Author's Note:
Here it is, the start of the wish maker arc. Obviously, it's based on the movie but just like with Pokémon Hero's, it has my own twist on it. I've also changed the role of Jirachi because I needed a different role to fit how I'm using legendries. Each having a specific role to how the world works. It won't be as different as the Celebi arc was to the Celebi movie though. The main difference will be the villains, this is an integral part to the plot for our two evil teams, so I've removed the bad Butler villain. He'll still be here but a simple magician, not a past magma member or scientist or anything like that. It's also going to focus on Max out of the group, but the movie seemed to do that as well. I will say that a guest reviewer tried to self-promote their story with a review whilst bashing this series. I don't mind self-promotion but be kind, I deleted that review due to strong language used and the overall attitude. Not much else to say, just that you can expect at least one evolution, a sort of capture (if you squint) and some familiar faces during this three-parter. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin!
Chapter Twenty-Four: Jirachi, Wish Maker P I
Long ago there was a planet which needed construction. It was just an orb without any characteristics. So, father created two beings who were enlisted to create the waters and landscapes. One a monstrous land mountain, and the other a vicious king of the waters.
Filling the globe with water, the king of the oceans Kyogre. Massive storms filled the skies.
As Groundon, monster of the land caused volcanic eruptions. Moulding the tallest landscapes into father's image.
But with the two conflicting visions in motion, the two beasts came to a collision. Clashing away as the weather switched from blazing droughts to torrential rains. Neither side giving an inch of their respective designs.
With the planet coloured and shaped to his liking, father introduced a third beast to this trifecta. Lord of the sky, Rayquaza.
He settled the raging weather patterns and laid both of the beasts to rest. Kyogre deep on the ocean floor and Groundon buried inside a mountain.
Absorbing what remained of their power into two orbs, he sealed them away in case the need for such design became dire once more. This lord of the sky rested out of sight from those who inhabited the ground, with a new job in store. He protected the thriving earth from incoming objects.
As he only wished to create the one world within his image, father's power was too much. It expanded out into an entire universe, but he paid no heed to the rest of developing parts outside of his selected world. This led to multiple threats, whether new life forming in the depths of space or simple debris from events long since passed. Rayquaza was tasked with protecting the earth from these new solar threats.
Whilst distracted with this knew task, he lost track of the two orbs which could awaken the beasts of land and sea. So, he enlisted a team to help.
The eon twins were the first created. Able to travel the globe faster than most, they could respond quicker to such threats on short notice.
As well as the young wish maker. A powerful psychic, he was described as a wish maker by the humans who inhabited the planet. His powers gave him the illusion of sorcery to the natives, but Rayquaza had another use for him.
His unique abilities allowed him to track incoming cosmic energy, usually found in meteorites. He'd be able to track and find such threats, draining their energy before entering the atmosphere and removing the present danger of a crash onto the planet below. The young wish maker would respond to the smallest of threats before any of the others and should he be unable to stop such an event, he'd contact another of the team to respond instead.
He landed on top of a mountain with the bright full move overlooking the forest below. Turning his attention towards the valley, he saw the human lights and machinery for their social gatherings. Taking a longing look at them, he turned his attention up to the sky.
His family have passed down the legends of the world for generations. Gifted with the unique abilities sense oncoming danger, they've worked in tangent with such legends to help protect the beings of this world. Of course, he was aware of the current meteor on a course for this land but that wasn't what drew him here. No. It was the chance of a raging battle, which is due to take place when the wish maker needs to concentrate to prevent a massive incident.
Jumping from his perch, he skilfully traveller down the cliff side. Landing on one rock before jumping to another.
His only hope is to find the wish maker before this event takes place. He'll be able to take him somewhere safe and away from the humans hunting them, where the wish maker can drain the cosmic energy and he can protect him if needed.
Should they fail to drain the cosmic energy. Not only will it destroy a large chunk of the mountain range where it lands but a far more disastrous event shall follow, claiming infinite more lives.
He smiled at the water grass type in his hands. The water weed Pokémon was sat in his hands with a blank expression on his face, blinking every few seconds.
While he couldn't be certain, he certainly likes to think he's become good friends with the little guy over the weeks. Of course, he's apart of Brock's team but the older brother figure has been really generous with letting him spend time with his Pokémon. He almost always has one out to talk with whilst they're on the road. Sure, Mudkip seems to be the friendliest and Aron is fun to use in practise battles but since he's known Lotad longer... it's a deeper bond than with the others.
"So," his sister's voice screeched through his ears. Turning towards her, he found her Beautifly perched neatly on her head, while Clamperl was cradled in her arms. Torchic, Poochyena and Minun all ran ahead in a game of chase. While Mawile walked close to her, "where is this millennium comet anyway?"
He sighed, locking eyes with the small Pokémon one more time. The water weed Pokémon certainly didn't seem to have a care in the world. Shaking his head slightly at the interruption, he lifted the little guy up and placed him on his head, turning towards his sibling, "tonight is the first night of the comets journey. It likely won't be more than a small speck in the sky. Blending in with the other stars above."
"No, it all," she grunted, placing her hands on her hips.
Keeping his head down, he continued forward under the night sky. With the summer behind them, it certainly has been getting dark a lot quicker. Even still, the warm Hoenn air made the atmosphere. Taking in a deep breath, he looked around the group once more.
Brock was off to the side, holding Electrike in his arms. Both of them were looking up at the solar display above as the doctor-in-training pointed and explained about the star constellations. While he also had both Mudkip and Aron walking by his feet. The latter was clearly leading the other two.
While Manectric is certainly one of the cooler Pokémon he's researched on his own, he completely understands why he hasn't interacted with the pure electric type at all. He is only comfortable around Brock and at a push, Pikachu. He certainly wouldn't mind bonding with him, but it's Electrike's choice first.
Taking his attention off the injured Pokémon, he turned ahead where he saw Serena. Despite his stomach still bubbling with excitement, he shook his head and pushed the sensation away. After the talk he had with her on Dewford and the one with Brock following it, he is better able to continue his feelings. With a hold on them, he took in her little group as well.
Kabutops stood beside her with his scythes crossed. Almost looking like some sort of bodyguard. As Sylveon was a little bit ahead with Ash's Pikachu riding on her back. Cacnea was hopping by her feet, with a usual bright smile on his face. It's funny, he's certainly tried to do his affectionate hugs, but Kabutops seems always on guard to stop him before the thorns can hurt her. Dustox flew ahead with her scales shimmering under the moonlight. While Meditite walked a little bit ahead of her, holding Ralts' hand as they both took in the sky scenery above. Despite travelling with them, he hardly knows her team like Brock's.
A small explosion drew his attention. He ended up looking directly at Ash, who appeared to be training during their walk.
His newly caught Kirlia was firing off psybeams as both Treecko and Taillow dodged out of the way. His Donphan was well ahead of them, rolling around at top speed, but he kept doubling backing and circling around them. While Corphish was passed out in his arms, snoozing with a giant yawn bubble.
"Are we getting close to where the carnival is meant to be?" the raven-haired boy asked.
"It's meant to be in the valley just ahead," Brock looked down from the sky, "at least, that's what the Pokegears said before."
"Don Don!"
He looked ahead to see Donphan uncurled and stood atop the hill, overlooking something. Bright orange lights could be seen reflecting of his hard skin and a certain excitement filled his feet, but he wasn't the only one.
"Have you found it, buddy?" Ash asked, charging ahead. His Pokémon ending their makeshift training session to follow him.
"Last one there's a Slowpoke!" Serena shouted, charging off after her boyfriend.
"Max! You're a Slowbro!" May added with an annoying giggle as she took off.
"Very funny!" he retorted, picking up his own pace. Reaching up, he took Lotad off his head to prevent him falling off.
"Hey! I don't want to be a slowpoke!" he heard Brock's voice but he aren't turn to look in case he slowdown.
He came up behind his sister as all of them stopped on top of the cliff top. Looking over the other side of the hill, he saw a giant fun fair. Despite being the valley below, it was still far enough way that the sounds weren't very loud. He saw multiple rides with bright lines colouring the scenery. A fun rollercoaster with a Linoone shaped carts drew his attention with a giant ferris wheel, with the image of an Electrode covering the centre. Just along the outside of the grounds was a large pond, which he could only imagine was filled with wild water types.
They started walking down the hill as he took in more of the view. Giant Pokémon shaped balloons covered the sky. He could make out the shapes of Slaking, Camerupt, Wailmer and another large Pokémon. It took nearly twenty minutes, but they soon made it to the grounds of the carnival.
Walking around, he was able to take in more of the atmosphere. The thick greasy smell of food and sweets replaced the refreshing mountain air, with the once peaceful quietness of sleeping nature was now filled with chatter of fair goers and the ruckus of the different rides. Stalls selling food, or mini games for prizes littered the grounds. He saw Ash and Serena go over to one of the gaming stalls, where to win you through 'fake' Pokéballs into a target.
"Hey Max," Brock drew his attention. Turning towards the breeder, he saw him without his newest team member present, "see anything you want to go on?"
"Everything looks amazing!" he declared, "I want to go on the bumper karts, and the Linoone ride! Oh, and I saw a poster for a magic show!"
"Well just calm down," the doctor-in-training held his hands up, "we can do all of that. But I think the magic shows are every hour and a half so we should wait until the next one. I think it's in the main tent at the heart of the carnival!"
"Alright!" he cheered. Following the breeder, they joined the cue for the bumper karts. As they waited to join, he saw Lotad join both Aron and Mudkip as they wondered off to do their own thing. He also caught sight of May; stuff all sorts of fried foods into her mouth as she made her way to a sweet stall. Rolling his eyes, he looked up at the older brother figure beside him, "so where's Electrike?"
"He didn't seem interested in all this stuff so I'm letting him rest up," he smiled, "and I think Ash and Serena are going on another ride together, but we'll all be meeting back up to go and see the show so don't worry."
"Which ride do you think they'll go on?" he asked, glancing ahead to see them nearing the front of the cue, "the walters? or-"
"It's the train-track ride with the Luvdisc shaped carriages," he replied, "it's a tunnel of love ride."
"Tunnel of love?" he asked, half already knowing the answer.
"You'll understand when your older," he dismissed.
It didn't take them long to make their way to the front of the cue. He climbed into one of the bumper cars, which was designed like a Slaking as Brock climbed into the Barboach themed one. With a loud buzzer, they set off around the course, smashing into different karts with joyous laughter filling the airways.
After that, they went on the walters, in the spinning Aron shaped seating area. Brock took a go on the Wild Tauros ride, which he wasn't quite big enough to go on. Although it was funny seeing him get thrown around. He briefly remembered Ash saying he had one of the normal types back in Pallet and wondered if riding a real one would be like the ride. He also had a funny image the raven-haired boy being thrown off the real thing.
They made their way over to a food stall and selected their dinner, a regular hot Growlithe and box of nacho's, respectively. Regrouping with the others at the entrance to the tent. He couldn't help but notice Serena reapplying some sort of lip gloss or something, as she carried a small Eevee teddy under one arm, and Ash kept one hand around her waist. Deciding their closeness was due to that tunnel of love ride Brock mentioned. His sister also joined them, having tried out several different food stands and currently munching on a bag of popcorn.
Soon they made their way inside and too some seats high above the stage. It was almost like a cinema with how it was laid out. The first part of the show was a dance routine with a very nice-looking lady and some Ludicolo before the lights went down.
"Now for the moment you've all been waiting for," a voice announced over the sound system, "introducing our magician, The great Butler!"
A poof of smoke exploded on stage, with a single spotlight illuminating the man who stepped out. He had slick, light purple hair, gelled backwards in a fancy style. With a pure white tuxedo suit and black cane. With the crowd erupting in cheers for him, as he bowled towards the crowd.
"Thank you one and all!" he announced, "now without- hold one a second."
He paused. Taking his top hat off he looked inside before diving his hand in. Pulling out a fully grown Nidorino, who ran off stage.
"Sorry about that," he apologised, twirling his hat back around and placing it neatly on his head, "I thought there was- oh, not again!"
He took the hat off once more. Tapping the sides of the accessory, a small flock of Swablue flew out and over the audience.
"There now-"
The magic man was cut off as a Dustox took off after the Swablu. Sprinkling dust over the stage as it made it's exit.
"I think I'll just leave the hat for now so we can get on with the show!" he announced, "for our first trick, I'm going to need my assistances to help out."
A single spotlight appeared behind him as two Pokémon ran out to join him. The first one was easy to reconsign as Ash recently caught one, which was sat on the back of his second assistance. It was a quadrupedal Pokémon. Most of it's fur was short and grey, but there was shaggy black fur on it's lower legs, tail, and in two thick strips starting behind it's eye, running down the length of it's body. It had dark, triangular streak patterns below it's eyes, which were red with yellow sclerae, and sharp fangs visible when it opened it's mouth. It's ears were rhombus-shaped with dark, insides, and it's nose was red.
"Oh cool, Butler has a Mightyena!" Max cheered, practically jumping out of his seat, "and a Kirlia too!"
"Mightyena huh?" Ash mused, pulling out his Pokédex:
Mightyena, The Bite Pokémon. The final evolved form of Poochyena. Mightyena gives obvious signals when it is preparing to attack. It starts to growl deeply and then flattens its body. This Pokémon will bite savagely with its sharply pointed fangs. Act with caution if threatened by this Pokémon
"So that is what Poochyena might evolve into one day," May frowned, "shame. I like him how he is. Really sweet and playful."
"There's no guarantee he'll change personality drastically when he evolves, May," Brock replied, "and likewise. He could mature and change without evolving."
Mightyena pulled a table out onto the stage, which Kirlia climbed upon and stood. Using his cane, Butler tapped the metal panelling beneath, and the sides sprung up, encasing the psychic fairy type in some sort of metal box.
Butler pulled out a red blanket from his sleeve and covered the metal cage. Holding the cane up to his lips, he gave a small blow and a flame burst out.
Touching the fire to the cloth, it burst into flames. Seconds later, a blond women in a red dress appeared within the flames, stepping down onto the stage.
"And to introduce my partner in crime, Diana!" he declared as the audience erupted once more.
Mightyena began dragging out a large rectangular box onto the stage. As Diana picked up Butler's hat from before, slowly lifting it to reveal Kirlia again.
The psychic fairy type used some psychic move and lifted the box into the air. Spinning it around to show everyone all sides.
Lowering it back down, the dark type pulled away the table from the previous trick. As Butler opened the top of the box and helped Diana inside. Only her head and legs were visible, sticking out of the opposite ends. With both Pokémon joining Butler's side.
"Iron Tail if you'd please," he requested.
His Bite Pokémon leaped high into the air, with his tail being coated in metal. Bringing it down on the middle of the box, it split in two.
Diana's eyes widened as her head moved around. Butler moving one half of the box around to show all sides, as Kirlia did the same with the other half.
The legs end leaped up and without hesitation began walking around. Butler pulled on his collar, looking a little nervous.
"Hehehe, I didn't realise it was leg day," he joked.
Blowing on his cane once more, the flame appeared. He held it in front of his mouth before blowing a self-made flame thrower.
The flames engulfed the legs box which turned into a giant bonfire, "and now to introduce my final assistant, Dusclops!"
With an explosion, the flaming box disappeared. A Duskull, larger than Ash's, floating forward.
"I'll never understand how you keep going back on your evolution," he shook his head. Pulling the red blanket from his sleeve, he covered the ghost.
With a quick yank, it was off. Duskull was no-long present, but a Salamence was.
"What about me!" Diana's head called out from the box.
"Oh right, one issue at a time," he mareepishly replied, turning towards the large blue dragon, "if you'd be so kind, Salamence."
The mighty dragon let out a glass-shattering roar, followed by a dark blue flame. It engulfed the second half the box, completely consuming it. A sort of scary face formed within the flames and a new Pokémon walked out.
It had a roundish grey body with two stubby legs. The body appeared to be split into segments which overlapped. A single red eye and three tooth-like projects made up the face. With two wispy, light grey growths coming out of the shoulders and one on top of the head. Light grey hands appeared at the front of the body but without any arms attaching them. He already knew the Pokémon but leaned over as Ash used his Pokédex to scan it:
Dusclops, The Beckon Pokémon. The evolved form of Duskull. Dusclops's body is completely hollow—there is nothing at all inside. It is said that its body is like a black hole. This Pokémon will absorb anything into its body, but nothing will ever come back out
"So that's what Duskull might evolve into one day," Ash mused, putting his device back in his pocket, "cool."
"And Salamence is one of the pseudo legendries known to inhabit Hoenn," Max explained, "so it's super powerful!"
"Sort of like Dragonite back in Kanto," Ash smiled.
"Or Tyranitar in Johto," Serena added.
Kirlia let out her own cry from the stage, letting out a psychic wave. It grabbed the dragon breath and lifted it high into the air, like a sort of tornado.
Swirling it over the audience, it created quite the beautiful display. Before bringing it back down over the mighty dragon, completely consuming the beast.
Exploding on the spot, the flames disappeared with Salamence gone. Instead, Diana stood in the same outfit, completely unharmed with a purple rock in her arms. His eyes widened as the audience erupted in cheers, Ash, Serena, Brock and May all stood up to applaud, along with those seated around. So, he did to.
"Thank you! Thank you all!" Butler announced, as Diana lifted up the rock. It seemed to illuminate the room even more than it already was, "now for our-"
"Wish..." a voice echoed in his head, "the star."
He looked around but couldn't see who or what said such things. Shaking his head, he focused back on the stage as Mightyena pulled out the next prop, while Diana placed her purple rock on the table from before. Moving it to the back of the stage.
"Wish maker," the voice continued, "the comet."
"Huh? The comet?" he asked, glancing up to the ceiling, "where are you?"
"I wish you were here," the voice continued, as he found his eyes drawn to the purple rock, "with me."
Unable to resist the urge building in his head, he shot up out of his seat and shot down to the staircase nearby. Running straight down, he locked his eyes on the purple rock. He briefly heard Brock call out his name, but it didn't deter him. Reaching the stage, he struggled to climb up but soon made it to the rock.
"Hey, you need to get back to your seat," Diana's voice echoed through his ears, as she appeared next to the rock.
"S-sorry," he panted, "but I thought I heard a voice."
Both of the magicians gasped with eyes widening at his revelation. Up to his side, Mightyena came up, sniffing his feet before standing tall whilst facing him, with Kirlia walking up and grabbing his hand. Dusclops stood near the back. Butler looked down at him before glancing over to Diana, with a smile.
"Max!" Brock called out. Turning around he found the breeder had also made it onto the stage, "sorry about my friend... Max what's gotten into you."
"Wait-"
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we've got some volunteers to help with our next trick," Butler stepped forward, speaking straight to the audience. He turned around and placed a hand on both of their shoulders, turning them around to face the audience whilst leaning his head in-between them, "gentlemen, you must be in show business because you timing is perfect."
"Huh?!" They replied in unison.
"Fellow magicians, what are your names?" Diana asked, walking around the side. She was now carrying the rock once more.
"My name is Brock, and this is my friend Max," the doctor-in-training smiled, "he's sort of like my little brother."
"Since your both excellent magicians, let's do a trick for all of those in our audience tonight!" Butler announced. His Dusclops and Mightyena worked together to pull a box out onto the stage. It was much larger than the previous one, "you must simply escape the box before it burst into flames!"
"Erm, burning box?" Brock questioned.
Kirlia released a psychic wave and opened up the box. Using telekinesis, she moved it around to show how it was airtight before lowering it back down.
"That's your cue," Diana whispered, as she pushed them towards the box.
"But Diana... we're not really magicians," Brock tried to reason.
"Don't worry," she smiled. Reaching the box, they used a stool that Mightyena brought over to climb inside. Soon both Butler and Diana stood over top with the ceiling lights being the only source of lighting.
With the top being closed, it was completely dark. The movement of being swirled around in a circle made his stomach turn.
"Dusclops," Butler announced, "step forward."
"Dusc..." the ghost type groaned.
"Now because Brock and Max are clearly expert magicians, we'll make it a little more interesting," Butler continued as the spinning stopped, "they only have ten seconds before Dusclops destroys it with his Hyper Beam!"
He felt his heart rate increase as the great Butler began counting down. His breathing became rigid with each number lost.
"How are we meant to get out of here?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," Brock mused, "but they must have a plan or something. They are professionals, after all."
"One!" Butler announced, "now Dusclops!"
With a groaning battle cry from the ghost, he could only imagine the attack which was launched. Something hit the box and jolted it, as Kirlia flashed inside.
"Lia," she nodded, taking one hand from each of them.
Grabbing on, a bright flash blinded him. Blinking to regain his vision, he found himself stood atop the staircase along with Brock. Looking down on the stage, the smoke cleared to reveal a destroyed box in front of Dusclops. Kirlia stood next to Diana, not drawing attention to herself... and red roses raining down.
"Not only did the brilliant Brock and amazing Max escape just on time but they made it rain flowers as well!" Butler announced, gesturing up to them with several spotlights following to light them up, "so let's hear it for our special guests!"
The crowds cheered with a standing applause as Brock smiled and subtly waved back. Max blinked in surprise before feeling the breeder grab his hand and lead him back to the seats. The magic show continued on, but he couldn't focus on anything other than that purple rock in Diana's arms. As the show came to an end, they went to make their way out when Mightyena appeared and lead them down onto the stage and behind the curtain.
"Jirachi?" Ash asked.
"Right," Butler nodded, "Jirachi's a legendary Pokémon which shows up whenever meteors come close to crashing into our world. It's unknown why but along with the threat from above, it's believed to need a friend or someone to fulfil that role."
"A friend?" Max questioned.
"Correct Max," Diana smiled, kneeling down to his height, "and this rock we believe is holding the young wish maker. And we now think you'll be the friend he's decided on. That's why you heard his voice, as a part psychic type he's capable of telepathy."
"And the comet is already in the sky," Serena added, "so if your theory is correct-"
He looked around, feeling a little uncomfortable with how everyone was staring at him. Giving a quick shake of his head, he focused on the rigid purple diamond in Diana's arms. He felt his eyes drawn to it once more, unable to look away.
"Hello... Jirachi," he muttered.
"Not only did Max here voices but now he's made friends with a rock," May mused, "sounds like the start to one of those crime shows on tele."
"Cut it out!" he cried out, "your just jealous that Jirachi chose me to be his friend instead of you!"
"It's also said that Jirachi has the power to grant wishes," Butler added, stepping forward, "truth be told, I once encountered the legendary Pokémon before. I was but a small child, just like yourself Max. Living high in the mountains near Fallourbor town, he picked me to be his friend back then too."
"So... you want the chance to see your friend once more?" Ash guessed.
"Of course," he smiled, "truth be told, the young wish maker is the entire reason I loved magic and became a magician. After all, I might not be able to grant wishes, but I can make someone smile with my own brand of wonder. So, what do you say, Max?"
"Okay! I'll do it!" he smiled, giving an enthusiastic nod of the head.
The female magician gave a small smile of her own and extended her arms. Opening his own, he took the purple rock in his embrace. Despite being a rock, it certainly didn't feel like it. He couldn't quite describe how it did feel. It wasn't hard and rough, like how one would expect, but it wasn't soft either. It certainly didn't feel like glass, despite the gemstone appearance... truth be told, it was unlike anything he ever felt before.
"Max," his sister's voice pulled him out of the trance, "can I feel it?"
"No way," he tightened his embrace around the rock, pulling away from her, "I thought it was crazy to be friends with a rock."
"Yeah well, I was just kidding," she groaned, placing her hands on her hips, "so just let me hold it!"
"Nu huh," he replied, bolting off from the spot. Moving around the other side of Ash and Serena.
"So how long until Jirachi shows itself?" Ash asked.
"Well, he'll need to feel comfortable with everyone around Max, from what I remember," Butler replied, "so the less we crowd them, the sooner."
"If you don't have any plans, you'd be more than welcome to stay with us for a few days," Diana smiled, "we travel all over the region putting on our show and rides but due to the millennium comet passing overhead, we've rented out this land for the next two weeks. And it would be the least we could do if you help us meet Jirachi once more."
"That would be great, thank you," Serena smiled.
After being shown to the motorhome where they'd be staying, they went back to exploring the carnival. Max held onto the rock, just like it was one of Brock's Pokémon who he was letting him travel around with. All of the groups Pokémon returned from exploring the fair grounds and most of the visitors had left. He stood to the side as his sister and Brock investigated one of the last stands.
"Wow, look at this," May exclaimed, holding onto some sort fancy designed star dangling from the roof of the stand.
"You have excellent taste young lady," the stall runner smiled, "that is a wishing star."
"A wishing star?" she questioned.
"It works with the millennium comet," he smiled, "on each night that the comet appears in the sky, all you need to do is hold it up, fold down one of the segments and make a wish. If you, do it until its completely folded in on itself, then your wish will come true."
"Oh wow," she exclaimed, "I'll take it!"
"A wise choice," he smiled.
Max zoned out as they went through with the payment. It's one thing to believe Jirachi has the ability to grant wishes, after all, those legends came from ancient times. It would be easy for a psychic type to give off that sort of illusion. Heh, he even experienced it first-hand with Kirlia and Butler. He chanced a glance at the item his sister brought, but some sort of arts and crafts design having the same abilities is just crazy.
A high-pitched whistle, followed by an explosion drew his attention upwards. Several fireworks burst out in the shapes of Pokémon. Lotad, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Whismur. He could name each one which lit up the night sky.
"Wow, those are some skilfully made fireworks," Brock smiled, "they really went all out on this celebration for the millennium comet."
"Can you see that Jirachi?" he whispered to the purple rock. Holding it up in his arms to show the sky-display, "fireworks."
"Well, we should start heading back to the caravan," the doctor-in-training smiled, "I'm sure Ash and Serena have finished unpacking for us by now. And it's getting late."
Everyone nodded in agreement and the trio made their way back. Max couldn't help but let out a massive yawn as his eyelids battled to stay open. They soon made it back to find Serena sat on top of a rock, looking up to the sky above.
"Huh, hey guys," she smiled, "I think I've found the comet."
"Which one?" May asked, as they all turned their attention upwards. To Max, all the dots in the sky seemed to be the same. With only the moon standing out.
"That one," she declared, pointing up to one of the single bright dots, "I've been watching, and it seems to be getting bigger."
"Where's Ash?" Brock asked.
"Getting changed into his nightwear," she replied.
"I think I'll go and do the same," Brock
Max took the opportunity and sat at the base of the rock. Resting the purple gem on his lap, he leaned his head back to fully take in the sight. His mouth was forced open as he took a massive gulp of air. His eyelids getting heavier with every second passing.
"Oh, I better make my wish," May muttered, but he couldn't bring himself to look.
"I've read that the millennium comet passes overhead every thousand years," Serena explained, with his eyes increasing the amount of blinking, ending in the darkness taking over, "to think, how different it must look from up there. A lot sure has changed since the last time it visited us."
"And a lot hasn't," May added.
"Huh..." Serena's voice replied. A light weight landed next to him as he felt a hand run through his hair, not that he had the strength to move or see, "good night, Max."
"Mummy?" he mumbled.
The faint whistling of a familiar tune entered his ears. He couldn't stop the smile forming on his face as the memory of his parents in his room filled his mind, he laid in the Slaking shaped bed, his Treecko teddy neatly positioned in his arm. With the family Linoone at the foot of his bed.
A bright light shone into the darkness. Wrinkling his face, he tried to raise an arm to block it but to no-avail.
The gasps of the two girls also drew his attention as the sound of a metal door opening added to the ambience. Blinking, he didn't need to look far to see the source of the light was the purple rock. Soon a new being materialised right on top of it.
It was a small, white Pokémon with short, stubby legs and comparatively longer arms. There were flaps on the underside of it's arms, which gave the impression of long sleeves. On it's belly was some sort of mark, in the shape of a smiling face. The face was made up off circular grey eyes, with light pale blue markings underneath, with a small mouth right below. On the head was a large, yellow, helmet with three points extending outward, one from the top and the others on either side. Each point had a teal tag, which resembled the wishing tags dangling on May's wishing star. A rounded extension hanged from either side of the helmet, framing the cute face. Two yellow streamers flowed from the back, almost resembling a comet trail. Both Serena and May pulled out their respective Pokédex's to scan the new arrival:
Jirachi, The Wish Maker Pokémon. This Pokémon is classified as a legendary. It was once believed this Pokémon would grant wishes to any it saw as pure of heart, but no evidence can prove this. However, the limited evidence can prove it's ability to drain cosmic energy from nearby meteorites.
As he turned his attention away from the machines, he couldn't help but quirk his eyebrow up at the sight. Jirachi was still stood on top off the purple rock, breaking chunks off with bare hands and munching down on it. He knew some Pokémon, like Aron, fed on rocks but Jirachi?
"So Jirachi really does exist," May mused.
"I do," the mental voice echoed again.
"Hi Jirachi, " he greeted. Stepping closer to the legendary. It paused snacking and turned towards him. Staring straight into his eyes with a blank expression, he forced a hard swallow before continuing, "I-I'm Max."
"Hello Max," Jirachi smiled, leaping forward into his arms. He was knocked back a bit from the impact and fell on his behind. For such a small Pokémon, he sure weighed more than he was expecting.
"I'm May!" his sister pushed forward into both their faces.
"And I'm Serena," she smiled, sitting further behind, "and just over there are Ash and Brock."
"Hello May, Serena, Ash and Brock," Jirachi looked to each one as the two boys sat down nearby.
"Why did you eat that rock?" he asked.
"Do you mean the Forinaite?" Jirachi asked, tilting the head to the side, "because its super-duper tasty!"
"Forinaite must be a rock found in the Forina mountain range," Brock mused.
"What's the Forina mountain range?" May asked.
"It's a range of mountains that surround formed on the south-west side of mount chimney," Brock explained, "it doesn't quite reach Larvaridge town, however, which is a part of the mount chimney. It's filled with wildlife and nature, hardly ever transversed by humans."
"Why is that Brock?" Serena asked.
"Because humans created a safe travel route to the east side of mount chimney," he explained, "a simple cable car system is the safest and quickest way to scale the dormant volcano and the pathways go straight past Larvaridge and Fallourbor. Without a need to disturb the land, the ancient Hoenn people didn't."
"It's really cool to see that the people of Hoenn didn't just develop over every bit of land," Ash smiled, "I can't think of such a place in Kanto. Even in Johto, the lake of rage would be the closest but even it was a massive tourist attraction."
Max glanced down into his lap to see Jirachi fast asleep with the yellow streamers wrapping around the small body like some sort of blanket. He couldn't help but smile at the sight, it was almost like a new-born baby. With light breathing, his body slowly rose and lowered in rhythm.
"I think that means it's time for bed," Brock smiled, "come on guys, it's getting late."
Serena blinked awake as her head nuzzled further into what it was resting on. Slowly opening her eyes, she looked around to find it was Ash's shoulder that her head was on. They were lying down on the settee, as a makeshift bed with her arms looping around his back. She frowned slightly as she realised Ash had a tank top on instead of going shirtless like had for most of Hoenn. Mainly because they were all sharing the same caravan.
Unhooking her hands, she brought one hand around and rested it over his heart. Moving her head slightly, she pecked his cheek before whispering carefully into his ear that it was time to get up. She watched him stir and blink himself away.
"Good morning," he smiled, in a hushed voice.
"Whenever I wake up like this," she whispered, nuzzling into him. Sighing in content, she looked around the room once more. Brock's bed was already empty, not too surprising as he usually wakes up first but both Max and May were still fast asleep, "come on."
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"Just outside for a walk," she replied, pushing herself up and out of the embrace, "I wanna talk and don't want to wake up either of these two."
Giving a small nod, he sat up and joined her on his feet. They both quietly slipped on some footwear before making their way out of the motorhome. She carefully closed the door behind her, sure not to wake either of the siblings up. As they stepped over the grassy field, her hands enveloped his and she rested her head on his shoulder. The fresh smell of Brock's cooking filled the air, as they saw the doctor in training over a campfire, flipping pancakes. Both of them walked a little bit away before either of them spoke again.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked.
"Well," she sighed, "doesn't this feel familiar?"
"Doesn't what feel familiar?" he repeated, quirking his eyebrow up.
"This... with Jirachi," she replied, "maybe I'm just being paranoid but this entire thing. Meeting another legendary, reminds me off New Island. And Shamouti, and Alto Mare. I just can't help but feel like something bad is on it's way."
"I can't deny the similarities," he sighed, "but... I don't think we can be sure something bad will happen because of those similarities."
"Can we take that risk, though?" she asked, "I've already used my Pokédex to switch out Feebas for Magneton-"
"Why Magneton?" he asked.
"Well... if there was a threat, the most likely suspects would be either Aqua or Magma," she explained, "since they use fire and ground types, Kabutops is already set to counter them, so Magneton seemed like a good counter in case it's Aqua who shows up instead."
"You've really put a lot of thought into this, huh," he replied.
"Will you please look into switching one of your Pokémon around too, Ash," she pleaded, "just to be safe rather than sorry."
"Okay, okay," he held his hands up, "if it'll make you feel better then I will. But since Pikachu can handle Aqua and Donphan magma, I might just look for a middle of the road who's good against both. Maybe Dragonite, Snorlax, Alakazam or Aerodactyl. I'll see who's available."
"Thank you," she sighed, stepping in front of him. Her arms snaked around his waist, and she pulled him close. Pushing herself up, she pressed her lips against his for a few seconds at a time, "it really means a lot to me."
"Like I said, I'm not convinced of this danger," he replied, "but if it'll make you feel safe, then I'll do it..." he paused for another kiss, "and besides, when I get thanks like this, how can I refuse?"
She let out a childish giggle at his little compliment, as her arms wrapped around his chest. She rested her chin on his chest pecked his lips a couple more times. She could only imagine a pink tint coloured her cheeks. Sometimes he turns her back into the young girl with a crush, even if he doesn't know how.
"Shouldn't we get dressed?" he asked, glancing back to the motorhome.
Turning around, her hands traced his arms and she wrapped them around her. Seeing the young boy and Jirachi running out of the caravan in his pyjamas, laughing with each other. A shadow behind the closed curtain in the motorhome also indicated that everyone was up. It didn't take a genius to figure out May was getting first. She sighed and turned back around.
"Right... I'll go and get changed first," she replied, pecking his lips once more.
She quickly entered the caravan, and it didn't take her long to change, along with May. When they left their sleeping place, the boys took the opportunity to get dressed themselves. After freshening up at the lake, they all joined Brock at the camping table for pancakes. As they enjoyed the meal, a voice called out.
"Good morning everyone," the female performer greeted, walking over to them, "how was-"
She stopped dead in her tracks as Jirachi, who was munching on a bowl of Pokémon food - sprinkled over with the purple rock, turned to look at her. The legendary floated up from it's spot and approached her, seeming to inspect her, like an officer might a suspect in a case.
"Diana!" Max practically jumped out of his seat, "you won't believe it! Jirachi! He woke up!"
"I can see," she managed to say, "well... I'll go tell Butler the good news. He's busy setting up the stage for tonight's magic show, if you wouldn't mind bringing Jirachi over... after breakfast, of course."
"B-Butler?" Jirachi asked.
"Yeah, he's one of the people who run this carnival," Max replied, "he said he met you before, Jirachi... a long time ago."
"I... I think I remember," the legendary uttered, "he was a friend... like Max."
"Butler said that you need a young child to be a friend with," Brock mentioned, "along with the millennium comet."
"Actually," Jirachi stopped him, "I can go where I want, when I want. Nothing controls me like that."
"But," she mused, "then why are you so child-like? I thought that was because you slept when not awoken by the comet. Limiting your maturity despite your age."
"What's the point in being grown up if you can't act childish now and then?" Jirachi asked, "and my job is draining cosmic energy from different comets. Not just the one above us right now. If I can sense a potential friend nearby whilst doing my job, I'll come and say hi."
"So, you don't need to leave once the comet is gone?" Max asked, "we can stay and play together?"
"No, sorry Max," Jirachi shook it's head, "but I can't store a lot of power for a long period. I need to leave to expel it into the world where it would do more good than harm. I won't have time to waste once it's completely drained."
"Isn't cosmic energy bad for the planet?" Brock asked, "I would've thought that was why you drained it."
"It's bad if it crashes into the planet in a multi-tone rock from space. In that situation, it adds fuel to the fire," Jirachi explained, "but pure cosmic energy helps life when not fuelling fire. Why do you think Forina is so filled with life and nature?"
"So Forina valley is where you expel the energy?" she mused.
"One of the places," the legendary smiled, "I've got a few, all around the world. Each brimming with nature and life. I just go to where is closest."
Nodding in understanding, she glanced to the other end of the table. Both May and Ash seemed to have missed their entire conversation due to having a race to finish the most pancakes. It's a little unsettling how alike those two were. If she didn't already know about Drake, she'd think they were more like the twins. Other than the obvious age difference, of course.
It didn't take them long to finish up their morning meal and clean everything away. Once packed, they made their way over towards the giant tent where Butler holds his magic shows. Finding both of them on the open stage, along with his Dusclops, Kirlia, Mightyena and Salamence, they went ahead and reintroduced the two long lost friends. It was quiet the heart-warming scene until they started talking to Butler about his misconceptions around the legend.
"So, you mean that what I thought about Jirachi isn't the case?" he asked.
"Well, some of it is," she replied, "like it only appears when it senses a friend nearby but that's more because of it's psychic typing. So, it can sense the thoughts, as a sort of safety mechanism."
"And he trusts children as they have few or no negative intensions through their thoughts," he nodded, "maybe it goes to show you shouldn't believe everything you read."
"But he also appears for most, if not every comet to pass by earth," she replied, "not just the millennium comet."
"Well thank you, both, for the chance to reunite with an old friend," he nodded, "this really does mean a lot."
After the reunion finished, she offered help out preparing his stage as Max and Jirachi ran around playing tag. While Diana took Ash, Brock and away to help with setting something else up at the carnival. She used her powers to subtly move some stage lights into place when the others weren't watching but a rustling drew her attention, as the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
"Huh?" she narrowed her eyes upward. A clean cut straight through part of the tent ruffled in the wind. She couldn't help but feel a cold shiver travel down her spin. A cut like that must be done-
Smashing glass and a gust of wind drew her attention. Running to the backstage curtain, she saw Max stepping back towards her. Jirachi resting in his arms, as some sort of Pokémon stepped out of a shattered mirror. Stalking slowly towards them.
"Max..." she spoke slow but clearly, "get behind me."
He wasted no time in following her instruction. She began stepping back at the same pace that the new Pokémon approached. It stopped in place and let out an eerie howl. With a gust of wind, it shot past them, landing on the stage, giving her chance to take in it's full appearance.
It was a quadrupedal, mammalian Pokémon with dark blue skin and white fur covering his body. It had ruffs of fur around both the neck and chest area. A small, dark blue oval shape on the forehead, matched the horn which stuck out, which was shaped liked a crescent-moon. The face had a feline face with an almond-shape, with red eyes and pointed small nose. A scythe like tail stock out to the back, shaped like a rigid knife. It's broad feet are equipped with three claws each, and a fourth dewclaw-like spike protruded from the heel of each hind leg, and the back of the knees from the front legs. Her hand slowly reached for her Pokédex, and she scanned it, as she once again hid the young boy behind her:
Absol, The Disaster Pokémon. Long ago, it was believed that this Pokémon brought pain and disaster wherever it went and thus was outcasted by humanity as a curse. However, recent research shows it has a unique ability to sense oncoming disasters and shows up to try and help out
The dark type growled threateningly and stepped closer once more. She knew she couldn't even try her mental messages as a way to reassure it and having been a trainer for long enough, she knows when a wild Pokémon is ready to battle. Reaching to her belt, she pulled out a Pokéball and tossed it. Her Dustox materialised in front of her... out of all her team right now, Dustox has the best type advantage, especially with Sylveon off helping the others.
"Easy Absol," she stated, "we don't want to battle you... but we will, right Dustox?"
"Absol..." Jirachi repeated, "has come for me."
It seemed that he had enough talking. Absol leaped up with his head horn glowing. With a swift flick of his head, a sharp slash of wind shot out.
Dustox swirled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. As she closed in, a purple powder began to fall over the stage.
The disaster Pokémon slide to the side, avoiding the attack. His front claw glew white and extended outward, leaping towards her bug poison type.
Flapping her wings, she sent a powerful gust filled with sparkles of bug type energy down. It struck their opponent and blew him across the stage.
Absol gritted his teeth through the blow and performed a backwards summersault. Landing middle of the stage, she felt her heart race, waiting for the next move but it never came. His eyes widened but he couldn't move in time.
The floor underneath him opened up and he fell down. A metal cage rose up out of the floor, containing the dark type.
"A good magician always has a trap door standing by," Butler explained.
She stared at the man for a moment before turning back towards the cage. Approaching it, she stared into the red eyes of the disaster Pokémon, even if unable to hear his thoughts she couldn't help but read into those eyes... she saw the eyes of a protector.
"Jirachi," she called out, turning back to the young boy and legendary, "what did you mean when you said Absol came for you?"
"Absol appear before great disasters, able to sense them beforehand and they try to help," Jirachi explained, "with certain family lines in the species specialising in assisting legendries with help... I don't know why but this Absol must've sensed something upon the horizon."
Biting her inner cheek, she frowned and turned back to the cage. If that ability is true, then her feelings of uneasiness were founded-
"Hey guys," Ash's voice echoed. She glanced to the side to find him, along with Brock and May running inside, "we heard the commotion. What happened?"
"This Absol just attacked us!" Max cried out.
"Sol," the dark type growled. Looking at him, the dark type was crouched low, eyes locked on Ash with his nose sneering and teeth showing. If she didn't know any better, she'd think Ash was the threat that he sensed and came to stop.
"Cool, an Absol," Ash smiled, walking up to her.
The disaster Pokémon let out a loud battle cry and began sending razor winds and night slashes at the bars of the cage.
"M-maybe we should go somewhere else, Ash," she suggested.
"Yeah," his voice trailed off, staring at the agitated dark type.
As they walked out and away from the cage, she couldn't help but quirk her eyebrow up. Her thoughts consumed by the disaster Pokémon.
She looked up at the night sky. It was the second day of the comet festival and a shimmering light shone in the sky. A small smile covered her lips as she turned her attention back towards the campsite.
It was positioned next to a large lake. With some sort of funfair taking place on the far side.
Sighing, she turned back to her group, who were gathered around a table. Making her way over, she was able to make it to the front with relative ease. Both of her commanding officers, Matt and Shelly stood with maps spread out over the tables. The large man glanced at her and smiled.
"Now we're all here, time to tell ya'll the plan," he explained, "our scouts have located the legendary Pokémon Jirachi within the carnival. That's our target and our only objective. The field team shall enter first, approaching by the water, we'll travel through our prototype submarine. Spread out and circle the grounds and we move in. Remember we're not there to hurt anyone, just to get Jirachi. At most, expect some trainer's to resist and battle them."
"What will happen with Jirachi?" Shelly asked.
"My research team shall set up our equipment on the shoreline next to the carnival," she interjected, "once Jirachi is secure, we'll take it and begin analysing how exactly it grants wishes. Should all go to plan, by the time it's drained energy from the comet, it'll be strong enough to fulfil our endgame goal. Making everything we've done completely worth it. With the oceans cleared from humanities influence once and for all."
"Now you might be wondering, why we're launching a joint mission between our two squads," Matt continued, "and this is really important. We have information that the criminals known as team magma will be launching their own operation to capture Jirachi. We can't allow this to happen. Magma has no moral compass or concept of mercy. They would hurt it in every way imaginable, just to see what happens."
"We'll set off at ten o'clock tomorrow morning," Shelly took over, "we want less public around the carnival, but we also need day light to operate under. Get a good night's rest because we've trained for this but now it's the real thing. Any questions, find either myself or field commander Matt for details."
With the others disbanding into their own groups, she took the opportunity to stray away. Walking over to the lake, she took out her three Pokéballs, releasing the team of Tentacruel, Carvanha and her newly caught Surskit. With her oldest partner keeping the other two in line, she reached into her pocket. Walking away from the campsite, she looked towards the small device given to her before joining Aqua, typing away she wrote:
Just had the briefing. Set out in morning, ten. Millennium carnival at base of Forina valley
While she sent some of that info before, she knew it was best to just have it be in the same place. Putting the device back in her pocket, she watched Surskit and Carvanha swim out over the water. While both were confused, they seemed to understand what they've been up to and haven't made it difficult, which is useful. She knew any new team members she might've caught would be the mostly likely way she'd be caught out.
She isn't allowed to commit any crimes whilst working undercover, unless specifically advised by her handler but luckily with this operation, she won't need too... all she has to do is keep herself occupied with a simple Pokémon battle. Simple.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...