OSPREY….SWOOOSH
UO: Hey guys you ready to rock
Explosion is heard.
UO: GOD DAMN IT! (Stomps over to see the wreckage) WHAT THE HELL?
Ash: Stop the world I want to get off.
Misty: Help me.
Gabby: Why May?"
(UO turns to see May in her undergarments. Said girl realizes it and runs off in a panic.)
Dawn: (Recovering enough) May was trying to cook poffins. I tried to stop her. (Looks down to see herself in her corset. She eeps and leaves. UO turns to see the rest of the cast in similar disarray except for Drew.
Drew: I leave for two minutes and this happens.
UO: May is already humiliated enough. So can you do the disclaimer?
Drew: UnitedOsprey1991 does not own Pokemon or any references made. He would be rich otherwise and wouldn't writing this wonderful story.
UO: Thank you
Normal: Dialogue
Italics: Thoughts, Flashbacks, and telepathy.
CAPS: Attacks
Bold: Yelling and Belt Noises
Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:
Underline: Dates and locations
Chapter 40: Heaven's Light (DP098)
When we last left our heroes they were in Celestic Town dealing a variety of adventures. The least of it being meeting up with the Sinnoh Champion Cynthia. During this time, they found Anabel's temple and the empath was able to earn her final form. This was put to good use when they defended the Celestic Museum from Team Galactic. It was a Pyrrhic victory as they failed to get the Lustrous Orb but the patrons including Cynthia and her grandmother were safe. Lost in the chaos was that Dawn won her third ribbon defeating her mother's longtime friendly rival.
Said blue-haired coordinator was seen crawling out the tent she shared with her mutual partners. She was dressed in her workout uniform which was a light pink and white. She walked over to small clearing and pulled out Sylveon and started doing katas. As she danced through her routine she thought about her journey so far. She could hardly believe three months ago she had started her journey with these unknown people. Now she had won three ribbons with the help of her friends, she had great pokémon and she was now a super hero called a Kamen Rider.
At that thought, she blushed. She didn't leave home looking for love or a boyfriend. But now she not only had a boyfriend but three girlfriends. If she was to be honest with herself, she would have chalked this up to one big dream. Her dreams have been pleasant enough as it was, though a few of the dreams were a little on the Pg-13 side.
"Dawn?" She shook her head out of her musings and saw Ash dressed to work out as well. "Didn't think you would be the first up."
Dawn shrugged her shoulders. "Guess I had a few things on my mind." She said smiling at her boyfriend.
"Want to spar?" He said holding up Raikou.
Dawn nodded and held up Sylveon in her default stance and for the next few minutes the only sounds were two swords clashing against each other. Dawn put up a nice effort, but Ash had definitely taken to using his katana quite well. After a few minutes the two were breathing hard but with smiles at the friendly spar.
"You've been getting better Buneary." Ash said complimenting Dawn's effort.
Dawn caught her breath. "Thanks. But I'm nowhere near your skill level. Your really fast."
Ash shook his head. "Don't let that discourage you Dawn. We all have our skill sets. You've helped a lot in healing and you have been great in fights.'
Dawn looked at Ash's stomach where he had taken a blow protecting Anabel. "It didn't do you any good. You still got hurt."
Ash sighed and put Raikou into its sheathe and walked up to Dawn. He placed his hand on her pale cheek. "Dawn…I would have done the same thing for all of you."
Dawn smiled and leaned to his hand closing her eyes. They sat down and Dawn snuggled into Ash. "I just need to keep hearing that reassurance. It just doesn't feel real.
Ash chuckled. "I love you Dawn as much as Misty, Ana and May. You will never be alone. I promise."
Dawn smiled and kissed Ash on the cheek. "Thank you." They stood up and walked over hand in hand to the camp which was slowly waking up.
The next day, the gang arrived in Solaceon Town and had arrived at the pokémon center. Max and May were on the phone with their father.
"So Max, you think your ready for your first pokémon?"
Max nodded. "I've done a lot of research and I've practiced with our friends."
"Dad, I think Max is ready. If there is a problem we can work on it."
Norman nodded. "Now I would have sent you either a Slakoth or a Zigzagoon. But two weeks ago a pokémon came in and through translation, it told me it knew you."
Max looked confused as Norman and Nurse Joy activated the transporter. The kind nurse handed the poke ball and a pokedex to Max. Excited Max released the pokémon. In a flash of light, a tall white and slender pokémon appeared. Its head was green and it looked a knight's helmet with a red crest on its green chest. Its two arms looked like two bladed tonfas.
Dawn upon seeing it, opened up her pokedex. "Gallade, the Blade Pokémon, and the evolved form of Kirlia. Gallade extends its elbows as if they were swords, and when protecting someone, it fights fiercely.
May looked at her father. "Why send a fully evolved pokémon to a starting trainer?"
Norman shrugged. "Something told me Max might want it."
Max looked at Gallade with a curious look. Closing his eyes, the aura he felt was familiar."
"Ralts?" Max asked. Gallade nodded. Max cheered and jumped onto his new partner.
Dawn looked at her friends. Ash explained. "Max saved Gallade when it was a Ralts. Max promised him when he became a trainer, he would find him. Guess Gallade had other plans."
Max had a gigawatt smile on his face as he introduced Gallade to his new friends. They decided to head to the park in the town so that Max could catch-up with Gallade.
At the park, most of the trainers took the time to let their pokémon and get some training in. Brock was looking through one of the tabloids.
"Huh, Scarf Monster sighted flying through the sky at night. Say it appears randomly and said to be round and pink."
"Brock why are you reading those tabloids?" Dawn asked as they walked over to him.
Brock shrugged. "Something to do I suppose. We ready to go to Angie's?" He asked. They had come to visit Angie on their way to Hearthome City for the next gym battle. Max was teased at him visiting his girlfriend which made him chase his sister around."
The group left the park to go to their destination. Along the way, Gabby happen to glance up and saw something in the sky. Before she could call out on it it disappeared.
"Something up Gabby?" Tori asked.
Gabby shook her head. "Nah, the tabloid headline must be messing with my head."
"You know tabloids could be the most truthful newspapers in the world." Drew said with a straight face. The trainers looked confused, but Gabby growled.
WHAM
"Okay…I deserved that one. OW!" Drew moaned.
Ash looked at Gabby who held Misty's hammer. "Movie reference?"
"Movie reference." She responded as if this happened regularly, which it did.
They finally arrived at Angie's place which was in fact a daycare center. After greeting her, Brock set about to cook lunch for the whole group, while Max caught up with Angie.
"Are you still up on that scarf monster, Brock?" May asked.
"I'm just saying, with what we've experienced, you can't exactly discredit it." Brock argued.
At the mention of the scarf monster, Angie flinched. "Excuse me I need to take care of something." She said hurrying out the door.
Seeing her leave like that sent off warning flags. "What's wrong with Angie?" Misty asked.
"I don't know let's follow her, I think she has something to do with that monster." Max said as they all followed her out.
Angie was in a cave looking frantic. "Where is it? Oh man, my parents are going to kill me."
"Angie?" The girl jumped at the sound. She turned to see Ash and friends walking up to her.
"What's going on? Did something happen?" Max asked concerned.
Angie sighed. "Yeah…see a trainer left his Lickitung to train with us. My parents left me in charge and I was doing alright. Then Lickitung learned Rollout, which is fine except it's one of the few species that evolve when it learns a move, in this case Rollout. And one of the rules is not to evolve any pokémon. Now my parents are going to never trust me again." Angie said collapsing to the floor.
Max walked over and knelt down to her. "Hey, it will be alright, I think evolving it isn't as bad as losing it. Let's go find Lickilicky."
Angie's mood brightened and she followed them out of the cave. They were about to start searching when they spotted Lickilicky floated just off the ground eating some treats. Following it they ran into some familiar faces.
"You guys again!" Angie yelled.
"Well now we meet again little twerpette." The masked Jessie called out. She pointed to Lickilicky. "We finally caught the scarf monster that this town has been so frightened of. We'll be rolling in money once we get this to Officer Jenny."
Angie growled. "That is not a monster! Shinx Bite the balloon."
Shinx ran up and tore into the balloon. Without the balloon, it now looked like a regular Lickilicky.
James turned to Jessie. "Uh, Jessie I don't think that's a scarf monster anymore."
"Nonsense." Jessie said before the three were quickly sent flying by a Thunderbolt from Ash.
"I wonder why we haven't done that before, I mean we keep running into them we should know their plans." Misty said crossing her arms. The others gave no indication they knew.
"Now then, let's get Lickilicky back to the cave-"
"Angie, what happened to the trainer's Lickitung?" A female voice said.
"Before my parents get home." Angie said causing her head to drop. "Hey Mom, Dad." The group turned to see a woman with similar hair to Angie and a very serious looking man."
"What happened Angie? I thought you would be more responsible than this." Her father said crossing her arms.
Angie looked away. "I was so eager to please you guys, that I got a little enthusiastic with the training and inadvertently taught Lickitung Rollout. I'm sorry Dad."
Her dad sighed. "Great, we'll have to explain it to the trainer. This is not going to end well. You are in big trouble young lady.
Angie sighed in depression and followed after her parents with her friends in tow. A few hours later, the trainer came by to pick up the Lickilicky. After explaining what happened, the parents were expecting outrage. Instead, the trainer was ecstatic and Angie's parents were thrown through a loop.
"Does that mean I'm not going to be punished?" Angie asked a little too sweetly. The sputtering by both parents sent everyone into giggle fits. They left the daycare the next day, not before Angie's parents teased Max about him marrying Angie and taking over the Daycare which got both preteens to blush, but they couldn't help smiling at similar trains of thought.
Four days later Hearthome City Gym (DP102)
The gang had finally arrived in Hearthome City after several events kept them from arriving sooner. For starters, Ash's Turtwig evolved into Grotle during a confrontation with Paul. Ash was goaded into a pokémon battle with him after he taunted him with the Relic Badge. Due to the loss of maneuverability, Grotle lost to the Honchcrow. Before Paul could taunt him about his weaknesses in the bonds, Ash got him mad when he pointed out he hasn't won any of their rider battles. Paul wisely decided to withdraw at the moment. When they arrived at the gym, Fantina greeted them saying her pokémon were exhausted and they could challenge her tomorrow. This promptly brought a young man with blonde hair a red stripped shirt and blue jeans out of the gym and colliding into Ash. After properly introducing himself as Barry, he and Ash butted heads after Barry declared Paul as his idol. This sent a bad taste into everyone's mouth, considering what Paul had done. Their replies fell on deaf ear as Barry challenged Ash to a battle, noting that if he didn't win he could never face Fantina. Ash promptly beat him thanks to Pikachu, though Barry boasted that Fantina was tough and that Drew and Ash could never beat her.
Now it was time for the gym battle and Drew was first up in the three vs. three battles. Fantina sent out her Haunter, (Platinum first team) looking confident that she could win this battle. She had done her research, Drew seemingly had no effective Ghost counters similar to Ash.
"Let's Ride Absol."
And like that her research was garbage. Drew caught her look. "You did research on both of us. You only used research from the battles you could get on in Sinnoh. Absol was part of my runner-up team in Hoenn."
Barry jumped up. "No way you got to be the runner-up in a league? I find that hard to believe. I'm going to fine you for lying."
WHAM
"Thank you Gabby." Drew said as Gabby had hit Barry on the head to shut him up. Returning to the battle, it began with a Haunter Shadow Claw that barely missed Absol. Absol countered with a Razor Wind which comboed into its own Shadow Claw. He began charging up a Shadow Claw but was hit by a Sucker Punch which sent Absol sprawling.
Fantina giggled sinisterly. "Even with a Dark-type, you can't handle an evolved Ghost-type. Haunter use Hypnosis."
This got his friends worried. This was exactly what made Fanitna dangerous. Haunter looked Absol dead in the eyes and seemingly put Absol to sleep.
"Now use Shadow Punch."
Haunter disappeared and reappeared ready to hit Absol.
"Absol use Crunch."
To the shock of Barry and Fantina, Absol caught the fist with the mouth. Drew's friends saw he was in Aura Link with Abosl and was holding his fist out seemingly grabbing an invincible punch.
"Shadow Ball."
Haunter had no chance and was knocked out.
"How?" Fantina asked.
"Absol was never asleep. We trained to combat this." Drew said. "Great job Absol."
Fantina recalled Haunter and sent out her Dusknoir who immediately used a Shadow Punch to try get Absol off balance. Absol used Faint Attack to mitigate the damage and moved in with a Crunch. Dusknoir rebuffed him with Protect which opened him up to a Rock Slide. Absol staggered but kept on its feet. Ash saw the look on his face.
"He's got a strategy to take out Dusknoir." Ash said. Barry looked and saw Drew crossing his arms and holding his chin. He also noticed his finger moving.
"Absol use Shadow Ball."
"Dusknoir use Protect and then Rock Slide."
Dusknoir glowed green to block the ball of darkness. Its lone eye glowed and sent more rocks at Absol. In a fit of speed, Absol's Shadow Claw cut through the rocks and powered up a Shadow Ball and charged towards Dusknoir. In desperation Fantina ordered a Shadow Punch to counter the blow. An explosion followed and when the smoke cleared, both pokémon were knocked out.
Fantina and Barry were stunned. Fantina at Dusknoir losing like that, and Barry stunned at how long it took to take out Absol. Drew walked over and patted Absol on the head. "Great Job Absol you deserve a good rest." He said returning Absol and tossing it to Tori.
"What are you doing, that's Drew's pokémon!" Barry asked
"We have been training our pokémon side by side so they trust me. As for what I'm doing, I'm training to be a vet and a doctor so I am taking a look at Absol to see if there is any lasting damage."
"Why do you care about them? For that matter, why is Absol so important?"
Tori scoffed. "You don't care about your pokémon and you idolize a jerk. I would advise you keep your mouth shut before I remove it."
Barry for once in his life was scared of someone. He wisely decided to shut up and watched the battle.
Fantina chuckled. "A very impressive battle, Monsieur Drew. I can see now how you finished second in the Lily of the Valley Conference. A tough league as it is."
Drew grinned. "Think that's impressive. You still have to face the Champion of that tournament. The only reason you got the jump on him is because we weren't prepared for your tricks.
"I see. Perhaps I underestimated you two. No matter. Banette to the stage."
Drew stared down the Gengar and reached for a poke ball ready to send out his other dark type, when Barry made his voice heard.
"I bet you can't win with one of your Sinnoh Pokémon. I bet you don't have any." He called which got him smacked by Gabby.
"Don't listen to him. Just take out her Banette and get of there." Ash called out.
Drew pulled his hand back slightly. "Well, I wasn't planning on using her till my last pokémon. But I suppose use her would prove I am not an upstart trainer." Drew pulled his left hand back and quickly swiped down to a particular poke ball.
"Let's ride Luxio."
Luxio appeared and stared down Banette actually getting it to flinch.
"Do you want to know what happens to pokémon abused by their trainers, Barry? We rescued Luxio as a Shinx, emaciated and nearly having an embedded collar. Your idol is approaching that." Dawn said in a rare angry tone.
Fantina looked at Luxio with a slight frown. "It doesn't matter. Bannete use Night Shade."
Banette fired a dark colored beam which Luxio dodged. Luxio used Thunderbolt and tried to get in close. Banette then went into a Faint Attack and then used Shadow Claw which hit Luxio for a lot of damage. Luxio though shrugged it off as Banette use Double Team again. Drew ordered a Shockwave which cleared the duplicates. Luxio then use its Crunch and then went into a Fire Fang which then burned Banette. Luxio kept its advantage and then with a final Thunderbolt Banette fell.
"You took me too lightly Fantina, I hope you don't do the same with Ash." Drew said walking over to Luxio and scratching her ear and then heading to the bleachers where Ash was walking to the battlefield. Pikachu happened to walk by Luxio and the lion used its tail to rub it against Pikachu's nose, getting the mouse to blush as Luxio sauntered her way back the bench.
"You can ogle your girlfriend later Pikachu we got a battle to win." Ash said and Pikachu nodded. He turned back to the bleachers. "Watch and learn. This is how a champ battles."
"I don't need to see a loser battle." Barry called out, only to receive a punch to the skull. "I've had it up to here with your attitude, now sit down, shut up and watch." Drew growled.
On the battlefield, Fantina took no chances and sent out Gengar. Knowing her strategy, Ash sent out Buizel, who was faster than Gengar.
Ash opened up with an Aqua Jet which Gengar easily dodged and getting Barry to yell about facing similar moves. One look from Ash's friends and he shut up. Back on the battle field, Gengar used Shadow Punch which from Drew's battle it wasn't dodgable. Gengar then moved in for Hypnosis. Ash smiled which slightly unnerved Fantina as he ordered Buizel to use Water Gun and then break dance. Gengar's Hypnosis was broken and with nowhere to move, Gengar fired off a Night Shade, which Buizel countered with a Water Pulse knocking both back. Buizel though bounced back up as the ref declared Buizel the winner.
Ash pointed at Dawn who blushed. "Thanks Dawn that was all you. That Counter Shield was great."
Even though she was used to such praise, Dawn was always shy at compliments but smiled as May hugged her close as they cheered.
"Impressive, this Counter Shield intrigues me. I must figure this out. Now take the stage Mismagius.
The Ghost type appeared. Remembering Mismagius had some sort of Grass move, Ash called back Buizel and sent out Riolu. First thing he did was use Foresight which removed the Ghost-Type immunity to fighting types. Then Riolu moved in with a Force Palm to try and get some damage in. Mismagius proved it was tricky to hit as it dodged and used Psywave which hit the Fighting type for some damage. Unfazed, Riolu stood up as Mismagius use Magical Lead. Riolu grinned and activated Force Palm and deflected the leaves using its quick paws to deflect the leaves away impressing the group watching and putting Barry in awe. Mismagius use Dark Pulse but Riolu through up its own Counter Shield.
Fantina had a look of inspiration. "Well now. I believe I have figured your Counter Shield out. Now I think I can create my own Counter-Counter Shield."
"Yeah well it looks like you are going to have to figure that out with your last pokémon. Riolu use Aura Sphere."
With one big ball, Mismagius was brought down, leaving one pokémon. But everyone who knew Fantina knew what was coming.
"Very impressive Monsieur Ketchum. But you still have to face my strongest pokémon. To the stage Driftblim."
Not taking any chances, Riolu was called back and Pikachu was sent out. Pikachu opened with a Thunderbolt Counter Shield which seemingly paralyzed it but was blown away by Psychic.
"Your Counter Shield has outlived its usefulness. Now face my Counter-Counter Shield. Driftblim use Will O Wisp and control it with Psychic." Fantina called out.
Ash tried to counter it with a Thunderbolt, but the Counter Shield was too strong and Pikachu was caught and put to sleep which led to a knockout.
Ash picked up Pikachu and carried him over to the bleachers and then sent out Buizel. Ash used Aqua Jet to disrupt the Counter Shield but Fantina was quick to catch it and used Ominous Wind to disrupt it. Buizel tried to counter with Water Pulse but was quickly countered with Will o Wisp and Buizel was immediately knocked out due to the Hypnosis and Psychic.
Ash knew he was a disadvantage with his last pokémon but sent Riolu out anyway. He quickly used Foresight to give him some ground to work with. He fired off an Aura Sphere but the Will O Wisp quickly countered it. The way it was countered though gave Ash an idea, which immediately got Drew to jump up catching his friends off guard.
"Riolu use Aura Sphere and hold it until I say so!"
"Tch…standing still will only result in your loss. Driftblim use Will o Wisp and then move in to use Hypnosis."
Driftblim did so but when the fires reached Riolu, Riolu held up the Aura Sphere in front of him. The flames from the Will o Wisp was absorbed into the attack giving it a pale purple glow. Riolu then pulled back and fired it hitting Driftblim for a large amount of damage. As it was staggering, Riolu was on it like a tiger and used Force Palm to send it straight into the wall knocking it out.
"Standing still seems to have worked out for me thank you." Ash said as the ref declared him the winner to the delight of his friends.
Fantina could only put a hand to her face, "Such an embarrassment, but nonetheless congratulations."
Barry was speechless and had one thought one his mind. 'Maybe there is something to Ash and Drew's training methods.' He said as the two trainers were awarded their gym badges.
Next Day
With the gym battles behind them, they found they were a couple of days ahead of schedule when it came to the Sinnoh League. So at the request of the girls, mainly May and Dawn, they decided to take and spend it walking around the city.
Brock and Max were over by the church. They weren't religious but they were curious how such a unique building was in a city like Hearthome.
"This must have been from when missionaries came over." Brock surmised.
Max looked up at the stained glass and noticed the crucifix. "Why do they have a crucifix hanging around here? From what I know, cruxfixes were execution devices."
"Perhaps, Drew can tell us. He said his family was religious."
Max shrugged. "I never really thought too much about it. But what do I know I'm ten."
Brock nodded and the two walked away to observe more of the sights.
May, Misty, Anabel, Gabby and Tori were doing some shopping and for once acting like the girls their age act. They purchased some new clothes for the road and even indulged themselves with some of the food the city had to offer.
Ash and Drew were walking around the town and happened to catch that Cynthia was facing off against an Elite Four member named Aaron. Cynthia proved why she was the champ as she handily beat the Bug Trainer. The two experienced trainers applauded the efforts and went to find something else to do.
Dawn was taking a leisurely stroll. Parasol in hand she walked the streets looking at all the sights. She got a lot of compliments on her attire and a couple of kids wanted their photos taken with her. She indulged them and she enjoyed the positive attention she got.
Dawn sighed. "Such a nice day. Those kids were so cute. (Giggle) It always cheers me up to see children act like that." She looked up. "Such innocence, I wish we could still have that, but we are trying to defend this place. No place to openly show weakness."
She continued walking until she felt a presence behind her.
"Whoever you are, I am not a helpless girl despite my appearance." Dawn said quickly closing her parasol and pulling out Sylveon.
"Oh I know that, troublesome girl. You helping put a kibosh on many of our plans makes you no less of a threat then the three Guardians." A familiar voice said. Stepping out of the alley was none other Paul, aka Kamen Rider Dante.
"Paul, what are you doing here?"
Paul shrugged. "I came by to see how that Fire Guardian and that Thunder Guardian of a boyfriend did against Fantina. Imagine my surprise that they won."
"They train their pokémon with respect and kindness unlike you Mr. Crush a pokémon's spirit."
Paul waved his arms. "Whatever it takes." He observed that Dawn was still in her fighting stance. "Let me ask you something Hanabi, what is it about the Thunder Guardian that makes you follow him."
Dawn looked at him hard. "He inspires me to be the best I can be. I also fight alongside him because I love him."
Paul scoffed. "How could you fall for a man who you know is seeing other women?"
Dawn shook her head. "I didn't just fall for Ash, I feel for Misty because of her maturity and intelligence, May for her confidence and loving personality and Anabel because she has a heart of gold, something that comes natural to an empath."
Dawn tightened her grip. "I know what you're doing, I am firm in my love for Ash and the others, don't even try to dissuade me."
Paul sighed and snapped his fingers. "So much for Plan A. Ghost Shadow."
A Gengar like monster showed up. Before Dawn could react Paul had her in a Vine Whip. Dawn struggled greatly as Paul came up to her and gripped her face. "Now then, to destroy the hearts of those riders." Dawn could only struggle as the Kaiju's eyes started to glow.
With the others at the Pokémon Center
Everyone save Dawn had started arriving at the center and were waiting on the girl. Ash and Drew were on their way in when they spotted Dawn walking with her head down.
"Hey Dawn!" Ash called out and walked over to her. Drew followed slowly behind them getting an odd feeling.
As Ash got close, Dawn slowly lifted her head and raised her hand.
"Bubblebeam."
Ash watched as the attack came close to him and it was only through Drew throwing up a fire shield that he avoided damage.
"Dawn what the heck, why are you doing this?" Ash called out.
"Simple, Ketchum. You don't seem to hold my heart in the same regard as the others. Now let me show you the pain you put me through." Dawn said firing off an Ice Beam.
"Dawn what is going on?" Ash responded.
"Someone hypnotized Dawn. We know her that's not how she acts." Drew said pulling out Leonid as Pikachu ran into the Center to get the others.
"How very observant." A familiar snide voice said. Stepping out from behind the tree along with a Kaijuu was Paul.
"Paul, you bastard what did you do Dawn?" Ash called out as the rest of their friends ran out and saw Dawn attacking Ash.
Paul chuckled. "It's simple, I tried to turn what I perceived as the weakest link in your little group into my slave. First, through convincing her you didn't love her. But she proved to be extremely stubborn. So I had Ghost Shadow brainwash her. You would be proud how long she resisted." He sneered.
Barry who had stayed to rest at the center and figure out where to go next, came out as he said that and gasped.
Tori turned to Barry at the sound. "There's your hero, Barry. Still think he's a good guy? He brainwashed one of our friends and turned them against her."
Barry had a look that said he short-circuited at the information. "T-t-that THAT LITTLE BASTARD! I'M GOING TO FINE YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE!"
Paul started to laugh maniacally. "Whatever you say Barry. Now then my Twilight, time to take it up a notch."
"Yes Paul-kun." Dawn said as she pulled out her belt and activated. The rest of the group bristled at the sweet tones used.
Henshin
EVOLVE
Dawn turned into Hanabi which freaked out Barry. Gabby wisely knocked him out to prevent him from freaking out. Hanabi's coloring had darkened due to the possession and now looked near blood red.
Drew pulled out his phone and turned to Ash who had made no move to pull out his buckle.
"Ash what are you doing?"
"I'm not going to fight her. Just take care of the monster."
Drew looked at him and nodded. "Alright, I trust you. Henshin."
COMPLETE
Zodiac charged at the monster while Ash stared down Hanabi.
"You are a fool, Ketchum. Power up and let me show you how strong I am."
"Strength isn't always about power. Strength is about character, about emotion. Come on Dawn I know your in there."
"Shut up! I will prove I am stronger than you!" Dawn said stabbing the ground and unleashing a Discharge. Ash took the attack and deflected Hanabi's sword thrust. This continued for five minutes with Ash deflecting each of the blows. Hanabi panted slightly while Ash looked like he could go twelve rounds with an Ursaring.
"Dawn, stop fighting, you can't beat me."
"Stop talking, I can beat you. I will show you that I am not some weak girl." Hanabi yelled.
"Then why haven't you hit me." Ash retorted.
Dawn growled and prepared to strike again when Ash surprised everyone and sheathed Raikou.
Zodiac knocked his opponent away and saw what Ash was doing. "Damn it Ash, if this doesn't work I am kicking your butt all over heaven."
"I'll do you a favor, Buneary, one free shot, I won't move at all."
Hanabi smirked. "Your funeral." She yelled scanning two of her cards.
DRILL PECK: MAXIMUM ENERGY
BOUNCE: MAXIMUM ENERY
COMBO: DRILL SPIRE
Hanabi jumped into the air and twirled around. Angling down she thrust Sylveon out and dove towards the defenseless Ash. Ash stood unmoving and smiling as the rest of their friend screamed for him to dodge.
Just as it looked like Hanabi was going to hit Ash, she suddenly stopped in mid-air surprising everyone. Hanabi tried again but the sword could not get close to Ash at all.
Paul widened his eyes. "What the hell? Dawn finish him."
Hanabi tried again and again but the blade refused to get closer and the energy from the attack dissipated and she landed.
"Why can't I kill you? I had you, what is keeping me from finishing you?"
Zodiac saw the attack and realized what happened, because Tsuki had shown what could happened in this situation.
Flashback: Drew Age 10, Gabby and Tori Age 11
The three were in Tori's backyard training when Tsuki called them over.
"What I am about to show you is something I hope never happens."
Tsuki turned to Gabby. "I want you to try and kill Drew."
This got the three to protest but Tsuki silenced them. "If this works correctly you won't be harmed."
Gabby gulped and turned to Drew who had no weapons. Gabby took her knife and then charged at Drew. Seconds before impact, her body locked up.
"What the?" Gabby asked in surprise. Tsuki walked over and moved Gabby away. Then she spoke.
"Between the members of a team of Guardians, there needs to be a sense of trust. Thus there is a failsafe built into belts. The knights cannot kill their respective prince and princess, regardless if they are in the right mind or not."
"That's taking away free will, what the heck?" Tori screamed.
"I know it does, however it did not come up enough where it became a problem. Only those who consciously betrayed Guardians would get this. This has happened a few times in the Kingdom's history. This is a lesson to you all. You must have each other's backs. Failure to do so could see everyone killed.
The three riders in training took this to heart and held each other's hands.
End Flashback
Zodiac chuckled. "It looks like something that should never happened occurred." He turned to Paul. "A knight cannot attempt to kill their respective Prince or Princess. Their body locks up almost like it knows it is wrong as a defense mechanism. Ash knock her out."
Ash nodded and before Hanabi could protest she was knocked out and her armor deactivated. Ash carried her bridal style over to the others as Drew activated his finisher on Ghost Shadow. Upon seeing his plan fall apart, Paul snarled.
"You can keep that weak girl, I am out of here." Paul said retreated.
Zodiac sighed and powered down. "Is she alright?" Drew called out.
Ash looked down. "She might be feeling a little woozy, but I hope she's okay."
"This is going to take some time to fix." Misty sighed.
A couple of hours later, Dawn groaned awake. "What happened? Last I remember…" The memories flashed through her brain. "That bastard Paul…"
Before she could start her rant, the door opened and May came in.
"Oh good your awake." May said gently. Dawn looked depressed and May noticed. "Can you tell me what happened?"
Dawn sighed. "I was walking minding my own business, when Paul came out of an alley. He tried to convince me that he wa a better pick for me than Ash. I called him out and wanted to fight back, but he was too quick. Last thing I remember was him trying to brainwash me, he looked really frustrated that I was taking so long to break. I guess I blacked out. Did I hurt anyone?"
May shook her head. "No, Ash deflected most of the attacks." May looked away. "Though what saved both of you was something that could only come up if they betrayed their comrades."
Dawn looked at May, and then gasped. "Did I…"
Just then Ash came through the door. "Dawn its good to your awake."
Dawn looked at Ash. "Did I try to kill you?" Dawn said with a wavering voice.
Ash smiled. "It wasn't you in control Dawn. I'm just glad your alive. Besides I'm alive aren't I?"
Dawn crawled out of the blankets and held his face. Confirming her sight, she started to sniffle, then her eyes started to water and then she grabbed Ash in a hug and started bawling.
"Im…Sorry (Hiccup) I'm Sorry. I couldn't…control it…WAAHHH!" Dawn's cried harder. Ash gently wrapped his arms around Dawn and laid back against the wall as Dawn continued to cry. Ash whispered some soothing words as he rocked the girl. May was helping by petting her hair. May left and brought Anabel and Misty with her and they calmly held the girl calming her down with hugs, small kisses and gentle words.
About an hour later Dawn had cried herself into a state of semi-awareness. "Ash…I'm so sorry (Hiccup) I didn't want to hurt anyone."
"Shhh…its okay Dawn. That Paul just played on your emotions. You are just as precious to me as Mist, Ana, and May, never doubt that."
Dawn nodded against his chest. "I must look like a mess." She said trying to wipe her face.
"We can fix that." May said as she gently took Dawn over to their bathroom, the other two girls coming to help prepare for bed considering the day they had, especially for Dawn.
Ash sighed and quickly switched to his boxers and his undershirt. A half an hour later, the girls came back out and Ash smiled at Dawn's appearance.
"There's the Dawn I know, no tears, no sadness, and blemish free."
Dawn gave a small smile. "Thank you. I need to trust you more. I know you won't betray me or any of the girls…can you just hold me tonight?"
Ash smiled and pulled Dawn down to kiss her. "You never have to ask that Dawn." Dawn sighed and snuggled into her boyfriend, only to be shaken awake as the other girls climbed in. She reached out for someone's hand and found May's and squeezed it. After the day she had, sleep was welcomed.
Four Days Later (Elements of DP138-142 aka the Twinleaf Festival)
The group of friends and Barry were walking together on their way to Twinleaf Town. The reason being that the small town was holding its annual festival and Dawn's mother was in charge of the festivities. Along the way May picked up her third ribbon putting her on par with Dawn.
Though Dawn was glad she was heading home, she was still feeling down about what happened in Hearthome City. Ash looked and saw Dawn trailing behind the group. He nodded to Misty who had observed the same thing. Misty dropped behind the group and joined Dawn under her parasol.
"Hey there honey."
Dawn looked at Misty. "Hey, May."
"What's got you down?" May asked concerned.
Dawn looked away. "Still caught up on what happened?" May asked knowing the answer.
Dawn nodded sadly. May sighed. "Dawn, Ash forgave you, you weren't yourself and no one was hurt. Why are you still upset over that?"
Dawn closed her eyes. "It's because he played on doubts May, something that I can shake off, I still had these doubts even after I accepted that I had to share him."
May shook her head with a smile. "I see what's wrong. You feel that with the three of us being with him, you get lost in the shuffle."
Dawn looked at the brunette with a surprise. "How did you know?"
May shrugged. "Its tough. But Ash makes it work somehow, that's all that matters." She stopped which got Dawn to stop. "But what you need to know…is isn't just Ash sharing us remember? I think you've seen a couple of instances like that." May said getting closer to the bluenette.
Dawn blushed at the memories Misty kissing both her and Anabel. Dawn squeaked as May pulled her close. "Just like Ash loves you, so do I." May said grabbing the parasol to block their faces and leaned into kiss Dawn. The surprised girl had her eyes wide open, but then something in her told her to enjoy it and closed her eyes. A minute or so passed until May separated. She giggled at Dawn wanting more out of the kiss and laughed at the pout.
"Come on Dawn. Let's go catch up." May said cheerfully holding out Dawn's parasol and then taking her free hand.
"Better?"
Dawn nodded and they ran to catch up with the rest of the group.
A couple of hours later they were back in Twinleaf Town. As they walked, those not native to the town compared it to Pallet Town and even Oakland. After running into a couple of Dawn's mother's assistants, Dawn led her friends to her home. Opening up her door she saw Johanna at the table.
"Welcome home Dawn." Johanna said with a smile.
"Hi mom." The two embraced each other. "Oh man I missed you so much." She said with a smile. Releasing the hug Johanna took a good look at her daughter. "You've grown so much. You look great."
"Thanks mom. Let me introduce you to my friends."
Dawn's introductions went smoothly and Johanna easily could see where such a change in her daughter came from. When she came to Ash, she had a big smile on her face. "So I get to meet the boy who has my daughter's heart."
Ash returned the smile. "Hello Mrs. Berlitz.
"Please call me Johanna. Now I think we have some stories to tell around lunch."
The next few minutes were spent talking and setting down their bags in their respective rooms. As Brock made lunch, Dawn asked her mom if she they could do a contest battle, to which Johanna agreed to but would need to take a care of a couple of things.
After lunch Ash called Professor Oak.
"Ah Ash my boy, how are you?"
"Great professor me and Drew have five badges each. We are on our way to Canalave City for the sixth one."
"Is that Ash?" A female voice sounded. Ash smiled as his mother appeared. "Oh how nice to see you again."
"Hi mom." Ash was really a momma's boy, but who could blame him, his mother was a sweet lady,
Dawn who had heard the commotion walked over after finishing the dishes. "You must be Mrs. Ketchum. I'm Dawn it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello Dawn. It always nice to meet new friends of Ash's. Especially one that is dating him."
Dawn gasped. "You know?"
"Of course, mother's intuition knows best. That's how I knew Anabel was dating Ash too." Delia said.
Johanna came over as she said that. "Hello Professor Oak and Mrs. Ketchum."
The two children scooted away as the adults talked about how Delia and Samuel were coming to the Twinleaf Festival. After discussing plans, Ash talked to his mother for a little bit and then signed off not before doing embarrassing her son which got Dawn to giggle and Ash to quickly end the call.
"So it's not just my mom and May's father." Dawn said with a smile.
"You think that's funny do ya?" Ash said with a gleam in his eye. Dawn gulped and backed away.
"N-now Ash, my mom's here, we wouldn't want to—EEP!" Ash caught her and brought her over to couch and then tickled her senseless. They had found Dawn was extremely ticklish especially her feet and her stomach.
This laughter is what brought Johanna back to the room and smiled at the interaction.
"Is there any doubt in your mind after seeing this, that Ash loves your daughter?" Drew said walking up behind her.
Johanna shook her head. "No. But I wish she was still my little girl for just a little longer."
Drew smiled. "She always will be your little girl. She just now has a male in her life that won't hurt her."
Johanna closed her eyes and remembered that her husband died when Dawn was really young. She was thankful for the support she got, but it was hard raising Dawn by herself.
"Misty and Anabel lost both their parents at a young age. Misty had her sisters and Anabel had a couple of the frontier brains raising her. Ash also doesn't remember his father very well, from what I gathered, he left Delia before Ash turned 10 and doesn't like to talk about it." Drew said shocking Johanna. "Professor Oak I guess was the best male influence in his life. So in a sense, Ash understands what you and Dawn went through."
Johanna turned back to the two as Ash and Dawn had calmed down. The other girls came in to see what they were laughing about and they were suddenly pulled into their tickle fest and fell to the floor.
"There are somethings that she hasn't told you. Nothing sexual if that's what you're thinking." Drew said catching Johanna's questioning look. "More like she can't tell you for your protection and I told her not to say anything. She'll tell you one day."
Johanna looked back at the group who had finally calmed down and were now cuddling against each other. Dawn looked content against Ash's shoulder and in May's arms.
Drew walked away but not before these parting words. "You were right when you said Dawn changed. You have no idea how much she has changed and will change." He said leaving Johanna to her thoughts about her daughter.
Next Day
Dawn, Misty, Anabel and May were walking through the festival grounds looking at all the stalls that had been set up. The previous day, Dawn took on her mother in a contest battle and while she was able to pull off some incredible combos, Johanna showed why she was a former Grand Festival champion. Though she lost she gained some valuable insight into what she could do with her contests.
As they walked through the festival grounds, she spotted a familiar face.
"Kenny, over here!"
The red haired boy walked over upon seeing Dawn. "Hey there Deedee. Glad you could make it."
"Stop calling me Deedee. And I wouldn't miss this for the world. Especially with Mom in charge."
"Yeah I know the feeling, its great to be home though. Misty, Anabel, May nice to meet you again."
"Likewise."
"A Pleasure."
"Hello."
The group of four walked through the festival grounds. As Kenny was recapping his journey to Dawn while she explained some of their journey, a transparent figure followed them.
"Maiden."
Dawn stopped. She thought she heard a voice. Based on the lack of reactions of the other three, she was the only one to hear it.
"Maiden of Light."
Dawn widened her eyes. Only one being called her that. She turned around and saw Mesprit appeared in front of her.
"Mesprit." Dawn whispered.
"It is time Maiden of Light follow me." Mesprit said disappearing but leaving enough of an outline for Dawn to follow.
"Dawn?" Misty called out.
Dawn started walking and the walk turned to a sprint. The three girls looked at each other and nodded.
"Dawn where are you going?" Kenny said.
"May, Anabel go get the others. Kenny come with me." Misty said. Not knowing what was going on Kenny followed Misty while May and Anabel went to get the others.
In a forest clearing, Drew was refereeing a battle between Ash and Barry. It was between Pikachu and a Heracross and it looked to be heating up.
"Ash! Drew!" May called out.
Ash turned to May. "What's the rush May?"
"It's Dawn. She's reacting the same way Misty was."
At this the two trainers widened their eyes and rushed to grab their bags. Barry looked at the activity with confusion. "What the heck is going on? I'm going to fine you if you don't tell me."
"Just follow us and we'll explain everything." Drew said as they started running. Pikachu led the way sniffing out Dawn's scent. They eventually reached the lake where everyone was gathered.
"Dawn are you alright?" Ash called out.
Dawn nodded and looked out at the lake. "My first day as a trainer, Piplup was kidnapped by Ariados. He saved me and we rested her at Lake Verity." She started walking towards a specific spot. "When we were resting, a pokémon called Mesprit appeared and told me about you Ash." Dawn said looking behind her and seeing Ash smile.
"Dawn what are you talking about?" Barry asked.
Dawn continued as if she did not hear Barry. "It told me to come back when my destiny was realized and I became stronger." She stopped at specific spot. "After seeing the other four temples, I was convinced that this spot was where my temple was." She reached into her pocket.
"If I wish to stand with you Ash, I need to pass this." She said holding it up to a spot on the rock. A light beam shot out and hit the rock causing the rock to light up. Soon the air above the lake started to shimmer and then a large building appeared on the lake with a path of stones floating up to create a walkway to the building.
The two non-riders gasped as the building appeared.
"W-what is that?"
"Has that been hidden in our lake?"
Drew looked over to the two. "Do you guys have swim gear? If so go get it and come back."
The two immediately rushed back to their house taking care to avoid the crowds. When they came back, they saw everyone in their swim suits waiting for Barry and Kenny.
Kenny looked at Dawn and slightly blushed at her figure. "You look amazing Dawn, what's your secret?"
"Eating right and training with these guys." Dawn said proudly.
He looked at Ash and then back at Dawn. "I see. Getting closer to Ash huh? Well I would be careful of Misty, I think she's a little protective of him."
"You have no idea." Dawn said as they prepared to head to the temple.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute. You said you would explain what's going on. Don't you dare renege on that deal or you're going to get heavily fined.
Drew sighed. "We did, didn't we? Remind me to create a brochure." Drew said as they sat down and started explaining their story and their abilities and how some of them weren't from this world.
"So your these Kamen Riders I keep hearing about. Thank you for protecting all those people." Kenny said. He looked over to the temple. "So what's the deal with this place?"
"This temple is a testing ground for those with the rider belts. This is Dawn's test because she opened it." Ash explained.
"So what's with the swim suits?" Barry asked.
"The last temple that involved water was my temple. It's because we anticipate a lot of underwater sections." Misty commented.
(Play the Ancient Cistern OST from LoZ Skyward Sword)
Accepting the answer the group of twelve walked across the stone path and entered the dungeon proper. Looking around the brightly lit temple, they took the time to appreciate the architecture. Hoping across the lily pads they came upon a stone tablet. It read: Back, Rear, Back of Left Hand, Back of Right Hand.
"What do you think it means?" Barry asked.
"If we are following logic from the previous temple, then the clues should be in here. I am betting the statue here." Drew pointed to the statue in front of them. "Holds the clues. The back of the statue, the rear of the statue and then both hands are the order. So whoever can hold their breath the longest, let's go."
Misty, Tori, Ash and Gabby jumped into the pool and started swimming going beneath the surface.
"Misty and Tori are water users. Misty grew up in a water gym. She's like a mermaid in the water." May said to the question look of the two boys. "Tori likes swimming to keep herself healthy."
After a few minutes, the four surfaced.
"You find anything."
"Yeah, I found some sort of pattern on the back. It had the top portion shaded in." Misty pointed to the statue.
"Same on the hands. Nearly got crushed though." Ash said with Tori nodding. "I think it was the Left side."
"Mine was the right."
"And mine was shaded in on the bottom." Gabby said.
"Alright so, Top, Bottom, Left, Right. There is a reason why they wanted us to know."
The group nodded and with a chill in the temple, they decided to put their normal clothes back on and pulled out their light jackets. They approached the door and Max jumped up to pull the lever next to it. In the next room, Misty shivered at seeing the bugs but May's quick thinking cut the web and the enemies fell soon after. They then approached a door with orbs on them.
"So now what? Are we stuck here?" Barry asked a little impatiently.
Dawn looked at the door curiously and suddenly had an inspiration. Pulling out Sylveon, she looked at the lock and then stabbed it in the order they found. Instantly the door opened.
Dawn turned to group and smiled. "Guess I know a few tricks. Come on." Dawn said trying to open the door. That snapped her friends out and they immediately went to open the door.
In the next room, it was filled with spiders and a large pond. Max saw something in the water.
"That looks like a passageway."
"Question is how the heck do we get to it?" Ash asked.
May looked up at the ceiling and saw the large spiders. Looking at the lily pads she raised her hand and fired a Razor Leaf. The spiders fell and flipped over the pads.
"The vines were blocking the passageway. Misty should be able to get through."
"I don't think we can proceed any further." Brock theorized.
"Right. Mist, find out what's down there and then meet us in the next room." Ash said as they turned around. Misty sighed and dived in. Holding her breath without a rebreather was child's play to her. Coming up to a small barrier she used Aqua Jet to break through it. Climbing up the vines in the room she found a key and then jumped off the ledge to the floor below. Going through the door she found herself in the main room. Reuniting with her friends they looked for a locked door. They found it in the central tower across the lily pads. Unlocking it they went inside and dropped into the circular arena making sure Kenny and Barry were still on the platform. The moment they did, a large skeleton rose up from the ground and picked up two very large sword.
Immediately Ash and Drew pulled out their blades and parried the blows. Dawn, who decided to do the fighting because it was her temple, moved in started stabbing their opponent. After a few blows, the skeleton roared and grabbed two more swords. This forced the fighters onto the defensive as they had to wait until there was an opening. Dawn's weapon being made for thrusting made this easier, but they still had to dodge the swords. Eventually the three riders were able to break through and win against the warrior causing it to crumble away.
Barry finally broke his trance. "That was amazing! Way To Go Dawn!
"I had no idea she trained like this." Kenny said as Dawn left the room. When she came back, she had some sort of whip that was glowing blue.
"Looks like I have sort of ranged option." Dawn said and then gasped. "Ash what happened to your chest?
Ash looked down to see a decent size cut. "It's no big deal Dawn. Must have not been quick enough to dodge."
Dawn immediately set her weapons down and made her hand glow. Placing it on the cut she closed her eyes and breathed out as she healed the cut. Ash smiled as Dawn healed the cut. "Thank you Buneary." He said kissing her cheek getting her to blush.
Kenny saw the kiss and sighed. If he was to be honest with himself, Dawn was her big sister in all but blood. From what he could see from the battle, Ash could take of her."
Dawn recovered from her blush and retrieved her weapons. Looking at the cog in the room she flung her whip and pulled it causing a geyser to activate. The three that fought the soldier hopped back up and went back into the room.
They started hoping around the room and onto some of the lily pads. Kenny motioned for Ash to stay back a bit.
"So you and Dawn?"
Ash nodded. "It's a bit more complicated than that?"
Kenny raised an eyebrow and looked at Dawn. She turned around to see Anabel had slipped into the water. The blue haired girl giggled and help the empath out of the water. Dawn kissed Anabel on the cheek and then proceeded to move on.
"So…you, Dawn, Anabel, Misty and May?"
"Yep. Your not going to judge are ya."
"Nah, she's a big girl. Just treat her right. I really don't want to see her cry because her boyfriend was a jerk."
Ash chuckled and they moved on. Soon enough they got up to a gate that through some skilled moves were able to pull down and the cog that was turned on by Dawn's whip.
Looking out the cage they saw a whirlpool kick up.
"That's where we are supposed to go. Come on guys." Drew said as they pulled out their rebreathers."
He turned to Barry and Kenny. "Stay close. Dawn hold onto Kenny. Brock take Barry."
Two by two they jumped into the whirlpool and were sucked through the pipe. Surfacing after being sucked through the pipe, they were amazing at the drastic change in atmosphere.
After coughing up water Barry turned to the group. "Is this normal for you guys, because you are so getting fined."
"This is nothing compared to what we normally go through." Gabby said as they climbed out.
Dawn looked over and saw the large chest. "Bet that's where the boss key is." She said pointing out the big chest in the middle of the room.
"We just have to get over there." Ash said.
They proceeded through the door they unlocked after swiping the key off a guard thanks to Dawn's new item. They then went through another pipe and were sucked up to the main floor. Some more platforming occurred and more than once Barry got wet for being to impatient which got on everyone's nerves. Soon enough they reached another lever which when pulled shifted the entire structure down a level.
Going through the door and dropping into the mini-boss area they reached the dark area they were just in.
"This is really starting to freak me out." Tori said shivering which got Kenny and Barry to be slightly nervous as well. Nonetheless, they continued on until they reached a poisonous bog.
"How the heck are going to across?" Misty said and then shivered. "That water, feels wrong."
May looked up and in whatever light they had she spotted something shining.
"Beautifly. Go inspect that eye." She called out. The butterfly flew and saw a switch. He turned to May and relayed the information.
"Hit it then Beautifly." Beautifly nodded and hit the switch. The murky waterfall disappeared revealing a set of explosives.
Getting the hint, Ash released his Staravia and had it carry the explosive to where Drew pointed, blowing up the rock that seemed to be impeding the progress.
"Alright, Barry, Kenny hold onto someone. We need to jump across and avoid any spiked walls. Be careful."
With careful movements, they hopped across the platforms and jumped onto the vines on the cylinders. There were a few close calls but their quick reflexes kept them from getting killed, which continuously impressed the two non-riders. Once at the top of the platforms they noticed a silvery thread.
"Guess we need to climb it." Brock asked.
"Dawn, May why don't you climb up, I don't think we are done here." Ash said. The two nodded and climbed up the thread.
A few moments later they heard shaking and the two girls that went up came back down, falling into Ash's arms. The group went around the wall and saw the key. Dawn quickly ran over and opened the chest. Inside was a weird looking idol.
"Is this the key?" Dawn asked as the others came up to her.
"Could be." Gabby said. Suddenly, the shadows started to move and then dozens of dark creatures started appearing.
"Great we have to fight through these." Max said groaning.
Barry happened to glance up as the others started to fight. "Uh Guys! The ceiling is falling!"
They all looked up and they individually cursed.
"Get over to ledge!" Drew called out as he hacked through an enemy that refused to die.
They all ran for the ledge and just like in Indiana Jones they got through in the nick of time.
"Let's not do that again until we get to the next temple." Max said catching his breath.
"Agreed." The rest of his friends said.
They went into the structure and started climbing the tower with Dawn in front opening up all the geysers. At the top of the stairs they found a large hole where presumably the idol went. With a few tweaks she finally got the door open and they climbed up to the top of the tower.
Once up, Barry looked around. "What the heck? There's nothing in here. I thought that key-OMPH!"
Barry ran into the barrier that surrounded the arena. "What the?"
"No one save the person being tested can pass the barrier." Ash said looking at Dawn. She nodded and walked into the center of the arena. She pulled up her belt and held it in front of her. A beam shot out and hit the center of the arena. The arena suddenly became transparent almost like a mirror. Out of the mirror like surface a woman walked towards Dawn. She was wearing a white jack etand a skirt that was made for moving around a lot with heeled boots. Her eyes were almost ice cold but it held a haunting feeling to it. Her white hair that was wrapped in a ponytail matched the almost fragile skin of the woman.
"Greetings. My name is Weiss Schnee. But you may call me Hikari." Weiss said curtseying. "My story at becoming a knight, started when I was accompanying my father to handle a deal. You see unlike most of my generation of knights, I came from what you called the nobility. As we were heading to town, we were ambushed. Being the young girl I was, I could not defend myself. However, I was saved by the prince's entourage who happened to be in the area. I only met him briefly before my father whisked me away and essentially made me a prisoner in my home.
(Play Mirror Mirror from the RWBY OST)
Hikari started walking closer. "For five years, I never saw the outside world. Until I defied my father and ran away to a school that trained warriors. I met new people and formed a team that eventually produced one of the princesses and two of the knights. When I heard one of the princes had started looking for his knights, we were all surprised when he came to the school. He took a look at me and he remembered me from when had saved me. I did not think he would take me as one of the knights. Before I could leave with him, I asked him if I could bring my team. Satoshi just smiled, he said he wouldn't separate my friends."
Hikari smiled. "I grew up lonely. I grew up with prejudice and I grew up thinking I was the loneliest person in the world. Prince Satoshi convinced me that I wasn't lonely and I had my team and eventually the knights that followed. I will always be grateful for him. "
Hikari pulled out her belt. "Do you understand what you need to do?"
Dawn nodded. "I win. I get my final form. But you move onto the afterlife."
Hikari nodded. "Just because I look fragile, doesn't mean I won't hesitate to kill you." Hikari said getting into her stance.
At once they shouted. "HENSHIN."
EVOLVE
Two matching Hanabi armors appeared as the light died down surprising Barry and Kenny.
"Now then. Engarde." Hikari called out as the two held their stances. For the first couple of minutes it was like watching a fencing match as neither one could get in close to the other.
The two clashed once more and they jumped back.
"You've trained well my descendent." Hikari said resetting her stance.
"I've had a great teacher." Dawn said mirroring the stance.
"Guess its time to stop playing around." Hikari said. She started to move her hands around as they glowed. Dawn saw her chance and scanned a card.
BUBBLEBEAM
Firing the bubbles, Dawn was surprised as Hikari disappeared in a blur of speed. Hikari appeared on her right stabbed her. Not flinching, Dawn stabbed where she was only to disappear again. Dawn was thrown off her mojo as Hikari was seemingly faster than the Coordinator. After a few blows Dawn was able to time the movements and she punched her opponent back.
"Hmph, a lucky blow. Perhaps I should explain my abilities. I came from a family that specialized in harvesting crystals for energy and ammunition. My sword depends on harnessing these abilities." Pointing to the ground she continued. "These spell circles are a family inherited ability. They allow me to move as quick as my comrades and move almost simultaneously to my friends."
Dawn nodded and charged in scanning another card.
DISCHARGE
Firing the electrical attack, Dawn was surprised when the attack was blocked by Hikari's sword which was glowing red. Turning around, Hikari stabbed the ground launching a wave of Ice. Dawn quickly used Bounce but Hikari was on her and she was comboed in mid-air.
"Some descendent. I've looked into your memories. Showing off instead of combating. Pokémon from what I could tell are meant to fight. Not be a part of some dog show. For that matter why are you even using animals to fight?"
Dawn slowly got up. Hikari powered up her sword. "If there is anything, I am glad I learned to be a hunter.
"I guess its time to put you out of your misery. Final strike, Mirror's End."
Dawn watched as Hikari came towards her. She closed her eyes as her friends screamed for her.
CLANG
She snapped her eyes open and saw Latias in front of her using Safeguard and blocking the attack.
"What is this? These creatures should not have intelligence. Why is it protecting you?" Hikari said landing and staring at Latias."
Dawn rose to her feet. "It's because of my friends I am here as my own person. It's because of my pokémon that I succeed in life."
She held up her wrist. "And its because of my friendship, that I can do this. Ready Latias?"
Latias nodded.
The necklace around Latias started to glow brightly.
"Execute! MEGA EVOLUTION!" Dawn called out pressing the button on her wrist. The lights that shot out from the ring and the necklace got brighter due to mirrored surface. When it died down, Dawn was in her Mega form.
"What is this form?" Hikari stuttered.
Dawn grinned behind her mask. "This is the pinnacle of my bond with my pokémon. This is my Mega form. By merging with Latias my abilities improve by leaps and bounds."
Hikari scoffed. "We'll see about that." Dawn grinned and vanished catching Hikari off guard.
"Looking for me?" Dawn said from behind her. Hikari could only put up a barrier as Dawn used Peck to stab at her. Not content with this, Dawn activated her Ice Beam and her Discharge cards and send a powerful combination attack at Hikari. This shocked and caused Hikari to freeze slightly. Hikari recovered and launched a wave of stars. Dawn immediately countered with Swift. The difference between the two then became clear to the spectators. Because Dawn relied on her pokémon's abilities the only thing holding her back was energy from not only her but her pokémon. Hikari though relied on using this crystallized energy.
"Dawn had this the moment Hikari started using her crystal abilities." Drew said.
"What do you mean? Dawn was on the ropes a couple of minutes ago." Barry said.
"What she said about the crystals. She said they had to be harvested." Brock said catching on.
"Meaning she could only carry a finite amount, like gas and oil. That finisher was the only chance Hikari had to finish Dawn off. She more than likely put most of what was left into that attack." Max theorized.
On the battlefield that was exactly happening. Dawn felt through her Aura link that Pachirisu was running out but her other pokémon were still raring to go. Hikari cycled through her cylinders looking for anything to use. She was starting to panic as she realized she was almost out of her precious crystals while Dawn was still able to go.
"Where was the confidence you had earlier, Hikari?" Dawn said as she floated above the ground. Hikari struggled to stand.
"I can still fight even without my crystals!" Hikari shouted as she struggled to stand. Dawn scanned her finisher cards.
DRILL PECK: MAXIMUM ENERGY
MIST BALL: MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: SPIRAL STORM
Dawn's sword glowed. "This is the end." She started falling and spiraling towards Hikari. Hikari barely got a shield up to hold the attack back but it was futile.
CRACK
(End song)
A sound not unlike a mirror cracking was heard as Dawn appeared on the other side of Hikari. Hikari was forced out of her transformation and cracks started to appear up and down her body.
"I…guess in the end…I die alone." Hikari said as she started to tear up. Dawn powered down and walked over to her.
"You weren't alone in life." Dawn said walking closer to her. "I'm here. You won't be alone."
Hikari smiled through the tears. She reached into her jacket and pulled out a card.
"This is….Crystal. Use it…well." Hikari said as more cracks appeared. Dawn took the card and held it to her chest. Hikari looked up and closed her eyes and started to sing "Mirror, tell me who's the loneliest of all. It is not…me~~~." She sang as her body shattered like glass as Dawn reached for her.
Dawn kept her hand out as if to will Hikari back.
"Dawn, sweetie are you okay." May asked as her friends approached.
"Yeah." Dawn answered. "Promise me something." She said looking behind her. "Don't leave me. I don't know what I would do without you all."
Ash walked up to her and hugged her, kissing her cheek. "Never, not while I draw breath."
Dawn smiled as a door across from where they were standing opened. They went inside and the two non-riders gasped at the treasure horde. Dawn walked over and pressed her hand against the pedestal. All of the treasure was sucked up into the scroll provided and placed in Dawn's bag. The amount of wealth found was, compared to the overall treasure small, but they were huge hordes of at least $25 million
Dawn saw the one thing that was not absorbed. It was Hikari's body. She looked at Ash who nodded and picked up the body. They immediately left the temple and buried it around the lake. A few moments of silence later, they went back to Twinleaf Town not noticing a pretty voice singing and the pokémon being at peace.
Two days later
It was the day of the Twinleaf Festival tournament and it had reached its final battle. Ash had won the tournament which gave him the right to face Palmer, the Battle Tower Tycoon and more importantly Barry's father. After the introductions by Johanna, Palmer sent out his pokémon. IT was a large pokémon with drills on its forehead. Its arms looked like piledrivers and had orange armor that cross its chest and overall it looked menacing.
Ash quickly pulled out his pokedex. Rhyperior, the Drill Pokémon and the evolved form of Rhydon. Rhyperior can concentrate strength in its body and expand, causing the stone in its hand to launch.
"Did not think Rhydon could evolve. But if its Rhydon, then Grotle I choose you."
Barry smirked. "He's underestimating my dad with the type advantage." He said with confidence.
"And he's underestimating Ash." Misty said. "This is the same guy who can beat ground types with Pikachu."
The two combatants stood ready. Before the battle could start there was a large explosion shook the arena. The Riders after covering themselves looked down and saw at the head of the group was Glenn with a whole battalion of Shadow Troopers and a couple of Kaijuu.
"I don't care what you do. This town is going to be burned to the ground. One of the riders live here and this will send a message." Glenn called out.
The crowd started to panic and run. Drew pulled the others to him.
"Pair up and make sure to come back alive. Let's move!" Drew called out and thus the ten riders scatted.
Brock and Max
Brock and Max caught up to a group near the booths. Pulling out their weapons they started hacking through their opposition but they soon were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers. They stood back to back.
"This is getting us nowhere, Ace how are you holding up?"
Ace slashed at an approaching opponent. Not good, they've been learn. They are staying out of my range. We need to think of something."
As they were thinking, two more powerful troopers appeared and jumped at them. As they were coming from their blind sides they couldn't see them. But two beings could sense them.
CLANG
Ace and Onyx watched surprised as Steelix and Gallade appeared and blocked those coming after them.
"Steelix!? What are you doing?"
"Gallade, why did you do that?"
The two riders called out. The two pokémon just pointed at their mega stones.
"Are you saying…you want to Mega evolve? As in merge with us?" Onyx called out. Steelix nodded.
"Do you believe that we can do it Gallade?" Ace asked. Gallade crossed its arms.
Onyx looked at Ace. "Let's give it a shot and then let's try a Duel Strike."
(Play the Japanese digivolution music and have the riffs at the appropriate points.)
"Got it. Gallade!"
Gallade nodded.
"Steelix!" The snake roared.
Max held up his hand and wrapped arm around it. (Lost Galaxy) Brock dropped his right two fingers and then brought it up to his wrist. (Ninja Storm, Thunder Rangers)
"Execute MEGA EVOLUTION!" They shouted pressing the button down. Beams reached out to each other as their bond was established. When the lights died down, Onyx and Ace had changed. Onyx's coloring had turned to silvery grey with multiple spikes protruding from. Ace had got taller and had Gallade head color. He also grew a cape and his arms became blade like.
"Oh man such power. This is awesome!" Ace called out.
"Right now for step two."
"Right Let's Go!"
"DUEL STRIKE!"
(Play Advance Wars Super CO Power music)
In their minds eye their symbols shot out beams merging their energy. Snapping their eyes open, they charged. Onyx went in swinging his axe. Thanks to the Duel Strike, his speed was increased thanks to Ace. The Axe seemingly was weightless as he cut through the opposition. One last slam to the ground and the lot around him were destroyed.
Ace was punching through his opponents thanks to the power boost he got from Onyx. The speed and power granted from not only the Duel Strike but the Mega Evolution powered him through. He grinned as swung his cutting off one of his opponent's heads. He then used his wind manipulation to finish off his opposition.
Ace looked at Onyx and nodded and went to secure the town.
(Stop music)
Zodiac and Aura were cutting through their opposition as they reached their main opponent. It was a Stantler that looked like a Frankenstein monster. (Based on Chopper's appearance after eating three rumble balls) The monster roared and sent his arm to destroy one of the stalls. Aura quickly moved and blocked the claw. His quick moves kept the monster off balance.
"Aura move!"
Aura jumped out of the way while Zodiac with his sword glowing in its Leo Breaker finisher. He slashed through and destroyed it with little fanfare.
"With what we have to do, I want these things killed quickly. Let's go Aura." Zodiac said hefting up Leonid. They charged to help clean up the crowd.
Dawn was rushing through the crowd alongside May. They were looking for her mother as she was near the officials when the attack began. After a few frantic moments of searching, she spotted her with Ash's mom, Professor Oak, Barry, Kenny and Palmer, with the taller male having Rhyperior out to guard them.
"Mom!"
Johanna looked and saw her daughter. "Oh thank goodness your oka-DAWN LOOK OUT!"
Dawn looked behind her to see a Secptile looking creature charging in only for May to block it and knock it back.
Dawn quickly ran over to her mother. "Are you alright?"
Johanna nodded hesitantly. "Good." She turned around which made Johanna scared.
"Your not going to fight this thing are you?" She asked fearfully.
"I have to mom. If I don't who will?" She said nodding to May who turned to face it as well. They pulled out their belts and inserted their cards.
"Mom, you said my journey was going to change me. Let me show you how much I changed on our trip." She said twirling around and raising her fingers as her opponent recovered.
HENSHIN
EVOLVE
Johanna watched in amazement as her daughter turned into one of the masked heroes that was on the news.
Delia looked at Johanna. "It surprised me too. But if she is a rider, then she can handle herself. Have faith in your daughter." The kind-hearted mother said.
The two mothers turned to the battlefield with the two girls holding their swords out. The Secptile monster growled, its wrist started to glow signaling a Leaf Blade. The two girls parried the blow and started trading blows with the creature dubbed Blade Lizard.
Johanna watched amazed as her daughter countered each off the blows and then she launched powerful kicks in conjunction with May's dancing around. Dancing, that's what this fight was. Dawn was always graceful, she had taken ballet lessons as a young girl and she took to them like a Milotic through water. But to see her using these dances to fight.
These thoughts were broken when Dawn fired off an electrical attack. Johanna watched as Dawn used abilities she knew that were from her pokémon and attack the creature that looked like a Sceptile. It didn't look it did a lot of damage but it was pushed back.
Blade Lizard growled and it started to glow. The girls recognized the light as a Mega Evolution, making them realize that their opposition must have found a rudimentary way to do it. When the light died down, its tail had extended and it gained two additional blades.
Kusa looked at Hanabi. "If we are going to win we need our strongest forms."
"I agree." Hanabi said looking at the card she got from her temple. Nodding her resolve she inserted the card into the buckle, while May did the same.
KOKIRI
CRYSTAL
The two riders changed forms. Kusa adapted the wooden look of her final form while Hanabi changed a lot. Her armor had gained a more crystalline appearance, with the armor becoming slightly more streamlined to keep her maneuverability. Her eyes became like pearls and her waist picked up a knee length combat skirt. This was Hanabi Crystal form.
Blade Lizard growled and charged at Hanabi and Kusa which horrified Johanna. The Blade made contact and Hanabi shattered like glass while Kusa vanished in a flurry of petals. The smug look on the creatures face was short lived as it got stabbed. It turned around and saw the two riders alive. It charged again and did the same thing getting the same results. It got stabbed and slashed again.
FIRE PUNCH
Blade Lizard was thrown back by the force of the kick.
ICE BEAM
The cold attack impacted with the monster and knocked it back, freezing it to the ground.
The lizard hissed as Kusa and Hanabi scanned their finisher cards.
BLAZE KICK MAXIMUM ENERGY
SILVER WIND: MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: METEOR IMPACT
DRILL PECK: MAXIMUM ENERGY
MIST BALL: MAXIMUM ENERGY
COMBO: DRILL SPIRE
DOUBLE COMBO: DRILL METEOR IMPACT
The two riders jumped into the air and flew next to each other. They turned and raced down towards their opponent creating a glowing flaming attack that crashed into Blade Lizard. It crashed through and the two girls landed behind it.
"Show's over-"
"Take a Bow!"
The monster blew up as they stood proudly in front of their companions.
The girls powered down and Dawn looked at her mother. The normally strong willed woman slowly walked to her daughter and then just grabbed her in a hug and started to cry.
After a couple of minutes she looked at Dawn. "You have some explaining to do young lady."
"I figured." Dawn said smiling. "I'm glad your okay."
"Oh baby I should be saying that to you."
Dawn just smiled and hugged her mother closer. The rest of the riders came up as Glenn had gotten away again. The important thing was everyone was okay and Dawn had unlocked her new powers.
But Glenn's forces prove that the dangers are only going to get tougher. Can they keep un their momentum? Find out on the Journeys of The Dreamer.
END OF CHAPTER
UO: Good lord I had more stuff in here than I thought. Thankfully its done.
New forms.
Hanabi:
Crystal: Hanabi's final form. Harnesses the power of Aura to provide illusionary tricks. But like crystals it is fragile.
Preview: As the gang heads to Canalave City, they finally find an Aura teacher to teach them more about this ability. Then while training, Brock finds his temple, just in time for a Team Galactic attack. What will happen? Find out