Torterra's camp surrounded the 'traitors' strategically before they pushed them into the direction away from the lake. Obviously, they leaded them back to their resort and Torterra hoped that Torkoal and the others would stop with the nonsense. It seemed to be the perfect time to explain the situation, therefore Ash and the others should leave their hideout within the bushes.
"What are you waiting for, Ash? Don't you see that … uh … Ash?!" May looked to her side, but she only saw Mew, Meganium and Pikachu's heads that stuck out of the bush, but Ash's black hair was missing.
"Ash? Ash? Where are you?" May started to panic and the girl looked through the green plant, but her beloved one wasn't anywhere to see. Only now, May realized that she already forgot how much it hurt when Ash wasn't with her.
The legendary Mew didn't even notice how his apprentice was taken away from him and he didn't even waste a look until he heard May's constant calls for the boy. After a few moments, Meganium and Pikachu realized it, too and nobody believed for a second that the raven-haired trainer would play a prank on them.
"(May, where's Ash?)"
"Why do you ask me? I thought that you know everything what he's doing." May's voice almost spotted a blaming aspect. Although, it was unlikely that their friend was far away, they wouldn't make jokes about Ash's sudden disappearance.
"(I'm his mentor, but not his mother; however, I still sense his aura!)"
"Then Ash's a better mentor than you, because he never lost me when I was right next to him! I won't lose him again!" May exclaimed before she tried to enter the forest behind her as well, but Mew stopped her with his psychic powers.
"Let me go!" May fought against the mental power, but it was senseless, at least as long as she wasn't trained in aura like Ash.
"(I'll get him and you'll stop Ash's Pokémon from doing something that they would regret.)"
"Why can't you stop them?" May argued, not knowing why she should stay here.
"(It's because I can follow his aura unlike you and don't pretend that you can do that, too. It seems that he was dragged away by someone, but whoever it was, he or she won't be able to fight against me.)"
Mew's argument seemed to be strong and the brown-haired coordinator couldn't say that she could do much against an attacker right now. Moreover, there had to be one who needed to explain to Ash's Pokémon that there trainer would come back to them in a few minutes and at this point, it had to be May.
"Pikachu! Meganium! Glaceon and Manaphy! I need your help to talk to camp Torterra." May said determined before she turned to Mew again. "Please, bring him back!"
"(You can count on me!)"
With those words, Mew vanished within the woods as well, flying through the forest to that place where Ash should be right now. Mew would make sure that nobody should play games with the Chosen 1 or his Pokémon and Mew wouldn't mind to be called one of Ash's Pokémon.
"Come on!" May left the bushes with Pikachu, Manaphy, Meganium and Glaceon close behind her. With the help of Meganium, it should be possible to convince Torterra and the others to stop this feud that already went too long.
Running to the group of Pokémon, May didn't know how she should start this whole discussion. Moreover, it was quite difficult to run in her contest dress and Manaphy within her arms worried about his dad.
"STOP!"
May's exclamation reached the Pokémon group, which immediately turned around to her. Only a few of them immediately recognized her, involving Swellow, Torkoal, Glalie and Corpish. The other only knew her from her visits to Oak's ranch.
Finally, May caught up with them before she panted heavily after that sprint.
Torterra looked confused to her, but as soon as he noticed Meganium, he became rather angry towards the group. It wouldn't be good if May sided with camp Meganium, but the Sinnoh grass-type would give the girl a chance to explain her visit.
After she had some fresh air in her lungs, May was ready to tell them about Ash, at least she thought she was ready.
"Please Torterra, stop this whole feud and reunite with your other Pokémon friends again." May pleaded before she even used the name of Ash. "All of you were right; therefore you should forget the arguments and be happy that your trainer is back!"
Torterra immediately glared to Meganium, because the Sinnoh Pokémon thought that the grass-type infected the girl with its weird believe that Ash was back. Of course, May's statement caused confusion among camp Torterra and some Pokémon doubt their decision.
"Ash's really back and he's even here!" May said furthermore.
Torterra looked around, but there wasn't a raven-haired trainer and he became even angrier with Meganium, because the Pokémon would destroy the whole life of the girl. All of them needed to accept that he was gone, no matter how much it hurt.
Now May got support from Pikachu, Glaceon and Manaphy and all three Pokémon confirmed Ash's return, but unfortunately, it didn't bring anything as long as the returned one wasn't with them. On the other hand, Snorlax, Torkoal and Swellow welcome this confirmation about their feeling and the trio wanted to side with May now.
They were immediately stopped by Torterra and the grass-type shouted something in Pokémon language. When Meganium heard that, she felt insulted and the loyal Pokémon shouted something back, confusing May who didn't understand a word.
"Mana … Mana … Mama, what does dirty swine mean? …" Manaphy asked his mother.
May immediately covered the 'ears' of her son, because the Pokémon shouldn't listen to such a conversation and the brunette wondered why the grass-type knew such words. Glaring at Meganium, May doubted that it was a good idea to take her with to the meeting.
Pikachu and Glaceon sweat dropped, because it seemed that they missed a lot during the last few years and nobody had a clue that the situation would turn out to be that bad. Unfortunately, May wouldn't get anything as long as Mew wouldn't return with Ash as the prove.
Slowly but surely, Meganium and Torterra approached each other and May motioned to them to hug it out.
"Please, hurry!" May looked over her shoulder to the forest where Ash vanished a few minutes ago.
Far away on an island, the three-way-match between Brock, David and AJ was still under way and a winner still had to be determined. As of now, it had been a good and fair match, although different affections prevented some trainers to deal with every opponent the same way.
Flareon and Steelix were exhausted after the double attack, but they wouldn't disappoint their trainers with a quit. In the sky were Farfetch'd and Crobat and the sky-battle was as intense as the ground-battle, however, they also had to deal with Espeon.
Moreover, Smeargle prepared for its next attack and it could be everything.
Pointing its tip of his tail towards the battling Pokémon, Smeargle executed its next attack. At first, a meteor-like object appeared before it shot into the air above the ground and only Brock knew that attack from one of Ash's Pokémon.
"That's a Draco Meteor ….." Brock whispered, knowing that this attack could hit every Pokémon, even AJ's own Espeon.
Farfetch'd and Crobat had a difficult time to avoid all the meteors, but eventually they managed to dodge all of them. Steelix had the most difficult time because of his size and the steel type had to rely on its type advantage here. Several meteors hit the steel snake and some of them hit right in the bull's eye, however, it wasn't enough to take it out. Due to Smeargle's type, he couldn't create much damage with special attacks like Draco meteor.
Flareon jumped several times to the side, but one meteor hit her and the fire-type laid on the ground.
Espeon shielded itself with a Light Screen attack, avoiding any damage.
AJ covered her mouth when she realized that she hurt the Pokémon of that nice boy. On the other hand, she still needed to think about the tournament victory and it was necessary to beat both of her opponents.
It bothered Brock that the girl didn't waste a look at him, but he would stick with his plan: Winning the match and impress AJ.
It seemed that David's Flareon would be the first Pokémon that could faint and Brock would use this opening to get an early advantage in that match. Both Crobat and Steelix could hold on for several minutes and the rock-type gym leader would need to think of some combo moves for the next match sequence.
"Farfetch'd, use sword dance!" David shouted and his Pokémon executed the non-damaging attack that would increase its attack dramatically. Of course, it needed some time and Brock wouldn't give the bird enough time to finish it.
"Steelix, DragonBreath!" Brock shouted and his steel-type shot the dragon-attack towards the small bird. Breaking up its sword dance, Farfetch'd could dodge the attack and it seemed that he would need for a better opportunity to finish this move.
"Espeon, psychic on Crobat!" AJ knew that this attack would be very effective against a poison-type Pokémon.
David didn't like that the girl helped him against Brock and perhaps, it was time to 'wake' her up.
"Flareon, Lava Plump!" David ordered and his Pokémon got to its feet before it released this area-attack. In the best case, it could hit Steelix, Espeon and Smeargle, making it a perfect opening for a comeback.
The flames went everywhere and the opponent's Pokémon had to be fast to avoid it, especially Steelix.
"Steelix, use Dig to dodge the attack and Crobat, use whirlwind to keep Espeon away from the match!" Brock shouted, still refusing to attack the Pokémon of AJ directly. Steelix vanished under the ground and Crobat caused a small storm that lifted Espeon off the ground before placing it into an area.
Smeargle took its tail and fled from the fire, but in the end, it was hit slightly on the back.
AJ's affections didn't change, although she was attacked by the nice guy and saved by the gym leader, but perhaps it was time to pick up the business and win the match. As of now, Steelix wasn't seen anywhere and it was to assume that the steel-type would go after Flareon on the ground.
Only now, Brock and AJ realized that Farfetch'd finished another sword dance in the air and the close combat attacks of it would be devastating now. Moreover, it performed another sword dance right after it and slowly but surely, Brock's Crobat could get problems.
Right in time, Steelix appeared from under the ground and threw Flareon into the air, making it a perfect target for Brock's Crobat.
"Whirl around and use Wing attack!" Brock shouted and his bat twisted before it hit a fast Wing attack on the fire Pokémon. Being slammed to the ground, Flareon fainted and was the first Pokémon out of the competition, leaving only five remaining Pokémon on the field.
David recalled his Pokémon, sighing that it didn't work as expected.
"Turn around and hit Farfetch'd as well!" Brock wanted to make it a double and the bat flew extremely fast towards the bird.
Shortly before it could hit the attack, it bounced off something and Brock didn't know what that should mean.
Looking to the other two Pokémon, Brock could see that Espeon' eyes glowed and it seemed that the psychic Pokémon used Protect to 'protect' Farfetch'd from Brock's attack. It wasn't illegal, but it wasn't normal for this kind of match and Brock was reminded once more that AJ wasn't fallen for him now.
David bit on his lips, because it wouldn't have been that bad to leave the field right now.
AJ was furious that this arrogant gym leader always attacked the other boy and it was time to show Brock a woman's wrath.
"Smeargle, ice beam on Crobat and Espeon, Swift on Steelix." AJ shouted and her two Pokémon immediately executed the orders. The ice beam missed its target, but Crobat was one of the fastest Pokémon after all, however, Steelix was hit by the stars, although it was not very effective.
After Crobat dodged the attack, it was suddenly surrounded by three birds.
"Perfect! Finish it off with Acrobatics!" David shouted to his Pokémon.
Farfetch'd circled around the bat before it flew several times at it. Missing ten times, it seemed that the bird needed glasses, but after a few moments, Brock realized that his Pokémon became dizzy. During the last dive, farfetched intended to hit the attack, but Crobat was rescued by Steelix that stopped the attack with the end of its tail.
"Not again …" David's plans never seemed to work.
Nevertheless, Crobat flew to the ground, being confused and it could be the perfect time for an attack.
"Sorry sweetheart, but I borrow me your strength for some time." AJ said, sending a kiss to David who would run away if it wasn't for the victory now. "Espeon, use Power Swap with Farfetch'd!"
Espeon' eyes glowed again before it and Farfetch'd were enveloped into a light that vanished quickly again. Seemingly nothing happened, but AJ wasn't finished and her Espeon already felt the new strength.
"Quick attack on Crobat!" AJ yelled and her psychic Pokémon immediately dashed towards the bat that was still dizzy before it hit it with an unusual powerful quick attack that sent Crobat flying into the stadium wall. After the dust disappeared, it was official that Crobat was out of the match as well, making AJ the favorite right now.
Espeon used Farfetch'd' sword dances to its advantage.
Brock was confused as well, but the gym leader needed to realize that his victory was on the line.
"Steelix, Tackle against Smeargle … " Brock didn't like it, but he had to do that sooner or later.
The snake moved towards the small 'artist' and AJ smirked, because it seemed that the gym leader finally got it. Nevertheless, she wouldn't let her poor Smeargle alone and Espeon was still strong enough to take the fight against Steelix.
"Espeon, use Swift once more!" AJ ordered.
Steelix almost reached the artist, but then it was hit by stars again and this time, it was more effective thanks to the Power swap with Farfetch'd. Talking about the bird, Farfetch'd used Steelix as a shield from the stars before it hit Smeargle with a Brave bird.
The attack was strong enough to knock out Smeargle, leaving AJ only with one Pokémon as well.
AJ was slightly shocked that the Pokémon of her crush took her Smeargle out, but like always, she tried to see the positive of it.
"I think it was fair after I stole the power of your Farfetch'd." AJ said to herself.
Brave bird was a two-sided sword and Farfetch'd received some damage as well, but the bird could still fly over the ground. It came down to three Pokémon and Brock needed to stay focused, because David and AJ would probably attack him.
Espeon was the fittest Pokémon right now, with Steelix second and Farfetch'd third.
It came down to the final sequence and the decision who would go on to the next round tomorrow. David knew that he would need AJ more or less, because Farfetch'd wouldn't have a big chance against Steelix, unlike Espeon.
"Espeon, Psybeam on Steelix!" AJ ordered.
"Farfetch'd , Air slash on Steelix!" David ordered and both trainers didn't knew that they attacked the same opponent right now. Nevertheless, Steelix was attacked by cutting air and a beam, but Brock was used to avoid such combos.
"Steelix, use Dig once more!" Brock ordered before his snake vanished under the ground again, avoiding the two attacks that collided in mid-air with each other.
To prevent a direct hit, Farfetch'd flew high into the air and Espeon prepared for another Protect. However, if Espeon was knocked out, AJ would be out of the match and probably she would run away like a small girl. It would be quite perfect for the Farfetch'd trainer.
"Farfetch'd, use Agility and dash towards Espeon!" David ordered and his normal/flying-type Pokémon did a nosedive towards the psychic cat. Increasing its speed, the bird would hit the Eevee-evolution.
AJ wasn't stupid and she had to get Farfetch'd away.
"Espeon, Protect!" AJ ordered.
"I knew that she would try that! Farfetch'd, use Feint!" David smirked, because it would be a fatal hit for the violet cat.
Feint was rarely used, but for this scenario, it was just perfect. Breaking through the shield of Espeon, Farfetch'd rammed its peck into the stomach of the cat before it lifted it into the air. Perhaps it should be a combination attack when suddenly, Steelix reappeared from the ground and finished its dig-attack.
Before AJ and David could react, their Pokémon were hit and the duo was sent flying to the ground.
However, it wasn't over and the bird stood up again, showing of his strong will. Espeon, as well, stood up again and the cat shook its body after that gruel hit.
Unfortunately, no matter how brave Farfetch'd was, it was enough and the bird fell onto his belly, fainting and eliminating its trainer from the competition. It came down to AJ and Brock, making it the perfect scenario for Brock.
David recalled his bird, accepting his lose. After a few seconds, he left the field and thought about the rest of the day.
AJ looked disappointed to the trainer and she became furious. It was Brock's fault after all and the girl would try to win the match for David, although she didn't even know if he was going to thank her for that.
Bock eliminated his competition and now he could win AJ's heart.
"Espeon, Last Resort!" AJ shouted and her Pokémon, that still had the additional strength from Farfetch'd, used this very powerful attack.
"Steelix, dodge it and use Iron Tail, but try to keep it low!" Brock explained unsurely.
Espeon's attack missed before it was hit by the Iron Tail. Unfortunately for Brock, the attack was stronger than expected, therefore knocking Espeon out. Not being able to continue, Espeon was out of the match as well, leaving Brock the sole survivor of the match.
**Ladies and gentlemen, the winner is Brock, gym leader of Pewter city after a more than confusing battle. With that, Brock is another gym leader who advances to the next round and who knows how far he will go in the tournament. Uh … it seems that our gym leader goes into the centre of the field to congratulate AJ to the fair fight. **
Indeed, Brock walked to the centre of the ground and AJ did the same thing, however, she wasn't very happy about the outcome. Standing in front of Brock, AJ extended her hand for a handshake, because it was a fair fight after all and she wouldn't be a bad loser.
Unfortunately, Brock understood this gesture the wrong way and the gym leader stopped to rub the back of his head in a sheepish manner.
Taking her hand, Brock kneeled down and gave the girl a peck kiss on her hand. However, AJ felt insulted by that, therefore she gave Brock an echoing slap across the face that would be probably visible tomorrow.
After that, she left the field as well into the direction of David.
"Ouch …." Gary said, knowing how it felt to be slapped. "I think that hurt him more than a lose could do."
"What are you talking about, Gary?" Max wondered. "Brock advanced and it's more likely now that he could face one of us in the next round. To be honest, I would love to test my skills in a match with him, although I'm not eager to send a friend packing."
The rest of the group nodded, although it had been some time since Misty and Delia disappeared and Dawn and Paul were away as well. Nobody needed to say something and it was important to find them anyway, because Misty and Paul's matches would be next.
"Did you draw some pictures of the match again, Tracey?" Caroline asked, knowing the habit of the Pokémon watcher.
"Of course, because it's rare that I see a Shiny Flareon, but the whole battle was quite complicated to follow, therefore I draw some scenes of it. It's not a masterpiece, but more wasn't possible in that short period of time." Tracey admitted, underestimating his own talents again.
"You're better than every camera, Tracey." professor Oak admitted.
The rest of the group laughed before they had to be serious again. It was important to search for Delia, Misty, Paul and Dawn and it would be a disaster if something happened to them. Standing up, the group left the platform and now they had to split into groups.
Morrison, Ritchie, Max, Caroline, Norman, Gary, Samuel and Tracey were there.
Ash didn't know why he didn't fight against the kidnapper, but somehow he could feel that this person wasn't bad and that she or he only wanted to talk with him. Moreover, it seemed that this human got help from a psychic, because Ash couldn't open his mouth right.
Wondering where he would be brought to, Ash hoped that his Pokémon could solve the problem without him.
The mysterious person held him under his arms and dragged him across the ground. The Chosen One assumed that it had to be a man, because if felt so easy for the person to carry him like that, but on the other hand, Ash knew some girls, enter Misty, that were tomboyish enough to manhandle him like that without problems.
Finally, he wasn't dragged anymore and the raven-haired trainer was dropped onto the ground, but once more, Ash sensed that something psychic was in the air. Within another clearing, Ash wanted to now what happened and why it happened.
Turning around, Ash wanted to see his kidnapper, but he didn't see anyone.
"Who are you?" Ash exclaimed, knowing that he sensed an aura.
"It's not what it looks like, Ash, but I was requested to pull you this place." A voice said and Ash noticed that it had to be a girl, although she didn't show herself yet. Perhaps it was just shyness, but then, Ash recognized that voice from somewhere, but he couldn't say where he heard it for the first time.
"Okay, I'm not angry, but if we met before, I would like to see you again." Ash explained, not seeing anyone. Unfortunately, a bigger aura made it difficult to sense smaller ones and the Chosen One could only guess where this girl could be.
"Did you already forget me?" The girl asked.
"It had been some time since I saw anyone …" Ash tried to explain his situation, but then, he suddenly received a peck kiss on his cheek in a manner that he wouldn't forget so quickly. It was the typical welcome-kiss from a certain island within the Orange Islands, however, this time wiped the kiss-sign away. Unlike several years ago, Ash had a girlfriend now and he wouldn't start to kiss with every girl he would meet.
"Melody?"
Ash asked confused, because she was the last girl that he would have expected her in Pallet town. Moreover, nobody knew that he and his friends were here for one day, because it was a short-termed journey via Mew teleport.
Finally, the girl stepped out of the shadow and Ash remembered the maroon-hair of her. Like everyone, she had aged as well and seemingly, she was about sixteen like Ash now. However, she still seemed to have her crush on Ash, although the raven-haired trainer wasn't available anymore.
"It's good to see you, Ash. I heard rumors about you death, but I don't like to believe something that I haven't witnessed myself." Melody explained, but still it was weird why this girl appeared on Oak's Ranch right on time to met Ash.
"Could you please explain to me what you are doing here?" Ash asked sternly.
"Like I said, it was only a request, because here's someone who wants to talk with you." Melody noted before Ash felt a strong breeze that almost threw him back into the woods. After a few seconds, the breeze was gone, but Ash's amazement grew instead.
"(_I'm glad to see you again, Chosen One, but I fear that I need your help again._)"
Ash glared at the Pokémon in front of him, because it became more and more confusing.
"Lugia? Are you the Lugia from the Orange Islands?" Ash asked curiously, looking at the large white Pokémon in front of him that outshone him with ease. Despite his missions with Mew, Ash never had to rescue the creature of the sea.
"(_In the flesh, Chosen One. It's nice that you remember me._)"
Ash took that as a rhetorical question, because who would forget a meeting with a legendary. However, Melody didn't disturb them and she only watched how the two friends talked with each other more or less.
"What does this all mean?" Ash asked directly, not having much time to waste.
"(_At first, I have to thank Melody that she brought you to me. Moreover, I need to ask for your help, because there's a very important egg that you need to get for us legendaries.)"_
Ash winked, because he wondered if Lugia didn't know that he and Mew already were on this mission.
"I know, Lugia. Mew and I already participate at that tournament to win this Lugia-egg." Ash explained proudly, knowing that he would surprise the beast of the sea with his quickness.
"(_Mew?! The little, playful and childish Mew? I can't believe that he finally accepted responsibility …_)"
Right on time, the so-called-childish-playful and little legendary appeared from the wood and the sight of Lugia confused him in an instance. At least, he found Ash again, however, he was with another girl and slowly but surely, Mew needed an explanation.
"(What are you doing here?/_What are you doing here?_)"
Both legendaries demanded an answer and it seemed that legendaries didn't keep as much contact to each other as you would assume at first.
"(I asked first!/_I asked first!_)"
Ash sweatdropped, because it was just wrong that two legendaries behaved like small children, therefore it was up to Ash to solve the problem for them. Trying to put everything in a short speech, Ash explained the whole situation.
"Listen! At first, Lugia is here to ask for my help to get the Lugia-egg and seconds, Mew already helped me with the first steps to get it! All in all, we don't have to worry, because we have a good chance to win that egg and bring it back to his uh … mother … or how you legendaries would say it …!" Ash stopped, crossing his arms, because he still wondered how legendary Pokémon could get children.
"(I was faster than you!)"
Mew said proudly, extending his tongue towards the larger legendary.
"(_You're as childish as always, Mew. Let's hope that you didn't annoy the Chosen One too much with your presence._)"
"It's okay, Lugia. Mew helped me in more ways than one and he can be more serious." Ash explained, sighing. "I'm sorry that you flew the whole way with Melody for nothing, Lugia, because we already work on this mission."
Mew looked gloatingly to the Orange island legendary.
"(_You don't have to be sorry, because you already sacrifice your time for us, however, remember that the egg shouldn't hatch in any case near the island!_)"
"Uh … why shouldn't it hatch near the island? …" Ash asked confused, looking to Mew, but the legendary didn't know much either.
Lugia immediately turned to the smaller legendary, glaring at the pseudo-hero who didn't know what this quest was about. Mew and Ash were shocked, because it didn't make a difference to them if the egg would hatch after they won it, o matter if it was on the island or not.
"(_Don't tell me that you don't know about the content of the egg, Mew!_)"
"(Isn't it a Lugia-egg?)"
"(_It is, but unfortunately, not just a normal-egg. We aren't sure, but perhaps it could contain a much darker version of me._)"
Now it became confusing, because Ash though the whole time that he would need to get the egg, so that the Lugia-baby wouldn't be raised by criminals. However, now it seemed that the baby would be evil anyway and that it didn't matter whether it was within his hands or within Giovanni's hands.
"What does that mean?" Ash searched for answers.
Lugia turned to the Chosen One, indicating that it was more important than he thought at first. After all, it was still important that Lugia and Melody appeared here, because Mew didn't know the full quest and with such a forgetful Pokémon, it should be difficult to complete the mission.
"(_That does mean that it's an evil Pokémon from it's birth and we will need some time to raise it to a more neutral Pokémon. We won't be able to make it as human-loving as us, but at least it wouldn't attack humans without a reason. However, it's very strong, although it would have been just hatched and everything in his path could be destroyed._)"
Ash, Mew and Melody listened and it was clear that this legendary shouldn't be near humans at first. Unfortunately, there wasn't a guarantee that the egg wouldn't hatch before the finals and the group realized how serious this situation had become.