Entei and the crystal dream
Who do you follow
When you're lost in your dreams?
Who do you whisper
Your sweetest melodies?
In the darkness and the moonlight,
You're searching for the one.
I will take away those memories,
Coz angels like the sun!
When you
Live your dreams, live your life,
Happiness is now and forever!
I want you to know that
You can love, you can fly,
Don't you know it's minor, the matter,
You know this when you …
Live your dreams, Antoine Clamaran & Soraya
"What is going on, exactly?"
Suicune looked at Ash.
"An archaeologist found artifacts created by the Ancients, artifacts capable of controlling the Unown. He gave them to his daughter and disappeared no long after. The girl started playing with the artifacts … and doing so, she unleashed their powers. Now, we have a swarm of Unown under the command of a little girl who isn't even ten yet! Ash, I believe Silver told you what the Unown can do in large numbers. Am I right?"
"Yeah. Reality bending."
"They reached that stage. The girl … She turned her entire manor in a crystal palace and created an artificial Entei from the memories of her father. A Legendary Beast born of the imagination of a little girl … I dread the day I meet this being face to face!"
"And my task will be to put a stop to all that."
"Indeed. Go to the manor. Find the girl. Stop her and the Unown somehow and retrieve the artifacts. She has to be stopped, Ash. The power of the Unown over reality is a power even the mightiest of us fear."
"I know. Do you … know the name of the girl?"
"I think I heard it at a radio. Her name is Molly Hale."
Silver raised a brow.
"Molly Hale? Delia told me about her father, Spencer Hale. The two were students of Professor Oak. Suicune, where is the manor?"
"I will guide you. Follow me!"
The local Officer Jenny had heard of the event and was gathering with her sisters at the manor. She gladly offered the group a ride. The Hale manor was located in Greenfield, a small town known for its beauty. When Silver saw what it had become, he also found it beautiful, just in a different kind of way. The area had been turned into a sea of crystal, at the center of which was a giant orchid-like flower where what used to be the manor actually was. A platoon of Officer Jennies had gathered in front of a Pokémon Center. With them were the servants of the manor, Spencer's assistant Skyler and several unexpected persons: Professor Oak, Simon, Ethan and Kriss, and Delia. While Oak fondly greeted his grandson, Ash was very happy to see his brother.
"Simon! I missed you!"
"Hey there, Little Brother. How have been things since New Bark Town?"
"Well …" Ash thought a moment. "Four teammates, a baby Pokémon, two badges and a new friend. Right, Red?"
The Champion's son looked away, a little flustered. He wasn't used to have friends, at least human ones.
"Really? That's great. Ethan, Kriss and I have been messing with the Rebels' plans left and right. Archer must be furious."
"Did that too. Petrel wanted to cause a drought over Azalea Town. We teamed with Red to stop him. By the way, did you meet Kurt, the Pokéball maker? He made me a GS Ball with Ho-Oh's feather and the mane of the Beasts."
Simon looked at the golden sphere.
"There are days I think you should be the eldest …"
Ash's answer was to kiss him on the cheek. His brother hugged him.
"Don't worry, I still love you."
Ash turned to Oak and his mother.
"What are you doing here?"
"Spencer Hale is a former student alongside Delia. When we heard he'd disappeared, we went to check on Molly since she is now an orphan, but by the time we got there, the place had turned into crystal! Delia volunteered to seek an entrance to the manor and find Molly while I offered my knowledge to help solve this crisis. What about you?"
Ash looked around.
"Not here. People can hear us."
"Right."
There were several television crews around. The elder professor took the group inside the Center and in a secluded room.
"The Legendary Council tasked me to put and end to this event. Do you know what happened?"
Skyler frowned.
"Well … I had given a box containing Unown-related artifacts to Molly so she could play with them. When I returned, her room was covered with crystal and there were Unown dancing in the middle. The crystal has been expending since then. Why do you ask?"
Ash turned to Suicune.
"The artifacts you gave Molly summoned a swarm of Unown who bound themselves to her mind. Now they are feeding on her imagination and bending reality to make her dreams come true. Last time I heard, her dreams had created a fake Entei she imprinted with her vision and memories of her father."
The two professors gulped.
"Oh dear … Reality-bending powers in the hands of an orphaned little girl … who now has a dream-bound Legendary Pokémon as not just her bodyguard but her surrogate father! This cannot end well."
"Indeed. That's why I'm there." Ash summoned the Heart Flute. "I am the Chosen with a Golden Heart, one of two people called the Chosen Duo who act as champions to the Legendary Council. My duty, along with the Chosen with a Silver Soul, is to carry on the decisions of the Council they cannot carry due to their Pokémon nature. This is …" The boy sounded nervous. "This is my first mission as a Chosen: to find the Unown, stop Molly and retrieve the artifacts you gave her. I hope I'll make it ..."
Skyler couldn't believe it.
"A Chosen One!? I thought it was just a myth!"
"It is more than a myth." Suicune retorted. "I will remain here until Ash calls me. Ash, this is your mission. Decide how you will proceed."
"I don't really need more pressure on me right now …"
"Don't worry." Silver smiled. "Usually, the Silver Soul is the strategist of the pair. As the Herald, my role is to mentor them until they are adults and replace whichever of the two is missing. I'll fill in for the Silver Soul. So … Delia, you said you want to infiltrate the manor."
"Yes." The woman took a map. "There is a small river crossing the estate. The Hales have a water ground on the eastern side that uses this river. I noticed the water hadn't crystallized. We can use this path."
Silver nodded.
"Alright. Ash, do you have a plan?"
The boy shook his head.
"I feel too nervous. I don't think I can come up with something in such a situation. Can you … help me? Please?"
The Ancient nodded.
"That's fine. It's your first mission, after all. Okay, here's what we're gonna do. We have two goals: neutralize the Unown and stop Molly. We'll divide into two groups. Ash, Gary, Simon, Misty and I will locate the Unown and stop them. Ash, you will calm them with the Heart Flute while Gary and I will counter them with our powers. Misty and Simon, you'll watch our backs. The second group will be made of Delia, Brock, Red, Ethan and Kriss. Delia and Brock, convince Molly to come back to us and put an end to her dream. Red, Ethan and Kriss but especially Red, hold Entei and try to counter whatever Molly will imagine against you. Professor Oak, you stay here as mission control with Skyler, Snubbull, Ash's Spinarak and Suicune."
"Works for me." Red nodded. "Nice plan."
"Yeah, this is gonna work." Gary grinned. "Ready?"
"We all are." The others answered.
Ash looked at Silver.
"Thanks."
"Anytime, kid. That kind of situation is what mentors are for. Watch and learn."
The sun was setting outside. The group left by the backdoor but was still caught by the camera crew.
"A group of teenagers and two adults are heading for the manor. Are they going to sneak inside?"
Molly was watching from her computer, Entei at her side. Her eyes widened when she saw Delia.
"Mommy …"
"Do you want her?"
"Yes!" The little girl smiled. "It would be great if Mommy was here with us. This way, we'll all be together!"
"If you so desire, I will bring her to you."
"Yes, please! I miss Mommy so much …"
Entei nodded and disappeared in the ground. Ash and the group had reached the river when he appeared, jumping before them. Pikachu and Simon's Weavile stood before the group, who readied for a fight.
"Entei!"
The Beast of Fire looked at the group. His eyes fell on Delia.
"I have come for you. You are Mommy."
His eyes glowed for a brief second. Delia's eyes widened, lost their glow, then the woman collapsed on the creature's back. Ash froze.
"Not a chance!"
An Aura Sphere appeared in his hands. It was already too late. Entei had fled back in the sea of crystal. The sphere made a crater in the frozen flower field.
"Entei, this is my mother! Give her back! Do you hear me!? I want my mother back!"
His screams were in vain. Only the wind answered. His fist collided with the ground.
"Change of plans: I'm going for Entei!"
Silver frowned.
"Indeed. New plans, everyone! We're still two groups, but Red, Ethan and Kriss, you're going with me and Gary to find the Unown. Simon, Misty, Brock, go with Ash. The goals stay the same."
"On it."
Unaware he had made it very personal with the group of Trainers, Entei placed Delia on the bed.
"I brought you what you desired."
Molly looked at the woman.
"Mommy? Mommy, you're back!"
Delia's eyes opened, devoid of any glow.
"Hello, Sweetheart."
The girl turned to Entei.
"Now we're all together! I'm so happy! It's just like before!"
"I am happy that you are happy." Entei purred.
The group followed the stream until they reached a stone wall. Water was falling from a hole big enough that adults could stand in it. The estate's sewers. Misty held the Tide Pendant and closed her eyes. A water platform slowly rose, taking the group to the entrance.
"I didn't know you could make the water solid." Brock smiled. "Neat trick."
"That's not even the most I can do."
They finally reached the water ground. A small belvedere was connected to the manor by a crystal corridor, but there was no entrance to be found.
"We'll just make one, then." Ash frowned. "Aura Sphere!"
The blue sphere hit the wall and made a hole … which was instantly mended with crystal.
"Let me handle it." Misty nudged him aside.
Focusing the powers of the Tide Pendant, she raised the water in a giant fist that smacked the wall, shattering it.
"My turn!" Silver grinned.
The Ancient used his own powers to freeze the fist, then gathered it around the opening. Now there was a hole edged with ice in the wall, and it wasn't mended.
"Here we go."
The group entered one by one. As they crossed the corridors, Chikorita emerged from her Pokéball and uttered something. Pikachu translated.
"She doesn't like this place. It is cold and lifeless, and there is that feeling hanging in the air that it isn't completely … real. It isn't fully from this world."
"It was created from the imagination of a little girl." Red hushed. "Of course it feels alien. And this is just the beginning."
The place smelled sweet, kinda like marshmallows. It was nice at first but, overtime, it became sickening. They divided when they reached the hall.
"This place is soaked with psychic energy!" Gary groaned. "It is not a pleasant feeling!"
"Can you locate the Unown?" Red asked.
"I can. They are the biggest source of psychic energy in the manor. This way!"
Silver turned to Ash.
"Use your Aura to track Molly and your mother. They are the only humans in this place."
"Will do. Don't worry, I already found them."
On this, Gary's group left while Ash and his friends took a set of stairs. In Molly's room, Entei frowned.
"I sense intruders. Do you want them out?"
Molly hesitated a moment.
"I wonder if they are Trainers ..."
"They are."
"Really? Alright, I always wanted to be a Pokémon Trainer! Daddy, do you think I can be one?"
"If you so desire, you can be anything you want."
Molly giggled and turned to Delia.
"Being a Pokémon Trainer is my dream! I really wish I could be one! It must be fun, having Pokémon battle …"
The girl was getting tired. Her eyes slowly closed and she lied in Delia's lap. The woman smiled. It was every child's dream to be a Pokémon Trainer. Even her young son, Ash, was one. And a skilled one at that. Wait, what son? Entei looked fondly at the girl and left by the floor. The place below was oneiric to say the least. It was an empty blackness crossed all over by crystalline pillars with a goo-like appearance, and purple spheres were floating in the air, unmoving as if frozen in time and space. Entei jumped from pillar to pillar as a crystal form appeared in his back: Molly.
"Daddy, I may be too young to be a Pokémon Trainer."
"Don't worry." The creature reassured. "If you so believe, you can be anything you desire."
"Alright, then!"
Her appearance changed. Now, the girl was taller and spotted a puffier haircut. She was also wearing a short blue dress and a long white sleeveless coat.
"I believe, Daddy!"
The two rode deeper into the abyss.
Silver, Red, Gary, Ethan and Kriss followed the Psychic energy until they reached a room. The Unown were here, a swarm set in a spherical formation. Sometimes, the upper and lower parts of the sphere were spinning in opposite directions, sometimes the Unown gave the sphere a second layer that moved in an erratic motion. Silver turned to Gary.
"So?"
"They are the source of this place. I can feel their connection to Molly's mind, but it is stronger than steel. It will take a very powerful Dark Pokémon to fight it."
"You got Umbreon, right?"
"Even combining him to Houndour, I don't think it will be enough."
"And using Psychic powers is out of question." Alakazam appeared. "Even with Espera, only a high-level Legendary may have a chance to fend off the Psychic powers of a swarm that reached reality-bending levels."
Silver frowned. The task didn't look easy.
"Ethan, Kriss, search the area for the artifacts. If we can seal the Unown back into them …"
It was in vain. The box had completely vanished.
"No choice, then. Step back, I'm gonna use my own powers on it."
Gary winced. Silver had once been able to overpower Mewtwo himself. The group hid by the doorframe and watched. Silver closed his eyes. His Aura was cooling the air around him, only to absorb it afterwards and power himself. Icy blue energy appeared in his hands. Somehow, the room felt warmer … The Aura raised Silver from the ground. Now his body was shock-full of Ice energy, he held his hands toward the Unown.
"Eternal Winter!"
There was a shockwave, followed by a beam of ice that struck the Unown. It didn't break the psychic forcefield they had set, instead freezing it and making an ice shield the Unown shattered. Silver growled.
"Either I've become weaker than I thought or those things are strong!"
He didn't have the time to decide which one was true. A beam of psychic energy hit his head and sent him collapsing on the ground. The group gasped.
He was six. The ship he had escaped the Flying Continent with was trapped in a storm. He was climbing the mast to help fold the main sail when the ship rocked violently and threw him overboard. He fell in the sea and clawed his way to the surface, in vain. Beating his feet didn't help either. The underwater currents threw him left and right, knocking the air out of his lungs. He swallowed water several times.
"Help!"
He surfaced for a split second. Enough to open his lungs, not enough to close them when a wave hit him and filled them with sea water. He was falling, deeper and deeper in the abyss. His strength had almost left him. He couldn't breathe.
Couldn't breathe ~ Couldn't breathe ~ Couldn't breathe …
He gasped for air, clawed his way to the surface, but there was no light to be found. Anywhere. The water was weighting on his body, taking him deeper within …
"Help! Somebody, help me! I'm drowning! Please, help!"
No more air. Couldn't breathe. He held his hand and called again, but no one came …
The group watched in horror as Silver curled and twisted on the ground, calling for help as he drowned on dry land. The Unown had retaliated to his attack the simplest and cruelest way: by making him revive his worst memory, the one who gave him his phobia of drowning. Ash had told Gary once: drowning was Silver's greatest fear. It had nearly gotten him killed twice in their journey. Now was the third, except he wasn't really drowning. It was an illusion, and a very potent one.
"Ouch! When it comes to defending themselves, those little guys play no games." Ethan winced.
"We have to break the illusion." Red frowned. "But how? It looks potent enough to kill him!"
Gary took Umbreon's Pokéball.
"I have an idea. He's not gonna like it, though."
Umbreon was indeed reluctant to obey, but it was either that or losing Silver. The Dark Pokémon sighed and readied his teeth …
"YEOOOOOWW!"
Silver's eyes shot open as Umbreon's Bite landed on his tail. The Ancient jumped across the room, one hand on his butt and the other trying to chase the Eeveelution that was hanging on the silver appendage for dear life.
"Te rashta mockva ! Tarto marash ! Te loga na alto rilek ! Firro may meld eshag ! Delgor na ada !"
He was swearing in an old Ancient language that sounded rather threatening and also a bit funny.
"I wonder what he's saying …" Kriss wondered.
Gary peeked into his mind and immediately retreated.
"… You don't want to know. I didn't get the translation but the pictures were … not pretty at all."
He returned Umbreon and looked sheepishly at the man.
"You were trapped in the Unown's illusion. This was all I could think of."
Silver growled and uttered a "Rashve!" of anger.
"Alright. We have no Dark Pokémon powerful enough to break through that shield and the others will simply get the same treatment I got, so a frontal assault isn't gonna work."
"We'll have to wait until Ash returns with the Heart Flute." Gary frowned. "It won't be easy for him. Since we couldn't stop or even perturb the Unown, Molly will be at full power … and so will Entei."
"That's why Red and I will go after them. You, Ethan and Kriss, stay here and keep an eye on the Unown."
"Got it."
Trainer and Ancient ran to the hall. At the same time, Ash and his group had taken a flight of stairs, only for the surroundings to change into an oneiric and surreal world. The stairs were now made of crystal and twisting in a winding path toward the top. The group kept running, even though Chikorita hated the place and wanted to leave as fast as she could. Not that the girl was a coward. The place just scared her that much. They finally reached a place that looked like a wide grassland with flowers and a pink sky.
"This looks like the setting of a fairy tale." Misty nodded.
"Of course, it is." Simon retorted. "We are in Molly's world. Everything inside the manor is an illusion born of her imagination. Except the Unown make those illusions a little too true to my taste."
"It is real, and yet it isn't real." Brock summarized. "Talk about a paradox …"
Entei and a young woman appeared before them. Ash snarled.
"Entei, you took my mother. Now where is she!?"
Misty and Brock froze.
"Is it me or did he sound a lot like Silver right now?"
"Silver said nearly the same thing when Mewtwo petrified Ash two years ago. This cannot be a coincidence."
Simon wholeheartedly agreed. The girl jumped from Entei's back.
"Hey, is any of you a Trainer?"
"It doesn't matter! Where is my mother?"
"You're not a funny guy." The girl crossed her arms. "Well, I just challenged you. Are you up to it?"
"I am." Brock said to everyone's surprise. "I will gladly be your opponent."
Ash was about to protest but the elder teen held him.
"There are stairs a little away. I bet your mother is beyond. Go. I'll keep them distracted."
The trio nodded and fled. Brock took a Pokéball.
"I assume you are Molly Hale."
"Indeed I am. Ready?"
"Ready. Let's battle!"
(Play Zangief Theme, from Street Fighters IV)
The rules were simple. Three vs. three, shifting allowed. The two Trainers faced one another.
"I'll start!" Molly smiled. "Pichu, go!"
A crystal Pokéball appeared in her hand, from which emerged a tiny mouse. Brock raised a brow. A Pichu? Well, Molly was a little girl. It was to be expected that her Pokémon would be more cute than powerful.
"Pichu? Cute critter, but is it up to face my Zubat?"
Zubat appeared and flew around. Brock made the first move.
"Supersonic!"
The waves successfully confused Pichu. Zubat followed with Wing Attack. Molly shook her head.
"Dodge it!"
Despite being confused, Pichu still stumbled out of the attack's way several times. Brock shook his head. Normally confused Pokémon didn't have such dodging skills. But Pichu wasn't a "normal" Pokémon.
"Pichu, use Thunder Shock!"
The little mouse, still confused, launched its attack. It hit Zubat dead on and made the bat suffer much more than a regular Thunder Shock should have. Zubat fluttered away but managed to shrug the move.
"Good!" Brock grinned. "Chain Quick Attack and Feint Attack with Poison Fang!"
Zubat nodded and dived at her opponent at blinding speed. Molly frowned.
"Volt Tackle!"
The mouse ran to the bat, its body cloaked in lightning. For a moment, it seemed the two Pokémon would collide, but Zubat Feinted at the last moment and bit Pichu with Poison Fang. The little mouse staggered from the poison. Brock grinned.
"Gotcha! Now, use Air Slash!"
"Retaliate with Thunder Shock!"
The lightning bolt effortlessly threw away the blades of wind and fried Zubat on the spot. Brock winced. The creature was strong.
"Well played. But I'm not done yet! The next Pokémon I'll take is my very first: Onix!"
Molly giggled.
"That was fun! Alright, if you go with Onix, I will go with Snubbull!"
The giant stone snake faced the pink bulldog. Brock made the first move.
"Flash Cannon!"
Snubbull jumped out of the way and hit the Pokémon with Ice Punch. Onix winced. The punch hurt more than he expected. He retaliated with Iron Tail and snapped at the Fairy several times before being hit by Dazzling Gleam. The move was followed by a Crunch on his tail that made him yelp. Brock frowned.
"Hold on! Use Iron Tail!"
Onix nodded and slammed Snubbull on the ground.
"Good! Follow with Stone Edge!"
"Use Close Combat!"
Snubbull rose and hit every single rock splinter Onix sent at it. The Fairy then seized its opponent with Superpower and threw it on the ground. As a finish, it jumped, both fists charged with Ice Punch. Onix was hit in the head and didn't rise. Molly giggled.
"I'm having so much fun! Daddy, I'm happy!"
"I am happy that you are happy." The Pokémon purred.
'And the only reason I keep on fighting is because Simon, Misty and Ash need time.' Brock frowned. 'Her Pokémon are overpowered … but I haven't gotten my ace out!'
A grin crossed his face.
"You smiled. I'll count that as a victory."
"Thanks! So, what do you have next?"
"The best of the best … go, Kabutops!"
The ancient Pokémon appeared and swung his blades.
"Kabu-to-kabuto ops. To kabu." (I will do my best to make the fight last. Count on me.)
Brock nodded. Molly created a new Pokéball.
"He's weird! Alright, go Teddiursa!"
The bear cub appeared. Kabutops took a step back. He had seen the previous fights. Better assume the critter had the strength of a Legendary, which was probably true.
"Teddiursa, Thunder Punch!"
The cub charged its fist with electricity and ran at the fossil. Kabutops dodged every single attempt. Can't catch, can't beat! His scythes turned black and he unleashed a series of Night Slashes that made Teddiursa stagger.
"Keep up!" Brock cheered. "Use Aqua Jet!"
Cloaking himself in water, the Fossil hit his opponent three times, flying around and evading any Thunder Punch. Molly frowned.
"Hyper Voice!"
That did the trick. The sound waves blasted Kabutops away. He rose, only to see Taddiursa jump at him with Dynamic Punch. He dodged the move with a cartwheel and retaliated with X-Scissor.
"Earthquake!"
Brock gulped.
"Kabutops, jump!"
Even by jumping, the rising and quaking ground still hurt him and made him collapse on his knees. When he rose, he saw the bear cub cloaked in a pink aura, running at him with Return. His eyes narrowed. Golden energy surrounded him and he rushed at his opponent. Giga Impact collided with Return in a deafening explosion. When the smoke faded, Kabutops was down. Brock returned him.
(End music)
"Well fought, my friend. You were impressive. Now take some rest."
He turned to the crystal stairs.
'Simon, Misty, Ash, I hope you made it …'
Molly danced.
"That was awesome! Let's do it again!"
"Get on my back, then." Entei answered.
Ash, Simon and Misty had finally reached the next floor, which was an endless beach under a golden sky. They were about to go for the stairs when Entei and Molly appeared.
"So, who wants a Pokémon battle?"
"I will take you on." Misty grinned. "I am a Water specialist and the former Gym Leader of Cerulean City."
Molly looked at her, surprised.
"You don't have to be a grown-up to be a Trainer …"
A smile crossed her face. Her body turned into crystal and morphed in a younger version of the girl. Simon frowned.
"The real Molly must be with Delia. Let's hurry!"
The two boys ran, leaving Misty with Entei and the dream-girl. Misty took a Pokéball.
"Here are my terms: three vs. three, but we can only use Water Pokémon. How does that sound?"
"Awesome! Let's do this!"
A tidal wave suddenly rose. Misty instinctively went for the Tide Pendant, only for the sphere to remain inert.
'Of course, it is all just a dream! None of this is real … all the while being so. It is a reality: Molly's. My, Gary and Ash's powers cannot influence it.'
She wasn't that surprised when the water turned breathable. Ash and Simon were definitely caught off guard, though.
"Well …" Ash rationalized. "It is a dream."
"If Molly dreams she'll win, Misty doesn't have a chance. Let's hurry!"
The boys left the place. Misty took a Pokéball.
(Play Seymour Battle Theme from Final Fantasy X)
"I'll take the lead. Go, Vaporeon!"
The Water Eeveelution appeared and swam protectively around his Trainer. Molly's eyes gleamed.
"He's cute! Marill, I choose you!"
The blue water mouse appeared.
"Let's go! Marill, Bubble Beam!"
"Take it!"
The attack effortlessly brushed over the Water Pokémon. Misty grinned.
"Vaporeon's ability is Water Absorb. Water attacks only make him stronger."
"Oh. Well, it doesn't matter. Marill, Play Rough!"
The Pokémon rushed at Vaporeon, only for Misty to nod. A pink glow surrounded the mouse and pushed it back. Marill raised a brow, shook itself and swan to Vaporeon again, only to be held back. The game kept going several more times, much to Molly's displeasure.
"You're not fun at all! Marill, Hyper Beam!"
"What!?"
Misty and Vaporeon were so stunned that the Water Pokémon didn't dodge the move and took it head-on. It didn't put him down, far from it, but the blast still hurt. Misty crossed her arms.
"I know it is a dream … but still! Molly, Marill cannot use Hyper Beam!"
"Why? You're not fun at all!"
Okay, let's shift tactics …
"Marill is a first-stage Pokémon. Only Pokémon that have fully evolved can learn Hyper Beam or Giga Impact. That's how it works. Marill cannot legitimately know Hyper Beam."
"Oh …"
Misty offered a smile.
"You just want to have fun, do you? Alright, I'll try to play nicer. Vaporeon, Aurora Beam!"
So the little girl wanted a game. Fine, the Water Pokémon could go with that. Light shimmered on his fins and blasted Marill away. The blue mouse recovered quickly and rolled toward him. Vaporeon's eyes narrowed. He cloaked himself with water and raced around his opponent in an underwater dogfight. Molly gave an order.
"Take Down!"
Marill suddenly slammed into Vaporeo, knocking him out cold. Molly cheered.
"Yeah! I got him!"
"Indeed. But the fight isn't over! Poliwag, go!"
Molly beamed.
"He's cute too! Are all your Pokémon cute?"
"Well … Not all of them. Omastar is quite scary and we have a Gyarados at the Gym."
Molly grinned.
"Alright. I'll choose Mantine!"
The Kite Pokémon appeared before the blue tadpole. Misty lost no time.
"Poliwag, use Hypnosis!"
Poliwag moved his stomach in circular motions, the spiral pattern of his insides entrancing Mantine until the Pokémon was deep asleep. Misty didn't have to say a word. Wake-Up Slap came a few seconds after and shook the Pokémon. Molly frowned.
"Wing Attack!"
Mantine swam at incredible speed and collided with Poliwag, who recovered in time to deliver a Double Slap. The manta followed with Water Pulse, only for the Pokémon to absorb it.
"Water Absorb again?"
"Yes. Don't worry. The next Pokémon I'll use won't have this ability. Besides, it teaches you to think a little differently. You use Water Pokémon, sure, but you can't use Water attacks."
"What's the interest, then?"
"Let's say there are Pokémon with similar abilities, that to absorb a certain elements. When you meet them, you will know how to handle them."
"Oh. That's a lesson, then!"
"Teaching young Trainers is also the duty of a Gym Leader."
Molly's eyes lit up.
"Okay, let's do this! Fighting Water Pokémon without water can be fun too! Mantine, Signal Beam!"
A multicoloured ray shot from the manta's antlers to Poliwag who shielded himself with Protect.
"Signal Beam again!"
Poliwag frowned. Energy built up within him as the beam homed on him and created an underwater explosion. When the water calmed, the tadpole was glowing, morphing. Evolving. The tail disappeared, the legs grew longer, two hands appeared … Poliwag was now a Poliwhirl. Misty smiled brightly.
"You evolved! Nice!"
Poliwhirl turned to her.
"Poli!"
"Yeah, let's do this! Show me what you got!"
What he got was an Ice Punch that hit Mantine between the antlers. Molly frowned.
"Iron Head!"
Mantine's answer to the punch was a headbutt in the innards. Poliwhirl doubled over.
"And now, Wing Attack!"
That did it. The move sent Poliwhirl reeling back at Misty's side, unconscious. The girl sighed.
"Even evolving wasn't enough … Take some rest, you earned it. And Molly, prepare to face my best Pokémon: Seaking!"
The Goldfish Pokémon appeared and readied herself. Molly giggled.
"A goldfish! Alright, I will choose Corsola!"
The pink and white Corral Pokémon appeared. Misty frowned.
"Megahorn!"
Seaking's horn grew and she rushed to Corsola, who reeled from the blow.
"Spike Cannon!"
Corsola's body glowed and multiple pins ran toward Seaking, who swam away as fast as she could.
"Hold on! Use Signal Beam!"
Seaking's horn glowed and destroyed most pins in a beam of bright light. Two still nailed her flanks, but she didn't care. Water curled behind her, rolling until it had formed into a wave. Then it swallowed Corsola and Seaking swam over the wave, nabbing the Corral Pokémon repeatedly with Poison Jab. Corsola was thrown left and right by the current until something jabbed into its stomach hard. Drill Run. Before it could recover, an Hydro Pump had sent it flying. Molly winced.
"Ouch! That had to hurt … Corsola, use Bubble Beam!"
Corsola obeyed and sent a stream of bubbles that blinded Seaking. When the goldfish recovered, a rain of stone slivers was homing on her. Her scales were messed up after that. Then Corsola hit her with Head Smash. That was enough to make the fish Pokémon pass out. Misty looked down and returned her.
(End music)
"Thank you, Seaking, you've been good. Well, that was an interesting fight."
"Thank you! I've had lots of fun! And I learned too! But now, I have to go to my Mommy. I've been away for long. She must be worried."
"Parents are always worried about their children when they go on a journey. Mind taking me along? I'd like to compliment her for having raised such a fine Trainer."
"Of course! Come on, get on Daddy!"
Entei let himself be ridden, bound to the desire of the girl that created him. Misty was surprised. She had seen and touched a real Entei before and couldn't tell the difference between Blaine's companion and the dream-born creature. At the same time, Simon and Ash had finally reached the bedroom. Delia was sitting there, unmoving, Molly sleeping in her lap. Ash frowned. He tapped his mother's shoulder and passed a spark of Aura into her. Delia had latent Aura powers, but she hadn't been able to awaken them. The Aura contact was enough to break Entei's spell.
"Ash?"
"Hey there, Mom!"
Delia rubbed her eyes.
"I feel like I've been dreaming … So you carried the mission. What happened?"
Simon looked away.
"The plan stayed the same, but the teams changed. Ash, Misty Brock and I were sent to look for you and Molly while Ethan, Kriss and the others went to find the Unown. So far, we don't know how they're doing."
"I see …"
Ash looked at the girl.
"So this is Molly. She's young … and already an orphan. No wonder she wants parents so badly."
Delia caressed her head.
"If you don't mind, I will take care of her once this mess has ended. Her father and I are classmates. I owe that much to Spencer." A kind smile crossed her face. "Besides, Pallet Town is a nice place and she will have the Pokémon of the Corral. What do you think, Ash?"
Ash nodded and rubbed her cheek.
"Why not? Maybe I'll ask the Council about her parents once this is over. A least, for now, she'll have you."
Delia nodded and shook Molly's shoulder.
"Molly? Wake up, sweetie."
The little girl stirred and rubbed her eyes.
"Mommy? I had a nice dream."
"I know. Come on, we must leave now."
"Why? We're fine in our home."
"There's a big world outside of home. Don't you want to see it? Don't you want to see the world? That's what Trainers do, right? They travel the world with their Pokémon. I thought your dream was to be a Trainer."
Molly hesitated a moment. Simon noticed a book on the bed and skimmed through the pages. It took him a moment to recognize some of the pictures.
"Those are the worlds we went through! And this one … It is the very place we're in! Molly, what is this book?"
"This? It's the book Daddy reads me all the time. It's our book!"
Delia and Ash went and looked at it.
"So this is where all those things come from. The worlds, the palace, the Sea of Crystals … and even Entei himself! Wow …"
Delia turned to Molly.
"The pictures are really nice. But there are places outside that are even more beautiful. Do you want to see them?"
Entei and Misty emerged from the floor at that moment. Molly turned to them.
"Can Daddy come?"
Ash hesitated. Silver wasn't technically his father, but he was still a fatherly figure who had so far acted as his mentor throughout his journeys across Kanto, the Orange Islands and now Johto. But they had to take Molly out, away from Entei and the Unown. He hated being hypocritical like that, but he had no choice.
"He can't. Trainers can travel with friends, but their parents can't come."
"Then I won't go either."
The three looked at one another. Uh-oh, plan failed. Simon took the book.
"Molly, you have to come with us. The world around you isn't real. It is the world you created using this book and the power of the Unown."
"So what if it isn't real!? I've got my Daddy and my Mommy with us. It's all that matters!"
"It isn't." Ash retorted. "The Sea of Crystals is spreading every passing hour. Greenfield was already taken over because you want to extend your universe. Molly, people are scared. You have to think about them too. Skyler, Professor Oak, the people of the mansion …"
"They'll just have to come in. I can make place for them, but I want to stay with Daddy and Mommy."
Delia shook her head.
"Molly, I am not your real mother, nor is Entei your real father. I know it is hard to hear, and I know it is hard to accept, but Spencer and Alicia are gone. If you come with us, though, I will gladly take care of you like I took care of Ash." The mother smiled kindly. "I don't know if I'll be able to replace your real parents, but I am willing to try … and you'll have Simon and Ash as your brothers, right boys?"
The two boys nodded, their smiles echoing Delia's. Molly hesitated a moment before her foot hit the ground.
"No! I don't want to leave! I'm fine here with Mommy and Daddy. Daddy, make them leave!"
Simon and Ash stood protectively in front of Delia. Misty cringed.
"She defeated me with under-leveled Pokémon. Entei is a Legendary and an illusion. It won't be easy at all …"
Ash took a Pokéball.
"I know. I don't plan on fighting fair. Simon?"
The redhead took a Pokéball.
"Feraligatr, go!"
A hitter, and with a type advantage at that. Ash called his partner.
"Heracross, go!"
Simon turned to him.
"A Bug against a Fire Pokémon?"
"Don't worry, Shield has seen worse."
"How worse?"
"Mega-worse, if you see what I mean."
Simon looked at the blue beetle, who was standing in front of Feraligatr. So the beast took on a mega-evolved Pokémon and won? It made him feel safer.
(Play The Great War - Aerial Battle, from Bayonetta 2)
"Feraligatr, Hydro Cannon!"
Feraligatr unleashed a burst of water that hit Entei straight in the head. The Legendary shrugged it like it was Water Gun.
"Promising …"
His answer was a violent Fire Blast. Heracross stood protectively before Feraligatr. Ash gave his order.
"Bide!"
The beetle tanked the move, his body glowing with a white halo. Feraligatr was paralyzed so Entei launched a new Fire Blast. Heracross took it with Bide once again. Molly growled.
"Hit harder, Daddy! Overheat!"
Heracross winced in anticipation and spread his arms to take the full blast. It brought him on his knees.
"Now!" Simon yelled. "Hydro Pump!"
Feraligatr unleashed a big burst of water. It didn't hurt Entei more than the previous Hydro Cannon, but it still blinded him. And while the Legendary was blinded, Heracross stood and gathered the energy of Bide in a big burst of light. When Entei saw it, it was too late. The move sent him flying against the wall. Simon was wide-eyed.
"… Wow."
"Isn't it?" Misty grinned.
The two brothers looked at one another.
"Close range now! Heracross, Close Combat!"
"Feraligatr, Superpower!" Simon followed, catching on his brother's strategy.
The two Pokémon ran at Entei. It was a calculated move: the Fire Beast had indeed a very limited close-range move pool, so taking him at an arm's length gave Heracross and Feraligatr a much-needed advantage. Entei used Lava Plume, but the two Pokémon were already too close and the fire pillar missed them by a wide margin. Heracross unleashed a flurry of blows on the Legendary's face while Feraligatr rammed into him and hammered with his fists. Entei roared and bit the alligator's arm, only to be punched in return. Ash frowned.
"Pikachu, Fraxure, help them!"
"Weavile, Honchkrow, follow them! And who's Fraxure?"
"Axew evolved."
The Pokémon appeared and jumped on Entei, harassing him at a range the Beast had trouble retaliating. Pikachu jumped to dodge a Stomping paw and sent an Electro Ball right in Entei's stomach. The Pokémon roared and hit Feraligatr in the chest with Iron Head. Feraligatr was pushed a few feet and prepared to counter a Flamethrower, only for Heracross to shield him with Protect. Weavile and Fraxure landed a simultaneous Night Slash on the Beast's flank, Weavile jumping to avoid being Bitten while Fraxure chained with Dual Chop. Entei roared louder and unleashed Eruption to force his aggressors back. It worked, but not for long. Honchkrow dived on his with Sky Attack and managed to bring him down. The attack was followed by a Dark Pulse, Thunder, Hydro Cannon, Dragon Pulse and Focus Blast. Simon and Ash looked at the cloud.
"Did we get him?"
Their answer was a sphere of purple fire that narrowly missed Feraligatr and tore a hole in the wall, revealing the outside. Entei rose, stronger than before and not spotting a single scratch.
"Not good." Simon paled. "Not good at all."
The fight started again and, this time, the Legendary Beast was more successful at fending the oncoming attacks. Heracross was thrown away by Iron Head. Instead of standing, the Bug held his claws and started muttering. Weavile raised a brow. Pikachu looked at is partner.
"He's praying!"
Heracross closed his eyes.
(Arceus, creator of our world, I beg you, hear my prayer. There is no god for Bug Pokémon, so my words go directly to you. Please, grant me the strength to live to my name. Almighty creator, make me the shield that will stand before the Chosen with a Golden Heart. Grant me an iron will and core of steel that no Pokémon may break, for I stand unwavering against the direst odds. Arceus, our creator, I beg you, hear my prayer …)
It seemed Arceus heard the Bug, for Heracross's body glowed and morphed, but not in a way his teammates expected. It became more human. When the light faded, the beetle was now a tall, muscled man clad in dark blue samurai armor, his helmet spotting a prong similar to his horn. Two small shields unfolded from his forearms. The human Pokémon glared at Entei.
"I am Unwavering Shield. Not even Fate can bring me on my knees, so don't you expect to take me down, dream."
Entei growled.
"How is that possible!?"
"Faithfulness. I am utterly devoted to my Trainer. This form is a reward of our creator for my dedication, and I do intend to live to my name. Now bring it!"
The Beast roared and jumped at Heracross, only for the Mon to grab him by the fur, roll on his back and send him crashing against a wall. A sphere of blue energy appeared in his hands and hit Entei in the head, only for the Beast to retaliate with Fire Blast. Heracross held his shields before him and absorbed the move. He also absorbed a second Fire Blast and the Solar Beam that followed, his shields glowing brighter with every passing move. Then he held his hands and Bide's blast of light struck Entei full force. Entei roared and Lava Plume erupted from under Heracross, who reacted fast enough to use Protect. When the human Mon opened his eyes, the Beast was rushing with Flame Charge. He never reached him, Pikachu T-boning him with Volt Tackle. Heracross's eyes widened when he saw the mouse was also in human form. Brock appeared at that moment.
"Wow, looks like a fierce fight."
"You have no idea." Misty winced. "Heracross gained the ability to turn human and has been fighting Entei on almost equal footing. And now, Pikachu has joined him …"
Pikachu's hands sparked.
"Hey Entei!"
The Pokémon turned to him and reeled back when the human mouse slammed Zap Cannon directly in his face. Heracross followed with a swift chain of blow and Pikachu by a lightning-powered kick. Mjollnir. The mouse threw lightning at the Beast but had to jump when Entei shrugged it and lurched at him. His Bite landed on Heracross's arm. The beetle grinned. He was charging Brick Bream when Entei flung him aside and followed with Overheat. The blast of fire caught the Pokémon off-guard and sent him flying by the hole in the wall … straight in the abyss below. Chikorita jumped from her hideout.
"Chi-ko rita!" (Hang in there!)
Her vines flew and caught Heracross by the waist, but even as a human, his armor was still heavy. The weight dragged the little Grass Starter toward the hole, and it was only Feraligatr coming to her rescue that saved her from making the big jump. Heracross's weight suddenly disappeared. A figure appeared a second later, holding the samurai beetle. It was a man with orange hairs and beard, red eyes, an orange jacket and pants and, at the same time, spotted several Pokémon features. Namely: two horns, claws, a long orange tail with fire at the end and a pair of orange wings with blue insides. A cigarette was hanging in his mouth.
"And here I thought I would miss the party. Looks like I'm on time, finally."
(End music)
Ash's eyes widened.
"Charizard!"
Charizard gave the boy a nod and put an unconscious Heracross on the ground.
"Take some rest, my friend. You'll make a fine second-in-command."
Heracross slowly morphed back to his original form, which allowed Ash to return him.
"You really live to your name. Charizard is right, you should rest."
The dragon turned to Entei and Molly.
"So you're the ones behind this whole affair. Hard to believe a little girl put half of Johto in an uproar! Well …" Using his tail to light the cigarette, he dragged a long breath. "Mind if I join?"
He breathed, and a thick cloud of smoke soon covered the entire room. Entei stood protectively by Molly, who was coughing and rubbing her eyes. Simon smirked.
"Using cigarette smoke as an improvised Smokescreen. Clever!"
Charizard looked at the group.
"Retreat! We have to find Silver and Red if we want a chance against that thing!"
Ash nodded. His mentor and the Champion's son were both incredible Trainers and Ash didn't have his A-team with him, which meant he was underpowered when he needed his full strength. Molly saw them leave.
"No! Don't take Mommy away!"
Spikes of crystal erupted from the ground, seeking to block the group's exit. Delia, Misty, Charizard and Brock had already reached the stairs. Simon and Ash were behind them. A spike suddenly sprung and would have impaled Ash if Simon didn't push him aside. It tore his stomach instead. The redhead collapsed as Silver and Red emerged from the hole.
"How is it going? Is Entei down yet?"
"Not Entei …" Misty uttered. "Simon."
Silver paled. If Ash was anything like him, it wouldn't end well. Ash knelt to his brother's side.
"Simon! Simon! Hold on, please!"
The teen was unconscious. The spike had made a large gash running from his lower stomach halfway to his upper chest, tearing tissue and flesh with ease. Now blood was running freely and threatened to kill the boy if nothing was done to mend the wound. Ash removed his jacket and pressed it, but the wound was just too long.
"Damn it! Simon, stay with me!" His eyes widened. "Aura! I can use my Aura to close the wound!"
He placed both hands on his brother and began feeding him Aura, but the regeneration was way too slow. Silver shivered.
"Simon! No, Simon, stay! Please, stay with me! Come on …"
He gave him more Aura, but it didn't change anything. Simon was dying and there was nothing he could do against it, no matter how hard he tried to deny. Tears ran heavily on his face.
"No … please … stay. I don't … want to lose you … Not you …"
His voice died in a choke. He couldn't breathe. Not with the pain and sadness in his throat. A hand landed on his shoulder. Silver offered him a gentle smile and froze Simon in a cocoon of ice.
"That should keep him safe until we reach a hospital."
Ash's eyes turned from desperate to anger.
"Go."
"What?"
The boy glared at Molly and Entei.
"Go. Take the others and leave. I have a score to settle with these two first."
A violent shiver ran through the Ancient. He could feel Ash's Aura flare in a burst and never stop surging. It took him a moment to realize what was happening. When he did …
"Leave! Now!"
"Why?" Misty asked.
She didn't like the panicked tone in Silver's voice. For Silver to panic, things had gone south in a way they couldn't begin to imagine.
"Ash snapped. Hard. Now he wants Entei and Molly dead for doing that to Simon, and he's well on his way to succeed!"
"How?"
The first notes of a flute echoed. The group paled.
"Oh."
They fled as if Yveltal was on their trail. The Unown apparently sensed the threat because they reached the hall in a few minutes. The melody was playing louder and giving shivers not just to the group but to Charizard too. The dragon had his hands on his ears.
"Let's leave fast! If I stay here longer, I will give in to the music!"
Silver nodded and ran to the Unown chamber. Gary, Ethan and Kriss looked worried.
"What's happening? What is that music?"
"Ash snapped against Molly and Entei! We're fleeing the manor now!"
"It's that bad?" Kriss asked. "I mean, the music does sound ominous but …"
"We leave." Gary cut tonelessly. "Right now."
He had glanced in Silver's head and what he'd seen had reminded him a strangely similar scene from about two years ago. Grabbing Ethan and Kriss's sleeve, he dragged them to the hall. Kriss froze when she saw the block of ice.
"Simon!"
"This is the reason of Ash's fury." Silver summed up. "Molly wounded him by accident and Ash wants retribution. In blood. Now he's pissed and I'd like to be far when trouble hit the fan."
"That can be arranged. Alakazam!"
The psychic weasel appeared.
"Teleport us now! To the Center!"
'Right on it. That music gives me the creeps.'
The group disappeared in a flash of light. They reappeared in the Center's main room. Oak, Skyler and Suicune appeared.
"Back already? It went … surprisingly fast …"
The two scientists lost their colors when they saw the group in various stages of panic and Simon in an ice shroud. Oak gulped.
"Alright, I'll ask later. Nurse Joy, we've got a wounded here!"
"No!" Silver retorted. "Prepare to evacuate instead! There's a huge fight incoming and I'm afraid it may reach the Center!"
"A fight? What fight?"
The Ancient looked at Oak.
"Ever heard of the 'Nice Guy Clause'? The nicer someone is, the nastier they become when they finally get angry."
"And?" Skyler asked, worry in his voice.
"And Ash is very, very nice. So, what happens when Molly and Entei break the clause and badly wound a person Ash holds dear? Keep in mind Ash is a Chosen with powerful Aura powers …"
Oak was white, and so was Suicune.
"Arceus helps us all …"
"Exactly."
In the Hale manor, Ash was facing Molly and Entei, his eyes blue with Aura. Entei growled.
"Leave, furball. I have business with that girl."
"I know what you want." Entei retorted. "Over my dead body!"
"That can be arranged."
The Heart Flute appeared in his hand. Ash brought it to his lips as Aura surged around him and took the form of six glowing wings that took the boy outside. And the music started.
(Play Asura Unleashed, from Asura's Wrath. It isn't the song Ash plays, but the background music for the scene.)
It started slowly, a soft mourning tune that echoed Ash's sadness at losing his brother. The tune grew in intensity, again and again, echoing among the crystal formation of the Sea of Crystal as a wail of the heart. In the Hall of Origins, the Council gathered to the pond that let them watch the world. Many looked worried. The song was just beginning.
An emotion slowly covered the sorrow and crept among the notes. From a heart-wrenching wail, the melody became dark and threatening, bringer of a latent menace that sent shivers down the spine of all who heard. Trouble was on its way, and it wouldn't be pretty. The threatening tune grew and grew, replacing the sorrow with rage. It was slow to build. Ash wasn't easy to anger. But Molly had done just that. Now, as the tune finally turned into a song of rage, she would get her due. Ash's fury reverberated across the Sea, shaking the crystal formations like a deafening cry. The song became terrible, each note a musical hammer aimed to the little girl and her protector. Ash's eyes were fully blue and glowing menacingly. His six Aura Wings kept him afloat, each of their beat carrying the cold and yet so burning fury of the boy. The music was deafening, a symphony of war and violence that echoed across the halls of the Palace of Origin. The weakest Legendaries were hiding in fright while the strongest weighted themselves. Ash was calling. His wrath was unleashed and would only be quelled in blood, the blood of the one who took his brother.
Darkrai was the first to leave. His shadowy form crept on the walls and left to appear at the boy's side. His blue eyes fell on Molly and Entei. In his chest, the dreadful song pumped his heart with wrath. Time to cause some nightmares … He was joined by Rayquaza. The Sky Serpent screeched in challenge as he flew beside Ash. Groudon emerged from the ground, tearing a large chunk of the Sea of Crystals with him. He was followed by Thundurus, Tornadus and Landorus, the Kami trio. Heatran jumped on Groudon's back and growled. Ho-Oh, Lugia and the Birds joined the group and Mewtwo appeared in a flash at Ash's side. A gateway opened in the water ground and Giratina emerged from the Reverse World. A Chosen was calling in rage, and rage was something he held in spade. He would use his for the boy. Latios appeared, but not Latias, and Ho-Oh joined with Raikou and the Entei that seated at the Council. Suicune was also part of the Council, but she wisely chose to stay clear from the fight. Reshiram and Zekrom flew along Rayquaza and went to the boy. Finally, a giant red and black bird came to the green serpent's side. Silver froze when he saw the creature from his pair of binoculars.
"Yveltal … Molly is doomed."
"Why?" Gary asked.
Silver turned to him, worried and dead serious.
"Assuming Legendary Pokémon are gods, Yveltal is the God of Death."
The group gulped collectively. So the god of death itself had joined Ash. Even with the Unown, Misty doubted Molly could win against an army of full-powered Legendaries.
Molly sensed the threat more than she understood it. Entei turned to her.
"Do not fear. If you so believe, you can fend them all."
"Alright, Daddy."
Still, she called the power of the Unown and surrounded herself with crystal that morphed to give her her adult look. Pokémon appeared at her side, creatures of crystal born of her imagination. There were Mareep, Flaafy and Ampharos, Butterfree, Teddyursa, Mantine, Kingdra, Sentret, Growlithe, Venomoth and many cute Pokémon of various stages. Ash looked at them with scorn. His song became louder.
In the Hall of Origins, the remaining Legendaries looked nervously at the fight. The song was echoing among the walls, loud enough that Arceus himself had come to sit and watch. Dialga and Palkia looked at him, worry in their eyes. The Creator closed his eyes.
"Let him prove his might."
In the sky, the battle was fierce. A combination of Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire and Lugia's Aeroblast had destroyed the tower's roof. The Legendary Birds were flying left and right, their Flamethrower, Thunderbolt and Ice Beam taking dozen of Pokémon in one swoop while Raikou, Heatran and Entei were tearing across the crystal swarm. The more of Molly's Pokémon fell, the more were created by the power of the Unown. Three Golduck, two Kingdra, five Politoed and a Gyarados breathed Hydro Pump at Reshiram. The Dragon was barely affected and retaliated with Turboblaze. The blast incinerated the creatures. The three Persian that tried to sneak attack Darkrai were fried by Zekrom's Teravolt and the Pokémon that tried to swarm Groudon were obliterated by his Earthquake. Thundurus and Tornadus seemed to have the time of their life. The two of them were flying around in their Therian forms and blasting everything with Thunder and Air Cutter while Landorus was still in his Incarnate form, sending stone splinters through the mass of crystal Pokémon. Darkrai was blasting Dark Pulses left and right while Mewtwo was doing the same with psychic blasts. Rayquaza and Giratina had taken on Entei himself. The Beast breathed a heavy Overheat toward Giratina, only for the dragon to disappear and let Rayquaza's Hyper Beam overpower the move. He then appeared in Entei's back and struck with his tail.
Ash frowned. He glanced at Yveltal who answered with a smirk. The bird gathered both wings and his tail to create a sphere of translucent purple. The Legendaries instantly backed. The sphere turned into a purple beam that obliterated half of Molly's crystal army. A second Oblivion Wing finished the job. Molly backed.
"Daddy … I'm not sure I can win."
"Don't think that!"
Too late. Because she believed she and Entei couldn't win, the Unown made it so. Entei found himself panting heavily while Molly reverted to her true appearance. Ash had stopped playing, but the song still rang furiously across the sky. In fact, it was only growing in strength. Suicune and Snubbull whined.
"The music is taking over me …"
The Legendaries in the Hall of Origin weren't any better. Cresselia collapsed on the table.
"I can't stand it … Someone make it stop!"
Her voice was broken. Palkia was panting, trying to resist the song's hold over his heart. Dialga looked at him, despair in his eyes. He was about to give in. The Lord of Space turned to Arceus.
"Father …"
Arceus stood, a deep frown on his face. Even though he remained stoic, even he wasn't insensitive to the power of Ash's wrathful melody.
"None of us can go without surrendering to the song."
"Except me."
The Legendaries turned to Nathea. The goddess smirked.
"Unlike you, I am a human deity. Ash's Chosen powers don't affect me the slightest." Her face became serious. "Order, Creator God. You know I will obey. I always obeyed, even when my brother ordered me to deprive half of my children of the power of Aura."
Arceus starred at the goddess.
"Go."
Nathea nodded and stood. As she left, she dug her fingers in her chest. The Legendaries looked at her with wide eyes. What was she doing!? The goddess proceeded to tear herself apart, revealing a body of pure gold energy. Her hairs were long and flowing and a belt with a long tissue strap hung on her waist. She had two wings and a pointy pole of energy hung in her hands. Her eyes were two blazing suns.
"Like some of you change form according to the circumstances, this is my genuine form: a being of pure Aura. An Aura of Harmony and Good, for this is what I truly stand for. Now, if you excuse me …"
Ash hovered over Molly. Entei was standing in front of her, panting and exhausted. The boy held his hand. An Aura Sphere swirled inside, growing bigger and bigger every passing second. His eyes were cold. As he readied to fire the sphere, not a word escaped his mouth. A beam suddenly shot from the sky and struck the manor, right where the Unown were located. The blow shattered the sphere and scattered them. Their magic dispelled, they returned to their sealed form that were the letter artifacts. Now deprived of their power, Molly's world began to disappear. Entei himself was fading away, much to his horror. Ash looked at the sky and snarled. Nathea appeared, her energy form radiating like a sun in the night. The Legendaries present didn't say a word, trapped as they were by Ash's song. The goddess grinned.
"This is none of your business!" Ash hissed. "Leave!"
"Can't do, Wonder Boy."
She poked his forehead. Ash reeled in pain as his Aura Powers were suddenly shut down in such a sudden he couldn't prepare for it. He screamed, the shock of his powers being locked so great he passed out. One moment Aura was pumping through his every fibers, and the next it was gone. The trauma was enough to put him out of commission. Nathea chuckled.
(End music)
"Mewtwo?"
The song had disappeared along Ash's powers. The Legendaries were recovering their minds and Mewtwo was the first to return to his true self.
"My head … Ash's powers are more potent that I thought they would!"
"For now, you have two children to take to Silver. Hurry. I must report to Arceus and they are about to fall."
The crystal platform Molly was on was nearly gone and Nathea's power was the only thing preventing Ash from diving in the abyss. Mewtwo caught both children with his powers and flew to the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy had called an ambulance to take Simon to Azalea Town. The group was waiting for it, as well as for the fight to end. They breathed when the song ended.
"Over at last! I thought I was gonna go crazy …"
"Even if Ash's song doesn't affect our hearts …" Brock mused. "Our minds are still affected like a powerful music affects it. I am glad it's over."
"Now that is the stuff of nightmares!" Kriss shivered.
Silver watched Mewtwo appear with Molly and Ash. Molly looked scared, but she mellowed as soon as Delia took her in a hug.
"Don't worry, Sweetheart. This is over now."
Molly sobbed and hid her face in her chest. Silver took Ash in his arms and looked at Mewtwo.
"Dea'Natelle … The Beautiful and Terrible. This is how we Eans called Nathea in this form. No one but Troban could stand against her, then. Ash is lucky she simply locked his Aura away. Trust me when I say she could have done much worse."
"Like sinking a continent, I heard." Mewtwo looked at Ash. "He takes a lot after you."
"Yeah. For the better and for the worse."
And done! Happy birthday ... to me. Yes, it's my birthday and yet I'm the one giving presents. Twenty-two today. Not that big a date ... And those movie chapters are long! Over eleven thousand words, I hardly ever do that. Now, the eternal question: did you like it? Yes, it turned very differently from the movie, but I wanted to write that scene. You know the one. It's the one that scared me, Ash's rampage. Morality, don't piss a Chosen. They will end you. And for those who don't really like Silver, I hope my little scene with the Unown pleased you ... And yes, he was genuinely scared when Ash went on a rampage. Being a millenia-old Ancient means you have to know when to hightail it too.
Translation of the swearing: You dirty vermin! Bloody bastard! You son of an elf slave! Cold-blooded effrit! Father-killer!
Also, "Rashve!": "Shit!"
... Yeah, that may sound a bit corny.
Now about those reviews ...
- leafninja667: Ash will meet the Aura Sphere Riolu in Sinnoh and the Zorua from the movie. Now, to keep it ... not in Sinnoh, but they'll meet again in Unova.
- darkdragon777: not Entei. Yes, it will be used in Johto and yes, it will be used for a Legendary Pokémon. I'm not telling which one.
- nightrunner30: unbreakable Silver? Well, not that much.
- Me: I don't have "Number One priority stories". I just update them as I feel like, depending what I'm the most into at the moment.
- Nathan Brown: look at the first episode about Mega-Evolution, where Alan battles Siebold. Blastoise uses Dragon Pulse and it does look like a dragon. It's just an other variant of the move I call the "unrestrained/unfocused" version.
- Siggimondo: don't worry, he's seen worse. And yeah, Whitney will retain her status as that goddamn Gym Leader when Gary and Ash will meet her. Ash doesn't need magic to make good music. Just some training. And yeah, Pokémon can dance just fine. It was a fun part to write. Three abilities? In this story, Pokémon can have two Abilities, such as Mightyena who got Intimidate and Quick Feet, and then have their Secret Ability (Moxie here) awkened, hence the three Abilities. Pokémon Centers are hospitals for Pokémon. They are here to treat any and all sicknesses and broken bones. Starlight is special in that she has to be the single most agressive Clefable in Kanto and Johto. This power set is tailor-cut for a girl like her. So, about that movie ... got some of your mind left or has it totally blown? (Ugh, I hate to boast, even for joking ...)
- zackattack999: Charizard may be a powerful Sweeper, but hit it with a good rock and it goes down in flames (pun intended). Clefable? A good Steelix or even Aegislash should do.
- MidnightHunter563: I can't really say "best Ash vs. Entei battle", but Ash 1 Simon against Entei was still nice in my standards. The really scary part was Ash snaping and playing a song that ended affecting every single Legendary in and outside the Hall of Origins. And nearly killing Molly. Yes, he would have killed her if Nathea hadn't interfered. The Golden Heart ...
- Nightshadegirl: it seems to be a common problem.
- thli1693: Ash vs. Red in the Silver Conference, promised. And Ash cannot catch Entei since it is an illusion of the Unown. But Ash will use the GS Ball in Johto.
- Master Aura Sam: Clefable/Charizard rematch? Sounds interesting. And what a happy coincidence!
- DragonMSTR: dancing Feraligatr = opponent: "WTF is wrong?" Then Feraligatr wipes them out. Nice ones aren't the only ones you should Watch out for.
- jace Norwood: now, you can say Happy Birthday. And Starlight is back at the Corrall for awhile so don't worry about that.
Okay, that's all. Next chapter, the team deals with the aftermath. It won't be pretty ...