Ash ran through the crowded streets, often narrowly dodging someone walking leisurely between the shops. He reached the skyscraper, breathless. It was then that his fears were realised. Something was wrong with Ho-oh. Even though he had only seen Ho-oh three times as it flew overhead, he had instinctively known that something wasn't right. Ho-oh's shriek had been one of rage. It was flying low, obviously coming in for a landing. He watched as Ho-oh unleashed a beam of energy destroying the building next to it. He didn't recognise the attack, but right there and then, that didn't matter. All that mattered was calming down Ho-oh before anyone got hurt, passers-by or Ho-oh itself.
He was just about to run inside and up to the roof when a woman ran over to him. "Stop right there. Get back. I'm setting up a roadblock around this building," Officer Jenny shouted at him angrily. Ash stopped in his tracks. He couldn't exactly disobey her outright. But perhaps he could persuade her to let him help. "Officer Jenny, I want to help. Ho-oh is angry about something and I think I can calm it down. But to do that I have to get closer," Ash tried to explain. However, as usual, Officer Jenny refused to listen. She shook her head and ushered him away from the building and other officers placed barriers around the buildings around Ho-oh. "I'm sorry young man but that is too dangerous. You have to stay here where you're safe," Officer Jenny stubbornly informed him.
Once she was satisfied that Ash was far enough away from the building she put her hands on her hips and watched him. "Now, young man, I want you to promise me that you'll stay away from that Pokémon. I know you want to help, but if you get in the way of police business, then I'll be forced to arrest you," Officer Jenny warned Ash sternly. Ash opened and closed his mouth, he didn't quite know what to say. He didn't want to agree because he knew that Ho-oh needed help but on the other hand he knew that if he didn't agree then Officer Jenny would arrest him there and then. Thankfully help arrived.
"Officer Jenny, you look radiant as always. I'll personally keep an eye on my young friend for you… and perhaps if exchange you could bless me with accompanying me to dinner tonight," Brock offered, grabbing Officer Jenny's hand in his own. Ash saw Misty and Max ready to step in and pull Brock away from Officer Jenny as his friends caught up. "Please Officer Jenny… I'd be honoured – Gah," Brock continued, interrupted by a poison jab attack from Croagunk. Everyone watched as Croagunk dragged Brock off to a safe distance. Ash recovered quickly having seen this happen a number of times while he travelled with Brock and Dawn through Sinnoh. He decided to try his luck again. "Please, Officer Jenny, I know I can help if you'd let me get closer to-"Ash began. "I'm sorry young man but I told you if you try to interfere with police business I'd be forced to arrest you," Officer Jenny interrupted Ash and reached for a pair of handcuffs on her belt.
Gary noticed Officer Jenny and stepped forward with a device he used with his research with Professor Rowan. It served as his identification for when he needed it similar to a trainer's pokédex. "Officer Jenny, I'll personally ensure my friend here doesn't interfere with your work," Gary announced loudly and presented his identification. She scanned the device and nodded. "Very well. I'll hold you accountable then," She replied firmly and then left to control the situation. Ash rounded on Gary livid. "I didn't need your help Gary," he informed Gary coldly. Gary regarded Ash and laughed without humour. Ash would never change, he still refused to accept help. "Officer Jenny was about to arrest you Ashy boy. Thanks to me stepping in, you're not in a cell," Gary explained calmly but smugly.
"So what do we do now?" Brock asked from the back of the group, startling those closest to him which included Serena, Clemont and May. Ash allowed his anger at Gary to evaporate. Gary was right, as much as Ash hated to admit it. He turned to Brock and shrugged. He didn't know what to suggest, Officer Jenny wouldn't let them help but Ash couldn't just turn his back on Ho-oh at the same time. He was stuck.
Not much to say about this chapter other than,
Until the next chapter.