Lending a Hand

At 9:55 the next morning, like when they first left for their journey, Brendan and Gwen were waiting at the northern end of Littleroot, waiting to go to route 101 with May. Both trainers had returned home with their families for the night, getting one more night before they left for Arceus knows how long. Both trainers had also promised to keep in contact more this time, since they had been a little careless with that during the first period of their journey. This time, it seemed that May was keeping Brendan waiting this time around.

Hey, Brendan, when we first left this place, didn't your mother give you an amulet? Gwen asked.

Brendan nodded. "Yeah, and I've kept it with me ever since," he said, pulling the amulet out from under his shirt.

"Hey!" May called from a short distance, waving to them as she approached. "Are we all ready to go?"

Before he answered, Brendan grabbed her by the waist and pulled her in for a quick kiss. "Absolutely," he said, pulling her along with him to the route. "Come on!"

"Brendan!" May cried as she was dragged along the route. "This is my job!"

"Too bad, it's been outsourced!" Brendan said with a charming smile as he pulled her with him. May eventually relented and just ran along with her man.
Hey, wait for me! Gwen said, floating beside them as they ran toward Oldale Town.

The two trainers passed through the small town quickly, once again seeing the same crazy guy who had been drawing his own footprints when they started their journey. They chuckled because he seemed to be at it again, this time, sketching what looked like his handprint on a sign.

Instead of heading to the west, toward Petalburg, though, they went north toward Route 103. They made it to the side of the river that led to the eastern part of the route, but Brendan stopped for a moment. "Hey, May, want to go toward that pond and listen to some music? I'll sneak up on you again," Brendan said happily.

May just rolled her eyes a little. "You know, I don't think I've paid you back properly for that one," she said.

"How about you pay me back once we get to Fortree," Brendan said. "Now there's the issue of crossing the river."

Leave it to me! Gwen said. She placed her hands on both Brendan and May. She closed her eyes and focused on the location across the river. In an instant, they found themselves on the opposite shore, scaring a fisherman out of his chair.

"Oh, sorry about that sir!" May said with an apologetic look. The fisherman just chuckled and waved it off. May then turned to Brendan. "Well, it's now time for me to take back my job." She then grabbed Brendan by his hand and began to drag him to route 110, both of them laughing the whole way.

They walked for about two hours before arriving in Mauville City, moving really quickly compared to the last time they passed through route 110. When they got to the center of town, however, Brendan had to shield his eyes from the bright light emanating from the Prism Tower replica, and May was . Brendan then noticed Wattson standing in front of the tower, and he seemed to be pondering something.

"Wattson?" Brendan asked, catching the attention of the electric gym leader.

"Oh, this is a pleasant surprise! Brendan, May, and Gwen, how are all of you?" Wattson said.

"Oh, we're doing great!" May said. "We're actually on our way to Fortree City."

"Oh, off to face Winona?" Wattson said. "Well, you're certainly prepared for it, especially after that impressive fight with your father."

Brendan was a bit surprised. "You saw that battle," he asked.

Wattson laughed heartily. "You haven't been watching the Pokémon Battle channel recently, have you?"

"Admittedly, no," May said. "We've been really busy."

"Well, that battle has been the main topic of conversation there. They've been analyzing it and making predictions for how you'll do if you enter the Pokémon League tournament," Wattson said.

Really, what are they saying? Gwen asked.

"Right now, they're saying that Brendan would make it to the quarter finals at best," Wattson said. "But those analysts have been wrong about that many times. They even said that Red in Kanto wouldn't make it beyond round sixteen. But, anyway, there's something more pressing that I need to ask you."

Brendan raised an eyebrow. "Go on," he said.

"Well, as you're probably wondering, the reason this tower is so bright is because there is something that triggered the alarm in New Mauville. It's the power station that I built specifically for this city. It's likely nothing, but I just want to be completely sure. Unfortunately, the gym requires my full attention."

"So you want us to go and check it out?" May said.

"Precisely," Wattson said. "But, of course, I will make it worth your while."

Oh, why not? Gwen said. We might as well check it out.

"Well, if Gwen wants to go, I can't refuse," Brendan said.

"I guess that I have to go along too," May said, feigning reluctance.

"Excellent, well before you go, I need to scan your thumbprints," Wattson said as he pulled out a machine with a scanner pad and turned it on. "The gates to New Mauville only open to those who have clearance." Brendan and May both obliged and got their prints scanned. "Now, one last thing, you'll need to know where New Mauville is." Brendan pulled out his PokeNav map and let Wattson place a mark where they needed to go, and the trio went right back to route 110.

Twenty minutes later:

Their trip to New Mauville turned out to be rather uneventful. It turned out that there was nothing at all going on, the security system had just been tripped when a stray Rattata got in and stood on one of the thumbprint scanners briefly. What a Rattata was doing in Hoenn was unknown, but Brendan honestly wasn't too interested. Once the issue had been resolved, Gwen simply teleported them back to the entrance of Mauville. They then made their way into the center courtyard of the city, finding Wattson waiting for them there, and also noting that the Prism Tower replica was now at a normal brightness.

"Alright, we're back," Brendan said. "You were right, it turned out to be nothing."

Wattson turned around, looking a bit sheepish. "Yeah, I'm sorry for that. I got the report from the computer," he said. But then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a TM disc. "As I said, here's your reward for helping me." He handed it to Brendan. "This is TM24, it teaches my personal favorite electric attack: Thunderbolt."

Brendan's eyes widened. "Wow, thanks," he said.

"Oh thanks are not necessary," Wattson said. "But, anyway, I need to get back to the gym. Good luck in the Fortree Gym!" He gave a wave as he left. Once he was gone, Brendan and May went east, going toward route 118.

The route itself was pretty. It had small stretch of the ocean that went through the center, and there were two beaches on each side. That was when both Brendan and May got the distinct feeling that they were being watched again. This time, when they looked around, there was nothing, but they didn't lose that feeling.

Alright, same method of crossing as with Route 103, Gwen said as they got to the edge of the western beach. She placed her hands on both May and Brendan, teleporting to the other side with no trouble.

"Thanks Gwen," Brendan said. They then continued east, but were soon surprised by a familiar face.

"Well, if it isn't Brendan and May. I remember you two from Granite Cave," Steven said. "Well, I'm glad to see that you two are doing well."

"Steven, good to see you too," Brendan said. "What have you been up to?"

"Actually, I've been working with Devon Corp and the Space Center in Mossdeep," Steven said. "But enough about me, what have you two experienced on your journeys? What Pokémon have you been raising?"

Ahem! Gwen said, getting Steven's attention.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot about you," Steven said. "How have you been Gwen?"

Well, you remembered my name, Gwen said. But I've been working hard and getting stronger.

Steven smiled and nodded. "I see, and it's not just you. Both Brendan and May have a newfound strength in their ey–"He was cut off by two shrill cries, best described as cooing. His eyes widened as he looked behind both Brendan and May. The other two trainers and Gwen turned around. It was at this point that they realized what, or rather who, had been watching them recently. There in front of them were two Pokémon out of legend: Latias, and Latios.

Latias and Latios looked into Brendan's and May's eyes respectively. Latias then turned from Brendan to Gwen. She gave a couple chirps and coos, clearly saying something in an almost frantic tone. And Gwen's eyes went wide. Guys, these two need our help. Team Aqua and Team Magma have found their secret island home, and their trying to steal an important artifact from the island.

Brendan nodded in understanding. "Gwen, are you able to get us there?"

No, I don't know where it is, and it's likely too far away for me to teleport, Gwen said. Latios cooed this time, his voice deeper than Latias's. Gwen nodded. But that's not a problem, since these two said they'd fly us there.

Without any more explanation, Latias flew between Brendan's legs picking him up and getting him onto her back, and she did it in an almost playful manner. Gwen teleported behind her trainer and wrapped her arms around his waist. May and Steven got onto Latios's back. Both cooed once more. Without Gwen translating, Brendan knew that they were saying to hold on tight. With that, the two Pokémon flew south at what should have been an impossible speed.

It took only a few short minutes to get to their destination. It was a rather large island that was beyond the southernmost edges of Hoenn's borders. It was a tropical paradise with only one path that looked like it was freshly cut. Latias and Latios both gave coos as they took Brendan, Gwen, May, and Steven over the forest to what looked like a shrine of some sort, landing in front of a beautiful fountain with two stone statues with what looked like mega evolution stones. There was a deep-looking pond beside the shrine, making the clearing all the more serene The trainers leapt off both of the Eon Pokémon, knowing they needed to get ready for a battle. Thankfully, it seemed that they had a few minutes before both criminal organizations showed up.

"Hmm…" Steven mused, gazing into the fountain. "So, it seems that the legendary Soul Dew is actually real." Brendan, who was curious about what a Soul Dew was, walked up behind Steven and peered into the fountain as well. Inside was a beautiful blue orb that resembled a giant dew drop and it seemed to glow with a light of its own. He then looked at the two stones in the statues. They were both mostly purple with darker purple streaks through the center mixed with a red streak in one, and a blue streak in the other.

"These must be their mega stones," May noted, beating Brendan to it.

"AYE, that they be!" said a deep voice. Brendan vaguely remembered it, although he really wished he didn't. The man who owned the voice was a tanned, towering mass of muscle. He was at least 6'5", and he had the Team Aqua logo tattooed on his abs. That was only visible because the only clothing he wore was a blue wet suit that had the half above the waist ripped cleanly off, with the exception of the gloves and collar. He wore a yellow beaded necklace and a similar belt. While he clearly incredibly strong, he was severely lacking in terms of intelligence.

It's Matt, Archie's bitch, Gwen said in a very sassy tone.

"Hey, Archie is my bro!" Matt said. "And I am almost as strong as he is!"

"Yeah, sure you are Matt," Brendan said. "Hey, May, do you mind if I take care of this clown?"

"Go right ahead," May said, waving Brendan on. "I want the Team Magma person anyway."

Brendan nodded. "Matt, whatever you're doing here, you won't succeed," he said as he grabbed Jack's Pokéball. "Now, show me what you've got."

"Fine, let's go Vlad!" he called, sending out a Golbat.

"Jack, come on out!" Brendan said. The Numel was excited, that much was obvious, and he seemed ready for a battle.

"Kid, you are dead! Vlad, use Bite!" Matt said. Vlad's teeth began to glow slightly as he flew toward Jack without abandon.

"Heat Wave," Brendan said calmly. Jack began to breath a cone of pure, fiery heat. Vlad was overcome by the attack and was forced to stop his advance, unfortunately Vlad was only a few inches from Jack. "Now use Iron Head!" Jack just lunged forward, his head shining like polished metal, and sent Vlad flying backwards. The poison bat collapsed to the ground and passed out.

"Vlad, you lazy bum, get up!" Matt said, clearly not comprehending the fact that his Pokémon had lost. Jack, however, had a victorious look on his face as he gave a loud cry. His body then began to glow white.

"Of course," Brendan said with a laugh. "All my other Pokémon have evolved recently, why not you too?" Jack grew steadily as his body changed from a Numel into a Camerupt. When the glowing ceased, Jack mooed loudly and confidently. "Great job Jack!" Brendan said. He decided to use his Pokédex to scan his Pokémon and see what had changed. The biggest change was a new attack.

"Oh, this is going to be too easy for me," Matt said. "Come out Tyrone!" His Pokéball went over the pond and opened, letting the Pokémon dive in before forming completely. Brendan saw the strange shape in the water, it looked like a shark with no tail, almost like it was a torpedo.

It's a Sharpedo, Gwen said. They're extremely fast water/dark types.

Well, we have a good counter here, Brendan replied.

"Tyrone, use Crunch!" Matt said. The Sharpedo leapt out of the water, flying at Jack, his teeth glowing with a black aura.

"Jack, use Rock Slide!" Brendan said. Jack fired multiple boulders from his back. They rained down on Tyrone, covering him in boulders and trapping him. "Now, another Heat Wave to finish this." Jack let out another cone of fiery air, the attack burned the shark badly, ending the battle.

"NO! My bro will be mad about this!" Matt said as he recalled his Pokémon. There then came the sound of a woman's cackling laughter behind them.

"Oh Matt, you poor simpleton," the almost pink-haired Team Magma woman said. Brendan had to admit that she was actually quite beautiful. If she hadn't been in Team Magma, she might have rivaled May.

"Courtney, well I can't say that it's good to see you again," Matt said. "But I doubt you'll do any better."

"I'll do better because Maxie is depending on me to get both those Pokémon and their artifacts," Courtney said. "I can't let him down."

"Oh you're one of THOSE," May said. "The type of girl who will literally do anything to impress her boss." She grimaced in disgust.

Courtney glared at May. "And you're the little bitch we held hostage on Mt. Chimney. Tell me, how was your volcanic diving?"

May narrowed her eyes menacingly. "I'm going to enjoy beating you much more than I should."

Courtney scoffed. "Please, you couldn't beat me if you tried. Now, come on out Dolengen!" Her first Pokémon of choice was a Golbat as well.

May smiled. "Come out Erza!" she sent out the steel monster of a Pokémon.

"Dolengen, use Poison Fang!" Courtney said. The Pokémon looked at her trainer with a confused expression, but did as commanded. She flew up as her teeth began to turn a dark purple color, and she then flew at Erza.

May face-palmed and said "Erza, just let it hit you, then use Iron Tail." Dolengen bit Erza's back, her teeth bouncing off and doing no damage. Erza's tail began to glow as she whipped it around and hit the Golbat in the face, sending her tumbling across the ground painfully. Courtney recalled the beaten Golbat with what sounded like a growl.

"You won't get so lucky when I send out Carly!" Courtney said as she sent out her next Pokémon, which turned out to be a Camerupt. "Now, use Flamethrower!" The fire yak unleashed a jet of fire that gave off a lot of heat.

"Use Protect, then Rock Tomb," May said. Erza was surrounded by a sphere of green energy that repelled the fire and prevented any damage. When Carly stopped her assault, Erza dropped the shield and stomped her foot, causing four boulders to erupt from the ground around the Camerupt. "Finish this with Iron Head." Erza charged forward, her head shining like polished steel once again. She crashed through all four boulders, sending Carly flying backward in an almost comical arc.

Courtney was clearly pissed off that she had lost just as badly as the gibbering oaf from Team Aqua. She recalled her Camerupt, with a glare at May. "You will pay for this bitch!"

"You too ya' little prick," Matt said, venom in his voice. Gwen and Steven both had a slight chuckle at those statements as the two admins of the eco-terrorists fled the island.

When they were gone, both Latias and Latios cooed, getting the attention of all those present.

Gwen listened to what they were both saying, her eyes going wide at what was being said. Hey, Brendan, May, you're going to find what they're saying very interesting. Brendan and May both came forward, a bit confused, but intrigued too. First things first, they're telling you two to take their mega stones. Brendan, Latias wants you to take hers, and Latios wants May to take his. Brendan and May both did as asked, Brendan taking the stone with the red streak through it, which was closer to Latias. May went and took the blue-streaked stone, which was beside Latios.

"Okay, is there anything else we need to do?" Brendan said. He thought he had figured this out, but he wanted confirmation.

Only one more thing to do, they want us to take them on our journey. Avery, the Latias, wants to go with Brendan. And Drake, the Latios, wants to go with May, Gwen said.

May looked shocked. "As in, they want to battle us to test us?" she asked. Avery answered that question, grabbing the last empty Pokéball on Brendan's belt, tossing it into the air and tapping the button, and getting pulled inside. Brendan, who was beyond shocked, caught the Pokéball as it began to shake briefly. It stopped and sent sparks flying, indicating a successful capture.

Does that answer your question? Gwen said with an amused smile. May smiled as well, pulling out an empty Pokéball as well. Drake, who seemed to be the more mellow of the two Eon Pokémon, flew forward, tapping the button with his nose. The Pokéball opened and brought the Pokémon inside, shaking briefly before sending up sparks.

"Yes it does," May said.

Oh, and there was one last thing they mentioned before you caught them. They must have the Soul Dew near them so they can protect it. They want us to take it with us.

Steven's eyebrows raised even further than they had been during the captures. These two kids were being entrusted with both the Eon Pokémon, which were two of the strongest, not to mention rarest, dragons in Hoenn. And on top of that, they were also being given their Mega Stones, and the Soul Dew. The old dragon master of the Hoenn elite four would not believe it if Steven told him.

Brendan looked to May. "Let's pull the Soul Dew out together," he said. May nodded, walking beside Brendan to the fountain. They both reached in and grabbed hold of the Soul Dew, taking it out of the water and admiring it. There was a distinct, blue glow coming from it that seemed almost spiritual. May then winked at Brendan as she took it and placed it inside her pack.

"Alright, well, I guess it's time we get back to Route 118," Steven said. "I'm guessing that Avery and Drake will need to fly us back."

"Right," Brendan said as he sent Avery out for the first time. The Latias cooed joyfully as she flew around, stealing Brendan's hat and getting her new trainer to chase her as a game. Gwen laughed, but decided that it looked like fun, so she joined in as well. May decided to let out Drake, so she could get to know her new Pokémon as well. The Latios didn't try to steal anything, but he did fly under her and pick her up, starting to fly and take her around in loops and barrel-rolls. May was a bit freaked out at first, but she quickly began to enjoy herself. Steven just smiled as he sat down in the grass, watching the antics of the trainers and their Pokémon.

In about an hour, Brendan and Gwen were exhausted, and unsuccessful in their endeavor to get Brendan's hat back, and both May and Drake had landed beside Steven. Avery, on the other hand, seemed to have unlimited energy, but she understood that they needed to take a break from the game. She just flew down to Brendan and dropped his hat on his head before nuzzling him lovingly, getting him to hug her back. Gwen, who was glad to have made a great new friend, just smiled and joined the embrace. I think Steven and May are ready to get back to Route 118, she said.

"I know," Brendan said as he turned more toward Latias. "Avery, are you ready to leave the island?" Avery didn't hesitate to pick up both Gwen and Brendan, getting them on her back. She issued a brief chirp to Drake, who picked up May and Steven, and led the way off the island and going north toward Route 118.

When they departed, Brendan noticed that the sun was starting to set already. "Wow, we were here a lot longer than we thought," he said. "We're probably going to need to set up camp once we're back."

I'll help with that! Gwen said.

Avery glanced back toward Brendan and Gwen, giving a chirp that seemed to say "I'll help too!" And she continued to fly quickly toward Route 118. She was beyond delighted. Not only had she made three amazing new friends, but she and her brother would be traveling together with them. It was definitely the greatest day of her life, and she could tell Drake was feeling the same.

Hey everybody, hope you enjoyed that chapter. Please leave a review, and let me know what you thought, just keep any criticism constructive.

A few items I get the feeling will be questioned in this chapter:

- I glanced over the New Mauville errand because it was unnecessary filler, but the reward is still awesome.

- Courtney's Golbat, Dolengen, is named in reference to one of the wives of Dracula.

- I realize the Soul Dew may be too powerful for this point in the journey, but they're getting closer to getting their Mega Stones and keystones, so they're about to get some major power boosts anyway.

- If you're wondering why I gave Latias and Latios to Brendan and May respectively, it's because I chose Alpha Sapphire, and I played as Brendan, so it's just my personal preference. based on my own experience.

Anyway, that's all I wanted to address. Weather Institute rescue is the next chapter. Until next time – jmoul18.