Hello everyone!
You know what I said before with chapter five being the biggest chapter? Scrap that. This one is the biggest.
Wanna know why? Read and find out!
"Your Sneasel is in perfect condition," commented Nurse Joy as she handed the oddly-coloured Pokemon back to Serena, the former being very happy being back in her arms. The honey-blonde chuckled as she crackled the Sneasel in her grip, "Thanks, Nurse Joy."
The pink-haired woman bowed her head giving a warm smile, "Always happy to help. Please do visit again." Serena nodded her head before turning on her heels and walking to her friends at the nearby desk, all of them looking at a map.
Pulling out a chair, the coordinator sat down, "Have you found out where we are yet?" Professor Kukui nodded pointing to a spot on the map, "Yes we are in the Unova Region and on Twist Mountain. Meowth says we teleported far away from the base Giovanni held us because that was in Kanto, Celedon City underneath the game corner."
"So are we safe?" asked Serena as she pulled Sneasel's thumb out of its mouth that it happened to be sucking, getting an annoying grumble from the infant. Meowth shook his head crossing his arms, "I don't think so twerpette. The boss doesn't give up that easily. He will find us and the other twerps if he hasn't found them already."
"That isn't helping," said Professor Burnet while Meowth shrugged, "I'm just telling ya lugs the truth. If ya don't wanna get caught we better move fast."
"But where do we go next from here?" asked Professor Kukui scratching his head, trying to think of their next move from here onwards. Meowth pointed to another part of the map, "I followed the twerp through the whole Unova Region and practically know this piece of rock off by heart. So ya guys follow me and we will get outta here."
Serena rose an eyebrow, "How many regions have you followed Ash through?" Meowth looked upwards at the roof and started counting down the fingers on his paws, "Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola. Not to mention all the little detours along with the Orange Islands as well."
He got a lot of stares for that one.
Professor Kukui coughed awkwardly into his hand, realizing that Ash was basically stalked through 7 regions by three people who wanted to steal his Pikachu, "Well, erm, okay. So where do we go Meowth?"
The normal type stared intensely at the map before pointing to the side, "Here. Twerp made some very good friends there and could maybe help us. We should leave straight away. What do you say?" Everyone leaned forward, looking and nodded in agreement, "Alright. Let's go."
With the group packed up supplies, with a few extra jackets this time, before leaving the Pokemon Centre heading to their latest destination.
It was late at night inside of the Battle Pyramid as Ash lay on his bed staring up at the ceiling, he just couldn't sleep for some reason. Whenever he closed his eyes he would see Serena smiling at him and hear her soft voice speaking to him. He felt this strange feeling in his chest almost like a warm yet it felt like it was twisting inside of him while his stomach was all fuzzy when he thought of her. It never happened before with anyone else, so why was it happening now? And why Serena? Why did he feel so… different around her lately? Even when he tried to think of something else his mind would turn to her. But why?!
"Gah!" The boy grabbed a fist full his hair feeling like pulling it out in frustration. He was so confused and it was giving him a headache. Sitting up, Ash sighed heavily seeing that Pikachu was fast asleep next to him and Pyroar wasn't there like usual, he assumed that the royal Pokemon was probably sleeping by its trainer.
Maybe another walk would help.
Getting out of bed, the raven-haired trainer left his room taking his hat on the way out and softly closing the door behind him, not wanting to disturb Pikachu's sleep.
Ash might have been aimlessly walking for a while down the halls of the Battle Pyramid, he wasn't sure for how long and where he was going, but a bright flash from down one of the passageways caught his attention causing him to stop walking. Blinking in confusion, he curiously followed it wondering who or what else could be up at this time. More bright flashes emulated from the corridor as well as muffled noises and Ash soon found himself running towards it. However, once he made his way out of the hallway to his surprise he stumbled upon the battlefield. But that isn't what really surprised him, it was who was training on it.
"Pyroar Iron Tail!" commanded Lysandre as the lion-like Pokemon ran forward. It lept high up in the air with its tail glowing white and swung it over as it came closer to the ground. However, before it made contact its tail stopped glowing getting a growl of frustration from both trainer and Pokemon. Not prepared to right its landing Pyroar crashed to the ground on its side and skidded harshly across the battlefield, whimpering from the hard impact.
Lysandre exhaled heavily while running a hand through his orange spiky hair, he has been trying to teach Pyroar that attack for a while but they can't seem to get it right. It was just the same result over and over again. The man walked to the fire and normal type smiling softly as he bent down to its level and taking its Pokeball out, "You did your best Pyroar. Hopefully, we will get it right soon my friend. How does a rest sound?"
Pyroar gaze moved to the floor, lowering its head giving a low growl as a reply feeling guilty and useless that it still has failed to master that move, again. A red haze engulfed it and was sent back into its Pokeball. Standing up, Lysandre stared at the Pokeball in his hand before sighing as he clipped it back on his belt. He was hoping that they would get that move right soon, especially with what is to come. He knew he needed to be ready for both Delia and Ash's sakes.
Lysandre turned on his heels to leave but to his surprise, he saw a certain raven-haired boy standing by the entrance of the battlefield, "Ash? What are you doing awake?"
"Ah, so you couldn't sleep," commented Lysandre with a smile, as the duo were now sitting by the stands. Ash nodded, "Yeah, so why were you awake training Pyroar?" The orange-haired man shrugged leaning back into his chair, "How about we agree that you are not only who can't sleep. Especially with recent events."
"Oh," replied Ash, as silence washed over them. It was tense. It was a peaceful and calm one. Yet Ash couldn't help frown frowned, deciding to ask Lysandre a question that has been bugging him for a while since they escaped Team Rainbow Rocket's base, "Lysandre how do you know my mom's name?" The man chuckled sitting straighter, "I guess there is no use of hiding it. When I am much younger, when I was still a trainer I met your mother during my travels."
"You did? How?" asked Ash in a curious voice interrupting the man. Lysandre looked away with a slight blush appearing on his face remembering his first encounter with Delia, "Let's just say she made a surprising drop in."
"Huh?" The raven-haired boy tilted his head to the side looking very confused wondered what the Lysandre meant by that. The man continued talking not wanting to completely elaborate what he meant by that, "Anyway, I happened to be lost trying to find my way to Professor Oak's laboratory having to deliver an important package, during this time the lab was much smaller and Pallet Town didn't even exist. The Viridian forest was much thicker making it quite the task to navigate. After my brief meeting with your mother, she helped me find Oak's lab. When I was complete with my assignment, I met your mother again in Viridian City, which was nothing but a small town back then, thanking her for the help she offered. Afterwards, I stayed in Kanto after becoming Professor Oak's assistant."
"You became his assistant instead of a Pokemon trainer?" asked Ash intrigued, receiving a nod from Lysandre, "Yes, during my time as his assistant, Delia and I started becoming closer each day. It wasn't really long before we eventually fell deeply in love with each other."
"Love?" muttered Ash, yet again confused by the word tilting his head to the side. Before his face brightened remembering something a certain brunette researcher told him in Alola, "Oh like the one Gary mentioned! The one that involves babies!"
"W-what?!" Lysandre's face became a deep shade of red while he rearing his head back. Already making a silent threat that when he gets his hands on Gary he is going strangle the boy for being the rude perverted kid that ruined Ash's innocence.
Coughing awkwardly into his hand, Lysandre straightened his back trying to regain his composure and seriousness, "Love isn't that easy to explain Ash. It's much more complicated. When you're in love, you always want to be together, and when you're not, you're thinking about being with the one you love. Love is when you can't do anything without thinking about that person, and you always want to be with them. Love is always wanting to make them smile, laugh or hear their voice every day in your life or to fight to keep them safe and happy. Do you understand what I am saying, Ash?"
Ash looked to the floor as he pondered over Lysandre's words, is that why he always thought of Serena? Worrying about her so much since this mess started? Is this the love he feels for her? But how will he know if he truly loves her? The boy's brows furrowed together in frustration as he stared back upwards at Lysandre, "But how will I know when I love someone or not?"
"First you will have a fuzzy feeling in your stomach." Ash nodded along with that, whenever he saw/thought about Serena that always happened, "Second you will have another feeling in your chest, a very warm one when you think of them." Ash's eyes widened. That is exactly how he felt about Serena. Does that mean he loves her? Does he love Serena? The boy suddenly found himself blushing when he thought of it.
"So, erm, what happened after my mom and you fell in love?" asked Ash deciding to change the subject back, not quite sure to do with the fact he loves Serena. Lysandre smiled, he could tell Ash loved someone, he had a hunch it was Serena. He might have not known the girl for long but he could tell she had quite the history with Ash.
"Well, we dated for about a year and a half. We became so close I was even planning to ask her to marry me the upcoming month." Ash's head perked up in further interest, "You were?" Lysandre nodded but his smile slowly faded as he closed his eyes.
"Yes, I was. However, before I had the chance I suddenly found myself interested in medical care and the aid of people. But in order to take it further, I had to study far away in the Kalos Region. But when I did I had to leave Delia behind so she could look after her mother's restaurant. I thought I could keep in touch with her in Kalos but eventually, I lost all contact with her. The rest as everyone says is history," ended Lysandre with a heavy sigh.
It became silent once again. Like before it wasn't tense but just peaceful. Ash yawned as his eyelids began to become heavy earning a chuckle from Lysandre, "Getting tired?" The boy shook his head, "No way!" But as another when escaped his mouth, Ash groaned starting to feel drowsy while rubbing his eyes.
Lysandre gave a small smile as he reached out his arm, pulling Ash a little closer. The boy tensed as he leaned into the man's side and felt his hair being gently groomed. It was a while before Ash's muscles started slowly relaxing, the boy's eyes began to flutter closed as he gave one final large yawn while mumbling in a sleepy daze curling up closer to Lysandre, "Goodnight dad."
Lysandre's gaze softened as Ash drifted into a dreamless sleep, feeling all of his insides completely melt like molten lava from the sight of seeing the boy in such a peaceful state. He didn't know if Ash said that by accident or not but for Lysandre it was enough. Enough for him to know who he truly was.
But little did he know that trouble brewed faraway.
Agent Looker had his fists clenched as he was pacing frantically up and down inside of Lusamine's office. He had to remain calm, despite the fact he lost all contact with Agent Rumo, he didn't know if his inside agent was captured or worse, dead.
"Agent Looker can you please explain what is happening?" asked Lusamine scowling at him with her arms crossed over her chest, "The children are getting more restless by the minute. I need to give them some news, I don't care if it's bad or good but anything to help them calm down."
The man sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair, great more pressure. Just what he needs, "I wish I could tell you. But there has been trouble lately making it difficult for me to receive information. I am not even sure where Ash and his friends are or anyone for that fact, including Giovanni."
Lusamine shook her head about to reply when Lillie's voice interrupted from behind her, "Mother is everything alright?" The duo turned around to not only see Lillie but all the guardians along with Gladion standing by the entrance.
Agent Looker and Lusamine looked at each other in uncertainty before the dark-haired man shook his head, it's best not to get them anymore worried than necessary. The blonde-haired woman exhaled heavily as she turned her attention back to everyone, "Everything is alright Lillie I promise you that."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," a new voice entered the conversation. Everyone whipped around to see Giovanni sitting in Lusamine's chair with his feet resting on her desk while he took a bite out of an apple that was in his hand.
"Who are you?!" demanded Gladion taking out a Pokeball glaring at the strange man that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Giovanni ignored the boy instead smirking at Agent Looker, "You know you had me going there for a while with your little agent of yours. Fortunately, a dear friend of mine made sure he won't be causing trouble ever again."
Agent Looker's eyes widened knowing what the man meant, "You monster. You killed him." Giovanni just laughed seemingly amused by this, "Be careful how you throw words like that around. I know a certain someone who deserves that name way more than me."
"I will ask again who are you and what do you want with us!?" demanded Gladion stepping protectively infront of everyone as his face fell into a sneer. Giovanni finally looked at the boy with his smirk enlarging, "I am the leader of Team Rainbow Rocket, Giovanni. Why I am here? That is simple I want your mother to hand over Aether Foundation to me. I know of your little operations with ultra wormholes. I believe it will help greatly with Project Nucleus."
Lusamine stepped forward this time her eyes narrowing dangerously at the man, "I will never hand it over to you! I use my technology to create peace with Ultra beasts and humans, not for an evil organization that wants to cause war! What use do you have with it!?"
The man chuckled, "Ah, nice for you to know what my plan is. It makes it easier to explain. Yes, I want to create war and I believe your equipment could help aid in making the process faster. So why not give me what I want?" Lusamine scowled feeling anger starting to bubble inside of her chest, "There is no way we will give it to you! No matter what!"
Giovanni rolled his eyes, "No matter what? Does that also include the sacrifice all of your workers Lusamine?" Lillie's eyes widened, "W-what do you mean?" The man turned his gaze to the girl, "What I mean is while I was talking to you all of my grunts have practically taken over and are holding everyone at gunpoint. All I need to do is give the word and well it won't be pretty."
Lusamine stared at disbelief at Giovanni, "You wouldn't dare." The leader of Team Rainbow Rocket barked out a laugh as he stood up, "Are you willing to test that theory? You either give everything to me I want or everyone's blood will be on your hands. What do you choose?"
"Don't do it mother!" exclaimed both Lillie and Gladion. "Yeah don't!" agreed Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles. All of them stepping forward each looking seconds away from attacking Giovanni. Said man grinning wildly and staying very calm despite the hostile atmosphere directed at him.
"So do we have a deal Lusamine?" The blonde-haired woman closed her eyes as she thought over it. It was either her workers lives or the world could go into war. She gave a shaky sigh knowing which one she had to do. No matter what she couldn't get her employees hurt. They depended on her to keep them safe and that is what she had to do. "Alright, Aether Foundation is yours. Just don't harm any of my workers, the children or my family."
Giovanni's smirk had twisted itself into a inhuman grin as his eyes gleamed madly in the bright light, "Nice to have done business with you Lusamine and I hope that our future meetings will be just as successful."
Oh no.
Oh shit.
How many more words can describe that? Simple answer: too many.
Anyways, that is a wrap of this massive chapter. Please do remembers to review afterwards in the comments.
Petrolhead1 out like a light.