Author notes: This chapter got delayed, and it should've been up much earlier, but due to some big modifications in other chapters, a mix of laziness and writer's block, it didn't come until now. I'm sorry, and I hope I'll be able to write the next one sooner. This is the longest one so far, with a lot of action in it. Please re-read the chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7, because I've significantly modified the contents to include events from Ash's journey in Sinnoh in the story, as well as open the path for the appearance of the characters from this region. Smaller modifications will exist in other chapters, too. Hope you enjoy this.

Disclaimer:I don't own Pokemon because if I did, Ash&co. would be dead and Team Rocket would rule the world!!

Chapter 9:

In Arbor Avenue, located near the famous hotel ˝Borelia˝, in Achunnay, the sirens of paramedic vehicles blared loudly as a signal that something terrible had occurred. A car with 2 occupants had crashed with an oak, causing severe damage to the people inside. A crane was there, lifting the wreckage from the site, while at the same time, Ash Ketchum and Pryce Wilkins were being carried into the vehicles that were ready to hurry them to the hospital.

The culprits for this accident drove outside of the town, at the news of fierce skirmish between the Oborski Legion and Pokémon trainers. The air of relief was present among them, as they thought their mission was over. Now, they were just going to show up at the battle site, and watch the trainers get destroyed...

Cosgrove woods, near Achunnay...

A large number of soldiers in red-white uniforms that represented the Oborski Legion were present in and around the woods, strengthened by heavy artillery that gave them support, from behind. They fought infuriated trainers and their Pokémon bitterly. No prisoners were being taken, it was a bloodbath. One moment, the trainers and their Pokémon comrades would charge, and pin the legion soldiers firmly to their positions, and already in the next minute, the opposing side would pummel them, usually after a merciless howitzer barrage did its work.

The rebels hoped for reinforcements, as they knew holding off an artillery supported mass of mad Russians was hard. But, there was none. Ash had been eliminated in an accident caused by Team Rocket's agents, Pryce as well. The trainers held bravely, until a large, thick-armored tank barreled over into their view. Only one modified T-80, but it was enough. The bulk of the red-colored troops went charging, followed by extremely dense and powerful artillery fire. Like a drunken chorus, they roared:

˝Dl'a Rodiny! Ubejte te zhivotnyh! (For the Fatherland! Kill those beasts!)˝

The Pokémon stopped some of the attackers, but the gunfire was like a rain, and it brought them down fast, one after another. The tank trampled the fallen ones, leaving a bloody mess. Its path was marked by blood of the opposing trainers and Pokémon. The situation dictated only one sensible solution to the trainers-retreat. Luckily, there was a way how to make it as safe as possible.

A couple of Water and Ice Pokémon used Mist, enabling a full-scale retreat to the survivors. The soldiers of the opposing army cursed, almost like a chorus, seeing their enemy flee. They didn't dare to follow, though, because they knew well it might've been a devious trap.

At the Louis Pasteur hospital, Achunnay...

In the Intensive Care Unit section of the hospital, in the room number 8, Ash Ketchum was on a bed, hooked up to many equipment. His state was serious, despite the fact he was conscious for some brief periods, his life was still in danger. Outside of the room were 2 policemen, assigned to watch over the room. Ash was a trainer, and as such, was considered a potential threat by the authorities. He couldn't do anything in his state, but precautions were taken nevertheless.

On the reception desk, a slim figure that wore a pale blue winter coat, asked the receptionist in a high-pitched, a bit timid voice:

˝Is a boy named Ash Ketchum in this hospital?˝

The clerk responded, scratching her chin, while typing in the name up on the computer:˝Yes, I think he is. On the Intensive Care Unit. Room 8. Who are you?˝

˝His mother, Delia Ketchum.˝, the figure said, fixing her glare at the clerk, who seemed to have instantly gotten a strange look in her eyes.

The woman droned:˝You may pass.˝, and at those words, the visitor strode forward gracefully, heading to the ICU. Her blonde hair showed under the cap...

On the way to Cosgrove woods...

˝I, zašto je Ash tako opasan po ovu državu?(So, why is Ash so dangerous to this country?)˝, Marko asked Luka in a casual tone, while he was driving out of the town boundaries.

The Rocket Agent readily answered, describing his nemesis:˝Ne samo za državu, nego i za sve ljude na planetu. Izdajica je ljudskog roda, spreman Pokémonima dati veliki utjecaj nad ljudima, kao što je to bilo u pradavna vremena. Ljubazan je prema onima koji su slični njemu, a djecu pokušava pridobiti za svoj cilj. Protivnike je spreman mučki ubiti.(Not only to the country, but to all humans on the planet. He's a traitor of human kind, ready to give Pokémon big influence over humans, like it was in ancient times. He's kind to those similar to him, and he tries to get children for his cause. He is prepared to brutally kill his opponents.)˝

˝Zar je tolika opasnost? Jedno derište?(Is he really such a danger? A mere rascal?)˝, Marko Levar was surprised at the description.

Luka answered in a serious, warning tone, but with a trace of relief:˝On je vrlo opasan. Ne znaš koliko. Sva sreća da sam ga uspio eliminirati. Sada će ova pobuna propasti, još samo trebaju Rusi pohvatati sve Legendarne Pokémone.(He is extremely dangerous. You don't know how much. It is sheer luck that I've managed to eliminate him. Now, this rebellion will fail, the Russians just only need to catch all the Legendary Pokémon.˝

Soon, they came to a hastily set checkpoint, guarded by both the members of the Oborski Legion and some Team Rocket Troopers. Luka saw them from distance, prepared his TR ID card, and told Marko to pull over.

A person wearing a classic Trooper uniform came near the car. He was tall, strongly built, and had a thick beard. His voice was stern:˝Civilians cannot pass beyond this point. Go to a detour, this place was a battle scene just minutes ago, we're still on alert status.˝

˝I'm a Team Rocket Agent, and the man driving the car has assisted me in the elimination of a person wanted by Team Rocket.˝, Luka explained himself, giving the card to the soldier.

˝Infiltrator, eh? Who were you after, ag. Marin?˝, the soldier asked, pulling his winter cap on tighter.

˝Ashton Ketchum. Marko Levar helped me, because he's pro-Rocket, and we know the rebels aren't very fond of the council he's a member of.˝

At the name of the Pallet-born trainer, the soldier shuddered. ˝You killed the Ash Ketchum? Mein Gott! That boy who has seen so many Legendaries...˝

Luka corrected him slightly:˝Well, I may not have killed him, but he will be paralyzed for life, if he isn't dead. And don't envy him. He's seen so many of them because he's willing to work for them, against the prosperity of humanity.˝, he nodded, emphasizing the last few words.

˝Yes, we've heard he's very close to all of Pokémon, he hates anyone that would harm any Pokémon. Like a mad environmentalist. The sickest rumor...he's doing those things with his Pokémon.˝, he said the last few words with a grimace showing disgust and contempt.

Both Luka and Marko made similar facial expressions upon hearing this.

˝I haven't seen him do this, but I wouldn't put it past him. Anyway, did you massacre the rebel trainers?˝, Luka asked, his voice giving away excitement.

˝We were on our way to, but some of their Pokémon used Mist, and the bloody savages got away...˝, the soldier could not hide his disappointment at the fact. ˝I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. I'm Lieutenant Ulrich Heinradsen of the 2. Sinnoan TR Army.˝

˝You a German? It's good to see Germans are against the uprising. I'm Marko Levar, Croatian National Council. We Croats will back up anyone that lets us live normally. The rebels don't.˝

Ulrich nodded, smiling a bit. ˝Indeed. I'm German, and it's obvious we and you are similar in many things. How did you execute the plan?˝

˝I made the brakes of the car Pryce owns malfunction, so, he and Ash crashed into an oak.˝, Luka explained his act, taking pride.

˝Hohoho... Todt. That's a guaranteed death.˝, Ulrich chuckled.

In the hospital...

The guards infront of the room in which were Ash and Pryce looked up at the woman that approached them. When she was close to them, they asked:˝We need to see your ID card, ma'am.˝ She went to reach in the pocket to get it, but instead, her hand glowed light-blue, towards the policemen, who fainted on the spot, and slid down the wall. The mysterious being entered the room.

Ash, though immobile and hooked up to a lot of equipment, was aware of the entry, and was puzzled. ˝Who is this?˝

In an instant, a response appeared in his brain: ˝I am here to take you out of the hospital. Pokémon and the trainers of this town need you. The evil red-uniformed army is prepared to crush them. You have to help them, Ash!˝

Ash knew he was most likely communicating with a Psychic Pokémon. He was unsure of his ability to help the trainers, as he was severely injured, plus, he didn't know what the being was. But the being smiled gently and responded: ˝I will heal you and Pryce. And, you will see what I am, in a moment. Stay still, and don't be afraid.˝

Ash slightly nodded in agreement. The being mentally removed the jacket and the other winter clothes, beginning to glow red. The red light flowed over Ash and Pryce, and the effects immediately showed. The bruises were first gone. Then, it hit Ash:it was a female Gardevoir using Recover on both of them. He must've been very important if somebody sent a Gardevoir to heal him.

Next, he heard a weird noise in his spine, as if it was put back together. Then, both of his legs gave a similar sound. ˝Oh, man, did I break that many things?˝ were Ash's thoughts. As the same process was being performed on Pryce, he slowly came about. He was amazed by the sight of the Gardevoir heal him and his comrade.

After a minute, the Gardevoir mentally ripped apart the equipment that constricted the two, and sent a mental message: ˝Now, try to stand up from the bed.˝ The two complied, and indeed, they managed to stand up, and take a few steps around the room.

This created waves of pure awe and amazement in the two. ˝Thank you, thank you so much! We'd have been dead if it wasn't for you!˝, Ash thanked the Pokémon, still in shock. ˝We have no time to lose. I will fetch you your Pokémon, and then, you must hurry to the woods outside of the city. The trainers need leaders like you, otherwise, they are doomed.˝, was the response.

Pryce nodded, showing extreme resolution. He and Ash gripped Gardevoir by the hands, which gave her the signal to Teleport them outside of the hospital, where, behind a bush, awaited Pikachu, plus the Pokéball belts of both Ash and Pryce.

˝Pikachu!! I'm so glad to see you! I thought we will be separated forever... But, thanks to this Gardevoir, I'm back in action, and so is Pryce! Hurry, we need to beat some soldiers outside of the city. The trainers trapped there need us!˝, Ash announced the news, hugging briefly with Pikachu. The rat squealed, signaling his readiness to let loose his voltage on anybody who warranted it.

To their dismay, the loud noise that was actually some people near the hospital shouting upon seeing Ash and company meant that they've been found out. In a moment, an armored military transport vehicle appeared, and the soldiers lined up around the bushes, while the commander shouted in the megaphone:˝Surrender! You have nowhere to run, trainer. Come out with your hands raised.˝

Ash glanced at the Gardevoir with a decisive facial expression, meeting her nod, before spitefully answering to the commander:

˝I don't think so! Pikachu, Thunder!˝, his trusted mouse charged up to fire a lethal electrical surge, while Gardevoir concentrated and used Psychic on a wooden bench near the hospital, flinging it mentally at the soldiers, who dodged it somehow. However, the Thunder hit the vehicle, setting the engine on flame. Everyone scurried away, before the vehicle exploded, becoming a burnt wreckage. The sirens began to blare from far away, getting closer and closer... Pryce, Ash, Pikachu and the Gardevoir stormed to reach the woods in time.

A policeman got up from his cover, and after overcoming the shock inflicted by the sudden events, he called some number on his mobile phone.

Cosgrove woods...

While he, Marko and Lt. Heinradsen were monitoring the situation in and around the woods, Luka's phone rang. He didn't expect any calls, but answered it anyway. The voice on the other side was very concerned, on the verge of panic:

˝This is Alexei Sarutobov, a police officer who was assigned to patrol infront of the Louis Pasteur hospital. A trainer and his colleague escaped the hospital, and they're heading presumably towards Cosgrove woods. I'm a former Team Rocket agent, but I still have the numbers of some Rockets. Am I speaking to any Rocket near the city of Achunnay?˝

˝Yes, you are, I'm agent Luka Marin. Do you know the names of these 2 who escaped? Remember anything you can, officer Sarutobov!!˝, Luka said in an alarmed voice, fearing the worst.

And it was indeed what he feared:˝The hospital personnel said a woman in a winter jacket came to see some boy named Kersham or something like that. Later, that boy was seen with some weird looking woman that moved things with her mind...˝

˝Oh, my God... It's Ketchum... But I thought I had nailed him... How did the woman look, officer?˝, Luka now knew that something went horribly wrong....

The answer of officer Sarutobov was confusing:˝She had a grayish face, blonde hair, and looked unnaturally skinny for an adult woman, sir.˝

It took ag. Marin some time, before the awful truth came to his mind:˝His mother isn't like that, she has brown hair... That was a bloody Gardevoir!!!! That explains how could they escape, she healed them... Damn!˝ He continued:˝Alert the central police station to send every available man in Cosgrove woods! God knows what the Gardevoir and Ash are plotting...˝

˝Ulrich, Marko, we need to rush to the woods, now!˝, he said, running to the military vehicle. Ulrich took the steering upon himself, and in seconds, that jeep drove on the path that was still covered in snow in most places.

In the Cosgrove woods, close to the defensive line of the trainers...

As he, Pryce and the Gardevoir progressed into the area riddled with trees, Ash walked firmly, showing his will to defeat anybody assaulting the Trainers. Team Rocket has been a pesky, persistent, but mostly harmless factor in his, and the life of others around him. But since their attack on major cities, and the ruse that brought the Russian army in the fray, whose purpose is to cooperate with Team Rocket, and not help restore things to what they were before; they have become far too dangerous for the way of living he liked, and he, along with a lot of others, decided that he would not tolerate the organization's existence any more. The same could be applied to the Legion of Prince Oborski, who wanted to rid the world of one of the most important things, if not the most important thing to Ash-Pokémon.

The group walked for maybe a minute more, until 2 people spotted them, and came rushing, their rifles at ready.

˝Who are you?˝, the older member of the recon team asked, impatiently waiting for an answer.

Ash took off the hat that shielded his head from the cold, while Pryce tossed a Pokémon League Gym Leader license for the patrol members to see.

˝My God...it's Ash Ketchum! We were notified that support would come, but we didn't expect you... But, why didn't you come sooner? The Red Legion hit us badly. There are many wounded. Our dead are behind us...˝, the younger patrol was happy that such a big support came, but he wondered, was it too late to save them.

Ash scratched his head in embarrassment, knowing that he may have failed the ones that hoped for his timely arrival and help against the powerful foe. ˝Eh, I'm sorry... Us two had survived a car accident, and were nearly dead. If this Gardevoir hadn't healed us and got us here...˝, he had a glum facial expression.

˝My Arceus!! A car accident? Really unbelievable things happen. But, a good sign is that you're here now. Come on, we must introduce you to the rest of our group. I'm Darien, and my young partner is Josh.˝, the older one motioned the group to walk further up, where the rest of the rebels and their Pokémon were.

˝Oi, guys! I've got some very special reinforcements coming to our aid!˝, Darien yelled clearly, for everyone to hear. A mass of trainers quickly appeared, curious to know who's so special. Upon seeing the faces of Ash and Pryce, a mix of awe and excitement exploded in the welcoming crowd.

˝Oh, my God! I can't believe he's here! The boy that so many talked about, the hero of the whole nation, and the role model of every aspiring Pokémon Trainer!˝, someone said in sheer delight, and was followed by many others. Such attention made Ash uncomfortable, naturally. He smiled the best he could, trying to look good. All the noise quieted down, when the commander of this group came, dressed in a thick military winter coat, with a hat and ski glasses on his face.

˝Welcome, young man.˝, he said, taking the glasses off. ˝I'm Kenzo Mauris, called by most people here Ken. We're in a really tough spot, and every bit of help needs, especially from a very successful Trainer, and an experienced Gym Leader.˝

˝What's the situation like, and what Pokémon do the Trainers here have?˝, Ash asked, followed by Pryce's question:˝How strong is the enemy in numbers, and what armaments do they possess?˝

˝The enemy consists mostly of the members of the ill-named Legion of Prince Oborski, helped by a small number of TR Troopers. They count somewhere around 350-400 men, which isn't a lot, but they've got heavy mortars, guns, and the worst thing-a tank fully modified for snowy terrain. Ash, the list containing all the fit Pokémon will be here any second.˝, the commander finished his report, leaving both of the newcomers in deep thoughts.

˝No worries, people. We can win this, no problem. I just need to look what's the area like, because we'll be luring the enemy here.˝, Ash said, in an uplift mood, with a hint of devilishness in his smile. Pikachu voiced his support loudly, eliciting some equal response from the crowd. Ash, Pryce, and a few senior trainers took a look at the map, and began forming a plan how to break out from the forest.

On the other side, Luka, Marko and Ulrich tried to locate any sign of opposition, watching carefully through the binoculars, as the army and police forces dispersed and poured into the landscape that was just woods and snow. Locating Ash was the primary objective, he would certainly be the most cunning and dangerous individual in the group.

They moved from side to side, trying to spot anyone suspicious. But nothing occurred for a long time, until one of the TR operatives came up with a photograph that he hurriedly wanted to show to everyone around.

˝I've just come back from a scouting run a bit deeper in the forest, and here's a photo I've managed to take.˝, the scout spoke, catching his breath.

Luka immediately took the photograph, which showed 2 people, one much shorter than the other, and a Pikachu. He announced immediately:˝Look if you wish, but that's Ash's rat. And that's Pryce with him, even if I can't see them directly due to the thick winter gear. Alert the commanders, Ulrich. The battle is nearing.˝

Soon, commotion and loud yelling began there, as the battle lines were being drawn. One side aiming to break out of the forest, the other one trying to deny them that right. Another look at the binoculars, and it was clear: the rebels are coming out to battle, along with their Pokémon. At the front, stood people with weapons, mostly rifles. Only Ash, in the very center, standing infront of everyone else, had a pistol. His most fearsome weapon was standing beside him, anyway.

˝Troops, charge to the front line positions! Flank battalions, open heavy fire after the enemy attacks the central units! Artillery, begin suppression fire!˝, major Johannes von Brodelow ordered, in a heavy German accent. And so, the battle was on...

˝And so, the tyrannical army comes. Send the scouts in the air! Ash, you lead the central anti-personnel unit. Pryce, you're in charge of the eastern flank, and trap activation. Darien, you take the west.˝, commander Mauris announced, to which all nodded, and ran quickly to their posts.

Luka came down deeper inside the forest, going through the center, behind the advancing Troopers. He witnessed the mechanic accelerated beat of the heavy machineguns, interrupted in regular intervals by the loud mortars. In contrast, Pokémon and humans screamed and uttered bestial battle cries, rushing at the enemy.

A Weavile pierced a Trooper's abdomen with its claws, ripping the intestines out, but didn't live to enjoy in that, as a hail of bullets drilled its skull, fired from behind.

The flank battalions rushed in at the rebel force from behind, opening heavy fire, but as the events followed, they were well prepared. An older Legionnaire walked from one side of the forest hurriedly into the center, firing at anything not wearing red or black. A sound alerted him, and he stopped, to notice a broken rope he must've stepped on. In an instant, a blade came from his right, cutting his neck. As the blood gushed out, many other unfortunate soldiers found out that the forest had been rigged with traps, like swinging wooden spikes, triggered landslides, pits with spikes, bear traps, mines, or just lurking Pokémon.

Luka noticed this happening, and didn't waste a second in notifying the commanding officers of this. This operation has just become very dangerous, and he'd literally have to watch his every step on the thick snow. He was focused on finding Ash as soon as possible, before his team of Pokémon did major damage.

˝They're bloody winning this thing...˝, was the realization that came to his head after an Abomasnow set off a big Blizzard, temporarily blinding a lot of troopers, enough for some Pokémon to punch them to death from close range. Several Trooper charges had failed due to a layer of ice created by the many Ice Pokémon present here. The Troopers slipped on the ice, many getting injured in the process, which enabled the trainers and Pokémon to kill them without exposure to danger.

The heavy cannon/mortar barrage did the most damage to the rebel forces, but it still didn't kill them in sufficient numbers to help the TR Troopers and Legionnaires.

Luka managed to inflict some casualties by using abandoned machinegun posts. While doing so, he noticed a group of 5-6 Troopers who moved forward after taking down 2 trainers, thinking the area is clear. But a sharp cry from the other side, and a glow, before Ice Shard came down raining on the soldiers startled Luka and he screamed to the still oblivious soldiers who sounded like they may have been Italian:˝Geloscheggia! Correte!(Ice Shard! Run!)˝

The soldiers did turn, and upon seeing the chunks of ice, began running, but it was late for some of them, as the shards lacerated them across the face, producing abominating screams for help. The 2 that lived barely managed to get up, when a Swellow beheaded them with Wing Attack, in a truly horrid sight.

Luka had enough of everything, and opened fire on the Swellow who had just managed to spot him, spraying the bird's chest with its own blood. The Sneasel that had fired the Ice Shard leapt at Luka, aiming to come down on him, and rip him apart, but Luka moved away, throwing a grenade that dismembered the Dark/Ice type. Thanking God that he was still alive, he shifted his attention to a sight in distance, as a large tank rolled over every obstacle, seemingly coming down a path that the rebels left unguarded. As he neared the modified T-80, he noticed something a bit odd in the path ahead.

From distance, it seemed the snow had some black spots on it, but, upon taking a careful look, Luka realized the awful truth. It was a trap. The spots were small holes. ˝Stop the tank! Stop the tank!˝, he yelled in both English and Russian, but to no avail. The tank and the Troopers behind it kept on marching, until they reached the part of the path with tiny holes in it.

A slight creaking sound was heard, and the snow gave way completely in that part, as the tank fell down. Many Swinub poured from the hole, attacking the Troopers behind the tank with Powder Snow in a sharp move that turned the tables on the opposing forces. The defeat now seemed even closer.

˝Damn everything and everyone...˝, Luka cursed angrily, already feeling despair. He looked around for an occasional flamethrower that some soldiers would carry, finding one somewhat farther from the tank. He rushed back with it, and let the flame torch the culprits for the tank's entrapment.

˝Burn, you pests! Burn in hell!˝, he roared, torching every Pokémon, just to vent the anger from seeing all the dead Troopers, though they could never be brought back.

Many of the rebels tried to force a decisive breakthrough, but the artillery units couldn't be reached, and so, the wave got mowed down, but they did manage to inflict more casualties upon the TR/Legion alliance.

Luka frantically typed urgent messages to the HQ outside of the forest, asking for regrouping and reinforcements, telling how the tank got stuck. It was getting pulled out of the hole, but it wasn't going to be ready for combat anytime soon. Unfortunately, the combat would begin very soon, even without the T-80 in action.

Several Trainers, accompanied by Pokémon, rushed in near the trapped tank, catching the regrouped squads off guard, which resulted in several easy kills for the attackers, who reached new heights of brutality with each victim. However, Luka was hidden well, and he swiftly lobbed a hand grenade into the bunch, killing a few of the assailants, and badly maiming a lot of the others. He was about to fire off a burst at the survivors, but, a sight made his legs petrify, out of sheer fear.

From behind, a creature with prevailing colors of red and yellow, along with white and gold, that had fiery hair, went forward towards the tank, making large leaps. Luka had been present on the Pokémon recognition classes, and knew too well that shape: it was an Infernape. In a split second, the thought of the possible Trainer this Pokémon might've belonged to crossed his mind, and fear came along with it.

˝Good God...! I know whose that might be, hopefully it isn't him... Or else...˝, Luka swallowed a noodle, while looking frantically for the face of the trainer. Unfortunately, it was none other than Ash Ketchum, accompanied by his Pikachu and Staraptor, besides the fiery ape. Luka managed to get himself together, and he called out to every living Rocketeer or Legionnaire:˝Watch yourselves, there's Ash Ketchum coming at us!!˝. The alert made a few of them spring in action, as they looked around, to search for the dangerous trainer.

Luka climbed up to the tank, and screamed, leaning himself on the turret hatch:˝Get out, get out! This tank will get incinerated!˝ Luckily, someone must've heard him, and after a creaking noise, as Luka saw the turret open. He said to the first soldier to peek out: ˝Get everyone out! There's a very dangerous trainer outside! He's got a walking furnace with him!˝, and soon, everyone rushed outside, having to immediately jump as the Infernape let loose a Flamethrower at the turret. The metal got white hot in seconds.

Luka was again fortunate to live, but the reinforcement soldiers behind the tank began to scream, what mixed with sounds of bone crunching, electrical discharges, and savage bird shrieks. Even Ash himself was battling the soldiers, as Luka could hear his battle cries, and panting afterwards, though still wondering how could Ash fight. He'd spent all of his grenades, but a sole CS can.

˝I better make this one count...lest the boy murder us all.˝, he breathed in deeply, and ran forwards until Ash and his death squad were visible, and hurled the grenade far. The smoke covered a lot of area, and everyone in it began coughing and covering their eyes. The tank crew cleverly came out from their cover, and started firing into the noxious mist, hoping to claim a kill or two. And indeed, some of the shots connected, as screams of pain proved.

However, the courageous bird, despite the fact that the gas had gotten her too, began flapping the wings feverishly, causing the gas to dissipate. Soon, Pikachu appeared, his chest stained with blood. Next, the face of a very angry Ash, whose eyes were red. Infernape was the last one, coughing loudly. Staraptor collapsed to the ground due to exhaustion and the effects of the CS gas.

˝Sta...raptor, Pi...Pikachu! Are...you...o-okay?˝, Ash said, coughing, still heavily affected by the gas, as he came down to the fallen bird, trying to bring her to consciousness, only managing to get a weak vocal confirmation that she's still alive. He then took off his winter jacket, letting the rodent wrap it around the bullet wounds. ˝...Here...! Take this, I'm not...gonna let you...die!˝. He hastily pulled back Staraptor in the Pokéball afterwards.

Luka, along with the tank crew, fired again, however, a flame shield surrounded the Pallet-born trainer, and blocked the bullets, which fell to the ground, and began smoldering.

˝You...bastards...hurt my Pokémon! I will kill you with my bare hands!!˝, Ash's roar sounded animalistic. The only thing on his mind: revenge. One of the soldiers moved forward, trying to get a clear shot on Infernape, but all he got was a punch to the gut, and a fierce knee to the head. He collapsed on the ground, his forehead bloodied. It had not been Infernape that hit those, no, it was Ash.

The other, as well as Luka, were stunned by the events, and barely believed their eyes. That sight would be their last, as Infernape fired a Flamethrower that hit 2 soldiers dead on, turning them into carbonized state, while the others' clothes began burning. Luka moved away in time, looking with horror at the Infernape , who beat the soldiers up in a killer frenzy, joined by Ash. They enjoyed causing bloodshed, beating and burning the soldiers to their deaths, whose screams only bewildered the duo more. Unrecognizable heaps of bone and fried flesh were the only thing left of the brave men. The eyes of Ash and the ape searched madly for the one that fled-Luka.

The demise of these men gifted life to Luka, as he had some time to run far, far away from the sight of Ash and Infernape. He removed the helmet and mask from his face, aching for fresh air, even if it was cold. He saw Ash, Infernape and Pikachu surrounded by a weird light, then vanish... The good news was, he could see very few Trainers or living Pokémon from his position, and friendly forces were swarming the area. ˝Barem je proboj valjda zaustavljen. Ali Ashton još hoda Zemljom. Predosjećam još puno posla...(At least the breakthrough has been stopped, I guess. But, Ashton is still walking the Earth. I sense a lot more work...)˝

He then called the operations HQ:˝This is TR Agent Luka Marin. Has the breakthrough indeed been stopped?˝

The voice on the other side said:˝Yes, the clearing of the area will begin soon. But we haven't found any trace of Ash...˝

˝I know. I've seen him kill a tank crew, and then flee. The savage still lives. I was there when he shed blood, together with his partner from hell. Give my GPS location to transport chopper crews.˝, Luka said, with resignation, and a hint of fear.

He sat on the snow again, contemplating the events that had happened. He thought he had nailed Ash and Pryce, but the plan got foiled by a meddling Pokémon. He then took part in a fierce battle, being near death 3 times. He felt really lucky. But Ash lived, and showed his cruel, sadistic side, costing a lot of brave men their lives. How to kill him, that was the question on the mind of Agent Luka Marin...

The breakthrough has been stopped, but Luka has seen the side of Ash that has never been seen before. How well will he cope with his fear of ending up like the soldiers?