'And you don't feel anything?'

Mesprit and Uxie shook their heads. A small blue Pokemon frowned at this, looking at Azelf.

"Zweee-l-f..." Azelf moaned.

'That is strange. Bring him to my spring,' The blue Pokemon said, floating off. Mesprit and Uxie used Psychic to lift him into the air, and they followed the blue Pokemon though the small valley, 'Shoo, all of you shoo,' The blue Pokemon said, waving her arms at a group of Phione. The Phione giggled, then hopped out of a spring. 'Place him in here.'

The two Lake Guardian's lowered their comrade into the spring, holding their breath.

The only thing that happened was a small cut on Azelf's arm vanished. He still was writhing in pain. Everyone let out a deflated sigh.

'Now what Manaphy?' Mesprit asked, turning to the blue Pokemon, Manaphy.

'Hmm,' Manaphy said, lifting one of her antenne onto Azelf, the other one she pressed to her own forehead. The tips began to glow pink, and both of them were engulfed in a pink light.

Azelf stopped writhing.

But Manaphy began to.

Both of them opened their eyes, and they were glowing light blue.

'Hmm,' Azelf said, but in Manaphy's voice, 'That's what I thought.'

Azelf turned to Mesprit and Uxie, 'It is not a physical problem, or else I would be feeling right now. It has to do with the psyche. I used Heart Swap to switch bodies with Azelf, but as you can see, he is still feeling the effects of the pain.'

'So your spring can't heal him?' Mesprit asked, worried.

Azelf, or Manaphy in Azelf's body, said, 'No.'

Worried groans.

Azelf and Manaphy began to glow pink, and the Lake Guardians knew that they were returning to their own bodies.

Manaphy, who was herself again, floated down to Azelf, who was still in pain, 'I think I know what might be wrong though.' She turned to the other Lake Guardians, 'Have you guys bonded to any humans recently?'

Uxie and Mesprit were surprised at her question, 'Y-yes, six years ago.'

'You were awake six years ago?' Manaphy asked, and they nodded, 'And you didn't come visit me?'

'We were sort of captured as soon as we were awake and forced to summon Dialga and Palkia. We had to summon the humans we bonded with, but then we ran out of energy, so we went back to sleep.'

Manaphy nodded, 'Makes sense. So anyways, I think I know what's causing Azelf's pain. It is not him, but it is what the human he has bonded with is feeling. That is why you cannot feel it, because you aren't bounded with his human.'

Silence, then:

'That makes a lot sense, but...' Mesprit pause, 'What on earth is Ash doing that would cause that much pain?'

Manaphy stiffened, 'Ash?'

'Azelf bonded with a boy named Ash Ketchum,' Uxie explained, and Manaphy nearly fainted.

'Ash Ketchum? From Pallet Town?' Manaphy stuttered, 'Azelf is bonded to Ash?'

'I a-am,' Azelf muttered, then let out a moan.

'Phoine!' Manaphy called, 'Please watch over Azelf!'

A Phoine hopped over, 'Yes Mother!' It chirped, hopping over to Azelf. Manaphy floated off, with Mesprit and Uxie after her.

'This changes everything,' Manaphy muttered, 'But it could be for the best.'

'Who know who Ash is?' Uxie asked.

'Is Azelf listening?' Manaphy asked. Referring to how the Lake Guardians could share minds, and hear what the others were hearing.

'Yes.'

'Good.'

They went on in silence.

They followed Manaphy into a cave, which was full of crystals. Manaphy brought her antennae together, and summoned a red gem, one similar to the one on her chest. She caught the gem in her arms.

'Are you aware of the Prophecy of Arceus?' Manaphy finally asked.

'Y-yes, even know we have no part in it, we know of it.' Uxie and Mesprit said in unison, and probably Azelf, who was still at the spring.

'Are you aware that Ash Ketchum is the Aura Guardian in this prophecy?' Manaphy asked.

Silence.

'No, but it makes sense. He does have a Pikachu. We also viewed in his memories of him using Aura.' They said together.

Manaphy hated it when they spoke like that, it gave her the creeps. She stiffened a stutter and continued.

'Are you aware that the Amulet of Arceus has been taken?'

Three different voices came through each Lake Guardian, all shouting, 'WHAT?' Manaphy covered her ears until the shouting died down.

'It has been taken by a man named Alexander, known by others as "Zan",' Manaphy picked up the red gem, and ran her arms over it. The crystal blurred, then showed an image of Zan. Around his neck was a black amulet, covered with multi-colored gems. The Lake Guardians took a deep breath.

'Zan is attempting to use the amulet to control Arceus before Ash can complete the prophecy his way, which would stop Zan. But Zan wants to use the amulet to complete the procephy his way. by using-'

'-Ash's Pikachu as a sacrifice,' The Lake Guardians finished. And Manaphy nodded.

'I can use this gem to see anything that is happening at this moment,' Manaphy said, holding up the red gem, 'And if I watch it happen, then I view it later. I am in the Prophecy of Arceus, and I am planning to join up with Ash soon.'

'What's stopping you?' The Lake Guardian's asked.

Manaphy held up her gem, then waved her arms. After a moment, an image of Ash appeared. There was a Luxray near him. The Luxray attacked him with Thunder.

"Well Ash?" A voice asked, it was Zan. Ash lifted his head, he looked very hurt.

"I told you once, and I'm not going to say anything..." Ash coughed out weakly. Zan looked disappointed.

"Very well. Thunder," He said. All of the Lake Guardians flinched as Ash was hit with the attack again. Manaphy changed the image. This one showed a young girl, who was facing a man dressed in blue. There was a Shaymin, a Pikachu, an Eevee, a Meloetta, and a Celebi near her. She was holding a Victini.

'The other legendaries are here, they are going after Mew. If they succeed, then that only leaves two more legendaries. Me, and Jirachi.' Manaphy began, 'But...' She waved her arms again, and the picture changed in the gem, it now showed a picture of a small silvery crystal. This crystal was in a small gray room, 'Jirachi and Ash have both been captured by Zan. I was planning to rescue him some how, but I don't know how. I can't go in there by myself, I would be captured in seconds. I couldn't risk my babies, every little Phoine is important to me. An organized attack would work, and with your power to teleport, we could get in there, and get out. If we wait for the other legendaries to return to our time, we may have a chance.'

The Lake Guardians were silent, then they said, 'We could get our humans to help. They are friends of Ash, they're strong as well.'

Manaphy considered this, she didn't really like humans, but she was already going to side with Ash. And she could use any help she could get. 'Very well. You get the humans, they can come. Leave Azelf here, as soon as Zan's questioning is over Azelf will be fine. Well, until tomorrow, when Zan will most likely question Ash again. Go get you humans.'

Manaphy watched the two Lake Guardians teleport away. She turned back to her gem, studying Zan's hideout, and began to layout a rescue plan in her mind.

She hated how so many things could go wrong with this.

"Low..." Swellow crashed into the ground, the Honchkrow had mercilessly attacked him, and he had no more strength to move. He looked around, but this was his first time in Sinnoh, well Ash had brought him here for the Sinnoh league, but he had never had explored it.

He lowered his head. He couldn't move, the world became a blur, and he lost consciousness. Swellow couldn't remember much, until he felt something touch him. Had the Honchkrows come to finish him off?

"A Swellow?" A voice said, "What on earth is one doing here?"

A pair of gentle hands scooped him up, and he felt himself being carried. He heard a door open and shut, and he was placed on something soft. He heard humming, then a warm cloth was placed on his eyes.

"Let's get this blood out of your eyes," The sweet voice said. The cloth was gently wiped over his eyes several times.

Swellow heard the sound of a Pokemon, but he didn't know what kind it was. After a moment his eyesight began to become clearer. As his vision came into focus, he finally got a look at his rescuer.

She had amber colored hair, and green eyes. She had a big smile on her face, and by her side was a Furfrou, that wasn't trimmed.

"There you go, here," She set a bowl of water in front of him, "You must be thirsty."

Swellow raised his head, then took a drink, it was slightly bitter, and he pulled away.

She laughed, but sounded uncertain, "There's some energy powder in there. It is really bitter, but it will heal you. So please, drink it." Swellow glanced at the Furfrou, who nodded. Swellow lowered his head and finished drinking the water, "Here is a Poffin, I don't if you've ever had one before, but you should try it." She handed him a red Poffin. Swellow had tasted Ash's Poffins before... But this lady had helped him, so he took it and ate it just to be nice.

His eyes widened, it was... delicious! Way better than Ash's! He glanced at her, she laughed, and handed him a whole plate of them, "So you like spicy Poffins as well! My Furfrou loves them. My name is Mae, by the way."

Swellow was too busy eating the Poffins to answer.

"I'm glad that I could help you. You see, my job isn't the most pleasant thing, in fact, I hate it. I joined the group thinking that it was something different... But leaving would have... deathly consequences" She gulped, "That's why I try to help everyone I meet, because you'll never know when I'll get an assignment that's..." She trailed off, shaking her head, "I'm taking a short vacation, but I have to go back in a few days." She looked at him, then frowned, "What's on your leg?"

Swellow glanced at his leg. There was a bright red tag, it was the tag that read 'Kanto' on one side, and 'Ash Ketchum' on the other. It was so Oak could tell him apart from the other Swellow.

Mae picked up his head, looking at the tag, "Kanto," She muttered, then she turned the tag over and gasped.

Swellow and Furfrou looked at her, confused. She was staring at him.

"Your trainer is Ash Ketchum?" She whispered, and Furfrou froze. Swellow nodded uncertainly. Mae looked away sadly, "Oh," She whispered, "Then I guess it would've been better if we never had met."

"Low?"

She took a deep breath, "Are you familiar with the name Zan?" She asked.

Swellow tensed, Zan. Zan had captured Ash, Zan had put Ash into dangor, he hated Zan. He glanced at Mae suspiciously.

"By your reaction, I guess at you do, and I guess you really are the Ash Ketchum's Pokemon," She turned away, "Remember how I said that my job is unpleasant?"

Swellow didn't move.

"Well, you see... I work for Zan. I didn't realize what I was getting into at the time, but..." Mae shook her head, "I have to hand you over to Zan, or else..." She gulped.

Fear and anger pounded through Swellow, this girl worked for the man that had captured Ash. Swellow prepared for an attack, the the girl grabbed a Pokeball, sending out an ocean patterned Vivillon.

"Hold him down with Psychic," She ordered. The Bug-type obeyed, and Swellow began to thrash, "Use Sleep Powder," She said. The Vivillon began to flap its wings, sending out a green powder that covered Swellow.

Swellow's eyes began to droop.

"I'm so sorry," Mae muttered. What Swellow hated is that he knew that she meant it, she didn't want to do this. But yet she was. Swellow made eye contact with her, and she turned away.

Then everything faded to black.

"Luxray, stop," Zan said. The Thunder attack stopped short, the pain faded a bit, and Ash let out a shaky sigh of relief, "That will be all for today. We shall continue tomorrow, I hope you understand what will be happening. I'd rather not do this, so if you'd just answer my question, that would be much better. I do hope you'll consider this."

Ash was very dizzy, but he managed to raise his head, and croak, "...n-never..."

"Shame."

Zoroark grabbed Ash by his upper arm, picking him up like he was a doll. Ash tried to open his eyes, but he was too weak. Zoroark dragged him through several halls, and Ash could hear Klefki following.

Ash could hear one of Klefki's keys rattling in a door, and the door creaked open. Zoroark roughly tossed Ash in. Ash slide across the cement floor, scraping him up in the process. Ash let out another moan, and the door was slammed shut, lock clicking.

"Ash?" Footsteps across the floor, "Ash, are you okay?"

"...w-what do you think... Riley..." Ash groaned in pain and anger. A pair of hands gently turned him over onto his back, and his head was supported in Riley's arms, "... let g-go of me..."

"I'm afraid you're not in the condition to be complaining," Riley replied in a stern tone.

"... you try to be a-a-attacked by," Ash groaned, "T-thunder... and Night S-slash... and see how y-you feel..."

Riley chuckled, but is was more rude than friendly, "You're not in the condition to be a smart alec either."

"...w-why don't y-you back off..." Ash coughed weakly.

"Why don't you shut up since I'm trying to help you!" Riley snapped back.

"... t-that would be a f-first..."

Riley gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on Ash, who let out a moan. Riley glanced down and loosened his grip, "Just shut up."

Ash was taken quick shallow breaths, he tried to say something, but he was too weak to. Riley put the canteen to Ash's mouth, "Drink," Riley demanded. Ash scowled at Riley's tone, but his thirst overcame his stubbornness, and he drained the half-empty canteen. Once it was empty Riley casted it aside, and Ash flinched at the noise.

"Eat," Riley ordered, holding a half eaten roll up to Ash, and Ash weakly took a bite. Once it was gone Ash licked his lips. Riley gently laid Ash's head onto the ground, and backed away.

"W-why are you helping me?" Ash muttered.

"Who said I was helping you?" Riley asked.

"You d-did," Ash remarked, "And you did it for a r-reason," Ash mused, "I know it wasn't poisoned or anything, m-my death would make the prophecy fall back on you. S-so why?"

"I wasn't helping you," Riley said, "I was doing it because of Delia."

Ash frowned, and Riley continued.

"I don't care about you, it's because of you that I'm stuck here. But I still care about my Delia. And I know she loves you, so the best way I can help her right now is by helping you, unfortunately," Riley said.

Those words hurt worse than he thought they would.

Riley leaned back, closing his eyes. Ash was laying on his back, taking short breaths, blood soaking the back of his shirt.

Riley began to hum.

A/N: What is this? JJ is uploading another chapter this soon? What is the craziness? Well guys, I didn't have a million things going on this week, and I was in the mood to write. Even much didn't happen in this chapter, it is leading the story on!

So we learn about more about Zan's plans, and that this prophecy has to with Arceus himself. We also meet Manaphy, who has been trying to rescue Ash. The Lake Guardians join up with Manaphy and are going to attempt to rescue Ash.

Then we also catch up with Swellow, who has traveled to Sinnoh in search of Ash. He is injured, but is saved by a lady named Mae, she seems like a good person, till we find out she is working for Zan! If Zan gets a hold of Swellow, he will have a bartering tool to use against Ash.

I am changing my shoutouts to one person per chapter so I can do more shoutouts in the future. Leave a review for a chance to get a shoutout!

Wait there's more, leave a review in the next thirty seconds and you can win a free TV! (Not really...)

Oh yeah! I asked you guys what gender should the Eevee be, and what should it evolve into. Well, what most people asked for was for a female Eevee that evolves into an Espeon, so Grace will be getting an Espeon. (Spoilers!)

And also, if any of you see Riley or Zan (some how), slap them for me, thank you. (I don't why Riley is such a jerk, when I first made his character he wasn't like that!)

If you have any questions, want to see a certain POV, or just confused on something in the story, PM me or leave a review and I'll answer them.

Here is this chapter's shoutout:

Le Random Reader: Can I just say I love your username (Well, you don't have an account yet, but still, it is awesome!) You have always left amazing reviews, saying such great things. You even left a review on one of my other stories, asking me to update this one. Thank you so much! :D