Ash was working hard on a new move that he believed would work against the Hypnosis attack. He was training really hard with all his Pokémon, all he needed was a Pokémon to practice against, and since there was only one Pokémon that we knew who loved to hypnotise and sing, it had to be Jigglypuff.
After a quick call to Professor Oak, he sent over Jigglypuff and the moment I had her Pokéball in hand, I tossed it up into the air. "Come on out Jigglypuff! I've missed you!"
"Jiggly! Jigglypuff Puff!" She cheered, puffing up like a large pink balloon before tackling me with a hug and doubling me over as I laughed, Aurora springing out the way as I hugged Jigglypuff close as she squealed, overjoyed to be back with me.
"Wow! So that's your Jigglypuff? She looks so cute! I almost can't believe she's as tough as you say she is." Dawn smiled down at me and Jigglypuff gave her a smug look that made me laugh even harder.
"You're in trouble now Dawn, Jigglypuff is going to show you the real meaning of tough very soon." I told her but then stopped when I heard on the news something about the theft of the adamant orb. "Huh?" We both walked over to join the boys, Aurora and Jigglypuff sitting on my shoulders as we watched the news.
"We have just received a report from Officer Jenny who was actually on the transport at the time of the incident. Stating that the organisation responsible for the theft call themselves Team Galactic. They are reported to be a secret organisation with operations throughout the Sinnoh region. They are also believed to have some connection to the recent meteorite theft in Veilstone City, however at this point their motives remain unclear." Rhonda the reporter continued to describe the events of where the orb was headed as Jigglypuff growled, inflating her body angrily.
"I know Jigglypuff, you hate bad guys just as much as I do." I said quietly, reaching back and rubbing her head to calm her down as Rhonda finished her report.
"This is quite a serious situation, and the champion is scheduled to return soon." Nurse Joy said with worry, making us all blink.
"Are you talking about Cynthia?" Ash asked in bewilderment before I whacked the back of his head.
"No genius, she's talking about some other champion of the Sinnoh region." I drawled with a roll of my eyes as both Aurora and Jigglypuff copied my movements in perfect synchrony. Nurse Joy only chuckled.
"Yes. Celestic Town is where Cynthia is from, and her grandmother is in charge of everything that goes on in the research centre." She explained and I looked at Dawn as she turned to face me.
"We should go see her if she's here and say hey." I suggested and Dawn nodded her head.
"Yeah!" Suddenly Brock sprang over to Nurse Joy and knelt before her, taking her hand in his as he gazed up at her adoringly.
"Nurse Joy, can't you see that you're my lustrous orb? I'd do anything to protect you." He declared for blinking and looking around. "Alright, what's up?" He questioned Croagunk who had failed to snap Brock out of his delirium. Strange, Croagunk is just staring out the window.
"That's weird." Ash said quietly as we all looked at him.
"What's with Croagunk?" Well, if no one else is going to do it then I should. I walked over to Brock and grabbed him by the ear.
"Come on. Nurse Joy may be lustrous but you're way too adamant just to get a date." Brock cringed and yelped in pain as I dragged him away and out the door, the others following and Croagunk blinked before slowly moving after us. "Are you okay Croagunk?" I asked as I let go of Brock and looked down at him. In answer he just croaked at me.
"Maybe he's just feeling a little tired. You should get some rest buddy." Brock suggested, returning Croagunk to his Pokéball before turning to Jigglypuff. "Now there's a face I haven't seen in a long time. It's good to see you Jigglypuff."
"Jiggly!" She called back, saluting as Ash clenched his fists excitedly.
"I'm so glad you're here. Now I can train against your singing and try to keep my Pokémon awake so that we're ready to battle Fantina!" He cheered, punching the air. "Next badge, here I come!" In answer Jigglypuff leaped off my shoulder and started to Double Slap Ash across the face, glaring before jumping back onto my shoulder, making Aurora and I giggle as Ash wavered on the spot. "Ow...that hurt…"
"Guess Jigglypuff though you needed to snap out of it genius. Come on, let's go see Cynthia." I called, leading the way forwards. The research facility was easy enough to find and we were all impressed by how large it was.
"Hey it's Ash." Cynthia's voice said softly and Brock was instantly racing over to her as we called out.
"Hi Cynthia!" Ash and I chorused with a wave as Dawn smiled.
"It's been a while!"
"Too long to see the champion!" Brock declared, staring adoringly up at Cynthia's pretty face, making her chuckle quietly as a severe looking old woman stepped forwards, giving us all a stern, scrutinising look as we approached.
"Who are the children?"
"I told you about them, remember?" Cynthia prompted. "They're the ones who love to challenge everything." This made her laugh.
"Oh-ho! The impetuous ways of rebellious youth." She noted as she stepped closer to us for a closer look.
"Allow me to introduce grandmother. Her name is Carolina and she is in charge of the research centre." Thankfully Ash seemed to be wearing his well mannered hat on today.
"Wow, it's such a pleasure to meet you. A real honour." He said with a bow of his head to Carolina who arched an eyebrow delicately at him as we all mimicked his greeting.
"Nice to meet you."
"Thank you. The pleasure is all mine. I've heard so much about you." She returned, warming to us finally and I gave a smile to Jigglypuff and Aurora before following both Cynthia and her grandmother towards the entrance of the facility. "Cynthia was just speaking to me recently about all your rivals Ash." Carolina said and Cynthia lifted her head.
"What ended up happening with Paul?" She asked and Ash looked down with a sigh.
"We had a battle since but well…you know…" Ash trailed off and Carolina leaned forwards with a smile.
"I venture to guess that you still can't defeat my granddaughter either." She boasted a little but with a warm pride in her face that made Cynthia blush ever so slightly.
"Grandmother, stop that." Cynthia told Carolina gently and her grandmother smiled at her broadly with a chuckle.
"The thing is, since we last saw you we've been training like crazy and made a bunch of new friends." Ash announced and Carolina whirled around suddenly with a decisive expression that startled us all a little.
"Hey I like your spunk. At least they can't take that away from you, can they?" She said and Ash gripped his head in frustration before blurting out his request to Cynthia.
"So, why don't you and I have a battle right now?" He asked and Cynthia blinked at him in surprise, then again as I whacked him on the back of his head and grounded him instantly, paving his face all over the steps.
"Your timing couldn't be more off, genius." I told him monotonously. "The adamant orb has just been stolen and Team Galactic may be after the lustrous orb next, and you want to battle with the champion?" I said as Ash sat up, rubbing the back of his face.
"Guess you're right." Carolina suddenly set off laughing again, clapping me on the back.
"I like this one too. She's strong, independent! I admire that in a young lady." She announced, making me blush as Jigglypuff inflated herself.
"Jiggly…" She didn't like being jerked forwards like that. Suddenly there was laughter from behind us and we all turned to see a tall man with dull blue hair spiked in all directions walking towards us, wearing a smart suit tailored to fit with polished shoes to match.
"That's just Carolina's way of saying hello, don't be put off by her bluntness." He advised as he approached us all.
"Man there are a lot of visitors today, and here's one with a big mouth and blue hair." Instantly I frowned and tensed, clenching my fists tightly as I looked at this stranger, and my reaction didn't go unnoticed by Cynthia. She looked down at me as I narrowed my eyes at the man, who introduced himself as Cyrus. Aurora felt it too, wearing a similar expression to me. There was something…off putting about this guy. His aura was deceptive, unclean and repelling. It made me want to move as far away from it as possible. Even his voice grated against every nerve there was in my body.
"Hey Ruby, you okay?" Ash whispered to me as we were led inside for the tour. I took a deep breath and relaxed myself, pushing my concerns aside.
"Yeah! I'm fine." I said with a forced smile, though Jigglypuff looked at me with concern.
"Since ancient times our town has had a deep connection with Dialga as well as Palkia." Cynthia began as we walked through a grand hall with two paintings of the legendary lords of space and time before we carried on through into a library.
"And all throughout my research of the town's history, I've acquired mountains of material as a result." Carolina continued as we stood before double doors which then opened to reveal instantly a strange setting on the wall.
"Wow! What an impressive piece!" Dawn said in awe before looking to one of the figures in the corner. "Hey wait! That's it, we've seen that before!" She announced, pointing to the small figure at the bottom left hand corner as Ash walked over to the opposite side and the adults all gasped.
"You have?!"
"Yeah." Ash said, looking to the carving closely. "And we've seen that one as well."
"Frankly…I'm speechless!" Carolina declared as she stared at the two in shock as Cynthia stepped forwards.
"Tell me where you saw them." She requested gently so they both answered, Dawn going first.
"At Lake Verity. It was kind of hard to make out, but I'm certain that's what it was." She determined as Ash turned to face Cynthia.
"We saw something over at Lake Valor. It was hazy just like Dawn said, but I'm telling you I know I saw something on the lake!" He told us all so I reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay Ash, we know you're telling the truth. We never doubted you." I told him as I sensed his agitation begin to rise, trying to make us see that he really had seen what he saw that night, though none of us really knew what it was.
"I'm at a lost for words. There isn't a single example I can think of where people actually got a glimpse of lake guardians." Cynthia said and Ash blinked up at her.
"We saw lake guardians?"
"Yes! Dawn, the lake guardian you saw was most certainly the being of emotion, Mesprit, and Ash, you must have seen the being of willpower Azelf. It's rumoured there is one more lake guardian, the being of knowledge Uxie, who lives in Lake Acuity near Snowpoint City." Cynthia described and I instantly turned to look at the carving at the top. So that was Uxie. Imagine if we all saw it…that would be incredible.
"Hey, that's the same legend we heard about from Zoey and May." Brock said as Cynthia nodded her head.
"It's been said for countless generations that all three of those lake guardians live in Sinnoh region lakes. But they've only existed in legend until now."
"One of the legends states that only the spirits of the guardians appear from their lakes, so that they are able to watch over and protect humankind. There is a distinct possibility that what you saw were those exact same spirits." Carolina told us all and we all looked at one another carefully. This is getting weird. We've already had one run in with a rouge spirit back at summer camp, do we really want another?
"Hold on, what's the meaning of that thing in the middle?" Brock questioned, looking towards the golden figure that rested at the heart of the piece.
"Our research says that it's either the lustrous orb or the adamant orb." Cynthia explained as I leaned closer for a better look. Maybe, but what if it was both? The centre part looks like the lustrous orb, round and smooth, but the light reflecting out of it in sharp edges seem like the sort of light that could only be reflected from the surface of the jagged adamant orb.
"Professor, if they've seen Azelf and Mesprit, perhaps you should show them the lustrous orb. Their reaction may be important to your research." Cyrus suggested and I shot him a look before taking a deep breath. Get over it Ruby, you're just being paranoid.
"An interesting idea." Carolina agreed before striding forwards. "Come with me!" We were marched away to a corridor that looked very restricted and Officer Jenny escorted us herself.
"Due to heightened security, I'm afraid I can't let you stay very long." She informed us and Carolina nodded her head in understanding.
"Yes, yes, of course we know." She assured Jenny as we stopped in front of the two guards and Jenny saluted them.
"Anything unusual to report?" She questioned as they returned her salute.
"No officer, status quo." They reported so Carolina moved forwards and unlocked the door with a card key and her own handprint. The doors slid open as did the metal bars surrounding the orb before finally we got our first glimpse at the real thing. It was like a giant pearl, shining perfectly with a sheen of perfection.
"Wow…amazing how it has a strange glow." Dawn said as we all walked closer.
"Yes, it's beauty is timeless. Now tell us what you feel." Cyrus invited Dawn and Ash as they both got a closer look at the orb. They stared at it for a few moments, trying to feel a change before sighing in defeat.
"Nope, don't feel a thing." Ash said simply.
"Me neither."
"Impossible!" Cyrus suddenly roared, making me whirl around and instantly stand in front of Dawn protectively as he loomed over us all in a rage. "You're not looking at it carefully enough!"
"Jiggly...puff!" Jigglypuff yelled aloud as she leaped off my shoulder and Double Slapped his face at top speed, making me smirk as I folded my arms and watched, choosing not to reprimand her on this occasion. Anyone who dared raise their voice to my friends deserved it. When Jigglypuff jumped back onto my shoulder she inflated her body slightly, glaring angrily at Cyrus who groaned and tried to recover from the wake up call.
"Now, now Cyrus, no need to be upset." Carolina told him with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Remember they are only both looking at it for the first time.
"Right." He said, taking a deep breath then turned back to us all. "I'm sorry, but when I'm standing in front of such a treasure, it's so hard to try and be calm." Yeah buddy but we're all somehow managing it, so try a little harder. "You see the lustrous orb is supposed to be connected to the dawn of time." As we continued to talk, Aurora's head suddenly shot up and she leaped to the ground, calling to me in warning as she stood and held out a paw, listening intently.
"What is it Aurora? What can you sense?" I asked her just a second before the building began to quake, the ground shaking underneath our feet as we all heard massive explosions coming from outside. As we ran back outside I grabbed Aurora, holding her in my arms as a panicked voice called out on loudspeaker.
"There has been an explosion in the ruins! The area is completely swarming with Golbat!"
"Golbat?!" Officer Jenny repeated before starting to organise her teams to cover all areas. Carolina moved back to the key pad to close the doors but when she tried, it flashed red and refused to lock in the lustrous orb.
"Carolina what happened?" Ash asked as we heard the bleeping.
"That's odd, the doors don't seem to want to close." That's when we were radioed to say that the security system had been hacked and that we had no control over it. This is going from bad to worse.
"That means we can't protect the lustrous orb!"
"Then we'll have to move it somewhere else." Cynthia said decisively and both Ash and I nodded our heads together.
"Right, and we'll help you protect it." We said together and Jenny turned around to face us.
"We're lucky that you all are here to help us, just like we were lucky in Veilstone City. So, are you ready to go?" She demanded and we all stood to attention. We transferred the orb onto a trolley that we could push along, however as we ran Croagunk appeared out of his Pokéball, sensing something that caught his undisputed attention.
"Croagunk, what're you doing out of your Pokéball?" Brock asked but as Croagunk ran off, Brock turned back to us. "You guys go on ahead." He said, turning to follow after Croagunk.
"Be careful!" I called out after him before we set off running once more, back down the hall, through the library and into the lobby, but our way was blocked by Team Galactic and that weird blue haired guy. Golbat fluttered around their heads with a Bronzor as well as the leader smirked victoriously at us.
"Team Galactic!" Both Ash and I called out angrily as the ringleader lifted his head then held out his hand.
"How about handing over that lustrous orb now?" He suggested but none of us shifted a muscle.
"I get it. That explosion was nothing but a diversionary tactic to weaken our defences." Cynthia realised but the Galactic commander merely continued to smirk evenly.
"Perhaps you should concern yourself with what's happening now. The truth is, Bronzor has put all the security forces outside to sleep, and right around now Toxicroak should be taking care of everyone on the inside. You are now witnessing what is but a tiny part of Team Galactic's plan!" He announced but Dawn, Ash and I all leaped forwards to shield the orb.
"I don't think so! You're not getting the lustrous orb!" Ash declared as I held out my hand then moved into a battle stance, ready to swing fists as Jigglypuff and Aurora jumped down to stand in front of me.
"You're not getting away this time. You're going behind bars if it's the last thing I do." I vowed as Jigglypuff growled alongside Aurora. The two made a good pair.
"That's right!" Dawn agreed as Piplup and Pikachu took their places alongside us. Behind us I heard Carolina gasp before smiling softly.
"Wow, such brave children and Pokémon."
"Alright then, Bronzor! Hypnosis!" Our opponent called and Bronzor rose up higher into the air, levitating but then Cynthia stepped forwards.
"Now Garchomp, battle dance!" She called and her powerful Pokémon friend appeared. "Brick Break, go!" Garchomp struck Bronzor with a powerful move that cut in before Bronzor could even launch Hypnosis and was returned back before any more damage could be taken.
"Well done. You've certainly earned the title of champion." He drawled sarcastically as Cynthia turned back to Officer Jenny.
"If you don't mind Officer Jenny, we'll take care of this. You need to look after the orb." She said and Jenny nodded her head, completely focused on her task. "Cyrus and grandmother, go with her." Cynthia ordered however before any of them could leave, a new Galactic team appeared, this time with a woman leading them and her hair was bright berry red, making blink in alarm slightly. That could hurt anyone's eyes at close range.
"We're surrounded!"
"I should have known they'd be more of them." Ash said as I stood sideways on, looking at both sides as we stood around the lustrous orb, trying to protect it. Suddenly there was a crash and we all looked up in shock to see Croagunk fall through the glass roof, crying out as he hit the ground hard. "Croagunk!"
"Toxicroak!" The Toxicroak from before smashed its own way through and stabbed at Croagunk with Poison Jab, causing our little friend to cry out in pain before going still, passing out completely.
"No Croagunk!" Brock's voice yelled from the roof as I yelled in anger and tried to gather aura energy in the palm of my hand. My rage seemed to help as a small sphere formed and I shot it towards Toxicroak, however it bat the sphere aside and it burst uselessly. Looks like I still need to work on that.
"Croagunk!" I cried out as Team Galactic laughed at my pitiful display but I ignored them as I dropped to my knees and lifted Croagunk carefully up into my arms, cradling him close to check his pulse and breathing.
"To be completely honest we have no desire for excessive violence. Just give us the lustrous orb and we'll leave." He said but I got to my feet, burning with anger.
"Well unfortunately for you, excessive violence is the only way I go!" I yelled back at him as Cynthia drew out another Pokéball.
"We know you've got something up your sleeve, you're not getting any of Sinnoh's treasures! Gastrodon, come forth from the seas!" She yelled and I blinked as a large slug like Pokémon appeared. It looked squishy and I wasn't sure if I wanted to poke it or hug it to find out how cuddly it was, because it seemed to be quite shiny too. "Gastrodon, Stone Edge now." Cynthia ordered and her Gastrodon instantly began to gather power, rings of light spinning around it before they formed into rocks which hammered against the Golbat and sent them flying backwards.
"How pathetic. Now get out of the way before I throw you out!" Carolina yelled at the female team leader and I couldn't help but shoot her a smile.
"Cynthia, your grandmother is awesome." I announced and she gave me a quick, small smile before looking back to her opponent.
"I really don't like showing off, but I guess I have no choice. The burden of great power." That guy is practically signing up for a knuckle sandwich. He's really starting to bug me.
"Oh please, I'm just fine with showing off." Cynthia replied as Ash picked out another Pokémon.
"We're behind you all the way. Let's go Chimchar!" He called and our little friend appeared beside Pikachu as Dawn called out her next Pokémon.
"Pachirisu we need you too!"
"Aurora, Jigglypuff, you ready to beat some bad guys?" I questioned and they both stepped in line, ready and waiting for my order with a chorused sound, eyes narrowed and focused.
"Purugly! Come out and use Shadow Ball!" The woman Galactic commander called and her fat cat Pokémon appeared and instantly began to charge up its attack.
"Toxicroak, use Dark Pulse." Turning around I pointed to the Purugly.
"Jigglypuff, take the hit. Let's see about that new move Professor Oak was telling me about." I said to her and she leaped up into the air as Ash countered the Dark Pulse with Chimchar's Flamethrower. The Shadow hit Jigglypuff then disintegrated with no effect, making me smirk as the redhead gasped.
"But how?!"
"Use Focus Punch!" I punched the air forwards and Jigglypuff's fist began to glow bright white with power as she launched herself at Purugly and the attack connected, throwing Purugly back with super effect.
"Quick Piplup use Bubblebeam and Pachirisu use Discharge." Dawn called as the Golbat all used Supersonic, trying to confuse us.
"Garchomp Dragon Claw and Gastrodon use Muddy Water." All the attacks combined created a huge dark cloud to hang over us, covering most of the room and hiding our opponents from view.
"I'm breaking through all that. Cover me!" Ash called and Dawn nodded her head as I turned around.
"Right Ash. Piplup, Pachirisu! Attack together!" She called and I pointed towards the Golbat.
"Jigglypuff use Ice Beam and Aurora, use Quick Attack!" I called and together they all charged together. Jigglypuff showered as many Golbat as she could with Ice Beam, knocking them back and freezing their wings as Aurora jumped from target to target, knocking them down with a powerful kick or bunch whilst avoiding the other attacks expertly.
"Quick Pikachu, Volt Tackle!" Ash called and Pikachu powered forwards, aiming straight for Toxicroak but when Toxicroak lifted one hand with its poison stinger bared, Chimchar leaped up into the air and ploughed against Pikachu, knocking him out the way and took the hit himself.
"Chimchar!" I screeched, still holding Croagunk in my arms. Chimchar fell straight into Ash's arms as he ran forwards to catch him, but Chimchar fainted from the hit, the toxins starting to work on his small body. "Chimchar, are you okay?" I asked with panicking worry but Chimchar lay motionlessly in Ash's arms.
"Hold on, where are you three going?" Officer Jenny suddenly called out as the smoke began to clear and we looked to see the two guards and their Meowth trying to make a run for it through a window but they froze in place as Jenny spotted them. Suddenly the lustrous orb fell from the head of the guard carrying it and everyone instantly gasped. "It's falling!"
"Not for long!" The Meowth called out and dove for the floor, catching the orb in his paws.
"That was some fancy paw work." A familiar voice said as the woman exhaled with relief.
"Time to breathe…" You have got to be kidding me.
"Did I just hear that Meowth talk?" Carolina questioned in astonishment as I glared at the crooks.
"Yeah, it's getting him to shut up that's the real trick." I answered as Dawn groaned.
"Oh no…"
"Afraid so Dawn. Team Rocket!" Ash yelled at them as they gulped nervously as Cynthia arched an eyebrow.
"Team Rocket?"
"They're just an annoying bunch of Pokémon thieves that are always butting into our lives." Dawn explained but Jessie shook a fist in anger.
"What lies! We steal other things too you know!" She yelled across at us as Meowth lifted the lustrous orb up over his head.
"Yeah, like this lustrous orb for example! Whoever's got this baby is the belle of the ball." He said before both Jessie and James whipped off their disguises.
"Seems you want what we've got." Jessie said to us as I growled under my breath, Jigglypuff glaring also. It appears she hasn't lost her dislike for their stupid mottos either, even if they have changed it around a little.
"Team Galactic's not so hot." James said as both Ash and I stepped forwards.
"You're not funny!"
"Give us the orb while you can." Cynthia offered in a dark voice but Team Rocket refused to relent their treasure.
"You fools make one wrong move and there'll be lustrous linguini all over this lobby, understand?" Meowth questioned as they all walked forwards. When no one made a move, Jessie smirked smugly with pride and victory.
"Good. You're only half as dumb as you look." I glared at her.
"Unfortunately I can't say the same for you." I muttered under my breath but I think Jessie heard me as she whirled around and practically shoved her nose into my face.
"What was that twerp?" But James grabbed her arm and dragged her back as the way opened for them to leave by the front exit, the Galactic commander deciding it wasn't worth risking the orb with three idiots handling it.
"Time to go!" He called and they all ran out the doors as I grit my teeth. They're not going to get away so easy. With a snap of his fingers, the Golbat all flew out the windows, smashing their way through and with us distracted looking at the Golbat, Team Galactic slipped away.
"Where'd they go?"
"Probably to go after the lustrous orb." Cyrus said and Ash turned to Cynthia, still holding Chimchar in his arms.
"Cynthia, we should go too."
"Now hold on Ash, what about Chimchar and Croagunk?" Cynthia reasoned as I walked over with both my Pokémon beside me, still holding Croagunk as he breathed lightly and shallowly. Ash looked down at Chimchar with worry, yet was still torn with doing what he believed to be the right thing and retrieving the orb. "I know how you feel, but right now shouldn't you be helping these brave Pokémon of yours who battled so hard for us all?" Ash looked down at Chimchar with a soft sigh.
"Oh Chimchar." Chimchar opened his eyes and I smiled with relief. If he's awake then that means everything will be alright, he's still hanging in there.
"Chimchar…" He croaked weakly, reaching out a hand to me and I let him grip onto my forefinger for comfort, though his grip was weak.
"Of course Cynthia's right. Now you two just leave getting the lustrous orb back to us." Officer Jenny said before running out the door to set to work. Just then Brock came running onto the scene, having finally found his way here through the back.
"Ash! Dawn! Ruby! Is everything alright?" He called out to us as he raced to face me. "How's Croagunk?" I looked down at Croagunk who still hadn't woken up yet before handing him over to Brock who cradled him close with tender care and affection.
"Not so good. We need Nurse Joy right now." I said gently. "I think there may be a chance of a cracked rib and his breathing is quite shallow." Brock nodded his head.
"You really put up a great fight Croagunk, and I'm so proud of you. Ash, what about the orb?"
"Team Rocket stole it." He answered simply.
"We'll handle everything from here." Carolina told us all. "You should all get to a Pokémon Centre, Cynthia, you should go too." Her grandmother directed and Cynthia nodded her head.
"I will. Garchomp, I'd like you to handle everything with the orb please." She said to her Pokémon who nodded then flew out the break in the glass roof. Ash sent out Staravia to help before we all rushed to find Nurse Joy as quickly as possible. Nurse Joy did everything she could to help both Pokémon but ultimately, what they needed was rest.
"Ash, Brock, have them take these after breakfast and after dinner." Nurse Joy directed, handing them both some medicine to take with us. "If you need me just call." Nurse Joy bowed her head then left us alone with our Pokémon.
I was sitting on the bed with Chimchar in my arms where he preferred to be. I guess inside he was still a little bit scared, and when he felt feeble and weak like this, he wanted someone to hold and out of all of us, he felt most comfort when with me.
"Now Croagunk, I know you're still very upset, but you've got to rest." Brock said, referring to Croagunk's loss against Toxicroak. It must have been a great blow for Croagunk and his pride was hurt real bad because of it.
"Thanks for looking out for Pikachu, Chimchar." Ash said as he stood at the bedside as I gently ran my hand over Chimchar's fur to soothe him. "If only I hadn't said to use Volt Tackle in the first place…" Ash struggled to keep the pain out of his voice. "Worse than that, I was so wrapped up in getting that orb back that I wasn't thinking about you at all. I'm sorry." Chimchar sat up a little so I shifted him in my arms as he reached out with one hand and pressed it to Ash's face, telling him it was okay.
"Ash, I've been meaning to ask you if your Chimchar was actually Paul's Chimchar once." Cynthia questioned and Ash nodded his head.
"Yeah, but Chimchar isn't just mine. Ruby and I are both raising him together." Ash said, smiling down at Chimchar. "You see, Chimchar couldn't decide between us who to choose as his trainer, so we decided that we were both going to train and raise him." Cynthia hummed softly in thought before reaching out with both hands and gently took Chimchar's between them.
"You've certainly been through a lot, haven't you my little sweetheart?" She asked with a gentle smile. "I want you to remember that both Ash and Paul have been through quite a lot of experiences with you. I know they walk different paths pursuing their dreams, but it's important to watch over them both, as you all go into the future." One day, I hope I can be as smart and wise as Cynthia is. She just seemed to be so knowledgeable about everything.
With Croagunk and Chimchar resting peacefully, we waited in the lobby for some news. "I don't know why, but I'm scared." Dawn said as I sat with both Jigglypuff and Aurora on my lap. "What is this new world that Team Galactic keep talking about? And what are they trying to do?" She questioned with worry so I curled my arm around her and she rested her head on my shoulder as I drew her close for her own comfort.
"I will say this. Whatever it is they're doing, it will certainly mean disaster for all of us." Cynthia said as Ash lifted his head. "Although we don't know what they're new world is, it's obvious they don't like this one. Of course, they're not the kind of criminals who aren't ever going to give up without a fight. We saw now that Team Galactic were able to steal the adamant orb, now they're going after the lustrous orb with a vengeance."
"I'll bet you that they're really targeting Dialga and Palkia through the orbs!" Brock said as Cynthia clenched her jaw slightly.
"That's just what I think as well. Team Galactic have big plans for those orbs and it will affect the world of people and Pokémon." She told us all and Dawn shifted a little closer for me. "A challenge like none before." After a few more minutes of silence, Ash leaped to his feet.
"We can't just sit here when there's stuff to do." He declared but Cynthia tried to stop him from doing anything too rash.
"Now Ash, just calm down." She tried but then Brock was on his feet too.
"Hey, look out the window!" It was Staravia, she was back! We followed her lead, all of us jumping into Cynthia's car as Garchomp also caught up with us. After a while it was noted that we seemed to be heading back to the research centre, or the ruins.
"Garchomp, fly on ahead and make sure Team Rocket stay put." Cynthia ordered and Ash turned to Pikachu as I unbuckled my seatbelt.
"Pikachu I want you to go with Garchomp, okay? Be careful!" He called as Pikachu jumped onto Garchomp's back. Piplup leaped out of Dawn's lap and onto Staravia, signalling he wanted to go too as I tossed a Pokéball up into the air.
"Charizard, I need you." I called then jumped out of my seat with Jigglypuff and Aurora holding onto my shoulders as I heard Charizard roar, landing on his back as he flapped his wings and lifted us both off from being so near the ground. "Lead the way Staravia, we're right behind you!" I called and Staravia flew ahead, leaving the others behind.
We flew straight for the ruins where we found Team Rocket, the redhead from Team Galactic, Cyrus and Carolina all there, however a Bronzor and the same Purugly were launching into attacks Body Slam and Hypnosis. "Garchomp go! Don't let them get the orb!" I called and Garchomp instantly dove down, knocking both of them back with Brick Break and the woman gasped.
"Purugly! You can't do that to my Pokémon!" She yelled as we all landed on the ground, putting ourselves between Team Galactic and the three clowns behind me with Carnivine holding the orb.
"You should have told that to Garchomp before he attacked." I answered, standing with a wide stand before holding out my hand towards them. "You losers are not getting that orb. Whatever world you intend to create is not going to happen with me around. I'm not going to let you destroy the world we have." She smirked at me, tapping a foot on the ground as her Pokémon both stood up.
"My, my, quite clever, aren't you? Purugly! Use Iron Tail and Bronzor use Psywave!" She ordered so I stood my ground as the attacks began to move straight for us.
"Charizard, Flamethrower!" I called and Charizard instantly blasted them both with his fire attack, sending them both flying backwards. Bronzor was knocked out instantly, sailing through the air then skidded across the ground and the Purugly hit a pillar, making it hiss before it dropped to the ground.
Charizard snorted, a breath of smoke flaring from his nostrils as he stood ready to defend, however when Team Rocket called out behind us, the Pokémon moved aside to see them. "Now hold on everyone! Anyone makes a bad decision and this lustrous orb is going to become lustrous lunch." Jessie trilled as Carnivine opened its mouth to reveal the orb.
"And I seriously doubt that lustrous lasagne is going to do any of you yoyos any good." Meowth smirked as Ash and the others turned up.
"Don't you realise how important the lustrous orb is? Idiots!" Cyrus suddenly yelled, making Charizard growl and shoot him a look as he pointed at Team Rocket. "You! Look behind you! I trust that you fools know that the lustrous and adamant orb brings great power to Palkia and Diagla, but it is when the two orbs are combined together with the three lake guardians that their full power emerges. To put it in simple terms so that even you can understand, the three guardians plus the two orbs will gloriously bring forth nothing less than…LEGENDS!" Wow, he's certainly passionate about his subject.
"Cyrus! Calm down!" Carolina snapped at him.
"But don't you see? If we don't make them understand what's happening they'll do something foolish like shatter the orb? I refuse to let that happen, at all costs!" He grit his teeth as he stepped forwards again. "I'm sorry if I seem so upset, but when the stakes are this high, our strongest weapon is the truth! Now listen well, the adamant orb is in fact Dialga, and the lustrous orb is Palkia! The orbs will bring them to this world!" He yelled as swarms of Golbat suddenly flooded the ruins, making me leap back as I looked up at the sky.
"Charizard, Dragon Rage up in the air and spin!" I ordered, holding my arm over my eyes to protect myself from the Golbat. "Jigglypuff, use Ice Beam and Aurora use Quick Attack!"
"Jigglypuff!" She called as Charizard roared and flew up into the air, flames beginning to flare up on his body as he rose upwards twisting in a tight spin as he began to glow with a purple light, drawing in many of the Golbat as he wrapped himself up in his wings, spinning faster and faster to suck them closer as the Pokémon all helped out. Pikachu used Thunderbolt and Piplup used Bubblebeam whilst Garchomp hit with Dragon Claw. Charizard's attack exploded outward and knocked out hundreds of the Gobat in one hit as he spread his wings and roared, skin glistening as the light still shone around him. Now that's a contest move if I ever saw one. Charizard looked invincible.
Suddenly a strange looking Pokémon appeared, jumping from the roof of the ruins and landed on Carnivine's head, making it yelp and the Pokémon caught the lustrous orb on its curled tail securely before turning and using Hyper Beam at Team Rocket, blasting them off into the sky.
"The orb!" I cried out. "Aurora, after it!" I yelled as the Pokémon began to run away and Aurora dropped from the air and began to give chase with me in hot pursuit. The others all followed save Cyrus, who stared at the large plaque. However the moment we were outside, Team Galactic and the lustrous orb were completely gone from sight. "No!" I yelled aloud, clenching my fists before looking at the ground, closing my eyes tightly shut as I took a deep breath. We'd failed.
A hand rested gently on my shoulder and I lifted my head, sensing it was Cynthia standing beside me. "We did all that we could and our Pokémon battled valiantly. We should not regret anything." She told me and I nodded my head. "Your Charizard is strong. I think my Garchomp sees him as a great challenge, take a look." I opened my eyes to see Garchomp and Charizard staring one another down with slightly cautious but very proud expressions. "You displayed great strength and trust in your Pokémon. I hope one day we may battle, so that I may experience that strength for myself." She said before turning to everyone else. "Come, let us return to the Pokémon Centre to have all our friends taken care of."
We did so, where we all contemplated what Team Galactic might be up to and what their plan was, but none of us could be certain. With them, you just didn't know. If they did intent to summon the legendary beasts, then what would they do with them? Try to create a new world? How could they do that without destroying this one and everyone on it first? I just don't get it. Still, we just had to keep training hard. The stronger we are, the better chance we have of stopping them.