Chapter 9: Madeline's bravery
As the dark clouds covered the sky, Professor Oak, Delia and the girls ran outside to investigate. People were gathered on the paths, staring up into the sky, confused by what was going on.
'That's weird', said Professor Oak. 'It was bright a minute ago. So why is it dark all of a sudden?'. Suddenly, Madeline felt fear crawl up her spine.
'Sis is in trouble', she cried. 'The monster must be here', she shivered with fear. 'My Ash!', Delia wailed. 'He's with your sister'.
'Don't worry Ms Delia', said Madeline bravely. 'I'll go ahead and find them'. However, before she ran off, she turned around to Pikachu. He looked very worried. Madeline thought for a moment. She remembered how she saved him from the monster yesterday and injured herself. Still, she could still battle, but she won't be able to fly. Perhaps, Pikachu was Ash's best friend and because he'd been helping Lily a lot lately, she'd like to show him her gratitude for helping her sister.
'Would you like to come with me?' she asked him gently. This was a silly question for Pikachu as he jumped on her shoulder immediately. With that, Madeline ran off to find Lily and Ash.
Moments after the monster appeared, Lily had transformed into her mega evolution, ready to battle her new threat.
'Stubborn monster', she yelled out loud and leaped towards it. Making sure that Ash wasn't in her or the monster's way she clashed with one of its arms with slash. Although her slash was strong, the monster easily pushed her away. Lily immediately charged towards it again and got ready to high-jump kick the monster. However, the monster grabbed her ankle, swung her around and threw her into a tree. As her head hit the tree, Lily watched the monster approached her as her consciousness faded on her.
'Lily no!' Ash yelled and he ran to the unconscious princess. Just before the monster could hit her, Ash protected her from the blow. He was thrown to the ground heavily. Ash got up quickly and he lifted Lily onto his back. With the monster behind him, Ash ran as fast as he could to bring Lily to a safer place to recover. He headed for the entrance to Viridien Forest. But just before he could get in, the monster grabbed him and Lily with one of its arm and brought them back to it. Caught by the monster and with Lily knocked out, there was no escape. The monster stared into Ash's eyes, it had an intimidating look despite being covered in dark clouds. Ash struggled to free himself but the monster started to squeeze him tighter.
But just as it did, a combination of thunderbolt and dragon pulse hit it and the monster nearly lost its balance. It still held onto Ash and Lily as it regained its balance.
'Hey you! Let go of my sister and her friend!', came a brave voice. Just in front of the monster, Madeline and Pikachu got ready to use another move.
'Madeline! Pikachu!', Ash called. Pikachu squeaked back with fear. 'Don't worry I'm fine', Ash called back. He watched Madeline pause for a brief moment. Then she stepped forward in front of Pikachu.
'Don't worry', she told him. 'I'll save your friend. You try and weaken the monster'. Pikachu nodded at her request and scampered to the other side of the monster. Madeline stepped forward to the monster. I have to do this, she thought. To show my gratitude to Ash for how he has helped Sis and for Sis' sake.
'You want a piece of me monster', she called bravely. And used dragon dance to boost herself. The monster tried to grab her but she used her speed to dodge its grabs. Another arm went for her but Madeline defended herself with dragon claw. Ash watched her. She really wants get to us, he thought. But does she know how she'll get to us. Another arm went for Madeline but Pikachu jumped in front of her and hit the monster's hand with iron tail. The monster pulled its arm back, roaring with pain.
'Thanks Pikachu', she called gratefully and stopped herself to face the monster again. Suddenly, the monster shot out another arm and hit Madeline in the tummy. She screamed as she was thrown into the air and began to fall to the ground. The monster was getting ready to grab her. But then, something triggered in her body. It was like a new power was coming to her.
Just as the monster reached out to grab her, Madeline kicked its hand and bounced off it. 'You're not getting a hold of my sister or her friend', she yelled out loud and started charging up to use a new move. But wasn't a move she had used before. She fired it and hit the monster so hard that the monster fell over. It dropped Ash and Lily as it tumbled to the ground. Ash landed on the ground with Lily falling on top of him. The monster lay on the ground for a couple of moments before the clouds surrounding it spread rapidly. It covered Madeline and Pikachu's vision. Moments later, the clouds cleared and the monster had disappeared.
Ash was getting up and lifting the unconscious Lily when Madeline and Pikachu ran up to him. Pikachu jumped into Ash's arms with joy and relief.
'Sorry I worried you Pikachu', said Ash hugging him affectionately. Madeline walked over to Ash and Pikachu.
'I learned a new move', she told him. 'I learned moon blast to save you'two. She didn't sound cheeky or cocky. She sounded very serious. Ash smiled at her gratefully. 'Well done Madeline', he said. 'You really are a great sister to Lily'.
'...Sis...wake...up', came a familiar voice. Lily felt her consciousness returning. Her head was still sore after that last bang. Slowly but surly, she opened her eyes. Her sister Madeline and Ash were staring at her looking worried.
'Thank goodness you're alright', said Madeline. 'I thought you were done for back there'. Lily slowly sat up. They weren't alone. Professor Oak, Delia, Amy and Lauren had all arrived at the scene of the attack. She looked around. The monster was no where to be seen and the sky was clear from the dark clouds.
'What...happened?' she asked, confused. 'Madeline was the one who saved us from the monster', Ash explained. Lily looked at Madeline.
'M..Madeline?' she gasped. 'Well...me and Pikachu', Madeline corrected Ash. 'Pika pikachu', came Pikachu's friendly reply.
'Thank...you', Lily was back to her shy self. 'Don't mention it', said Madeline cheekily. 'We are sisters after all'. Lily knew Madeline was right. Sisters were always there to support each other. Lily stood up.
'I must go back home', she announced. 'I have to investigate whats going on before anything terrible happens'. Everyone stared at her for a few moments. Then Ash stood up beside her. He placed his hand on her head.
'I'll help you', he said. 'I would love to find out more about your world. Don't we?' he asked Professor Oak and Delia.
'I sure do', said Professor Oak. 'By the way Lily, would you let me write a book about your world?' he asked her politely. Lily was flattered by Ash's kind words and was thinking about Professor Oak's request.
'Yes. I would love your help Ash and Oak, you can write a book', was Lily's reply. The girls cheered. Lily knew it was finally time to let her world go from a legend to a reality.