Chapter 13

Eye of the Storm

(Ash's POV)

After arriving at the Indigo Plateau, Sabrina, Brock, Tracey, Gary, Professor Oak and I walked through the sliding doors of the Pokémon HQ, to be met with the sight of a ruckus going on inside. We all agreed that Jessie, James and Meowth were better off not entering the building, and so they decided to stick with our Pokémon. As uncomfortable as the idea was, the fact that they were surrounded by our Pokémon, and with none of their usual equipment, Team Rocket were in no position to do anything, bringing me a sense of comfort. Inside, more than a hundred Pokémon trainers were packed in the same foyer, all shouting and ranting amongst themselves. The two groups of Elite Four and all the other Gym Leaders of Kanto (excluding the Cerulean Gym) and Johto were standing in front of them, Lance, Prima and Bruno were desperately trying to control and speak to the crowd, but their voices could not be heard over them. Agatha was sitting down in a chair, her back hunched forward as she leaned her forehead upon her hand, in obvious frustration.

Looking behind me, I nodded at Mewtwo, whom I could not see with my eyes, but could sense he was there, through Aura: several trainers were following quite a distance behind us, and it would have been unwise for him to have been seen. Mewtwo nodded back, before psychically communicating to Gary's Alakazam, who acknowledged his order and started to shepherd our Pokémon and Team Rocket, who now couldn't see Mewtwo, to another area; Charizard, Sceptile and Infernape having discontent looks on their faces, due to them being given orders by another other than myself.

"Look at the crowd!" Brock gasped. Amongst their many voices, I could pick out some of them; mainly those who doubted the validity of this situation, even going as far as to call the Elite Four a bunch of fools for calling all of them out, simply because of a mere oncoming thunderstorm.

"We have to talk to the Elite Four in person. Come on, we have no time to waste," Sabrina said.

"Sabs, I really don't think…"

"That it's gonna work?" Sabrina read my mind, finishing off my sentence. "Don't worry, Ash – everyone in here knows who you are. They'll surely quieten down, once they see you."

"You're right, Sabs. Let's go," I nodded. After I laboriously made my way to the front of the crowd and made eye contact with the Elite Four, the noise level died down quickly to a murmur, before coming to a complete silence.

"Ash! We've been waiting for you!" Lance said, motioning me to come over to them. "Come in. Professor Oak, Brock and Sabrina, please join us, as well. And for all of you waiting out here," he turned back towards the crowd, "please have a little more patience."

After Pikachu leapt up and perched himself on top of my head, the four of us entered with the Elite Four and the Gym Leaders, as Lance closed the door behind us. Taking our seats at a table, we began to discuss our course of action, Pikachu jumping from my head and sitting on my lap.

"As much as I'd like to begin with the proper formalities, unfortunately, now is not the time," Lance said promptly. "Now, as you all know, the unnatural clouds have been looming over most of Kanto for quite some time, now. It can only mean the attack will come very soon."

"Gengar and I has been in touch with Mewtwo through the dreams given to us by Darkrai and Cresselia," Agatha said, "We all knew that this day has been coming for quite some time now, but I'm afraid that too little has been done to take proper remedial action…"

"It is not too late," Mewtwo's voice rang out within the room, as he shimmered into view before us. "The Pokémon of the land have already taken their positions, and are prepared to meet the full force of the Shadow Pokémon. The Legendary Pokémon of each respective region have also taken their places. We are all that is left, who need to act."

"You mean…the shadow Pokémon are also going to attack Hoenn and Sinnoh?" I gasped.

"No. They are not…yet," Mewtwo shook his head. "They will begin here, in Kanto, spreading like a plague until they have corrupted all sentient life in this region. Afterwards, they will proceed to the other regions you mentioned. That is why this battle takes precedence over all other – we must stop them here, before they have a chance to expand."

"But how? How can Pokémon like Groudon come all the way here?" Brock questioned.

"They will find that solution themselves. Kyogre will also ensure that his counterpart makes the journey. Although they are known to be fierce rivals, attempting to expand the seas and land over one another, even they must adhere to the will of Arceus, their master."

"Also keep in mind, that Pyramid King Brandon will be joining us at what will be the battlefield, once we get there," Lance announced. "His three regis have also come with him, and with them, Regigigas. The other members of the Frontier Brains will also position themselves in various points throughout Kanto, to ensure that no Shadow Pokémon slip through and threaten the populace."

"That's settled, then," Prima glanced at him. "Is there anything else that we must know?"

"Several water and flying Pokémon from other regions have also managed to make the long and arduous journey of arriving to the shores of Kanto; the larger water Pokémon carrying in others on their backs. They will also be aiding us in this fight. But the enemy still outnumbers us greatly, nonetheless," Mewtwo said.

"A scarce amount of reinforcements is better than none at all. Then what's our course of act-?" Lt. Surge nodded, addressing us all before he was cut off by the sound of light snoring.

"Erika! Wake up! This is not the time!" Sabrina cried, shaking her fellow Gym Leader awake.

"Huh? What? Oh…I'm sorry, everyone…" Erika apologised holding her face with one hand in embarrassment.

"This is a matter of highest importance. Please pay attention, Erika," said Pryce.

"Al…alright…I'm sorry, again…" Erika whimpered. Sabrina took another glance sideways at her, before looking back across the table to Lance. I could've sworn Sabrina eyes flashed blue for a split second…

"Our course of action, as you have asked, Lt. Surge," Lance explained, "Is that we create a diversion with our main forces, taking on their entire army and keeping them at bay for as long as we can, while Ash and a small party infiltrate the lair of the enemy. From the information that Mewtwo has given us, the supposed lair and the source of this crisis, should be located somewhere beneath the ocean, on the southern coast…"

"But how do we know that Ash can get there? We don't even know where that place is!" Jasmine cried.

"My dear Jasmine… the fact is, it is not that difficult or complicated at all!" Will smirked in a snide manner, wiggling his finger at Jasmine who shot a glare at him before continuing. "If Ash here has indeed been faced by those Shadow Gyarados and Tentacruel like it has been told to us, then surely he has a way of finding them again – and finding their lair in the process?"

"He's right," I said, "I…I think I know how to get there. I just need to get out onto the southern ocean again. I'm sure I can lure them out, that way. Knowing that Misty is alive, they've definitely got her captive somewhere. They'll most likely drag me down to where she's at."

Will sat back in his chair, a content smile on his face and his eyes comfortably shut as he clapped three times, a break of one second in between each one. Then, his eyes jolted open as he peered at Sabrina, who gave him an un-approving look: psychics needed only a glance and a thought to communicate with each other.

"That settles it. All that's left now is where we'll position ourselves. I suggest that we situate ourselves on this ridge, and-" Lt. Surge declared, leaning forward onto the table and raising his voice, to make his presence clear, before drawing back as Bruno cracked his knuckles, looking menacingly at him before looking over to Lance again.

"The situation is too serious for us all to stay in one area: doing so will only attract mass concentrated fire," Lance stated. "We need a plan…"

"Why don't we split up, according to our Pokémon types?" Gordon Lambert, the Gym Leader of Viridian City said. "We can cover more ground, that way."

Lance nodded. "Good idea. But first, who will be accompanying Ash?"

"I'm with him," Brock declared.

"Me as well," Sabrina said, looking at Brock who returned her glance.

"I'll go, too!" Lt. Surge boomed. "I want some close-up action in a confined area, not some blitz battle with disorder everywhere, and-"

"No," Lance flatly said.

"But I-"

"No," Prima reiterated.

"…I never get to have any fun…" Lt. Surge groaned quietly, folding his arms.

"What about you, Professor Oak?" I asked him, after a moment of awkward silence.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Ash," but I'm afraid that I'm too old for close-quarter battles anymore. I'm better off with the others, outside. But rest assured, I have the utmost faith in you and Gary's abilities, as well as yours, Sabrina and Brock!"

"So Gary will also be joining us, as well…" Sabrina said. "And also along with a few other…friends…"

"Friends? Who?" Clair asked.

"Oh…let's just say that…you've run into them a couple of times, before," Sabrina grinned. Clair remained silent, not wanting any further clarification, instead staring at Sabrina oddly.

"That brings us back to our decision of where we will position ourselves," Lance said, bringing about the attention of everyone. "Claire, Falkner and I will take to the skies, travelling from place to place to aid our allies as necessary. Meanwhile, Brandon, Bruno, Chuck, Blaine, Lt. Surge, Karen and Gordon will lead our frontier forces on land. And Jasmine…"

"Yes?" she looked at him.

"I'm very sorry about this, but…I also need you to be on the front lines, holding off the enemy with your Steelix. I know that you're young and not used to battles such as this one which is to come, but I must ask it of you."

Jasmine pondered awhile with a worry in her eyes, before replying brightly with a smile. "Don't worry, Lance, I won't let you down."

"Don't you break a sweat, Lance! My Magmortar will burn them to a crisp before they even get near!" Blaine laughed.

Lance smiled at them, before moving on with his address. "Thank you, both of you. Now, Koga, Erika, Bugsy and Whitney will be positioned right behind our frontier forces. I ask that you do not immerse yourself in the fighting: you aim is to harass the enemy and slow their advance."

"I will see to it that every last one of them is poisoned, beyond salvation…" Koga said coldly, frightening Erika who winced in fear.

Lance went on. "Meanwhile, Agatha, Will and Morty will be close to the rear of our land forces. We need you to keep a close watch on the proceedings of the battle, and to maintain communication at all times between us."

"It shall be my pleasure," Will said, making a bowing gesture with his hand. Sabrina did nothing but roll her eyes, while Agatha let out a deep sigh and Morty coughed to the side.

"Don't get cocky, child," Agatha scolded him, immediately putting Will back into place.

"Meanwhile, the water Pokémon will be lead by Pryce and…" Lance started again, his voice confident at first before dying down to a whisper as he struggled to say the name of his wife, who was seated beside him. He gently placed his hand on hers, touching the wedding ring on her finger. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"I'll be fine, Lance," Prima smiled, squeezing his hand. "And besides, we've got Kyogre with us, don't we?"

"Y…yes," Lance regained his confidence. "So it's settled, then…"

"I'll make sure to look out for her in the open, Lance," Pryce said. "Don't worry."

"Thank you, Pryce..."

"I will also roam the battlefield in the skies, along with Mew, Lugia, Ho-oh, Rayquaza, the Celebi, the Legendary Birds, and Latias. We will assist wherever necessary," Mewtwo said.

Latias…

"And what of Dialga, Palkia, Giratina and Arceus?" Sabrina asked him. "When will they arrive?"

"Of that, I cannot answer…" Mewtwo sighed. "We will have to hold the Shadow Pokémon at bay, until Ash defeats their master. I believe that Apothes will reveal himself to finish what he began, and that Arceus and his guardians will promptly follow."

"Very well. I believe we have discussed all that we must. Let's go now – the crowd must be growing impatient," Lance said, getting out of his chair, followed by the rest of us as he left the room.

"Why were you so silent through all of that, Brock?" I asked him as we walked out.

"Erm…to be honest with you, the lower-tier Gym Leaders like me, Bugsy and Whitney don't really have a large role in such discussions, Ash, so it's better off if we just sit back and listen," he said.

"Come on, Brock, you're so much more powerful now than when we first started off together, many years ago. Surely you'd be important enough that you can have a fair amount of say in the matter?"

"Hmm…maybe, Ash…I dunno," he shrugged.

"By the way, Sabrina…what did you do with Erika? I swear that your eyes flashed up right after Erika apologised for falling asleep," I turned to her.

"Oh, that…don't worry about it, Ash, I just gave her a brief, momentary state of insomnia, that's all. It's probably helped her to concentrate and pay more attention," she replied.

"Okay, then," I chuckled, "But to think about it, you're probably better off giving her insomnia for the entire day, given the enormous day- um, I mean, night we have ahead of us," I said.

Sabrina stopped, looking upwards briefly before speaking again. "Good idea, Ash – Erika can never stay awake for long, consecutive periods. Trust me, I've known her for a long time."

And with that, Sabrina walked back, looking around to find Erika.

"Sabrina, wait! I don't think that's…wise…" I held my hand up, before faltering down to a murmur.

"You can never stop her once she's put her mind to something, Ash," Brock chuckled, "…trust me on that."

"Well, she's your girlfriend, after all," I grinned. "By the way…when are you thinking about asking for her…you know?"

"Erm, I, err…haven't decided, yet," Brock replied flustered, rubbing the back of his head frantically in a nervous gesture. "I mean, we have to get through this first, right?"

I nodded. "Right…"

"What took you so long, Ashy-boy?" Gary grumbled in frustration.

"Oh, we're sorry, Gary, but the task at hand seems to be much more complicated than we first thought," Professor Oak said. "Oh, but I should mention before anything, that you'll be joining Ash, Brock, Sabrina and Tracey in infiltrating the heart of the enemy."

"Huh? Me? With this loser?" Gary sneered, nudging me hard on the side, causing me to grunt softly. "And what do you mean by 'heart of the enemy', gramps?"

"Their lair is pretty much underwater, Gary. It's where they're holding Misty at the moment," I explained to him.

"Huh? Underwater? What did they do…make her fully amphibious or something?" Gary joked. I shot him a glare, ticked off at him for making such a joke about my wife whom I haven't seen for a full two years, and was constantly worried about.

"Now, now, Gary, that's enough," Professor Oak waved his hand about to signal him to stop, before Agatha suddenly appeared from behind us.

"Quite a rebellious grandson you have there, Samuel," she commented.

"Agatha, I'm afraid you've caught us at a bad time," Professor Oak replied.

"Bad? It is most terrible, indeed! Here you are, bickering amongst yourselves, while the battle is drawing near!" she scoffed.

"Hey, old lady! I know that the battle is coming, so why don't you take a hike? I've got this!" Gary shouted.

"Gary! Don't shout at her like that!" Professor Oak scolded him.

"Hmph. It's obvious whose personality you've inherited, Gary," Agatha smirked at him.

"Wha…what are you talking about?" Gary murmured, the shock evident in his eyes.

"Fool... Can't you recognise your own grandmother, when you see her?" Agatha gruffly said.

"G…grandma? How?" Gary gasped.

"It's true, Gary. Your grandmother and I married long ago, but split up soon after the birth of your father, as she detested the fact that I devoted myself to Pokémon research and studies, instead of continuing the trainer's life," Professor Oak told him.

"Detestable indeed…I don't know how you could've ever even contemplated such a life of dull inactivity. The life of a hermit!" Agatha hissed.

"I chose my path in life, Agatha, and you've chosen yours... Let's leave it at that."

"Very well, then. Now, I must leave," Agatha said, giving Professor Oak a final look of mixed emotions, before walking away.

"Now, then," Professor Oak said to me, "Shall we get going?"

"Alright, Professor, let's go," I said as we all started to walk together, after Sabrina came running back to rejoin us. But then, a hand came down on my shoulder, prompting me to turn around to see who it was.

"…Paul?" I said, "What are you doing here?"

"Dawn was taking part in some Pokémon contests in Johto, and I heard about what was happening, so I came," he replied with a small smile. "She sends you her regards. I'll be joining you, Ash."

Paul and Dawn were now engaged for about three months, after Paul had finally decided to propose to her while they were sharing an evening together.

"Well, that certainly makes me feel more at ease," I smiled, "It's good to have you aboard, Paul. And besides, I honestly don't think I can trust Gary to watch my back!"

"Watch that mouth, Ashy-boy…" Gary groaned under gritted teeth. "And who is this guy, anyway?"

"This is Paul, my old rival from the Sinnoh Region and League," I introduced him.

"Would you happen to be…Gary Oak?" Paul tilted his head.

"Yeah! Sure is! The greatest, and the one and only!" Gary gave an arrogant smirk.

"Oh…the same Gary Oak, whose Golem was knocked out with a single Dragon Rage attack from Ash's Charizard, years ago?" Paul grinned, causing Gary to force shut his eyes, stress lines seeming to appear beside his eye.

"Don't…push it…" Gary grunted, twitching as he put on a fake smile.

"Guys, come on. We should really get going," I insisted, as we all moved towards the exit.

"But Ash, how are we all gonna go to that point on the southern ocean, without getting separated? The current's getting fiercer, with all these storms," Brock commented.

"That's a good point, Brock…to be honest, I have no idea. Maybe we can get our water Pokémon to keep us together?" I suggested.

"There's also the matter of which Pokémon we'll take, and which ones we will leave, to join the larger battle," Sabrina said. "You have to choose now, Ash."

"Hmm…good point…" I said, holding my chin as we exited. We went over towards the side of the building, where the rest of our Pokémon were staying, with Team Rocket.

"What took you so long?" James yawned. "We were so bored out here, you know! Not to mention slightly intimidated, with all your Pokémon eyeing us!"

"Sorry about that. We were caught up in a meeting with the Gym Leaders and Elite Four of both the Kanto and Johto regions," I told them.

"Well, it's no biggie, I suppose," Jessie said, putting her hands on her hips. "After all, it was only about half an hour."

"Oh, by da way, twerp, I believe dat you are in need of some...sea transport?" Meowth grinned.

"Huh? You mean…you have a plan?" I asked.

"Yup! A submersible, big enough for all of us to it into!" he cried proudly, reaching his arms up into the air as he uttered the word 'big'.

"Well, at least we'll all be able to stick together, without the risk of separation," Brock sighed. "But how did you guys manage something like that? I mean, most of the 'submersibles' we've seen you guys in have been like that Gyarados pedal-craft, that only the three of you can fit into!"

"Dis one's straight from da Team Rocket HQ! You can count on it! Ultra-durable steel!" Meowth smiled.

"Alright, then…now, back to our Pokémon?" Gary said.

"Right. Besides Pikachu, I think I'll take with me…" I wondered, looking at all my Pokémon. "Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Sceptile, Torterra, Infernape, Glalie, one of my Tauros, Donphan, and Heracross." The Pokémon whose names were called bounded over happily. "I'd really like to take some of my flyers, but they should stick by Mewtwo and Lance…Pidgeot, I need you to lead your old flock, alongside Fearow."

"~geot~!" he cooed in acknowledgement.

"Bulbasaur and Squirtle? You're taking them? They've hardly even evolved! They won't last five minutes down there!" Gary looked at me oddly, while Bulbasaur and Squirtle shot angry glares at him.

"Just because they haven't evolved, that doesn't mean that they're weak, Gary. The two of them are among my most experienced battlers, y'know," I said, Bulbasaur and Squirtle smiling at me.

"Charizard, old buddy, I'm sorry about this, but I need you to stick close to Lance and Professor Oak. Make sure that nothing happens to them, ok? Garchomp, you too."

"Char…" he sighed in disappointment.

"Gar!" Garchomp cried out in a lively manner, bringing about a nudge from Charizard's elbow.

"Staraptor, Noctowl and Swellow, you should join Pidgeot's flock, and make sure to keep the flying Shadow Pokémon from attacking Prima, Pryce, and the other water Pokémon who are alongside them. And Swellow, if you happen to see any of your old flock, get them to join in with Pidgeot's group, ok?"

The three of them nodded, before looking over to Pidgeot and nodding to him as well.

"The rest of you, follow what Lance, Prima, Agatha and Brandon tell you. And…keep safe…" I said, as they all bid me farewell. "Your turn, Gary."

"Okay. Let's see now…Blastoise, of course, is coming with me. I'll also bring along Umbreon, Electivire, Arcanine, Nidoking and queen, Alakazam and Scizor with me. The rest will stick with gramps', Lance's, Prima's, and your Pokémon, Ash," he said. "And Fearow, show that wild Fearow who's boss!"

"~row!" it cawed.

"A very good choice with Alakazam, Gary. I can communicate psychically with your Alakazam, as can mine, during the battle," Sabrina said.

"Hey! I intend to keep tight control over all of my own Pokémon during the battle! Don't interfere!" he snapped.

Brock held Sabrina's hand, after she looked to be visibly ticked off at Gary's remark, but she remained calm. "Alright, Gary…your choice," she said.

"Well, for Tracey and me, it's a no-brainer," Brock said. "We've brought all of our respective Pokémon, except for my Ludicolo and Chansey, who are at home tending to my siblings."

"Alakazam, Haunter, as well as the Hypno and Venomoth I keep at home, are with me now," Sabrina said.

"Well, we can at least be glad we have some air support now, I guess," I sighed.

"Arbok, Seviper and Yanmega are with me," Jessie said. "And as much as I curse myself for doing so…I've also brought Wobbuffet…"

"Wo~~~bbufet!" it cried, randomly bursting out of its Pokéball, only to be met by an angry knuckle to the forehead from Jessie, before being recalled.

"And I've got Weezing, Cacnea and Carnivine," James added, before drooping his arms and head and moaning. "…though I really wish my dear Growlie could be with me right now…"

"And Meowth has got…" Meowth pointed triumphantly into the air, before realizing the harsh truth: he had nothing.

"No, Meowth, you're just you, by yourself…" James sighed, bringing his friend back to reality with a pull on the cheek. Meowth sulked sadly, letting out a deep sigh down to the ground.

"So it's come down to me, then," Paul looked down. "I've brought with me my Torterra, Electivire, Ursaring, Hariyama, Aggron, Gastrodon, Drapion, Magmortar, Honchkrow and Gliscor."

"That's very good, Paul. We could really use your firepower," Brock smiled.

"Who needs more firepower when you've got my Blastoise, huh?" Gary sneered.

"Umm, technically, Gary, since Blastoise is a water type…" Tracey remarked.

"It's purely about the concept of power alone, Tracey! Geez!" Gary cried, slapping his forehead.

We started laughing, before a bright, pinkish-purple light emanated from the dark sky above. Our pokemon immediately prepared to open fire, but I held up my arm to signal them to stop. I recognized the light…

As it moved down from the sky towards the earth, the light faded continuously, until the figure of a red and white Pokémon appeared before us, touching down gracefully onto the ground, looking at me with innocent eyes.

"Latias…is that you?" I gasped, walking towards her. She answered with a faint cry, before changing into her human form, and the likeness of Bianca. After a moment's silence of standing apart from each other, Latias suddenly ran up to me and hugged me tightly. "Latias, what are you doing he-" I said, before being cut off as she kissed me deeply and passionately.

"…" her brown eyes gazed into mine, as if she was looking into my very soul.

Taken aback by her actions, it took me a while before I summoned up the courage to speak to her. "Latias, I'm sorry…I know you love me, and to be honest, I kind of love you as well…" I apologized. "…but I'm married now to Misty, whom I love most dearly and would give my own life for. The two of us just cannot ever be…"

Latias looked down and nodded twice, tears dripping down her eyes before she managed to put on a smile, as we drew apart from each other.

"…well, then…" Professor Oak started, as they all tried to ignore or forget what had just happened. "I think you and Gary should come with me back inside, Ash, to get the proper Pokéballs for your Pokémon. Who knows? Something bad may happen down there, and you may need to urgently recall them."

"That's a good idea, Professor," I nodded. "Let's go, Gary."

"Right behind ya'" he said.

In a short time, we got our Pokéballs from the lab using the transfer machine conjoined with the Video Phone, at a corner of the main reception room. But just as I turned and was prepared to leave, I saw a familiar person from the corner of my eye, working at the counter. I walked up to her to speak with her.

"…Claire? Is that you?" I said.

"A-Ash?" she looked up, shocked to see me. Claire was the Nurse Joy whom I came to know during my time in the Indigo Plateau, after I had finally achieved the rank of Champion. It was due to her efforts, that Pikachu's life was saved after the colossal battle with Lance's Dragonite. "It's been…two years!"

"Y-yeah…how have you been?"

Her surprised expression faded, to be replaced by her warm smile. "Quite good. Not much has changed around here, after you left," she said, before looking at me sadly. "Ash, I'm…very sorry about Misty…"

"It's alright, Claire. Misty's alive, after all. And after today, we'll be together again. I know it," I smiled to reassure her.

She smiled once more. "Okay…well, take care of yourself out there, Ash. I wish you all the best!"

"Thanks, Claire," I said to her. "I hope I'll see you again, someday."

"The same to you, Ash. Goodbye."

I turned and walked away with Gary and Professor Oak. However, a sound continued to bother me as I continued on my way: it was Gary's sniggering.

"What's so funny, Gary?" I demanded.

"Since when did you hook up with a Nurse Joy," Ashy-boy?" he laughed.

"Gary, I didn't 'hook up' with her…I just happened to meet her as she came out of the emergency room and told me that Pikachu was okay, after my battle with Lance. That's it," I grumbled at him.

" 'That's it'? It seems to me that there was way more that happened between you two! What, did the two of you have a one-night stand or something?"

"…don't…push it…Gary…" I ground my teeth. Such a typical Gary thing to say…

"Ash!" a voice called out as I exited the building.

"Huh? Mom? What are you doing here? How did you get here, anyway?" I asked, confused.

"She came just a while after you went in with Gary and Professor Oak," Brock said. "She came in flying on an Altaria!"

"Delia, what are you doing here? Things are about to get very dangerous!" Professor Oak cried.

"I'm sorry, Professor Oak, but I just had to come," Mom said, "The moment that Ash told me that Chris was alive, I just…I had to come…"

"Mom, where did you get the Pokémon? You didn't take some from the lab, did you?" I asked.

Professor Oak shook his head. "The Pokémon belongs to your mother, Ash."

"Huh? But…but how? I thought you just simply travelled around with Dad during your journeys?" I turned my head to her.

"That's what I told you, honey, but I'm afraid that there's much more to it than that…" she replied, looking down. "You see, I was also a trainer, before I met your father. My very first Pokémon was a young Vulpix whom I never actually caught with a Pokéball, but by chance, I met her when I saw her lying in the woods with an injured leg. I tender her wounds, and she took a great liking to me, following me everywhere I went. After I met your father and decided to join him on his travels, the Nurse Joy from Viridian City offered me a choice between the three starter Pokémon of Kanto, which would be transferred over from Professor Oak's lab. But I didn't want one, as I loved my Vulpix so dearly. So my starting Pokémon ended up being my Vulpix, which I then nicknamed Lyra, after I had officially caught her with a Pokéball offered by the Nurse Joy. I travelled alongside your father and…another companion, catching some more Pokémon along the way," she said, reaching down to reveal a Pokébelt, and releasing her Pokémon; a Ninetales, no doubt the evolved form of her starting Vulpix, along with a Milotic, Altaria, Leafeon and Gardevoir. "I've also got a Dewgong, but of course, I can't release it right now, seeing as we're standing on land," she smiled.

"Mom…are you sure that you're gonna be alright? It's probably been years since your last proper battle…" I said to her, holding her by the arms and looking at her face.

"I'll be fine, honey. I'll stay close to Professor Oak and the others…just go and save Misty," she insisted, putting on a brave smile.

"I love you, mom…please be safe…" I whispered as we hugged each other. After we finished, we smiled at each other, before setting off. Latias then changed back into her Pokémon form, crying out something which I didn't understand. I looked at Sabrina for the answer.

"She wants you to hop on. She'll take you where we need to go," she said.

"Okay," I replied, walking over to Latias, before pausing as Charizard let out a grunt and a snarl. But after I gave him 'the look', Charizard sighed softly, allowing Latias to carry out the job that pretty much belonged to him: Pidgeot was about the only other Pokémon whom Charizard allowed to take me on their back, as he was a long-time companion to the both of us.

"Well, I guess it's time to get to the submersible, then," Meowth said. "Follow me!"

"Where is this sub anyway, Meowth?" Brock asked.

"Oh, it's just a few miles down south, until you reach da shoreline. We've made sure dat it was hidden quite well!" Meowth replied.

"If it's a few miles…wouldn't we be better off flying?" Sabrina sighed. "But pretty much all of our flyers who can actually carry us are going off with Lance…"

"Oh…I forgot ta think about dat!" he scratched his head, giggling.

"I will take you there myself, before I go to join the others," Mewtwo said, appearing out of nowhere, frightening all of us except for Sabrina.

"God, Mewtwo…don't frighten us like that! Tell us in advance when you're coming!" I panted.

"My apologies," he said, "But couldn't you sense my presence using your powers of Aura? What have I taught you?"

"Oh…sorry about that…" I said, embarrassed.

"Come. We must all leave now. The more time we spend here, the graver the situation becomes."

(Two hours later)

We were now all together within Team Rocket's submersible beneath the sea on the southern coast of Kanto, with ample space still available inside. After dropping us off on the beach that Meowth pointed us to, Mewtwo and Latias went off to join the others, but not before Latias flew in to give me another kiss, which I was pretty much obliged to give her. There hadn't been any activity going on at all in the water since we left, and we were growing more fearful as the time passed on, as a deathly quiet surrounded us.

"It's so quiet 'ere! Are you sure that dis is da right place, twerp?" Meowth asked, leaning back and crossing his arms behind his head.

"I'm sure. Misty and I were attacked right here in this very area, and my parents were attacked here too, many years ago," I replied.

"Well, whatever you say, then," Jessie exhaled, leaning back like Meowth.

"Wait, Jess! Did you…did you hear that?" James squealed, his teeth beginning to chatter.

"Relax, James, it's just another rush of water! The current is just getting stronger, like it has been for the last few hours, that's all!" Jessie tried to relax him.

"No! I swear, that there's something coming up from under us!" he cried hysterically.

"Just settle down and try to calm yourself, James," Sabrina sighed, before smirking. "…you're not a girl, are you?"

James was left murmuring incoherently for moments, before we felt a powerful body lash itself against our submersible, no doubt a Gyarados. Luckily, no leakage was caused; the steel body wasn't breached by the hard scales that crashed violently against it.

"Hold tight, all of you! We're going down!" Gary said out loud, yet in a relatively calm manner.

"How can any of you possibly be so calm, at a time like this?" James shivered.

"At a time like this, what's the good in panicking?" Paul chuckled, actually smiling. James looked at him, his face full of terror as he wondered whether Paul was being foolishly brave or just plain stupid, as we began to descend rapidly into the dark, murky depths below...

(End of Chapter 13)

A/N: The next chapter will be up in a few days. The dialogue scene with all the gym leaders and Elite Four of Kanto and Johto in this chapter was quite challenging to pull off, but I managed it, and it started to flow along naturally. I was also thinking about including Steven Stone and Harrison (Johto League) as main participants in the battle, but ultimately chose to leave them out, as Steven wouldn't have made it to Kanto from Hoenn in such a short time, and Harrison is not going to have a great effect on the main plot.

Just so you know in case you haven't actually read Book I, Lorelei in the games = Prima in the anime. I dunno why they chose to change her name in the English dub, though… :S .

Half of Delia's Pokémon are from the Hoenn Region, now that I look at it…but that was mainly due to the fact that most of the 'pretty', or aesthetically pleasing Pokémon are from the Hoenn region. I looked at the complete list of Kanto and Johto Pokémon, but couldn't see any which would have befitted her style. More about Delia and Chris will be revealed in Book III.

I have a feeling that Will, the psychic trainer in the Johto Elite Four is a bit of a dramatic weirdo in my story though, haha. But then again, he's never appeared in any anime episode, and virtually none (or none at all, I haven't really checked) of the fanfics here ever refer to him, so I took quite a bit of liberties with his character. Although I fear that he may seem a bit too similar to Arkana from Yu-Gi-Oh, with his speech and gestures… :S

I originally had a lot of ideas for this story at this point in the plot, including having several of Ash and Team Rocket's Pokémon return to their parties, such as the Larvitar and Lapras that Ash befriended, as well as Jessie's Dustox, etc, but decided against that as well.

My apologies to the fans of the Unova/Isshu-arc, but I'm not going to include any legendaries or other Pokémon from the Isshu region, as I'm drastically unfamiliar with it, and it's already difficult enough to incorporate every single legendary from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh, without forgetting some of them, like the Lake Guardians which I've basically found out about, only after researching for this story's plot. Bulbapedia still has inadequate data on some of the Unova Region Pokémon, as well.

Also, I was thinking about maybe selecting some beta readers, from this point onward. Looking back, I've made the occasional key mistake in some of my chapters (and occasional grammatical errors from typos, which Microsoft Word and the AutoCorrect function on doesn't pick up for me), and I'd like someone to proof read them before I put them up. I've had one previous offer from Eclispe2025 (thank you very much for the offer. You can become a beta reader, if you wish to) while I was writing Book I, but now that I'm progressing through my entire saga, I think that it's best that I get about 3-5 beta readers. So if you're interested, please mention it in your reviews and/or Private Messages.

Please leave your reviews! :)