Chapter 11: Iron Island Chaos! Enter Riley!
On an island known as Iron Island, a hooded and masked figure was walking across the lands, with a certain Pokémon at his side. That Pokémon, was an Absol. The Absol seemed calm, walking alongside its trainer. For the masked figure, he wore a midnight black trench coat with his face was covered by a mask that looked ballistic.
He had two pistols on each his side. One side on his left had a white pistol, while the right had the black pistol. He looked like a military person, but a young one at most. Despite of being young however, he seemed to be an athletic boy who was trained in many ways. "They're here... Right, Winter?" The masked boy asked his Absol.
"Sol..." Absol replied with a nod. It looked up to its trainer, agreeing to the boys' words. The boy took out a poster from his bag, looking at the organization symbol. It had a giant G on the poster, revealing to what the boy was talking about. "Team Galactic... Those plagues are here..." The boy replied silently as he crumpled the poster annoyingly.
He looked up at the sky, before looking around. "Those bastards... Where are they?! How can it be so hard to track one evil organization down!?" The boy snapped, before he felt a paw on his knee. He looked down, noticing his Absol looking up at him in concern. "Ab... Absol..." Winter, the Absol assured, smiling softly at its trainer.
That seemed to have ceased the anger of the masked boy as he gave a deep sigh. "Yeah... I'm sorry, Winter..." The masked boy apologized. He shook his head, with Winter smiling in understanding. "Alright... Back to work, I'm sure they're around the island here somewhere... Because if we find them... They need to be executed..." The masked boy explained.
The Dark Type's face grew stern before giving a serious nod. Just then, before the two could move again, something was headed straight for them! They both turned in shock to see a Hyper Beam attack coming towards them as they dodged out of the way, both glaring to where the attack had came from. "Who's there!?" The boy snapped.
The answer came as a Steelix appeared out of the ground, roaring angrily. The masked boy narrowed his eyes, before noticing something amiss. "That Steelix... Its eyes... They're not normal!?" The masked boy gasped. Winter looked up in surprise, noticing something weird about the Iron Snake Pokémon as well.
It seemed to be in pain... but it seemed to be enduring the pain despite of taking many hits for itself! "What's going on!? Steelix, enough! You're hurting yourself!" The masked boy called. But to his dismay, Steelix didn't seem to hear as it roared even loudly, shooting more Hyper Beams to different and random directions!
"Tch... Winter, stop it with Flamethrower!" The masked boy called. Winter nodded and shot a Flamethrower at the rampaging Steelix, only for something to bash the Iron Snake Pokémon out of the way! Both the masked boy and Winter widened their eyes in shock to see that it was a Lairon bashing Steelix out of the way, taking the attack for itself!
Its eyes were wild, just like Steelix as it bashed Steelix away with a Take Down attack. In a few seconds, the masked boy and his partner Dark Type Pokémon found themselves surrounded by rampaging Steel Type Pokémon, as they all attacked each other, not caring at all! They looked like they only wanted to destroy... and attack.
Behind his mask, the boy was shocked and speechless of what he was seeing. "This is just... crazy, no... Insane!" The masked boy stuttered as he could only watch in horror of the Pokémon harming each other with no regrets. "What's going on here...?" The boy asked himself. "Sol..." Absol growled, narrowing its eyes as it looked around.
[Opening]: (Pokémon DP: High Touch! (English Subbed))
Hey Hey Hey!
(The screen spreads, like a puddle spreading)
Hey Hey Hey!
(Brock, Dawn, Ash, and Hikaru's smiling faces show)
We fight, make up, and then we fight again
There are a lot of things I want to say to you
(The Japanese opening title shows)
But foremost...
"Thanks for being here for me!"
(Hikaru, Ash, Dawn, Brock, Infernape, Pikachu, and Piplup runs together)
(The group rides on the sailboat across the sea with all their Pokémon)
Companions in this journey, compassion in the world
I pretend to understand those things, but
(The screen turns to Brock as he is making supper for the group)
The truth is...
"I'm happy you're here for me!"
(All of the group's Pokémon show)
Nice Partner!
Nice Rival!
(Zoey, Kenny, Paul, Hareta, and Lucas faces Dawn, Ash, and Hikaru)
(Glameow, Prinplup, Honchkrow, Hareta's Piplup, and Grotle faces Dawn's Piplup, Ambipom, Pikachu, and Infernape)
I'll push you forward
(Dawn gives Hikaru and Ash a small push)
I'll pull you along
(Hikaru smiles at Dawn, while Ash grins and gives a thumbs up)
The sun seems so dazzling when I look up at it
Hey Hey Hey!
(The group watches the sunlight along with Pikachu, Infernape, and Piplup)
If it all goes well, let's high five!
(The group runs across a map with their three Pokémon)
Hey Hey Hey!
(Ash, Hikaru, and Dawn high fives each other)
What's this feeling I've got tonight!
(Delia, Prof. Oak, Max, Tracey, May, and Gary smiles together)
As long as we are together
(All of Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, and Brock's Pokémon show)
I will not give up so easily! GO GO GO!
(Team Rocket are sent blasting off into the sky)
(Team Galactic shows, with Yamato and Cyrus' faces appearing behind them)
(A masked boy and an Absol watch the moon to the sky)
Hey Hey Hey!
(Hunter J appears with her Salamence, smirking)
It all went well, so let's high five!
Hey Hey Hey!
Shake hands with our opponent in battle
(The Buizel brothers uses Aqua Jets at different directions; Staravia and Dragonair uses Aerial Ace and Dragon Tail)
(Gliscor and Luxray charges with X-Scissor and Wild Charge; Grotle uses Tackle as Leafeon uses Leaf Blade)
(Chimchar and Togetic uses Flame Wheel and Air Slash; Pikachu and Infernape uses Volt Tackle and Flame Wheel)
As long as we're together
(The four trainers runs together with their three Pokémon on the map)
We can go even further than before! GO GO GO!
(Regigigas shoots Hyper Beam at Darkrai)
GO GO GO! GO GO GO!
(Hikaru merges with Infernape, Infernape turns into Spirit-Infernape with new fiery power)
(Hikaru stands together with his eight Pokémon (one silhouetted) along with Ash, Dawn, and Brock, and their Pokémon)
[Opening ends]
"Hey! Why don't we head down to the pier?" Dawn asked, looking at the four boys. "Pip Piplup!" Piplup agreed. In one afternoon at the Canalave City Pokémon Center, the group was thinking of a place to head for Ash, Hikaru, and Hareta's seventh Gym battle after Dawn and Hikaru's Pokémon Contest at Chocovine Town.
"Wow... Time sure flies!" Ash chuckled, noticing the time as well. "Let's get a move on!" Brock suggested. Hikaru nodded at that, with Infernape smirking, knowing that the next Gym battle might be coming up sooner than he thought. "Ash, Hikaru? Did you two decide on which Gym you two are going to challenge?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah! The Snowpoint Gym!" Ash answered. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed. The Twinleaf boy pointed at the map, where Snowpoint City was located. "Look here. Snowpoint City is right after Chocovine Town... Right after our Contest together! We can get there after we're done there." Hikaru explained. "Infernape." Infernape confirmed with a nod.
"We were all talking about heading north to where Snowpoint City is after the two of you have your Contest." Brock explained. "Sounds great! I've never been to Snowpoint City before!" Dawn admitted. "Not only that, the Gym Leader there uses Ice Type Pokémon. Another thing is, Zoey lives in Snowpoint City, right?" Hikaru asked.
"Oh yeah! Now that you mention it, I remember Zoey say that she came from Snowpoint City, back at the Wallace Cup!" Dawn recalled. The four trainers then turned to Hareta, as Ash asked the little boy the same thing. "Does Snowpoint City sound good to you, Hareta?" Ash asked, until he blinked in surprise.
The little boy was snoring, while drooling at the same time. He seemed to be having a good dream as he smiled widely, causing the others to sweat drop. "Uh... Earth to Hareta? Come on, wake up!" Dawn called. The call snapped the little boy out as he shot straight up, colliding his head with Ash's forehead, causing the two boys yelped before falling back.
Hikaru, Dawn, and Brock all sweat dropped once more to see Ash and Hareta unconscious, before the little boy shook his head as he looked at his new traveling companions. "Uh... Huh?... Where... Where are we going?" Hareta asked. "To Snowpoint City... Have you been sleeping this whole time?" Hikaru asked, unimpressed with the little boy.
Hareta gave a sheepish nod, as the Kanto trainer recovered while getting up. At that time, Nurse Joy came by, walking to the five trainers. "Excuse me? Ash and Hikaru? You two have a phone call!" Nurse Joy explained. At that, Hikaru smiled as Ash sheepishly smiled as well. "Great! Thanks for telling us, Nurse Joy." Hikaru thanked.
"Pika Pika!" "Infernape!" Pikachu and Infernape replied togehter, following the Twinleaf boy's words. So, the five went up to a phone booth, where they received the phone call from a certain someone... An arrogant someone, that is.
"So... Ash and Hikaru... You two managed to win at the Canalave Gym?" Barry asked arrogantly with a smirk. "Yeah! You bet I did, Barry! See this? Cool, huh?" Ash smirked. He showed his Mine Badge to Barry, with the Twinleaf boy showing his. "I wonder how you're going to catch up when the two of us have six while you only have three, amateur..." Hikaru taunted.
That steamed Barry for a moment as he got all determined to beat his rivals. "Oh, I'll catch up alright! And you two will be shocked on how much progress I made! But, seeing you two getting your sixth badges, I guess I'll have to treat you two as my real rivals! You two should be honored... Especially you, Hikaru!" Barry scoffed, folding his arms.
Ash, Dawn, and Brock sweat dropped at the arrogant rival's attitude, while Hikaru narrowed his eyes in disinterest. "I never asked you if I could be your rival, you amateur..." Hikaru mumbled, enough for only Infernape to hear, who snickered at that. At seeing Infernape, Barry widened his shock to see Hikaru's starter fully evolved.
"What!? Is that your newly evolved Infernape!?" Barry yelped in shock. "Yeah! Infernape evolved from a Monferno from when he was battling against Byron... And not only that, both Infernape and Hikaru unlocked a new power between themselves!" Dawn explained. That got Barry and Hareta interested as the arrogant rival was confused.
"New power? What do you mean?" Barry asked. "Um... Does that make Infernape even stronger than he is?" Hareta asked, wondering about the new power. That caught Barry's attention as he didn't notice the little boy from before. "What the!? Who are you!? And where did you come from!?" Barry yelped again in shock.
Before the startled Hareta could answer, Ash quickly changed the subject, reminding Barry of his training in Iron Island. "So, Barry! You tell us on how your training is going!" Ash suggested. At the mention of training, Barry frowned, turning his mood upside down. "Not so... good." Barry answered. That caused the five trainers to frown.
"Did something go wrong?" Dawn asked. "Actually, something is really wrong with Empoleon!" Barry explained. Hareta paled, while Ash, Dawn, Hikaru, and Brock widened their eyes in surprise. Barry sighed, remembering the time when the training went wrong. "All of a sudden, Empoleon doesn't recognize me! Nurse Joy is checking on him right now." Barry answered.
"And I'll tell you, Empoleon is not the only one that's acling strange... Bunches of other Pokémon have gone crazy, just like Empoleon! They're wreaking havoc all over the island!" Barry explained. That made Hareta trembling a little, as he began to have thoughts on how the Pokémon are hurting each other right now.
"But... But why...?" Hareta stuttered, tears welling up in his eyes. Barry noticed the trembling as he bit his lips. "I don't know, kid, but... What about you guys? Are your Pokémon all okay?" Barry asked. That made the five trainers puzzled as they all looked at each other with Hikaru narrowing his eyes in suspicion, folding his arms.
"Yeah... All our Pokémon are fine here." Hikaru answered. That made the arrogant trainer frown, thinking of a reason for the mess for Empoleon. "I wonder if it's only on Iron Island... Nurse Joy can't seem to figure out why Empoleon is acting so strange, either." Barry replied. He bit his lips before he made his choice.
"So I guess I'll have to figure this out all by myself!" Barry grunted, only for Ash to protest against the idea. "Come on, Barry! You know we'll come over there and help you out! Right, guys?" Ash asked, turning to his four friends. "Yeah... That's something that we can't just ignore." Hikaru said seriously. "Fernape..." Infernape agreed with a growl.
"Of course, Hikaru. We feel the same, too!" Dawn agreed. "That's right!" Brock agreed along. "Pika Pika!" "Pip Piplup!" Pikachu and Piplup agreed together. Hareta's small tears cleared away as his face grew stern and determined. "I want to help, too! Pokémon are my friends, and I won't let them get hurt!" Hareta declared.
At hearing the five trainers' determination, Barry frowned, getting the wrong idea about Hikaru and his friends. "Are you trying to say that I'm not smart enough to figure this thing out by myself!?" Barry snapped, causing Hikaru, Ash, Dawn, and Brock to sweat drop, while Hikaru regained his confused expression, by cocking his head to one side.
"Um... We don't mean that at all!" Dawn assured. "But to be quite honest, we're just not sure if you could handle this all by yourself. Empoleon is your partner, so it'll be hard for you to find something when you're involved in the rampaging wild Pokémon." Hikaru explained, causing the arrogant rival to blink, before he frowned.
"What is that supposed to mean? You mean without Empoleon, I'm no good?!" Barry snapped. "He's not saying it like that, Mr. Stranger. He means that it'll be hard for you to do it alone." Hareta explained with a smile. That shocked his four friends and their three starters, while leaving Barry shocked and annoyed at the same time.
"Well, who asked you, kid!? Argh! Never mind!" Barry snapped angrily before he had let his anger go. "The next ferry to Iron Island leaves in 15 minutes!" Brock explained, checking his guidebook. At hearing that, the Kanto trainer turned to his rival, determined to get to the island fast enough to help his rival.
"Great! We'll get there as fast as we can! We'll be there before you know it!" Ash assured. At first, the arrogant rival seemed hesitant, but before he could reply back, the phone screen blinked off showing that the connection was gone. To the group, Hikaru cleared his throat, saying his decision to his four friends and the three Pokémon.
"I guess this calls for a change of plans. First, we head to Iron Island to see what's the problem. Then, we head for Chocovine Town!" Hikaru declared. "Right!" "Pika!" "Infernape!" "Piplup!" The others, Infernape, Pikachu, and Piplup agreed togehter. With that said, the five trainers left the Center, heading for the pier.
As the five ran, the express boat to Chocovine Town was getting ready to leave. But, that was not their destination as they planned to head for Iron Island first to solve a serious problem. They made it in time before the boat could leave as the boat to Iron Island left at the same time as the boat to Chocovine Town was leaving.
A few minutes later...
"Argh!... Can't this thing go any faster!?" Ash complained as he gripped onto the railings, while stamping around impatiently, hoping to see the island. Hareta just watched ahead, squinting his eyes to see the island ahead. Hikaru, Dawn, and Brock all sighed togehter, seeing that their two friends were impatient to reach their destination.
"Pika Pika Pika..." Pikachu said, comforting his trainer. "I'd wish you calm down already... You sound just like Barry!" Dawn said with a sigh. "Pip Piplup!" Piplup agreed. "Don't bother trying, Dawn... When Ash tries to solve a problem, he can get impatient when the process gets slow." Hikaru reminded, putting a hand on his girlfriend's right shoulder.
"I guess so..." Dawn agreed, laying her head on her boyfriend's left shoulder. Brock smiled nervously, before he looked forward, noticing an island up ahead. "Ah! Up ahead! That's Iron Island!" Brock pointed out. Everyone turned their attention to the island as Hareta bit his lips, thinking of how the Pokémon could be doing right now.
"I hope all the island's Pokémon are all okay..." Hareta thought as he felt desperate. "Don't worry, Barry! We're almost there!" Ash thought, remembering what he and his friends told Barry. The island seemed to be closer and closer, until the boat had reached the dock, arriving at the current destination: Iron Island.
As soon as the passengers were allowed to come out, Ash and Hareta immediately got off the boat, as they ran to the Pokemom Center, forcing Hikaru, Dawn, and Brock to run and catch up to them. As they all made it there, Hikaru asked about where Barry was as he was nowhere to be seen at the moment. That was when Nurse Joy explained the news.
"WHAT!? I don't believe it! Barry already left!?" Ash gasped in shock. "Well, this is Barry we're talking about... We should've known!" Dawn reminded. She remembered on how Barry liked to rush things ahead, despite of other people telling him to slow down. "Pi Pika..." "Pip Piplup..." The two starters sighed, knowing what Dawn meant.
For Infernape, he just shook his head in disappointment, remembering what the annoying human rival was like. Nurse Joy sighed sadly before she apologized to the group. "I'm sorry. He insisted he had to go and wouldn't listen!" Nurse Joy apologized.
At that point, the Kanto breeder grew lovey dovey as he held the nurse's hands with a dreamy smile on his face. "Fret not! Hearing you apologize gives me great pain on my- AGH!" Brock started, before he let out a screech, being hit by Croagunk's Poison Jab attack. "My... back... side!" Brock stuttered before he fell unconscious, due to the poison numbing him.
At seeing his trainer slumping down, the Toxic Mouth Pokémon dragged his trainer away, leaving Hikaru, Dawn, and Ash nervous, while Hareta grew confused. "Um... Why did Croagunk do that? And what was Brock doing?" Hareta asked. "Trust me on this one, Hareta... You don't want to know." Hikaru assured. "Infernape..." Infernape agreed with a sigh.
Just as his old friend was being dragged away, Ash recalled of what he needed to ask as he turned to the nurse. "Oh...! Nurse Joy, how's Barry's Empoleon?!" Ash asked. At the question, the nurse led the five trainers (after Brock recovered) to the room where all the Pokémon were recovering, as they all watched the room with the other trainers.
They had their Pokémon treated, seeing that they had done the same thing, just like Empoleon did. "It's still under treatment. The thing I haven't been able to figure out yet, is why only the Steel Type Pokémon are being affected!" Nurse Joy explained sadly, catching the others' attention. "Only Steel Types?" Hikaru repeated in suspicion.
"Yes..." Nurse Joy answered. "I really wonder why that is..." Dawn wondered, feeling stumped at the moment. "That's really strange..." Brock agreed. The five all turned back to the groaning Steel Types. They squirmed around, grunting and gritting their teeth, as if they were in great pain by an unknown disease of some sort.
"They're... They're really hurt... They're... pleading for help..." Hareta stuttered, as tears began to well up in his eyes again. He trembled before he gritted his teeth. "Hareta..." Hikaru whispered, biting his lips. He knew how his little friend felt, but... At this case, there was really nothing that he could do to comfort him now, especially when he's seeing the Pokémon in pain.
"Ngh... I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE! I DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM LIKE THIS!" Hareta screamed loudly, shocking everyone else. The little boy ran out of the Pokémon Center, leaving his four friends bewildered. "Huh!? Wait! Hareta!" Ash called. The Kanto trainer ran after the little boy and out of the Center.
"This is bad..." Hikaru grunted. He and Infernape ran out of the Center as well, following Ash, Pikachu, and Hareta. "Hold on! You three!" Brock called. "Wait for us!" Dawn called desperately. With that said, the two ran after their friends, leaving Nurse Joy and the other trainers bewildered. "What... happened?" Nurse Joy asked finally.
For the five trainers, Ash, Hikaru, Dawn, and Brock found their little friend trembling up ahead of them. "Hareta, are you okay?" Hikaru asked, kneeling down to his level. "In? Infernape?" Infernape asked, concerned about the little human. "..." Silence was only heard from Hareta, then came the sniffling. Tears fell from his cheeks, much to Hikaru's surprise.
"Hareta, what is it? What's wrong?" Dawn asked. "You can tell us what's wrong. We're your friends, right?" Brock added. "..." Silence again filled the air, until the little boy said one word. "Yeah... You are my friends..." Hareta whispered, as he wiped his tears away. "Tell us what's wrong. Then, maybe we can help you out!" Ash assured.
"Pikachu?" Pikachu asked along. "It's just... It's just... I guess you can all say that... I'm more like a wild boy... living in a forest in Route 201, where all the forest Pokémon are..." Hareta started. "Wild boy living in a forest in Route 201?" Hikaru repeated in confusion. He had never seen anyone in Route 201 when he was headed to Sandgem Town on his first day as a Trainer.
"Yeah... Gramps... He told me to keep myself a secret. If my talents of communicating with Pokémon were to be known, then... It could spell trouble for me... So I lived in the forest... Living with all my friends... My forest Pokémon friends. For most of my life... I grew up with them. Eventually, they accepted me as one of them... As a Pokémon." Hareta explained.
"I see... So, that was why you were able to understand what Luxio and Wailmer was saying, back from before!" Ash replied, understanding what the little boy was saying. "Uh huh... But... As I was living with my Pokémon friends, Gramps... He suggested me to go on a journey, so that I could meet lots of Pokémon." Hareta continued.
"You mean Professor Rowan, right?" Brock asked. "Yeah... But, as I traveled with Prinplup, who was still a Piplup, I battled many trainers who hurt their Pokémon, which got me really angry... On that result, I ended up hurting those people, but I ignored them, only caring about the Pokémon that got hurt." Hareta explained.
"I didn't want to hurt anyone anymore... So, after hearing about the Sinnoh League coming up, I thought I decided to challenge the Gym Leaders, earning Badges so I can participate there, so I could change myself... I don't want to hurt anyone... I just want to have fun in Pokémon battles... That only occurred in Gym battles, though..." Hareta explained.
"Wow... That's just..." Ash replied, as Hikaru finished his words. "Deep." The Twinleaf boy finished. Dawn frowned, feeling sorry for their young friend. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that, Hareta... So, when you saw the Steel Type Pokémon in pain, you had that same feeling?" Dawn asked. "Mm hm... I just couldn't see them like- Huh?" Hareta started, before he stopped.
The four trainers and the three starters blinked in question on why the little boy stopped, until they noticed several Diglett digging away from something! They seemed to be in panic, as they yelled desperately, trying to escape from something. "What the... What is this!?" Hikaru asked in surprise. "Infernape!?" Infernape questioned in shock and confusion.
At their questions, something shot out from the ground! It was a Lairon! It seemed to be angry as it roared loudly, much to everyone' shock. "It's a Lairon!" Ash gasped. "All the Diglett must be trying to get away from it!" Dawn pointed out. But then, the Lairon started to bash into different rocks, inflicting damage to itself!
Everyone gasped as they dodged out of the way, evading the rocks thrown at them by Lairon's bashing. "Hey... Lairon isn't after those Digletts!" Ash pointed out. "Lairon must be inflicted with the same problem with the other Steel Types at the Pokémon Center!" Hikaru exclaimed. He narrowed his eyes, noticing that the eyes were wild and not normal.
For Hareta, he began to tremble again, seeing that a Pokémon was hurting itself. "No... Lairon... Stop it... Stop it! STOP IT! Don't do this to yourself!" Hareta pleaded loudly. He ran out of the hiding spot to confront the rampaging Pokémon, much to the others's surprise. "Hareta! What are you doing!?" Hikaru yelled as he ran after his little friend.
"Infernape!? Ape!" Infernape yelped, as he ran after the two humans. "Hold on! Let me help!" Ash called. He and Pikachu ran out too, startling both Dawn and Brock. "What!? Ash, not you too!" Dawn shrieked. Ignoring Dawn's shriek, Ash stood alongside with Hikaru and Hareta, with Pikachu and Infernape in front of them, ready to fight.
"Okay, Pikachu! Let's stop Lairon by using Thunderbolt! And aim for its legs!" Ash ordered. "Infernape, use Flamethrower with minimum power! We don't want to hurt Lairon that badly!" Hikaru called. "Pika!" "Infern!" The two starters cried out, agreeing with the orders. But for Hareta, he was bewildered of what they were saying.
"H-Hold on! But that could hurt Lairon!" Hareta gasped. "We don't have a choice, Hareta! Do it, Pikachu!" Ash called. At the order, Pikachu shot a Thunderbolt, which hit the legs! But, it proved to be futile as Lairon kept charging and charging! "Say what!?" Ash gasped. "Try your Flamethrower, Infernape!" Hikaru called, pointing at Lairon.
Infernape glared at the rampaging Steel-Rock Type as he breathed out a Flamethrower attack, attempting to tire Lairon out with his Fire power. Unfortunately, the results were the same as Pikachu's Thunderbolt! Lairon seemed to have not felt it as it kept charging towards the group with no signs of pain. "Not even Flamethrower worked!?" Hikaru gasped.
"Be careful, you guys!" Dawn warned, panicking that the rampaging Steel Type was getting closer and closer. At that, the two boys nodded to each other, both knowing of what they needed to do. "Alright, together then! Infernape, Flamethrower one more time!" "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt once more!" Hikaru and Ash said together.
Together, the two starters shot their powerful attacks at Lairon... But, to everyone's surprise, it didn't work! "No way!" "That can't be true!?" Ash and Hikaru gasped together. Unfortunately for the Twinleaf boy, what they were seeing was real. "Both Flamethrower and Thunderbolt didn't do a thing!" Dawn gasped, noticing the problem.
But the Kanto breeder frowned, knowing that wasn't right. "No... Lairon's hurt, but for some reasons, it seemed unfazed by the pain!" Brock corrected. "Lairon's crying... He's... He's pleading for help..." Hareta stuttered, trembling once again. "Hareta..." Hikaru whispered, knowing what the little boy was saying.
Despite of Lairon charging in like that, and when unfazed by the pain, he knew, deep down... Lairon was calling for help. Hikaru's thoughts were interrupted when Ash suddenly ran to the rampaging Steel Type! "Stop! Lairon! We're not your enemies!" Ash demanded, as he attempted to block Lairon's way, despite knowing that it could be futile.
"Ash, it's useless!" Dawn shrieked. "Argh! Get out of the way, you idiot!" Hikaru snapped angrily. He ran, shoving himself and Ash out of the way, evading Lairon's attack! At missing, the Rock-Steel Type bashed into a rock on its face, causing it to fall unconscious for a moment. Dawn, Brock, and Hareta all gasped, seeing that two of their friends were nearly hurt.
They ran over to both Ash and Hikaru, with Infernape and Pikachu following behind. "Ash!" "Hikaru!" Brock and Dawn called as they approached the two boys. "Pika Pi!" "Infernape!" "Pip Piplup!" The three starters called along, concerned about their human friends. "Are you two alright!?" "Are you hurt?" Dawn and Hareta asked together.
"No... I don't think so..." Ash answered with a grunt. "Same here. None of us are hurt." Hikaru added, as he dusted his right shoulder. "Thanks for helping me out there, Hikaru." Ash thanked, causing the Twinleaf boy to turn. "Don't be so reckless like that again. You know that attempting to block Lairon's way would be useless." Hikaru reminded.
"Y-Yeah..." Ash agreed nervously. But before they could get all relieved, the five trainers and the three Pokémon had more trouble to face! Bursting from under Lairon, a Metang appeared! Several Geodudes and a Graveler fled for their life as Metang banged itself onto walls and boulders, much to Hareta's horror as he widened his eyes.
"It's... It's just like Lairon... Metang, it's trying to hurt itself!" Hareta whimpered. "No! Metang, stop!" Ash demanded. But just then, the group noticed several Skarmory flying into the air! They seemed to be out of control as well as they launched some Air Slash attacks, causing more explosions, while frightening the non-Steel Type Pokémon at the same time!
The Geodude, Rattata, Graveler, and Diglett all panicked, fleeing for their life as more Steel Types rampaged through the island. As Metang bashed itself into another rock, a Steelix bashed it away from underground! It roared, before launching a Hyper Beam attack, startling the Geodude and the Graveler once again.
It was as if the island was in peril right now! The five trainers and their three starters could only watch on how the disaster grew bigger and bigger! "Awful!... I can't believe this!" Dawn replied sadly, not liking this at all. "What in the world... is this!? Why... Why is this happening!?" Hikaru snapped angrily. "I'd like to know what's going on!" Brock grunted.
For Hareta, his trembling was much bigger as he tearfully ran to Steelix, confronting it despite of it rampaging. "Stop it, stop it, STOP IT! Why are you all causing trouble to the island!? Don't you get that you'll destroy your home in this process!?" Hareta bellowed, tears flowing out of his eyes, as he thought about Pokémon yelling in pain.
"No! Hareta, it's no use!" Ash yelled. He ran up to the little boy, trying to get him out of the way. But, with the strength the little boy had, the Kanto trainer couldn't move him due to the resistance he's giving! "Ash, Hareta, no!" Dawn shrieked. "Get out of there, you two!" Hikaru snapped, getting ready to run to them himself.
Suddenly, another rumbling occurred... right under where Steelix was! Another Steel Type bashed Steelix out of the way, which was revealed to be an Aggron! It roared angrily, before noticing both Ash and Hikaru. It faced them and prepared to use Flash Cannon, to which Hareta began to pale up on. "No... No! Don't do it, Aggron!" Hareta pleaded.
It was too late as Aggron launched the Flash Cannon attack, which was headed straight for both Ash and Hareta! "Ash!?" "Hareta!" Brock and Dawn gasped. "Argh... Get out of there, both of you!" Hikaru yelled. He attempted to run to the two, only to be held back by Infernape grabbing his right arm tightly to prevent him from moving.
At a split second, Hikaru widened his eyes, noticing Infernape look at him with a pleading and concern look. However, knowing that his two friends were in danger, the Twinleaf boy first attempted to resist his Fire Type brother. "Infernape, let go!" Hikaru snapped, only for Infernape to shake his head frantically, forcing the Twinleaf boy to stay where he was.
"Ash! Hareta! NO!" Hikaru yelled desperately as he tried to warn them. But suddenly, just as the two were about to get hit, a man ran past the group, startling them as he grabbed both Ash and Hareta into his arms, as he leapt to avoid the Flash Cannon attack. Everyone watched as the man safely landed on the ground, with the shocked Ash and Hareta in his arms.
At the same time, a Pokémon zipped past the man, as the trainer gave the order. "Lucario! Close Combat!" The man ordered. At the order, the Aura Pokémon ran towards Aggron in a second and used Close Combat! The punches and kicks made direct hits onto the evolved Rock-Steel Type as it roared in pain. With the finishing blow, Aggron was knocked out.
While the short battle had concluded, the five trainers and the three starters were bewildered and amazed of what they had just saw. Just as Ash and Hareta was about to be blasted by a Flash Cannon attack, a mysterious man with a hat and a Lucario came by, saving the two, while knocking out the Aggron with his Lucario at the same time.
When the coast was clear, the man set the Kanto trainer and the little boy back on the ground, sighing in relief. "Okay... You two alright?" The man asked. "Yeah... We're fine!" Ash answered, smiling as he was amazed with Lucario's power. "That was... amazing..." Hareta whispered in amazement, as the man chuckled at that.
"Well, it was a close call for sure..." The man chuckled. With that said, he asked the others to follow him, with his Lucario leading the way. The six trainers all ran after the Aura Pokémon, who led the way out of the area where all the rampaging was taking place.
After a few minutes of running, Lucario stopped, as he leapt onto a high rock. He placed his palm on the floor of the rock and closed his eyes. His floppy ears began to move, suspended in the air. "What's Lucario doing?" Dawn asked in confusion. "He's scanning the area with its Aura... Am I right?" Hikaru answered as he glanced at the man.
"That's right." The man confirmed with a nod. "Aura...?" Hareta repeated in confusion. Before the man could reply back, Lucario was finished with its scanning as he turned to his trainer, giving him a grunt and a nod. "Good. Thanks, Lucario!" The man thanked. He turned to the five trainers, translating of what his Aura Pokémon had just said.
"Apparently, this area is safe. So, how about a break?" The man suggested. At the mentioning of break, the five trainers all sighed, sitting down on several rocks. Lucario soon joined the group as Hikaru glanced at his Fire Type partner. "Why did you hold me back, Infernape?" Hikaru asked, catching the Flame Pokémon's attention.
Infernape blinked, before looking sad as he turned his head away, like he didn't want to face his human brother when he's saying his reasons. "In..." Infernape mumbled. At the same time, a tingling feeling to Hikaru's mind, as the Twinleaf boy heard a voice, which seemed to be Infernape's voice, answering his question.
"It's because, I didn't want you to get hurt... Hikaru. You always get hurt when you're trying to protect me and the others... And then, you nearly end up dying... I don't want that. You've protected me and the others too much, brother... So, I'm making it my own responsibility to protect you." Infernape explained in Hikaru's mind.
The Twinleaf boy widened his eyes for a moment, before his eyes softened as he smiled. He placed a hand on Infernape's left shoulder, much to the Fire Type's surprise as Hikaru said his words to his starter. "Thanks, bro... I'm sorry I was blind on seeing your intentions. I'll try to be more careful so you wouldn't need to protect me all the time..." Hikaru assured.
"A-Alright..." Infernape's voice reluctantly agreed, as he was surprised to see that his human brother was able to understand him for some reason. "I see that you and your Pokémon are very close with each other." The man chuckled, noticing the bond between the Twinleaf boy and his Flame Pokémon. "Um... Yeah... It's true..." Hikaru confirmed.
As he answered, the man blinked, before widening his eyes a little. "I see... That's intriguing." The man chuckled. "What's intriguing?" Dawn asked in confusion. "Piplup?" Piplup asked along. "Your name is... Hikaru, correct?" The man asked, much to the others' surprise. "Huh!? How do you know his name!?" Ash asked in surprise.
"I was able to hear Infernape's voice speaking to him, that's why. My name is Riley. It's nice to meet you all." The man answered. "Hi. I'm Ash!" "Pika Pikachu!" Ash and Pikachu explained, as they introduced themselves. "My name is Dawn!" "Pip Piplup!" Dawn and Piplup explained, introducing themselves as well. "My name is Brock. Nice to meet you." Brock replied.
"I'm Hareta... It's nice to meet you and Lucario, Riley!" Hareta said, smiling as he was amazed with Lucario's appearance. After saying his name, the Kanto trainer went back to asking the question. "So, what did you mean when you heard Infernape's voice?" Ash asked in curiosity. Hikaru answered the question immediately, making it simple for the others.
"He used aura to know what Infernape was saying to me. That's how he knew my name." Hikaru answered. "That's right. And after hearing that, I was able to discover on how you communicated with your Pokémon." Riley explained. "Communicated?! You mean, Hikaru used aura!?" Ash yelped in amazement. Dawn, Brock, and Hareta widened their eyes in surprise to hear this as Riley nodded.
"That's right. And I must say, your aura is strong... Stronger than mine, to be honest." Riley complimented, causing the Twinleaf boy to blink in surprise. "H-Huh? Is... that so? I never knew about that..." Hikaru admitted. "Well, I think it's awesome! Hikaru has the power to use aura!" Hareta commented brightly, causing the Twinleaf boy to sweat drop.
"Where did you get your excited feelings? It's like your sad feelings completely melted, replacing them with excited and positive feelings..." Hikaru muttered, shaking his head with a sigh. At that, the little boy gave a sheepish smile, causing Dawn and Brock to chuckle at how Hareta was a bit embarrassed at the moment.
To be continued...
Hikaru's Team:
Infernape: (M): (Flamethrower, Mach Punch, Flame Wheel, Close Combat)
Luxray: (F): (Wild Charge, Discharge, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)
Dragonair: (M): (Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Thunder Wave, Safeguard)
Buizel: (M): (Ice Beam, Aqua Jet, Razor Wind, Water Gun)
Togetic: (F): (AncientPower, Attract, Metronome, Air Slash)
Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Synthesis, Leaf Blade)
With Prof. Rowan:
Gardevoir: (F): (Psychic, Magical Leaf, Thunderbolt, Teleport)
Next chapters:
Chapter 12: Team Galactic's Secret Plan
Chapter 13: VS Team Galactic! A Battle for Life!
Chapter 14: The New Aura Guardian in Battle!
Chapter 15: The Three Castaways! Diablo's Ocean!
Chapter 16: Deoxys Comes Forth! The Restoration!
Next chapter preview:
Riley: It's too dangerous for you all to be involved! It's best that if you leave this situation to me!
Ash: No way! We're not leaving here until we solve this problem!
Hareta: The Pokémon are in danger, too... They're hurt... We can't just abandon them like this...
Mars: What the...!? Who are you!? Are you some sort of an ally, or an enemy!?
Masked Boy: I'm more likely your enemy AND your nightmare! You all need to be executed right now.
Hikaru: This is just... This is just wrong... Unforgivable... I won't forgive them! Never!
