Author's Note:
Here it is, the second part of the aqua and magma climax. I wanna say that one part of the rocket climax in Johto I didn't like was the fact that it was pretty singularly focused on the tower and surrounding city. This time I'm getting the full region involved which also means we're gonna be splitting up our main group. I hope I've made the pairs or groups fitting for the situations. We also get to see some returning side characters who made appearances during Hoenn. They should be fun. This does mean we'll be jumping around more than I usually like but when working on a bigger scale, that's a side effect. We also get another evolution in this chapter. This one I was gonna evolve during the space centre raid, but this felt more fitting. Don't forget to vote in the poll and you can even give your reasons why in either review or PM and with that, let's begin
Chapter Seventy-Two: Aqua & Magma - The Storm
"-so that's how I ended up on this ship."
Ash stared at his orange haired friend in disbelief. His bottom lip dropped slightly as he felt the blood drain from his face. A numbing-tingle tickled his skin as the image of her beaten and thrown overboard filled his head. His breathing became rigid as he squeezed his eyes shut. Shaking his head to try and knock off the reaction, he turned to look one of his oldest friends direct.
"How could Lance send you back into a place like that?" he asked. "Why would he pick you for the job originally?"
"Originally, it's because aqua was recruit grunts around my age so he wanted someone comfortable around water and my gym leader position made me ideal, not to mention my history of following you into dangerous stuff." She smirked. "As for this time though... he might not have fully known what I was doing."
"How could he not know?" Serena asked.
"He told me to keep my distance." She turned to the side. "But knowing they had Manaphy, I just had to try something... turns out J spilt the beans when she dropped of her capture, so I was walking into a trap from the start."
"So, what do we do now?" May asked.
"I'm afraid that's up to Drake since this is his ship," Misty replied, "but I wouldn't mind another go at freeing Manaphy if we can get it."
"They could've killed you last time!" He exclaimed.
"Guess you did rub off on me, Ash." She smirked. "Are you saying you wouldn't take the chance to get him back?"
"Of course, I would but-" He bite down on his inner cheek.
"Either way, it's not like we'll get anywhere discussing it from here so let's go back onto the top," Serena suggested, "since Drake's in charge, we can find out exactly what he's planning."
Everyone nodded in agreement and the orange haired girl led their way up through the ship. Stepping out onto the open deck, he watched the hard rain storming down over the wooden panels. Bouncing as soon as it hit the solid ground. With the ship being thrown around by large waves crashing into the side, which almost instantly drenched them once more. Stepping out onto the cold terenchal weather, the dragon type specialist turned to them.
"What be ye kids doin' aft 'ere?" he asked.
"We came to talk with you," Ash gasped from the coldness engulf his body. "We need to go back after the aqua ship."
"Well, yer be in luck, skipper." He smirked, crossing his arms as his trenchcoat blew in the open wind. Like the weather didn't even touch him. "But I won't be lettin' ye lot get mixed in with these scallywags again. So, return to yer cabins until we dock."
He took a deep breath to try and protest the order from the dragon specialist, but his words died in his mouth. The shimmering sight of a sliver Metagross with the champion of Hoenn stood on his back. Within moments he landed with a thud and the swarve silver-haired man stepped down and approached Drake, but he stopped in his tracks. His eyes lingered on them, and Ash couldn't help but feel a lump form in his throat.
"What are you kids doing here?" he asked.
"We found 'em surfin' in the storm on the aft o' Lapras," Drake chimed in.
"We we're travelling to Sootopolis when the weather changed," Serena added.
"Right." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Having you lot here is going to make this a lot more complicated."
"Make what more complicated?" he asked.
"We be 'eadin' into the me good eye o' the storm where some folks who don't know what they be doin' be testin' fate." Drake smiled widely.
"So, I'm ordering you lot to stay here." Steven instructed. "As long as you're on board, we can focus fully on the mission at hand."
"But-"
"No buts, Ash." Steven cut him off. "If we had time, I'd turn this ship around right now and drop you lot off before going ahead but that just isn't an option."
Another thunderous roar echoed but this one sounded more primal. Turning to the sky, the dancing bolts of lightning offered just enough light to see a massive Salamence and Flygon soaring down to their location. He stepped back in apprehension as the two mighty dragons came in for a landing.
Drake wasted no time in tossing his own Pokéball out, releasing an equally as terrifying roar. Standing up front for the new arrivals with Steven's Metagross.
The duo of dragons landed straight onto the deck and a surprising sight slid off the blue bodied dragons back. "Zinnia?!" he gasped.
A ruff grunt was her response as she completely ignored the duo pseudo's and scamped across the deck on all fours. Drenched from the rain, she ended up in front of both Ash and Serena. Grabbing each of their hands, she tried to pull them towards her two Pokémon, letting out some frustrated grunts.
"You... know her?" Steven asked.
"Kinda. We met at Meteor Falls." Serena blinked as she stumbled forward. While she was able to keep her balance, it did cause the wild child to fall over. "She is one of the draconid people and really good with dragons."
"She be too young to be a trainer, lass, especially one with a beast like a Salamence," Drake declared.
"That's the thing, she technically isn't the trainer," Ash interjected. "Both Salamence and Flygon are wild Pokémon... they just tend to stick beside her, along with the others."
"Others?" Steven asked before shaking his head. "Regardless, what is she even doing here? This storm shouldn't be easy for any Pokémon to transverse."
"She came to collect you two." Her Salamence spoke with a calm, mature, deep voice as she stepped closer. "As you can see, time is limited. And as for what silver-top said, this storm was little more than a breeze for myself."
"Us two as in-" He gestured to himself and Serena. "Us two, us two?"
"Yes, you are both the chosen within this land, are you not?" he asked to which he silently nodded. "We need your help. One is needed to help awaken the guardian of the sky and the other to stop the mainland gang from interrupting the king of earth."
"Groundon?!" He gasped.
"You remember the close call from our first encounter?" he asked. "So, you understand our haste, decide now which of you will go where. Myself and Zinnia shall set off for the sky pillar and Flygon shall go to the mainland. Whoever goes with him, I suggest they too take some back up."
He quickly reiterated the situation to the others, mostly ignoring the disbelief from both Steven and Drake. Luckily, both their pseudo legendries heard the exchange and seemed to be on board with the call to action. Keeping both the adults in line as they discussed the plan of action.
"If Flygon's going after magma then I am too," Serena explained. "After seeing what Courtney was turned into... I need to try and reach her."
"I'll come too, Serena," Brock stepped forward. "I'm hardly prepared for this weather and who knows how many might get hurt on the search for magma?"
"Guess that means I'm going to sky pillar with Salamence and Zinnia."
Not a moment later, he felt a tug on his hand. The young wild child pulled him across the deck, ignoring the disbelieved looks from the champion and elite four member. As he climbed onto the dragons back, he noticed both Serena and Brock climbing onto Flygon. The ground dragon type took off first and disappeared amongst the terenchal rain. With a deep breath, he climbed onto the red-winged dragon.
Zinnia jumped up by the might beasts head and kicked her side. Leaping off the ground, the wings on either side of him began flapping and he quickly tightened his grip by holding either side of the blue dragon beneath him.
A rushing wind past as he felt his stomach hit his lower legs. Squeezing his eyes shut, he felt the rain continue to pour down over his body.
While similar to riding on Dragonite, he couldn't help but feel even less secure. Could it be because he knows and trusts his own pseudo or something else?
Peaking backwards, he couldn't help but notice the ship had disappeared. Only the rough waves in the water sat behind them. Swallowing hard at the turn of events, he turned forward to focus on his new traveling companions... was riding off with them really the smartest move given the situation?
Serena held on tight as they flew on the back of the Zinnia's ground dragon type. Letting out a weak wave of ESP, she kept most of the raid off their faces to at least give them a clear view of the surrounds. Most of the environment was darkness, only occasionally being illuminated by flashes of lightening. A strong wind blowing past them didn't help either.
"How are you both holding on?" She asked through her mental connection.
"Could be worst." Brock answered. He was seated just behind her with arms wrapped around her waist, but she didn't mind. Given the circumstances, it was just for safety and being like an older brother, she trusts him completely.
"I'm good," Flygon added, "and brace yourselves. We're about to break through the barrier."
She leaned down closer and felt the ESP tingle through her veins, her vision becoming coloured by her powers. Glancing around, a massive bolt of lightning illuminated the ocean as a massive wave formed in front of them. With a quick build up, the mystic Pokémon launched a dragon pulse.
The dark blue flame pierced the wall of water and exploded. Blowing it apart, more water went flying in all directions as the ground dragon type sped up.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she tightened her grip... seconds later, everything changed.
She felt a massive blast of heat all over herself as she looked up. They had passed through the storm, and it seemed like a drought was going on. Her breath was hot and each one dried out her mouth. Straightening herself back up, she glanced back to see the storm continuing over the rough sea but the water in the sunlight seemed stable. Letting out a low sigh, she relaxed slightly from the dangerous situation which they passed through.
Turning back forward, she saw the outline of Mauville's developing city to the left slightly as a beach lay just in front of them. The large volcano stood tall in the background, and she cranked her neck to see clouds of black smoke flowing out of the top. A pit formed in her stomach at the sight.
Flygon came in and landed on the beach, giving the two passengers chance to climb off. She briefly wondered how her boyfriend and friends were getting on with their own missions but shook her head to focus on the matter at hand. A flash of light had her Absol materialise in front of them.
"We don't have long," he replied, "the girl from the space centre. She's planning on reawakening the being who sleeps in mount chimney."
"We've still got a bit of travelling to do before we get there," she instructed.
"I recommended Kirlia's teleport. That'll be the quickest way to cross the familiar ground," he replied, turning to the ground dragon type, "and your needed elsewhere."
"I am?" Flygon asked.
"The police force are currently closing in on her location and will try to talk her down," he explained, "you can't let them get into a stand-off."
"Right," she nodded. Taking off, the mystic desert protector took off, quickly disappearing through the boiling hot day sky.
"What was that about?" she asked her dark type. "Surely it would be good for them to talk her down."
"Afraid not." He shook his head. "Wasting their breath instead of taking action would leave her with ample time to finish her plan. Millions will be killed in the pending eruption and awakening of Groundon."
"But she'll-"
"I'm afraid she already knows this," he replied, "there's no version of this day where she makes it out alive. Our goal is to prevent her setting off the chain."
"Chain?" Brock asked.
"She intends to use the rocket fuel stolen from the space centre. Hurling it into the heart of mount chimney to create a big enough reaction to awaken the king of continents," he explained, "thus in his awakening, he'll return to duel with the beast of the sea and expand Hoenn's land."
"Why would they do that?" She asked.
"For money. Land is one valuable asset and something men have killed over for millennia," he replied, "now I have to prep for the finale showdown. I'll meet you when its time but for now you need to get moving. Teleport to the base and try to catch her before it's too later."
Before she could respond, the disaster Pokémon took off across the land. Frowning at his warning, she pulled out her Pokéball, releasing Kirlia. Explaining the situation to her psychic fairy type, he was more than happy to teleport them across the land. As the flashed from one spot to another, she couldn't help but let her mind wonder on what Absol said.
No matter how much he claims her fates been decided, she can't believe it. They don't give up until it's over. Given the chance, she knows she could get through to the girl. It doesn't matter what sort of influence Maxie or anyone else in team magma has had. She can't accept the future Absol saw.
It didn't take them long to reach the area she reconsigned as jagged pass. She only spent a small amount of time here previously due to Sylveon discovering about the eggs, but it was familiar regardless. Looking up through the thinly parted trees, she saw the black smoke decorating the sky.
"Look, there's some tracks and a lot of them." Brock pointed down to the floor. "I bet they'll lead us to Courtney or someone who can help us find her."
Nodding in agreement with his plan, they set off down the path towards the active volcano. Tremors shook the ground every few feet they walked as the intense heat tried to melt them a familiar tingle radiated in her head. Coming to a stop, she held her forehead and sent a wave of ESP out.
"Ah, the chosen of mind. You've returned."
"Groundon!" She gasped.
"From your tone, I assume you're not best pleased of the events?" he asked. "What of your partner? The chosen of spirit?"
"He's... busy."
"With my eternal foe of the water?"
"Erm..." She uttered.
"No point in lying to me, chosen, I can sense Kyogre's presence from here. Which is why I can't just relax this time. Not to mention the human currently running around in my house. The bunch of them have been disturbing me for months."
Feeling her connection cut off, she swallowed hard at the implication. Not only was he annoyed but he's motivated. The stories they heard throughout Hoenn about the last clash flooded her mind. It would be incredible difficult to calm him down given the fact it took both herself and Ash previously and that was without Kyogre's presence or the weeks of interference from Courtney... best they can hope for is Ash retrieving the third member of the weather trinity and she should just focus on getting Courtney.
As they continued to follow the tracks, she found a cave entrance in the side of the mountain. Glancing to Brock, they each nodded, and she unclipped another Pokéball off her belt. Ready in case of some sort of ambush. Stepping into the dark unknown, Kirlia sparked a weak shockwave off his feet before capturing it with confusion, using the self-made lightbulb to help light the dark cave.
"Man, the temperature is really hot down here," she muttered, wiping a trail of sweat from her forehead.
Glancing to the side, she noticed Brock taking off his vest and tying it around his waist. Taking out a Pokéball of his own, his water ground type materialised in front of them. Taking out a handful of cloths, she sprayed them with a cool water gun. Handing them out, they used them to damp their faces to help protect from the intense heat. This couldn't just be from the drought outside... could it?
Continuing down the cavern, they came out into a large room with lights hanging up on the on the ceiling to illuminate the entire hollowed out room. Some large drill machines sat in the corner, clearly being the machines used to dig out this place. Glancing around, she noticed a single person and Pokémon on the other side. Those being none other than Courtney and her psychic ground type, Claydol. Who was using psychic to levitate the tankers of rocket fuel.
Running forward, she used her ESP to break the pathway further into the volcano and caused a pile of rubble to block the path. Both of the adversaries turned to face them. Courtney's eye twitched and her face seemed to spasm as she tried to meet Serena's gaze.
"You... Children... You shouldn't be here... LEAVE!" A Pokéball came flying forward and her fully evolved starter materialised. Remembering the Blaziken Ash faced during his battle with Flannery, she glanced around. No way this restricted room would be his ideal situation.
"You're up Bagon!" She hollered, tossing her own Pokéball. While she could use Kirlia for a type advantage, he's needed for teleporting away in a worst-case scenario and she hardly wants to start with her most experienced battles.
As her dragon burst onto the ground, a bright red flame shot out and struck the ground where she stood. She bounced back, scraping across the floor.
Throwing up a psychic barrier to protect themselves from the close flames, they backed up against the far wall. She watched her dragon charge in.
A series of dark blue flames surrounded her body and she lept through the flames. Tackling Blaziken in the chest, the starter spun on a heel.
Holding her rock head Pokémon close, he lept up. Crashing her into ceiling, he tossed her back down to the floor. Diving down with a burning foot.
Rolling to the side, she avoided the blaze kick. Using the momentary landing, she lept and bite down hard on his ankle, causing him to cry out.
Failing around, he kicked his foot up and she used it to throw herself into the air. Reaching the ceiling, she grabbed a rock sticking out to help stop falling back down. Turning around, a light shield of ESP surrounded her head. Throwing herself off the rock, she dived down onto the fire fighting type.
Courtney shouted something but she couldn't quite make out what. The starter couldn't respond as he winced, taking the zen headbutt head-on.
Knocking him onto her back, a red outline surrounded her body. She continued to thrash around as the outline seeped with dragon type energy. A bright light engulfed her body and her shape changed. The movements also slowed, giving Blaziken the chance to throw her off. Sliding across the ground, with some new weight helping her take the blow better. Courtney's blaze Pokémon struggled back to his feet, panting heavily, and collapsed down to one knee.
As the glowing stopped, she took in the appearance of her newly evolved Pokémon. She was now a rounded quadrupedal Pokémon, whose mostly covered by a white shell with two openings and three ridges on top. One opening in the front, revealing two yellow eyes, while the other was from the back. Due to the extra bulk, she guessed she could take hits much better. Four stubby grey legs stuck out from under the shell, holding her up. Each with a short red stripe on the inner surface. Pulling out her Pokédex, she scanned the newly evolved member of her team:
Shelgon, The endurance Pokémon. The evolved form of Bagon. With dreams of flying, this Pokémon takes on a form designed for storing power to help with the massive transformation. Researchers have determined this is similar to way bugs like Caterpie and Wurmple adapt for flight through evolution
Type: Dragon
Ability: Rock Head
Hidden Ability: Overcoat (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Adamant (Note: This could change when this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Protect, Ember, Leer, Bite, Dragon Breath, Headbutt, Scary Face, Crunch, Dragon Claw, Zen Headbutt, Focus Energy, Thrash, Outrage
A bright light caused her to put the device down. Flames surrounded her endurance Pokémon, and she gritted her teeth. A semi-transparent-green-tinted shield formed around her as the flamethrower came to a stop. Leaving small flames all around her.
From across the room, a powerful beam shot out of Claydol. Striking the spot she stood, Shelgon went flying.
Crashing into the wall, another flash caught her attention. Glancing across the room, she found Blaziken, Ninetales and Claydol, all ready to battle.
Ash bite down on his lower lip as he held onto the scaley blue body of the mighty dragon. On either side of himself, were large red wings. Despite the wind blistering past them, the pseudo continued forward in a straight path. Not the slightest bit moved by mother nature.
In front of him sat the young draconid girl. Her ragged cloak, loosely tied around her neck blew through the wind. She sat very close to the head and slowly stroked the red ridges on top of the dragons head. Humming and mumbling something, he frowned. He always thought aura was meant to connect every living creature. Giving him the chance to understand nearly everyone he's encounter, only exception being Misty's Psyduck but-
"You seemed troubled, chosen." Salamence's voice rang over the raging storm. "May I be of assistance?"
"I-it's nothing-" he uttered.
"Forgive my intrusion but we are about to face a challenge together unlike any you would've previously experienced," he replied, "it would be best your fully focused on the impending task so if you're in need of clearing your head. I suggest we do it now."
"It's just that..." He sighed. "It's Zinnia. I can't understand a word she's saying. A-and-"
"You're afraid it's something to do with you?" he asked, "or that aura of yours?"
"Y-yeah."
"You don't know much of your aura guardians history, do you?" he asked.
"I know we were tasked to protect people and-"
"You know, one person's version of protect is another's version of hurt." The mighty dragon sighed. "Way back in the day, the world was segregated, and it was difficult for different cultures to mix... especially in friendly ways. Aura guardians considered themselves better than everyone else and invaded many places with the goals of purifying them. Installing their own customs and traditions. All under the umbrella of protecting those people."
"As you can imagine, the local draconid people were not happy. To help combat the invaders they created their own language, one for them to discuss things without the tyrants hearing and to allow them to communicate to the dragons who they held a close bond too for many years prior. This is the only language my child knows and so it's no wonder you can't translate it. Draconids held out the longest of those invaded by the guardians and that's why we can still see several settlements in the world today of their traditions. They only overwhelmed them in the end by succeeding over other traditions."
"Oh..." he uttered, glancing down.
"I believe the ninjastic people also have settlements, but I don't know of any communities." He paused. "Of course, being a culture and stealth and invisibility they're unlikely to make their population known... it's the reason why humanity reversed engineered psychic humans to combat the guardians. The only ones who thought back then that guardians were protectors were the guardians themselves. Eventually forced into secrecy themselves."
Closing his eyes, he felt his entire body tremble at the thought. Swallowing hard, he had to fight to stop himself gagging at the thought of his legacy... his families legacy. As his eyes creeked over, he felt tears sting them, but it didn't matter if they fell due to the rain hammering around them.
"Were almost there!"
Wiping his eyes, he tried to push the feelings down and he looked ahead. While the dark storm clouds covered part of the sky, the next part was as clear as any summers day. Bursting out from the drizzle, he couldn't believe the humidity and heat. As if being cooked alive through his soaked clothes.
He continued to look ahead and found his eyes drawn to a single thin tower. It stood tall in the sky, disappearing among the few fluffy white clouds somewhere in the sky. It stood on top of a single island which seemed isolated within the vast ocean. Closing in, he couldn't help but gasp. The tower was built of nothing but sand bricks. It seemed ready to fall apart any moment.
As they slowed to a landing at the base, he noticed the elder from Meteor Falls. Feeling the thud of the pseudo on the ground, he slid off as the elderly women approached with an Altaria behind her. It was difficult to make out her scowl with her massively wrinkled forehead.
"Why did you bring this one?" she asked the young wild child. Zinnia climbed off, standing on all fours.
"Psh!" She grunted, swatting the elders hand away. She walked closer to the tower before stopping at the entrance.
"Do you really believe you could handle this responsibility, boy?" she asked with venom in her throat.
"I dunno but Zinnia and Salamence say they need my help and if someone asks for it, then I never refuse." He replied.
"The righteous aura guardian." She rolled her eyes. "As if your sex didn't already limit your-"
"What is your problem with guys?" he asked.
After having experienced things from Serena's body, he knows how annoying and creepy it can be for a women in this world... but that doesn't mean this attitude is any better. He'd be the first to stand up to guy making unneeded comments to any of his female friends, so he won't accept it here either.
"My problem is you're not suited to the tough situations. I bet you won't even make it halfway up this tower, let alone-"
"Grwa!"
They both went silent and turned to the source of the weird sound. Zinnia stomped over with puffed cheeks. She reached up and scrunched the elders lips together with her hand. Pulling back, the women seemed to get the hint and she turned to Ash. Grabbing his hand, she dragged him over to entrance and pointed straight up at a ninety-degree-angle. Cranking his neck to that direction, he suddenly felt sick at the thought of climbing all the way.
"Can't we just fly up to the top?" he turned to Salamence who walked behind him.
"Afraid not," he replied, "not only is it so high the oxygen is thin... meaning anyone big enough to fly, would struggle to breath and carry you at that altitude but part of the rite of passage to meet the dragon of the sky is by climbing this landmark. Once we get to the top, there are two ways we could go... one is for the draconid people to offer things in hopes of meeting him, the other is for the chosen. A guaranteed way to alert the sky's protector."
"What are we waiting for?" he asked, taking a deep breath.
"For you to pick your Pokémon partner," he replied, "each human who visits is permitted one helper to ascend this place. I shall assist my child, as I did back when we first climbed this tower, but you need a partner of your own."
"Oh erm-" He didn't even get chance to consider his options as a flash of light shot of his belt. He blinked in surprise at the Pokémon. "Kirlia?"
"Who else?" she asked. "I think we've gotta get going. Come along."
"You want to help us climb the tower?" he asked.
"Of course, I'm the daughter of a champion," she replied, placing her hands on her hips, "none of the others you've got on hand can help. Now we're wasting time. Let's get going."
Not wanting to argue with her on the matter, he simply shrugged. Following Zinnia and the emotions Pokémon into the tower, he couldn't help but gasp at the sight of the dusty-brown sand building with a row of stairs built into the side, heading up in a spiral. The room seemed surprisingly big despite the sight of the tower on the flight over. Heading over to the staircase, they started ascending with Salamence floating up beside them, never surpassing their height.
"Some Pokémon have made their homes here and are a part of the test reach the final destination," he explained, "do you have something else you wish to discuss? I feel like our conversation on the way here might've stopped rather abruptly."
"Why did you trust me to do this?" he asked, "after what you said, I would've thought an aura user-"
His thoughts were cut off by a swarm of Pokémon diving down from the ceiling. Instinctively, he turned to Kirlia, who entered a battle stance only to find multiple Togetic's floating down. Swirling around them, glitter seemed to sparkle off. A smile formed on his face as he remembered his own.
"It seems they can answer for me." Salamence chuckled. "Which is useful because it means we'll have an easier time."
"What'cha mean?" he asked.
"A small group of Togetic call this place home and can sense pure hearts. Since they approached, they consider all of us to have one," he replied, "had they not, they would've alerted Pokémon above and we would've faced an onslaught until forced out of the tower."
"So, we've passed the test?" he asked.
"One of them... and we'll still have battles nearer the top but to test us and not force us out," he replied, "and while it's true, I have a certain distain for your people of the past, I can see the difference between them and their actions and yourself, today. It's not going to be easy but anyone who wishes to live in peace, needs to learn to forgive. That is what my child has taught me and what I aim to live by."
May felt tears sting her eyes as she walked back and forth the cabin. Once the others left, Drake ordered them down to the cabin and left one of the men on his ship to keep they put. She watched her brother sit on the bed with his Castform in his lap as he giggled when she nuzzled into his stomach as his Shuppet floated around his head and Treecko stood off in the corner, beating up on the wooden floor.
"Can you just shut up!" She yelled.
"What did I do?" he asked.
"Nothing! You never do anything!" She stomped her foot down. "Manaphy is so close and trapped in that thing and your... your-"
"Calm down, May." Misty stepped up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know your upset for Manaphy but yelling at Max won't help anyone."
"I know but-"
"We also can't do anything until we make it to the freighter and the others launch their assault," she added.
"Until?" Max asked. "Are you saying we're going to-"
"Of course, I've come this far with aqua that I need to see it through." She flashed him a smile. "None of the guys up there are bad and-"
"How can you say none of them are bad?!" She raised her voice. "They hired J! You saw the prison they trapped Manaphy in! And you said he-"
"Let me rephrase it. None of them have nasty intentions." She raised her hands to signal her to stop. "They just want to save the world. The oceans are treated like dumping grounds and it's the water life which suffer. If something isn't done soon then the world will be irreversibly damaged."
"Sounds like you wanna join them rather than stop them," Max uttered.
"I won't deny that I believe in their cause... but there actions are extreme and that won't help anyone." She sighed. "But they were pushed into those extreme measures, so I don't think any of them deserve to die or be treated inhumanely for their actions. Aren't we all just trying to do the right thing?"
Before anyone could continue, a massive jolt caused both herself and Misty to stumble over. Scrambling over to the window, they noticed the clearer sky with waves still crashing against them and the aqua freighter just a little bit off. From above she noticed a lot of the crew swinging across on some flying type Pokémon, with Steven and Drake on Metagross and Salamence, respectively. She glanced towards Misty, who smiled widely.
"Great! This is our chance!" She raised her voice, taking out a Pokéball. "Whose with me on this? I'll understand if you'd rather wait here."
"No way am I leaving Manaphy again!" May stepped up.
"And I'm not staying by myself either," Max added.
"Good, then here's the plan. Manaphy is being held on the other side of the ship. Even if they hurry, the guards will hold them off for as long as possible so we're going to swim around and climb up from the other side," she explained, "Archie and Matt were standing with Manaphy when I last saw so we'll be able to work on stopping them and meet the others somewhere in the middle."
"You've really thought this through." Max smiled.
"I started planning the moment Drake decided I wasn't going to take part," she shrugged, "oh and we might be in the eye of the storm but that doesn't mean the water's settled, so we'll need to stick close together. Use as many water types as possible to strengthen our hold. I've got Tentacruel, Sharpedo, Gorebyss and-"
She pressed her centre button and released a large, round, blue Pokémon with a spiral over the stomach and two white gloved fists. "Cool, a Poliwrath!" Max beamed as he lept down from the bed. Misty iterated an escape; her little brother wasted no time in returning his three Pokémon.
"So, you think this will work?" she whispered to the orange haired girl, as her tadpole Pokémon walked up to the door.
"I think so, Poliwrath belonged to my dad and is kinda protective," she whispered as he knocked on the door. The handle turned and the single guard left to babysit them turned the handle. Before he could react, the swirly stomach glew and light blue psychic rings shot out. Hitting the guard head on, his eyes became heavy, and he fell down onto his back, fast asleep. "I thought of bringing him over before my initial visit just for the extra muscle."
Shrugging, she followed the gym leader through the boat and back up onto the deck. Running over to the edge of ridge which connected to docks, she noticed the water type specialist release her vary of Pokémon into the ocean below. Taking out her own Pokéball, Huntail joined the group. Misty wasted no time in diving down and splashing into the water, grabbing onto her Gorebyss' back as the Pokémon grouped together.
A tentacle reached up and wrapped around Max. Shivering as her little brother was lifted down, she took a deep breath. Diving down like Misty previous did, she squeezed her eyes shut as she splashed into the icy cold water. Feeling something swim underneath, she grabbed on and was pulled back up to the surface. Wiping her face down, she noticed her Huntail being the one to help her as Max rode on the back off Misty's Jellyfish Pokémon.
Each of them nodded and the gang started to swim away from the wooden boat and towards the metal freighter. The larges waves threatened to knock them about but taking the brunt of the force as a team really helped them. As they sailed across the water and around the freighter, she closed her eyes, trying not to focus on the water poison type which carried her little brother.
"Mama!" Her eyes burst open at the sound of her son-like figures pleas for help. Her heart ached and tears stung her eyes. Wiping them clear best she could, she felt a lump in her throat, preventing her from swallowing. "Mana-Mana!"
She noticed Tentacruel lifting Misty up first and her grabbing onto the metal ladder built into the edge of the ship. The gym leader hung on and watched as her little brother was lifted up next, slightly above her. He released both Castform and Shuppet, who floated up beside him as he made his way up with the gym leader following shortly behind. Unclipping her own Pokéball, she released Beautifly who hovered above her.
Shooting several string shots to the bottom of the ladder, her first caught Pokémon handed them over and she was able to climb up to the ladder. Sighing as she looped her arms through the metal ridges, she turned to recall her Huntail back into her device.
She noticed most of the other Pokémon had been recalled, all except Tentacruel. She shivered as the water poison type stuck to the side of the metal ship, climbing up with ease. Taking a deep breath as she watched the jellyfish Pokémon disappear over the top, she started to climb with her bug flying type resting on her head. She wasn't sure what to expect as she reached the top of the ladder.
What she saw were dozens of grunts fighting against some of the crew men from Drake's boat. Different water and dragon types were going at it with elemental attacks flying in all direction. Drake and Steven seemed focused on the muscular aqua admin, with their Metagross and Salamence facing off against a Blastoise, Gyarados and Crawdaunt. She couldn't be sure who was winning, and she couldn't focus on the background for long either.
Misty was facing off against a skinner man in an unripped aqua outfit. Her Tentacruel was restricting a Ludicolo in a close quarters battle.
Azumarill was coated in water, flying around the deck against a large Pelipper. Each bashed into each other but continued on without concern.
While Poliwrath seemed locked in a boxing match with humanoid blue Pokémon. She pinched her lips together as she pulled out her Pokédex:
Golduck, The Duck Pokémon. The final evolved form of Golduck. Golduck is the fastest swimmer among all Pokémon. It swims effortlessly, even in a rough, stormy sea. It sometimes rescues people from wrecked ships floundering in high seas
"When I be done with ye this here time lassie, I'll set sail ye in davy jones locker!" The man she assumed was Aqua's leader declared.
"May!" Misty cried out. "Focus! You and Max need to help Manaphy!"
Snapping her attention to the side, she watched as her little brother stood with his three Pokémon. Treecko was launching bullet seeds into crystal, but it seemed harmless. Without missing a beat, she ran up beside him.
"What do we do?" she asked.
"Brock told me about the crystal they faced in Johto. That one was designed to hold electric types and it took Ash's Sandslash to destroy it!" He gasped. "I've got an idea but-"
"But what?!"
"It could hurt Manaphy!" He sighed. "If we freeze the water completely, then Shade should be able to phase in and phase them both out."
"But it would also freeze Manaphy as well," she muttered.
"I know but I don't know how else we could do it!" He stomped his foot down. "There isn't a type completely immune to water like with electricity. We also can't cause enough damage to break the crystal as the water weakens any moves before they make contact."
She bite down on her lip as she focused on the small water type struggling against his prison. Tears stung her eyes as she lingered on the little one. Forcing a swallow down, she wiped her eyes and focused on her little brother. He's always been a bookworm and know it all. Part of her wanted to yell and scream but she really couldn't offer a better solution in this moment.
"Max... if this doesn't work then-" She shook her head, unable to finish the sentence. Taking out a Pokéball, she pressed the centre button. "Go Skitty!"
"Nya?" Her normal type tilted her head to the side.
"We need to freeze this water! Think you can do it with Blizzard?"
"Nyan!"
Smiling as he normal type did a small run back, she took a deep breath and turned to face the water sphere. All but Castform dived to the side, just in time for the icy cold breath to spread across the water ball. Her brother's genetically made Pokémon transformed into the final of her forms. Floating around to the other side of the sphere, she launched out a weaker breath of snow-filled breath, giving May chance to take in her newest appearance.
Her head was now a purplish-blue colour. The rest of her body changed into the shape of a mint-green, cumulonimbus cloud. Looking smooth but clearly cold by air visible around. A single point shot down from her bottom, looking like some sort of icicle.
"Get ready Shade." She heard her bothers voice.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she tightened her fists as she scrunched her face together. Each pound of her heart echoed through her body as time seemed to stand still. Even the chaos from the ongoing battles seemed to go silent as she ended up in her own world.
"Mana."
Her eyes burst open, and she saw Shuppet circling around with the pure water type in his arms. Her breath stopped as she watched the ghost type stop just above her and lower down. Her arms instinctively reached out and grabbed the seafaring legendary.
Feeling the young Pokémon in her arms once more, her heart ached once more. Tears openly fell from her eyes and landed on his beautiful blue skin. She dropped to her knees and held him close as she let out her pent-up emotions flow freely.
"Manaphy... love you."
Serena quickly clipped Shelgon's device back to her belt as she turned back to the ongoing battle. The first thing she noticed was the addition of Brock's normal type, facing off against the Blaziken. Turning to the doctor-in-training, she handed over the ultra-ball and he gave a single nod.
Looking around at the ongoing commotion, she noticed his Vigoroth out. Duelling against Courtney's Blaziken in a claw-to-foot combat.
Slashing his claws around, the limited room in the cave meant the jump ability was a hindrance. His claw came down on a blazing kick, knocking him back.
A cry from another opponent drew her attention. The Ninetales stalked closer with the plump tail raised above the rest of them.
Quickly snatching another device off her belt, she didn't have time to carefully consider her options. Tossing the device forward, her handstand Pokémon materialised with a narrowed glare. Slamming his fists together he took off and jumped onto his head. Spinning across the ground with haste.
The pure fire type lept overhead and shot down a stream of flames. Knocking him off balance, he disappeared amongst the flames.
As they faded, her fighting type was no-where to be seen. A single hole was left in the ground where he once stood.
Cracks formed under the fire fox and her spinning top Pokémon shot out. Punching her in the face, she ended up on her side and he straddled her.
He entered a flurried assault, stomping and punching as an orange-y brown outline surrounded his body. She cried out in pain from his close combat.
Ninetales' eyes burst open with psychic type energy. A forcefield blasted out and sent him into the air.
"Sucker punch!" She hollered.
His body glew with a black outline. Diving through the shield harmlessly, he delivered one massive hit straight to her face.
She grunted through the blow and a pink mist echoed out of her body. Striking the fighting type, he staggered back, kneeling over. She could've sworn she saw hearts form in his eyes. Shaking his head side to side, his attention turned to other duelling Pokémon.
Swallowing hard as the attract took hold, his attention was fully focused on Blaziken. Not wanting to disrupt the situation, she came up with a plan.
"Switch opponents!" she shouted.
Vigoroth slid back from a kick to the gut. Turning on a heel, he charged over the field and tackled Ninetales over into a far wall.
The fire fighting type tried to pursue him, but Hitmontop top charged forward instead. Leaping onto one of the long legs, the started kicked him off.
Smashing into the far wall, his eyes seemed to return to normal. Falling down onto his knees he glanced between the fire fighting type and the fire fox being slashed up by Vigoroth. Heaving as he turned back to Blaziken, he threw up on the cavern floor.
Without hesitation she pulled out her Pokéball. Recalling him into the device, she watched the blaze Pokémon take off.
Tackling Vigoroth into the wall, he revealed Ninetales unconscious. A red light engulfed her as he delivered a close combat onto the normal type.
Seeing Brock recall his own partner, she realised he'd need to focus on the healing. She took out another device as Blaziken turned to face her.
Holding the device out, her Milotic materialised in front of her. Extend up, she leered down on the fire fighting type.
Throwing herself forward, the opponent tried to leap out of the way. She used her slender body and knocked him back. Constricting herself around him.
Water spewed out of her and engulfed the two of them. Whipping her body around, she sent Blaziken off to the side where he collapsed in a heap.
Before she could celebrate, another flash of light appeared, and the Rotom-form materialised in front of her. A blast of electricity shot down and engulfed her tender Pokémon. She cried out in pain as it zipped about in front of them, floating close to the ceiling.
As the electric attack stopped, she fell forward onto her front. After the exhaustion of fighting the storm previously, it's no wonder she went down so easily.
Recalling her into the device, she glanced around. Off in the background, Claydol continued use Psychic to move the rocket fuel despite their ongoing battle.
She realised now was as good a time as any. Pulling out her device, she remember the morning they left Mossdeep. Speaking with Absol, he suggested bringing an old friend for the coming events and she only really felt one option was appropriate. With a deep breath, she held the Pokéball out and a red light burst.
In front of her, Delphox materialised and extended her stick. A smile overtook her face as she felt ready with her starter once again.
The electric fire type dived down, opening up the stomach area. Purple balls of ghost type energy shot out and rained over her psychic fire type.
Waving her stick overhead, balls of ESP formed in a row. She launched them into the incoming shadow balls, destroying the opposing projectiles.
"Psybeam behind Rotom!" She hollered.
Spinning the wand in her hand, she pointed it straight up and sent out a multicoloured beam. It struck the ceiling and caused a series of rocks to fall down onto the fire electric type. Who jumped back and forth through the makeshift rockslide in an attempt to dodge.
Glancing off to the side, she noticed Claydol stopping in its place. Raising both arms once again, another hyper beam shot out towards her starter.
Breath stuck in her throat as Delphox waved the wand overhead. A mystic coat shimmered down over head, creating a veil over herself.
Taking the hyper beam head on, she scrapped across the ground. The beam shot off the veil, hitting Rotom through the rocks. She pulled out her Pokédex:
Mirror Coat: The user redirects more elemental moves and uses them to hit the opponent with twice the strength
Putting the device back away, she noticed Rotom on the floor with swirl for eyes. A red light withdrew the plasma Pokémon.
Another flash followed and she found herself staring down a Camerupt. She remembered the one Ash faced when visiting the Winstrate family farm. Although this one was notable smaller. Giving a small leap with the front hooves, the fire ground type slammed down.
Seismic tremors echoed all around them. The walls of the cavern shook, and she dropped to her knees. Rubble crumbled from the ceiling above.
Delphox, using one hand to steady herself, stuck out her wand. Channelling the ESP, she lifted the eruption Pokémon off the ground.
While the magnitude stopped, she struggled against the psychic restraint. Unable to hold her for long, Delphox loosened her psychic hold.
Courtney's orange Pokémon stomped down and entered a strong run. Her starter dived to the side, leaving her in the rampaging Pokémon's path.
Tightening her stance, she remembered the days her mother spent teaching her Rhyhorn racing. With a deep breath, she locked eyes on the fire ground type and coated her body in ESP. Grabbing onto the top of the head, she glided into a sitting position, mounting the charging opponent.
Expanding the ESP through her hands, she created some makeshift reigns with her powers. Pulling on them like a pro, she caused her to rear back.
Camerupt continued to fail around in an attempt to throw her off but to no avail. She glanced over to Brock's water ground and connected minds.
"Marshtomp! Can you provide some water for Delphox?!" She mentally asked, sliding into a more suitable riding position.
Without missing a beat, she matched the eruption Pokémon move for move. The two of them danced in perfect harmony.
No-matter how tough this one might be, he'll never be as stubborn a racer as her mother's Rhyhorn. With the hump making it even easier for her to stay put.
As they spun around, she noticed her fire fox now stood tall. Extending her wand, she waved it around with ESP leaking out of the tip.
Chancing a glance above, she saw a pool of water swirling overhead. A single stream helping build it up.
Turning back to her starter, she gave a nod signalling she was ready. Standing up with her ESP moving to help keep her stead, she pushed off from the fire ground type and flew over the cavern. Diving into a roll, she landed next to her starter, turning to see the end results.
ESP funnelled the water down into the hump on the back. Steam hissed out from the top of the opponent as the wild movements slowed down.
Sighing in relief, she stood up and dusted herself off. Wiping the layer of sweat off her forehead, she was suddenly thankful for her mother's teachings.
Her eye wondered over to the ground psychic type once more. Seeing Claydol lift the last barrel of rocket fuel. Realising time was running out, she took out another Pokéball and tossed it across the room. Running towards them as her Froslass materialised, she trusted her starter to finish of Camerupt on her own.
The ghost ice type quickly formed a sphere of ice in her hands. Tossing it across the cavern, she formed another. Repeating this action multiple times.
One by one, the ice spheres struck the Claydol. Their psychic hold on the barrels broke, causing them to drop onto the ground.
With a deep breath, she extended both arms out. Releasing the massive blizzard from her mouth, she fanned the freeze to help direct it more specifically.
As her attack came to an end, she took in the sight of her opponents. Claydol was covered in frost, with ice surrounding his entire area. Shaking themselves, the icy cold slipped off. The multiple eyes glew with ESP and lifted up rocks from all the surrounding walls.
Rocks tumbled towards her snow land Pokémon, but Froslass was ready. Weaving in and out, she skilfully floated around the rock tomb.
Raising her own hands, she had to channel her own abilities. Using them to deflect the projectiles safely to either side.
Putting the last rock down, she noticed the ground psychic type spinning around. Her ice ghost type no-where to be seen.
Before getting suspicious, her unasked questions were raised. Shooting up out of the ground beneath, she floated around the back, releasing a thinner icy wind as she swooped overhead. Disappearing into the ceiling, she waited several seconds before diving down on the opposite side.
Glancing over to the other battle going on, she noticed Delphox lifting her opponent with psychic. Tossing her against the wall with a massive thud.
Camerupt slipped down onto her stomach. As swirls replaced the eyes, she expected a red light to engulf the fire ground type... but no light appeared.
"Wh-where did Courtney go?!" She stuttered slightly, turning around to try and see the purple-haired girl.
Her head started pounding harder as she continued to flick her head around. Feeling her breath become short, she started rapidly breathing and ran from side to side. Was the temperature raising up? She soon got her answer and her heart stopped... human footprints in the icy floor Froslass created. Heading towards the rocket fuel previously moved by the ground psychic type. Her sweaty palms had her fingers run over them. Millions of thoughts filling her head.
Closing her eyes, she sent out a wave of ESP. Ignoring the minds of her friends & Pokémon, she soon found herself inside Courtney's head. She is sat in a classroom with the magma leader stood in front. Glancing out the window, the world seemed to pass by. Day by day. His voice echoed around her head.
"Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously." "Discovery requires experimentation." "If given the resources, we could launch the world into the new golden age." "Extreme situations require extreme responses to solve them."
Some of the students around disappeared. Others came in. The magma emblem faded onto the old chalk-board. Her heart raced as her teeth sunk into the bottom lip. Serena inwardly gasped, remembering the only times when she acted like this herself-
"You need to leave... NOW!" Absol's mental voice rang through her head.
She didn't have enough time. A loud bang echoed. She flew backwards as rubble collapsed above. The cave returning before darkness blinded her.
Instinctively, she through her arms up. Releasing the biggest psychic pulse, she could muster. The air knocked out of her lungs. She couldn't breathe.
Unable to move her body, she could only wait for one of her senses to return. An aching pain covered her body as she coughed up dust.
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