Ashes in May Ch. 26 That's Old News, Update!

OMG! I'M SO SORRY!

I have no idea why it chapters keep showing up all distorted and error...I'm trying to figure it out, I promise!

Now onto other news, I have heard you please for more Ash and May moments and after looking over a few things other relationships seem to outshine our pair. So, the next chapter will be all about some wholesome and maybe a bit spicy Ash and May moments, well at least I hope. Not gonna lie making happy stuff is haaard! LOL, but I will sacrifice my time for yall, you shall get you beautiful Ash X May moments… :)

…..enjoy.

Early morning here was oddly tranquil deep within the literal jungle of foliage. Looking up you'd see the dim sky transition from a deep cosmic blue to the light celestial one we all know and love. The powerful yet soothing orchestra of Kricketot and Kricketune slowly fading as they themselves prepare to rest; replacing their nightly rhythm were of the chirping and singing of many bird pokemon and the flowing grass type brimming with happiness as sunlight warmed their plant bodies. Nesting Chatot high up on the highest branches, shivered the cool morning dewdrops of their feathers cooing softly as the sun warmed them and their jungle home. Toucannons cooking mangos with their huge beaks to bring out the sweetness of the fruit before eating their treat.

Down below the canopy swinging, jumping through the branches, or swinging on the overgrown vines, a lot of pokemon could be seen. Mischievous Pansage, Panpour, and Pansear snickering at the mild annoyance they were causing by pulling on Tangla vines and haphazardly getting swot at by the larger Tangrowth. A scarce Slackoth ever so slowly reaching up to grasp the next branch, or a few Masquerain zipping by a group of Roselia that was as if they were making a performance of each stride. One followed the other in a single file line through the forest floor. "Ro, ro, ro seliiia," they chanted gleefully, looking proud as they went.

Ariados hung from their string hungrily waiting for a hopeless Yamma or Vivillon to land in their web. Then, traveling further near a stream and small waterfall the perfect habitat for water types and amphibious pokemon to dwell. Some Froakies hopscotched over stones, others joyfully leaping down from the waterfalls. Woopers all the while swimming around with their adorable dopey faces, joined by Poliwags and training Poliwhirls. As safe haven compared to the lower reaches of the vast rivers that coursed through the jungle. It's here where the larger more dangerous predators lived like wild Feraligatr with their larger clamping jaws preying on the plentiful Basculin or Deerling and Sawsbuck that take the risk of crossing the river. Not to mention the ravenous Carvanhas who bide their time eating as much as possible in hopes of evolving into Sharpedo and journeying out into the ocean. Yet with such daunting predators, prey still manages to thrive here, many such as Buizels, all propelling themselves rapidly through the water swirling, diving, and surfacing, simply enjoying their lives among others like the Marill lines and Oshawatt lines.

Yet, with the continuously rising sunlight shimmered through the leaves down over the sleeping Torterra they were bound to wake. Upon feeling the warmth of day their large bodies took labored steps as they stood from their resting spots. Dirt and grass fell from their backs as they shook and stood to rid themselves of lingering drowsiness. With a quick Synthesis they jump started their bodies to begin walking. Glancing down they made sure to take careful strides so as to not crush their young Turtwigs who would be crushed under their massive weight.

This group Torterra and their evolution line had, like many other pokemon, had just entered the jungle a few nights before after 20 days of travel. Migrating herds of all kinds of pokemon were commonly seen trudging through the forest by the local populations of pokemon. For others this was merely a stop on their journey, while for others it was their final until it was time to travel back.

So, as each step combined into strides and strides into a march they eventually came across a familiar landmark. They went alongside an ancient wall made of carved stone. Covered by moss, vines and other plant life it was clear that it had suffered years of wear and tear as evident by the chips and erosion. Some parts even collapsed, opening a window of sorts to what was hidden behind the walls. Suddenly, two shadows passed over catching the eye of a single Torterra making it raise its head in observance. However, what was found was nothing but a few local Skwovet crawling over top of the wall, so letting the thought go, the mammoth pokemon continued its way, unknowing what truly those shadows were.

Leaving the tortoise pokemon on their way, the Skwovet seem interested in something as they hop off into the wall's interior. Landing easy into an overgrown courtyard of shorts. Wild grass grows high throughout the area. Old statues of people toppled over or shattered, small fountain design after images of pokemon broke or overflowing. Walking further you begin to see abandoned buildings, eroded pathways, ramps, and stairs. Even though this ancient city had been abandoned hundreds of years ago, life, even here, remains. This was much understood by two figures who had arrived. The larger of the two letting itself land silently on the old stone path and taking a look around. The other remained in the air swirling around as if taking in the place it had one held in memory. Slowly, the taller figure walked through the ancient ruins observing its surroundings. Sure, it could have flown, but it had come to appreciate the simple leisure of walking and contemplating. To the right a ledge high above revealed a nest of serpent pokemon who rose their heads in their presence. It was a hiss of Serperior who gaze down at them with disinterested looks, yet they were still weary of their presence and powerful auras. This was an uncommon sight as serpent pokemon were usually solitary creatures, yet here they remained in groups. Other pokemon who had been present looked at them but dared not approach, though the mysterious pair seemed to have caught the eye of a certain small creature.

Continuing on, the pair were greeted by tall but damaged step pyramids, some turned to rubble, other overgrown, and others heavily eroded. Remains of long since inactive Golurk lay upon them. An eerie sight to be sure, even for the stoic figure who looks on in observance. Everyonce and a while the Step-pyramid walls displace an area of ancient carvings that had miraculously survived. Such as images of humans and their children, or men and Conkeldurr depicting the construction of the large structures of their long forgotten city. Nearing a wall heavily draped with vines, the mysterious being cleared the area with its power revealing carvings of what looked to be groups of humans and some canine pokemon like Lycanroc, Herdier,and Manectric, hunting others like Sawbucks, Morpeko or Cinccino. Images of mass hunted as being successful and the hunters being celebrated by the masses of human and pokemon inhabitants.

A disgusted grunt came from the usually stoic being before getting a reminder from its travel companion. It was reminded that just as other pokemon hunted in order to feed their young as well as themselves, so did the human societies. They hunted and gathered to feed the many people and pokemon who once lived in the city. Nodding the figure continued still not liking the idea however understood that it was logical. So, willing itself to let it go, the figure followed the smaller floating one towards the largest of the step pyramids. Forgoing the act of climbing the stairs it lifted its body up to the top. That was easy enough for the powerful pokemon, nevertheless it powered down as soon as it reached the entrance to the large temple. Guarding the entrance were statues of Bronzor that seemed to vibrate with a deep gong sound. Stepping inside it was dark with only the light from outside to light the room. In the center of the room was a crystal that looked old and lack-luster, a few chips in places, yet it was being held in place by a highly decorated stone pillar.

"So, why is it that you've brought us here? After all, I do not wish to incite the increase in your ego by returning to the place the ancients worshipped you," stated the psychic type with a serious expression. "Mew, Mew, muuhh, ewm," the smaller pokemon replied resenting that comment, but instead of arguing the small feline moved to the dull grey crystal. Floating down to place its small paws on the crystal it let its power flow through. "Meeeeewuhh," came it small grunt because it used more power to compensate for the damaged crystal. The gem slowly began to gain a sense of color as it absorbed the psychic energy pooling under Mew's paws. Mewtwo watched with an unchanging expression, though within he had quite the curiosity to understand what his...er...mother...parent...original. (Ugh, nevermind!) Flash, another followed shortly after, resembling the flickers of an old lightbulb yet instead of white light the flashes were pink as if reflecting the aura the mythical was releasing. It didn't take long before the crystal to shine in a rose hue, regardless of the chips, cracks, and rough state of the gem. With one last meow from the cat legendary the gemstone burst out an energy that rapidly encompassed the entire chamber, much to Mewtwo's annoyance. When the eruption of energy had come barreling out Mew quickly took a step back...floated back...coaxing the clone to do the same. It wasn't as though they couldn't protect themselves from the power, but it was more over to the fact that the pyramid was so old that so much energy suddenly being channeled through it could very well bring the entire thing down on top of them.

Rumbling occurred, a buzzing sound echoed making it sound like the structure was charging itself, then a squeak resembling a shut off was heard, only for light to escape the crystal traveling through the carved pathway down the pedestal, across the floor, and up again over the walls outline many small images of Mew as well as a few other mythicals the weather trio and the nature trio. The pink energy seemed to fade in and out as Mewtwo set his sights on something that was on the far end of the room. Originally, this wall had been devoid of imagery but when Mew's aura came upon it, it revealed the hidden secret. "Mmhh, is this-what is this?" the power pokemon asked not even turning to Mew as it reached up to place its hands against the cool stone. Flying over Mew confir med with a small meow. Before them was something that depicted the cataclysm that had driven the humans out.

Mew, mew, uhhhew, ewmew mew, meeew," began the small pokemon recounting a time and place.

Long ago this city had been prosperous with hundreds of people and pokemon coexisting, it had been one of the first cities in the world to do so, much like the ancient city of Michina in the Sinnoh region. The people here were incredibly diverse as the population was filled with those with special abilities. Some were Mediums and Channelers, others were powerful Psychics who could commun with the spirits of the past or foresee what was yet to come. Even among them the strongest in ability were those with the ability to control aura. Aura users, though rare, were far more plentiful in this era; they were the essential leaders working to guide and protect all who lived there. See, they could manipulate life energy also known by any names like nature's power or even what in Unova is referred as the dragon force. The most powerful among them had been a very kind and caring man, which was rare in a world where life depended heavily on survival of the fittest. For his kind acts and bravery when defending their city he was named the king alongside his partner pokemon Metagross. The king had a wife and a very young daughter who had barely begun to speak.

Mew explained that when it all went down it had been a night of festivities. The king and his pokemon had been enjoying a wonderful festival day with his people when from the forest a pair of Absol burst from the vegetation roaring and snarling, charging through the masses. Screams were heard and attacks were ordered. The king had run to the scene to find two Absol, easily avoiding the attacks sent by the people's pokemon. Carts and decorations were destroyed by the stray attacks, people caught in the way of the attacks but the King made no move to stop the Absol, but ordered the attacks to cease, much to the fury of his subjects. With that distraction the Absol roared once more in unison before darling off in the opposite direction from which they came. The people were outraged against the king's decision as the dark types had ruined the festival. The king said nothing as he was in deep thought wondering what could have caused those two to enter a human populated area, as they were always evasive to humans. This had been the first time they had even willingly entered human territory. From beside the man the giant steel type began to feel vibration in the earth, coming from the west. Immediately, it let out an exclamation of emergency right before retracting its legs and flying up into the sky to get a visual. Jumping into action the king let his aura out to see his surroundings only to understand how late he was. Within seconds of grasping the full picture screams rose into the night sky.

The walls to the west crumbled to the ground as Ursaring and Slaking slash and punched the wall down letting in the hordes of pokemon in. Immediately, wild pokemon large and small began to run around erratically, letting out attacks and slashing at anything and everything. Resident pokemon quickly jumped in to protect their humans with little success as the wild creatures rampaged with power unreal to believe. They all seem as if they were confused, as if they knew nothing but rage and an epiphany for destruction. Ursaring slashing at buildings or anyone standing in its path. The usual truant Slaking repeatedly using Hammer arm of people, pokemon, structures. Even small pokemon like Pachirisu and Marill were attacking others. It was a massive mayhem of rampaging pokemon, people running in all directions, explosions, screams, yells, attacks and darkness.

Shouting his commands his warriors through themselves to battle. The Psychics and Mediums were charged with guiding the people to safety as well as his wife and child. To head east towards the ocean would be their best bet. A few of the younger warriors had been refused the honor of joining the fray in favor of protecting the citizens though the escape into the jungle depts. One of those young men would begin the lineage of the Aura Guardians and become the ancestor to Sir Aaron. With the intel from Metagross the king was met with alarming news far to the west the jungle had been lit aflame, dark clouds of smoke and lightning hovering over the flames as they rampaged through the jungle. The forest was rapidly being destroyed by the fire and pokemon attacks. However, things turned for the worst as from the dark night sky rained down chunks of ice pelting the people and pokemon. Strong winds began to course through the jungle lifting debrief and slamming it into humans and pokemon alike. With great haste the people fled in canoes down the river as it was the fast way to flee. Suddenly, six more pokemon appeared, reaching havoc with each step. The legendary Golems and the Kami trio had arrived coaxing more screams of terror from the city's people and pokemon.

It was then that the king was met with two others he had known well, before him stood a woman and a man he had once called friends. A dark look upon both of their faces told the king that they were not there to help but to harm. The king soon discovered that using the power of aura and machinery created with arcane science the two chaos bringers had created a device to control and disoriant pokemon like they had with many of the wild pokemon and their legendary pokemon before them.

Mew continued telling the tail of how the king, his warriors and their pokemon had a great battle and while the warriors and pokemon provide a brief distractions the king was able to defeat his enemies, however with their dying breath they foretold that the king's descendant would be plaque by betrales until the grand calamity. With the passing of the two, their aura that had been supplying the control machines ceased as such so did the devices. With their minds free the Kami trio swiftly ventured into the great beyond as for the Golems they were not so lucky because the warriors worked quickly to subdue the golems using their aura. Thanks to the relaxing aura the warriors were able to restrain the golems. Having won the battle by losing the world as they all quickly realized that during their fight they had been surrounded by the burning jungle which was closing in on them. Knowing their destiny the king ordered the golems to be imprisoned within the temple. He also knew that the Regice, Regirock, and Registeel would survive the flames so to protect the future generation he imprisoned them inside the largest of the pyramids.

By the time they had placed each legendary in a sealed chamber the city was burning a scarlet red with the Temple itself being the last of the city yet to be burnt. All those warriors dropped their weapons and prepared for the end. The king himself had the means to escape as his Metagross could have carried him to safety, but the king would not leave his men or the warrior pokemon who stood by his side. Metagross was strong but not strong enough, let alone large enough, to get the many to safety so choosing to stay it too would suffer the same fate as his loyal human friend.

It would not be until several days after the disaster did a small group return. A small group of Psychics had come to inspect the ruins finding nothing but the armor of those that stayed behind at the temple. Coincidently, it had been that day that Mew had come to visit such a sight. Mew floated down to the humans and through their shared psychic power offered them its condolences. Just before they all departed for their separate ways, Mew and one of the humans felt the urge to reach for the remnants of the partially melted shield belonging to the deceased king. Upon touching it they received a vision, a legend, prophecy, or at least part of it. As Mew continued to tell Mewtwo that by part of the prophecy it meant it literally, as over the next centuries the rest of the legend would be pieced together. For example, the prophecy concerning Lugia and the beast of the sea was actually the second part of it, with many others coming along from other regions like Hoenn, even some as far as Galar. So, upon receiving such information Mew departed leaving the psychics who proceeded to carve the mysterious mural illuminated by the crystal. Eventually, it would be those who survived these events who went on to become the people of the water. It was after the disaster that they had reached the ocean where they were helped by curious yet kind Manaphy. It had been there, just off the coast where the Manaphy lived alongside other water pokemon.

For the thousands of people and pokemon who had lost their warriors and hunters it would not be easy to feed, house, and guide so many. It was then that the water pokemon's aid came. Teaching many how to hunt the seas, how to travel the ocean currents, even how to lead by examples in the Manaphy. So, to honor them for their aid and to show them their gratitude they constructed the Sea Temple, Samaya, capable of housing all the humans, as well as their pokemon but also allowed for water types to come and go as they please. A magnificent structure holding as many wonders as mysteries within.

Mewtwo remained thoughtful over what he had just heard, so after taking the time to contemplate it spoke, "Mew, why have you shown me this? If I am to infer that we came here only for you to tell me this story then why not just tell without making the trip here. Mew, what is the real reason for coming here?" Mew responded with a vague question, 'It's repeating.' "Repeating? You mean as history is repeating?" Mewtwo frowned, not liking where this was going. Mew simply nodded before motiong for Mewtwo to follow.

[Worldwide News]

"...and now for sports." a man spoke as the camera was directed to a woman who was excited to talk about current sport events. Her smile was big and you could see her beautiful teeth shine, "Thank you, Ryan. First up, Pokemon Base, in a shocking turn of event Oluolu and Snorlax of the Golden Magikarps manage to hit two home runs back to back acquiring their team victory. They were really giving the shining Starmies a run for their money, Exceptional. Now, switching to Ping Pong. This year's tournament was won by our favorite Ambipom as it won the tournament for the second year in a row, outstanding. Not to mention...eh...wha...ehem." The once excited new reporter had her smile turned upside down as she processed what was being told to her. "Breaking news, massive flooding is occurring in the Unova region. Reports show that Castelia city is having their subway system shut down as water continues to pour down. The city's drainage can not keep up with the down falling rain. Elsewhere, Sinnoh has recently been hit with earthquakes across the last month with the strongest of which occurring not mere minutes ago causing massive damage to cities and towns all over the region. Lastly, the number of abductions in Lumiose continued to grow causing many to fear leaving their homes as now people and pokemon are disappearing during broad daylight…"

[Somewhere in Lumiose]

"Ahk" cried a young boy as he was thrown into a cell already occupied by a few others. Upon landing he skidded across the floor slamming into the concrete wall. In his arms he held a young and inexperienced Froakie. "Now, just be a good boy and don't try anything, not that you could." came the voice of a cloaked man. Alongside him was the mysterious Dodrio as its heads slowly floated from side to side. With the loud metallic shuttering the cell was shut and the man proceeded down the hall passing many cells not unlike the one where the boy was. Upon entering a different room he was using as his office he slammed the door shut. The room itself filled some very advanced tech very unlike the rest of the structure which was old, rusted and deplorable. Taking his seat at the desk he pulled his hood back revving his face with a plain of sunglasses covering his eyes he opened a transmission to his superiors. Upon his call being answered he was faced with a man with flamboyant red hair. "The quota has been met. All preparations for transfer are finished, as soon as night falls the subject will be shipped." The bearded man grinned with evil satisfaction, "Very well, report to me the moment they had been shipped." "Yes sir…"

OKAY, so I hope you all like this chapter, and I hope the jungle setting was satisfactory.

ALSO, for Mew and Mewtwo, I thought that a big backstory for them could encompass the content shown in the comics, "Mew & Mewtwo by TC-96," and dubbed by OVAS youtube channel. I know that there are other comics by them but the ones on OVAS youtube channel are the only ones I've seen so yea...Of course they don't belong to me so full credits to them. Non-canon and all but I still thinks there great