To start off, I have a question for you guys. I'm trying really hard to tie up a bunch of loose ends that the anime never investigated or explained, like the GS ball in the Johto Arc, or like Ash's Aura powers being a main one... What other loose ends can you guys think of that I haven't addressed? Preferably stick to Hoenn, since I have big plans for the other regions. I haven't watched much of the Hoenn episodes, other than battle frontier, in a really long time. So if there's something you can think of that might slip under the radar in most cases, not like a legendary pokemon or something real obvious, then tell me and I'll try to pop something in there about it. The sooner you tell me the more likely I can get it in so don't be afraid :P
Okay, sorry about that: Onwards!
Woot! Next chapter :D
Ages:
Ash: 18
Misty: 18
Brock: 23
Gary: 18
May: 18
Max: 13
Drew: 17
Dawn: 18
Paul: 19
Cilan: 22
Cress: 22
Chili: 22
Iris: 20
Ritchie: 18
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Clemont: 18
Serena: 18
Harley: 24
Solidad: 24
Zoey: 19
Barry: 19
Kenny: 18
Nando: 25
Stephan: 19
Bianca: 20
Cameron: 18
Trip: 18
Georgia: 19
Burgundy: 19
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Various others:
Delia: 37 (based off her age of the novelization according to bulbapedia [29] + 8 years from the start of Ash's journey.)
Giovanni: (Unknown) but in this story: 58
Prof. Oak: 64
Redrick(Red Ketchum): 38
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Normal Talk
Thoughts
Lucario talking unless stated otherwise
Zoroark talking unless stated otherwise
Meinshao talking unless stated otherwise
Let the journey continue...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
It wasn't too long before they all entered the man-made tunnel that would guide them to Verndarf. Along the way, Drew spoke up.
"Hey guys I was just thinking that I should warn you about the Whismur problem. Around this area the Whismur are really skittish and a bit aggressive at times. So make sure not to talk too loud and whatever you do don't bring out any… food..."
At this moment everyone turned to see May chewing on a candy bar. She started to slow down when she noticed everyone staring at her. Slowly everyone saw Whismur start raising their heads from behind nearby rocks. They stared intently at the group.
"Why me?" Paul muttered darkly. Then...
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYAAAAAAAAAA!" Every Whismur stared to screech at an inhuman pitch, obviously.
Everyone grasped their ears and started to run the rest of the way until they breached the exit of the tunnel. Ash skidded to a stop at the edge of the dirt hill, but sadly no one else was looking where they were going. Paul and Drew tried to stop but once everyone else slammed into them, the whole group started to roll and tumble down the hill. They struck the ground and a small explosion of dust flew everywhere. A few moans determined everyone was alright... mostly.
"Oh my... Are you all alright?"
Everyone craned their necks to look up and saw a young woman standing before them. She was dressed as some sort of medieval elegant lady. Brock leapt up from the ground.
"What glorious beauty! What a fair maiden that has graced us with her presence!" Brock shouted.
"Toxi... croak... toxi... croak..." Toxicroak stood behind Brock, croaking. He then patted Brock on the head. Brock hung his head in defeat,
"Fine..."
After everyone got themselves somewhat dusted off, they introduced themselves. It turned out the festival that was being held this year had nothing to do with the league and was instead a medieval feast and festival. The group decided to attend anyway since they had to stay in Verndarf for the night before they could begin to figure out where they would search next. They all went, even with Paul grumbling, to go and try out some clothes so they could play the part and not stick out like a sore thumb.
Ash's costume consisted of a brown tunic with faulds, false chainmail underneath, dark navy pants that were stuffed into brown boots. He had the appearance of a knight.
Misty was dressed as a countess. She wore a two-piece under-gown and long over-gown that elegantly trailed behind her.
Brock's costume included a gray coat and a checque parti-coloured apron. He was a barber-surgeon.
Ritchie wore a similar outfit to Ash's though his lacked faulds and he wore a bow and quiver on his back. He was an archer.
May was dressed as a colorful thespian, Max was dressed as a stable boy, Drew was wearing a black apron to complete his blacksmith costume, Dawn was dressed as a princess with a glittering tiara to boot, Paul, though completely against it, had ended up the part of a bard, Cilan and his brothers were dressed as musketeers, and Iris was dressed as a peasant.
After a moment of everyone complementing each other on their outfits, they turned when Gary entered.
"Seriously?"
"You've got to be kidding me."
"HAHAHA!"
Gary stood there wearing a blue robe, a pointed blue hat, and finally a ridiculously long white beard. Gary was a wizard.
"You're a wizard, Gary!" Max shouted.
"You're a dork, Gary," Paul spoke and rolled his eyes.
"Ha! You're just jealous of my awesome beard," Gary said and stroked said beard.
Pikachu and Ellie were given a little jester's hat and a bow to wear. The group then made their way out to have some fun with the games and activities available. Ash lifted his head and sniffed,
"Mmmmm gotta love heightened aura senses. Food dead ahead!" Ash grinned and jogged off with Pikachu and Ellie trailing behind. Misty rolled her eyes and turned to look at the others,
"I gotta make sure he leaves enough for the other people here," Misty said then laughed and bit before following after Ash.
"Cool! Bobbing for apples! Max grinned and ran in the direction of the stand. Brock followed after him as did Chili.
"Hmmm Crossbows, eh? I'm playing an archer, perhaps I should work on my aim," Ritchie grinned and walked off that direction. Drew and May followed after him.
"Cool, jousting," Gary grinned and walked off to watch the event.
Paul glanced over a saw there was a knife throw. He then walked off in that direction. Dawn and Cress saw a stand that was playing Quoits, which was like Ponytashoes with rings instead, and headed that way. That left Cilan and Iris...
zzzzzzzzz-Ash and Misty-zzzzzzzzzzz
"What do ya think, Pikachu? Ellie? Pretty tasty, right?" Ash asked and took another another bite of mutton.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed and poured a bit of ketchup onto the food. Ellie popped a piece of bread into her mouth and then shook her head at Pikachu and Ash. Ash looked out of the corner of his eye and saw a young woman staring at him. He raised an eyebrow at her,
"Can I help you?"
The woman smiled, "Oh yes pardon me... I suppose I'll be honest and say that your outfits suits you."
Ash let his aura span out and took notice of the woman's slight nervousness and a bit of another emotion that he wasn't very used to. Suddenly though it occurred to him what she was after.
"Sorry to say, I'm not here alone," Ash smiled politely and stood to his full height, since he had been kinda leaning over the buffet table. He glanced over and saw Misty speaking with a young man before turning and making her way towards Ash.
"I see. Thanks for your honesty, Sir knight," The woman smiled politely back and curtsied before walking away.
"I guess we picked out pretty good costumes, huh?" Misty asked as she approached.
"I guess," Ash smiled, "Care to dance?"
"Alright!" Misty smiled as Ash began to escort her to the dancing area.
"Pika chu chu pik ca chu?" Pikachu asked and bowed to Ellie. Ellie smiled and nodded.
"Chu pika chu chu pi!" Ellie responded and they both headed to the dance floor to dance around as well even if they couldn't exactly waltz.
zzzzzzzzz-Max, Brock, Chili-zzzzzzzzzz
"How on earth are you so good at bobbing for apples, Max?" Chili asked. The three had just finished a third round of the game since the first had astonished them with Max's ability. They were now looking for the restrooms so they could dry off their faces and such, better.
"Trade secret," Max grinned and continued to walk beside his friends.
"This group has too many trade secrets..." Chili muttered.
"Huh?" Brock spoke suddenly, "Ludicolo was right here on my belt a second ago." The three friends looked around for a moment before hearing said pokemon's voice. They glanced up and saw Ludicolo was on stage dancing... with a woman. Brock's jaw dropped to the ground.
"Wow... Ludicolo's pretty good making friends," Chili spoke, amused.
"My own pokemon are better with the ladies than me!" Brock wailed.
"I am the only sane person here," Max said in realization.
zzzzzzzzzzzz-Ritchie, Drew, May-zzzzzzzzzzzz
"Hold it like this and aim it like this," the man said roughly. Ritchie only nodded in response. He held the contraption up like instructed and aimed it at the target, some ways away. He then pulled the trigger.
"Great shot!" Drew crowed.
"Nice work, Ritchie!" May cheered.
The two were sitting together nearby in the grass. They were snacking on some candied Oran berries. Ritchie had surprisingly hit a bullseye on his first try.
Then his second, his fourth, his seventh... The other times he was only off by a bit for rookie standards. Ritchie was a natural at archery and aiming.
"You're a real natural kid!" The booth master grinned.
"Geez, I had no idea! I guess that's why I've never missed with my pokeball throws before... I never even really needed to practice with the other kids," Ritchie smiled modestly but couldn't hide his pride.
Hey you learn something everyday.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz-Gary-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
"Ouch that's gotta hurt!"
Gary nodded absentmindedly in agreement as he watched the events. There was some added artistry to jousting that went beyond ramming into each other that intrigued Gary. Perhaps how a subtle change in the position of the lance or their ride could change the outcome of a round... sort of like a pokemon battle... strategy... the world was full of it.
The next riders mounted their steeds. One had decided on riding a Rapidash which was a tad slower than the Zebstrika the other had chosen, Gary noted. They readied themselves and then charged after the signal was given. The one on the Rapidash ended up succeeding though, even with it's speed disadvantage. Strategy... something both researching and battling had in common. Gary couldn't help but be fascinated by strategy and thought; he loved using his mind.
A man, dressed as a king looked over at Gary. Gary soon took notice and raised an eye-brow. The man smiled, "Ten points to Gryffindor!"
Gary groaned, knowing his costume was being yet again, ridiculed. Gary then raised an eye-brow, "Gryffindor? Do you even know what you're saying?"
The man grinned at first before absorbing Gary's words.
"Uhh... No... I guess I don't," The man said suddenly and sheepishly. Gary shook his head and looked back at the event. He murmured to himself,
"You just gotta keep cool Gary and realize, you're not in Kanto anymore."
zzzzzzzzzz-Paul-zzzzzzzzzzzz
-Shink-
-Shink-
-Shink-Shink-
-Shink-
It was amazing really, to watch such accuracy. Paul was intrigued by how easy the man with the throwing knives made it seem. Fatal hit after fatal hit on the straw dummy. After the last throw, a thought suddenly pervaded Paul's mind. He wondered if Team Rocket grunts were trained like that... He thought back to his near death experience in the Lavender tower... That was close range... Though he knew guns were rare items in the world, even for evil and lawless people like Team Rocket. He couldn't help but wonder what they were really up against... Maybe he should tell the others of his thoughts... He considered just staying quiet... but that's what he normally did... He needed to learn to change some... and of course telling them these things... or warning them... could save a life... If only he could be completely open with them, but Paul Rebolledo knew that he was too much of a coward in his core... especially regarding emotions and relationships of any kind... and he wasn't sure if he could ever change that.
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-Dawn and Cress-zzzzzzzzzzzzz
"Ha ha! Yes! I win again!" Dawn cried out in joy.
"That's excellent Dawn. You are a very good Quoits player," Cress smiled before starting to pick up his rings.
"Well me and mom used to play Ponytashoes in the backyard to past the time when I was younger. Father played too when he got home from work," Dawn smiled.
"I see. I know your mother was a Top co-ordinator. What line of business is your father in?" Cress asked politely.
Dawn smiled, "He's really busy a lot at Professor's Rowan's lab. He's an assistant there so I don't get to see him in person to often, but every now and then I get to video chat with him."
Dawn reached down to pick up her rings as well. She stood back up slowly as if in thought, "Cress?"
"Yes, Dawn?" Cress asked.
"What about you're parents? You guys are triplets... right? What do your parents do?" Dawn asked.
Cress smiled, "Father is the head chef of our restaurant and Mother works as a clothes designer in town. The responsibility of gym leaders simply fell on our shoulders. Father has taught us all we know about cooking and mother has taught us all we know about etiquette."
"How awesome,"Dawn smiled.
The two finished cleaning up and headed off to find the others.
"I wonder what Brodie is up to," Dawn mused.
"Hm?" Cress asked, "Oh that fellow in the woods, right?"
"Yeah, the others said he was an ex-Magma agent, so he's bad, but what did he mean when he said he was told of Ash's abilities? I wonder how many people know? And how did he find out over here in Hoenn?"
"I'm not sure, but I suppose for good or bad, we will inevitably find out," Cress answered.
The two nodded and continued walking.
zzzzzzzzzzz-Cilan and Iris-zzzzzzzzzzzz
"This place is most delightful," Cilan murmured as the two walked together. Iris nodded in agreement. She tilted her head towards another direction and saw a Spheal bouncing a ball on it's nose at it's trainer's command. She flinched a bit at the sight of the ice type pokemon. She then seemed to take on a look of concentration and eventually turned to look at Cilan.
"Cilan?"
"Yes, Iris?" Cilan asked politely and turned to face her as they walked.
"How did you make yourself touch that Purrloin? And why did you make yourself do it?" Iris asked. She was surprised when Cilan suddenly put his arms back behind his head so casually; he wasn't really one to do such a gesture. He looked away with a smile.
"I figured that... I needed to let go of the past and move on... Ash has done it somewhat since he's been traveling despite his father's actions in his youth... Gary's done it without the support of his father or mother to guide him... others have worked hard to grow and change... Why shouldn't I?" Cilan turned to face her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I want to honor the past but start moving towards a future, Iris..."
Iris nodded her head, "Do you think... Do you think I can... I can get over my fear of ice types? I mean you're at least trying to not be afraid of Purrloins anymore..."
He squeezed her shoulder tightly, "I believe you can, Iris."
She stopped walking and faced him and he did the same.
"You... do?" Iris asked.
Don't let her slip away...
"I do... I knew you were special when I met you Iris and I'm so glad I got the chance to travel with you and Ash... We've shared a lot of time together and many fond memories. I can say with great certainty that you have added an exotic and fragrant spice to my life," Cilan smiled with a slight blush. Iris stared at him for a moment before smiling. A blush rapidly over-took her face,
"We're behaving like little kids... Aren't we?"
Cilan smiled gently, "I suppose we are."
Iris walked forward and closer to him before extending her hand. He then reached forward and gently grasped it in return. Electricity jolted through them at the touch and they smiled against their wills. Cilan then smiled and pulled her gently closer which she accepted.
"What's your evaluation of our compatibility, mister connoisseur?" Iris smiled up at him.
"Now Iris... I have much more experience with the compatibility between people and pokemon, not romance... Only time can tell us that..." Cilan nodded softly.
"Aww... I'm actually asking you for an evaluation and you're going to pass this chance up? Give it a shot at least," Iris smiled sweetly, "You might not get a chance like this again."
Cilan shook his head slightly, "Alright..." He mused for a moment with his hand holding his chin, "I'd say... with your spice and my classical appeal... we'll make a five-star recipe."
Iris smiled and pecked him quickly and softly on the lips. Cilan's face flushed red; he looked like he might explode. Iris' cheeks flushed pink and she smiled, "Tasty."
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
After the festival had ended and they had returned their costumes, the group had finally met back up and got ready for bed. Cress and Chili were the first to notice Cilan and Iris's new relationship and after they took notice, Cilan and Iris revealed they were now in a relationship as well. After everyone congratulated them, Paul took the time to tell everyone his worries. Once everyone heard them, they came to the same conclusion that they needed to learn how to maybe better defend themselves. Ash said he knew a few defensive maneuvers and some offensive moves from Lucario and Riley and was willing to try and help teach them. Everyone understood that they would most likely need to find another way to learn combat after Ash taught them what he knew. Brock was lighthearted about it and said that perhaps something would give them a better clue of what to do later. They then decided that they would head towards Mauville tomorrow to see if they heard of anything 'festival' like happening elsewhere in Hoenn. That city was a bit larger than Verndarf so more news might travel around there more. Since the journey tomorrow wouldn't last the whole day, it was determined that halfway through their traveling tomorrow would be when they stopped and had a first training lesson with Ash and even some of their newer pokemon. With all these plans in mind, they fell asleep.
zzz
The weakest parts of the body are the eyes, the nose, the ears, the throat, the groin, the knee, and the legs. These places are easiest to attack as well as cause the attacker great harm or un-balance, Lucario explained.
They had traveled some that day but had finally found someplace to stop to work on training themselves and some of their pokemon. After taking off any extra clothes that would over-heat them, the group started to release some of their pokemon. Ash had let out Infernape and Primape to fight some. Pikachu and Ellie stood and listened closely to Lucario. Misty had released Golduck and Wooper. Ritchie had let out Kraken and Doc. Max released his Psyduck and Slakoth, though the former seemed more interested in sleeping. Brock let out Sandslash. Gary let out Duskull and Pinsir. May let out Sentret and Munchlax. Drew let out Flaaffy and Roserade. Paul let out Hitmontop and Hariyama. Cilan let out Shroomish and Treecko. Chili let out Darumaka and Slugma. Cress let out Omanyte and Simipour. Iris let out Excadrill. They were all now being taught by Lucario.
Ash if you don't mind... Allow me to demonstrate for them on you.
Ash sweatdropped, "I see how it is... Alright... fine."
Ash walked forward and stood still in front of Lucario.
Now move to attack me.
"Alright," Ash nodded. He slid down into stance and threw a punch. Lucario, quick as a flash, lightly punched Ash in the throat. Ash stumbled back and away to grasp his throat, "Ouch..." He wheezed out.
Imagine now if I had put even more force behind it. Understanding the body and physics are two important things to have a grasp of.
Max raised his hand.
Yes?
"Why physics?" Max asked.
You will no doubt end up fighting someone larger than you, but that doesn't have to be your downfall. Understanding how to use your weight to your advantage can mean all the difference. Though today I think we should focus more on getting you all more physically able to fight... understanding how to fight and then not being able to actually use the movements would be quite sad. These basics I have taught you should come in handy in the meantime. Good news is we can all work on our endurance, speed, and strength together.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Alright. Let's start with some running.
The rest of the time they ran, jumped, climbed, and did many other things to try and help increase their abilities, human and pokemon alike. By the end of the day, everyone was tired. Ash grinned at Lucario after he had caught his breath.
"Not too bad, eh?" Ash asked.
Lucario snorted but couldn't stop from smiling. Do recall, Master... You've had a bit more practice than they have.
Ash smiled and nodded before laughing, "Yeah yeah."
Paul felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Infernape smiling at him. To be honest it took him off guard. Infernape grinned before patting him on the shoulder a couple more times and walking off, so that Paul could resume catching his breath. Paul couldn't help the smile that came to his face. The group then got ready to move into the city of Mauville. They returned their pokemon and started to walk.
"That's better than nothing, at least," Drew nodded as they walked.
"Yeah we at least we have something to use against these people, other than our pokemon," Gary nodded.
"What about their guns though? We still haven't figured that out yet," Paul spoke.
Everyone grew silent, trying to find out an answer.
"To be honest, there isn't much we can do," Brock said.
"We just have to be resourceful and try our best not to let them pull a gun out on us again," Ash added with determination.
Everyone agreed and continued walking. They passed through some low lying grass on their way into the city and suddenly, Paul found himself tripping.
"Crap!" Paul grumbled before landing hard on his chest.
"Nice trip man, see you next fall," Gary grinned.
Drew snorted, "That's not even funny." Gary then glared at the co-ordinator.
"You alright, Paul?" Dawn asked. Paul pulled himself up and dusted off himself.
"Fine, don't know what I tripped over though," Paul answered.
"Gul...pin..."
Paul and the others glanced down to see a Gulpin, small for its size, staring at them.
"Oh... that's it..." Chili murmured.
Suddenly Gulpin opened his mouth wide and fumes came out. Everyone immediately clasped their noses.
"Almighty Arceus, that smell!" Paul growled.
"I thought Muk were bad!" Misty whined.
"With the right food, their odor can be managed. Kinda like Ash's Muk was," Brock explained.
"Right," Ash nodded.
Paul glanced over at the pokemon once it closed it's mouth.
"Hmmm... You wanna be given a shot?" Paul asked the pokemon and everyone looked at him in a bit of shock.
Gulpin nodded its head and the feather-like appendage there, bobbed.
"Alright," Paul smiled... He tossed the pokeball in his hand and soon he had a new teammate.
"Cool! Your brother has a Swalot, right?" Ash grinned.
"That's right. If I train him right then he can become quite a formidable opponent," Paul paused after he spoke, realizing exactly what he had said. he would make the pokemon strong... With his hard work... He would find what made that individual, strong. Paul slowly glanced over at Ash once he was ready. Ash simply was smiling.
"That's right," Ash nodded before turning and walking towards the town.
Misty smiled at him next before catching up to Ash. Paul then looked down at his pokeball and nodded his head, allowing a tiny smile out once more... it was getting harder and harder not to let those smiles come. The group made their way into Mauville city.
Once there the peace was interrupted when they saw a few people seemingly running away from a crime. They wore a similar attire that Brodie used to wear as a Magma agent, but instead of the partial cloak being red it was a dark blue. They wore bandanas over their noses and mouths. On their cloak was a strange symbol; it consisted of a team aqua symbol with some other letter crossing through it. They were too far away to see what it was though. Ash sighed and focused his aura to see better, after a moment he growled.
"So that's how Brodie knew..." Ash murmured. The others had already started to retrieve their own pokeballs.
"What do ya mean, Ash?" Max asked as he grasped Gardevoir and Beedrill's pokeballs.
"They're working with Team Rocket I think... the other symbol is a styled R," Ash spoke and grabbed Go-goat's and Houndoom's pokeballs. Pikachu and Ellie jumped down.
Before anyone could release their pokemon however, the villains took off running. Officer Jenny and her associates took off after them.
"We should probably make sure they catch them,"Brock nodded.
"Right," Everyone answered. They started to run parallel to the chase. After a moment, the group saw the agents jump into the water. The police were then unable to follow for the time being. The group watched the police radioing back-up and such, while Ash was busy trying to follow the villains' auras. His eyes returned to their brown color and he glanced at the others.
"I think they're hiding out in the New Mauville power plant," Ash explained.
They moved over towards the edge of the water and looked out to see the agents crawling up onto the land of the abandoned place.
"I think I have an idea of how to approach without being seen," Ash grinned.
Everyone had climbed up on Ash's Lapras, Misty's Gyarados, Paul's Gyarados, and Iris's Lapras. After everyone was situated, Ash released Zoroark. She settled on Ash's Lapras and then turned to look at Ash.
What do I need to do, Master?
Ash smiled, "We need an Illusion, Zoroark! The best you've got to get us over to that island without being seen."
Zoroark gave a toothy grin, Is that all?
zzzzzzzzz
"Dang where could that fog be coming from?" A grunt asked and stopped. Another, patrolling with him, stopped to look as well.
"Huh... That's odd... Hey is that...? A Lapras?" The second asked.
"Looks like it... Probably someone coming to try and find us," The first grunt grinned and pulled out a pokeball, "A little fog won't stop us."
The other readied himself as well and they prepared to battle whoever was coming... Suddenly though, the silhouette form of the Lapras broke apart and instead a flock of Wingull flew at them, around them, and above them.
"Ack! Stupid birds!" One of the grunts shouted.
After the Wingulls were gone, the two agents looked around and saw nothing. Even the fog had started to fade.
"Weird..." The first spoke.
"Should we report it to the boss?" The second asked.
"No, he'll think we've gone nuts. Just... keep patrolling," The first answered.
The two nodded and continued to walk the island.
zzzzz
"That was awesome, Zoroark!" Max grinned.
Everyone else was working to return their pokemon.
Glad I could help. My illusion ability seems to have come in handy.
Ash turned around to look at his pokemon, "That was great, Zoroark."
She nodded happily. Ash then returned her. Pikachu and Ellie sat at attention, ready to proceed; the others soon were ready as well. They looked over at the building they were going to be heading into. Square-shaped and obviously not cared for for the last five years, the building was ominous and cold. The group nodded to each other before walking inside.
"I think it's best if we split into groups or something. We'll be too obvious if we just keep together," Gary spoke.
Three groups separated. One was sent to find a lookout outside for when the police could come, the second and third were sent into the base to see what they could find out about what the former Team Aqua were up to.
zzzzzzzzzz-Ash, Misty, Paul, Ritchie, Dawn-zzzzzzzzzz
"Hmmm... I wonder how their system works... This could almost be like a recon mission for me... You know for possible future need," Ash grinned cheekily. Misty sighed.
"You mean so you can dance with death again, Ash?"
"I don't infiltrate evil people's bases for fun, Mist," Ash huffed.
"I don't know how much you two value your lives, but I would like to remain alive. So if you'd be so kind as to shut-up," Paul muttered.
Ash and Misty nodded, they realized now wasn't the time for chat. As they continued walking, Ash suddenly slowed.
"I hear something... this way," Ash spoke. The group followed after him down another corridor. Ash let blue light fill his eyes and Pikachu did the same. Ash could sense about seven people in a nearby room. Some darkened auras, common criminals... and about two really dark auras from people who seemed twisted in their values beyond repair. Ash motioned for a stop and Dawn almost bumped into Ritchie. They huddled together and listened from behind the archway of the open door. Ash would be able to warn them if people were approaching their position, so they focused on eavesdropping.
"So do we even have any idea where this... stone thing is, sir?"
"We have a few ideas, but our priority is to find the Ketchum kid."
"Why's that?"
"Because Giovanni said he's important, so did his new pal, Robles... Beats me... although that kid does seem to have a knack for showing up when you really don't what him to."
"Will... Will we really be able to control the legendary Rayquaza?"
"That's the plan at least if these docs aren't leading us on..."
"Will the other two titans of land and sea fall under our command as well?"
"They're not sure..."
"So... if the kid is as powerful as they say... and Brodie was surprised by him as well... then how are we supposed to catch him?"
"The scientists have been working on several devices, but they aren't perfected yet... They've tried using a few before but... they didn't seem as effective as they would like. Also Robles is the only one they can test them on and they don't want to damage him too much since he's the expert on all this stuff."
"Right..."
"Sir, Ma'am, Everyone!"
"Yes, what is it?"
"The police are entering the water, they could be here at any time!"
"Blast it... Alright... Let's head to the submarine..."
"What about the others?"
"Sacrifices have to be made, look are you joining us soldier or staying to get booked?"
"Yes... I'm coming... of course sir..."
Ash turned to the others in his group, "They're heading a different way so let's retrace our steps. We can't stop these guys, yet."
The others nodded and followed him out.
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-Max, May, Drew, Chili-zzzzzzzzzzzzz
"Push a bit harder."
"I'm pushing as hard as I can, May."
"Let me try and help."
"Thanks, Chili."
Drew and Chili started to work even harder at unlatching the small hatch. After one final shove they breached the top of New Mauville. The four friends climbed up on the roof and could see for miles around them. The sun was starting to set. They hoped the police would attack before nightfall... What if they couldn't find their way?
"We need a signal to attract them here since the sun is setting now... They won't find this place before tomorrow otherwise," Max spoke.
"Hmmm..." Chili murmured.
"Hey I know!" Drew grinned and pulled out a pokeball, "Come on out Flaaffy, lend us your light!"
"Flaa!" Flaaffy bleated happily and suddenly a bright light filled the sphere at the end of it's tail.
"Great!" Chili grinned.
The group then noticed lights flashing on and off near the city's edge.
"Huh, I wonder what those are..." May mumbled.
"Wait I think that's morse code!" Max exclaimed and rushed over to Flaaffy. He watched a moment and after the lights stopped flashing, Max placed his hand in front of Flaaffy's tail then away from it. He communicated back with them.
"Whoa, didn't know you knew morse code, Max," May said in surprise.
"I like reading, so once I had read everything I could about pokemon, I kinda just picked it up when I was bored. I don't really have much time to read anymore with you guys around though, which is good since I've definitely not been bored," Max grinned and finished his message.
The police would be coming soon...
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-Cilan, Iris, Cress, Gary, Brock-zzzzzzzzzzzz
"Ashy-Boy's night vision would come in handy about now..." Gary muttered.
The group was walking quietly down the hallways, trying not to be spotted.
"I must agree," Cilan spoke quietly. Everyone nodded in agreement but soon their focus was switched to the soft crying of some creature.
"We need to see what that is... I can't imagine leaving whatever it is to suffer," Cress spoke. They moved down the hall and around a corner; there they found several cages filled with pokemon.
"They just have no shame..." Brock murmured and walked forward to look at a very weak looking Aron.
"Let's work on freeing them," Iris said and turned to show she was holding some keys in her hand. She had found them on a nearby table. They had opened all but one cage, when a voice reached their ears.
"Hmm… Looks like we have some volunteer bait fish for the Sharpedo."
The group turned sharply at the sound of the unwanted guests. Two of the team aqua? or team Rocket… grunts? the group wasn't exactly sure how they were working together… The evil men stood facing them, poke balls at the ready.
"You kids caused the others to leave," The first growled.
"Yeah… Now we're stuck here, but since we're done for anyway… We're going to make you pay," The second spoke.
Cilan and Cress nodded at each other, "Guys you work on opening the cages, we'll take care of these fellows," Cress spoke.
The others nodded and continued to work on the last cage with a small Meditite in it.
"Come on out, Treecko! Shroomish you too!"
"Seel, Slowking! We need you're help!"
"You went ahead and evolved Slowpoke, huh?" Cilan asked.
Cress nodded, "All the better to bash some baddies with!"
"What interesting grammar, Cress… I'm not sure it fits you," Cilan mused.
"I must agree. Well I had to try it out anyways!" Cress tilted his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"Carvanha! Bring the pain!" the first grunt snorted.
"Mightyena, Octillary come out!" The second crowed.
Cilan zeroed in on the Carvanha, "Shroomish, use Mega drain! Treecko help Shroomish and use Energy ball!"
Treecko charged up the sphere as Shroomish focused to perform the attack. Carvanha shot forward to attack the pokemon that had started to drain its power, but Treecko had cut it off with a very well aimed Energy ball.
"You little brat!" The man commanding the Carvanha shouted.
"Mightyena! Use Shadow ball on Slowking!" the other grunt growled.
"Slowking dodge and use Scald!" Cress commanded before turning towards Seel, "Seel use Ice shard on Mightyena after Scald has done its work!"
Mightyena fell to one knee after the combination of attacks. His body was confused by the sudden change in temperature from scalding water to frozen ice. Carvanha then slid across the floor towards its owner.
The first grunt growled and the second only smirked, "Octillary, now."
Cilan panicked when he didn't see the enemy's pokemon in his sight. Some unknown feeling came over him and he turned to look at his other friends… The Octillary had made his way over towards the other three and had bowed up to attack one of the other trainers who's back were to them. Cilan bolted. Iris looked over just in time to what happened next.
-Thump-
-Thump—Thump-
Cilan tripped over his feet from the force of the attacks and hit the ground hard. his back was covered with mud and dirt from the three Mud bombs he had intercepted. He immediately tried to rise, though a bit painfully. Iris rushed over and bent down to help him. Cress growled and turned on the two men in fury.
"Slowking! Psychic! Against the wall!" Cress shouted, his mind clouded with anger. Slowking nodded and picked up the two struggling men and slammed them into the wall, knocking them both out cold. Iris looked over and growled at the Octillary that was now looking a bit nervous with his allies all unconscious.
"Let's go, Aerodactyl! Use Iron head!" Iris shouted as she released the prehistoric pokemon. Her creature cried out and dove towards the octopus pokemon and sent it barreling into the wall as well. Iris looked down at Cilan as he smiled at her and then his approaching pokemon. He worked to stand a bit uneasily, "You two did a marvelous job. I'm so very proud."
Treecko and Shroomish nodded though both appeared nervous for their master and friend's well being.
Brock walked over as Gary worked to finally open the cage and let the pokemon out.
"You alright, Cilan?" Brock asked. Cilan nodded, "Hurt like no tomorrow, but I think I'll just be a tad sore." Cilan cringed slightly when he rose fully; his back seemed to be hurting a bit.
Cress walked over after he had thanked and returned his pokemon, "Take it easy, alright brother?"
Cilan nodded at Cress. Gary then walked over with a Meditite following him closely. The other pokemon followed as well but not near as close.
"I think this is all of them. I found this too," Gary spoke and held up a small round stone that was light blue in color and pink, yellow, and orange colors swirled in its center.
"Huh, they had a mega-stone…" Brock murmured, "Anyways, let's get out of here with these pokemon and find the others."
Everyone nodded and returned their remaining pokemon. The other freed pokemon followed closely behind them as they left.
zzzzzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzzzzzz
All the groups found each other outside. When they breached an exit, they saw the police arresting some of the other grunts. Snapping their heads over towards the water they saw a dark shape moving away.
"That's gotta be their sub!" Ash shouted.
Drew glanced around and saw no one was in the water nearby, "Flaaffy, use Thunderbolt!"
"Flaaaaaafffffyyy!" Flaaffy shouted and the electricity started to intensify and Flaaffy was encased in a bright glow.
"Whoa! No way!" Max shouted. An Ampharos stood next to Drew and continued to channel electricity into the water in an attempt to stop the sub in some way. Sadly it was in vain. Ampharos panted after the attack and then craned it's head over towards Drew with a sad face.
"Hey, you tried your best, pal. Plus you evolved which is awesome," Drew smiled and patted the yellow pokemon's head.
"Amphy amphy!"
Afterwards the others told the police of the two grunts they had left behind in the base; they also showed them the pokemon with them. Only the Meditite refused to move forward or speak.
"I wonder if he's okay…" Dawn murmured.
Ash took on a look of determination and walked towards the pokemon that stayed behind Gary's legs, "I've been wanting to test this for some time… It could help."
Ash delicately touched Meditite. Within a moment, Ash's eyes contracted and filled with a blue glow.
zzzzz~Meditite's memory/viewed only by Ash~zzzzz
So many pokemon in cages…
Then Ash saw it. A few weaker pokemon that could mega-evolve. Banette, Absol, Mawile… were being forced into a chamber… energy being forced into their bodies from their respective stones… It's because the grunts lacked a bond with their pokemon… That's why they wouldn't evolve… without extensive measures taken.
Ash was then aware of Meditite staring… watching with wide and frightened eyes… Suddenly he closed them and began to meditate… and meditate… and meditate…
That was it… He had meditated to escape life… to escape the horrible place he found himself in… He was now somewhat detached from the world… Another one of those moments were words can't do justice…
Ash sighed and released himself from the young pokemon's memories.
zzzzzz~End Memory~zzzzz
Ash sighed and turned to face his friends while the police were busy, "I… I saw his memories… They were trying to force pokemon to mega-evolve… so he started to meditate to escape from the bad things he was seeing…" Ash turned to looked Meditate in the eyes. It stayed glued to Gary's legs, though it eyed Ash with some hint of respect or perhaps intrigue from what he had just done, "He can't speak because he's become…"
"Emotionally detached," Gary finished and look down at the still slightly trembling creature, "Don't you worry… It'll be fine now. It'll be okay." The pokemon nodded slowly.
The police thanked them for their help, though they berated them for their recklessness. The group left the small and now abandoned island so they could get back to Mauville. They were very tired when they entered the pokemon center. They were lucky that the police hadn't figured out any more concerning their connection to Team Rocket and this new Team Aqua. They got rooms and readied themselves for bed.
zzzz
So I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I tried to make everyone's medieval outfits reflect their character in someway, even Gary as the wizard since he's a scholar… Paul on the other hand, I did the opposite since bards are supposed to be loud and singing all the time. Sorry about the little memes or funny quotes thrown in there, I thought they were funny :)
Also the group is starting to better prepare themselves for the future battles they may have with Team Rocket.
And Team Aqua? What do they have to do with this? and how are they working with Team Rocket?
And now Cilan and Iris are a couple. I kinda wanted to bring them together in a different way. They're a bit more I guess level-headed… in my mind at least. So they also seems to be the two that wouldn't mess around and would realize they were attracted to each other as more than just friends and possibly more willing to admit it. Even Iris said they were acting like little kids since they hadn't acted on there feelings sooner :D
Ash shows he's started to practice more with his technique with memories. He did it once before with his Riolu in the actual anime, but now he's working on being able to do it whenever rather than just randomly.
And of course the poor little Meditite… I wonder what the baddies want with mega-evolved pokemon?
The next chapter will reveal a pretty important aspect of the main plot and the prophecy so stay tuned :D
I've decided to give you guys a list of the new pokemon caught after each chapter so that new pokemon aren't spoiled but you also can remember which pokemon are new and aren't on the list at the start of the Arc.
Max: Slakoth
Paul: Gulpin
Cilan: Treecko
So there you are I hope this helps some :) If you ever need the full list, minus the newest additions, it's at the beginning of the Arc.
Fav, Review, and most importantly, Enjoy! :D