All parts of this story may be found at http://www.freewebs.com/lethal_shinken
Note: Pokemon and its associated characters are copyright by Nintendo,
Game Freak, Creatures Inc, and 4Kids Productions.
*****

Part 3 – Self-destruct


I am in the dust that you can't breathe...

I am in the light that you can't see...

I am in the fire that you can't feel...

But I am here, believe me.


*****


Burning buildings lit up Fuchsia City against the grey afternoon sky. Debris and piles of melting steel issued deep breaths of grey smoke as a swarm of Squirtle Squad cars streamed into the city, and jets of water were released at the smouldering architectures.

Misty was sitting on a bench outside the derelict Pokemon Centre, the wind toying with her bright red hair. Joy and Jenny had left earlier, to investigate a 'crisis that had occurred' somewhere on the city beaches. They had informed Misty she must 'stay put'.

Misty growled, as she relived those words. Stay put. Looking at the clusters of people in the city, she could see, everyone else had an errand to run apart from, it seemed, her. Misty glanced eastward at the shores of Fuchsia and her keen eyes picked out a huddle of people, protected by jackets from the biting wind, crowded around a single figure. However, the limits on human eyesight prevented her from seeing any more and Misty gave up, sighing deeply.

She bent down and picked up her rucksack, undid the buckle and pulled out a rolled up newspaper. She straightened it up and turned to the first page where she met with the words 'VIRIDIAN FOREST BURNT DOWN'.

Misty blinked back tears of fury, reflecting upon the first time she had seen the headline. Indeed, it had angered her enough to blow up the whole of Celadon City. More or less. Misty smiled grimly. She really needed to get a better hold of her temper.

Viridian Forest, back in her childhood days, had been a slightly creepy, yet friendly forest filled with wild Pokemon. Misty remembered her adventures with Ash and Brock back in their training days – when they had constantly travelled around, through and over the familiar forest. Once they had come to a slightly troublesome area, where the nearby Pidgeys had a habit of stealing their food. The trio had ended up making a game out of it, seeing who could eat their food fastest. Ash had nearly always won.

Shaking her head free of memories, Misty studied the article further, picking out phrases such as 'League's doing' and 'Leader couldn't have been prouder'. She grumbled and tossed the newspaper back into her bag. Newspapers, these days, were always a topic of controversy. Sometimes they would be licking the League's boots other times snapping at their feet like angry Growlithe.

The Viridian Forest affair, Misty pondered, had been fairly hushed up. She guessed the League had paid the press a lot of money to keep it so quiet. This was one of the few media companies they must have left out. Misty smiled. Thank God for that.

Abruptly, she looked up, hearing the pitter-patter of footsteps. A pink-haired woman was approaching, holding a bundle of white sheets in her arms. Misty stood up and the woman stopped abruptly. She bowed her head, her upper lip quivering.

What's wrong Nurse Joy?” Misty asked, clasping the nurse's shoulder with a firm hand, “What happened?”

Oh, oh, oh,” Joy replied, “Misty, it's awful. There's a dead man on the beach.”

Misty dropped her hand, and brushed her long fringe out of her eyes.

That's no reason for you to break down, Joy,” she said, gently, “It happens a lot, these days. Not a good thing – but it happens.”

B-b-but Misty,” Joy coughed, raising her head so Misty could see her tear-streaked face.

That man, that man is...”

Is?” Misty prompted, eyes narrowing.

It's Ash, Misty,” Joy answered, eyes shining, “It's Ash. He's...he's dead.”

******


Officer's Jenny's Honda CBR RR Fireblade 300 streaked through the flaming roads of Fuchsia City, Misty clutching the officers sides to hang on. The Water Master had been silent throughout their journey towards the beach, her eyes holding a shocked look.

Just a little longer, Misty,” Jenny promised, accelerating further. Misty nodded, absently, as tears blurred her vision. It was like she had been permanently sucker punched, her strong facade slowly slipping away. The world revolved around her as Jenny, wordlessly, ploughed on towards the city shores. Misty just could not bring herself to believe Ash was dead, a little voice in her head muttering, 'Hold on Ash, just a little bit longer.'

After what seemed to Misty like a lifetime of dark, desolate days the motorbike screeched to a halt. Jenny dismounted and Misty followed her, shaking slightly even though she was far from cold. They had come to the city cliffs, where the jagged rocks crumbled away to create a steep path that led down to the beach. Misty passed Jenny, and stumbled towards Ash, feeling as if a cold hand had constricted around her chest, cutting off her air supply. Her breath began to become as harsh and uneven as the rocks around her, as her eyes settled on a lone figure lying upon the golden sand, a yellow ball curled up next to it.

Pikachu,” Misty let out a shuddering gasp, as further tears pricked at her eyes.

Yes, the Pokemon too,” Jenny declared from behind.

Misty halted, covering her eyes with her hands as a wetness trickled down her cheeks.

It's all right,” Jenny said as she stopped too and patted Misty's shoulder a little absently, “It's all right.”

Oh god,” Misty mumbled, “This is so stupid. I hate crying so much. I hate it. But, god. He's dead, Jenny, he's dead.”

I – I know,” Jenny said, rather uncomfortable, “I know, it must have been a very big loss for you, Misty. But life goes on..”

Aw, man,” Misty gave a watery laugh, “It's not so much about me, Jenny. Or even Ash. But Ash, he – he could always sort these things out – I mean with the League and all the Pokemon. I just thought, thought that if we met up, he'd be able to stop it. I'm so dumb, to have to depend on him, it's just, I've never handled anything big like this by myself before. I just don't know what to do... but you're right life goes on”

She momentarily gasped for air, and removed her hands from her face, rubbing away the tears with her fingers.

It's okay, Jenny. I'll be okay.”

Jenny was silent and still as the Water Master sniffed, seemed to recover and made her way towards Ash, trembling slightly.


*****


There were no words, Erika could think of, but 'tired' to describe her mood. Oh, so tired. It seemed almost impossible, she could be this weary. Her once beautiful skirt and matching blouse were smudged with mud and she was limping badly. She shivered to think of the state of her hair. Brock was in a similar condition as they staggered towards Fuchsia City Beach. Erika vaguely remembered, Brock saying Ash had promised to wait there for them. She could hardly believe what had happened to Fuchsia. The whole city had been set ablaze, people running around like headless Fearow, screaming and shouting. Complete havoc, Erika thought as she shook her head. Unexpectedly she groaned and clutched her side.

Brock, can't we rest?” she panted.

No,” he replied grimly.

They had been walking for two days, since it had happened...Erika trembled. She did not want to think about that. She undid her sandals and walked the rest of the way in her bare feet.

Is that sensible?” Brock asked as they reached a rugged route towards the sea, and Erika gasped in pain as sharp pebbles poked her skin.

You're right,” she bit her lip and put her shoes back on. Instantly, pain seared through her feet. The straps of her shoes were slicing her skin into red, blotchy ribbons and she could feel big blisters in the soles of her feet. She hobbled after Brock, as determinedly, he made his way towards the beach.

When they reached sand, Erika slid her shoes off again and abandoned them near the pathway they had been walking upon. She enjoyed the cool, soothing feel of the sand on her feet as she stumbled after Brock. They noticed two figures, one sitting on a large log and the other lying in the sand. The pair were illuminated by a single fire atop a small pyre. As they came, Brock expelled an uneasy breath. He knew the person upon the log. It was his long-lost friend who he'd almost forgotten, Misty. He knew she, too, had been sent by the Inferno Board of Governors, on this mission with him. However, even though they both worked in the same place, he hadn't seen her in such a long time.

Her eyes were sharp and alert yet her features sagged out of grief and weariness. Her face held a serious, yet distant look as she gazed at the sea. She was wearing a black sweatshirt, combats and army boots. Her hair, the colour of living fire, had grown to be level with her elbows and was tied back in a loose pony.

Ash was lying beside her, wrapped in his black traveller's cloak, Pikachu huddled next to him. Every so often Misty would look at him and extend her hand as if to touch his shoulder. But she would stop herself just in time and close her eyes, dropping her hand back into her lap.

However, there was something that puzzled and worried Brock as he recognized more of Ash's features. He was sleeping, yet his eyes were wide open.

Misty,” Brock murmured.

The red head glanced at him, behind drooping lids, “Brock.”

Er...” Brock stalled, “Long time no see.”

Yeah,” Misty's voice sounded dead.

She got up just in time and Erika collapsed upon the log Misty had been sitting on. She hugged her knees and rocked back and forth on it. It was only know that Brock noticed the amount of damage their hike had caused to her feet.

What brings you here, Brock...Erika?” Misty asked as she added another stick to the fire.

We were meant to meet Ash,” Erika replied before Brock got a chance, “What's wrong with him?”

Misty's voice wavered yet her hand was still, “He's dead.”

Erika's jaw dropped and Brock let out a cry full of anguish and denial. He fell to his knees and scrambled towards Ash's cold body.

It's no use, Brock,” Misty said softly.

You're lying,” Brock whispered and leant forward. Misty thought he might hug Ash but instead he grabbed Ash's hand and felt his wrist.

See,” Brock's face lit up for one wild moment, “See...”

Then his features blanked and he squinted at Ash, “No pulse...”

Erika let out a terrified sob from the log. Misty and Brock ignored her.

How did it happen?” Brock questioned, breathing heavily.

Misty settled herself down beside Erika and narrowed her eyes.

He drowned,” Misty replied, in hard tone, shielding herself from more grief, “He was washed up this morning.”

Erika sobbed again and Misty placed a warm hand on her shoulder.

O god,” Brock said, “O god. O god. What are we going to do?”

We can think about that later,” Misty answered. She took a loaf of bread out of her bag which was lying near by and divided it into three slices. She gave one to Erika and then another to Brock. Erika, thankful, for the food devoured it in seconds. Brock looked at his bread as if it was something completely alien and foreign.

You both look immensely tired,” Misty observed, “I would have expected you would have come by car, not foot.”

No one said anything for a few moments. Erika glanced at Brock, who seemed incapable of speech. She sighed and began, “We did originally come by car...”

What happened?” Misty cut in.

Erika looked a little irritated, “I'm getting to that.”

Sorry,” Misty apologized and Erika nodded before continuing.

As the former Saffron City Gym Leader narrated their tale, Misty visualized it, shivering a little. Yet Erika noticed as she went on with her story, Misty's eyes never quite left Ash's side.


*****


Half a day had gone in a blur, and Erika had suddenly found herself; bags packed, new Pokemon caught and armed with a short snake sword, sitting in Brock's musty old Chevrolet Camaro. It had all gone so fast, she thought, she could barely remember anything.

She propped herself up on one arm and looked out of the window, to see ugly grey buildings whizzing past. Large blue posters consisting of bold black 'L's had been glued onto the buildings, each one reading 'SUPPORT THE LEAGUE, DESTROY THE POKEMON!'

Erika sighed. The League had been running a campaign for five years now, their main slogan being 'destroy the pokemon'. Whoever the leader was, Erika thought with a spark of anger as she continued to gaze at the scenery, he sure had it in for Pokemon. He had some crazy idea, of attempting to dispose of all the Pokemon and replace them with 'more clever, faster and more beautiful robots'. Erika shuddered with anger and studied the scene further. There was little vegetation skirting around the buildings, and she could not see a single Pokemon in sight. True there were many people bustling about, and even the occasional robot but apart from that...

Erika turned her head to see Brock take a new road, which she did not recognize. She peered at a sign near the beginning of the highway and read 'DIVERSION DUE TO ROAD BLOCKAGE IN CELADON CITY'.

Road blockage,” she frowned, “Celadon City?”

Nothing to worry about, I'm sure,” Brock said from her side, “Just some League Activity, that they don't want anyone else to see.”

But Celadon's full of Muk,” Erika muttered.

Muk?” Brock raised an eyebrow and realization struck, “Is that why you had to leave?”

Yeah,” Erika felt her eyes moisten, “A few years ago, Team Rocket had set-up headquarters near Celadon and apparently, they had built a Game Corner of some sort there – they had all of their 'elite' workers and Pokemon living in the Game Corner. They ignored us most of the time, so we got used to them but one night, they lost control of their Pokemon, namely Muk and these Pokemon, went completely wild. They started killing people for food and territory, it was really awful.”

Brock nodded gravely, “What happened, afterwards?”

Erika pondered over it for a moment, “Well, someone notified the League...I think. And then this squad of Pokemon Exterminators appeared on the scene and told us to get out and they'd 'take care' of the Muk.”

Brock was silent for a minute and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'Had the League really gotten rid of these Muk,' he wondered, 'What were they up to?'

He was interrupted by a scream from Erika. Snapping out of his thoughtful reverie, he blinked and squinted at seven large figures standing in a row, that resembled a barrier, cutting off the road.

Brock was momentarily confused, 'I thought the road blockage was at Celadon...not here.'

He looked a little more closely at the figures as he gently pushed his foot down on the brake. He let out a horrified gasp.

The figures were five foot tall and eight foot wide each and constructed entirely out of purple slime, that was slipping of their glutinous bodies onto the gravel. Their unnaturally white eyes with slim black pupils glared at Brock and Erika and they opened their colossal mouths to let out terrifying roars.

So, eh heh heh,” Brock scratched his head nervously as the terrifying Muk approached, “I guess they didn't get rid of the Muk...”

He trailed off to look at Erika, who was an ugly shade of purple, a vein throbbing above her eyebrow.

Not funny?”

No.

Okay.”

STEP ON IT!”

Brock spluttered and slammed his foot down on the accelerator and switched gear to reverse. The car backed up, its tyres squealing. Brock swung the steering wheel around and the car spun into a neat 360 degree spin, sending mud flying at the Muk. It then performed an astounding 0-60mph in only 7 seconds and ploughed straight through the Muk, gaining speed every minute.

Confused looks appeared on the Pokemon's faces but then they slitted their eyes and growled menacingly. They dropped to the ground and began to crawl towards the car, moving at an suprisingly high speed for Pokemon so large. Brock barely had time to register what they were doing before they grabbed onto the car mud flaps and tensed their bodies. The Camaro let out a horrible noise like chalk scraping black board, and started to slow down. Panicking, Brock pushed all his weight onto the accelerator and struggled to keep the car's earlier speed.

As they continued to head for Fuchsia, their current destination, Brock was aware that the Muk had succeeded in pulling of the Camaro's mud flaps and were now holding on to the tyres. In horror he realized the car was losing its power, it was losing its energy and it was losing its gas...fast.

We're going to have to get out,” he stated, wiping beads of sweat from his face.

What?” Erika shrieked, wringing her hands, “Brock, we're going to die. Those Muk, they'll kill us.”

No, they won't,” Brock said, wishing he felt as he brave he sounded. He instinctively reached for a pokeball from his belt and pulled it out.

You're going to fight them?” Erika cried.

No,” Brock replied, thinking fast, “But I am going to get them off the road. Now, Erika, when I say three, I want you to get out of the car...”

But -”

No buts.”

Listen -”

No, Listen to me. At the count of three. One...two...THREE!”

Both doors of the Chevrolet flung open and Brock and Erika rolled out of it as the car slowed down and hit a nearby lamppost, coming to a permanent stop. Brock leapt to his feet and fired a red-and-white poke ball into the air. In a flash of red light, a serpent of death-defying size, made completely of rock materialized before them.

Onix,” Brock cried, “I need you to get rid of those Muk for me, okay?”

The Onix boomed in response.

Great,” Brock lifted his hand and pointed at his Pokemon, “Tail whip.”

Brock turned round and extended a hand towards Erika. He helped her to her feet and the half-fascinated, half-petrified Grass Master watched as the Onix proceeded. The Muk were back on their feet, having just recovered from the car's 'accident' with the lamp post and looked furious. They raised their slimy hands at Onix and quickly formed a circle around it.

Ignoring them, the Rock Pokemon lifted its tail and gave the Muk an almighty whack. Two of the toxic Pokemon flew into the air, screeching with fear. Another one fell to the ground and received another hit from Onix's tail. Erika whimpered.

Nice one, Onix,” Brock congratulated his Pokemon, “Now, fissure!”

Erika raised an eyebrow, “Fissure?”

Brock grinned, “Just watch.”

Onix's eyes began to glow a murky shade of brown and the ground around it wobbled like jelly. The earth began to glow the exact same colour as Onix's eyes and abruptly a huge crack split the land into two. The Muk let out bewildered cries as they were swallowed by the void.

Nice, huh?” Brock asked Erika, more than a little smug.

Uh, yeah,” Erika sweat dropped and pointed to the large fissure approaching them, “Hey, Brock. Do you mind?”

The Rock Master's eye flashed with confusion before he saw it too.

Oh yeah. Onix,” he cried, “Manipulate.”

The Rock Pokemon was swift to obey and ducked its great head. Once more, its eyes flashed an ugly brown and the land mended itself as if nothing had happened.

Erika winked, “You're right. That was pretty cool.”

A little dismayed, she then turned to their broken car, “But how are we going to get to Fuchsia?”

Brock looked ahead, at the road that now seemed to go on forever.

He shrugged.

Guess we'll have to walk.”


*****


And that's how we ended up walking to Fuchsia,” Erika explained as she massaged her sore feet.

Must have been pretty bad,” Misty stated, dryly.

Hmmm,” Erika mused, “Got any more bread?”

Misty shook her head and opened her mouth to say something. She stopped and glanced at Brock, sensing movement. The Rock Master had risen to his feet and was clutching the front of his jacket.

Wh-what are we going to do?” he stammered, “W-without Ash?”

Misty straightened up, ignoring her own doubts, “Don't be stupid, we've managed so far without him. We can do the rest ourselves.”

Brock shook his head, violently, “But Misty he's dead. He's never coming back. Aren't you upset?”

Of course,” Misty swallowed, “I just think, we have to move on. That's all. It's what Ash would have wanted us to do right?”

Spoken like a true hero,” said a voice behind her.

Misty turned around, eyes widening and expelled a deep, deep breath. She had just heard Ash's voice. She was hearing his voice. This was not good.

Misty, you're not the only one who can hear me, y'know,” the voice went on.

Misty stole a sideways look at Erika and Brock. They looked like they had just been clobbered.

A-ash?” she stuttered.

She looked at his still body. It lay on the sand, spread-eagled, wearing black jeans, a black shirt and cloak of corresponding colour, like an angel of death. Behind Misty, Erika screamed. Ash's body had slowly began to dissolve into tiny grains of colourless dust. The grains flew into the air and abruptly disappeared.

And then, Ash was standing in front of Misty, black hair gently blown back by the wind. She burbled something inaudible and stepped back. She was hallucinating...

Misty,” he said, “You're not hallucinating. Believe it or not, this is me.”

The Water Master attempted to say something – that made sense but she failed miserably. She stepped aside as Brock appeared next to Ash and cried, “Ash! You're back!”

Brocko,” grinned Ash, thumping his back, “You really thought death would stop me?”

W-w-what?” Erika cried, “You mean you're not dead? You-you just...”

Of course, I'm not dead,” Ash smiled, “Look at me, how can I be dead?”

Erika let out a shriek of relief and could not stop herself from jumping up and down lightly.

This is wonderful,” she gushed, “The Pokemon still have a chance.”

Wait, Ash...” Misty pointed out, from behind the happy trio, “You're not...”

Misty, drop it!” Brock snapped. He had still not let go of Ash, “You were wrong. Ash isn't dead. Just face it.”

But Ash,” Misty addressed this question to him directly. He stepped away from Brock and surveyed her through warm brown eyes, “You're not dead...but you're not alive either...”

Ash grinned, “I was waiting for someone to realize.”

WHAT?”

Both Brock and Erika jumped away from him.

What are you talking about?” Brock spluttered, “If you're not dead or alive...What are you?”

Well,” Ash rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “If I'm not dead and I'm not alive. I guess that makes me...”

He swung around and raised his left hand, clicking his fingers. Suddenly, black petals made of silk rose around him, his body glowing an eerie white. The others gasped, and stepped back in wonder.

I guess that makes me a ghost!”

*****


Notes:

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