bandana with the words "Champion" on it. I heard a little growl from my Pikachu as I realized the situation we were in. I looked for an exit but any we took would result in a lot of injuries. I stood there trying to think on how I was gonna get out, but Red wasn't waiting.

Red's Pikachu suddenly jumped into the air and fired an Electroweb at me and Pikachu, trapping us against a tree. I struggled to try and get out, but it ended up zapping me and Pikachu which caused more pain. We had to sit here and watch events unfold. And those events scarred me.

Lightning bolt after lightning bolt. Dragon Claw after dragon claw. Every blow and hit I felt on my own body all coming from Greninja. I heard its wails, its cries. And I watched Red just smile through it all.

Red's Pikachu placed Greninja in an electroweb, causing Greninja immense pain due to water typing. His Pikachu then hopped back on Charizard. Red's Charizard flew back up into the air, Carrying Greninja in the Electoweb.

The web that held me and Pikachu down finally dissolved as we both hit the grass. I scurried to my feet and chased after Red who was beginning to fly away. Tears filled my eyes as I ran pass all the explosions and attacks, only yelling for Greninja's Name.

Then suddenly I felt as though I'd been electrocuted and I fell to the ground again, gasping for air. I took one tiny glance up, and Red was only a tiny dot in the distance. I sat there on the cold grass in disbelief for what felt like eons. The wind had never felt this harsh or brutal.

Suddenly, I looked behind me to see a tree fall from a nearby explosion and that it was about to hit me. My body didn't move, I sat there frozen.

Thankfully, a Frenzy Plant vine stopped the tree and pushed it aside. A Mega Sceptile came to my side and just stared at me, with a somewhat confused look. Somebody placed their hand on my shoulder, causing me to flinch. I quickly turned my head, scared at who it could be, only for it to be Sawyer.

I saw Charizard and Leavanny land next to me as a crowd of trainers began rushing for us.
"Ash! We gotta get moving!" Sawyer yelled as he tried to get me back to my feet. While Sawyer ushered me to get atop of Charizard's back, I noticed some people trying to hold back the crowd.
People who had supported me.

I returned Leavanny back into its Pokeball, and ordered for Charizard to take for the skies. Sawyer proceeded to hide into the woods around the battlefield. I would have to thank him later.

———————————————————————————

There I was, sitting on the roof of Professor Sycamore's Lab, staring at Greninja's Pokeball. I hadn't felt anything between us since I last saw him, and that worried me.

Charizard was fast asleep next to me, snoring loudly. He had taken some hits from the mission, and was recovering from it.

Pikachu sat on my chest, just looking at me with baby doll eyes. He had licked my face a few times in an attempt to cheer me up. It didn't work.

I felt demoralized, that nothing could make me feel better till one of my Poke- No.
Till my Family Member made it home safe.

I wanted to feel something. Whether that be good or bad, I just wanted to feel a connection. Then I remembered what N had said...

~~~
"Greninja has heavy feelings for you Ash, which I'm sure you already know. I think anyone at this point can sense the invisible ties that bind you together. But I'm here to tell you that this tie is in a knot right now. Ash, I'm speaking on the behalf of Greninja and Pikachu right now, but Ash, you need to apologize."
~~~

I felt a Tear run down the side of my cheek. That tear soon became a stream, then an ocean.

I didn't even try and hold it in anymore. I couldn't hold it in anymore. I am an idiot.

I am an idiot for crushing his hand. For yelling at Greninja earlier when he had saved me. For making him cry. For making him even worried.
For not apologizing and appreciating him.

I picked up Pikachu and hugged him as if he were a plush. Over and over I whispered to him "I'm sorry" as if it were a chant. Charizard woke up and placed his head on top of mine. I simply rubbed his neck while still holding Pikachu, still repeating that I was sorry. I felt I could yell those words into the endless universe and it still couldn't justify what I had done.

Pikachu pushed himself out of my grip and stared at me. He then proceeded to crawl up onto my knee, take his little paw, and wipe away at a tear on my face.

"Pika pika! Pikaaaaaaa."

Charizard took my hat off of my head and proceeded to screw up my hair with a Flamethrower at my head. His definition of cheering up.

"Its weird seeing you so devastated, you know that?"

I turned around to see Professor Sycamore just landing on the roof ontop of Garchomp, which immediately interested Charizard as he flew over to analyze what he could consider a training rival. Professor Sycamore meanwhile calmly walked over to where I was sitting and sat down next to me. His hair blowing in the wind from an explosion that happened probably nearby.

"So then- Why is it that Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town is looking devastated? Wanna tell me about it?" Professor tried saying to make the conversation seem light despite the fact it was gonna be a rough one.

I simply handed him Greninja's Pokeball, and let the emptiness speak to him. His silence spoke words back to me as he simply held the capsule in his hands.

"I see. Thats why you're so devastated. Because something happened to your partner in crime."

"It's more then that. My OH so loving father has him, and Arceus knows what the worst thing that man can do to him."
I replied while my right hand tightened at the thought of what that horrible megalomaniac man could do to him. Sickening thoughts soon flooded my mine with even worse images.

"Ash, this is gonna sound awful to say and it'll make me sound like some guy with no love, but your gonna have to move on..."

Immediately I stopped him right there.

"No Professor, I can't. I won't be fine knowing that one of my Pokemon could be experiencing pain at this VERY moment. I won't sleep at night and refuse to let Red do whatever he wants to do with Greninja."
I told Professor Sycamore while taking back Greninja's Pokeball. When suddenly-

-•CRASH•-

I felt a sharp pain on my right arm, like getting hit by a Wild Charge or a Night Slash. Then I felt an indescribable ache in my stomach as I leaned over. Suddenly, instead of seeing the endless dusk sky, all I saw in the vision was a Dark Room, inside what I presumed to be a cage. In front of me was laser looking device, beside it a Jolteon charging it up.
Suddenly, my vision came back to me on the roof. The orange skies soon faded black, the last thing I heard was Professor Sycamore yelling my name.
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I awoke in a bed, with Professor Sycamore sitting beside me. Pikachu laying on top of my legs, snoring slightly as he slept. I felt another heavy pain in my chest. I sat up from laying down on the bed and tried to find a position where the pain wasn't as bad.

"Ash, you're worrying me a lot with these random blackouts! I ran a diagnostics test to ensure your health was ok and the results thus far are fine. But I'm worried nonetheless."
Professor explained whilst I quickly tried to get out if the bed. I checked the time to see it was 7:25 P.M. Although it didn't matter if it was an A.M. I wanted to look for Greninja.

"Ash! Take it easy please! You're gonna be slow whilst blacking out like that..."
Professor tried to say but I had already left the room without Pikachu. We were in a Pokemon Center for some reason, instead of the lab.

I ran out before Professor could catch up and hid in an alley way for the time being. Explosions sounded like they had intensified since the last I heard them. I could even very faintly hear the cries of Pokemon after some explosions. I sat down behind an empty dumpster.

I made a desperate attempt to see if I could connect to Greninja- To get at least a sign to know if he was alright. I tried concentrating with all my might, ignoring every explosion no matter how loud they seemed. I wanted to feel a connection. I wanted to know if he was ok. I prayed to Arceus just for one sign- One Feeling that he was ok.

—Yet, nothing ever came back to me—

Our bond really is in a knot right now isn't it. And that's because of me, isn't it.

I had just gotten Greninja back. He had just awoken from a painful rematch against his biggest rival that had nearly left him scarred. Now he could be experiencing that all over again. Just why? Hasn't Greninja already been through enough?

I looked up towards the clear night skies, up at the endless sea of stars. At the Moon. Reminded me of a similar night just like this one...

Flashback... Ash the night he came home from Kalos.
I had awoken from my sleep after l had just came home to my Mother. She at the time had prepared me a meal after I told her how I missed all of my friends already. I explained to her how close I had grown to my friends in Kalos, whether they be my companions or my rivals, they had felt like a family.

"Mom, it hasn't even been a day and yet I miss them all so much. It gave me the feeling of being in an actual family, with brothers and sisters."

My Mom simply just nodded, staying quiet that whole conversation. She suggested for me to get some shut eye, so I obeyed and went to bed.

When I awoke from my sleep, I went over to where my Kalos Pokeballs were. All 5 of them sat on my dresser in my room. I grabbed one in particular and went to go sit by the window in my room.

I simply looked at the stars, holding the Pokeball close to my heart. I stared at the moon which radiated a white glow.

"Somewhere...Out there..."

I whispered to myself quietly as I sat there. I knew at the time he had a job to do, but regardless I still missed him at my side. I didn't mention Greninja to my Mother, I left him out because I knew if I brought him up I would be crying slightly.

"Greninja, I'll return for you someday. Take care, my friend."
End of Flashback
I remember falling asleep after seeing a shooting star. I had made a wish to myself and went to bed. Yet, that day made me realize how much I grew to appreciate Greninja's Company and help. Olympia had called it completely.

As I sat there however one thought was buzzing around in my head:
What was Red's Intent on taking Greninja?
Why would he take Greninja from me? He has a Pikachu which would honestly probably beat Greninja due to how old it is. It's not like Greninja's that big of a threat to Red. So why? Why did he do this?

I came to the conclusion he might've done this to demoralize me in the War. To make me feel defenseless and weak. To make him appear tough and strong (which to be fair is true.) By taking one of my Aces. He must think it's his way of threatening me.

I got up from the dark alley, and headed for the streets of Lumiose City in an attempt to find Red who may have still have been in the city with Greninja. I didn't have that high of hopes, but I just wanted to keep moving in an attempt to make me feel better.

I looked up towards the tops of the buildings, looking for any shady figures. I accidentally bumped into a few trainers, but thankfully they didn't try to battle me as it was too dark to even notice it was me. Mentally I was crying out for Greninja's Name, for him to answer if he could hear. Still silence.

I looked at someone's watch as I passed by them. It was 8:51 P.M. I've already been walking for nearly an hour- Still nothing. That empty void in my stomach kept growing, both figuratively and realistically. I felt my eyes start getting heavy, as I began to struggle to keep walking. However I didn't actually know where the lab was. It was too dark to even tell.

Then, in the distance, at the end of the street... I sprinted down the street as hard as I could, people walking past me staring at me like I was some psycho. I didn't give a second thought and continued running, my breathing the only thing I was hearing. However, by the time I got to the end of the street...
It wasn't there.

I'm going insane.

I sat on the floor against a building. People looked down at me like I was a poor peasant. I just stared up at Prism Tower, and noticed something was off.

No lights were on. Had it always had its lights off? Was there a power outage? No- Other buildings had their lights on! Why does it have it's light off?

That's when all of a sudden they all turned back on... The lights on the inside and the spotlights that highlight it. In that moment confusion had me speechless. My brain seemingly barely to function when... In the corner of my eye... I definitely saw something that made me feel rage.

Team Rocket Grunts. Running away from the building. Instinctively due to Jessie and James, I already realized they must've caused something to do with the lights being off. But then... Flying above them...

Red.

He worked for Team Rocket.

I felt what some would call a Heart Break. Except instead of sadness, I felt enraged. Sullen.

I soon thought of where Greninja must've been in a slow realization after seeing Red... with Team Rocket. And based on what Jessie and James normally say... They're gonna use him for World Domination...

I was about to go sprint after them and give them a piece of my mind, but I felt a hand on my shoulder. I quickly turned around scared to see who it was, only for it to be Gold. Thankfully.

"Ash...What Happened Pal?" Gold asked sounding heavily concerned. I tipped down my hat not wanting to answer that question. Also to hide the fact that I really wanted to cry seeing Gold. I'd been dealing with so much recently I forgot about Gold. THANK ARCEUS he was ok.

However, I didn't want him to know I was suffering at that very moment since this was sort of a reunion. So, I decided for now to avoid the question.

"Gold, I don't wanna talk about it. I'm just glad your ok. Now we can finally discuss how to change this war..." I assured him before I got interrupted.

The lights of Prism Tower had turned red. And soon, the loudest explosions could be heard as their sound seemed to travel throughout the universe itself. That any being, Human or Pokemon, could hear.

Next thing was the screams. The reactions of those who were watching alongside me what was happening. Those voices would forever haunt me for the rest of my life.

The explosions sent a wave of smoke towards me and Gold, and that would fill the streets of Kalos. Tragically however, we still saw the moment that shook and broke the world forever. That changed the war forever. It happened in slow motion it seemed, and it felt like a dream. But this was reality. I was awake. What happened?

|Prism Tower Had Fallen.|

Snapped in half as half the tower fell on a street and tons of buildings, killing hundreds of Humans and Pokemon who couldn't have done anything. And once it hit the floor, the debris enveloped me and Gold as we stood there frozen, unable to do anything but stand there in fear.

A landmark has fallen.

This day would later be known as
Fallen Prism Day. Honoring the innocent lives lost. And the tower that had been seen as a Beacon of Hope falling to its death.

To me, this day was known as the day my mind snapped. After watching the tower fall, I was never the same. I remember this moment like remembering the first time you became a champion of a region. It's unforgettable.

I remember...
One Thought had Flooded everyone's mind:
This was The Birth of the New World.

End of Chapter 32
Finale to Part 1 of 2.
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Author's Note:
WOOOOOHOOOOOO! I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO FINISH THIS CHAPTER! REJOICE!!

I thank you for being patient with this chapter! This one at times was hard to write for me personally so I generally stopped writing at certain points. I was suffering a lot from writing those parts. Not to mention this chapter glitched out a lot for me at certain points which would delete about 400-700 words. This was meant to come out before the end of 2021, but I was busy during that time due to Finals.

I'd like to thank you guys for 25k+ views! That's quite a bit to take in, but I'm glad you guys are enjoying reading this!

Telling you right now, this book is about to head into a crazy direction! I have many plans for Part 2 that will include many POVs other than Ash's. This and last chapter were heavily meant to set up for Part 2.

Now I wanna clarify; I won't be uploading out of another book. Part 2's Chapters will still be in this Book to make it easier for readers so they don't have to switch between the two books. Also, there's only two parts, which some of you may be asking,

"Why make it two separate parts?!"

Well, here's some information about the upcoming chapter... Part 2 (and Chapter 33) is taking place nearly 5 Years in the Future after this chapter. Thus it'll be different than Part 1 by that alone. Don't believe me? Just have some faith and trust me!

Also! I won't be posting Chapter 33 next! Next Chapter is gonna be a little guide to help add some context about the characters and information about the world in general.

Also, I do plan on editing past chapters and taking your comments into account on some errors I've made. No word changes (unless it's spelt wrong or the grammar is wrong) or lore changes, just some visual editing. So if your from the future reading this, I hope you enjoyed what those chapters look like now because at the time I'm writing this it looks like utter garbage 😅.

That's all I have to say for this Author's Note! I thank you for the continuous support, I hope next chapter won't take months to upload (please pray to Arceus it doesn't)
Thank You All!

Word Count (this Chapter): 7,762 words
Word Count up to This Point: 105,345 words