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
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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
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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
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Normal Talk
Thoughts
Lucario talking unless stated otherwise
Zoroark talking unless stated otherwise
Meinshao talking unless stated otherwise
Let the journey continue...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
"So you bought a jacket, huh?" Drew asked
"Yep! I learned my lesson. No more getting colds for me no matter how much you like to be waited on," May giggled.
"Heh, Fine," Drew grinned.
The group had been riding on the boat that would take them to Altomare. Everyone was talking and taking in the sight of the ocean. Some were a bit nervous since one of their last small boat rides didn't go so smoothly. Eventually though, they landed safely in Altomare. Ash released Cubone and he immediately climbed up into Ash's arms since there were so many people around.
"Ash you look like a tree with all those pokemon hanging off of you," Iris joked.
"Ha very funny," Ash then tried to pass Cubone over to Misty but Cubone clutched Ash's shirt.
"Hey what's wrong, Cubone? It's Misty," Ash said and Cubone shook his head and clung tighter to Ash's chest.
"Odd," Brock said.
"Maybe because Ash was the first one Cubone saw after his mother died, that makes their bond stronger," Drew said.
"Yeah! Misty may be his 'mommy' but he still prefers you," May nodded.
"Maybe I should return you if your afraid. How about that?" Ash asked.
Cubone shook his head and clung tight to Ash again.
"Chu!" Ellie smiled and leapt over into Misty's arms
"Hey thanks, Ellie. Two pokemon aren't heavy," Ash smiled and Pikachu chirped.
"Chu chu!" Ellie smiled, "Chaaaaa," she cooed as Misty rubbed under her cheek.
They then decided to go and see Bianca and Lorenzo.
"Oh my stars! You children! It has been ages it has!" Lorenzo smiled brightly, "Bianca will be so happy to see you all again!"
The rest of the group introduced themselves.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you, friends of Ash, Misty, and Brock! Bianca should be home in due time. She was painting at the museum again. Please do make this home yours while you stay here in beautiful Altomare," Lorenzo grinned.
"Thank you Mr. Lorenzo," Ash said.
Lorenzo then went outside to finish working on the boat he was carving.
"I guess we'll go and have that date," Drew smiled at May.
"Yeah," May nodded.
"Alright, Hey who wants to go see the museum?" Gary asked and Paul, Cilan, and Cress volunteered.
Max, Chili, and Ritchie decided to go see the carnival that was starting before the annual Tour de Altomare. Iris and Dawn wanted to go see the sights of the city, Iris was very interested to learn about Latias and Latios since they had been the guardians of the city and were dragon type. Finally Ash, Misty, and Brock went to go and find see if Latias was anywhere in the city before checking the secret garden. Lorenzo told everyone that he had been worried that Bianca hadn't seen Latias lately. The groups separated...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-Ash, Misty, and Brock-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
"Hey! You're the winner from that one year! Misty, right?" Someone shouted.
Ash, Misty, and Brock turned around to see Ross running towards them.
"Ross?" Ash, Misty, and Brock said at the same time.
They started talking to him and he then spoke about the Tour de Altomare.
"Hey so are you two competing again?" Ross asked.
"Hmm. I didn't even think of that. Do you think we have time, Ash?" Misty asked Ash smiled.
"Sure," Ash nodded.
"Great! I want to see if I can beat you, Misty," Ross spoke, "Plus if I lose I could always give you a tour of the city again, just you and me, eh?" Ross smiled.
"Oh no. You got it wrong, Ash here is my boyfriend, now," Misty smiled and waved her hands nervously.
"Oh. Bummer," Ross huffed.
Ash smiled to himself, he knew he was a lucky guy.
"Hey Ash, I have an idea of what pokemon I want to use. What about you?" Misty asked.
"Well... I think Feraligator is too large to race this time. Floatzel or Kingdra seems like a good choice. But maybe Feraligator can make it if he's careful. He needs some payback," Ash nodded.
Misty grabbed his hand, "Let's go swimming around to remember the route, okay?" Misty smiled.
"Sure thing!" Ash grinned.
The three said goodbye to Ross and walked off.
"I think I'm going to join this time as well, with Swampert," Brock smiled.
"Awesome!" Ash nodded.
As they approached their chosen canal, they released their pokemon. As soon as Ash released Feraligator, everyone was made aware that old habits die hard... even if you've gained a few hundred pounds.
"Ferali Ferla la la gator!" Feraligator chanted as he leapt up and down and flailed his feet. The shockwave that he admitted from his jumping caused Ash and his friends to stumble around.
"Feraligator! You've... got... to... stop! You're going to make Cubone cry," Ash spoke and he tried to steady himself. Cubone was tripping and falling on the ground and tears started to form in the young pokemon's eyes. It was then that Feraligator came to a stop and growled lowly at Cubone, using soothing words and giving an apology. Cubone soon recovered and after Ash also calmed the young pokemon, the three got changed and entered the water. Misty then released Eevee. Pikachu, Ellie, and Cubone sat by the water's edge. Pikachu and Ellie were on baby-sitting duty.
"So, Eevee are you ready to evolve? Remember this is your choice," Misty smiled.
"Eev! vee!" Eevee cooed.
"Okay then, here you go," Misty said and placed the water stone on the walkway next to Eevee. Eevee touched the stone and started to glow.
"Vaporeon!" Vaporeon cooed.
"Come on in! The water's great!" Ash shouted.
"Feralllliagator," Feraligator drawled happily.
"Swaaaaampert," Swampert agreed.
"Ha, this will be fun," Brock smiled.
Vaporeon jumped in and started to swim wonderfully.
"A natural!" Misty beamed she swam over to Ash and kissed him on the cheek.
"What was that for?" Ash asked confused, "Not that I didn't like it."
"You gave me Eevee remember?" Misty smiled.
"Oh. Right," Ash grinned back.
Soon the three were holding onto their pokemon and surfing through the city. Some people were shouting and clapping as they shot past. Max, Chili, Ritchie, Iris, and Dawn saw them.
"Hey guys!" Dawn shouted out happily.
"Awesome!" Max grinned, "I gotta enter with Psyduck!"
Max then took off to enter as well. Pikachu, Ellie, and Cubone found Iris and the others and hung out with them.
Ash, Misty, and Brock continued down the waterpath. Ash then did something interesting,
"Hey wanna see something cool?" Ash asked
"Huh?" Brock replied
"I can't do it in the race but It's fun to watch!" Ash shouted.
"Ash! Be careful, you dummy!" Misty shouted as her Ash danger censors went off in her head.
"No problem, Feraligator use Waterfall up!" Ash said and prepared himself to jump. Water soon blasted from Feraligator's jaws. Ash leapt into the jet of water and let it carry him to it's peak. If he had been paying more attention he might have noticed the gold glow that tried to form around him. When he reached the top of the spout he jumped up and tried to balance on its turbulent peak. The crowds walking around stopped to see what was going on and children shouted out happily as Ash balanced on top of the spout.
"Yeah!" Ash shouted and threw his arms up. He then jumped and dove into the canal. He then swam up to his friends beside Feraligator.
Ash had a giant grin on his face, "Cool or what!?"
"That was aaawwwesssome!" Max shouted as he ran down the steps to the water in his trunks, his Psyduck trying to keep up.
"Thanks, Max. You entering too?" Ash asked.
"You bet!" Max grinned.
"It was quite amazing really but you need to warn me when you're going to do a circus act, Ash," Misty huffed.
"Sorry Mist. I've done it before," Ash nodded.
"That's what you said last time when Charizard almost got knocked into the ocean by your Kingdra," Misty retorted.
"Yeah but that doesn't count because Kingdra showed up," Ash said back.
"Yes it does."
"No it doesn't"
"Yeah-huh."
"Na-uh."
Misty got a little angry and then sighed, "I does if you get hurt, Ash."
Ash was going to respond, thinking she was continuing the argument, when he stopped, "Oh..." He scratched the back of his head, "Sorry Mist. I promise I'll be really careful and think about what you said next time I do something like that."
Misty stared at him in a bit of shock, since he had decided to compromise maturely, then she smiled, "Okay. Thanks," She kissed him on the lips.
"Nasty," Max said as he swam towards them with Psyduck.
"No fair," Brock whined and Swampert bubbled beside him.
"Alright then, we need to practice more for that race," Ash grinned.
"Right!" Everyone shouted before mounting their pokemon or chariots for practice.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz-May and Drew-zzzzzzzzzzzz
"So what do you want to do?" Drew asked.
"I don't know, what do you want to do?" May asked back.
This had been the routine for the last hour.
"This is going nowhere," Drew sighed.
"Yeah," May agreed.
"It was easy giving you roses... but this date stuff... How the heck did Ash pull it off?" Drew huffed.
May giggled, "Maybe you should've asked for pointers."
"The biggest irony on the face of the planet. The guy that is assumed the most dense person in the world turns out to be a casanova in disguise... It's like a crazy soap opera or something," Drew huffed.
"I think Misty had just as much influence in the success of their relationship... I think she loves him for all the things his is and was willing to look over his flaws even if at first it kept them from being together. I think they're a great match," May nodded.
"Then... Are we not?" Drew asked, a little upset and May turned to him and soon her face turned a bit sad.
"I... I think so. I mean... we care about each other a lot," May said.
They both sighed and sat down together to watch the water and people pass by. They then saw Ash, Misty, Brock, and Max swimming in the water. They saw Ash and Misty arguing about something, then they made up and Misty kissed Ash...
"They really are in love with each other," Drew said.
"Yeah... It's almost like they were already married in the beginning. I mean with all the arguing," May giggled and bit and then frowned.
"Love trouble?"
The two turned around to see young woman standing behind them.
"Oh. Hello, who are you?" May asked.
"The name's Amora. Nice to meet you," Amora said and shook their hands as they introduced themselves. Soon the two told their situation to the woman.
"I see... So you're wondering if you two are truly in love?" Amora asked.
"Well... yeah. We can't seem to have a good date. We also don't seem to act the same as our other two friends," Drew spoke.
"Hmmm... Answer this. What would you be willing to give up to keep by each other's sides?" Amora asked.
"I'd do anything!" May said.
"I... I'd give up my safety or my life to keep May safe," Drew said.
Amora smiled, "Well that's important... You do both truly care for each other," Amora paused, "Here's my advice. Don't compare yourself to other couples, because everyone works differently that's why people search for a soul mate, someone who works perfectly with them. You are different people and thus a different couple so act that way. Secondly, give it time. You need to get used to each other. It sounds like your friends have known each other for a longer amount of time than you have know each other. You said that this is one of the first times you have ever traveled together, right? You need to give it time. You just now admitted you like each other... love it like a flower it must be nurtured until it blooms. And lastly, as for your date... Try not to worry so much. Do whatever makes you both happy, not what anyone else thinks should make you happy."
May and Drew looked at each other and smiled.
"Thanks, Amora. For your help," Drew nodded.
"How can we ever thank you?" May asked.
"No thanks necessary. I travel around to many places and try to bring love into people's lives. Love is very powerful," Amora said, "Well I must go now, but it was a pleasure meeting you both."
"Same," May and Drew said as Amora walked away and waved.
"Wait! I wonder how she knew that we just know told each other, we like each other?" Drew asked
"You're right! Hmmm... Maybe she's just really good at what see does..." May spoke.
After some silence, Drew and May looked at each other before, "So... want to go see if they have any co-ordinator outfits? No buying, just looking," May asked.
Drew looked at her for a moment, then "Why not?" he smiled.
zzzz
"Look here! I look like a pirate!" May shouted and started to laugh.
"I look like a weird arabian thief!" Drew laughed.
At first Drew had started out self-conscious about dressing-up since it sounded not only childish but also girly, even more so for his tastes, but after watching May's face light up a couple times at a few of his funny costumes and actually beginning to enjoy the stupidity of the situation himself, he soon started having a blast with his girlfriend.
Finally they both came out in nicer clothes. May wore a red dress that parted near the chest and the bottom to show a white under dress beneath. May had done her hair back behind her head in a crown of sorts and let the rest fall. Drew walked out in a full suit and a purple kerchief in his breast pocket.
"You look amazing, May," Drew said.
May blushed, "You look great too."
Drew then grinned, "Care for this dance, my lady. I do believe I've had the pleasure to dance with you once before and it was a wonderful experience."
May giggled, "Of course good sir, may I daresay my experience dancing with you was also quite the pleasure."
Drew laughed and then they waltzed for a brief moment. Suddenly a young clerk came up to them,
"Are you two going to buy something or not?"
Drew and May faced him.
"Oh, we're sorry, no. We just got carried away that's all. We'll change and go," Drew said holding May close to him. She smiled up at him, she felt safe.
Drew and May then changed out of their costumes, back into their normal clothes. They started to walk out the door when another girl clerk walked up,
"Wait a minute, you two... You're May Maple and Drew Hayden! Some really well known co-ordinators!" The girl squealed.
"Huh?" The boy clerk asked unimpressed.
The manager walked up, "Is that so? Do you need help with anything?"
Drew and May looked at each other before turning back with smiles, "Naw, we were just looking at your clothes. We're on a tight budget since we're traveling with friends so we can't really afford anything like this for the time being," Drew answered.
"Nonsense, You can take those two outfits you two were dancing in over there for free," The manager spoke.
"What? Oh no. We couldn't do that," May said worriedly.
"You two wearing them will give our little shop some publicity. Just promise to tell anyone who asks where you got them from and they're yours. Remember, Altomare Alterations!" The manager smiled.
Drew and May looked at each other and smiled, "Okay, Thank you very much," They both said.
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They were walking with their bags down the street. They had heard Ash, Misty, Brock, and Max were going to enter the Tour de Altomare so they were going to go a watch after they finished their date. That meant they only had time to do one more thing together.
"It's weird that we have some fans all the way out here," May said suddenly.
"Yeah, but we are pretty good co-ordinators. I mean you won the Hoenn Grand Festival last year and I got in the top four, tying third with Robert," Drew said smiling at May
"Yeah. I'm going to win again! I think I'll try for Sinnoh, after the whole Master challenge is over. I may be a top co-ordinator now, but I want to get even stronger with my pokemon," May smiled.
"Yeah, no doubt. I still have to get you back for beating me at the festival and the viridian contest," Drew grinned.
"We'll see."
"I'll do it."
"No you won't."
"Yes I will."
They both stopped and looked at each other and smiled
"Arguing like a married couple just like when we were more rivals than friends?" May asked.
"Check," Drew answered.
They stood now on one of the pathways that bordered the ocean.
"Romantic atmosphere?" Drew asked.
"Check," May answered as they both came closer and started to lean in.
"Kiss?" May asked.
"You bet," Drew answered.
Their lips met and they held each other close, dropping their bags on the ground in the process. They stopped and then May leaned into his chest and he held her in his arms.
"This has to be something good, you know... I just feel too happy and not the hormone kinda happy like mom always tried to tell me about," May said.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Drew said.
May finally broke the silence with a question, "Why did you ever find interest in me? The first time we met I mean... Why did you try to help me? Solidad said you typically cared for yourself mostly. So why me?"
Drew paused before speaking, "I guess at first I have to be honest and say I thought you were pretty and also a bit lost. I thought Ash wasn't really helping you either by holding you back. Then I started to get to know you and Ash and your friends... You were kind and stubborn. You were a little air-headed too and that made me laugh sometimes. Then I realized the talent you had. At first no one but your friends seemed to notice and I guess I knew how that felt to be dismissed so I wanted to help. Then I started to see Ash's methods shine. Sure he did things differently than most, but in the end I could tell something was different whether he won or lost the battle, his pokemon always tried their hardest and honestly I have seen times were people's pokemon gave up early... I realized somehow Ash was making them want to fight, for themselves, for him, for growth and fun. I thought about it for a long time after he left your group and I tried to change some in time for the grand festival last year, but I guess you had a bit more experience in that department than I did... Okay you're turn, why did you start to like me?" Drew asked
May paused, "Well... I think... I appreciated your help, I liked your way that you battled... You are pretty cute. I think I could feel this new you hiding inside and I wanted to help it come out. You... you had something happen in your past to have thought a little close-mindedly the way you used to. Not as much a mystery as say Paul or Ash, now that we know most of his father's story, but still something... I guess my motherly nature just got the best of me over time. I feel the need to nurture and Ash doesn't seem to need nurturing. He seemed the person to need discipline and someone to ground him, like Misty's mallet."
They both laughed at that. Drew was happy she didn't want to know what had happened in his past, he would maybe tell a later day.
"Well. I really had fun, Drew," May nodded.
"Yeah. I can't remember the last time I laughed like that," Drew grinned.
"No doubt! Okay let's go. The race will be starting soon," May smiled.
They picked up their bags and then walked hand-in-hand towards the starting line of the race.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Everyone was back together at the starting line. They all began cheering for their friends as Ash, Misty, Brock, and Max approached the starting line. Ross suddenly pulled up between Ash and Misty.
"We'll let's see if you can keep up this time, Ash. I'm not worried about Misty," Ross said.
Ross didn't notice the death glare Misty was giving him.
"Heh, yeah well we'll see. Feraligator's gotten pretty fast. Right, buddy?" Ash asked.
"gator..." Feraligator grumbled.
The announcer then started the race, "On your mark... get set... GO!"
The racers then took off.
Everyone was keeping pretty close together, with Ross and Misty a bit ahead of everyone else. Ash then shouted out, "Come on, Feraligator use more power!"
"Gator!" Feraligator called out and then he started to move faster, catching up to Ross and Misty.
"Wow, Ash! Feraligator is really fast!" Misty smiled, "But not fast enough!" She laughed happily.
"We'll see about that, Mist!" Ash grinned.
Ross huffed. Ash, Misty, and Ross rounded the next corner before anyone else. Suddenly as they were approaching a bridge, a young boy in his swim trunks who was watching the race fell in.
"Quinn!" His mother yelled out.
Ash saw the boy's head come up but he was now in the middle of the racing lane. Ash and Ross were too close together, Ash needed to make some space for the boy to not get run over.
"Feraligator, use Surf!" Ash yelled.
A wave formed in the middle of the canal and caused Ash and Ross to get washed to the side of the pathway. Ross toppled over into the water. Ash was slammed by another part of the wave and almost flew into the nearby wall head-on.
"Ash!" Misty yelled out and the crowd gasped as he neared the wall. Feraligator let go of the pulley to the chariot and leapt up between Ash and the wall. Feraligator jumped up and grabbed his trainer before he hit the wall. They both then fell into the water. Ash's head then popped up,
"Win it Misty!" Ash cried out with a smile.
Misty nodded and sped forward. Ash then turned to the center of the pathway and saw the boy swimming still. Ash swam towards him and pulled him up on his chariot. Feraligator pulled them to shore slowly and Quinn was reunited with his mother,
"Thank you young man... I saw you throw your chance at winning the race away for my little Quinn. You almost got really hurt too," The mother said.
"Hey, no worries it's just a race. Besides Feraligator's got my back, literally, right buddy?" Ash answered
"Feerall igator!"
"Wow, mister you're a pokemon trainer, right?" Quinn smiled.
"Yeah," Ash nodded.
"That's awesome! I can't wait until I become a trainer," Quinn smiled.
"I know... It's a great feeling to get your first pokemon. Hey I know how you can thank me for lending a hand," Ash said.
"What?" Quinn asked.
"Love your pokemon, okay? They become like family," Ash smiled.
Quinn's eyes sparkled, "I will I promise."
Ash nodded and waved to Quinn's mother before walking down the pathway to get to the winner's circle.
Ash reached the winner's circle surrounded by people and saw an interesting site. All his friends were there and Ross was yelling at Misty who was yelling back. The mayor still clutched the winner's medallion in his hand. Gary and Drew seemed to be snapping things at Ross, while Brock and Cilan were trying to calm everyone down.
"Hey, what's the matter?" Ash said as he walked up.
Misty looked at Ash with a bit of fear when suddenly Ross stormed up to him and shoved Ash who, completely caught off guard, fell to his rear.
"Hey! What was that for!?" Ash yelled out and Feraligator approached behind his trainer and snarled at Ross.
"If you wanted your girlfriend to win so bad then you shouldn't have entered the race! You didn't need to try and take me out of it too!" Ross shouted.
"I wasn't trying to take you out! Didn't you see the boy!? He fell in! I wasn't going to run him over! I had to make room for him!" Ash shouted back.
Ross froze, "Wait, boy?"
Ash stopped shouting, "You didn't see him?"
"I wasn't looking ahead when we came around the bend. I was monitoring Wailmer's pace. There was a boy?" Ross asked confused.
"Yes, Oh I'm terribly sorry," Quinn and his mother approached.
"Ash here saw me fall in the water on accident, you guys were gonna run me over, but then he had his Feraligator push you guys apart! It was so cool! I was worried he was going to hit the wall but his cool Feraligator saved him!" Quinn shouted excitedly before being calmed by his mother's touch.
Feraligator grinned happily.
"Yeah I never got to thank you, Feraligator! Thanks!" Ash said and he stood up and rubbed Feraligator's snout.
"I was worried too. Thanks for saving his butt Feraligator," Misty joked and approached Ash before hugging him.
The mayor walked forward, "Well since we now know there was no foul play, we could have the race again and let Ross and everyone try to have an interference free race."
"That won't be necessary," Ross said, "I'm sorry Ash, I was wrong. You helped this kid out. Give Misty the medal. Sometimes things happen," Ross said and smiled.
"Are you sure?" Misty asked.
"Of course. It's yours. Sorry about shoving you Ash, I'm just a competitive person," Ross nodded.
"You have no idea," Misty glared at Ash.
"Hey!" Ash spoke. He then looked at Ross, "No problem, sorry about pushing you out of the race like that."
The crowds started to go away and Ross said goodbye to everyone and left. Misty was given the medal by the mayor. The group then decided to let the people in the group still in swim wear get changed. Finally, together, with Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, Cubone in his arms, and Ellie on Misty's shoulder, they whole group was led towards the hidden garden with Lorenzo and Bianca, who had returned from painting.
As soon as the group walked into the garden everyone gasped. The plants were dying... the water was dark and no cries of pokemon rung in the trees.
"Bianca..." Ash started, "What happened?"
"I don't know... I'm really worried, because I haven't seen Latias either," Bianca replied.
Ash then ran towards the alter where the Soul dew was and clenched his teeth. Everyone soon followed him up and were silent...
The Soul dew was blackened and a large crack had formed in the middle of its smooth surface.
"Latias..." Ash said.
Misty placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"Now what?" Dawn asked.
Ash shook his head, "We have to at least figure out what happened."
Ash then reached out towards the Soul dew and when he touched it he convulsed and screamed out before being shot backwards.
"AHHHHH!" Ash yelled as he shot back and hit the ground behind him.
"Ash!" Everyone shouted.
Pikachu and Cubone recovered and got up and soon Ash did too. Misty and Ellie walked over to them.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
Ash huffed, "Yeah I think so."
"What the heck was that about?" Max asked.
Ash stood up, "The Soul dew... contains aura... Now with that crack there the aura has left. That means there is a... a... um."
"Vaccum?" Brock asked and Ash nodded.
"So when you touched it with your aura... The vacuum and the surplus collided," Gary finished.
The group then explained to Lorenzo and Bianca about Ash's aura and that they were trying to fix different places that had had their aura drained. Lorenzo and Bianca, already great at keeping big secrets, agreed fully to help keep theirs.
Suddenly the group heard the crunch of a boot on gravel. Ash tensed up and turned around only for the ground around him to burst into dark energy.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Ash screamed and Pikachu shuddered and squeaked in pain. Cubone fell to the ground crying.
Ash and Pikachu slumped to the ground weakly as Misty and Ellie tried to help prop them both up. The group tried to surround them as Team Rocket agents surrounded them all.
A man then approached. He wore a cloak so only the bottom of his face, his hands, and his boots, could be seen. A Zoroark came up beside him. Obviously this Zoroark was far more powerful than Grings', probably since there was only one of them and not three. He looked over at Ash,
"So... He's my prey," The Mystery man said.
"Yeah right," Gary said and soon the rest of the group pulled out their own pokeballs.
The other Rocket Grunts with the man walked forward and revealed their own pokeballs.
The battle that then started was insane to say the least. Paul's Electrivire and Gyarados worked to take out five grunts' pokemon. Brock's Rhyhorn evolved after swatting down another Golbat and Steelix was swatting several Arbok away. Gary's Umbreon growled and snarled as it rolled across the ground with a couple Weavile. His Executor and Blastoise were working in tandem to take down as many of the massive Onix surrounding them as possible. Drew and May stood back to back as their Flygon and Nidoqueen blasted away at some Persians and Weezings. Dawn stood with Iris as their Mamoswine and Zwelious and Haxorus shot down some Nidoqueen and Nidoking. Cilan, Cress, and Chili stood in the small circle and used the stones they had retrieved from Ash's backpack via Misty, to evolve their Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour at the same time and then commence to take out swarms of Beedrill and Sandslashs. Ritchie and Max fought with their Sparky and Zippo, Sceptile and Camerupt to take out any spare pokemon that tried to get a hit on anyone that happened to not be looking and shielding Lorenzo and Bianca. Misty stood over a severely weakened Ash and Pikachu with fury in her eyes. She threw out Gyarados, Milotic, Vaporeon, and Starmie as the man continued to stare at Ash. Cubone kept nuzzling Ash trying to make him get up, while tears streamed down the young pokemon's face under his skull helmet.
"Who are you, Why are you with Team Rocket, and What do you want with Ash!?" Misty screamed as hot tears tried to form.
The man looked up at her and narrowed his eyes, "You are in love with a monster you know..."
Misty froze, "Wha... What?"
The man smiled, "He and I are more alike than you are to him. I can feel your emotions for him."
Misty then realized what he meant... This man was an aura user... Fear and realization then sunk deeper into her heart... This man was a Dark one.
Misty hung her head, "I won't let you near him. He's not a monster, he's my friend."
The man was silent then, "He could hurt you... badly..."
"Any one in the world could hurt me," Misty replied.
"True... You need to leave him though and walk away with your other friends. This is a war between me and him... More children like yourselves shouldn't get involved," The man replied.
"DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!"
The man turned to the voice and Misty did too. Latias hovered in the air above everyone. She looked beat up and even a bit bloody. Her eyes were dull and weak.
"He's not a monster. That's how the hunter de-humanized the guardians... It made people think it was okay to do such horrible things. He's trying to separate all of you. Together you are strong. Together you make Ash stronger than him. Misty... You can't leave him," Latias said when suddenly a Dark pulse shot from the crowd and a Houndoom commanded by one of the Rockets turned out to be the culprit. Latias fell to the ground with a sickening thud. Silence ensued for a moment on all sides. Most of the Rockets' pokemon and the group's seemed frozen like they were living through a nightmare...
"Latias!" Misty cried out.
"Hopeless Guardian... She knew she was over her head and yet she throws it all away," The mystery man muttered.
"Shut-up! You horrible man!" May shouted.
"Hmmm... It's time to finish this," The mystery man then allowed his eyes to fill with a red eery glow. The pokemon Rocket or not suddenly were drained of power and fell.
The grunts then were able to run forward and grab hold of most members of the group.
"You see... Your friend has the gift to give energy much easier than taking it... I on the other hand prefer to take it away," The man said and walked towards Misty and Ash.
"Move," He said to Misty.
"Never," Misty replied.
The man lifted his hand to strike her when suddenly a bone club cracked across his hand.
"AH!" He shouted and clutched his damaged hand.
Cubone crawled out from Ash's jacket growling.
"You little worthless cur. You hid within his aura signature," The man growled.
"Cubone! Cubone bone!" Cubone shouted angrily.
All the pokemon, still on the ground from the man's draining energy technique, looked up at Cubone as he spoke.
"Cubone! bone bone cu cu cubone!"
"Hmph. You see him as your parent. He has coddled you. You are meant to serve him," The man snorted.
Paul growled.
"Cubone bone bone!"
"No, you say you live beside him, as friends and partners... Typical guardian scum talk," The man huffed
Cubone then ran forward swinging his bone, "Cubone! bone bone!"
The man countered with a streak of red aura. Cubone and he started to trade attacks and counters, until Cubone was swatted away. Misty kept trying to prop Ash up, but was fearful since she remembered what Riley had said about the damage Night daze can do. He seemed to only be able to mumble something to her, it was like he wasn't present. Cubone stood back up as the man's Zoroark came forward. Cubone then started to glow as Zoroark turned to charge Ash and Misty. Zoroark collided with the fully formed bone that Marowak held.
"Maro maro!" Marowak shouted and then crammed a shinning fist into the Zoroark's skull, knocking it out. Ash then was finally able to regain his composure enough at that moment and shouted at Marowak,
"Marowak, Firepunch!"
Marowak then ran forward and lit his fist on fire and swung at the mystery man. Though he missed, the man's cloak caught on fire.
"AHH! Blast you, you stupid creature!" The man shouted.
While the grunts were distracted, Gary crammed his foot on foot of the grunt holding him, making the man howl in agony. Many in the group did the same, except Max who was smaller and had to bite the Rocket's hand after stepping on the man's foot. The group then pulled out another set of pokeballs to fight, while the grunts had nothing. The mystery man glanced around at the situation as he stopped the fire on his cloak.
"I regret to say we must leave now. Retreat!" The man shouted and the grunts threw down smoke bombs and started to flee. The man returned his Zoroark and took one last look at the group before walking into the shadows.
Everyone returned their pokemon fallen and not, except Paul, Drew, and Gary who stood at guard to make sure none of them came back as everyone came to see if Ash, Pikachu, and Latias were okay.
"You okay, Ash? You got hit by that Night daze. Nothing feel messed up?" Misty asked.
Pikachu shook its head and Ellie patted his back.
"I don't think so... Let me see," Ash said. He then formed an Aura sphere and made it glow brightly before stopping and huffing a bit from excursion, "I think it just wore me out and knocked me for a loop temporarily. How about you buddy?" Ash asked Pikachu.
"Pika!" Pikachu said and gave a thumbs up.
"Latias..." Bianca said suddenly, causing everyone to turn and look.
Latias lay on the ground not moving.
"Latias!" Ash said and got up a bit wobbly before walking over and kneeling beside the pokemon.
"Guardian... I'm glad you're okay..." Latias whispered.
"Shhhh... Latias you... you learned to talk... But you need to be quiet to conserve your energy... Let me try to heal you," Ash said and reached down to retrieve Lucario, Zoroark, and Meinshao as their pokeballs formed.
"No," Latias said.
"No?" Brock asked.
"No... My time is up... You must conserve your energy for something more important. I must endow the Soul dew with my aura... Then you and your partners must try to heal the crack... Afterwards... you must bring another pair of Latios and Latias here... To take me and my late brother's place... the ones chosen for this task are in Hoenn... when you and your friends get there... tell them to come home... they will understand. I want to thank you and your friends for fighting to protect this garden twice now... and for being my friend..."
"Latias... I can't let you die..." Ash said tears started to run down his face.
The girls had started to cry and so had Max. Brock, Ritchie, Cilan, Chili, and Cress's eyes had tears on the corners. Even Gary, Drew, and Paul's eyes had gotten misty. Paul looked away and clenched his fists, he felt he had failed again.
"It's okay, Ash... Maybe... Part of my energy will be born again... It's not unheard of... Besides my body has been dying for the last few weeks anyway... Maybe if we see each other again... I can come with you... beyond the city of Altomare and my duty to guard it... Maybe..." Latias whispered and as she closed her eyes and stopped breathing.
"Latias," Ash said in grief as Pikachu, Ellie, and Marowak clutched him from all sides.
A blue light twisted up out of Latias and curled up and over to the alter where the Soul dew still rested... The energy then was sucked into the jewel and it glowed blue once more. Ash flinched and then rose. He released Lucario, Zoroark, and Meinshao and approached the jewel with them and Pikachu.
Ash placed his hands on the jewel and his aura partners followed.
"The Aura is with me!" Ash shouted as he poured his energy into the sphere and saw the crack start to fade. After a few moments the sphere was full and Ash panted with his partners after their work. Chiming sounded as the water got clear and the plants started to look a tad greener.
The soul of Altomare... Ash heard the whisper yet again and flinched, Why does that keep happening?
"Ash, you okay?" Misty asked and walked forward.
"Yeah... I'll be worn out though, if that isn't already a given," Ash smiled weakly and refocused on his friends.
"She understood it was her time... You understand, right. It's not your fault," Misty tried to smile at him.
Ash nodded, "I know... but the hurt remains."
A few hours later everyone was getting ready to board the boat. They would sleep on the boat since night was falling. The group had decided they would put Lorenzo and Bianca in danger if they stayed so they were leaving. Everyone had returned their pokemon, except Marowak, Pikachu, and Ellie. Ash was standing in the Garden when Misty, Brock, Paul, and Gary walked up to tell him it was time to go.
"The boat's about to leave big-guy," Brock said.
Ash turned and looked at his friends, "Yeah okay. I was just saying goodbye to Latias. Thanking her too."
"Thanks Latias," Misty said holding Ash's hand.
"Yeah rest well," Gary smiled.
"Thank you," Paul nodded.
"Until we meet again, one day. Tell Latios we said hi," Ash smiled sadly.
The five of them then met up with the rest of the group in the boat. They shouted goodbye to Lorenzo and Bianca and the boat then drove away. Everyone was pretty quiet on the boat. May had fallen asleep against Drew. Dawn had fallen asleep against Iris who was also asleep. Max was curled up and asleep. Cress let Chili sleep on him and was drifting into sleep himself. Pikachu and Ellie were curled up together asleep and Marowak sat in Ash's lap awake as Ash stroked him. The rest were awake and soon started to talk.
"Thanks Marowak... you sure saved the day today," Ash praised and rubbed the pokemon's head.
"Maro..." Marowak cooed quietly, he was just happy his trainer was okay.
"He really did, huh? That Brickbreak he used on Zoroark as wicked strong," Ritchie smiled in the dark.
"Hmmmm..." Gary was thinking.
"What's up?" Drew asked
"I can't help but think about the man... he was a Dark one wasn't he? No other way to explain how all those pokemon just collapsed like that," Gary asked.
"Yeah... At least I think so," Misty said.
"Yeah... I could feel his aura before he attacked... He's different than most people's aura," Ash replied.
"I just don't see the connection. Sure aura has something to do with this, Team Rocket, the legendary pokemon... But what is the goal? What's their plan?" Brock asked.
"We can try to make a few assumptions... Power, Money, etcetera," Cilan said.
"Maybe they want to throw the world out of balance by messing with the hearts. Then somehow use or make me heal them when people promise to obey them," Ash said.
"That sounds like something Team Rocket would do," Ritchie nodded.
"I don't know though. It feels like something is off. That admin Roman wanted the Aura Guardian to heal the shrine at Sprout Tower, but this guy, also in Team Rocket, wanted to seemingly destroy it," Paul said.
"Remember though, we don't actually have proof that the Soul dew was damaged by Team Rocket. Latias had been hurting for a few weeks. I doubt Team Rocket had been hiding in Altomare for that long in those numbers without being noticed," Cilan responded.
"Well... We can't do anything more about it now. Let's get some sleep, we'll be traveling up towards Goldenrod tomorrow after we read our clue for the second token. Can't save the world and be accepted into the next part of the Master challenge without good rest," Brock smiled before laying down.
"Right, I need my beauty sleep," Gary nodded and laid down as well.
"Oh give it a rest Gary," Drew snorted.
Everyone then feel asleep except Ash. He looked around carefully at he friends... His pokemon and human friends... He couldn't help but remember his dream of that same man that came today and him saying he would fail and his friends would suffer. Ash knew because his friends were who they were, they weren't going to leave him...
That means I need to work even harder. I can't let him sneak up on me again. I have to keep them safe and I have to help the legendary pokemon... I need to work hard to do these things now more than ever. I won't give up. I won't quit.
Ash then drifted off into sleep.
zzzzzzzzzz
So I hope you guys enjoyed the Altomare chapter :)
Sadly Latias is no longer with us and it seems our heroes must find the choosen replacements in Hoenn when they get there.
Answers to some questions:
Victor: I'm happy you are enjoying the story :)