It was just another evening for the group. All concerned about Red and his Mewtwo. However, greninja and Pikachu kept feeling a familiar presence with this masked character. The feeling felt so much like it was Ash to them. They know their beloved trainer isn't dead. They just know it.

"So what now? They're on to us and they'll definitely come back with more power this time" Gary said looking into the campfire.

"We will be fine. That was all that they could give us really" Red shrugged. "The only person we need to be worried about is Giovanni, that man has the same power to stand up to me"

Everyone looked at him crazy, "but how?" Serena whispered

"Him and his Persian have a bond that is about as strong as it was for your dear friend and his greninja over there."

Everyone's face saddened thinking about their lost friend.

"I know it's hard but he would want you to be strong"

"How do you even know!?!" Gary snapped. "He was like my brother! You just cant come here and say that!"
He then ran and grabbed Red by his collar.

"What about you though? What do you have to hide? Take the mask off" he yelled.

"A true man's power comes when the time is right. I lurk in the shadows to protect special people like you all. You're right I dont know him but I was around him enough to know what he thought about each one of you all. He loved you all dearly, especially the honey blonde."

Red stated that calmly but inside it was breaking his heart. Seeing his friends like this killed him but he couldnt reveal himself. Not yet.

"Gary, calm down. Everything is going to be okay" Brock put his hand on his shoulder.

Gary huffed and walked away from the group. Clearly pissed off.

"Give him time. Ash was more than just a rival to him. He helped him so much that he saw him as family." Dawn said to Red.

Red simply nodded and walked away. Serena went to follow but was stopped by her friends.

"Let's just leave this as is. We need some rest. From here on out everything is going to be absolutely bizarre. We need to be prepared." Clement told the group.

Everyone agreed, however, Ash went to find Gary.

He kept searching until he spotted a shadow near the lake. He used his aura to indicate that it was Gary. He slowly walked up to him without trying to startle him.

"Look "red" I know it's you. So stop playing games with me Ash. Spill everything" Gary's monotone voice sounded to Ash

"I figured you'd be the first one to figure out the truth. How did you know it is me?" Ash asked calmly to him.

"Simple Ash, I know you, you're my brother by heart." Gary started to speak. Then he turned to him. "Nobody has more balls than you do to abandon your friends for 2 years and suddenly come back and use your late fathers name as your disguise." Gary answered looking straight into his eyes now.

"Now spill everything. Where were you these past 2 years!?!" He yelled with tears welling up

"I've been in the shadows, taking down every criminal organization possible. I've been trying to protect all of you."

"That's not all" Gary said with a straight face. "What else"

"Gary I can't-"

"I said what else!" He yelled grabbing him by the collar. "I am your best friend, your brother, the guy you've known since day one. I want to kill you so bad right now for not coming back but I'm so glad you're here. You're the only one who can stop this madness. Now what is the whole truth."

Ash sighed. "Okay Gary I'll tell you everything. Just let's sit down" he proclaimed.

They found a log nearby and both of the young adults sat.

"Okay look, every criminal organization from team rocket to team skull have wanted one thing, world domination. However, every organization has lead back to one person, Giovanni. He is the leader of all this. The thing is, he says he wants Mewtwo the strongest pokemon in this world."

"That's right. Hes always said that." Gary agreed.

"Well that's not the truth, well not all of it"

"What is then?"

"He has created a weapon that can harness any power and he can use it to manipulate any human or pokemon to obey his commands. The problem is, Mewtwo cant bring him the power to conquer both parties. He needs another piece."

"So what's the other piece? " Gary asked.

Ash hesitated for a second, "it's me, I'm the other piece. You see, I'm an aura user, you know that, but my powers are damn near the same as Arceus himself. If he gets me and can also control Arceus, the world will be completely changed and I cant let that happen. I need everyone's help here. I just cant let everyone know it's me because itll throw everything away. I suspected you would be the first to figure me out. Gary nothing will be the same until I finish this."

"Serena needs to know. Shes heartbroken."

"Thatll only mess everything up Gary, and besides" Ash took his mask off, "I dont think she would want to see me like this."

Gary starred at Ash. Embracing every detail. His face looked tired, lifeless. He had 3 major scars across his face. Gary was horrified to see how his best friend looked after these years.

"What happened..." he muttered out.

"When I destroyed Lysanders lab with the missile to destroy the planet. I used so much energy that I basically became mortal for a split second. The blast caused my face to split open, but as you can see, I want able to heal it properly."

Gary nodded

"Look, you need to get some rest. I'm sorry about everything, but once this is all over, we can go back to the life we had before. I just need to stop Giovanni."

Gary quietly got up and embraced Ash, "I've missed you so much man. We will end this once and for all"

Ash simply nodded to him and let him go back to the campsite. However, they did not know that a certain yellow mouse was hearing the entire conversation. Ash sighed and went to campsite but was stopped when Pikachu jumped out of the bushes.

"Pi pika chu!" It yelled at Ash with tears in its eyes

"Buddy I'm so sorry." Ash stood there stunned at the Pokemon's actions.

"Pikachu!"

"I know I left you Pikachu, it kills me to this day. I know you wouldn't understand but I did it to protect you buddy! I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have found out this way it was me. Pikachu I know you dont believe but I would never abandon you or any of my pokemon. I'm so sorry" he said with tears welling up.

Pikachu kept yelling at him and shaking his head. Finally he jumped to his beloved trainer and let it all out.

Ash cried when he felt pikachu jump into his arms.

"I know what I'm doing is wrong buddy, but I have to stop this and I promise we can go back to traveling and everything. Everything will go back to normal. I promise. I'm so sorry" Ash sobbed.

Pikachu kept nodding his head and letting every emotion out. He was so happy but so hurt to see his trainer.

Ash pulled pikachu away from his shoulders and looked him in the eyes. Both we were stained with tears.

"I love you buddy. I would never do anything to hurt you intentionally. I know you cant forgive me right now, but everything will go back to normal. I swear. We will have our life back again."

"Pika!" The yellow mouse cheered with its paw in the air.

Ash laughed at the site. "I missed you too buddy. Let's get back to the campsite."

Annnnddddd there we go! I'm doing my best to finish this book for you all. It seems to be demanded by everyone. But I've found a little bit of inspiration in myself. I hope every one has a wonderful weekend. Until next time!