New Beginning (Pearlshipping-AshxDawn)

Chapter Twenty-two

Please let Dawn, Alex, and Julia be okay. They could get caught in the crossfire of the Pokemons' attacks...or even worse! If Team Rocket finds out that I'm gone and gets to them before the Elite Four do, they'll kill them, no questions asked. I'm sure that they wouldn't hesitate to kill them. They'd make me pay for escaping. Even though help has arrived, it may be all for nothing! No...I have to believe and have hope. They'll be safe...they have to be! I can't lose them.

Ash stood outside of Team Rocket's base. The sounds of battles were raging inside. His thoughts were consumed by the idea of his family not being safe, the possibility that they could get caught in the crossfire of the battles.

Time passed by and eventually, the sounds of battle died down to nothing. Police officers started emerging from the base with handcuffed grunts who had either been defeated or had surrendered.

"Officer Jenny, what's happened?" Cynthia asked as Officer Jenny approached.

"We've taken control of the base. Most of the grunts have been captured, but some refused to give up and ended up fighting to their deaths, so we'll need some body bags." Officer Jenny explained.

Ash shifted his eyes towards the base once again and coming out of the doorway was Dawn! She looked tired and her hair and clothes were a mess, but she was alive and unharmed. Ash called out to her and pushed passed some of the officers that stood in his way.

Dawn, hearing her name, looked up. She saw Ash hurrying towards her and she ran towards him as fast as her body would allow her to do so. She clung to him once he had his arms around her and she kissed his neck, since her face was buried in it. She then pulled back slightly and kissed his lips.

"I'm so glad you're okay. I was so worried about you." she said as tears fell down her face. "I didn't know if you were alive."

Ash cupped her face and wiped the tears that were trailing down her cheeks.

"I'm fine, sweetheart. No need to worry." Ash said, softly. "I'm just glad you're safe."

"I knew that you would find a way to rescue me. You always find a way, even if it means risking your own life and safety."

"Of course I would. What kind of husband would I be if I didn't? I love you too much to do otherwise."

Ash and Dawn continued to stand there for another minute, holding each other tightly and sharing some kisses. They were both so relieved to be safe and together again.

"Do you know the kids' whereabouts?" Dawn asked, glancing around, but seeing no sign of them.

Ash shook his head. "I haven't seen Alex or Julia yet."

The two then separated as they saw Serena being lead out of the building with her hands cuffed.

"Excuse me, officer." Ash said, getting the officer's attention. "I would like to hear what she has to say."

Serena was now in her right state of mind, no longer being controlled, so Ash knew that she would tell the truth. She was once his friend, so she deserved to tell her side of the story.

As Dawn's eyes made contact with Serena, a look of rage came over her face as she remembered everything that Serena had said to her while she had been captured. Dawn walked over to Serena and punched her in the face twice, as hard as she could.

"That's for kidnapping me and my children!" Dawn yelled.

Serena fell to the ground from the force of the punches, but didn't answer back. To Dawn's surprise, Serena started to sob and looked at the ground.