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The blackness finally gave way to light, and he couldn't help but groan a little as he felt pain throbbing in his jaw. Black eyes opened slowly and he had to blink a few times in order to focus his eyes at a strange ceiling above him.

"Huh? Where am I?" he asked, and gradually sat up. Just then, he heard the sound of a fog horn. That... was really weird. Looking around the room, Yuri realized that he had no idea where he was. A window, a porthole more like, was then spotted next to the bed in which he lay and he had to lean up to look out. What he saw astonished him. Endless stretches of ocean, with a strip of land gradually fading in the distance. What.

Again he looked around, and saw Repede, his ever faithful Growlithe, laying on the floor next to the bed. The Pokemon lifted his head and whined at him. "Don't worry, I'm fine Repede. I just... wish I knew what was going on." Obviously they had to be on a boat.

Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Yuri sat there for a few moments, trying to recall what he last remembered. Flynn. He had come to talk to him. There had been words, which turned into a heated argument, and then... The b*****d had hit him. He remembered seeing the angry look on his friend's face and a fist coming his way.. then nothing. Yuri lifted a hand to touch the swollen bruise and winced slightly. "Man, he got me good this time." Repede just groaned and put his head down again.

Looking off to the side, he saw his sword sitting propped up next to the bed. On the nightstand was a small drawstring bag and a ticket. Yuri picked up both of the items and examined the ticket first. "Kodo, huh?" He'd heard of the place in the news, but knew little about the small island region. He then opened the bag and started placing the contents next to him on the bed. A few snacks, his wanted poster, and wait... what? Money? Ugh. Upon further inspection he found a note written on the back of the poster.

This is for your own good, Yuri. Its about time you got out of the capital. Stay out of trouble.

Heh. "Geez, if he wanted me out of the capital this bad, he should have said something."

Repede gave him a look. As if he would have listened. He hadn't before.

--------------------

After the boat had docked, Yuri left the ship and stepped out into the city of Camphoreon. It was bright and sunny, and a sea breeze blew through his long black hair as he walked. With the bag slung over his right shoulder, and his sword dangling from his left hand, the man paused to take in the sight of this foreign city. Repede followed closely and sat next to his master once he'd stopped.

"So this is Kodo. Looks like we're gonna be here for a while, Repede. Might as well make the most of it."

The Growlithe barked a couple times in agreement.

With that he started walking again. First order on the list was to find something to eat, and then a place to stay. Yuri's casual exploring led him down the beaten path and to a stretch off the main thoroughfare where he came across a seaside tavern. It looked a good of place as any, and it was more his style than those ritzy places downtown.

As he entered the establishment, he was stopped by a man behind the bar who shouted at him. "Hey! No Pokemon in here! No exceptions!" The man pointing at Repede, who had naturally followed his master inside.

Yuri gave a dramatic sigh. "You heard the man, Repede."

With an annoyed growl, the Growlithe turned around and laid down on the sidewalk just outside the restaurant, to wait.

With that, a waitress came to seat him and led the foreigner to a booth. Yuri sat and stretched his arms across the back of the bench. The waitress then hurried off after leaving a menu. He then took the time to lean his head back and stare at the ceiling, musing.

"Well Flynn, you got what you wanted. But this doesn't change anything."

Greater Love Hath No Man (Originally Posted in Asch's Journal on March 26, 2013)
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From the moment he'd left Luke's bedside, Asch knew what he had to do. Since he had known about his brother's condition, a part of him had known this might have to be done. Still, that didn't mean he was prepared for it. How could he be? He had left a bewildered Dove in the waiting room and rushed away, back to the HQ, to begin his preparations.

Waiting until the hour was unusually late, Asch had gathered what was important. This included his sword, violin (which he had played one last time while waiting for things in the base to simmer down), and a note he had written. Then slipped out of the base. There was no one there he was close to. No one who would care enough if he went missing. Thus he didn't even bother leaving a note for them to find when those in his department started missing him. Taking his Rapidash and the few belongings he carried, Asch disappeard into the night. Never to return to the Team Rocket Headquarters.

He had already taked to Saber about this, and the Zoroark had grimly accepted it. The Pokemon knew that his master had decided, and that this was the only course of action. For as long as he'd known him, Asch had lived with hatred and bitterness towards the world. This anger was what fueled him, what kept him going, even in the most trying situation. But since he had met his twin, the young man had begun to change. His anger slipping away little by little, leaving little more than misery. Instead of the dedicated Rocket that he was, he now only wanted to live a normal life. A life that was now out of reach. There was no hope, and only one way of escape.

The next day, Asch put all of his belongs into a storage unit. Save for his Pokemon and the clothes he wore on his back, his usual outfit from Grande Ile. He had then gone to the park, taking up his usual place near the water, to stand and watch the horizon. The wind tossing his hair, he closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself for what he had to do. A part of him hoped, longed, for Natalia to come by. To talk to him, maybe even convince him that there was another way. Or just... to say goodbye. Unfortunately, she never came, and he hadn't really expected her or anyone else to. He had purposely alienated himself from most people after all. Not wanting to become attached or have others get attached to him. He was a Rocket after all, and he didn't want anyone to suffer on his behalf.

After treating himself to his favorite dish at his favorite restaurant, Asch watched the sunset on what was meant to be his final day. Memories flooding through his mind. Of a younger version of himself and a little girl, standing on a grassy hillside, holding hands while making promises to each other. Promises that he wouldn't be able to keep, or at least, not the way she had hoped. Upon rising from the table and leaving the restaurant, the city was now dark, and the roll of distant thunder promised rain to come. Asch walked the streets as if on a mission, seeking out a certain person.

----

After spending time in the hospital, Yuri had left with Dove per her request for him to stay wtih her that night. He had agreed, with a bit of reluctance, knowing that the girl was in a fragile state at the moment and she could use some support. Once they had entered the apartment, something caught Yuri's eye. A piece of paper was slipped under the door, and he could hear the sound of footsteps hurrying away. While Dove wasn't looking, he snatched up the paper and excused himself into the guest room. Upon reading it, he crumbled the sheet and stuffed it in his pocket.

Later that night, he lie awake, staring at the ceiling with his arms folded behind his head. Once he was certain that Dove was asleep, he arose, grabbed his sword, and stepped out. Again it was late, and alone, even leaving Repede behind, Yuri went down a lonely alley and paused. The sky had opened up and began to drizzle lightly. "Great," he muttered to himself, just before hearing those footsteps again. With a sigh and a hand on his hip, he didn't even bother turning to greet the oncomer.

"Shouldn't you be with your brother?"

"It's because of him that I asked you to come here," came the reply as Asch stepped forward.

This got Yuri's attention and he turned halfway to look back at the young man who looked almost exactly like the one in the hospital. "Yeah?"

"I have a favor to ask of you," the young man replied, his face seriously grave.

Yuri folded his arms and now faced Asch completely. He did owe this guy for bringing back his sword, so he waited to hear him out.

"My brother needs a heart transplant. I'm sure that you're aware of that. None have been forthcoming, and he'll die any day without one. So I intend to make a donation."

Yuri blinked once, puzzled, until the reality of the statement struck him. His expression going from surprise, to disgust and a severe frown. He studied the young man's face, looking for any sign that this was a joke. He found none.

"Okay, I see that you're serious, but do you really think that's going to fly? Sounds pretty stupid if you ask me."

"Tch," Asch looked away, clearly conflicted as he was confronted with the wisdom of this decision. "I didn't ask you for your opinion!" he snapped. "I'm asking you to help me."

"To help you kill yourself?" Yuri shot back. "Sorry, I'm not in the business of assisted suicide."

"I'm going to do it whether you help me or not, but you're the only one I could come to," Asch said cooly, his fists clenching at his side. "I... I don't want to die."

Yuri stiffened, remembering when he heard those exact same words from Luke.

"But if I don't then he will! I don't expect you to understand, but his life is more important."

Yuri scowled, "You're right, I don't get it. But I do understand that you're an idiot." He then closed his eyes in a sigh, folding his arms. "Damn, what is it with your family." Were they all like this? Belittling and punishing themselves all the time? He wanted to refuse, to turn around and walk away. This was ridiculous. ... But. Luke's words kept ringing in his ears. And what he had said back to him.

"You're not going to die."

"That'd probably be a miracle."

"Then I guess we'll just have to find a miracle."

And here was one standing right in front of him. He had promised Luke that they would find a way. Yuri clenched his teeth for a moment, conflicted, then looked back up at Asch. "So if you'd do it anyway, then why do you need me?"

The red head just looked back at him with a piercing expression that told him a lot. "All right, I gotcha," he said quietly.

"So then you'll help me," Asch ventured.

"Yeah, but only to save Luke," Yuri countered.

Asch then stepped forward and handed Yuri an envelope. "What's this?" asked the raven haired man as he took it.

"A letter. Make sure it gets to Luke." He then pulled out another one, "This one's to make it clear that I did this myself." A brief suicide note, also detailing that he wanted his heart to go to his brother. He placed that back in his own pocket.

There was a moment of awkward silence, and then Asch pulled out the dagger he usually carried with him.

Wearing an unreadable expression, Yuri swore to himself mentally. He couldn't believe he was going through with this. But... he couldn't really refuse. For whatever twisted reasons, this was a man wanting to save his brother. It took a lot of guts to do something like this. But he'd seen the guy's pain as well, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

As the dagger came out of its holster, Yuri's sword was unsheathed as well. The dim light reflecting off the bright steel of both blades. He waited for the other's lead, refusing to act until he did. This was Asch's decision, and Yuri would give him opportunity to back out if he wanted.

Asch stared at the blade for some time, internalizing what this would mean if he followed through. Luke would live, yes, but at what cost? That dreck would undoubtably take it hard, as would his father, and... Natalia. But then, Luke's death would be just as costly, if not moreso. If Luke perished, it would spell disaster. He would be the only one remaining to be the family heir. He was a member of Team Rocket, and if he did take his place as heir, that could give the criminal organization a foothold in the politics of his country. Perhaps that had been Van's motive all along, even. However, that was not something he could ever allow. Asch loved his family and his country, and it would torture him to be without them, yet it would to willingly cause their ruin as well. Luke had to be the heir. There was no other way. Asch would never be happy no matter how things went, yet Luke had a chance despite it all.

With that thought in mind, Asch raised the blade. His hand trembling as he did so. Biting his lip and closing his eyes, he attempted to steel himself. Yuri patiently waited on standby, his blade held ready as he stood in silence. It was then that the rain began to fall harder.

He had to do this.

Gripping the blade firmly, his face now set in resolve, Asch swiftly plunged the dagger into his stomach. It was immediately followed by Yuri's sword into his side. Green eyes flew open wide upon the sickening sound of metal sinking into flesh. Pain flaring through his entire body.

Asch sputtered and coughed, staggered and began to fall forward. Yuri caught him, pulling the sword out and then the dagger. The pair of them sinking to their knees as Asch began to go through the throes of death.

Blood oozed from the corner of his mouth, and poured from the wounds, as again he coughed. His life literally draining out of him. And in that moment, Asch's life began to flash before his eyes. His father's proud, strong figure, of whom he had always tried to model after when he was young. The sparring with the one who taught him how to use the sword. The laughter of that little blonde girl filling his ears, while images of her smiling face appeared in his mind, holding her hand out to him. An older blonde boy who ruffled his hair fondly. Then his mother's kind face, and the memories of when she would brush his hair and hold him close. Then of course there was his Pokemon, Saber and Tyke. Finally his own brother that he had hated for so long.

As Asch's body trembled, Yuri held fast to him. He wasn't close to this guy, but he'd be damned if he just let him die alone without someone to be there for him. The blood pooled around them, the rain diluting it and causing it to run down the alleyway and into a nearby storm drain. With a shudder and a gasp, Asch's head fell upon his shoulder. Strangled words coming from his throat as he spoke to the man with him.

"D-don't let that... idiot...blame himself," Asch managed to get out.

Yuri was silent, for that would be easier said than done, but he sure as hell would try.

Staring vacantly at the ground, Asch's vision began to fade. The darkness beginning to close in around him. In his final moments, the sound of his mother's voice came to him, singing that song as if lulling him to sleep. Green eyes, now dull, fluttered shut, his ragged breaths becoming shallower with each moment. A soft, contented smile appearing on his face just before his body went limp. He was coming home.

---

Sitting there in the rain for some moments after Asch's body had gone still, Yuri knew that it was over. It would now be a race against time to get to the hospital and get that transplant for Luke. Gathering the young man's body into his arms, Yuri rose from the pavement, leaving the blades hidden.
He then ran as fast as he could go, carrying the weight in his arms through the driving rain. One life was lost, but another would be saved.

As he was lifted into the awaiting helicopter, Yuri's world fell into darkness. He could hear the urgent voices and feel the movements of the people who were trying to save his life. Eventually, though, that too soon faded.

The next thing he knew he felt fine, and was standing in an empty place. He turned, looking around until his eyes fell upon a familiar figure. A boy in dark clothes with red hair and angry green eyes.

"It figures that you would be here," the boy said with a seething tone.

Yuri blinked in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

The red head then pointed at him accusingly. "You got what you deserved! If it wasn't for you I would still be alive! We all would be!"

A group of people then appeared behind his accuser, all with the faces of people who had fallen to his blade.

"Whoa, hey now, you wanted me to do it."

The red head scowled. "Stop making excuses for yourself. You knew better and should have stopped me. Was my life really worth any less than that ungrateful brat?! I gave my life and for what? So that he could continue being stupid? You could have found another way."

"..."

"Nothing to say for yourself? Well now you'll get to feel what it's like. How you didn't really matter. You will go forgotten, and your friends will just go on like you didn't even exist, living their selfish lives."

"I don't care about that."

"No? I think you're lying."

"I didn't live to be remembered by anyone. I just did what needed to be done. To make things right."

"How noble of you. So you think you were helping people? And what good did it do? What makes you think that your actions were even right? Who are you to decide what's right for someone?"

"I don't know. I can only do what I can."

The red head snorted, "So I guess you think you're some kind of hero?"

"Heh, not at all. I'm a criminal. I just do the dirty work. Being a hero is left to those who are truly good."

"Like who? That idiot brother of mine? You're little soldier friend."

"Yeah, actually."

"So then why even bother?"

"Because I made a promise."

This drew a pause from the red head, a flash of pain in his eyes as he looked away.

"And what would that be?"

"To make people smile. That's why I have my sword. Even if I go forgotten, even if my friends leave me, I'll just keep going. But as long as I can do that, I'm not going anywhere."

It was then that all the people vanished except for the red head.

"I see... Then I guess you're not done yet."

The red head then vanished and with a sudden jolt there was a bright light.

Yuri's eyes then flew open and he gasped. He hurt all over but there was also a burning pain in his chest. A nurse then leaned over him, stroked his brow and looked up at something.

"He's stabilizing, thank Arceus."

Another person stood nearby holding defibrillator paddles, then turned to put them away.

The nurse then smiled at him. "Just relax Mr. Lowell, you're in good hands."

Someone else then leaned in with a needle and in moments he fell into darkness again. But this time it was much more peaceful.