Guest: Oh, so that's when it came out-well, thanks. Glad you love the story. Doing a story about the gang traveling to Galar sounds fun. I'm still learning about the region and games as I go along so I'll see what I can make of it.
Advance Shipper: Yeah, the Gen 8 episodes are looking pretty cool so far. I can't wait to see what else they're going to do. It's all so interesting, I'm especially curious to see what they're going to do about Go and Raboot. I thought Ash was going to Galar soon but the next episode preview mentions something about him entering the World Championships and I'm pretty sure that the highlight of it is in the Vermillion Gym. About the Galar story, nothing's set in stone yet but I'll be able to give you guys a definite answer later on. For now, I want to learn as much as I can about Galar and go on from there. As for the female rival thing, I want to try having Zinnia be one of Ash's rivals. Her team seems cool and I think she's one of the few Dragon type specialists in Hoenn so it'd be interesting. I appreciate your suggestion but I can't see Zinnia being that open about her goal with just anyone. Heck, until the Delta Episode, she was determined to take care of it all on her own so it's kind of hard to imagine. I don't know about her having a crush on Ash-it depends on how I can work her into the story, which I'm still deliberating. But I like the idea of having her travel with the gang, even if for a short while. It can make things fun.
As always, thanks for reading and I like hearing from you. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Doc oc 102: Thanks, I appreciate the advice. For a while, I thought I'd introduce Zinnia in this chapter but nah, it just doesn't seem right. That's just why it was frustrating. So I'll have to think it over-no sense rushing things.
Guest: Thanks a bunch! Yeah, the Galar season does bring up a bunch of possiblities and it makes things all the more interesting. I like Ash's design from Gen 1 to Gen 6 too, though 6 is my favorite, the others were good too. Believe me I know exactly how you feel when it comes to Gen 7. I was pretty weirded out too at first, it kind of felt like they sometimes really went overboard with the comedy. It's kind of a shame because while the games seem really interesting, the anime does have its moments (The Alola League was definitely among the best parts) But to me, it just seems like it falls flat sometimes. I wish I understand why they would make those lousy designs in the first place.
Well, like I mentioned before, I don't have an answer yet when it comes to the Galar story. I don't want to jump into anything unprepared so I'll see what I can make of it. I do appreciate that you shared your ideas though, they can definitely help.
''Ash, would you slow down already?'' An exasperated May demanded. ''You've been in such a rush all morning-it's really getting old.''
''But I can't wait! We're so close to Lavaridge, I want to get to the next gym!'' The boy returned with a grin before going ahead. All they needed to do was ride the gondolas of Mt. Chimney and they'd reach the city! He was so excited!
May sighed and her brother gave her a sympathetic look ''Don't bother-you know what he's like. Once he knew we were getting close, that was that.''
''Nothing new there...'' Brock trailed off.
May huffed in annoyance ''Honestly, he's like a little kid-the gym isn't going anywhere!''
''Good luck trying to get that through his skull.'' Max returned dryly.
''Leaving the lost causes aside...'' Brock's comment caused the siblings to snicker as he looked at Wally. ''...how're you doing? Feel up to winning that second badge?''
''I'm...not sure about winning but it feels like we're ready. Ralts and Electrike have been working really hard...'' Wally returned.
''So are you.'' Max cut in. ''Our dad believes that if a pokemon can feel that their trainer truly cares and is willing to go the extra mile for them, it gives the pokemon all the more motivation to get stronger.''
Brock smiled ''I think that's true. Trainers and their pokemon can do a lot together by working as a team, after all.''
''Yeah and you three make a great team, Wally.'' May added with a smile.
The boy smiled back ''Thanks...'' He blinked, noticing Ash up ahead near the gondola station. ''...you think something happened? He looks kind of mad.''
May looked curious herself ''Let's find out.''
It turned out Ash was just impatient because people had taken the gondola before them and they were taking a while so it wasn't back yet, leaving his friends exasperated.
''You really are like a little kid sometimes...'' Max deadpanned once they settled in the gondola and it went up. Really, it wasn't all that bad-Ash just overreacted.
Ash spared him an annoyed look ''You guys just don't get it...Wally, you wanna battle the gym leader too, right?''
''Yeah, but there's no need to be in such a rush.''
The boy deflated at the response, not missing how May and Max were nodding in agreement.
Brock seemed amused ''Well, we'll be there soon.''
''Oh yeah, does anyone know what type of gym it is?'' May asked curiously.
''Fire type.'' Wally replied, thinking back to what he learned. ''The gym leader is said to have defeated some of the Elite 4. Vito met him and his granddaughter before, they're strong.''
''Yeah, I heard something about that...'' Max nodded, recalling a remark his father made. ''...Dad knows him. The guy's apparently looking to retire and let her take over the gym.''
''Huh...'' Ash cocked his head, thinking that over. Truth be told, a part of him was disappointed that he might not be able to face the man if that was the case but he wasn't about to complain. Either way, they were looking at a promising challenge.
''So how is it that you never knew any of this when you were so raring to go, Ash?'' Max inquired, making the boy stiffen.
''Oh, Ash was too excited just thinking about the battle to consider stuff like his opponent.'' May put in with a grin.
The others couldn't help but laugh as Ash grumbled. He was unable to refute the very true statement, after all.
Little did they realize, there was a reason for the earlier trouble with the gondola...a problem at the top of Mt. Chimney.
Namely Team Magma and Team Aqua.
Team Rocket happened to discover this by chance, having been planning to ambush the group when they reached the top. Something had seemed odd, the place had been too quiet. And then Meowth happened to see a bunch of people bound in gagged in a distant area. But before they could do anything, they were surrounded by Team Magma grunts.
They were soon beaten and bound as well, forced to watch as Team Magma was conducting some sort of plan that had to do with Mt. Chimney. The strangeness started when they saw someone named Professor Cosmo working with them-he didn't have the same hostile air the lot of that group did. If anything, the man seemed more...ditzy. He was rather focused on a machine the grunts had set up, going on regarding something about a meteor and how grateful he was that Team Magma sponsored him.
Now things really weren't adding up...having seen the red clad group before, Team Rocket could only wonder just what they stood to gain by such a thing. They didn't seem like the sort to help for no reason, after all.
''What do you think they're up to?'' James cocked his head.
''No clue, but it definitely ain't good.'' Meowth pointed out.
''Who cares?! Let's get out of here!'' Jessie snapped.
''I'm all ears if you have a plan.'' James returned dryly, making her harrumph in annoyance.
He was about to go but then he noticed a helicopter approaching the area, landing near the gondola station. Before anyone really knew it, the door opened and a group of Team Aqua members hurried out...
''So this is what the top is like...'' May looked around after they left the gondola.
Ash noticed a few rocks nearby surrounded a big one which held some water which released steam ''There's hotsprings too?''
''Yeah, but not around here. I think the water's just hot because it's so close to the volcano. Lavaridge's famous for its hotsprings.'' Max informed.
May perked up ''Hey, can we try that?''
''Sure, sure...'' Ash returned, looking amused. ''...we had to find the other gondola to help us get to the route leading to the town, right?''
''Yeah, but...'' The group looked at Brock, picking up on his troubled tone. ''...doesn't this seem strange?''
Max raised an eye ''What do you mean?''
''It's almost...too quiet.'' The boy returned.
Wally blinked ''Oh...that is strange. Shouldn't there be workers around this station too?''
Brock nodded ''Not to mention the people who came up on the gondola before us-it's like there's no sight of them anywhere. I'd say they could have just left but...'' He pointed towards a window and they followed his line of sight, seeing a gondola seemingly stuck in its place. The open windows revealed that there was no one inside and they could see a bag that must have belonged to one of the people. ''...something must have happened.''
Pikachu's ears twitched as he heard some noise from outside, making him look at the door behind them. His eyes widened upon seeing a couple of Team Magma grunts there before calling out to them in warning.
''What's wrong?'' Ash looked over, stiffening in surprise. ''What's Team Magma doing here?!''
But they didn't have much time to think on this find as the grunts forced the door and rushed in with a pair of Poochyena at their side.
''Just when I thought we'd get more of Team Aqua...'' The first grunt shook his head. ''...doesn't matter, you brats are coming with us.''
Ash scowled ''I don't think so. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!''
The first grunt didn't have much to react but the second did and he had his Poochyena try to dodge only for that to quickly fail. The grunts scowled and tried to reach for their pokeballs. Brock reacted faster and sent out Lombre to make them stop in their tracs, the pokemon's consequent Water Gun made them hit the wall hard enough to knock them out.
''Isn't Team Magma one of those two new enviromentalist groups? They mentioned something about them on TV. Everyone's been saying how there's more to them than it appers...'' Wally paused, thinking back. ''...there was some talk about how Team Aqua stole something from a museum in Slateport too...''
''Iwe had to deal with those guys before. They and Team Aqua do whatever it takes to get to their goals and they don't seem to care who they hurt.''
''Yeah, we've got a big problem here.'' May added.
''What do we do now?'' Max asked the group at large, knowing they were more than likely trapped stuck with nowhere to go.
Brock crossed his arms ''We need to think carefully about where to go from here...''
Once they hammered out a plan, the group was off.
Since most of them had seen Team Magma in action, it wasn't too hard to believe that they were likely holding the missing people captive. The facts that Team Aqua was likely here (if what the grunt said was anything to go by) and that they found a few scattered items, including an ID card, lent this belief credit.
Thus, they came to agree to split up into two groups. One to try and resue the missing people, the other to remain discreet while trying to keep a lookout.
With Mudkip's help, Brock was able to get a general idea of where the people where. He went on with Max and May while Ash, Wally and Pikachu stayed behind them.
The Kanto trainer had taken time to fill Wally in of what they knew about the two teams. ''We heard they attacked the museum too-who knows what they want but it definitely can't be good.'' He finished.
Wally was about to voice his agreement when...
''Stay away!''
The three started at the cry, making them look around until they saw Professor Cosmo trying to evade a Team Aqua grunt, who was closing in on him. The man was clutching something tightly in his hand as the grunt scowled ''Look, just hand it over and I'll leave you alone.''
''No! I can't let people like you have it, there's no telling what you'd do with it!'' He retorted.
The grunt's eyes narrowed ''That's rich from someone who can't seem to figure out that they're being played! Wingull!''
Before the professor knew it, a Wingull flew in and snatched the item from him. ''No!''
The grunt made to go after his pokemon only to see it being knocked down by Pikachu's Quick Attack leaving the mouse with a chance to snatch the item, which turned out to be a rock of some sort.
''Nice work, Pikachu!'' Ash exclaimed as the pokemon gave it to him. He may not know what was going on yet but he thought they should do what they could to stop both teams. ''Use Thunderbolt!''
The consequent attack stunned both Wingull and its trainer, leaving them to collapse. Professor Cosmo hurried to them, relief clear in his expression ''Thank you!''
''No problem.'' Ash gave the rock back. ''So...what is that anyway?''
''Oh, it's a meteorite. A part of one that broke off and landed in Mt. Chimney to be exact. I was studying it while preparations were being made.'' The man stated.
''Preparations?''
''My sponsors have a plan to help improve the region and they told me this meteorite's power could help! We're just finishing up now!'' Professor Cosmo said.
The boys exchanged looks, not liking where this was going. ''Um, who are your sponsors?'' Wally asked after a moment.
The professor's response proved their worsening suspicions to be accurate.
''Team Magma. They already warned me about Team Aqua possibly interfering but we didn't think they'd do something like this-they're launching a full scale battle now.''
''You can't trust them!'' Ash exclaimed.
''Oh, you mean because of what's being said about them in the news? That's surely exaggeration, they've been so helpful to me-they can't be bad people.'' Professor Cosmo stated.
''Sir-saying stuff like they want to make Hoenn a better place sounds nice but did they ever tell you how it's going to happen?'' Wally inquired.
The man looked at him in surprise but before he could respond, they heard the Team Aqua grunt speak ''Listen to that kid, he's asking the right question. The one you should have asked before.''
Professor Cosmo bristled at his tone ''You have no right to talk-they told me what you people want to do! Your goal would hurt so many to make Hoenn what you think it should be like!''
The grunt appeared calm as the others stared at him in shock ''We've got to make sacrifices if you want to get to our goal.''
''Wait, that's nuts! How can you even do such a thing?'' Ash demanded
''Look at how many pokemon suffer because of humans and their selfish development-we're fighting for those pokemon!'' The grunt retorted. ''Besides, look at Team Magma. They took advantage of this moron so they can use the meteorite he found and make Mt. Chimney erupt!''
''W-what?!''
Around the same time...
Brock's group had succeeded in freeing the missing people, who had explained what they came to learn in all the chaos.
''They want to make the volcano erupt?!'' Max exclaimed.
''Yeah, we heard them talking after Team Aqua showed up.'' One of the workers returned. ''They said how it'd make more land so civilization grow or something like that...''
''How can they believe that? It's ridiculous!'' May frowned.
''They're a bunch of lunatics...'' Another worker shook his head with a grimace as he walked over. ''...The phones won't connect at all, I can't reach the police. What now?''
''There has to be something we can do...'' The first worker trailed off.
As it turned out, a few of Team Magma's members happened to be close by, enabling one of them to snatch the meteorite from Prof. Cosmo before taking off. Shaken as he was by the revelation, the man didn't even have time to process it before he looked at the two red clad people nearby.
''W-was that true?'' He asked shakily. ''You people helped me all along just to do this?''
''What's wrong with that?'' One of the female grunts replied with a smirk. ''You said you wanted your research to help improve Hoenn so the boss decided to make sure it would happen.''
Prof. Cosmo's eyes widened ''But I never wanted this-you can't do this!''
''I'd beg to differ, Professor Cosmo. You were such a good helper after all.'' She remarked, making him pale in horror.
Ash ground his teeth as the man sank to his knees ''Hold it!'' He hurried after the two retreating grunts, fully intent on stopping them.
He was so focused on his target that he hadn't noticed that one of them had her Mightyena out, so she proceeded to order it to attack. The pokemon lunged at Ash and Pikachu was about to meet it in mid-air, only for it to be blasted by a Shock Wave attack that threw it down hard.
This left a surprised Ash to look back at Wally, who had Ralts and Electrike out. Nodding gratefully at his friend, the boy went on, missing Wally calling for him to hold on.
Wally wasn't sure what to do. They were supposed to be keeping a lookout for their friends and the captured people after all so he felt like he couldn't just leave.
But at the same time, Ash and Pikachu were going right into the heart of all the chaos...
The boy thought fast and come to a decision. ''...Electrike, can you go and check up on the others? They should be in that small building to our left, just send us up a signal if everything's okay.'' The lightning pokemon nodded and hurried off.
Brock turned at the sound of a familiar bark, bringing his attention to Electrike as he rushed over. ''Oh, Electrike. Were you guys okay?''
''Trike.'' The pokemon nodded before looking around, seeing all the people safe. Well, it looked like everything was okay so...
He stepped back and fired a Shock Wave into the air, to signal his trainer and Ralts. Brock raised an eye ''I'm guessing Wally told you to do that?''
Electrike affirmed and May looked over in the direction he had come from, squinting. ''I think I see Wally...wait, where are Ash and Pikachu?''
''Ele...'' Electrike's eyes narrowed as he gestured to a pair of grunts from both Teams Magma and Aqua battling in the distance.
''Wait, don't tell me...'' Brock knew Ash well enough to guess what he was likely to do in such a situation. ''...he went to try and stop them?''
The pokemon nodded, May frowned worriedly ''That's too reckless!''
''Yeah, I think Wally might have gone after him.'' Brock's brow furrowed, noticing that their friend had disappeared too. Now he understood, Electrike was the way to make sure everything was fine on their end. Wally would more than likely be just as worried about Ash and Pikachu as he was them. ''We better go too.''
May's eyes narrowed ''Right!''
''Hold on...'' The two looked back to see a few of the workers coming over. ''...you kids want to help your friends, right? Count us in!''
A Crawdaunt released a Bubblebeam at a Mightyena, which jumped back to dodge, landing on a rock before blasting it with a Hyper Beam. A pair of Golbat were battling in the sky, both attacked with Air Cutters and flew off in an attempt to avoid the blasts.
A few of those strayed too close to Ash and Pikachu when they happened to run nearby, luckily they were able to duck in time.
The boy sighed ''That was too close...''
''There he is!''
He started and whirled around at the voice, seeing one of the grunts he had defeated a few minutes ago pointing what must have been two of his comrades at them.
Ash scowled as Pikachu jumped off his shoulder, his cheeks sparking with electricity as he prepared to defend his trainer. The two grunts sent out a pair of Mightyena, with one ordering it to use Bite. In return, Ash had Pikachu dodge and slam it with Iron Tail before using Thunderbolt on the other Mightyena.
When they tried to have their pokemon use Hyper Beam, Ash took advantage of the fact that Pikachu was faster to take both pokemon down with another Thunderbolt attack.
The problem came when more grunts seemed to pay attention to the altercation, and while most were occupied with Team Aqua, it could also lead to more coming at them...
Wally knew that this was dangerous, it was more than likely not a good idea but he couldn't just leave his Ash and Pikachu charging into such a situation on their own. Figuring that there had to be something he could do to help them, he went after them with Ralts. The duo were more careful, doing what they could to stay away from both Team Magma and Aqua and battling any opposition that happened to obstruct their path. The last thing they needed now was to jump into pointless battles.
They were at least able to distract a few grunts who had been going after their friends and defeat them. Knowing there could be more soon, Wally stepped back behind a big boulder and looked at his partner.
''You okay?''
Ralts nodded with a reassuring smile, which widened when his trainer gave him a Sitrus berry just to be safe.
''Can you find Ash and Pikachu?'' He wanted to know.
Ralts began sensing their friends, soon he was able to point them in the right direction...
Ash had been able to defeat the grunts and keep going, soon running into Professor Cosmo. The man was feeling horribly guilty after learning what was really going and so he really wanted to do something to stop Team Magma. He knew where the grunt who stole the meteorite was and unfortunately, she had likely given it to Team Magma's leader. Still, knowing that they needed it to get it back, the two hurried on to stop them.
But just as they saw the laser aimed at the volcano, they found a man from Team Aqua and another from Team Magma battling it out. The first was using a Cloyster while the other had a Magcargo out.
''Ash, that's guy is one of Team Magma's admins. His name's Tabitha-and I'm pretty sure that one is forom Team Aqua's admins.'' Professor Cosmo informed tersely.
The boy's eyes narrowed ''No wonder they seem so strong...'' He noticed a man with slicked back red hair working on the machine in the distance. ''...who's that guy?''
''Team Magma's leader Maxie. If he's already there...''
''We've got to hurry.'' Ash's brow furrowed. They may be really close to the machine holding the meteorite but it looked like the only way to go was through the admins though...
The two men were so focused on their battle that they didn't even seem to notice Ash or the professor. Tabitha spoke up with a cold smirk ''You're just wasting time-we've already won. Our plan will soon come to pass!''
''Not if we can help it!'' The Team Aqua Admin (whose name was Matt) retorted. ''Cloyster, Hydro Pump!''
''Hyper Beam!'' Tabitha ordered in return. He grimaced when the attacks wound up in a stalemate while Matt grinned.
''Good, do it again!''
This time Magcargo was too slow to do a thing, especially with Hyper Beam's side effect, leaving it to collapse. Tabitha returned it with a scowl as his opponent grinned.''This isn't over!'' He sent out a Mightyena.
Professor Cosmo was trying to think of what they could do to keep going ''Isn't there...'' His eyes widened. ''...oh, no...!''
Ash blinked before he proceeded to follow the man's line of sight until his eyes landed on a number of pokemon scattered around in different directions. They were mostly obscured by the steam released from the volcano and a nearby rock that held some water. It wasn't until then that he realized there actually was another path to get to the machine but it was blocked by an unconscious Graveler.
''There hasn't been anyone here besides them...I think those pokemon must have learned what was going on so they tried to intervene...'' Professor Cosmo said numbly. ''...Team Magma really doesn't care...how could I have been so blind?''
Ash barely heard him, feeling his the temper he'd been suppressing rise. This was too much-he wouldn't let them get away with this!
When Wally and Ralts caught up with their friends, it was in time to see Pikachu electrocuting a Mightyena and a Cloyster.
The trainers of said pokemon turned angrily on the teen, who called out something he couldn't quite make out before having Pikachu push Mightyena to the side with a Quick Attack and then slamming it with Iron Tail.
Professor Cosmo seemed to decide to use the distraction to keep going but his path was blocked by Cloyster's trainer, who was glowering at him. Both Admins had their pokemon attack but Pikachu stopped Mightyena with another Iron Tail. Cloyster was in the air, preparing an Icicle Crash. Wally had Ralts stop it with Psybeam.
''There's more of them?!'' Matt cried as his pokemon fainted.
Ash and the professor were just as surprised but for a different reason ''Wally...'' The first started.
''I couldn't just leave like this.'' The boy returned.
''Well, isn't that sweet?'' Tabitha drawled mockingly and they saw a grunt hurrying to him, sending out a Koffing. ''Having one or two more pests makes no difference-Mightyena, Dark Pulse!''
The grunt had his Koffing use Sludge and both attacks headed towards the four. Scowling, Matt sent out a Golduck and had it use Hydro Pump while Pikachu and Ralts fired off a Thunderbolt and Psybeam. The collision of the attacks caused an explosion that wound up blowing them all back.
As they began pulling themselves up, an unfamiliar sound reached their ears, bringing their attention to a red beam being fired into the volcano.
''There it is!'' The grunt exclaimed happily.
''N-no...'' Professor Cosmo wheezed, Ash tried to run over but he was wincing from the injuries he'd received. The boy tried to have Pikachu blast the machine with Thunder but Mightyena got in the way. As Tabitha sent out a Golbat next, the grunt had his Koffing block Ralts' Psybeam from even coming near the machine too.
''Ralts, can you do something about that machine from here? We could use all the time we can get.'' Wally stated.
After a moment of thought, the feeling pokemon nodded. It was hard since the machine was big but it helped that they were this close. Ralts proceeded to use his psychic abilities to forcefully move the machine's target to a rocky wall nearby. This brought Maxie's attention towards them and prompted Tabitha into action, quickly getting into Ash's way when the boy tried to press on their advantage before ordering his Golbat to attack them with Air Cutter.
''S-stop that, they're just kids!'' Professor Cosmo cried out desperately, watching as the attack pushed the four back.
''That's what they get for trying to interfere, Air Cutter once more!'' Tabitha called.
Ash scowled upon noticing how some of the blasts hit a few of the unconscious wild pokemon they had seen earlier. Hadn't they gone through enough? They couldn't even defend themselves!
He had Pikachu blast the pokemon with a Thunderbolt but by then it was too late to do anything about the stray Air Cutter. One blast wound up knocking a Feebas who was trying to move into the air. A few were all over the place, Ash had to duck to avoid one before it hit him while Pikachu jumped to the left to do the same. But that was when the mouse pokemon saw something that made him cry out in warning.
A few of the blasts were heading towards Wally, Ralts and the Feebas, who had also been trying to avoid the attack so they noticed this too late. Wally did the only thing he could think of at the moment, shielding the two pokemon with his body. Ralts cried out in alarm at this while Feebas was left shocked as the boy fell back. Both pokemon looked at the sound of foosteps to see an irate Tabitha come over with his Golbat and the grunt following his pace with a Zubat.
''You brats just don't quit, do you?'' He growled.
''Stay away from them!'' Ash cried as he and Pikachu ran over to help, Wally tried to move but he was clearly unable to get far, hurt as he was.
''Aqua Jet!''
Before anyone knew it, a Sharpedo charged and tackled both red clad men and their pokemon hard.
The Sharpedo went back to a man in a dark blue outfit, wearing a bandana that had Team Aqua's symbol on it. Matt was standing behind him, seeming satisfied at the duo's defeat.
''That's Team Aqua's leader! He's here too...?'' Professor Cosmo breathed.
But the new arrival's attention was on the boys, particularly Wally. He hadn't failed to notice that even now, the boy was keeping a firm, protective hold on Ralts and Feebas. ''A couple of my boys noticed you, you got some guts for a wee little thing. You're somethin' else...instead of just charging when you know you'd be overwhelmed, you were actually damn smart about it. You still came to help your friend, even going so far to defend those two when many wouldn't...'' He cracked a grin, knowing his grunts had simply let the boy pass since he had no intention of fighting them. They had been plenty busy anyway. ''...I can respect that, little scamp.''
Wally had no idea what to say to that, really not expecting such a thing. Helping out like the man had was one thing but this? And the man really seemed to mean it too...
Tabitha was about to order his Golbat to attack, only to freeze in surprise when it was hit by a green blur a second later.
It happened to be none other than Electrike, who proceeded to knock the pokemon out with a Thunder Fang.
Cursing, the man stepped back as the lightning pokemon landed in front of his trainer and partner, growling at their enemies. But it seemed Electrike's arrival was only the beginning as Brock's group arrived with a few of their pokemon out. Wally began to smile at this as Maxie grimaced but he signalled to a few of the grunts he had on standby to step forward and a battle quickly ensued.
Ash helped Wally up ''You going to be okay?''
The boy made to respond but he felt a sharp pain up his shoulder that made him wince, biting back a groan as he gripped it. ''S-sorry...'' He managed as the movement made him drop Feebas. However, the pokemon didn't seem to care, its focus being more on him.
Similarly, Ralts, Electrike and Pikachu were looking on in concern. Ash felt guilt well up within him as he watched his friend reassure them that he would be all right. It was just as Archie had said-Wally had come to help him in the first place, because he knew how dangerous this situation was. The Kanto trainer knew that he hadn't even stuck with their earlier agreement. He'd just gotten angry upon learning of what Team Magma did but things didn't have to be this way...
May ran over with Swablu in tow ''Are you guys all right?'' But she saw the answer to her own question as she looked them over.
''I...well, we will be.'' Ash said after a moment.
Wally glanced at the ensuing battle. ''Team Magma's being held up-can't we try taking the meteorite now?''
''We better, I don't think we'll get another chance...'' Ash quickly noticed that Professor Cosmo seemed to have the same idea, as he was already in front of the machine. The battle provided a big enough distraction as he was busy trying to get the item back.
But it looked like Maxie was starting to realize what they were doing, he clearly wanted to stop them but was busy battling Archie. His Camerupt was already in a bad disadvantage against the man Sharpedo, if he let up, he would more than likely lose.
Thus, having no choice, he ordered two of his grunts to stop them. Wally had Electrike attack the first grunt's Koffing with a Shock Wave with Fire Fang while May and Swablu stopped the second grunt and his Numel with Round.
''Ash, go! That guy's going to be a in a lot of trouble if they get to focus on him.'' May pointed out.
The boy nodded back, sparing them a concerned glance. After a moment of hesitation, he ran over to the professor.
''I-I can't get it to open!'' The man exclaimed when he saw Ash.
The boy frowned ''Let's try this then, Thunderbolt!''
The attack caused an explosion, leading to an alarm sounding from the machine. Most looked on in as the part holding back was open. This was enough to galvanise Team Magma. One of the grunts tried to tackle Cosmo to get the meteorite back but Ash had Pikachu use Quick Attack to stop him.
The distraction cost them though, as Brock's group was able to keep pushing until most of them were defeated. Wally and May took down the last of the grunts' pokemon as Archie had Sharpedo defeat Camerupt with another Aqua Jet.
Professor Cosmo glanced at the meteorite, his hand clenching around it ''I was a real fool, so foused on my research that I couldn't see what was right in front of me...it took you kids stepping in to make sure I wouldn't make a horrible mistake. I was so excited to start that nothing seemed more important. But...enough of that.''
''Stop!'' Maxie cried, knowing where this was going. But it was too late.
He proceeded to toss the meteorite into the volcano with all his strength. In seconds, it was gone.
Both teams soon left, having nothing else left here. The kidnapped people made sure to thank Ash, Wally and Professor Cosmo, knowing they had also fought hard to stop them. Soon things settled down and everyone headed to the gondola station. Though if they had stayed longer, they would've seen Team Rocket also trying to hurry away as the police was arriving...
''That should do it.'' Brock nodded in satisfaction after he was done tending to his friends' injuries, leaving them to thank him.
''I can't believe you guys rushed right into that mess. Reckless doesn't even begin to describe it!'' Max exclaimed.
''Seriously, what were you thinking?'' May demanded irritably.
''I-I'm sorry...'' Wally returned. The urgency of the situation back then made him feel trapped and he went with the only way he could see back then. ''...it was a bad idea but I didn't know what else to do. Looking back, it would've been better if I had talked to you guys first...''
''Don't blame him.'' Ash cut the boy off. In his opinion, the green haired boy had nothing to apologize for. ''Wally only came in like that because I jumped right into things. He was trying to help me, I would've been much worse off without him. I wanted to stop them but I should've gone better about it.''
Brock crossed his arms ''Well, I'm glad you realize that. Mistakes were made but there's no point lamenting what's already been done, use this day a lesson for the future.''
Wally nodded back and Ash was about to speak when he saw Professor Cosmo approaching.
''There you are.''
''Hey, what's up?'' Ash cocked his head.
''Well, I thought there was something you'd want to see.'' He looked outside where Pikachu, Ralts and Electrike stood talking to Feebas. The water type was swimming in one of a small spring near the station, now looking much better.
''So that is a wild pokemon, right? I was just thinking that Ralts and Electrike seem familiar with Feebas.'' Professor Cosmo admitted.
''Really? I don't see how...'' Max looked puzzled.
But May knew ''Wait, you don't think...?''
Ash and Brock were also exchanging looks that proved they had a good guess, remembering something Wally told them before.
The boy in question approached the four pokemon. ''...You're that same Feebas from the other day, aren't you?''
Feebas nodded happily at this. Wally couldn't help but smile ''I wondered what happened to you. Glad you're okay now.''
The pokemon seemed more pleased by this, knowing all its preconceptions about the boy had been wrong. Thus, it made a decision.
Ralts and Electrike were curious when Feebas began addressing them, both pleasantly surprised upon hearing what it had to say. The former went tug at Wally's sleeve, pointing at his pokeballs.
''Wait, you're saying Feebas wants to...?'' The boy blinked.
Both his pokemon nodded and May smiled ''You should go for it-Feebas clearly likes you.''
The boy glanced at the water type, who beamed back. Wally began to smile again ''...All right then.''
He held out a pokeball and enlarged it, Feebas tapped it without missing a beat. The item shook a little but it quickly came to a stop, signifying a successful capture.
''Way to go, looks like Feebas understood what you're really like this time.'' Ash said with a grin.
Wally nodded back, glancing back at the pokeball as his partners joined them. Well, he hadn't thought things would go down like this after their first meeting but he certainly wasn't about to complain. It felt nice to see how things improved since then.
Shortly afterwards, after saying goodbye to Professor Cosmo, the group rode the gondola that would take them to their destination, Lavaridge Town.
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I gave this chapter a lot of thought and I decided to go with it this way in the end. I'm basing Team Magma and Team Aqua on what I've seen from them in Alpha Sapphire, so hopefully they won't be too out of character. Given what was mentioned from Archie's backstory, I think he would be the one to see that Wally went as far as he did here because he cared for his friends. I had a different plan on introducing Feebas in the story but this came to mind when I started writing the story and I decided to do it this way.
I intend to use this chapter as a lesson too. For starters, Ash's always going to reckless and impulsive (it's honestly hard for me to imagine him differently) but what went down here should be a reminder to curb those traits. Wally wound up reacting to the pressure, but that could also be bad.
Well, that's really all I had to say. Thanks for reading and thanks for those who left reviews, you guys help me stay motivated. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, till next time!
