Me: Here's how it works-I don't own Pokemon or "Because Everyone Was There" from the "Revelation Lugia" soundtrack, 'cause if I did-
Ash: If he did, we'd be in big trouble! Wahhh! (dodges gigantic-sized mallet and snowball)
Me: Never interrupt me when I'm in the middle of my tirade. Ahhh! (dodges numerous leaves as Chikorita constantly fires them)
Chikorita: (angry) Chiko, chiko chikori! (Never hurt my Ash!)
Me: (gulps) Should I be concerned about this?
Ash: Since you're the only one she's actually attacked since never, I'd say yeah.
Me: Perfect. Just perfect…
Pokemon: The Best of the Best
Chapter V-Ash & Misty: The Chosen Ones
"You must go only where your heart leads." –Lugia, Pokemon The Movie 2000: The Power of One
Last time, Ash discovered that Mewtwo was pretending to be under Lawrence's control, but also discovered his true plan-to gain control of Moltres, Zapdos, Articuno and Lugia, and by using their combined strength, he would be able to destroy Ash. The only way for Ash to possibly fight off the strength of the Legendary Birds would be for Ash to capture a Psychic Pokemon, so he and Richie started off for the Johto League. Once Misty recovered from her attack and found out, Brock received quite a headache for a while, and when they caught up with Ash, she told him that they were both known as Chosen Ones. Ash was successful in capturing Espeon, a powerful Psychic-type, with Chikorita's help. That's when the two of them and Pikachu vanished inside a dark hole! Misty jumped after them, as did Richie and his Pikachu, Sparky. Brock had to explain what was happening to another Johto League trainer, Casey, before going after his friends-with her help of course. Now, will Team Rocket actually help out our heroes for once, and can Ash and Misty put aside their feelings and save the world?
(Theme Song; Fanfare starts as Brock says the name of the episode)
Brock: Ash and Misty-The Chosen Ones!
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
"PIKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!" Ash and Pikachu practically screamed their entire way down the dark chasm they ended up in. Against what Chikorita wanted, Ash quickly recalled her back inside her Pokeball, even though he knew she wanted to stay out to protect him, he didn't want her to get hurt when they reached the bottom.
"Owwww!" Ash cried out as he hit a hard floor suddenly on his back! Luckily, Pikachu landed on his stomach, so he wasn't hurt.
"Are you okay, Pikachu?"
"Pika! Pi? Pikaaaaaa!" Pikachu yanked Ash out of the way to avoid Misty falling in. Ash wasn't about to let her get hurt, so he did what he considered to be the most sensible thing-he dived to catch her. It didn't work out that way, though, since she ended up landing on his back, which caused him more pain than he would've liked.
"Ash, are you okay?!"
"Let's see-I've just been seriously injured by my best friend, who occasionally hits me with a mallet that connects with my head, so I'd say yeah!" Ash retorted sarcastically.
"Ash, look out!"
"Huh? Waaaaaa!" Ash was pulled out of the way by Misty and Pikachu as Richie and Sparky came in.
"Are you guys alright?" Ash asked.
"I think so."
"Heads up, guys!"
"We're coming down!"
"Was that…" Ash began, but he didn't get to finish his question. It turns out he would've been right when he saw Casey, her own Chikorita and Brock come tumbling down the hole!
"Casey? What are you doing here?" Misty asked.
"I saw you guys on the path to the Johto League, and I figured that Chikorita and I could help."
"If you mean help in defeating the bothersome Chosen One, then I'd be pleased for your assistance, but other than that, I'm afraid you'll be staying here for a while." Ash and the others all looked up to see a gigantic cage come flying down at them, but Brock quickly pushed Ash, Misty and Pikachu out of the way, so only he, Richie, Casey and Chikorita were trapped!
"What do you think you're gonna accomplish by doing what you're gonna do? Having the ultimate power under your control means nothing these days!" Ash growled angrily.
"Pika!"
"You can learn a whole lot more from losing to a person like Ash than by trying to kill him." Misty added.
"And you two star-crossed troublemakers should learn this-Pokemon battles aren't all you'll have to fight for in life, but rather, a chance for survival." Lawrence III declared as he came out, holding his controller in one hand. Mewtwo also appeared, but he knew he could do nothing to help.
"What's he mean by that?" Ash spoke up. A second later, he saw a flash of electricity, but knew it wasn't Pikachu's doing. Moments later, Zapdos, the Titan of Lightning, made his appearance. Then, Moltres, the Titan of Fire flew in, looking as majestic as he did during the opening ceremonies of the Pokemon League. Finally, Articuno, the Titan of Ice showed up. The three of them landed in front of Ash, Misty and Pikachu, protecting them from the collector.
"You really shouldn't worry about the Chosen One. Haven't you birds learned that survival is the fittest out here?" That's when Lawrence activated his controller and aimed it at the Legendary Birds. The three of them shrieked in pain and agony. Ash, Misty, Pikachu and the others could do nothing but watch.
"Stop it! If you really wanted to take revenge on me, you'd have done it yourself instead of trying to take control of Mewtwo and having him do it!" Ash yelled angrily.
"True, but I am merely a collector, and once Lugia realizes what has happened to the Legendary Birds of Shamouti, he'll come in to help them…" Ash gasped as he looked up at Moltres, Articuno and Zapdos. The three of them were now glaring at Ash and the others, their eyes a dark red. Through all that, no one noticed Jessie, James and Meowth land behind Brock, Casey and Richie!
That power isn't everything, this I understand
That there is more to be learned from losing than from winning, this I understand
That duels aren't the only battles we'll have to fight, this I sort of understand…
Ash grabbed five Pokeballs and tossed them all into the air, yelling out, "I choose-EVERYBODY!!!!"
Charizard, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile and Espeon all appeared alongside Pikachu, ready to fight-well, all but Chikorita, who was on Ash's shoulder, doing what she normally did-nuzzled against Ash's cheek.
"Now really isn't the time for togetherness, Chikorita." Ash insisted with a sweatdrop on his head. Ash turned his attention back up, past Lawrence and the Birds toward Mewtwo, who was speaking to him telepathically.
"Believe in yourself. You and your friends have made it this far. Now, trust in each other and save the world."
"Poliwhirl, Staryu, Psyduck, GO!" Misty yelled as three of her Pokemon came out and stood next to Ash's Pokemon.
"Impressive display of Pokemon, but that won't nearly be enough. Go!" Articuno, Moltres and Zapdos all took to the skies at that instant, preparing to attack.
"Quick, Charizard, time to fly!" Ash growled, pulling Misty and Pikachu on top of the Dragon Pokemon's back. Chikorita ran over and hopped on moments before Charizard took to the air!
"Everyone-scatter!" Misty demanded. The rest of Ash's Pokemon and Misty's Pokemon scattered around as the battle began.
"Okay, Charizard-counter Articuno's attacks. Fire has an advantage over ice, but we should be careful." Ash cautioned.
"What about Moltres and Zapdos, Ash? Water is stronger than fire, but none of our Water Pokemon are up here." Misty warned.
"Oh. I didn't think about that."
"Come on, you crazy Pokemon-get off my hair!" Jessie wailed, struggling to free her hair from Totodile's grasp.
"On the count of 3-one, two, three!" James and Meowth pulled as hard as they could, and Totodile went flying up into the sky, miraculously landing next to Ash and Misty! Surprisingly enough, Jessie's hair wasn't damaged at all.
"Thanks, Team Rocket! Try to free Brock and the others!" Ash yelled out. The three turned and saw Brock, Richie and Casey, all three eyeing them with irritation that said, "Where the heck were you?! We've been stuck here for minutes and you do nothing?"
Because everyone was there, I was able to get this far
Because they all did their part, I only had to do a little more
They came and gave me strength, so we could protect the world…
"Totodile, I'll need you to counter Moltres' attacks as hard as you can, okay?"
"Toto-dile!"
"Staryu, Poliwhirl-help Totodile against Moltres!" Misty replied to two of her Water
Pokemon down below. As for Psyduck, he was near a tiny pond and was in danger of falling in.
"Pikachu, Chikorita-I know the two of you haven't really seen eye-to-eye, but I need you both to work together and take on Zapdos. Don't you remember how good you both worked together during that snowstorm against Team Rocket? Couldn't you work like that again? If not for the sake of the world, then for me." Chikorita and Pikachu looked at each other, then back at Ash. Together, they both nodded.
"Pikachu, pika pi!"
"Chiko, chikori!"
"What was that?" Brock yelled from down below. Ash and Misty groaned as they both eyed Brock with withering glances.
"They said, 'You can trust us, Ash!'" Meowth translated. That's when the attack instantly began. Articuno fired a beam of ice at them!
"It's an Ice Beam!" Misty cried out, hovering toward Ash, but confident they would succeed.
"Charizard, quick-use your Flamethrower!"
"CHARRRRRRRR!!!" Charizard was able to shoot an intense blast of fire that not only counteracted Articuno, but also was barely enough to overwhelm the Pokemon. Problem is, it didn't defeat him.
Moltres flew in, and managed to dodge Totodile's Water Gun attack. He'd seen how protective Chikorita was of Ash, and he fired a blast of fire at them!
"Ash, look out!"
Before Ash could give the order to dodge, Chikorita jumped up, took the damage for Ash, and fell off, badly hurt!
"Chikorita, NOOOOOOOO!!!!" Ash yelled out as he dived down to catch his Grass Pokemon.
"Ash, wait!" Misty said worriedly.
"Pika pi!"
Ash managed to grab Chikorita and pull her into a tight hug, not even thinking about himself, but pleased that she was safe. That's when it happened-they both felt like they were being lifted in the air, and they were, but not by Mewtwo…by Espeon. The Psychic Pokemon had used her own Psychic powers to save Ash and Chikorita from a fate they didn't deserve.
That my friends never stopped trying, this I understand
That they came and fought to the extent of their strength, this I understand
That through horrible pain, they endured, this I truly understand…
"Thank you, Chikorita. You tried to save me without even thinking about yourself…" Ash felt tears come to his eyes and he made no attempt to wipe them away. Chikorita offered Ash a smile and did what she did the day Ash had asked if she would like to come with him-she kissed him on the cheek.
"Ash, are you guys okay?" Misty asked as she flew in on Charizard with Pikachu and Totodile in tow.
"Yeah, we're fine. Let's save these Pokemon!"
Moments later, Chikorita was defending herself against Moltres with Totodile, Staryu and Poliwhirl by her side. Chikorita had taken on two Charizard while knowing Ash. One battle had ended in a standstill; the second one had ended in triumph. She was not about to fall to a Legendary Pokemon-especially a Fire-type the day before the Johto League tournament!
"Chikorita, use your Razor Leaf to distract Moltres like you did with Espeon! Totodile…"
"Poliwhirl, Staryu…"
"Water Gun attack!" Ash & Misty chorused. Instantly, Totodile, Poliwhirl and Staryu fired their Water Gun attacks at Moltres. Chikorita fired off four razor-sharp leaves at the Fire-type, knowing they wouldn't work that well. Moltres was able to destroy the leaves, but not the massive amounts of water that suddenly hit him and sent him spiraling to the ground! Chikorita then used her Vine Whip attack to gently drop Moltres down.
"One down, two to go." Ash said to Misty with a smile.
"Guys, do you need any help?" Brock yelled from below. Team Rocket had freed him, Richie and Casey from their prison with some difficulty.
"Maybe! Try to destroy that controller Lawrence has!" Ash demanded. Nodding, the six of them shot off toward the collector. Ash then focused his attention back onto Misty.
"Mist, there's something I have to tell you and I should do it now while I've got a chance." Ash began, gathering his courage.
"What is it, Ash?"
"Well, for a while now…probably ever since I first met you…I think I might be in-"
At that moment, Zapdos fired a powerful Thunder attack straight at them! Chikorita managed to propel herself up to the air with help from Staryu, Poliwhirl and Totodile and landed in Ash's lap.
"Chiko!" The Grass-type fired five razor-sharp leaves directly at Zapdos. They all hit with precision, right between the eyes! The Lightning Pokemon faltered for a moment, trying to regain his senses.
"Espeon, use your Psybeam!" Ash began, but Misty stopped him.
"Ash, look!" Psyduck had not only fallen into the pond, but his headache-which Psyduck had more than his share of-seemed to lessen, but not in the usual way. That's when a miracle occurred-Psyduck glowed brightly and started the process of evolving!
"Togepi, come out and see this!" Misty exclaimed, pulling out the egg Pokemon from her backpack and facing him toward Psyduck.
"Pika!"
"Toge-toge-prrrrrrrri!"
After the evolution was complete, Psyduck was gone, but a new Golduck stood in his place!
"If this doesn't mean you're a Chosen One, I don't know what else I can do to convince anybody besides us." Ash said as he eyed Misty with a smile.
Because everyone was there, I was able to get this far
Because they all did their part, I only had to do a little more
They came and gave me strength until the battle was over
"Congratulations, Misty! You are now the proud owner of a Golduck!" Ash said, truly proud of his best friend's accomplishment.
"But Psyduck hasn't battled in quite a while. How can falling into a pond cause him to evolve?"
"If I had to venture a guess-I'd say he drew strength from you. He wanted to help you out, but couldn't do much as a Psyduck. That's why he evolved into Golduck!"
"Pika!"
"Chiko!" Pikachu and Chikorita yelled for Ash and Misty to duck, because Zapdos and Articuno were both dive-bombing down at them! Charizard was able to move out of the way in time, though.
"All right, Charizard-take us down." Ash advised. Nodding, the Fire Pokemon landed gently on the ground next to Moltres, who was unconscious due to Totodile, Poliwhirl and Staryu's continuous Water Gun attacks.
"Charizard, Pikachu, Chikorita-let's see if the three of you can work together and take on Zapdos and Articuno! I'm counting on you to pull through for me." The three Pokemon nodded.
"Wait, Ash-why not double the firepower? What about Cyndaquil?"
Ash suddenly realized he hadn't told Cyndaquil to do anything! "Cyndaquil, can you forgive me? I was too concentrated on trying to save the world to tell you what to do, but you can help me and Misty with what we're going to do."
"Cynda!"
Smiling, Ash and Misty recalled Totodile, Poliwhirl and Staryu. While Pikachu, Charizard and Chikorita started their ascent, Ash, Misty, Cyndaquil, Espeon, Golduck and Togepi started off toward where Brock, Richie, Casey and Team Rocket went to.
Because everyone was there, I was able to get this far
Because they all did their part, I only had to do a little more
They came and gave me strength until the battle was over
"Why aren't we helping Pikachu, Charizard and Chikorita?" Ash turned to Misty with a confident smile back on his face.
"I trust my Pokemon to help us win the day, and to help us save the world. But, what it all comes down to is this-it's up to us to save our world from destruction." Misty couldn't help but smile back, pleased that he had included her in the tiny speech he'd made.
"Thanks, Ash." Ash stopped running and pulled Misty close to him, making sure to look at her eyes, captivating himself inside them.
"I was going to tell you something, but I think it would be better if I showed you what I meant." Ash did something he probably wouldn't have done on a normal day. He leaned forward and kissed Misty, summoning up all the courage from the previous years they'd spent together. Misty eagerly kissed back, pleased that Ash had responded to her unspoken feelings with his own feelings. A few moments later, they pulled apart, blushing and gulping down air, but they were content.
"Ash, Misty, where are you guys?!"
"We could really use your help in here!"
"That was Brock!"
"And Casey!" Ash and Misty quickly recalled their Pokemon and raced forward to where Brock and the others had gone. Charizard flew in with Pikachu and Chikorita on his back and offered them a ride.
"How'd you guys defeat the other Pokemon so quickly?" Ash asked in amazement. Knowing time was of the essence, Pikachu pointed to Chikorita and explained it in a few short words.
"Chikorita used Sleep Powder on 'em?"
"Chiko!"
"Pika!"
"That's great! Now, let's go help the others-together." Ash declared as he looked at Misty and held her hand tightly, prepared to face whatever plans Lawrence III had for them, together…
Because everyone was there…because everyone is here…let's continue on…
Together…
Can Ash and Misty bring together a miracle and free the Legendary Pokemon from Lawrence's control? You'll have to wait until next time to find out the answer!
