Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest
Hey Everyone,Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 61 and Chapter 18 of the Kalos Quest. Here we reach the last part of the marshlands and its conclusion. Watch as the group now follows the strings behind the curtain as the Pokémon find neutral ground in their dilemma. Enjoy.
"And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time."- Jesus Christ
Chapter 61: Until the End
As Ash face the Seviper and Ariados,who has taken Pikachu and Dedenne captive,both intimated him but found him not even fazed as Ash stood calm otherwise any unwise actions would get Pikachu and Dedenne hurt.
Inside the homestead,Goodra tried to get up but to avail. When Pikachu and Dedenne got grabbed,Goodra felt responsible and tried to get up ever since. Meanwhile Serena and Bonnie tried to keep Goodra in bed.
"Goodra,please you must rest." Serena said while Goodra strains himself. Meanwhile Rene,Clemont,and Keanan came in to see the whole room in chaos and the window smashed. "Please Goodra,lay back." Serena insisted. "Guys,what happened and where's Ash?" Rene asked.
"He jumped out the window after an Ariados and Seviper kidnap Pikachu and Dedenne." Bonnie said. "He what?!" Clemont and Rene shouted.
"Fletchinder,I chose you." Ash said as he released the Ember Pokémon out. "Quick,go for Ariados and use Steel Wing." Fletchinder then tried to zero in on the spider with his comrades on its back and charged in with wings of steel. Sadly that didn't stop Seviper as it fired Poison Sting at the Ember Pokémon and struck him.
That moment they made their daring escape while Ash tired to stop them by firing an Aura Sphere at them,but both narrowly dodged it as they were surprised at what the human did as they made their escape.
Ash groan as he slammed the ground. He then turns to see Fletchinder trying peck his feathers to clean himself. "Fletchinder,are you alright?" Ash said. Fletchinder chirped as Ash's Aura understood it in plain English,saying Fletchinder felt fine but disappointed to have failed to rescue his friends. "Don't worry buddy,we'll get them back. We just gotta get to the mountain." Said Ash.
"Ash!"
As Ash returns Fletchinder,he turns around to see the whole group along with Goodra who's surprisingly out of bed. "Ash what happened?" Rene asked. "An Ariados and Seviper made off with Pikachu and Dedenne." Ash said. "This doesn't make any sense. Does Florges really feel that threaten to have to send someone to kidnap our Pokémon?" Serena said.
"None of this does. Although I have a feeling there's more to this than just territorial disputes." Ash said. "You think we'll find out more at the mountain?" Clemont asked. "It's obvious we would go there. They know this and they'll set defense to stop us." Ash said. "So we have another plan?' Bonnie asked. "Not this time. We're gonna be marching straight in there." Rene said. "Okay,guess that's it." Ash said. "What about you Keanan?" He then asked the Caretaker.
"If what you say about there being more to this,surely this is more then just about this land,but its greatest resource." Keanan said. "The water." The group concluded. "If Florges is doing something with the water. I must know about it. I can monitor the water's status from the homestead." Keanan said. "Alright,let's get going." Ash said as the group embarked. "Please be very careful." Keanan and Bellsprout said.
As Team Rocket and Florges waited around while the latter caress her daughter,Ariados and Seviper came back with Pikachu and Dedenne in tow. "Excellent. We'll take care these two for you Florges." Jessie said as she along with James and Meowth took Pikachu and Dedenne and put them each an individual cages.
Meanwhile Florges's worries deepen as Floette didn't even feel healthy since the last couple of minutes. She wondered what could've been taken so long that her daughter must continue to suffer? As she caress her,Ariados and Seviper came next to her to tell the news. They told as they made their escape,they figure it wasn't the best judgement to kidnap Pokémon because now the humans will be involve. Florges could care less about the humans since they've only been proven to be an annoyance to them along with this whole debacle.
Hwoever both Pokémon implored her to see reason since they also mention one of the humans managed to manifest and shoot living energy at them,telling them one thing. An Aura User walked among them. That got Florges's attention.
No wonder Goodra was proven powerful. He belonged and was trained by the Aura User himself. This only shunned Florges's credibility in her reign,now with her bad call on kidnapping the human's Pokémon,this will only make the Aura User seek judgement upon them all and that was frightening.
"Come on this way." Ash said as he along with the group ran towards the mountain. Suddenly most of Florges's friends were set to block the foot of the mountain,halting the group's progress. "We need to see Florges now." Ash demanded. The Pokémon ranged from Pinsir to Ariados to Yanmega spoke saying they won't let them pass.
"We did not come looking to fight. It's important to see Florges immediately." Rene asked sternly. The Pokémon however didn't implore to reason and began to charge attacks to fire. "Okay...we now fight I guess." Rene sweatdropped as the group took out a pokeball to release.
Back at the Homestead,Keanan and Bellsprout examined the water for any unknown minerals. So far nothing was ever added as he then check the water level to see if it was normal. That of course was problem,the water level had already decreased down five feet and continued to drop. "Something must be happening at the fountain. Come on,we gotta warn the others." Said Keanan as he and Bellsprout left.
"Chespin use Pin Missile." "Braixen use Hidden Power." "Arrow use Air Slash." All three Pokémon countered every rival attack that created smoke. "Alright Ash,you and Goodra get out of here." Said Rene. Ash nodded as they made a plan via Aura that while they distracted the Pokémon,Ash and Goodra head along to the mountain.
When they got there,the cave was dim but since the fountain flows through there and out,the water gave a bright blue glow that aluminated the whole cave. Ash and Goodra walked in,staying within earshot.
"It's too quiet here." Ash said as they finally approached the fountain. "So this must be it huh Goodra." Ash asked the Dragon Pokémon. Goodra grunted as this was the source of the water. "I don't understand. If this is it,where's Florges?"Ash asked.
At that moment,Ash's sense tinged as he looked up to see Florges and two Seviper attempting to jump them. Ash and Goodra forced themselves backwards as they looked upon their adversaries in a serious manner.
The battle outside continued as Keanan and Bellsprout nudged themselves into the group to avoid incoming fire. "Guys,me and Bellsprout found a problem with the water." He said. "What's wrong?" Clement asked. "The water level in the marshlands is lowering." Said Keanan. "Is that why every Pokémon here is so rattled?" Rene asked. "I doubt it,I checked the water level few days ago and things seemed on par. Whatever's happening is causing the water to disappear." Said Keanan. "It makes sense. We gotta get to the mountain." Said Rene.
As Ash and Goodra face Florges and her bodyguards neither flinched over the other. "You have someone that belongs to me. We're not looking for a fight. Just give them over." Ash said. Florges rephiled something that really avoided Ash's demand. "What are you talking about? How do you mean give judgement?" Ash asked. Florges angrily pleded all for a good cause now for awhile now.
"I don't understand. You know what I am,and now you're sorry about everything?! Where are Pikachu and Dedenne?!" Ash raised his voice. Florges knew not to stir the waters anymore,and told Ash and Goodra about her associates putting his friends in cages then heading out. "Hang on,who took them?" Ash asked. Florges ignored that question and went back to the small part of the fountain and came back with Floette in her arms.
She then rephiled and now pleaded Ash's help to heal her daughter. "Your daughter is ill? And the water isn't doing anything to heal her?" Ash asked. Florges nodded sadly as she looked at Floette. Goodra could see Florges's worry and looked sad at her. He didn't remember see Florges's daughter back then when she took over. But now,Florges was on her knees as Goodra now knew she felt threaten by his presence.
"Florges,I promise I'll help you,but I need to know who did you hand Pikachu and Dedenne off to?" Ash asked. Suddenly the ground beneath them began to shake as everyone nearly lost their footing.
The battle outside seized as the earthquake grabbed their attention. Suddenly all the water began to disappear from the rivers,ponds,and lakes. "All the water is disappearing!" Said Serena. All the Pokémon were shocked as they were confused what was happening.
Inside the cave all the water underneath their feet dispersed. "The water,it's going away!" Ash said. Goodra and Florges along while her bodyguards were horrified as the ground became dry.
"Ha,Ha,Ha."
They turned back to the entrance of the cave to see three figure standing in smoke. Ash used his Aura vision to see who it was and wasn't impressed immediately after. "Not you three." Ash said. "Twerp..what a pleasant surprise." Said Jessie. "I ain't too please...it you two. You attack Goodra after he won the battle." Ash said.
"Well yea...we held up our end of the bargain by helping Florges and her friends. And that's by keep you twerps away." Said James. "By help,you mean keep distracted until...the water. That was you too." Ash glared.
"Well can you blame us? Water that can heal most aliments. That's a Wonder of the World right here. We would be rich." Said Meowth. "You just can't do that!" Ash said. "It's been two weeks twerps. Almost three to be exact. You haven't done forgotten what we are like haven't you?" Jessie asked. Ash simply stayed silent,clearly these past two weeks were crazy what with Lumiose City and all.
Florges stayed shocked and angrily shouted at them. "I'm sorry dear Florges,but I'm afraid this will now conclude our parntership." Said Jessie. "Beside like we said,you wanted an enemy. We told you one of who would seek retribution." Meowth pointed to Goodra. Goodra angrily replied back stating retribution was the last thing anyone want. Florges meanwhile just sat there in sadness.
She along with her friends were lied to,because of Team Rocket,they fought the wrong poeple,advised to keep them prisoner,and now,they stole all the water in the land. Florges was now paying the price via her daughter now dying.
"Where are Pikachu and Dedenne?" Ash asked. "You mean them." Jessie then picked up two that housed both Pokémon crying for help. Another thing Florges feels guilty of,handing innocent Pokémon to thieves. "Give them back now." Ash said. "Have we ever agreed to that?" Meowth asked. "Then maybe this. Goodra use Ice Beam." Goodra then fired an icy beam at the trio as they ran away from the entrance and out of their sight.
Ash,Goodra,Florges and the other ran after them but they were gone. On the foot of the mountain was everyone else as they saw them coming down towards them. "Ash!" Serena said. "Guys,we have a problem." Ash said. "We know,all the water is gone." Said Rene. "The thing is that Team Rocket stole the water and now they have Pikachu and Dedenne." Ash said.
The whole group groan as they also forgot Team Rocket also walked among them. "I thought they said they were gonna stay away." Said Bonnie. "No,they said we're gonna stay away until J and that whole Lumiose City crisis is past us. Which means?" Ash said "They've been reading the papers?" Rene said. "Who isn't nowadays. Right now we need to find them." Ash said. Meanwhile Florges concurred with her friends,telling them about how they were lied to and now her actions maybe have doom them and her daughter.
They tried to cheer her up as they state that it was also their fault as well. They should've listen to the local Pokémon here. Suddenly another earthquake happened as the mountain shook from the ground. Off the ground from behind was a flying ship in a form of Mantine. The ship took off and is currently gaining altitude.
"Well,we won't have trouble looking for them now." Said Rene. "They're trying to get away." Said Clemont. "Not for long." Ash said as he looked at Goodra and sent him a Aura message. Goodra thought it was crazy but if it was the only way without alarming anyone,which of course would be the exact opposite of that.
Goodra grabbed Ash with its big horns which alarmed everyone. "Ash what are you doing?" Serena asked. "Trust me." Ash said as Goodra then flung him towards the ship which shocked everyone. "Goodra,why did you do that?!" Serena said with anger and worry. "Ash...always rushing in." Rene said as she called Arrow to her. However Goodra grunted at her stating to let he and Ash handled this. Florges concurred and stated she had a score to settle.
Goodra slightly,figuring that he won't be able to convince her to stay. Goodra then turned around and fired a Dragon Pulse that had enough output to force him into the air and heading towards the ship. Florges hand her daughter to a Pinsir,beckoning everyone to watch her and then had a Yanmega come and fly her to the ship.
Landing on the port side of the ship as Ash tried to find some grip to hold on. Then Goodra came in hot and land there as well,but the impact disrupted the balance of the ship and both nearly lost balance. Then Florges came in and Yanmega dropped her off as well.
"What was that disruption." Jessie asked. Meowth then switch to outer cameras to see the twerp,Goodra and Florges blow a hole in the ships's hull. "It's the twerp. He breached in." Said Meowth. "Meowth lock that corridor down." Jessie said.
As they were running down the small corridor,a set of blast doors were sealing their way in. "Hurry,they're sealing the doors." Ash and the others hurried trying to beat the door but unfortunately they maybe too late. However when they got there,Goodra managed to use its horn to hold the doors open as Ash and Florges got inside. "You're strength never seizes to amaze me buddy." Ash said as Goodra smiled as they continued running down.
"Uhh...that didn't stopped them." Meowth said. "They're getting near Pikachu and Dedenne." James gulped. "Grr! Curse that Twerp. Come on,we're dealing with them ourselves." Said Jessie as they head out.
As they drew closer,they spot Pikachu and Dedenne at the end of the hall in a sort of glass case. "There they are!" Ash said as they rushed towards them. Unfortunately they didn't make it that far as Team Rocket came out the side door and blocked them between them and their captives. "That is as far as you go." Said Jessie.
"Come on,we all know how this will end. Just hand Pikachu and Dedenne back along with all the water and you guys could run along." Ash said. "Exactly like before,you negotiate and that never works." Said Meowth. "I don't have time for this. Nor have the patience." Said Ash.
"Really,well...as along as we're here,let us ask you something...in Lumiose City. Did the older really killed her." Jessie asked. "Oh I knew you guys were bound to ask eventually." Ash groaned. "Come on,when you guys said you guys were gonna handle it,we didn't imagine it like that. Beside...Drake killed at least sixty percent of her two years ago and a week ago,he took the remaining forty." Said Jessie.
"What happened was unintentional." Ash said. "Speaking of which...we never saw Drake with you guys,so where is he?" Team Rocket asked. Ash only stay quiet as he couldn't get the words out of his mouth. "I figure...too shocked and he's gone. Well,killing can do that to poeple." Said Jessie.
"It was an accident!" Ash said. "Not according to the paper. In everyone's eyes...he was a knight in shining armor who slay the monster and that's what J was." Jessie said. "J was still a human being!" Ash argued. "Oh come on! She played and collected heads for sport and wasn't it you guys who said she was a lost cause?!" Jessie said. Ash simply stayed quiet as he couldn't argue against that.
Sure she was a monster but after slaughtering a monster...would they still see it that way? Would it take a monster to realize another really wasn't one? That's something that Ash or Drake tried to understand since the papers came out. Now Drake was gone since then because of it.
"Look Twerp,whatever you guys did is on your heads,and just get over it. Now get off our ship!" Jessie said. "Not without doing my job. Goodra use Ice Beam." Ash said. "Inkay,come out and use Psybeam." James released the Squid Pokémon as it fired a beam of psychic energy. Both attacks collided and canceled each other out.
"Pumpkaboo,come out and use Shadow Ball." Jessie released the Pumpkin Pokémon as it fired a ball of darkness at the group. Florges took charged and fired a Moonblast to cancel the incoming Shadow Ball.
Ash figure they were in a standstill as he tried to look past Team Rocket and towards Pikachu and Dedenne. He then noticed the switch next to the cages,probably to open and close. If they could flip the switch,Pikachu and Dedenne would be free.
Outside on the ground,the group waited helplessly,hoping Ash was alright. Especially a certain honey blond haired girl.
Ash thought of a plan until he had a light bulb,plan was a slingshot of course. "Goodra,I have a plan,and it'll involve you to hurl one of us towards that switch next to the cages like before." Ash said via Aura. Goodra nodded and took a stance while Florges tried to provide cover.
Ash took out a Pokeball and held it in his hand. "Alright,you're gonna have to trust me on this." He said. "Alright,Riolu come on out." Ash released the Emulation Pokémon as it took a stance.
Riolu looked ahead to see Team Rocket,and Pikachu trapped in a cage. "You!" Riolu definitely remembered Team Rocket. "When did the Twerp get a Riolu?" James asked. "Hey I know you. You're the Riolu who resided in the Lucario Kingdom that J always fancied." Said Meowth. "Don't mention that she-devil. She got what she deserved for her crimes." Riolu growled. "Wow,even Riolu agrees Twerp." James said. "Shame we'll have to capture you as well." Said Jessie.
"Riolu,do you trust us?" Ash asked. "Always Master." Riolu rephiled. "Goodra,now!" With that,Goodra grabbed Riolu with its horns and threw Riolu across the room. Going face first,Riolu flipped reverse so he'll hit the switch with his feet. Team Rocket ducked at the incoming rocket as Riolu finally hit the switch,opening the glass cases and Pikachu and Dedenne were freed.
Florges shot another Moonblast that struck the floor near Team Rocket to cause smoke. This gave cover for Riolu,Pikachu and Dedenne to escape back to the group. When the smoke clearly,Team Rocket were shocked to see Pikachu and Dedenne back with the twerp.
"Like I said,this always happens." Ash said. "Well do you predict this?!" Team Rocket rushed towards them. "Goodra,use Dragon Pulse." Goodra then fired a rainbow beam of dragon energy that blasted Team Rocket across the hall and out the ship,tearing a new hole in the process.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Tocket said. Ash and the others then stood on the edge of hole as they saw the group way down on the ground. "Look,there they are!" Rene pointed. Ash continued to look as they tried to find a way down. Unfortunately that didn't last long as one of the ships turbine engines combust,causing the ship's balance to go off once again.
The group down saw what was happening as a fire on one of the engine was present. "They don't have much longer until the whole ship blows up." Said Clemont. "Quick you guys,save them." Serena pleaded to the Yanmega. The swarm of Yanmega nodded as they flew up to rescue the others.
Ash continued to find a way down,until they spotted several Yanmega coming towards them. "Help's on the way guys." Ash said as the first group came in. Ash gestured Florges to go first along with Pikachu,Dedenne and Riolu to get on. When all of them got on,they then flew away while the second group came in
"Guess it's just you and me now Goodra." Ash said as Goodra nodded happily. When the second group came in Ash and Goodra tried to get on but another explosion happened near them that knocked Goodra off the ship.
"Goodra!" Ash said as he then jumped off the ship after him while the ship finally exploded fully.
"ASH!" The whole group yelled. "Quick you guys,do something!" Serena pleaded. Then a swarm of Beedrill flew under then as they then used their pincers to carry them to safely but alas both,especially Goodra proven to be a heavy load as they continued to free fall.
"There's gotta be something else we could do." Said Bonnie. That moment,Wooper along with all the local Pokémon called out as they used Water Gun to create a spout of water that rose like a geyser that then halted Ash,Goodra and the Beedrill's fall while they then lower the geyser until they were safety on ground.
Ash and Goodra were abit soaked but a least they were alive. The whole group rushed towards them as Serena ran ahead and hugged Ash deeply. "I'm so glad you're alright." She said as Ash hugged her back,but Serena then slapped his shoulder in slight anger. "Honesty must you always be so reckless?!" She asked. "It was all in good intentions. At least I'm not bleeding this time right?" Ash said nervously. Serena could only hug him once more. At least he was safe and sound,which she prefers.
"Well at least we stopped Team Rocket and save Pikachu and Dedenne." Ash said. "True Ash,but look at this place." Clement said as they looked around to see there isn't a drop of water left in the marshlands. "This is terrible. Without the water here. I'm afraid this land will seize to live." Said Keanan.
Every Pokémon there lied in sadness as they were about to lose their home. Florges took her daughter back to see that her flower beginning to wilt. Florges began to cry as she knew Floette does not have much time left. Goodra placed a hand on her shoulder and felt her pain.
"Guys,there must be something left. Something we could still try." Ash said. Goodra then looked above to see the dark clouds mix with the night sky,easily he could see the atmosphere in every breath. He then tried one last instinct as rain clouds rolled in all over the land.
With one grad shout to the heavens,Goodra used Rain Dance to summon heavy rain fall upon them. Florges saw what Goodra was trying to do as she knew the land needed to be awaken to work with this new change. Florges then shouted as well to use Grassy Terrain as the whole land glowed bright green while it rained. Eventually everyone started to see the river,ponds,the lake...all began to flow with water once again. Even the waterfall that flowed water from the fountain in the mountain began to flow water.
Everyone gasped at the sight,almost magical to see the land being restored. Florges then gave Floette to Ash,beckoning him to take her back inside the mountain with hustle. Ash nodded and ran as quick as he can back into the mountain as the group followed him.
Once inside,Ash looked and place Floette in her small pool,hoping it's not too late while letting the water work its magic. The whole group then came in as Ash was still waiting,Florges and Goodra went to his side as well. At last they saw Floette's flower color coming back and Floette's eyes opening. She then floated up calling to her mother. Florges cried tears of happiness as it caress her daughter happily. Florges then hugged Ash tightly,thanking him for his goodness.
"Please,please..no thanks is necessary although I think you learn your lesson about sharing this. Florges,these are good folk and are living in peace. You would only have to ask if you wish to be a part of it as well." Ash said. Florges then looked at her friends,then the local Pokémon and finally Goodra to come to an understanding. Floette then grabbed her hand and then Goodra's them to join together. Both nodded as all the Pokémon finally cheered for them. The dispute was finally over.
As Ash looked to see Goodra socializing with the other Pokémon the group came alongside him. "You know,I'm safe to say you have a knack for diplomacy." Rene said. "My first choice since like Drake,I would want to know why then the how later." Ash said as he continued to look at Goodra.
"He seems really happy there." Rene said. "Yea he is...you know,I didn't get around to know why Goodra had a fear to come back here. It's great to see he no longer has to anymore." Ash said. "His friends seem happy he's back. To see him take charge during that battle this afternoon tells the marks of a true leader." Said Rene. Ash then looked to see Goodra and from Rene's point of view.
Goodra got stronger since that day he fell from Swanna. For him to come back to protect his friends seem like a life achievement. But what would happen if he's not here anymore? Will things go back the way they were? Will they be lost without him? "You're right...I'm gonna be outside okay?" Ash said as he went out.
Outside everyone came out to see the sun beginning to rise. Ash continued to look as Goodra joined him. "Goodra,do you really miss this place...what am I saying? You must too along with all your friends right?" Ash asked as Goodra nodded slightly. "Well,what do you think they see you gone. They'll surely miss you. You became a great leader in their time of need." Ash said as Goodra continued to agree,but confusion as he wondered why his trainer was telling him this.
"That's why I decided...I'm letting you stay here."
Goodra was shocked to hear his trainer say that. "These Pokémon,they were your first family,and they need you to take care of them." Ash said as he slightly bowed his head. "Don't you agree?" He asked. Goodra couldn't say nothing as he was tearing up. Goodra then hugged his trainer tightly as he knew he maybe right.
"But...*sniff* know this...we'll always be friends...until the end." Ash said crying into his Pokémon stomach. The whole group saw this as Bonnie and Serena were crying as well while Clemont and Rene looked sadly at this. Ash and Goodr then retracted with Ash covered in slime.
The all the Pokémon from the group came over to say their goodbyes as well with Dedenne taking it the hardest. It didn't want to see Goodra go as continue to slip off its body.
As the group prepare to disembark,they said their final goodbyes to everyone including Keenan. "Here's Goodra's Pokeball. Watch over him Keanan." Ash said as he handed the pokeball to him. "I promise Ash." Keanan said.
As the group waved goodbye and got on the road,Ash stayed silent and glum so far. Serena,who's hand intertwined with Ash's,asked about this. "What's wrong?" She asked. "It's just...First Drake,now Goodra...who is next to leave?" Ash said. "Hey,you did what's best for Goodra,and Drake went to find redemption for himself." Serena said. "I...I just don't want to let anymore people I care about leaving." Ash said with his voice croaking.
"I promise Ash...they'll be back...soon,until the end." Serena said as the group walked down the road as the Journey continues.
Done..well guys,you can't say I disappoint as I finally posted this chapter before I leave. Yes I'm still leaving the country and won't be back for awhile. So next chapter will be a Drake focus chapter as his Journey towards solace begins. But like I said,this will have to wait until I return home to the States.
So like,comment and please,please vote in the poll for Serena's egg as every vote counts. Remember to vote,like,comment and stay tune for the next chapter.
Once again,I'll see you all when I return,please bear this waiting period with me and I love you all. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
