Predator - Time to Leave

After Kalos everything was a mess, people were asking questions, who was it, what were they, why did they look that way, etc. The International Council that was formed a few years prior announced their existence to the world and published videos of the creature's sightings. Many went through the old grainy videos then the latest clearer ones and raised more questions as to why they were here and for what reason. At that point Lance took over, despite being wheelchair bound the man could still hold everyone's attention and he explained what he had observed through his own encounters.

To say the public was terrified of the beings was a huge understatement, but Giovanni calmed them down pointing out they only went after the strong ones. As civilians they would be ignored by the creatures and to never ever provoke them, no matter what, they are to get away. Ash and his friends watched the whole meeting from the different places they were at with tense shoulders and grim expressions. They had each dealt with their own share of life threatening situations and ran into these creatures themselves at certain points.

Misty closed her eyes holding the gem that was left of her Starmie, who had sacrificed himself to save her. Her oldest sister however had not been so lucky, she had fought against the creature and had died, instead of triplets it was now twins. Brock was holding his mother who sobbed as they explained how the creature worked on the television, Flint had been killed by such a creature. Brock gritted his teeth as he remembered the carnage he had found when his father had not returned one night. He was unable to keep his mother from seeing the sight but at least his siblings had not seen it.

The Gym leaders across the world were grim when the latest threat was announced and given code 4 Black. A very grave warning for everyone and a flee on sight order, to not engage and to survive through any means necessary. The next few weeks were very tense and dark, Clemont was helping the other Gym leaders rebuild Lumiose City while Serena volunteered at the hospital. Bonnie stuck close to Max as they either trained or stayed close to Ash and Gary joining them in meetings and listening in quietly.

Soon enough it was time for Ash and Gary to return to Kanto, their families and friends were demanding they return safely. May and Drew were there to personally pick up Max who was happy to see them despite his personal thoughts on Drew. Serena had decided to stay back in Kalos and train in battling for a year before venturing outside the region. It was a sentiment that Bonnie and other Kalos trainers and performers whole heartedly agreed with. Better be prepared than be dead because they couldn't fight back or run fast.

Ash on the other hand was considering learning how to use firearms much to his mother's dismay. But she understood why, these beings had no qualms against shooting others dead, though, she was not sure if human weaponry could be of any help. It was not just Ash though other trainers from Kanto including a grim looking Celeste and AJ were also signing up. Gary had not expected someone who was vain as Celeste to pick up a gun but heard what happened later. She had lost her first pack of Pokemon that she had personally trained and raised, Gary winced on seeing the report.

Ash saw the report from beside Gary and he pitied the teen girl, she was almost an adult woman now. Ash knew in his heart if he lost Lucario and his pack, he would have gone crazy with desire for revenge. Just like Lysandre did back in Kalos, he could admit that much to himself, he was not going to lie about it. Lucario and the other Pokemon were touched and concerned when Ash admitted it only for Gary to agree with his sentiment, their Pokemon were family to them.

The two were sent to Alola to train, the beings had followed the to so many regions so training there was not feasible. Giovanni and Lance had negotiated with the Professors and Champion of Alola who were having their own strange problem. They were not dealing with Predators but another alien race which seemed more Pokemon like and seem to be seeking refuge among them. Ash was a little wary at first but after seeing they were talking about Ultra Beast he wondered what their backstory was.

Gary, "What are you thinking?"

Ash, "Just wondering what happened to them, they are here seeking refuge."

Lucario, -We can find out about it. It doesn't look like they consider us a threat at all.-

Alakazam, -They must have dealt with someone vicious and cruel if we are not registered as threats in their radar.-

Giovanni who overheard them eyed them sharply, "Are you sure about that?"

Ash, "Pokemon have no reason to lie to their trainers Uncle. You know that, we will try to gather information about what happened."

Gary ran after Ash, "Wait for me. We are supposed to stick together."

Poipole, Xurxitree and Blacephalon were the most open among the Ultra Beast Pokemon, a term coined by Miss Lusamine. Giovanni was talking with her, Headmaster Samson Oak and the Professors Kukui and Brunette about the measures that were in plan. He also warned about the two Predators who were interested in Ash and Gary in a different way which made the adults blanch. Lusamine specially became very protective over her twins always having her Pokemon accompany them.

For the next two years the two trained alongside a few school students from Alola and Kanto. Gou and Chloe were an interesting pair quite the opposite of each other and yet very good friends. Ash became fond of them very easily, it was hard not to, especially with the enthusiasm and positive energy Gou seem to exude. Gary though had his own reservations about the two but came around at the end teasing and encouraging them to follow their dreams.

Ash teased him, "And you call me a softie."

Gary, "I don't know what you are talking about."

Ash, "Sure you don't."

Chloe nudged Gou, "You know I can't decide if they are together or not."

Gou, "You know what me neither. They act close to each other and yet.... It doesn't feel romantic though it does feel intimate."

Chloe, "Our seniors are really strange."

Kiawe, "What are you talking about?"

Gou, "We can't decide if Gary and Ash are together or not."

Lillie flushed, "Oh! I know what you mean."

Gladion, "We could just ask them you know?"

Mallow, "No, that would ruin the whole fun."

Sophocles, "Yeah."

Lana, "Ummm... I don't know they feel more like siblings to me. I have never seen them hold hands or kiss at all."

The two years were spent training and learning to use firearms though Ash was not sure how effective it would be. Gary had pulled him aside and the two had started their own personal project of creating new types of weapons. Gary was very determined when pushed and he felt very cornered by what happened back at Kalos region. Ash was worried as well and did his best to help out and give ideas here and there. Ash though he could easily say Gary was more gifted when it came to creating new type of weapons.

Giovanni when he found out stared at them blankly before sighing and telling them he sent money and materials. Red and Blue were not amused to learn about it but understood why, their old friends were on the fence but after their own experience requested for a set of the weapons. Their new friends watched them with wonder and worry about how bad was the situation out there for them to go that far to keep themselves safe. The Pokemon though were very interested in the armour like weaponry which they could use to make their attacks stronger.

Things went well till it fell apart when two specific Predators reappeared again, this time in Pallet town. Ash and Gary had returned to Kanto after meeting the leaders of the new regions that had opened. They were home for much needed rest and break after days of meetings for Gary and ensuring the security for Ash. Then it happened, a large spaceship appeared by the Pallet town port and Raai'kiel and Urrr'kiel appeared carrying something. It would be ingrained in everyone's memories for a very long time what happens that day, no one would forget it.

Raai'kiel was holding a Yautja and a human akull, "My lou-dte kale, I have kept my word."

Urrr'kiel, "You must keep yours."

Red turned to his younger cousin, "What is he talking about?"

Ash stayed calm though he was panicking inside, "Remember, how we could not find Uncle and Dad's killer?"

Blue, "What did the two of you do?"

Gary was staring with trepidation, "They offered to find the killer and return their remains if we went with them to their home."

Giovanni, "Please tell me you didn't accept."

Ash muttered, "It was either that or we get taken away years ago."

Giovanni pressed a button, "I see."

Ash stopped him, "Don't Uncle, don't. See that gun on their ship. Where it's pointed?"

Red looked up paling, "They wouldn't."

Gary was looking resigned, "They will if challenged."

Raai'kiel, "Come!"

Ash, "I understand."

Gary, "Hey Blue, give Uncle and Dad a proper burial, okay?"

Blue, "No, no, no, no! Absolutely not."

It seems one of the younger ones got impatient and went off in direction of the town alarming them all. Ash decided he would have to go before someone died and pulled away from them and stood in front of Raai'kiel telling him, they should go. Gary had done the same thing, could they have fought back and stayed? Yes. Could they have watched their family get killed? No. So, they took the safest method without any deaths involved though Ash did demand they didn't kill anyone in Pallet town. The Elder Predator wearing heavy armor eyed him before snorting and agreeing to the demand.

If what Raai'kiel and Urrr'kiel had reported about them was anything to go by, then they might return to get more mates. They can't take them as their mates if they were unwilling or dead before they came back. He ordered the young unblooded to mark the town as their territory to keep other Predator clans away. Blue and Red were screaming their names but Ash with Lucario's help had held them at bay using their combined aura. Gary smiled sadly as both men boarded the ship after saying goodbye and to take care of the rest of their Pokemon. The bonds fell after the ship started to leave the planet.

Raai'kiel, "I am happy you agreed to be mine."

Lucario appeared between them, -Not so fast.-

Raai'kiel was surprised but chuckled, "A loyal child to your nrak'ytara, this pleases me."

Ash, "It's okay Lucario. You will not harm him in anyway. He is mine."

Raai'kiel, "Of course. Now, come I'll take you to your room."

Ash looked back and Gary and Haxorus were already being escorted by Urrr'kiel to a different part of the ship. Ash and Lucario looked at each other before shrugging and following Raai'kiel, they were already here and had nothing to loose. The room they were given had a bed made of metal with the softest materials for sleeping. Lucario had to begrudgingly admit, it was high quality, next to the bed was a console and Raai'kiel showed Ash what it was for.

Raai'kiel, "Over the years, I observed you enjoy studying. I personally made a catalog of the language we use, it's meaning and how it's pronounced. Some may be harder for you to pronounce but not impossible."

Ash looked at the taller male standing a tad to close to him and nodded, "Thank you for the consideration. I appreciate it."

Raai'kiel purred seeing him accept the gift, "It will take two Earth weeks to reach Yautja Prime. If you want I can help you learn the words. I certainly learned a lot when you were teaching the cubs you were raising."

Ash felt a little surprised, "You have been watching us for that long?"

Raai'kiel, "Yes, you are a fine nrak'ytara, my lou-dte kale. I know our cubs will be strong with you there to teach them."

Ash felt surprisingly flattered despite his wariness, "Thank you for the praise. But I must warn you. I specialize in raising Pokemon. I will have to learn from scratch to raise your species."

Raai'kiel, "You say that but the human cub you took under you is a powerful warrior now, is he not? I have no doubt about it, you will be a fine nrak'ytara for our cubs."

Ash, "You also keep saying our cubs. In case you have not noticed, I am a male. I cannot carry children."

Lucario who was glaring bit out, -Don't even think about physically altering my Meema.-

Raai'kiel laughed, "It is nothing that primitive, I promise you. We just need a little bit of our blood to act as a womb."

Ash, "Science has gone far for you all."

Raai'kiel was laughing, "Indeed, now come we have two weeks to spend together."

Lucario muttered, -Joy.-

Urrr'kiel was explaining the same thing to Gary only to end up ignored by the green eyed man the moment he heard new language. The dark red skinned Predators couldn't help but laugh in amusement as he saw his little mate's eyes lit up in interest and wonder. He then offered to help him learn the language and the pronunciation, to which Gary had eyed him warily before agreeing. Urrr'kiel still had his work cut out for him, if the wary glance, no matter how short, towards him was any indication. But it was no matter, they had the time now, forever and eternity to learn about each other, though admittedly he loved the challenge.

The first twenty four hours both men and their Pokemon stayed with their respective Predators learning how to pronounce the words. Ash would be the first to admit it was harder than he had originally expected, there were words and grammar details he had no knowledge of prior. They got tentatively acquainted with the other Predators after the first twenty four hours went by. They could not stay in their rooms forever and the Elder was curious about the two young oomans.

Raai'kiel, "Elder Too'kiet I present to you my lou-dte kale, Ash Ketchum, champion of three regions."

Urrr'kiel, "Elder Too'kiet I present to you my lou-dte kale, Gary Oak, champion of two regions and a highly respected teacher to many ooman cubs."

Elder Too'kiet watched as the two oomans bowed respectfully, "Welcome oomans, to my spaceship. I hope you know the rules."

Ash, "Yes Elder Too'kiet."

Gary, "Our.... partners were very thorough in explaining the rules."

Elder Too'kiet was amused on seeing his two strongest warriors brighten up at being called their partners. If it was not below his station he would have snorted in laughter and teased them for acting like love sick fools. But as it was the venerable Elder nodded and informed them to not create any trouble. Then he asked them about their Pokemon, he was curious about those beings who from what he observed had more power than humans and yet obeyed a weaker race. Gary explained the basics of the Pokemon world first and then explained there are many reasons why Pokemon choose to follow humans.

Lucario nodded, -Respected Elder, I chose to follow my Meema because he can make me stronger.-

Haxorus nodded, "Rus."

Elder Too'kiet, "How? From what I can see, you are definitely stronger than your Meema."

Lucario, -Easy, Meema can come up with new battle strategies and attack combos. It's an ability that most Pokemon have a hard time with.-

Elder Too'kiet, "Fascinating, I look forward to how you fare then."

They bowed when they realized the Elder was dismissing them and left only for the spaceship to shake. Ash and Gary looked at each other before moving towards the window and saw a Mega evolved and furious Rayquaza. Gary had no idea how Rayquaza mega evolved all the way out here but he didn't have time for it and asked Urrr'kiel to take them to the main control.

Gary, "Elder, no! You'll only make him more furious."

Lucario, -You were asking how my Meema can make me stronger. This is the answer.-

Elder Too'kiet, "Explain."

Ash, "Mega evolution. A human and Pokemon who share an intimate relationship can trigger a Mega evolution. Lord Rayquaza as you can see has entered that level and..... Is that Ruby?"

Gary laughed a little hysterical, "Figures, he could bond with a God, and people call us crazy."

Ash, "It will be better if we leave this area, Elder Too'kiet. We are the ones trespassing."

Elder Too'kiet looked between the large Pokemon twice the size of his ship and the two oomans before nodding. He ordered for am emergency space jump while Raai'kiel and Urrr'kiel strapped them up for the jump. Ash was a little flustered when he realized he was strapped really close to Raai'kiel but didn't say anything and braced himself. The jump was not for the faint hearted or weak stomach and one of the warriors clicked which Raai'kiel translated.

Raai'kiel, "We are outside your home galaxy."

Ash nodded gingerly, "Understood."

Gary had grabbed on to Urrr'kiel, "This will take time to get used to."

Urrr'kiel was purring, "We can take our time."

Elder Too'kiet eyed them, 'At least they don't seem to be completely against joining our tribe or they would be fighting right now.'

Raai'kiel, "I'll take you to your room. Come, you need rest."

Ash looked at the offered hand and after a second took it not wanting to create drama unnecessarily. Gary was still clutching Urrr'kiel much to Haxorus's indignation but he stayed calm and instead watched Urrr'kiel like an Aerodactyle. Lucario took his Meema's other arm and they left for their room to rest, it would be a long flight. After leaving his mate and his mate's cub to rest Raai'kiel sighed outside the room, looks like trying to get along with ghee cub would be more difficult than trying to woo his mate.

Raai'kiel purred, 'He is already very receptive of my advances. Only the cub is stubborn though he will not be interfering it seems. Hmm, maybe I should talk to one of the younger blood. They might be interested in a strong mate.'

[A. N.: They are all adults in this chapter. Ash and Gary turned nineteen. So don't flame me, okay?

I'll try to update this monthly. I have very few comics to depend on.]