Ash hadn't said a word since leaving the Seafoam Islands, his morale having greatly depleted from the unfortunate events leading to Articuno being captured.
"Ash, come on talk to me about this." Cassie begged. "So we lost another legendary, Moltres is still out there, and so is Mew."
"Mew is just a myth, no one has seen any proof it actually exists. And Moltres is likely to be overpowered by the machine just like Zapdos and Articuno, there would need to be something even more powerful than three legendary Pokémon to stop it and set them free." Ash said.
"Like Mew!" Cassie urged.
"Even if Mew did exist, I doubt I'd be able to get it to help us, let alone catch it." Ash said.
"So we're just running from the problems." Cassie said annoyed.
"No, Misty alerted the authorities of the Pokemon League." Ash said. "And with any luck Kazor and his group of elite trainers got the call as well."
"You have a lot of faith in Kazor." Cassie commented. "I've never even met him."
"He's an amazing trainer, and even helped Pikachu learn Thunderbolt." Ash said. "If anyone can save the legendary Pokémon, it's him."
"Well at least you're talking again." Cassie realized.
"Thanks Cassie." Ash said. "I needed this, now let's see if we can find anyone on this island."
"Ash! Look out!" Cassie shouted.
Ash looked in the distance, narrowly dodging a water attack from an unknown source.
"What was that?" Cassie asked.
"One way to find out." Ash said, readjusting his bag.
"Because that's the best idea, run towards the danger." Cassie said, before chasing after Ash and Pikachu.
After a bit of running, it was clear that they were now lost in the dense forest.
"We lost them!" Ash exclaimed, looking around.
"Okay, can we please get out of here and find some way to get to the next island?" Cassie pled.
"It's probably for the best." Ash said, only to see something slither out of the corner of his eye. "Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
There was a thunk, followed by a rolling sound, as Pikachu dazily walked backwards, rubbing his head.
"Sorry buddy, you okay?" Ash asked.
"Pi… Ka…". Pikachu said, shaking off the confusion, and looking at what he hit.
The Pokémon seemed to be stuck on its side as various tentacles tried grabbing at the ground.
"What is it?" Cassie asked.
"Hold on, Pokédex says it's an Omanyte, but those are supposed to be extinct." Ash said in surprise.
"Tell it to him." Cassie said.
"OMA!" The Omanyte screamed.
In the distance, Ash could hear trees falling to the ground with large thuds.
"I think it just called for backup. Pikachu, Gloom, be ready." Ash said.
The trees right in front of them were sliced through and fell to the ground revealing an angry Kabutops, brandishing his scythes.
"Gloom use Mega Drain!" Ash commanded.
Instead of drawing in Kabutops, a series of spikes were sent directly at Gloom.
"Omastar!" Anothe Pokemon said, coming out between the Kabutops's legs.
"Kabuto!" A forth said, flipping the Omanyte back up.
"Ash, maybe it's time to run away." Cassie pled.
"Aerodactyl!" A fifth Pokemon cried out, now surrounding the group.
"Not sure that's still an option." Ash said, taking heed of the situation. "Pikachu, Gloom, aim for the small ones with Mega Drain and Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu and Gloom attacked the Kabuto and Omanyte giving them an opening as the small Pokémon had been easily knocked out.
"Gloom return!" Ash said, grabbing Pikachu and Cassie and booking it.
"Ash, tell me you have a plan." Cassie said worridley.
"Yeah, get to the beach." Ash said, still running.
"I don't think water will stop them." Cassie said looking back to see the ancient Pokémon still coming for them.
"I don't plan on escaping." Ash said. "This will do."
They were now in a large clearing as the three Pokémon closed in.
"Cassie, if this doesn't work, run." Ash said. "Run and get to the dingy, I'll catch up."
"If what doesn't work?" Cassie asked.
"Pikachu use Thunder!" Ash shouted.
A storm brewed in the sky, and with nothing in the way, Aerodactyl was easily shot down, only for Pikachu to be blasted by two water attacks.
"Gloom! Dratini let's go!" Ash said. "Use Mega Drain and Dragon Rage!"
The Omastar lost its grip as Gloom began pulling it in, while Dratini back fired sending him tumbling backwards.
"Not good. Gloom try and reverse the flow!" Ash said.
"Gloom?" Gloom said in confusion, as he had fully drained the energy from Omastar, leaving the ancient Pokémon knocked out.
"Kabutops!" The Kabutops exclaimed, slicing at Gloom.
"Gloom gloom!" Gloom exclaimed, sending energy flying out at Kabutops.
"Did Gloom just reverse Mega Drain?" Cassie asked.
"I, I don't think so." Ash said, pulling out his Pokédex. "I think that was Solar Beam…"
"Sure was a good time to figure that out." Cassie commented.
"No kidding." Ash said, looking at the three now retreating Pokemon.
"Tini…". Dratini said sadly, looking down in defeat.
"Hey, it's okay." Ash reassured. "You're still getting the hang of it."
"Ni?" Dratini asked, looking at the heavily injured Pikachu now.
"I don't know, I don't think I have enough supplies left on hand." Ash said, picking up Pikachu. "I really hope we aren't the only ones on this island."
"Cuuuu!" A cry was heard overhead.
Ash looked up seeing Articuno fly overhead.
"See, there's still hope." Cassie said with a smile. "They haven't gotten her just yet."
"You're right." Ash said, looking down at Pikachu. "There's always hope."
Behind the tree line a group of eyes watched as Ash looked for what the best way to go was, while holding Pikachu still.
Ash's team and their moves
Pikachu: Thunderbolt - Quick Attack - Mimic - Thunder
Gloom: Mega Drain - Solar Beam - Toxic - Acid
Jigglypuff: Sing - Pound - Disable - Body Slam
Ponyta: Ember - Stomp - Agility - Fire Spin
Dratini: Wrap - Leer - Dragon Rage - Hyper Beam
Seel: Headbutt