Kanto Chapter 27 - Rush to save Cinnabar Island!
"NO! My gym!" Dusty screamed as the building was consumed by lava, it was the first building in the path of the active erupting volcano.
"No way…" Daisy watched in horror as the building collapsed in front of them.
"We have to slow the lava flow before we lose the whole town!" Gary called out. "Utilise every pokémon we have at our disposal. Use water and ice moves to cool the molten rock and put out fires. Ground, Rock and Fire trainers use your skills to change the landscape to ease and redirect the lava flow. We have to protect the town at all costs! Everyone use your teams as you can to help! We're the best trainers in Kanto – let's show this volcano what we've got!"
"Me and my grass team won't be much use against the fires but we can cut rock and assist Nurse Joy to heal burn injuries." Erika nodded.
"We can create barriers." Sabrina added. Karen and Will looked at the psychic gym leader and nodded in agreement with her plan.
"Gary is right. Until there is not a person or pokémon left on this island, we must defend it with everything we've got! We know what to do. Everyone GO!" Lance threw his arm up and pointed outwards towards the impending disaster.
The island had become unbearably hot. Fires began to break out from the random spits of lava. The ground beneath them cracking and unstable. Gases radiated, creating awful smells and the air became thick and dense.
Dusty, Forrest and Gary used their pokémon's type advantages to dig trenches and move boulders re-directing the lava to safer locations, whilst The Sensational Sisters and Cole used water and ice pokémon to help put out surrounding fires, cool down the land and everyone around them.
Koga and Janine helped with wind moves to slow and change the spread of flames and air circulation, whilst also providing medical support and break down large rocks to use in blockades along side Erika and Nurse Joy.
Sabrina and Will with their psychic teams, used their telekinetic powers to move debris and create dams to block and push back lava flow. Karen supported with her dark pokémon.
Elesa and Surge used their speedy electric pokémon to help with search and rescue, utilising the pokémon's flash abilities to help lead civilians to safety. Elaine and Lance assisted the authorities with evacuating the doomed island and keeping peace amongst panicked civilians.
Gary looked around at everyone's efforts. They were pulling together admirably, with everyone giving it everything they had against the active volcano. He looked up and witnessed Articuno miss fire another ice beam at Moltres, the impact of the attack hitting the side of the active volcano, causing rock to fall away as the ice immediately began to melt.
Will we be enough? …
Amber and Pikachu blasted through the skies, riding Zapdos at top speed. The teenager had almost forgotten how it felt to feel so free. If the stakes weren't so high, she'd be enjoying the moment more, the feeling of the wind blowing on her face and through her hair. Her fingers running through Zapdos spikey yellow feathers. Her best friend Pikachu at her side and stunning views of the ocean below. It was amazing, a once in a lifetime experience. But the task ahead weighed heavy.
"No long till we reach Cinnabar, be on your guard kiddo, we have no idea what to expect." Ash called out over the wind currents. Ash, Misty and Ash's pikachu, were riding on Charizard along side.
Amber turned her head and nodded. They had to be ready for anything.
It wasn't long before the landscape of the famous fire island came into view. Though the familiar landscape now looked almost unrecognisable with thick black smoke and bright oranges and reds emanating from it's most famous landmark.
"No! Is that?!" Amber cried out.
"The volcano! It's active!" Misty gasped.
"Pika!" Pikachu's expression matched his families.
They also spotted Articuno and Moltres still blasting away at each other, with no regards to the ensuing chaos they were causing.
"Oh no, Articuno, Moltres! They are fighting for control of the land." Ash stated loudly.
"For control?" Amber looked over at her father.
Ash nodded. "When the birds are disturbed, they fight for dominance and control. They won't stop till one is the victor, but then the one who wins will have a direct impact on land conditions. Moltres will increase the heat and intense fires, till we are left with nothing but desert and rock canyons. Articuno an artic with snow blizzards. Zapdos, wild electric storms and constant dark thunderous skies. This causes the wild pokémon to migrate out of their natural habitats and act in unusual, potentially dangerous ways. It would be the end of Kanto as we know it."
"How is the winner decided?" Amber asked.
"It's a fight to the death." Ash replied grimly.
"Zapdos, we've got to stop them and restore the balance! You're the only one who can!" Amber called to the electric bird who squawked loudly in response.
The Ketchum teams sped up and dived down below the smoke, steering clear of spurting lava and attacks from the birds.
Misty looked down and saw her family and former gym colleagues down on the island battling against the volcano. She was horrified to see her son and sisters in the thick of the action. "Ash, let me down."
"What? No way Misty, it's too dangerous." Ash retorted.
"Ash do it! There are people down there who need me. My water pokémon will be a big help."
Ash paused and stared at his wife. He knew she was right, but he didn't like it at all.
"Ash! Our Son is down there!"
Ash gritted his teeth.
"Trust me." Misty's resolve was strong. Ash sighed defeated and Charizard guided them down to the island.
Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Charizard landed down on the island. The whole island was scorching hot, the air thick and heavy.
"Ash!" Gary and Lance ran over as Elaine continued to assist Officer Jenny in evacuations of the panicked public.
"I'm going." Misty turned to her husband before taking off in the direction of the volcano. Ash reached his hand out in a weak protest, but slowly put it back down. It was no use. He felt his chest tighten. There was no stopping his fiery wife.
"Chuuuuu." Pikachu watched Misty leave sadly.
"Gary, Lance, this looks bad." The Pokémon Master acknowledged his friends as they approached.
"Understatement of the year Ashy-Boy!" Gary crossed his arms. "Where's Zapdos? And what happened with Team Rocket?"
"Team Rocket have been dealt with once and for all, well for now at least … we won't count our Torchics. As for Zapdos."
On cue, Zapdos touched down. A dust cloud blew around it as it landed. Amber and her pikachu hopped off.
Ash's and Ambers Pikachu joined paws in greeting.
"Amber!" Surge approached the newly formed group, Elesa followed closely behind.
"Surge! Elesa! What are you guys doing here?!" Amber called out delighted to see them both but concerned to see them in this dangerous situation.
"Same reason you are kid." Surge pointed upwards.
Articuno and Moltres exchanged another blast of strong attacks.
"Let me tell ya, this ain't just Cinnabar's problem." The Gym Leader commented grimly. Amber nodded. The whole of Kanto was in trouble. Maybe even the world.
Zapdos also looked up and it's eyes changed.
"Zapdos?" Amber called to the pokémon in alarm, noting the change in it's expression and demeanour.
"SQUAAAAAAAAARRR" The bird cried out loudly and spread out it's wings.
"NO! DON'T GO!" Amber cried up to it, but it was too late the drive of instinct was too strong, the bird began to take off.
Surge and Elesa gasped in awe, taking a step back from the upward thrust.
Without hesitation Amber leapt onto the bird as it left the ground.
"Pika!" Both Amber and Ash's pikachu instinctively jumped on Zapdos after the teenager, as the group lifted off into the air.
Ash eyes went wide with alarm. "Pikachu! Amber! NO!" He looked up in horror, noting Zapdos jerky movements. His daughter and the pikachu were in real danger. He suppressed the urge to jump straight on Charizard and go after them and instead used his head. He looked squarely at Gary. "Now that the three birds are united, we need Lugia to get them to fall into place. It's the only way to save everyone. To save Kanto. To save my family." Ash confirmed.
Gary's expression turned sullen. "Ash … Lugia fell."
"What?!" The urgency in the champions voice apparent.
Gary pointed to islands edge where he had last seen the Trio Master.
Ash wasted no time running towards the waters edge as fast as his legs would move. His chest was tight, his heart pounded as he panted for breath. There has to be a chance … Amber … Pikachu ... hold on!
Misty ran over to her sisters and son.
"Mom!""Misty!"
The family embraced quickly knowing this reunion couldn't go on for long in the current circumstances.
"Cole, are you alright? What are you doing here?" Misty turned her attention to her son.
"I'm fine Mom, but Pallet Town was attacked by those things! I had to help out." Cole pointed up to the legendary birds in the sky.
"Pallet Town?" Misty was alarmed at the news.
"Don't worry me, Gary and Elesa made sure everyone was safe, we evacuated the town to Oak Labs and the pokémon moved on pretty quickly so the damage was minimal. Home and Grandma Delia are safe."
Misty sighed a breath of relief, before clocking an extra name. "Elesa?" Misty raised an eyebrow.
Cole grinned and blushed slightly. "Yeah. Elesa, you know the Nimbasa Gym leader, super model ... my girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?!" Misty's eyes widened.
"I brought her back with me this weekend for you to meet her! But well ..." The eldest Ketchum child put his hand on the back of his head and looked away.
"Like, you know I live for these kinda moments, but can we all like talk about Cole's dating life later?" Daisy butted in.
"Yeah this heat is drying my skin out like ca-razy" Violet chimed in. "I'm gonna need a serious facial. This could add years!" The beauty put her hand to her cheek and pulled out a pocket compact mirror, checking the damage.
"If we still have years!" Lily wailed.
Misty smiled gently at her son. "I'm here now, leave this to us. Go help with the rescue party and if it gets too dangerous, I want you on the first boat off here. Do you understand?"
Cole looked between his mother and aunties. Unsure about leaving them.
"Don't worry, we've got this!" Misty drew out her hands, 6 de-sized pokéballs fixed in-between each of her fingers. She threw her arms out releasing the pokéballs from her fingers in a spray like formation. They enlarged, freeing the contents of the balls as her party of 6 water pokémon emerged.
Starmie, Poliwrath, Dewgong, Vaporeon, Quagsire and Gyarados.
"We're the famous Waterflowers of Cerulean City!"
Cole nodded and recalled his own Poliwhirl. He was outclassed here and retreated off in the direction of the port.
"Ok team, let's show this volcano the power of water pokémon!" Misty commanded. "Daisy, Violet, Lily follow my lead."
The Sensational Waterflower Sisters turned up the juice on the flowing lava and raging fires.
Meanwhile back up in the sky Amber, the pikachu and Zapdos became engaged in aerial combat. Zapdos burst between Moltres and Articuno, with a mighty flap of it's wings, lightning bolts clashed against their attacks, cancelling out the power between the fire and ice. It was clear all birds involved we're tired but were continuing on pure strength of will, determination and adrenaline to be the superior.
"No … these pokémon are never going to stop ... not until …" Amber's chest tightened. This was a fight to the death and Zapdos mere presence wasn't going to stop the fighting as she'd originally thought.
Think Amber … think! There has to be a way to end the fighting …
Amber gritted her teeth, ducking low into Zapdos feathery back to avoid the danger of oncoming blasts.
"Zapdos!" Amber planted her hands strongly into the bird. "Don't get lost in your instincts. Follow my voice, listen to my instructions. Please Zapdos. You're our only hope of ending this."
Zapdos swopped at Articuno, who dodged the random attack.
"Fight this!" Amber closed her eyes and cried out.
Zapdos pupil turned up to the girl and the bird slowed down slightly, registering her words and calming it's movements.
Moltres released a flamethrower and Articuno launched an ice beam.
"Zapdos dodge and use Thunderbolt!"
The mighty bird followed the teen trainers directions and swooped down low, narrowly avoiding the oncoming attacks. It then countered with it's own Thunderbolt Attack, striking between the two battling birds, stopping them in their tracks.
"Yes Zapdos!"
Amber stood up on the back of the yellow legend, arms stretched out wide, creating a blocking pose.
"Moltres. Articuno! Stop this! Please!" Amber cried out. "You're putting many people and pokémon in danger, and yourselves! You have to settle!"
"Pika! Pikachu! Pikaaaa" Amber's Pikachu repeated his trainers words and actions. Zapdos squawked loudly.
"Pika Chuuuuuuu" Ash's Pikachu joined in with the reasoning.
All 3 birds hovered in the sky in a stalemate. The tension in the air was thick as they glared amongst themselves, almost as if challenging and daring each other to start the fight back up.
"If you keep this up there won't be any land left for you to even claim! There can be no winner here. But we can all lose. So please, please. End this now." Amber continued. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
The legendary pokémon continued to hover.
The people on Cinnabar Island below looked up at the scene. Their hands clasped in silent prayer.
"Sooooaaaarrrrrrrr!" Moltres disregarded the speech and threw out an Ember Attack.
They won't listen to reason ... Amber thought sadly, without hesitation she commanded the legendary bird of thunder with confidence. "Zapdos use gust, blow the embers away."
Zapdos clapped it's mighty wings, emitting a strong wind, completely extinguishing the weak spitting of flames. The result of Zapdos wing clap caused a rumble of thunder in the sky.
Amber's Pikachu looked upwards at the clouds.
"Pi Kaaa, pika chu pika, pikachu." The mouse tugged on his trainers leg
"Huh?" Amber looked down at her little friend.
"Pika! Pi pikachu pi kachu pika!" the yellow mouse chirped and waved his arms around enthusiastically. The little pokémon had a plan.
Zapdos ducked and dived, avoiding more attacks whilst countering and blocking with it's electric attacks. Keeping it's passengers safe in the process.
"… I think I got it … will that really work?" Amber questioned her pokémon.
"Pika!" Her Pikachu folded his arms and nodded.
"Ok I trust you. Zapdos, go up higher."
Zapdos listened, still retaining it's senses. It began to rise up into the clouds.
"Pi Kaaaaa!" The little mouse nodded and jumped onto Zapdos head. He put his arms up and charged up.
"Pikaaaaaaaa pikachu!"
The little mouse unleashed a mighty Thunder Attack into the clouds above him, a loud bellow filled the sky and lightning crashed into Zapdos, charging the legendary bird up.
Amber and both the pikachu dug into Zapdos, it's body and feathers grounding them against the electricity as the bird became encased in the lightning bolt.
"Zapdos. Use Thunder Attack!" Amber called out.
Zapdos unleashed an ultimate Thunder Attack. Lightning struck Moltres and Articuno.
Despite the type advantage of electric attacks on flying types, the legendary birds were out for blood, the attack still wasn't enough to foil them.
Ash's Pikachu joined his electric friends and unleashed his own Thunder Attack. The addition of which made the sky turn dark and a big rumble of thunder rippled across the island, electricity coursed through the clouds. Rain began to pour down. A storm descended upon the island.
The people down on the island looked up to the dark sky and oncoming storm. Misty held her hand up to to her forehead acting as a visor as she looked up to the sky. The rain was a welcome relief, refreshing against the stifling heat as it assisted in dousing the surrounding flames from the fires caused by the environment. But still the weather change was not enough to stop the boiling lava. Steam billowed from the elemental impact.
A bolt of lightning crashed down from the sky, striking the volcano's surface, causing a boulder to come loose and crash down towards the water trainers below.
"Gyarados block it!" Misty warned her pokémon on the incoming impact, but was she be quick enough?
"EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" Daisy, Violet and Lily clutched onto each other in fear and closed their eyes, preparing for the worst.
"Onix go!"
The impact never came, Misty looked over but the snake bodied pokémon she saw smashing the falling rock away was not the pokémon she was expecting …
"Onix?"
Misty followed the body of the rock snake over to his trainer and her face lit up.
"Brock!"
"Hey." A middle-aged man held his hand up in greeting.
Misty bounded over and hugged her old friend. "Brock! You're here. I can't believe it!"
Brock returned the embrace and smiled.
Brock - Misty and Ash's long time travelling companion and most dear friend - had given up his position in Pewter City as the Gym Leader years ago, leaving it to his younger brother Forrest and had continued to travel the world fulfilling his dream of becoming a pokémon doctor. He leant his talents to where ever he was needed and due to such had never settled down, despite a very special connection with a certain Island Kahuna in the Alola region. The man had aged gracefully, grey stripes donning the sides his thinning now short spikey black hair and crows feet adorning his narrow eyes. He donned his white lab coat over his usual attire of combat trousers and a forest green polo shirt.
"How? … Why? … "Where … where did you come from? When?" Misty let go of her friend, spluttering out her words, losing her ability to form a full sentence.
"Any particular order you'd like those questions answered in?" Brock laughed. "I'm a pokémon doctor Misty. When I saw what was happening over here in Kanto I had to come. Plus I knew you'd guys would be getting into all kinds of trouble without me around."
"Like our hero!" Lily squealed, clasping her hands.
"Anything for you beautiful ladies." Brock placed his hand to his chest and bowed slightly, whilst smiling widely and twinkle in his eye. Misty rolled her eyes resisting the urge to pull on his ear, but still smiled warmly. Brock hadn't changed one bit. The former water gym leader laughed and wiped a tear. She felt a huge relief just having the Pokémon Doctor's presence here.
Brock looked up at the volcano and got serious. "Our work isn't done here, Ok Onix let's get to it, we have people and pokémon to save!"
The large rock snake pokémon bellowed.
"Zapdos is too drained from it's ordeal with Team Rocket, and you guys have been battling all day. We need more juice." Amber concluded to the pikachu, seeing the Thunder Attack didn't have the stopping affect she'd expected. She spied a rooftop with a big antenna and had an idea. "Zapdos, swoop down to that roof top there!"
Zapdos did as instructed, it tilted it's body sideways and swooped down to the highest rooftop in Cinnabar. Amber jumped off and released her pokémon team from their balls.
"Zapdos, go on top of the antenna. We're going to power you up!" Amber explained.
Trusting the teen, the legendary pokémon flew up and perched a top the structure.
"Piiiii Kaaaaaaaaaaaa" The pikachu clung on to Zapdos feathers as it swooped up on the metal structure.
Amber looked at her pokémon team. It was clear after the recent events they were all pretty worn out. "I know you're all tired, but we have one last battle. I need you all to unleash your most powerful Thunder Attack up to the sky. Just give it everything you've got, Ok? On my command! Electabuzz, Chinchou, Magnemite, Voltorb, Electrode. Thunder attack!"
Amber's electric team all gathered their power and launched their attacks into the sky. The sky rumbled and the clouds flashed with gathering electricity.
Zapdos let out a almighty cry. A powerful lightning strike bore down, connecting with Zapdos and the electric mice, powering them all up.
"That's it! You're doing it! Good job everyone. Keep up the juice!" The trainer encouraged.
Ash was at the edge of the water where Lugia had fallen. He pulled out the ocean shell flute and began to play the song etched in his brain from years ago.
The ocean remained unchanged.
Lugia …
Ash envisioned his wife doing everything to slow the volcano. He thought about his son, his sisters-in-law, his friends, Gary, his colleagues giving it their all.
Everything depends on this, on you.
He then pictured his daughter and her pokémon fighting alongside Zapdos.
He thought about Pikachu, giving it everything his little electric body had.
Please Lugia … we need you.
Ash closed his eyes and put everything into the song, something began to happen. The ocean calmed and a small whirlpool began to form, getting larger and larger and more turbulent.
Lugia burst out of the water, fully recuperated. Water droplets sprang forth as the mighty legendary pokémon spread out it's wings in an impressive display.
Ash and the beautiful psychic pokémon made eye contact, Lugia swooped down to it's old friend.
There's no time to lose Chosen One. Climb on.
Ash jumped on and swiped his cape behind him as the two took to sky.
Zapdos flew up into the sky once more with both pikachu on it's back, it rose above Moltres and Articuno, who aimed attacks at it, but woefully missed. Zapdos spread out it's wings, it's bright yellow plumage a stark contrast against the dark stormy sky and unleashed it's full power in one last Thunder Attack. This time the electricity engulfing the other two legendary pokémon rendered them completely helpless, they began to submit to the power of the attack.
Amber cried up. "Pikachu attack together!"
"Pikaaaaaaa Pi kaaaa chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" Both Pikachu sparked up and assisted in the Thunder attack.
Moltres and Articuno's rigid posture began to loosen.
"Alright! It's working! We just need a little more!" Amber looked to her pokémon party, but they were on the floor panting - totally spent. She simply could not ask any more of them.
"Thank you guys. You gave me everything you had and more. I couldn't be prouder." She recalled her team to their balls for a hard earned rest.
What can we do now?
"You've got our full support kid." Surge shouted up from the ground and released his electric team.
Raichu, Electrode, Magneton, Electabuzz and Jolteon.
"Surge! Raichu! Jolteon!" Amber cried out with joy seeing her old gym friends joining in with the fight.
"We'll follow your lead Amber!" The giant man boomed.
"Don't forget about us!" Elesa ran up and released her team.
Zebstrika, Emolga, Galvantula and Flaaffy.
"Elesa! Awesome!" Amber beamed as the electricity from the gym pokémon surged upwards from below, adding to the power of Zapdos attack.
This has to work! Amber clenched her fists.
The added boost took the voltage of the attack over the limit. Moltres and Articuno could no longer fight against the power, their bodies and minds surrendered as the electricity coursed through them. They became unconscious and started to fall to the ground below.
Zapdos had also given it all it had, it's energy totally spent. The bird of thunder did not have the energy to stay aloft and also began to descend down with it's kin, falling in and out of consciousness.
"Pikaaa!" The two pikachu clung onto the giant yellow bird for dear life as they fell.
Amber gasped in horror. "No! Pikachu! Zapdos!"
Lugia and Ash burst forth. Lugia reared up and wasted no time using it's impressive Gust attack to slow down the falling birds, allowing them to hit the ground softly, avoiding any further injury.
The three birds lay unconscious on the floor. The two Pikachu hopped off Zapdos safely but looked on sadly at the sight before them.
Surge, Elesa, Gary and Lance ran over to the scene. They were soon joined by Cole and Elaine who all looked on sadly too.
The volcano still raged in the background, surrounded by an uncontrollable electric storm and unstable ground.
Elaine looked around at continuing devastation. "But the birds have stopped … so why?" The brunette looked to Gary for answers. Gary's eyes remained fixed on the unconscious pokémon before him. He had nothing to offer. He racked his brain over his late grandfathers research but came up blank.
"I guess the events have already been set in motion ... all we can do now is completely evacuate the island. Cinnabar is lost." Lance concluded, his voice defeated.
"At least the rest of Kanto was spared ..." Elesa offered as a silver lining. But it was lost upon looking at the destruction around them and the continuing erupting volcano.
Amber had made her way down from the building and ran full pelt towards the scene.
"Pi Kaaa!" Her pikachu ran over to greet her.
The electric trainer wasted no time scooping her friend up. "Pikachu! I was so worried."
"Pika pikachu. Pipi."
However, the girl's relief was short lived as she noticed a big yellow bird laying on the floor not moving. Amber put her pikachu down on the floor and pushed past the small crowd, making her way over to Zapdos. Her father's pikachu picked up on the vibe and hopped over as well.
Amber knelt beside the mighty yellow electric legendary pokémon and ran her fingers through it's feathers. The bird felt cold, it's breathing was so shallow it was barely there. The rain continued to beat down them.
"No Zapdos …" She spread out her arms and fingers and buried herself into the bird, shedding silent tears into it's body. "You over did it and got hurt because you trusted me. I let you down."
"Piiii kaaaa." The two pikachu lowered their ears down sadly. The small crowd of trainers bowed their heads as chaos still raged behind them.
Gary approached the young teenager and put a hand gently on her shoulder. "You did what you had to do Amber. They would have killed themselves and destroyed us all. The birds had to be stopped. It's not the outcome any of us wanted for them, but sadly it became the only way. You can't blame yourself. You saved us squirt. You saved Kanto."
A shadow loomed over catching everyone's attention.
"Lugia!" Gary's jaw fell open.
"Pika Pi!" Ash's Pikachu cried out with joy.
Ash and Lugia flew overhead. "Ok Lugia, let's fix this." Ash called.
The giant trio master let out a mighty roar and emitted a recovery attack down to the KO'd pokémon below. A soft wave filtered down and washed over the birds.
Amber lifted her head up as she left warmth return to the body underneath her own. She moved her fingers as Zapdos began to stir. The teen hoisted herself up and knelt at it's side as the birds head raised up and looked around at her.
"Squaaaa" it called out gently.
"Zapdos!" The teenager wiped her eyes and smiled gently. "You're ok!"
Articuno and Moltres also began to shift their bodies and stir.
"Hey! Look they're coming around too!" Elaine walked over and tugged excitedly at Gary's arm. The researcher for once had nothing to say as he watched the spectacle before them. "Oh wait! Will that mean ...?!" The brunette gulped and paled as she envision the fighting beginning again.
The lightning storm in the sky above ceased and thunder stopped rumbling; the rain slowed to a stop. Sunlight began to break through the dark clouds, lightening up the sky and ground. The temperature and atmosphere around returned to normal.
Ash pulled out a Soothe Bell and gave it to Lugia. The pokémon once again flapped it's impressive wings.
A new aura floated down from the sky and encased the Kanto Bird Trio. A renewed strength began to flow back into their bodies. Their demeanour completely changed from the previous few hours; their eyes gentle as they slowly lifted their bodies from the ground.
Everyone present on Cinnabar Island and in the escaping boats around it, stopped what they were doing completely and looked around. The sea calmed down. The volcano stopped spurting lava, it's eruptions of molten liquid, gases, shaking ground and falling rocks coming to a halt.
The Gym Leaders, Elite trainers, Misty and Brock ceased their battling against the aggressive land. Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy and the authorities eased up on containing and evacuating the public. Everything came to a standstill, in awe at the power of Lugia.
Was it finally over?
Articuno looked up and began to flap it's wings, it thrusted itself up into the sky. Moltres soon following suit.
Zapdos rose to it's legs. It pointed it's beak down to Amber and pulled her gently onto it's back.
"Whoa! You could of just asked." Amber laughed, settling into the birds back. "Come on you two!" Amber called to the pikachu.
The two electric mice looked at each other "Pi ka!" they bounded over and climbed up. Amber's pikachu nestled between her legs, Ash's pikachu perched on her shoulder.
"Squuaaaaaa"
The legendary electric pokémon launched into the sky, joining Moltres, Articuno and Lugia. Ash looked over at the arrival of Amber and the pikachu. They all looked at each other and exchanged jubilant laughs. The birds began to dive and swoop in the air, the Ketchum's enjoying the ride in the skies over the island.
Amber sifted her fingers through Zapdos's feathers, savouring the feel of one of the best moments of her life. She hummed and buried herself into it's back, hugging the bird.
"How you doing Kiddo?" Ash called over.
Amber offered her biggest grin in response. Ash smiled warmly. They'd done it. They had saved Kanto.
Lugia, Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres joined forces and swooped down lower towards the surface, using their abilities and working together to stop, cool and solidify the lava into rock formations, protecting Cinnabar Island from further damage and reshaping the island.
Misty and Brock looked up with jubilant smiles and waved their arms up at the welcome sight of Ash and Amber riding legendary pokémon. Misty's eyes welled up slightly as they passed overhead. Like Father like Daughter.
Ash, Amber and the pikachu waved back.
Everyone on Cinnabar Island and the boats just off the coast of the island looked up and broke out into joyous smiles and laughs, all the pokémon gym leaders and emergency services began to cheer, Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy offering heart gratitude to all the emergency response teams. Cole and Elesa exchanged a joyful celebratory hug. Gary and Elaine high fived.
Surge looked up at the sky his chest filling with pride seeing his former student riding the legendary electric pokémon. Nice one Kid. I always knew ya had something special in ya.
Lance closed his eyes and smiled as Karen, Will, Koga and Janine celebrated behind him. The battle was finally over. The day was won.
The birds continued to dive and sweep around each other playfully, Amber, Ash and their pikachu thoroughly embracing and enjoying the moment. But soon it was time for the birds to go back to roost and back into hiding from the human world.
Moltres was the first to depart, making its way northwards from the island. Zapdos and Lugia landed back down to the ground to drop off their passengers. Articuno circled the small island once more, using it's powerful ice to put out any last remains of molten lava or embers.
Dusty stood in awe. His mood bittersweet. "My gym …" He lamented looking at the ruins of the once proud fire type gym.
Erika placed a tender hand on his shoulder. "I know it looks bad, but do not fret Dusty, buildings can be re-built. It's lives than cannot and due to your quick warning, we experienced no such casualties. We got off pretty lightly all things considered. We should be proud. You should be proud."
The two gym leaders surveyed the damage across the island, the town had suffered but it was salvageable.
Dusty smiled sadly. "You're right Erika. Thanks"
"The land will become very fertile. New life will grow well here." Sabrina walked over to the duo. "The town will prosper again."
"Wow, have you had a psychic vision Sabrina?" Erika asked with wonder at the gym leaders mysterious abilities.
"No." The stoic gym leader turned to Erika and Dusty. "New soil that forms after volcanic eruption is often the most rich in nutrients and minerals for new plant life to grow." Sabrina gave Erika a dead look. "Grass Type specialist."
Erika let off a nervous laugh and sweat dropped.
Dusty let out a small amused huff. The exchange had lightened the mood as Erika gently rubbed the fire gym leaders back in comfort. They watched as Articuno flew over and headed East. Dusty's eyes followed the icy trail of the bird.
Hmm ... Seafoam Island. That would make a an excellent base for a gym ...
Koga put an arm across Janine's shoulders. "Daughter. Today you have made me proud. You are a fine Gym Leader." He spoke out loud and nodded in affirmation.
"Thank You. Father." The Poison Gym Leader kept her composure but inside she was overjoyed at her fathers recognition. She looked up at Amber in the sky with Ash and smiled. Looks like we have both earned our father's respect today. Friend.
Zapdos and Lugia touched down safely. Ash, Amber and the pikachu hopped off their impressive rides.
Lugia began to glow.
You have once again proven yourself Chosen One. Zapdos is returned safely to it's trio and the balance is restored. The land and the pokémon here are safe once more.
Ash nodded at his old friend. "Thank You Lugia, you saved us all again."
As have you. The trio master turned it's head to look at Amber, the pikachu and Zapdos. All of you.
Amber smiled up at Zapdos and giggled as the bird leaned down and nuzzled her with it's beak.
Seems Zapdos has chosen you as it's partner youngling. You may call upon it to help you, when most needed. It is an honour not to be exploited for selfish gain.
"I won't let you down." Amber beamed. Her Pikachu jumped on her shoulder. "Pi Ka Chu." It chirped in agreement. Amber laughed and gave her friend a tickle under his chin.
I trust you won't. Now I make my return to the sea. See that Zapdos goes back safely to roost, I leave my kin in your care. Farewell my friends. For now.
With that Lugia launched itself up and dived back into the depths of the ocean, it's shadow soon disappearing below the waves, like it had never even appeared.
"Goodbye Lugia. For now." Ash smiled.
"Pika Pi!" Ash's Pikachu ran over and jumped on his master's shoulder. Ash laughed in response. "It's great to see you too buddy!"
"MY BABY!" Misty was on route, a huge dust cloud gathering behind her as she bolted over faster than any Quick Attack and embraced her daughter with everything she had. "Ohhhh I'm never letting you go again, never ever never! You hear me!" Tears pricked the mother's eyes as she nuzzled into her girl.
Amber's pikachu jumped off her shoulder in record time to avoid the smother.
Amber flushed with both embarrassment and asphyxiation. "Mo-ommm you're embarrassing me! In front of all these people!"
Brock, Gary, Elaine, Cole, Elesa, Daisy, Lily, Violet, the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four all gathered around Ash, Misty and Amber.
Ash went over and shook Brock's hand and forearm, happy to see his old friend again. Forrest too walked over and put a hand on his eldest siblings shoulder, Brock reciprocated by placing his other hand a top his brothers. It was good to be home. Ash made eye contact with Gary who offered him a wink and a thumbs up. The Viridian Gym Leader mouthed three words. We did it.
Ash gave a silent nod of acknowledgement in return.
Lance, Will, Karen and Koga stepped forwards. Lance flicked his cape over. "Master Ketchum. The battle is won, but the day is not done. There is still much that needs to be done here. We need to secure the land and do some serious damage control. The island is not yet inhabitable for the people and pokémon of Cinnabar to return safely to their homes. The whole country has been put through a panic. We need to put some steps in place to ensure we don't have an incident of this scale again. And lastly the press. We need to put out a public statement as soon as possible to reassure the public. Then there is the whole Team Rocket debriefing ..."
Ash sighed. Elite Four debunk meetings did not sound like fun to him right now. "Yes ... you're right of course, Lance."
"Pi ka chuuu." Pikachu made a less than thrilled noise, capturing the mood perfectly.
Zapdos stepped forwards and screeched loudly.
Misty loosened her grip on her daughter and looked up at the impressive bird, her jaw dropping slightly. Amber took the opportunity to release herself from her mother's grasp.
"Zapdos." Amber walked over and placed her hand on the bird's beak, who in response lifted its head up and down gently. "I guess it's time you went home."
"Squaarrrr"
"I think it wants you to go with it." Ash spoke up.
"Huh? Go with you? Is that right Zapdos?"
"Squaaaa" Zapdos cried out and lowered it's body down once more for the trainer.
Amber climbed aboard, her Pikachu as always joining her.
Surge walked over. "Well can't say I'm not jealous kid. What a dream. To ride the legendary bird 'a Thunder. It's a privilege electric trainers can only dream of."
Elesa was stood in the background, her usual cool demeaner replaced with vigorous nodding and swooning heart eyes at the sight of the electric legend. Cole looked at his girlfriend, sweat dropping slightly at this new side of her.
Amber threaded her fingers gently through it's spikey yellow feathers. "Zapdos, will you let Surge ride with us too?"
Zapdos studied the man intently and remained low to the ground, granting him silent permission to come aboard.
Surge looked wide eyed before relaxing into a smile and climbing on.
Zapdos eyes bulged slightly. The human was big! But Zapdos was a legendary pokémon. It's strength could overcome this … it hoped.
Amber and Surge exchanged grins.
Ash turned to Amber and Surge. "Me and Pikachu will follow you on Charizard."
Amber nodded and once again "Ok Zapdos. Lead the way!"
The mighty bird stood up and stretched out. It flapped it's powerful wings and cried out as it took to the skies once more.
"Pi Kaa" Ash's Pikachu watched Zapdos, Amber and Pikachu fly away, his eyes glistening at the fantastic sight.
"Oooooh do you think one day I'll be able to ride Zapdos?" Elesa sighed dreamily. Cole wrapped an arm around his beautiful girlfriend. "Sure, stick with me babe, you're hanging with the right crowd." He gave her a little wink and they smiled at each other. Elesa leaned her head on her boyfriends shoulder as they watched Zapdos fly.
Violet, Lily and Daisy stood in the background swooning and sighing over the romantic scene.
Misty looked to Ash and wiped her eyes. But ever the professional she soon came back to the job at hand. "Ash, you go with Amber and see this through. I'll gather everyone here and assist with the clean-up operation. We'll all meet back up at the Cerulean Gym later."
"That sounds like a good plan, Mist." Ash flashed her his infamous grin. Misty internally sighed with relief. One look at her husband's face and she knew everything was going to be OK.
Ash released his reliable fire type. Charizard flexed his wings ready for another flight.
Lance stepped forwards and was about to protest, Ash turned and smirked. "You said it yourself Lance, gotta prevent this from happening again. I can't think of a better way than me going to put Zapdos back to roost and making sure it's protected. Those preventative steps you spoke about yeah?" Ash and Pikachu got on Charizard.
"But Champion Ketchum! We haven't discussed! And, ah, what about everything else?!" The Dragon Master lurched forwards in a vain attempt to prevent the inevitable take off, but Charizard flapped into the air.
"I'm sure my famed Elite Four can handle things from here. Be seeing ya." Ash called down, and saluted with a cheeky grin. With that Charizard took off at full speed.
Lance stood opened mouthed. He slowly brought his outstretched hand down.
Misty, Gary and Brock held in a silent snigger. Typical Ash. He hadn't changed either.
Author Note: Owwww man this chapter was hard to write - sooo many re-writes and edits _ but I think I'm finally happy with it! Thanks again for all the feedback. I'm glad your enjoying the story.