Ash's fall:the betrayed Champion

chapter 5

Here’s part five of the story, where Ash prepares to face even greater challenges and uncovers more about Necrozma’s dark influence and Giovanni’s plans.

---

Chapter 5: The Gathering Storm

Ash, with Eevee by his side and Lugia flying high above, descended Mt. Silver with a new sense of purpose. The weight of the battle he had just fought lingered, but he knew it was only the beginning. Necrozma’s corruption ran deeper than he’d imagined, and Giovanni’s plan was far more insidious than just controlling a few Legendary Pokémon.

Lugia’s presence was comforting, though. The massive bird flew gracefully overhead, its majestic form restored, a symbol of hope that the darkness could be undone. Yet, Ash couldn’t shake the feeling that the next step of his journey would be even more dangerous. Necrozma’s influence was spreading, and Giovanni’s ambitions had reached heights Ash had never anticipated.

Eevee looked up at him, its small face filled with determination. “You’re with me, right?” Ash asked, smiling down at the Pokémon that had been his constant companion since the betrayal.

Eevee barked in response, its tail flicking back and forth, ready for whatever was coming next.

As they reached the base of Mt. Silver, Ash noticed something strange. A figure was waiting for him at the foot of the mountain, cloaked in shadows. His heart raced—was this the same mysterious figure that had guided him here? Or had someone else found him?

He approached cautiously, one hand on his bag where he kept the crystal that had saved Lugia.

“You’ve come far, Ash Ketchum,” the figure said, their voice low and calm.

Ash stopped a few paces away, narrowing his eyes. “Who are you? Why are you helping me?”

The figure stepped into the dim light of the forest edge, revealing themselves. It was a familiar face, though Ash couldn’t immediately place it. A woman, with dark hair and cold, calculating eyes. She wore a black cloak that blended with the shadows of the trees.

“I’m here because your battle is about more than just you,” she said. “Giovanni’s plan threatens to plunge the world into chaos. The Legendaries, corrupted by Necrozma, are only the beginning.”

Ash’s grip tightened on the crystal. “You haven’t answered my question. Who are you?”

The woman smiled faintly, though there was no warmth in her expression. “My name is Anabel. I used to work for the International Police, tracking criminal organizations like Team Rocket. But Giovanni… he’s evolved beyond a mere crime boss. He’s seeking to reshape the world.”

Anabel. The name triggered a memory in Ash’s mind. He had met her long ago, during his time in the Battle Frontier. She had been strong, mysterious, and always a step ahead. But he hadn’t expected her to be caught up in this nightmare.

“You’re working against Giovanni?” Ash asked, still unsure of her intentions.

Anabel nodded. “I’ve been watching him for years, but he’s more dangerous than ever now. Necrozma’s power has given him the means to control the Legendaries, to bend reality itself. And he’s using that power to influence not just Pokémon, but people.”

Ash’s eyes widened. “You mean… he’s corrupting humans too?”

Anabel’s expression grew grim. “Yes. Giovanni has found a way to manipulate the minds of not only Pokémon but trainers as well. The betrayal you experienced—the leaders, the champions, even your own friends—they were not acting of their own will.”