Ice Island Peak
The last of the icy energy dissipated into the air, having exited Ash's backhand through the use of energy transfer. Reaching out, Ash claimed the second orb. One to go.
"Excellent work apprentice! Let us return to your companion and make haste for Thunder Island." Ash tucked the orb safely away in his backpack and gave his master a nod. Misty was currently keeping watch with Charizard, ready to warn them if the legendary birds, or Ghetsis approached. It was to them that Ash and Lucario headed towards. Approaching the pair, Ash noticed Misty's gaze was firmly fixed outward, staring at the mess occurring all over the islands. Things were certainly getting worse. Ash could see multiple twisters scattered about, over the sea for now, but slowly getting closer to Shamouti and the people and Pokemon that lived there. A blizzard no longer raged, but it was still cold as all get out. Then of course the thunder and lightning were back with a vengeance. Moreover, Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno were engaged in a fierce battle with one another, vying for supremacy. Despite all of the sheer terror, Ash could see countless Pokemon scattered about in the air, the water, and on the ice. Like them, they too stared, but all of their eyes were firmly fixed in the direction of the Shamouti Island shrine.
Where's Lugia in all of this? Well, at least they're attacking each other instead of us. Zapdos was pretty mad when he sensed the orb on me earlier, Ash thought forebodingly.
"Got what you needed Ash?" checked Misty, now looking at him.
"Sure did," smiled the boy, patting his backpack.
"Then we should get going."
"Right." Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Lucario leaped onto Charizard's back, and they were in the air yet again.
"Careful with the elements and try flying low to the ground Charizard. I want us to avoid the attention of those three for as long as possible." Charizard's flight pattern was adjusted accordingly, seeing the group skim the water and ice. A few minutes of tense silence passed. Thus far, Ash's plan seemed to be working.
"Ash, why did you ask me to come along?" quietly spoke Misty.
"Because I know you'll have my back," easily responded the boy, keeping his eyes forward and on the sky from time to time.
"But why not ask Brock? He's a Gym Leader too, and he's older. You've also spent more time with him," pressed the girl.
"I guess I could have. Brock has a level head and he's a skilled battler. Yet, I can't help but think that you've passed him. That's what I chose you Misty."
"You mean that?" Ash looked back to her.
"I saw how you battled against Bisharp up there. Despite a weakness to Steel Pokemon, you had Dewgong holding strong up there. Those were some pretty powerful Pokemon too. Have some faith in yourself because I know I do," finished the boy, resuming his vigil ahead. He missed the blush across Misty's face and the smirk on Lucario's, but he did hear the faint thanks. The silence resumed, leaving Ash to his thoughts.
Aura… taking the orbs required aura. There must be a connection there. How did all those other tourists collect the orbs in years past though? They couldn't have all been aura users. No. Something else is going on here. I just don't know what. Maybe it doesn't matter?
"APPRENTICE!"
"INCOMING ASH!" Snapped back to reality, Ash looked up to see three angry legendary Pokemon heading their way, each of them unleashing elemental attacks. The game was up.
"Evasive maneuvers Charizard!" The draconic Fire Pokemon weaved and dodged, narrowly avoiding attacks that left plenty of damage in their wake, connecting with innocent Pokemon along the way.
"They're getting closer," warned Lucario, firing Aura Spheres sporadically as a defense.
"Charizard's going as fast as he can," growled the boy.
"No he's not…"
"What was that Misty?"
"Complete the mission Ash!" firmly said the girl
"Misty, what are you going to—" Misty leapt off Charizard, releasing a Pokemon at the same time. It wasn't Dewgong this time. It was Gyarados.
The blue serpent-like creature let out a might roar, glaring at the human it felt land on its back. Misty stared back with equal ferocity.
"LISTEN TO ME YOU GREAT LUG! YOU CAN HATE ME ALL YOU WANT, BUT THE WORLD IS GOING TO END UNLESS WE MAKE OUR STAND! HELP OR WIPE ME OUT! I DON'T CARE ANYMORE! DECIDE!" Misty's heart beat wild as she made her declaration, but the girl never wavered. She held his gaze with courage. Gyarados was shocked at his trainer's words, staring into her eyes, and tasting the passion that was there. His glare turned into a sobering expression. The Pokemon's head bowed in submission. Gyarados was ready to play ball.
"HYDRO PUMP!" Gyarados fired, sending a powerful stream of water at Moltres. The attack struck the unsuspecting creature in the back. Screaming in pain, Moltres crashed into the sea. It recovered quickly though, turning to face the creature that had the audacity to impede its mission.
"Let's do this!" smirked Misty. Gyarados moved forward, meeting Moltres in battle.
Ash looked back in worry, seeing his friend get farther away, and taking the attention of one of the birds. Two remained, and despite Misty's absence, the birds drew closer still.
"LEFT!" Charizard swerved, avoiding a blast of ice.
"UP!" Charizard zoomed, evading crackling electricity
"Keep fighting Apprentice!" Lucario timed his jump well, landing on Articuno and delivering a Fire Punch into the creature's back. They both fell into the sea, ready to wage war against one another. Ash, Charizard, and Pikachu were on their own. Zapdos continued his pursuit, but Thunder Island was so close.
First Misty and then Lucario…
"Pika! Pika!"
"Your right Pikachu. We have to believe. Full speed ahead Charizard, we're almost there!"
Shamouti Island Woods
In a wooded clearing, shielded from view to all, three identical figures surrounded the perimeter. Their master rested at the center, nursing his wounds from the attack inflicted by Dragonite's Hyper Beam. A compact aircraft was also nearbye.
"Interfering oaf!" grumbled the man, thinking of that old scientist and his pesky dragon. Then there was the child. He had survived. Despite his declarations about friendship, Ghetsis knew differently. It was his power. Aura had ensured the child's survival. Any ordinary human would have died the moment Hydreigon connected with his attack. Ghetsis had been right. The boy could be used. He would have to be used! The original plan was no longer viable. Without the vessel, capturing and controlling Lugia was out of the question. Taking the boy would be a decent consolation prize though. It would offer something to build on for future endeavors. Still, that child had spited Ghetsis. Defied him! He would need to be punished for that insolence.
"We free them, bust out of here, grab the two orbs, and make our way back to the shrine…"
That would do nicely.
"Come! Ghetsis waits for you…"
Thunder Island Peak
Ash and his Pokemon fought tooth and nail, staying one step ahead of Zapdos and his attacks. Now they had reached the peak.
"Absorb that Thunderbolt Pikachu! Fire Blast Charizard!" called Ash, jumping off of Charizard and sprinting towards the orb. Pikachu intercepted the attack with grace, taking serious damage, but staying strong. Charizard took the opening, sending a powerful Fire Blast at Zapdos, halting his flight temporarily.
"Ryhorn, get back out here and take Zapdos' attacks," snapped the boy, tossing a Pokeball behind him, just as he reached the orb. Ash heard Ryhorn trample off and he began energy transfer.
Come on! Come on! Come on! Electricity flowed out of Ash's back hand. The final orb was his. Ash sighed in relief, storing it safely away in his backpack with the others.
Just got to get back to the shrine.
"CHAAAA!"
"RAOOOO!"
THUD!
Ash whirled around to see all three of his Pokemon on the ground, severely injured. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres stood over them, beaks open, a new attack ready to form. He could recall Pikachu and Ryhorn… but he didn't have Charizard's Pokeball.
"LEAVE THEM ALONE!" Ash jumped in front of his Pokemon, halting the attack of the birds. Assuming his stance, he readied an energy transfer in case it was necessary. He had taken an attack from a Legendary Pokemon before, surely he could do it again. Then again, Mewtwo was one Pokemon. The birds were a trio.
Zapdos screeched loudly, baring down on Ash with piercing eyes filled with madness. He didn't need Espeon to translate. Ash glanced back to his Pokemon. Pikachu crawled, pain etched on his features, but the mouse desired to defend his trainer with all his might. Charizard struggled to get to a knee, the fire in his eyes never going out. Even Ryhorn trembled, showing signs of fight. He couldn't be prouder. It was time to show his own strength. Back to the birds, Ash made his stand.
"Not going to happen! I will never surrender the orbs to you! Do you know who I am? I'm Ash Red Ketchum from the town of Pallet. I'm destined to be the world's greatest Pokemon Master! I can't be defeated by the likes of you all! COME AND GET ME!"
The birds roared in fury, each opening their beaks once more, energy forming at their maws, and they fired! Ash closed his eyes, waiting for the end. Funny, he could almost hear music in the air. It was soothing, comforting, and familiar. A peaceful conclusion to his journey.
BOOM! An explosion rocked the island. Ash's ears rang and he couldn't help but clutch his head. Yet, he lived. He wasn't hurt. Ash opened his eyes, shocked at the sight before him.
Shamouti Island (a few minutes ago)
"Melody, you are ready, and not a moment too soon. Cast your eyes towards Thunder Island." Melody, garbed in her gown of white and Ocarina in hand, looked to where the wizened Slowking gestured. Thunder and lightning crackled over the island, and two titans flew towards the summit. Soon the three would be assembled, united against the chosen one. Alone, Ash would fall.
"Ash is on that island," whispered Delia, shaking in terror. She, Brock, Tracey, and Professor Oak had arrived some time past, connecting with those already at the shrine. They had all seen the chase, even if they were small figures in the distance. Professor Oak had swiftly left once more, venturing to see what had become of Misty and Lucario.
"Please, if you can do something for him, do it," pleaded the woman, taking Melody's hand. Melody gave Delia a tight nod, stepping forward to the edge of the cliff. The Ocarina came to her lips and she began to play the instrument.
Skies Outside of Thunder Island
"We're dangerously close to Thunder Island, where the three legendary birds have come together. Not moments ago, they were tearing into one another, but now it seems they have set their sights on a child. After some short digging, this reporter can now reveal the identity of this child as Ash Red Ketchum, a trainer from Pallet Town. Mr. Ketchum recently collected 8 Gym Badges from Kanto, spared with the famed Lorelei in an exhibition match here in the Orange Islands, and defeated the four Gym Leaders of the Orange Crew. This reporter and her cameraman encountered the young boy sometime back in an undisclosed location, where he displayed great heroics in saving people and Pokemon alike. I can only conclude that he is attempting to do something similar here. Why league officials have left the salvation of the world to a child and his friends is a mystery."
Short digging my butt! I had to remind her about the kid. Of course, she needs to dig in against the Pokemon League. Why doesn't she and her own Pokemon jump down there and help? Thought the camera man with a roll of his eyes. The helicopter was suddenly swirled away as a water cyclone burst from the sea!
"WE ARE BEING SHOT OFF COURSE BY A MYSTERIOUS WATER CYCLONE! COULD THIS BE THE END FOR THIS FABULOUS REPORTER?" cried the woman.
"SHUT UP AND HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE!" spat back the camera man. Neither they or the pilot noticed the legendary Pokemon that flew out of the cyclone and towards the island.
Thunder Island Peak
A great white Pokemon, akin to a mix of a dragon and a bird stood in front of the boy. Great wings with blue scales stretched outward.
"Lugia," the impressed boy breathed.
"You have done well chosen one. Allow me to share the burden you carry," a warm voice echoed in the clearing. Lugia reared his head backward, opened his maw, and unleashed a powerful gail. Aeroblast scattered the birds, sending them away from the island. Ash didn't waste any time. Pikachu and Ryhorn were called back to their Pokeballs, and he sprung onto Lugia's back.
"Mind grabbing my downed pal?" Ash asked, referring to Charizard. Lugia flapped his great wings, taking them off the ground, moved slightly backwards, and snagged Charizard with his claws.
"It is no trouble. Now, we head for the shrine where the titans will be calmed, and calamity averted!" Charizard was fast, but he had nothing on Lugia. The beast of the sea flew with a speed almost unfathomable to Ash. At this rate, they would reach Shamouti Island in a few minutes. Looking around, things seemed to have cleared to some extent. Lugia's calming influence wiped away the twisters and nothing fell from the sky, nor did thunder rumble.
"Lugia, do you mind if I ask some questions?" hesitantly spoke Ash.
"I do not," was the simple reply in that same warm voice, which Ash detected almost had a musical like quality to it.
"Why are all these Pokemon here?"
"They are here in case they are needed. They know not how they can help and yet they wish to help. Nothing more. Nothing less." That wasn't much of an answer, but Ash was fine to let it go. It wasn't really the question that mattered anyway.
"Why me?"
"You ask why you are the chosen one?"
"Yes," Ash said back nervously, though anticipation was there as well. Lugia mulled it over a bit before speaking.
"Arceus decreed it to be so." Ash was stupefied. He could barely get the words out of his mouth to respond to such a revelation
"Arceus… God himself chose me?"
"Well, not you specifically. It would be more accurate to say that your bloodline is one that has been tied to the well being of the world since the beginning, and it is one that will continue to play its part long after you are gone. You are from a line of heroes chosen one. Why the almighty deigned it to be so, I know not. I only know it as the truth."
A line of heroes? Did dad save the world at some point? Will I succeed here? What if I do?
"Does that mean there's more to being the chosen one, than this prophecy?" Lugia let out a chuckle.
"Now you ask the right question. Yes Ash. When you succeed, and you will, you work may not be done just yet. To be one of Arceus' chosen is a great burden, but for the sake of the world and the ones you love, you must shoulder it. We approach the shrine chosen one. The time for questions is at an end." Ash looked up, seeing Shamouti Island and the shrine dead ahead. There was so much going through his mind based on the knowledge Lugia had imparted. He was a simple boy, or he thought of himself as such. He wanted to be a Pokemon Master. Saving the world, or being a hero never really factored into his plans. He'd deal with that drama later. For now, he had a mission to complete. Lugia landed on the cliffs of Shamouti, placing Charizard down carefully. Ash jumped off, checking on his Pokemon, who seemed to have recovered somewhat. Charizard sprung to his feet, giving his trainer a thumbs up.
"Make haste chosen one! The titans approach. I will hold them off, but I can't do it for long. Now go!" barked the legendary, taking back off into the sky.
"Ash?" That voice! Ash turned 180 degrees to see the concerned face of Misty, Lucario by her side.
"Misty? Master? When I saw the titans back on Thunder Island, I thought…. But you're ok!" grinned the boy, pulling them both into a big hug.
"Ugh! Get off me Ash. Moltres gave us a good fight, but after knocking us back a bit to create an opening, the giant fire bird took off in your direction. We were never in any danger," blushed the girl.
"My story is much the same apprentice. I kept Articuno's attention for as long as possible, but alas the creature found the means to escape. I had faith you would succeed, so ventured back towards the shrine, at which time I met up with your friend and—"
"Dragonite and I," interjected Oak with a smile. Ash returned it, peering around the area for his own reassurances. Brock and Tracey were safe, as was his mom, who looked like she was resisting the urge to run up to him and tackle the boy to the ground in a hug. Then there were the locals. Slowking and Melody approached.
"The beast of the sea spoke wisely chosen one. We must not delay any longer. Place the treasures you have gathered in the shrine and let us be done with it," sternly spoke Slowking.
"He's right Ash. It's time to play our roles," agreed Melody. Ash raised an eyebrow at that, remembering Melody's reluctance from earlier, but he nodded, eager to finish this for himself. Walking up the steps, Ash recognized the structure from his dreams. It was surrounded by seven stone pillars and wilted hibiscus flowers. The central feature showed a stone tablet atop it, while an opening was at the center. Ash drew nearer to it. Inside, he found three slots. Each overlooked an island.
"AHHHH!" Lugia's cry shook the boy fierce. The battle was not going well while Ash dallied. He quickly retrieved the orbs from his backpack, placing them within the allotted slots. The orbs fit perfectly. Now it was Ash who cried out, shielding his eyes from a bright green light that emerged from the shrine. Green liquid protruded from it, and he backed off quickly, taking in the sight in awe. Even the pillars had begun to glow green.
"You've played your part Ash. Now I must finish this." The Ocarina rose yet again to Melody's lips, and he heard it.
"That music…" whispered the boy. He hadn't been imagining things back on Thunder Island. It was the same song. The song from his dreams. Each note seemed to reflect in the pillars as they lit up in intervals.
"Look!" Brock yelled, drawing Ash's attention to the horizon. The clouds were clearing. The fighting had ceased. The titans danced in harmony, and Lugia was among them. Pokemon cried out in joy.
"It's beautiful," sighed Misty, tears in her eyes. Ash agreed, leaving the shrine to join his friends on the cliff. He idly noticed the flowers seeming to come to life as he walked. It was just as beautiful as it had been in… Ash's complexion went white. This was too familiar. Everything proceeded as he had seen in his visions. He knew what was coming next. Ash slowly turned, seeing Melody still playing innocently on the shrine. Above her though…
"SHADOW BALL!" Ghetsis was nowhere to be found, but his voice rang through the area loud and strong. A terrifying creature floated directly above Melody. It was shaped in the form of a blue and yellow sarcophagus, containing four black arms, vicious sharp teeth, and two glowing red eyes. A Shadow Ball, larger than Ash had seen in his life, left its arms, heading straight down. Time slowed down. Melody looked up, her eyes wide as saucers. Carol screamed, trying to run towards her sister, but she was being held back by Meran and Delia. The elder looked on in horror. Ash's friends and Professor Oak were frozen. Lucario was moving towards the blast. He wouldn't make it.
Neither can I…
Ash was helpless. His vision was coming true down to the letter. But, where was…
"Teleport!" Slowking materialized in mid-air, in-between Melody and Shadow Ball. Ash blinked, time sped up, and the attack connected.
THUD! Slowking was thrashed to the ground by the super-effective attack into the stone, several bones cracking at the same time as he landed. His body didn't stop there. It continued to roll, eventually falling off the cliff and into the waves below.
"SLOWKING!" Melody cried, looking at the spot where the kind old Pokemon had vanished.
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF SELF-SACRIFICING FOOLS FOR ONE DAY! SHADOW BALL AGAIN!" screamed Ghetsis, still invisible. At those words, Ash began moving again, running for the shrine. He needn't have worried though. Lucario had the situation well in hand. With years of honed skills, Lucario easily redirected Shadow Ball, and he did it back to where it came from. Ghetsis' phantom shrieked at the super-effective blast, falling to the ground. It was then that the villain finally showed himself. As Ash made it to his master and Melody, he saw a flickering in the air, which revealed a previously cloaked small aircraft. Ghetsis had a window down, which he utilized to retrieve the knocked-out beast.
"Melody, get back to playing. Things are starting to head south again, and we can't afford to be distracted," ordered Ash, glaring at Ghetsis all the while.
"B-But Slowking…"
"I know, but you have to push it down. Now play!" The girl meekly nodded, returning to her previous orchestrations, tears streaming down her face while she was flanked by Ash and Lucario. The others had arrived as well, including Oak and his Dragonite. The birds had momentarily stirred when Melody had stopped, but her swift continuance put them all back on the path to peace.
"You've failed Ghetsis. It's over!" Ghetsis was furious. Hate oozed in the look he sent Ash and his friends. From the corner of his eye, he could see Lugia approaching. Loathe as was to admit it, the boy was right. The girl was too well defended, and the birds had been soothed. There was no way he could exact vengeance or retrieve the boy in these conditions.
"For now, Ash Red Ketchum. For now." The window closed, but Ghetsis' red eye gazed down on Ash for a moment longer. There was something calculating in that look that Ash could not quite decipher. Ghetsis' vessel sped away, returning to its previously invisible state.
"Good riddance," muttered Misty.
"Slowking though," Tracey sighed with a shake of his head. The poor boy also had tears in his eyes, never having seen death up close. Not like Ash, Brock, and Misty had. The memory of a sickening crunch and a body falling like its strings had been cut flashed through Ash's mind. It was gone as soon as it had come though, replaced by familiar warmth.
"The battle is won chosen one. The birds have been appeased and the wretch that caused this disorder had fled," Lugia announced, gently landing near the shrine. Now that the world wasn't literally ending, everyone was in awe of the great legendary Pokemon that stood before them. Aside from Melody that is, who was currently shedding tears into her sister's chest.
"The price was too much to pay though… say Lugia? Mew brought me back from the dead. Can you not do the same for Slowking?" Ash asked with hope. Lugia shook his head sadly.
"Were it in my power, I would grant your request. This though is not something I can do. The guardian lived a long life, and he gave it to preserve our world. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for another. Take heart in that Ash Red Ketchum." It wasn't what he wanted to hear, but Ash accepted it. He had to.
"Now what?" wearily asked the boy.
"With harmony restored, the titans will rest once more, and I too shall rest."
"Forgive me great Lugia for speaking out of turn, but what of us? Without our guardian, what shall we do?" wondered the elder.
"Do as you have always done. Pass down your stories and add what has happened on this day to them as well. Continue to recharge the orbs as is your tradition. All will be well," reassured Lugia.
"Lugia, I needed aura to pull those orbs. You also said it was in my blood to be chosen. The first hero… who was he? Did he have aura? Was he my ancestor?" Lugia gave the boy a wide smile.
"Your wisdom shines yet again. Someday, the truth will makes itself known, but that day is not today." Ash grumbled at that response, prompting Lugia to chuckle.
"Though I cannot offer you the answers you seek, I will give this." Lugia extended a wing. A single feather fell from it, gently swaying in the air and into Ash's hand.
"In your darkest hour take hold of it and call my name. I will be by your side to fight again chosen one.
"My darkest hour?"
"You will know when it is time. Farewell." With a great heave of his wings, Lugia rose into the sky, flying towards the three islands of fire, ice, and thunder, before diving down, and disappearing into the ocean. The Pokemon that had ventured so far to come slowly followed Lugia's example, beginning to disperse back to where they had come.
"Looks like you saved the world again," Brock plainly stated, looking to where Lugia has vanished.
"We did. All of us," corrected Ash. The world was safe. Ash's vision was behind him. Yet, new questions arose to replace those that had previously plagued him. What did it mean to be chosen by Arceus? What of his ancestors? Who was he really? Such things would have to wait for Ash Red Ketchum. No doubt his mom was ready to scold him for the recklessness he had shown, and of course Lance.
"Lance?"
"I leave you alone for five minutes and you end up in another world-ending catastrophe. Care to explain Ash?" the champion asked with a wry grin from atop his own Dragonite.
Somewhere Outside of the Orange Islands
"We are not being pursued Lord Ghetsis," sounded a member of the Shadow Triad from his position in front of some controls.
"Good. Continue our current course," absently answered Ghetsis, lost in thought.
It was a good thing I opted for this additional aircraft when negotiating with J all those months ago. Not that it should have been necessary.
That boy had ruined everything. Ghetsis had failed, just as the child said when he mocked him. Had it really been Ghetsis' fault though? The child was an aura-wielder and a person of destiny, chosen to work together with legendary Pokemon! Really, Ghetsis hadn't stood a chance.
I am not a person of destiny. I am not chosen to wield such power, he thought with a sour expression. Those who were though… those like that boy. Were they really content on wasting it with acts of kindness, love, and selflessness? The notion repulsed him. It wasn't fair!
I possess the drive to rule and yet I am not destined to obtain the needed power! If the boy joined me, I would have been unstoppable! But he had been too set in his ways. He had been stubborn. If only he had been more impressionable. I could have molded him…
The proverbial lightbulb dinged in Ghetsis' head and the man smirked.
There are other legendary Pokemon in this world. Surely there must be more heroes in this world to harness their power? I need only find such a person and sway them to my way of thinking… no. They must be like the boy. They must be incorruptible. I need somebody… somebody pure of heart. That is my path the power!
With his path forward clear, Ghetsis made his way home to Unova.
END OF CHAPTER
The second movie arc is over! I hope you all enjoyed the ride. Ghetsis' obsession over heroes translates quite nicely into his use of a certain someone eh? In other news, I did decide to kill off a character. RIP Slowking. Shout out to TalesFanJMF who had the idea for Lugia to give Ash the silver feather way back when. It will be useful down the line.
Next Time – We get the fallout from a few other individuals, Ash, Lucario, and Lance have a chat about what transpired in the Orange Islands, and the championship battle against Drake looms near.
PokemonFan – Thanks for the review! I know you are only through chapter 15, but I appreciate the long comment. Please feel free to contribute more commentary and some critique for future plot threads as we move forward once you catch up.
AstralGuardian70775 – Thanks for the review! Yup I messed up with Tauros. Oh well lol. Hope you are enjoying the story.
Talesfanjmf – Thanks for the review! It was a Roxas line from KH3 when he returns near the end of the game. "Hands off my friends." Did you catch the blatant Pokemon line rip off, er borrowing, in this chapter?
StrikerTheFallen – Thanks for the review! Ash has trained with a staff a few times in this story already. I think him getting a permanent staff weapon is something we can swing down the line. Keep reviewing my friend and keep up the ideas!
Reader – Thanks for the review! You noticed both are heading to Hoenn. Well done! Would Anabel really get along with Paul to be a companion? Come on now lol! I think it is safe to say they will come to blows at some point. Lysandre was someone I overlooked I suppose, and it's mostly because he wasn't someone I had planned on Ash getting too involved with. As for Cyrus, I am keeping him in the dark on purpose. If the story is truly going to come to an end in Sinnoh, Cyrus will play a role in that. What that role will be? Who knows?
Reader2 – Thanks for the review! I can see where you got that idea, but I was trying to go for a different angle. One of them is obsessed with aiding Pokemon, while the other is obsessed with aiding humanity. Easy to see which is which. I will say this though. Their fates in this story will be quite the opposite.
Espeon860 – Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the Charizard save. Hope you liked this chapter as well.
Remember to review with your thoughts and critique : )
Smell ya later!
