A Guardian's Wrath...

Chapter 41 - A Guardian's Wrath...

A GUARDIAN'S WRATH

A blue haired young man and a blunette girl entered the lobby of the Indigo Hotel along with a yellow and dark blue fire badger and a blue and red crocodile. They took a few running steps before stopping, panting heavily. They looked around the lobby and saw there was no one there. "That's odd. This is… Indigo Hotel…right?" asked the male in between breaths.

The female turned to him and let out a long sigh before responding. "Yea it is. But where are his friends that he said should be here?" she asked. They walked to the receptionist counter and hit the bell on it. A moment later, a Pokémon League official entered through the doors behind the counter dressed in her black and white uniform. "Excuse me, but was there a group of people here before?" asked the girl.

"Yes. They were here but then teleported away. Apparently they got some news and left. They haven't been back since," revealed the official. "Is there anything you need or do you have any important information?" she asked the two.

The young man sighed and shook his head. "Damn, we missed them. And no we don't. We came to see if we could help out the Aura Guardian," he admitted.

The official nodded a bit. "That's good of you. I don't know what's happened but you can wait in the lobby to see if they come back," she offered and the two thanked her. They returned their pokémon and sat down on one of the couches there. The girl leaned her head against the boy's shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her.

"I hope he found them," said the girl after a while.

Her boyfriend nodded. "Me too. Me too. We'll wait for a bit to see if they come back."

Far away from the blue haired couple in the hotel lobby, a brunette haired girl was lost in her thoughts while unable to move from her position. No matter what she did, she couldn't escape from her situation. She couldn't believe she was captured. She couldn't believe that she was going to be violated and beaten. She couldn't believe the horrible way things ended between her and her childhood friend who turned out to be the love of her life. She couldn't believe that the terrible men who had kidnapped her were going to kill him. She couldn't believe any of it. She had struggled against her binds for a long time but there was no way out. All she saw was darkness because of the blindfold and her mouth was starting to hurt from the tight gag that was tied on her. She felt so exposed and vulnerable with her hands and legs forcibly spread, tied against the bed posts and having most of her clothes ripped off except for her undergarments. Any sound she heard made her heart skip a beat. She was dreading what was coming so much that she couldn't control herself anymore and started crying again while her body shuddered tremendously.

A pink haired girl was stuck in the exact same predicament as the brunette and was doing all she could to not completely break down even though she was already sobbing and shivering. She was praying for someone to find them and help them. She was praying to get out of there alive. She was praying to see Richie again. She wasn't really looking for love but it had just come out of nowhere and she had realized that she loves him more than anything. She couldn't imagine her life without him anymore and she wondered if he was alright at least or if the bald men had killed him. She tried to push the dark thoughts out of her head but had a hard time doing that. She silently let out tears while her imagination went overboard. She involuntarily pictured terrible things happen to him, to her, to the brunette and to the red head in the basement.

Four of the five brothers were in the living room on the first floor of the cabin. They were dressed in their military clothing and had put on the bulletproof vests. They had attached the large machetes to their belts and also clipped their pokémon's poke balls to their belts too. They had loaded several other magazines with bullets and each of them had two filled up magazines in the pouches attached to their thighs. They made idle talk while inspecting their rifles once more.

"Is everything ready?" asked Edmond after finishing up.

"Yea Boss. Weapons are loaded, pokémon are ready, the traps are set and we're hungry for revenge," replied Eddie.

"Good. Where's Ed?" asked Edmond.

"Probably in the basement," chuckled Edwin.

"Fucker's an addict. Let him have his fun with the red head," said Edmond.

"Ah Boss, you might want him to get back up here," said Edward from the window. He was keeping a look out through the small spaces between the boards that were hammered over them.

"Why?"

"I saw something move behind the trees. We may have company."

"Good. We can get our revenge sooner rather than later if it's him. Eddie, go get Ed," commanded Edmond and Eddie followed the commands.

Ed had gone down to the basement after checking his equipment, weapons and getting his pokémon ready for battle. He never could satisfy his sadistic and lustful desires. He was down there for a good ten minutes already, plowing away into Natasha after groping and beating her for a bit who couldn't even attempt to fight back, let alone whimper anymore, being so exhausted and weak. He wanted to fuck one of the two new girls but had to wait until after his eldest brother and boss went first. That was just how things were. She didn't have the energy anymore to cry out or shout for him to stop. She couldn't even say anything as her vocal cords were so damaged. It didn't help that she was hungry, dehydrated and still in incredible pain from the beatings, the cuts and rough rape before either.

"ED!" called out Eddie has he hurried down the basement.

"WHAT?! Can't you see I'm busy?!" he replied back angrily turning his head but still he continued.

"Boss says to get up here now!" said Eddie and hurried back up as Ed looked at Natasha. He caressed her face while still continuing, making her tremble in disgust from his dirty hands. He moved them down to her breasts again and squeezed them roughly. His long fingernails dug into her skin, making her let out a small whimper.

"I'm sorry darling, I know you want more. But it looks like you'll have to wait till later. Be back soon." He laughed as he finished up, pulling out of her with the poor girl loathing everything about him. He stood up, put on his pants and went upstairs, leaving the red haired girl on the cold basement floor, who was letting out silent tears over her terrible experiences.

"What is it?" Ed asked as he joined his brothers.

"We think he's here," answered Edmond and Ed had an evil grin form on his face. "You know what to do. Go to your spot and be prepared."

A few minutes ago, Ash, Richie, Mewtwo, Pikachu, Lucario and Gardevoir appeared near the edge of the woods right next to the clearing where the lone cabin and small lake was. Ash's anger was increasing with each passing second and Lucario quickly placed his paw on his Master's shoulder. The aura canine was sensing his emotions going haywire. "I know you are angry Master, but you must control it and not act rashly," advised Lucario and Ash took a deep breath to calm himself.

"You're right Lucario." Ash turned to face the group, his next words directed to the pokémon around the two humans. "No matter what happens, stick to the plan. Mewtwo, you know what to do right?" The psychic nodded and teleported out of there. "Pikachu you ready?" he asked his starter and Pikachu nodded, a glowing yellow outline around him. "Good. Lucario and Gardevoir, are you two ready?" They nodded. He turned to his friend. "Richie, I know you're ready for some payback, but you must do as I say. Alright?" His almost twin agreed without hesitation. "Alright, my pokémon are in position and we're ready. It's time. Follow my lead and Lucario; be on guard," finished Ash and the aura canine gave a curt nod in response. They nodded once more before they moved.

The raven haired guardian and his group went towards the trees at the edge of the woods and pressed against them. Ash moved his head behind cover to look into the clearing. He saw the cabin and the lake next to it. A loud sound echoed through the area and he instantly moved back behind cover right as a bullet whizzed past the spot his head was at a second ago.

"FUCK! THEY'RE SHOOTING AT US!" cursed Richie loudly and Ash quickly told him to keep it down. "Sorry but how the hell are we supposed to get closer? Can't we just teleport into the cabin?" he asked looking at his friend.

Ash glanced at Gardevoir and Lucario who shook their head and gave him an update mentally, surprising him. He sent a mental message to Mewtwo and got the same thing back. He was shocked. He turned to Richie. "Looks like that won't be an option. We have no idea what they have planned inside the cabin. We have to work our way in because for some reason, neither Gardevoir nor Mewtwo can sense where they are in the cabin. Lucario can sense their auras but can't tell where exactly they are and what they're doing. We cannot risk teleporting inside in case there are traps," informed Ash and Richie was stunned.

"How's that possible?!" he asked him as Ash took another look before quickly going behind cover again. Another round whizzed towards them and dug into the tree he was hiding behind.

"No idea," replied back Ash. He glanced at Lucario who looked at him. "You think you can handle it buddy?" he asked.

Lucario's eyes glowed blue in response. "Do you even have to ask?" replied the aura canine.

Ash looked at Richie. "Wait here until I signal you to come."

"Wait, what do you mean?!" asked Richie, both confused and worried.

But he was left without an answer. Lucario had stepped into the clearing with Ash right behind him and immediately following that, another loud gunshot was heard. Richie yelled out but was silenced at what he saw. The bullet had hit a transparent blue shield and dropped to the floor. More and more shots were fired but they all hit the shield as the two calmly walked to the cabin. The raven haired guardian trusted his pokémon and knew he could handle it. He knew they would get to their destination in one piece. But all he wanted to do was charge in, have Lucario blast the door of its hinges, beat the Skull Brothers into a bloody pulp, if not have Mewtwo crush their minds and take the girls home so they can get treated and be safe.

But he knew better. He needed to make smart decisions, especially since he couldn't use his aura, they couldn't sense where the Skull Brothers were in the cabin and couldn't risk teleporting into an ambush. And he wanted them to feel fear, to feel their anguish slowly consume them. This calm walk was surely getting to his enemies as it was playing with their minds since he was walking towards them without fear even though they were shooting at them. Because he wasn't able to use his aura for the time being, Mewtwo and Lucario had spoken with him back at the hotel and advised him to use intimidation and mind games to his advantage while they were waiting for their comrades to find them and give them an update. He had agreed, wanting to make them feel the fear that they no doubt made the girls feel.

"What the fuck are they doing?!" cursed Edward, peering through the boarded window cracks after shooting a bit.

"How are they just coming here with just the two of them and not even worried?!" asked Edwin while reloading his rifle. He was startled at seeing him drawing nearer without any sort of indication that he was afraid.

"Stop being such fucking pussies and act like you have balls! Keep firing! They can't block them forever!" snapped Edmond and aimed at the two.

But before he could pull the trigger, Ash caught their attention. "SKULL BROTHERS!" They heard the raven haired young man shouting through the slightly open living room windows and they went still and silent to listen. "I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE! SURRENDER AND STEP OUT WITH YOUR HANDS RAISED! THIS IS YOUR LAST AND ONLY WARNING!" Ash stood with Lucario about halfway to the cabin, right in the middle of the clearing with nowhere to hide.

"FUCK YOU!" roared Ed as he shot his gun again at the two from behind the second story window. But once again, he's bullet didn't make it to its intended target. "FUCK!" He pulled the trigger on his rifle and held it, letting the automatic gun spew out bullets but they only hit the shield before falling to the floor. Lucario had blocked the bullets with his Aura Shield with ease. He had grown stronger and had experience blocking bullets now. It also helped that there was only one gun being fired at the moment even though it was firing much faster. After Ed ran out of bullets, he cursed out loud and Ash snarled.

"YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE!" roared Ash before he and Lucario moved towards the cabin at a much faster pace. All five of the brothers pulled the triggers on their rifles, spraying the clearing with bullets seeing both man and pokémon sprinting towards the cabin. They moved in a zigzag pattern while the bullets cut through the air towards them.

Richie watched from behind cover with widened eyes and a shocked look on his face. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Ash and Lucario were moving in perfect sync, mirroring each other's movements. The aura canine's Aura Shield was preventing the bullets from striking them while dodging the others. "Incredible…"he whispered to himself. A pale blue shield appeared in front of him suddenly and he saw a few bullets drop to the ground a short distance away from his feet. He gulped and glanced at the psychic fairy next to him but her focus was on the two moving to the cabin through the hailstorm of bullets. "Thank you Gardevoir," he said quietly. The white and green pokémon didn't turn her gaze away from her trainer and mate but nodded. Richie moved his gaze back to what was happening in time to see them reach the cabin.

As soon as Ash and Lucario put a foot on the first step, Edwin pushed a button on a small transmitter. The cabin steps exploded underneath their feet and brought up a cloud of debris, smoke and dust. Richie was unable to make a sound but quickly went behind cover to avoid the flying pieces of the front porch. After a few seconds, he slowly turned his gaze to the cabin and saw the smoke. When it all faded away, it revealed a broken down and splintered front porch but also showed a pale blue shield being around them. Lucario was able to protect them with his shield. Edwin turned to his brothers and shook his head. The brothers were shaken to their core that their explosive surprise did absolutely nothing to them. The Aura Guardian and the aura canine were completely unharmed.

But Ash's anger was starting to go over the tipping point. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" roared Ash. He moved swiftly forward and kicked the front door open. The vile group opened fire at once with their rifles aimed at them. Ed had come down to the first floor after his failed attempt to kill him from a distance. Lucario blocked it with his Aura Shield again but was struggling because of the rapid fire from all five rifles. Gardevoir quickly teleported to their location, sensing him struggling and used her psychic powers to assist Lucario and the shield strengthened. Both pokémon held up the shield with ease where one could not. When they ran out of bullets, they lowered their weapons and looked on with shock as they were stupefied that not even a single shot got in. Gardevoir then quickly teleported Richie and Pikachu to be with them after Ash told her mentally. When the two appeared in the cabin, the evil men were surprised but Ash's almost twin quickly caught up to what happened as Pikachu took up a battle stance on the living room table, growling.

He narrowed his eyes and shook with rage. "WHERE'S JOY?!" shouted Richie after Lucario lowered the shield.

The Skull Brothers were too stunned to see them there, alive and not having even a single scratch on them from the bomb they set up on the cabin porch steps or from their hail of bullets whizzing through the air. They stood still for a moment before reacting at once. The evil brothers dropped their guns and pulled out their machetes while reaching for their poke balls. Five simultaneous, small but precise Thunder Bolts were shot from Pikachu before they could even move an inch that made the weapons fly out of their hands into the air. Another round of Thunder Bolts and they were sent flying into the wall behind them, embedding into them. Pikachu had sparks shooting out of his cheeks as the yellow glow around him pulsed. Richie would have been impressed at the electric mouse's power and skill but his mind was only on Joy. Lucario was snarling at them, his teeth bared with his eyes glowing blue and Gardevoir had a furious expression on her face with her eyes glowing blue too while levitating in the air.

"Where. Are. They?!" growled Ash. He knew where they were. But he wanted them to answer him. To submit to his will. To feel fear.

Edmond glanced at Ed who got the message. He turned around and headed down the hall from the living room before going up the stairs. Ash narrowed his eyes at the four remaining Skull Brothers before moving after Ed with Lucario. He signaled Richie to wait with Pikachu and Gardevoir, to keep an eye on the others and in case there were more traps. Richie agreed and brought out his Tyranitar to help keep an eye on things. The powerful mountain pokémon let out a deep growl at the four remaining brothers and they didn't move. Ash followed Ed and the Skull Brother led him to a bedroom door. He opened it and took a few steps forward before stopping. Ash stepped forward with Lucario keeping his attention on Ed who kept his gaze on the aura canine.

Ash moved past him and when he saw the figure of Joy, he hurried to her and sat down beside her. Joy started trembling when she felt the bed move and someone sit next to her. She started whimpering and her heart began beating madly. The raven haired guardian was boiling inside seeing how scared she was but controlled himself. He glanced at Ed with such a furious expression that he became frozen with fear gripping him. Satisfied that the vile man wouldn't move and knowing Lucario would bash his skull in before even moving an inch, he turned his attention back to Joy. Ash gently and carefully untied and removed her blindfold first. When she felt someone's hands on her head she whimpered even more and when the cloth was gone, she feared opening her eyes as to what she would see. Unable to control herself, Joy opened her eyes slightly and then immediately opened them before blinking a couple times when she realized who it was.

"Hey. I'm here and so is Richie. We're gonna take you home. No need to worry," said Ash soothingly and Joy felt herself stop shaking, completely relaxed now. They were saved and she would be seeing Richie again soon. Ash noticed how quickly she calmed down and was glad that he could make the people he cares about feel better with him around. He untied her gag and removed it, allowing her the ability to relax her jaw muscles finally. It felt so good to her that she couldn't speak for the moment while he worked on the binds on her wrists and feet. He noticed how they were tied so tightly that they had dug into her skin, leaving marks. He became even angrier but kept his fury in check for the moment. When he finished untying her binds, he helped her sit up and Joy hugged him quickly after.

"Thank Arceus. Thanks for coming after us Ash," thanked Joy with a hushed tone of voice and Ash reciprocated the hug.

"Anytime Joy. And I'm sorry for everything. C'mon. I'll take you to Richie," he told her.

"What about Leaf? And there's another girl who's hurt too," whispered Joy so only he could hear her as she looked at him.

"I'll get them out too. But one thing at a time," he replied back quietly. They separated and Ash got off the bed before holding out his hand for her to take. He helped her get off the bed and she stood beside him, no longer afraid of the Skull Brother now that her friend and boyfriend were there. He looked at Ed who was still frozen. "After you," said Ash with a serious tone to the bald man and it snapped him out of his trance. Ed led the way with Ash following directly behind him, Joy behind Ash and Lucario bringing up the rear. She was feeling so relieved to be getting out of there. They reached the living room again where they left the others. The second they saw each other, Joy's lips spread into a large smile at seeing her love and Richie was overcome with happiness at the sight of her. Ash made sure the Skull Brothers didn't do anything as the two moved to each other and hugged.

"I'm so sorry Joy. I tried my best but it wasn't good enough. Please forgive me for not being able to protect you," pleaded Richie as he held her tightly in his arms.

"It doesn't matter. You're here now. I know you did whatever you could. I'm just happy to see you here," replied Joy as she felt much comfort in his arms.

"Richie." Riche and Joy looked at Ash. "Tell the others that Leaf will be coming soon." Riche and Joy gave Ash confused looks before the two and his pokémon disappeared in blue glows, surprising the Skull Brothers. They reappeared back at the hotel in the living room where everyone else was waiting. Their sudden appearance made them jump but soon brushed it off.

"Damn it Ash!" yelled Richie, realizing what his friend just did and then silently returned his pokémon.

"What happened? Is Ash alright?" asked Cynthia for everyone.

"He's fine," responded Sabrina and everyone looked at her while neither Richie nor Joy could believe what he just did. She read their minds because they didn't answer. "He had Mewtwo teleport Richie and Joy here after telling them to tell us that Leaf will also be coming soon."

"He's getting them out of harms' way before they fight," remarked Alder and they understood. Richie was still pissed. He saw their hostile welcome but he still wanted to get revenge for what they did but now his chance was gone. Joy saw him angered but when she placed her hand in his, he calmed down and turned his attention to her.

"It's okay Richie," said Joy and Richie pulled her into a tight embrace, with their group looking at them.

Back at the cabin, after the two disappeared, Ash told Ed to take him to the other girl. At first he didn't move but then Lucario snarled at him and he took a step back. He glanced at Edmond who nodded his head. They had no choice. Ed led the way and this time Ash mentally told Lucario to stay to help watch the others in case they tried something and that he could handle Ed by himself. The aura canine didn't argue since it would show weakness in front of their enemies and they needed to keep their dominance. If they figured out that Ash was in a weakened and vulnerable state, they may try something.

Ash followed after Ed, going back upstairs and this time Ed opened the door opposite the room where Joy was held. He took a few steps in before stopping. The raven haired guardian stopped a foot behind him when he saw the brunette in the same tied up position as Joy but she was barely dressed, only having her undergarments on. He grew furious at that and lost control. He struck Ed abruptly so hard that he went crashing to the ground, knocked out. The raven haired guardian wasn't satisfied with knocking him out though. He wanted to beat him into pulp but controlled his urge. He would get what he deserved soon enough. Seeing Ed pacified, he faced the girl again and continued towards her, noticing the cut on her cheek, which did nothing but anger him more.

When the brunette heard the door open, followed by something hitting the floor, she became worried and grew scared. When she felt something sit on the bed, she started whimpering and struggling against her binds. She didn't want to be raped and abused. Her heart was beating so rapidly that she felt like it was going to pop out of her chest. But then something happened that made her stop in confusion. She expected to get hit or her bra and panties to be ripped off. Instead, a pair of hands gently worked to untie and remove her blindfold. Leaf slowly opened her eyes, scared as to what she was going to see. The image was a little blurry but after a few quick blinks, she was able to see clearly. She saw the raven haired man of her dreams looking at her with his brown eyes locked onto her green ones. He gave her a small smile as he leaned in closer and started working on untying the gag.

"I'm here Leaf. I'm so sorry for everything. Absolutely everything. But we'll talk about that later okay? Let me get these off of you and get you out of here first. You'll be alright. You'll be safe. I swear it," he told her.

Leaf was astonished at who had come for her. She felt such powerful feelings that he had come for her that she couldn't do anything except gaze at him. She couldn't believe he was here, that he had risked his life for her. Her heart was first beating madly from thinking that she was going to be tortured and raped. It still was but not because of fear anymore but because he had come for her and wouldn't let anything happen to her. But her happiness didn't last long as she noticed something behind her love. She looked over him and what she saw made her heart leap to her throat. Ed was sneaking up on Ash with a large knife, ready to strike.

Leaf froze in that instant. Seeing Ed sneaking up with the knife and Ash hovering over her on a bed, made her remember her nightmare where the Skull Brothers killed him right in front of her. It seemed like some sort of sick joke being played on her. How could she have seen the future? How could her imagination and subconscious show something so terrible that the powers that be decided to make it real? Why? Why was this happening? Seeing Ed move closer and closer without any sound made was making her heart thump so loudly she was astonished that Ash couldn't hear it. She had to do something to get him to notice what was happening.

She tried to talk or make some sort of warning sound but Ash was still working on untying the gag and he hadn't noticed Ed moving to him. She tried showing with her eyes by moving them rapidly to him and then to the side but he never got it as his attention was on the gag. She narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brow hoping he would get it as Ed raised the knife and got it ready in a stabbing position. She did everything she could to make him realize what the Skull Brother was up to, to stop Ed or at least move out of the way so he wouldn't die because of her. If she went, that was fine with her as long as he was alright. He had come for her and that was all she needed from him as she realized he still cared for her. But he never got it. She couldn't believe that he didn't notice her warnings and she couldn't believe he wasn't able to sense the incoming threat when he usually did before with no problem. She was going to watch her nightmare come true and there was nothing she could do about it. Ed quietly approached Ash and swung his blade.

LOOK OUT MASTER!

Lucario's mental warning was too late and Ash didn't respond in time to avoid the hit. The blade struck home but not in the intended area. The raven haired guardian was able to move a bit to the side to avoid a fatal hit yet the blade still pierced through his lower back. Ash let out a mangled cry that made Leaf cry out against her gag fruitlessly. Seeing his attack successful, Ed smirked after letting out a laugh before he withdrew his blade to strike again. Ash whirled around to attack but reacted too slowly and Ed struck home again but this time to his stomach. Ash jerked forward a bit from the strike before becoming immobilized from the hit, paralyzed from the extreme pain he was feeling from the two strikes. Ed pushed him backwards until he was against the wall before deepening the blade into his stomach, making Ash cry out.

"We told you that nobody messes with the Skull Brothers," said Ed dangerously with an evil smile before twisting the blade inside his victim. Ash let out a garbled cry as blood trickled out of his mouth. Leaf couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her nightmare had come true. She was going to bear witness to Ash being killed in real life. She struggled with all her might against the binds and screamed as loudly as she could against the gag but it was all for nothing. Ed noticed the brunette trying to get free to help or do something. It made his nasty smile grow larger, his eyes roaming over her half naked body. "Looks like your girlfriend is trying to get free to help you. How sweet of her. She must love you and you must love her for walking to your own doom." He turned his gaze back to Ash and locked eyes with the young man who was feeling his life slowly leaving him. "Tell you what Mr. Aura Guardian. Before I make you leave this world, I will make you watch me ravage your girlfriend over and over until you die. That is my specialty. You will die watching her become my own personal play thing while you couldn't do anything to stop me! HAHAHAHA!"

Ash coughed out some blood, struggling to stay conscious. Ed turned the blade more, making Ash cry out again. Leaf trembled in her tied up position, crying her eyes out because of what she was witnessing and she screamed against the gag but the only sounds that came out were muffled ones. The raven haired guardian let out a ragged breath, slowly turning his tired gaze to the tied up brunette on the bed. Leaf noticed and stopped struggling to look at him properly. She saw guilt and shame in his eyes but whether it was from their altercation from last night or failing her now, she didn't know. He saw the terrified look in her teary eyes, scared beyond measure, vulnerable, half naked and he also noticed how she was looking at him. It was filled with guilt, concern, fear and…love. He turned his gaze back to the sadistic man in front of him and saw him still laughing with his eyes filled with malicious intent.

Something stirred inside the young guardian at that moment. It wasn't his anger but something else had awakened. He couldn't let this maniac, his brothers or anyone else for that matter hurt Leaf. Hurt his childhood friend. Hurt someone that he…loves. It was that desire, that will to protect her, to save her no matter the cost that lit a fire inside of him. It gave him strength, gave him energy. He grabbed Ed's wrist all of a sudden that held the blade with an iron grip, making Ed stop laughing immediately and winced from it. Ed used his other hand to grab Ash's hand to pull it away but was unable to do so.

"You and your brothers… none of you will ever touch her again…you will pay for all you have done…you will rot in Hell for it…and I'll send you there myself!" snarled Ash.

Ed looked up in time to see the raven haired guardian's eyes narrow in pure fury, before glowing a bright blue making him freeze and Leaf was looking at him with eyes filled with wonder and shock. His desire to protect Leaf no matter the cost forced his aura to manifest to his aid in his weakened state. Using this boost, Ash pushed Ed's wrist away from him, making Ed pull the knife out of his stomach, blood gushing out but it was of no importance to the angered young guardian. When the blade was finally out, he punched Ed in the chest, making him let out a gasp and he dropped the knife. Ed went to strike Ash with his free hand in retaliation but Ash caught the punch with ease, making Ed widen his eyes in surprise. The guardian's eyes glowed an even brighter blue as a blue outline appeared around him.

"Did you honestly believe that a couple stab wounds would kill me?! Would kill an Aura Guardian?!" asked Ash and all he got was silence.

Ash quickly used the shock to pull Ed down and kneed him in the face. Ed cried out from the hit, stunned and before he could recover, Ash spun him around and flung him head first into the wall behind him, knocking him out. Seeing his enemy out for the moment, Ash leaned against the bed post to catch his breath, his eyes losing their blue glow and the outline around him faded away before sitting next to Leaf again. Forcing his aura out had taxed him but it was worth it. It did its job by giving him strength and stopped his stab wounds from bleeding more as it partly healed him. He quickly untied Leaf's gag and when he finished with that, he picked up the knife and carefully cut the binds on her hands and feet before tossing the blade aside. As soon as she was able to and the blade was gone from Ash's hands, she flung herself onto Ash and hugged him tightly, not caring at all about her half revealing state while he returned the hug.

"I'm so glad that you're alright! I thought you were going to die! I'm so sorry Ash! For everything! I'm so sorry!" she sobbed into his chest.

"It's alright Leaf. It'll take more than that to kill me. I'm glad that you're alright and I'm sorry too. So sorry…But we'll talk about that later. C'mon, let's get you out of here," he said gently.

They separated and Ash got up and went to the closet. All he saw was a trench coat but decided it would do. He took it and helped Leaf put it on. He then quickly picked her up into his arms. "Ash! You're hurt! Put me down. I can walk," she told him but he shook his head.

"I'll be fine Leaf. My training over the past three years wasn't just learning how to fight but how to deal with pain and injuries. And I don't know if there are any traps here as Lucario isn't with us. He's better at sensing traps than I am. I'd rather it be me who gets his foot stuck in one than you," he told her. She felt her heart race at what he said but she was still worried that he was straining himself. Seeing the concerned look on her face, Ash let a small smile form on his face to show her that everything is alright. She couldn't help it and smiled back a bit too.

While Ash made his way back down to his waiting pokémon in the living room, Leaf held onto him tightly as she leaned her head against his chest. She heard his heart beating calmly. It soothed her but she also felt incredible comfort in his embrace. She couldn't believe it though; he had come for her. He had risked his life for her, becoming injured for her. She let out tears as she realized that even though they had a very ugly fight just the night before, he still cared for her deeply and would do all he could to protect her.

When Ash reached the living room with Leaf, they found the four Skull Brothers on the floor, injured but awake. Lucario made to go upstairs to help Ash when he and Gardevoir sensed the intent of the attack but then the four Skull Brothers made to attack them with their pokémon. Seeing their reaction, the two and Pikachu reacted in time to keep them from calling out their reinforcements. By the time they made sure that the four were subdued, he sensed his Master's energy spike and knew he had taken the upper hand and controlled the situation.

The Skull Brothers had their eyes widen in astonishment. Ed was supposed to take care of him. He was the fastest and the best at stealthy attacks and no one had ever caused him any trouble. He was supposed to do that the first time he showed the Aura Guardian upstairs but couldn't because of Lucario. Seeing him go back up again without his pokémon made them think that he would take care of it. Then he was supposed to send out his pokémon from the second story and have them attack. But here was the Guardian with the second girl. Ash made his way through the living room and stopped beside his pokémon without any trouble from the Skull Brothers since they were unable to at the moment.

"I'll be back," stated Ash before he and Leaf vanished in blue glows while his pokémon stayed behind, making sure the Skull Brothers can't flee. The two of them reappeared at the hotel among their family and friends.

"ASH! / LEAF!" shouted out everyone when they saw them and gathered round the two, happy that they were back safely. Ash let a small smile form at them for a second before glancing at Leaf who raised her gaze to his.

"Ash…" started Leaf as she looked into his eyes. "I almost forgot to tell you. You have to help Joy and there's another girl there too. Her name is Natasha. She's very hurt and she said she was raped and beaten. You have to help them and…and they hurt me and…touched me inappropriately and…and would've raped me too if you didn't get here in time. They probably did the same to Joy," she said in a low voice, tears escaping from her eyes. Ash looked at the cut on her cheek again, and his rage grew but spoke calmly back to her.

"Don't worry Leaf. Richie and I got Joy out already. I'll get Natasha out too. And then I'll make them suffer for what they've done before sending them to their graves," promised Ash. Even though they knew that was his plan, his last few words still scared everyone but no one commented on it. Even though Lance, Diantha and Officer Jenny wanted to say something, they kept their mouths shut. Leaf hugged him tighter. Ash went to lower her onto the couch, but the brunette did not want to let go. "Leaf, I know you're scared, but you're safe now and I need to go get Natasha."

"I know Ash, I know. I just…I'm scared. I had a nightmare in the morning that the Skull Brothers killed you…They already injured you and got close to doing that." Everyone just noticed the stab wounds on Ash when Leaf said that and they became concerned and worried for him, with many of the girls even letting out yelps and gasps at the sight of the blood and wounds. How did they not notice it before?! "I know you can take a beating but please promise me you'll be more careful. Promise me that you'll come back to us…to me," she said as she looked into his eyes. Ash was astonished that she would dream something like that.

"No need to worry. I promise I'll be careful Leaf. I promise I'll come back and I promise that they'll pay for everything that they've done," he told her before she reluctantly let go and let herself be lowered onto the couch. When he vanished from sight, the girls then went to Leaf, to help comfort and support her. Ash reappeared in the cabin in the woods beside his pokémon. "Where is she?" he asked the Skull Brothers the second he got back. Again he knew but didn't show it.

"What are you talking about psycho? You already took the girls we took," responded Eddie. An Aura Sphere was shot from Lucario that went flying over his head suddenly, blowing a hole through the wall behind him. "She's in the basement!" he said fearfully right after and his brothers gave him dirty looks that he was intimidated so easily.

Ash moved past them and went down the basement stairs. He looked around as he stepped forward, looking out for any traps. He found the young woman in the middle of the basement floor, near the far wall. He took in a sharp breath. He couldn't believe the state she was in. She was completely naked, covered in cuts, scratches, dried red marks and bruises. He hurried to her and knelt down beside her, wondering if she was still alive. He noticed her chest slightly moving, indicating that she was still breathing. He also noticed that one of her eyes was swollen shut and she had a broken nose. His rage grew even more and he was struggling to control it, wanting to go back up to deal with them right then.

That is until he noticed the red haired girl shiver and that made him fully focus on her. He got up and looked around, searching for something to cover her up with. Natasha started trembling, fear feeling her, sensing that someone was beside her. She couldn't even whimper because doing even that caused her pain. She didn't open her eye at all. She didn't want to see what they were going to do to her again. She had seen more than she ever wanted to for the rest of her life. That is, until she felt a blanket placed on her and a new voice speak.

"Hey there, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help. I'm going to get you out of here," said the man softly.

The voice sounded very different than what she was used to hearing recently. It was so much softer and yet it was also strong along with an air of confidence and kindness. Nothing at all compared to the Skull Brothers and she had never heard a voice sound like that before in her life. Unable to control herself, Natasha opened her one good eye as much as she could after hearing him speak. She saw a handsome raven haired young man kneeling beside her on the floor and could tell with the way that his clothes hug him that he was fit. She also noticed that there were blood stains around his shirt with a large hole in it. She saw the stab wound in his stomach, but his lack of concern for it baffled her.

But what really caught her attention though were his eyes when she looked into them. They were filled with compassion and concern but also of kindness and strength. She had never seen such eyes like that before either. She knew who he was, but seeing him in person was completely different than what she was expecting after watching the stadium attack recording. She would've felt angry and humiliated at being caught in the nude but after everything that had happened to her, she couldn't care less about that right now.

"I'm so sorry for what you've been through," he said and his voice felt like a soothing melody to her. It calmed her since it was so gentle sounding but carried an air of power. Unlike the harsh coarse voices that were filled with lust and sadism she's been hearing from the Skull Brothers for a while now. But when he reached out his hand over to her to move her hair out of her face so it wouldn't bother her, she shook in fear and drew her head back. She wasn't able to move much but it was enough for Ash to notice that she was afraid and traumatized. He pulled his hand back instantly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I should've known that you would be afraid right now and have trusting issues especially with people you don't know." Natasha slowly stopped her shivering and looked at him with a wary eye after she heard his words. "But I promise you, I'm here to help. I know it's hard right now, but will you give me a chance and trust me Natasha?" he asked her.

Natasha couldn't believe it. Here he was, asking and waiting for her trust while he was in a dangerous place. She didn't know if he had dealt with all the Skull Brothers or not but he was taking his sweet time like he had no care in the world. And he had said her name. She hadn't told the Skull Brothers her name. She only said it to the two girls…and that's when she figured it out. He had probably rescued the two girls first. He was most likely looking for them. They must've told him that she was here too. She looked into his eyes and could find no hint of deceit or betrayal in them yet she was still unsure if she could trust him. Then again, even if she didn't or couldn't feel like she could trust him, she really didn't have anything to lose at this point. Very slowly and barely moving, keeping her gaze on him, she nodded.

"Thank you for trusting me. Just give me a moment…" He got up, looking around for something to cut her binds. He searched around at the shelving units and found a knife just lying there. He grabbed the knife and moved back to the red haired girl and knelt back down beside her. Natasha trembled after seeing the knife. At first he was confused but then Ash realized why she started feeling so afraid when he saw her eye move to the knife. "Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. I promise. I'm going to just cut the ropes. I know that they cut you but that's not what I'm going to do. Okay?" he told her. She barely stopped her trembling and looked at him again before she nodded slowly once more. He moved the blanket a bit to find her bound hands and feet before he carefully cut the binds. Not once did he check out her bare body, keeping his gaze on her hands and then her feet only and she noticed that. When he finished, he tossed the knife aside, making sure to keep things that frightened her away. She shook a bit again, still cold even with the blanket on her. Ash looked around and found a large bath towel that was on the same shelving unit as the knife and took off his jacket. He was about to hand them to her when she spoke for the first time.

"Can't…move…" was all she said in a very low and hoarse whisper. She was too weak and in too much pain to move by herself. Even saying those two words took a lot out of her but he understood.

Ash opened up the large bath towel and spread it out on the floor next to her. He helped her on to it before wrapping her torso with it, covering her from the bottom of her neck to her knees. He did that again with the blanket as it wasn't too big, but it also covered her legs fully. Afterwards, he helped her sit up, placed his jacket around her shoulders and assisted in putting her arms through the arm holes. She was finally starting to feel warm because she wasn't really naked anymore. While he did all this, he saw clearly all the horrible bruises and cuts on her up close, especially the carved word on her back. He grew even more furious to the point of almost blowing his top but took in a deep silent breath through his nose and focused on Natasha. The red head kept her eye on him, watching him attend to her gently with great compassion. She never had anyone show even half the kind of attention he was giving her. He knelt beside her afterwards and she turned her face to him that was half covered by her red hair. He slowly reached over and moved her disheveled hair gently back so the two could see each other clearly. Natasha kept her gaze on his the whole time, allowing him to do that this time.

"Can you walk?" he asked her and after a moment, she barely shook her head. "Will you allow me to carry you?" he asked and he waited again for her reply. Another moment passed before she nodded. "Is there anything here that you need?" he asked her.

"No…" She could barely say that and was barely able to get that single syllable out before her voice completely went away. It would seem that she made her last sound for a while. Her throat was very sore from all the forced fellatio and her vocal cords were so heavily damaged because of all her shrill screaming. She had memorized all the contact numbers in her phone and knew how to get in touch with them without a phone number.

But that didn't matter at all because Giovanni had cut ties with her. And her pokémon would've been recalled by now by him. They weren't hers to begin with. They were given to her by him. There was no way he would've let them stay. That was the first thing Giovanni had told her when she first joined. Any big failure, no matter what position she held, and she would be gone, with all the things she earned taken back. That was Rocket protocol so they could prevent unnecessary losses.

"Okay. It's time to go. Are you ready?" he asked her and she nodded. Ash placed one arm underneath her legs and the other around her back and gently picked her up. He moved up the stairs, maintaining a good grip on her but made sure he wasn't causing her any more pain than what she was no doubt still feeling. For the first time in a long time, Natasha felt something she hadn't felt for Arceus knows how long; safe. Even back at headquarters, though she was one of the top executives and Giovanni's personal assistant, she always had to watch her back. She had to be cautious at all times because of the bet and that others wanted her position in the organization. But not with him; she felt safe with him and didn't want that feeling to ever go away.

When he reached the living room and Natasha saw the Skull Brothers, she quickly hid her face into Ash's chest as tears fell from her eye and she began shaking violently. She never wanted to see them again and never wanted to remember what happened to her here in the cabin. Ash noticed her reaction and knew what it was from. He was about to say something to her to try to calm her but never got the chance as Edmond opened his mouth at that moment. "That's right bitch! You'll never forget us or the happy times we had together! Consider them farewell gifts!" Edmond was only able to let out a single laugh before Ash's foot connected against his chest and sent him colliding into the wall behind him before dropping down onto the floor, completely dazed.

"You're lucky I'm carrying this beautiful girl in my arms right now," said Ash in a powerful voice now, making Natasha look up to gaze at him over what he said. He lowered his gaze to hers. "We're going to teleport to a safe place so don't be alarmed." He gave her a reassuring smile that made her feel comforted a bit and then they vanished.

Ash and Natasha appeared in the living room of his hotel suite. Expecting him to come back, nobody was startled anymore from the teleporting. Everyone moved to him and the new girl. It made Natasha become overwhelmed with so many new faces around her, and that she was in such a rough state of mind that she buried her face into Ash's chest. "Give us some space," said Ash, seeing her reaction and they backed up in understanding. "Mom, which room is the infirmary?" he asked her.

"This way. Follow me and the rest of you stay here for now," said Delia, leading the way and he followed after his mother while their group made space for them to get through. They reached the room turned hospital and Delia opened the door for the two and stepped aside. Ash walked in carrying Natasha. Blissey moved to them with a concerned expression with his mom following after him.

"What happened to her?" asked Delia when she got close to them. Natasha hid her beaten face in shame against Ash's chest again. Ash noticed that and felt sullen because of what she went through.

"The Skull Brothers happened to her. But I'm going to repay the favor," replied Ash. He lowered his gaze to the girl in his arms. She felt him look at her and raised her head as much as she could. "Hey. I'm going to have my Mom take care of you now okay?" he said softly to her but he wasn't expecting what she did next. She shook her head slightly before burying her face into his chest once more and grasped his torn and bloody shirt tightly. He looked up stunned at his mother but all he got back was a small smile from her. He lowered his gaze back to the girl. "It's alright. My mom won't hurt you. She'll look after you." She shook her head again and grasped even tighter. For being so weak and tired, her grip was surprisingly strong. She didn't want her source of comfort and feeling of safety to be gone. "Hey, it's okay. I know you're scared and feel like you can't trust anyone. But you trusted me back there. So trust me again as my Mom and my friends won't ever hurt you. They'll look after you and I'll come back. I promise. Can you do that for me Natasha?" She slowly raised her gaze to his face and looked into his eyes before she finally nodded and Ash gave her a smile.

Delia opened the bed covers and Ash tenderly lowered Natasha onto the bed, still wrapped in the blanket, towel and wearing his jacket. Reluctantly, the red head let go and the raven haired guardian withdrew from the embrace before Delia raised the covers over her. She felt so much comfort from the bed after spending so much time against the cold hard basement floor that she thought she was lying on a cloud. Seeing her finally relax a little bit, Ash felt a bit better and let out a sigh.

"Sweetie, can you get the girls' mothers to come here and help me before you leave?" asked Delia. Without a word, Ash began to head out the room but then was whirled around and caught up in a bear hug. "I'm so proud of you my son. Just be careful."

"Thanks and I will Mom. They have to pay for what they did to them all," replied back Ash. They separated and he left the room. Delia turned around to face the red head after a moment, Blissey standing by her side. She saw the girl was looking at her with a slightly fearful look.

"No need to worry. My son…is not like most and he will be fine. And he'll be back before you know it," she told her kindly with a slight smile, walking to her side. She sat down beside her on the bed. She looked at the beaten girl for a second. She grasped her hand gently. She thought it was a good sign that the girl didn't withdraw from her, but she didn't know that she was too weak to even attempt to move away. Her hands were cold and she noticed how it was bruised and cut. "I'm so sorry for what they did. My friends and I are going to help you as much as we can…"