Pokémon Black and White
"Man," Ash Ketchum begins as he stretches his arms out wide as Pikachu looks up into the sky. "Nothing like a breath of fresh air, right Pikachu?"
"Pika!" (Right!") The Electric Mouse Pokémon states as he extends his left paw.
"All I've got a breath of is you getting us lost again!" Misty mutters, Marill dozing in her arms.
That elicits a surprised reaction from Ash as the aspiring Pokémon Trainer shoots her an incredulous look. "Gotten us lost?!"
"It is something a little kid would end up doing." Iris adds as Axew stares up at the sky above. If he focuses, he can see a flock of Pidove flying with a Tranquill leading them.
"I doubt I could've gotten us lost!" Ash exclaims defiantly. He crosses his arms as he looks away from his traveling companions and continues walking. "After all, both you and Cilan have a map that shows us which way to go."
However, as he turns to give a grin to the Pokémon Connoisseur, he can see him holding said map with a worried frown upon his face. It was as if he is saying Sorry Ash, you're on your own.
"I'm afraid that they're right Ash." Cilan says to the raven-haired trainer's befuddlement. He shows him the electronic screen of his town map. And the fact that it is nothing but a mess of static particles. "It would appear that the map's electrical signal has waned to the point where I can't see where we are or where we're going." He sighs as he puts the town map away. "A shame really; like a beautiful soufflé that has tragically fallen flat!"
"Think that's something only you would find to be tragic." Iris mutters. She clenches her fists as she glares at Ash. "I can't believe you got us lost!"
"Who said we were lost!" Ash retorts. He grins as he stares up at the sky above. "After all," He interlocks his hands as he puts them behind his head. "some of the greatest adventures you can have is when you've gotten lost!"
Misty smirks at him. "Ah-ha!" She shouts triumphantly. "So you do agree that you've gotten us lost!"
Ash merely shrugs. "I suppose I did." He smiles before giving his girlfriend a thumbs-up and a wink. "But who knows what kind of place we'll end up in?"
"Hopefully somewhere with a good electrical signal." Cilan bemoans as he contemplates the sorry state of his town map.
Ash takes another deep breath before, as he glances up at the sky, he sees something resembling a Bird-Type Pokémon flying overhead.
"Wow, what a cool Pokémon." He states in awe.
"That's a Braviary." Cilan says as Ash get's out his Pokédex.
He finds that, like in the case of Cilan's and Misty's town maps, the electrical current allowing the purview of the various types of Pokémon is virtually nonexistent.
"Guess I'll check it out later." Ash grumbles.
"Anyway, shouldn't we be close to our destination?" Iris asks as she places a hand against the alabaster rock wall to her right. "I'm not sure I can take much more aimless wandering."
Ash shoots Iris a glare. "Whatever guys! You'll see that I knew exactly where we are!"
Misty gives him a glare of her own as he runs ahead of them. "Don't think you can talk yourself out of this one Ketchum!"
"What a pair of little kids." Iris sighs as she pinches the bridge of her nose and the temperamental orange-haired woman chases after her boyfriend.
"I find them to-"
Whatever Cilan found them to be is cut off by an excitable exhalation of Pikachu and the sound of gratification.
"See, I told you!"
Cilan and Iris glance at each other before they catch up with Ash and Misty. And are promptly greeted by the site of what appears to be a town built on top of a mountainous landscape.
"Eindoak Town!" The green-haired Pokémon Connoisseur exclaims.
"It looks beautiful!" Iris adds as her eyes roam the town. However, something she spots gives her pause. "But what's that?"
As the three Pokémon Trainers and their Pokémon follow her gaze, they see she is referring to an immaculate, towering structure. From their faraway vantage point, it appears to be an immense building made up of alabaster plaster.
"I don't know what that is," Ash says as he turns away to continue along the path. "but there's only one way to find out!"
And with that stated, he - along with his three companions - follow along the path, stopping only when they see something hazardous. It looked to be two green and yellow Pokémon on a precarious cliff edge as one struggles to hold onto their friend; the other's tail firmly in their mouth.
"Don't worry!" Ash calls as he puts his hands around his mouth. "I'll help you out there Deerling!"
Upon his declaration, and Pikachu's agreement, the raven-haired teen leaps onto part of the ledge that the Pokémon are on.
"Be careful Ash!" Misty shouts.
"I'll be fine!" Ash retorts as he glances from the Deerling to the orange-haired girl and back. "Here I come." He murmurs as he inches slowly across his precarious perch. "Hang on!"
"Pika Pikachu!" ("It'll be fine!")
As Ash was making his way to the Deerling, part of the ground gave way as it crumbles down the mountainside. Upon seeing this, Iris steels her expression.
"Ash, I'm coming too!" The aspiring Dragon Master states as she gets ready to jump.
"Iris, wait!" Cilan demands as he keeps Iris from jumping by getting a grip on her shoulder and pulling her back. He fixes her with a stern glare. "Don't do it!" He removes his hand. "The ground won't hold both of you!"
"Okay." Iris acquises, not entirely pleased with standing on the sidelines.
Right before the Deerling could tumble down the edge of the mountain, Ash manages to pick them up and holds them securely under his arms as Pikachu had jumped off his shoulder shortly beforehand. The added weight causes Ash to lose some of his balance as he fights to keep his footing.
This causes Cilan to gasp as Iris and Misty say Ash! and I told you to be careful! respectively.
"I'm fine guys." Ash responds as it seems he speaks too soon. Part of the ground under his right foot descends down the mountainside. With part of his purchase lost, Ash twists around as Pikachu tries to keep him stable and his right foot goes into what appears to be a rather large indentation in the mountainside. Had he put his foot down, it would cause him to slam his head against the rock and to send him hurtling down to the ground. While his foot is in the indentation, he notices offhandedly that it feels like something grabbed hold of it.
It also feels as if energy is being rocketed up through his entire body before the rock he is on crumbles away and sends him running backwards down the mountainside before he rights himself somewhat. He stops only upon reaching a ledge. As he leans dangerously close over the edge, Ash, Pikachu, and the duo of Deerling have various stages of fright etched upon their features.
"Talk about a close call." Ash mutters as his heart beats erratically in his chest.
Struggling to gain some stability, the aspiring Pokémon Master leans backwards only for it to be a futile effort as he fails to retain any sense of equilibrium. However, instead of tumbling down the mountain, he jumps into the air to the shock and amazement of his three traveling companions.
"He just jumped!" Cilan exclaims, voicing what the three of them thought.
"And what looked to be at a greater distance than physically possible!" Iris adds.
Aimlessly kicking at the air, Ash shortly lands upon a platform that leads into what appears to be an even larger indentation in the mountain.
"Did you see what I saw?" Iris asks as she looks between Cilan and Misty. "I didn't imagine that, did I?"
"It most certainly happened Iris." Cilan states as he puts a hand to his mouth. "What an intriguing flavor. A dish made of the most exotic ingredient."
Misty remains silent as she attempts to keep her galloping heart under control.
Ash puts the two Deerling he had been holding down as Pikachu jumps onto his trainer's shoulder before staying on his hat as the Season Pokémon express their gratitude.
"We're okay guys!" Ash shouts as he waves his arms at them; looking for all the world to be in one piece. "We all landed in one piece!"
"And how do you plan on getting out of there!" Iris yells. "By jumping back up here?"
The raven-haired trainer, full aware of the sarcasm behind the statement, lowers his arms. "Good point." He murmurs almost inaudibly.
He looks around before his eyes land on the crevice within the confine of the mountainous wall before him. Pikachu jumps off his shoulder as he gives the crevice a sniff.
"Hey, there's a breeze coming through!" Ash shouts as he waves his left hand at them. "We'll follow it out!"
And with that, Ash goes into the cavern as Pikachu and Deerling bring up the rear.
"That's Ash for you." Cilan says with a hesitant chuckle.
"Yep." Misty adds as she shakes her head.
"Man this place is dark." Ash states as he nearly runs into a rock wall. He snaps his fingers. "I know!" Going to his belt, he picks up a Poké Ball. "Tepig, I choose you!"
Said Fire Pig Pokémon emerges with a happy wag of his tail.
"Hey Tepig, think you could use your Ember to help light the way?" Ash asks.
Tepig gives him a considering look before he smiles at him and flecks of fire come out of his nose, providing an adequate source of illumination.
"Thanks a lot Tepig." Ash says with a thumbs-up as Tepig concentrates on the matter at hand.
While they continue through the passage however, the five come across multiple identical passageways.
"Don't think I have a Pokémon that can help with this." Ash murmurs as he stares sporadically at each of the passageways; nothing in or around them showing differentiation between them.
Standing there, he feels something whisper in his ear as the image of the right passageway filters through his mind.
"Follow me." Ash proclaims as he runs into the appropriate passageway as Tepig, Pikachu, and the two Deerling follow close behind.
The two Deerling confer with each other, both of them wondering if the person who saved them knows where he's going. And if he does, how.
Continuing along the path, the five come across what appears to be a patchwork of multiple crystalline walkways that stretch as far as the eye can see in any and all directions. Looking at all the interlocking, various structures, Ash is stunned into silence.
"Wow." He says, awed. "Kind of reminds me of the Tree of Beginning."
After this, he puts a reassuring hand to his hat before cupping his hands around his mouth. "Hey! Anybody hear me! Anyone?!"
With an ear to the darkness, all he can hear is his own voice reverberating back at him.
"Pika Pi Pikachu Pikapi!" ("I don't think anyone's here Ash!")
What happens next causes all five of them to look around in wonderment. From what they can see, an azure light shimmers as it lights up the crystalline passageways before fading into nothingness.
"What was that?" Ash ponders as he tries to pinpoint the origin of the strange light.
Before he can search for it more thoroughly though, the something he heard whispering in his ear earlier returns as does an image of a pathway leading out of the cavernous place they have found themselves in.
"Again?" Ash murmurs before he, along with the four accompanying him, continue along the path. After what feels like several minutes, they come across a door that leads to what appears to be the beginnings of a spiral staircase.
"This is strange, right Pikachu?" The raven-haired trainer asks before they come across a wall.
"Pikachu." ("Right.")
Upon closer examination, the wall seems slightly off from the rest of its surroundings.
"Maybe it's a hidden wall!" Ash proclaims, his features lighting up with a grin as he goes to knock on it. "Like in an ancient castle!" Putting his ear to the wall, it sounds faintly hollow on the other side. As if it was showing the presence of air inside.
"C'mon guys, help me push!" Ash commands as he starts to push on the wall. Pikachu, Tepig (after ceasing his use of Ember), and Deerling soon lending their assistance.
Soon enough, the wall opens halfway to reveal what appears to be miscellaneous odds and ends. Barrels, pulleys, and the like as far as the eye can see along with various pots and pans.
What really captures Ash's interest though, is the wooden door at the top of a staircase. Going up the stairs, he opens it to find that he somehow found himself upon the strange structure they spotted at Eindoak Town.
And Misty, Cilan, and Iris below as they run up a staircase.
"Hey!" Ash shouts, gaining their attention. "Misty! Iris and Cilan too! Come on, get up here!" He puts his right hand against his mouth. "You've got to check out this view!" He raises it to wave at them. "Quick! What are you standing there for?!"
Pikachu and Tepig add their agreement as they are on either side of him as they stand upon a ledge.
"And to think we were worried." Cilan says.
"What a kid." Iris adds as she puts the back of her hands on her hips. "Always so excited."
"Deerling!" Ash calls, stopping them in their tracks as they turn to regard their savior. He waves at them with his right hand. "Try hanging out in safer places, okay?"
"Pika Pikachu!" ("Be safe you two!")
One of the Deerling says their name as they put their left foreleg to their forehead in a salute before putting it down. The two soon run down the stony expanse they find themselves upon as they intend to go find safer pastures to roam across.
"I'll take that as a yes." Ash says.
"Anyway," Cilan begins as a flock of Pidove fly nearby. Axew wonders if it's the same flock he saw earlier. "Now that that is over and we're closer, I recognize this place as the Sword of The Vale."
"Sword of The Vale?" Ash inquires as Tepig jumps off the ledge and Pikachu perches himself upon his trainer's shoulder.
Instead of answering readily, the green-haired Connoisseur walks away before pointing at something in the distance. "Look! Over there!"
The three trainers and their Pokémon see that what he is indicating appears to be a barren wasteland.
"They say it flew through the air from that valley and landed right here on this spot." Cilan continues.
"Flew through the air?!" Iris exclaims incredulously.
"But how can a castle fly?" Ash wonders as everyone - except Cilan - looks up at the impressive building.
"Maybe it flew the same way you did." Misty suggests, giving her boyfriend a playful jab in the ribcage.
Ash laughs at that. "Heh, maybe."
"It's a legend." Cilan states as he turns to his companions. "It's impossible to know if it's really the truth." He walks to the edge of the ledge. Placing his left hand upon it, he extends his right hand palm up to refer to the land below. "But look! You can see with your very own eyes that the berries in the surrounding orchards are beautiful and delicious!"
"Awesome!" Iris proclaims as she - along with Ash and Misty - turn to look at them."They look yummy!"
"Berries!" Ash exclaims as he reaches both hands over the ledge as if to reach them. "Give me!" He adds before deflating on the ledge.
"Somebody hungry?" Iris asks knowingly.
"In case you haven't noticed," Ash begins as he turns to the dark violet-haired woman and pounds his left fist to his pectorals. "I'm always hungry and that's that!"
"Pika Pika!" ("It's true!") The Electric Mouse Pokémon adds his agreement as he extends his right paw to the air.
To add credence to such a statement, Ash's stomach grumbles. Said noise causes a faint smattering of crimson to seep into his cheeks as he puts a hand to scratch at the back of his neck sheepishly. "See? I told you!"
Iris sighs in exasperation. "Why do I even ask?"
"Luckily for you Ash, I've got just the thing." Cilan says as he holds a moderately-sized brown container in his hands. Pulling the lid up, he reveals multitudes of colorful, flat spheres. "My homemade macarons!"
"Wow!" Ash exclaims as he takes two of them. "Thanks Cilan!"
"Yeah, way to go!" Iris adds as she takes one.
"Think I'll eat 'em right now!" Ash says before plopping one in his mouth.
"Good idea!" Iris adds as she does the same.
Misty takes a macaron of her own before eating it.
"Delicious!" Misty says appreciatively as she takes another.
"I must say, it does my Connaisseur heart well to see you eating them with such vigor." Cilan says as Ash ate the other one he took before taking another pair. Cilan chuckles awkwardly. "Truth be told, I just tried the recipe recently."
"Well I think they taste great!" Iris says as she gives Cilan a (in his opinion, forceful) pat on the back.
"Oof!" Cilan simply mutters.
"Anyway, we should probably see what this town has to offer!" Ash proclaims.
"These macarons rule!" Ash declares as Misty stands next to him. Cilan and Iris linger ahead as Axew, Pikachu, and Marill stretch their legs. "Best I ever ate!" He adds around a mouthful.
As he goes to eat the other one in his possession, he finds that his hand is empty. "Uh-oh!"
He hums as he shakes his hand.
"Ash, what's wrong?" Iris asks as she gives her friend a backwards glance.
"It's gone!" Ash states as Iris walks over to him and Misty. "The macaron disappeared!"
"Knowing you, you probably ate it." Iris says with a cross of her arms.
"You have been known to devour your food whole." Misty adds with a conspiratory wink at him.
"Misty!" Ash exclaims before shaking his head. He grins as he takes something out of his pocket. "Still got one!"
"What a kid." Iris says dismissively as she walks away, Misty close behind.
With a laugh, Ash goes to eat the macaron only to find that it too has vanished into thin air.
"Their slipping through my fingers." Ash mutters as he rejoins his friends.
The sound of an explosion catches their attention as it is soon joined by two other explosions.
"The festival's beginning!" Cilan exclaims. He - along with Iris, Misty, and their Pokémon - run to find a way outside as Ash lags behind. As her runs around a pillar though, he stops as he runs into something. Rubbing his chest, he looks around to find that nothing's there or around that he could've run into.
With a shake of his head, he chases after his friends.
"Let's see…" Cilan starts as he looks around an expansive room they came across upon running down a flight of stairs.
"Quick!" Iris encourages. "If we don't hurry, we won't be able to register for the competition!"
"Competition?" Misty questions. Curious herself and not exactly wanting her boyfriend to get any possible grief for asking such a question.
Before Iris can comment, a masculine voice kills any attempts at conversation.
"I can take you." The unknown man states.
They turn to see a man with black and white hair coming towards them. He jumps off the stairs he was on before running straight ahead and past the teens and their Pokémon.
"Here," He stops as he regards them. "if you're in a rush, this way is much faster!"
"That's so nice, thank you!" Cilan says as they run up to the newcomer.
"Hi, I'm Ash!" He greets. "I'm working to become a Pokémon Master!"
Pikachu reclaims his position on Ash's shoulder as Tepig gives a hearty greeting as flames come from his nostrils. "And this is my partner Pikachu and Tepig!"
The Electric Mouse Pokémon gives a greeting of his own.
"I'm Misty and I'm training to become a Water-Type Pokémon Master!" The orange-haired teen says. "And this is Marill!"
"My name's Iris," She begins as she picks up Axew and Marill says hello. "this is Axew and I'm training to be a Dragon Master!"
"I'm Cilan." He says with a slight bow as Axew greets the man in front of them. "A Pokémon Connoisseur."
"My name's Damon." He introduces. "I've been working on the restoration of this castle." He turns away from them halfway. "Please, follow me."
After Damon helped them out of the castle, Ash, Misty, Cilan, Iris, and their Pokémon (after the raven-haired trainer returned Tepig) run to see a myriad outpouring of people and Pokémon. They also spot a humongous creature pass by them as their appear to be pulling something.
"That's a Golurk!" Cilan explains.
"It's huge!" Ash says.
"That's an understatement." Misty adds.
"Wonder what it's pulling?" Iris adds as Pikachu contributes his own thoughts.
"Let's find out!" Cilan says as Axew stares after the being.
Running after the Pokémon, they find it stopped next to a stand.
Iris releases a breath as she appraises the stand's products. "Look, they're so cute!"
"They're Victini dolls." The woman operating the stand says. "The Victory Pokémon."
"Victini?" Iris questions.
"Right." The woman says as she comes around the stand to stop in front of the four teens and their Pokémon. "They say Victini lived in this town since long ago!"
"Wow!" Ash exclaims. "I wanna meet it!"
"Very few have ever seen Victini." The woman states.
"Oh, gotcha." Ash says, a bit disheartened by that.
"Maybe you'll see Victini running around him somewhere." Misty says jokingly.
"Can you tell us more about it?" Cilan inquires.
"Legend says that Victini is known to give both people and Pokémon great power." The woman answers.
"Power?" Ash echoes.
"That's right." The woman replies as she looks away from them to turn her gaze upward at the mighty castle. "Long ago, Victini was said to have protected the Sword of The Vale."
"Really?" Iris says in excited wonder. "Awesome!"
"Ew, Axew!" ("Sounds great!")
Iris looks from the castle to the woman's stand. She hums as something catches her eyes. "I'll take one of these, please!"
"Here you go!" The woman says as she hands the dark violet-haired woman a small, wooden carving of Victini. "And one day," She says as she places it in Iris' outstretched palm. "may you receive Victini's power as well."
Iris takes the yarn connected to the carving and holds it up so she can see it. She keeps it hovering so she can compare it to the castle. "Now, I know I'm gonna win the battle competition!"
"Don't get so overconfident though," Ash begins as he gives her a grin and crosses his arms. "you'll have to go through me to win it."
Iris glares at him. "I wasn't asking for your imput!"
Little did Ash and his traveling companions know, a certain trio was eating lunch above them as they eavesdropped.
Jessie giggles as she sets down her sparkling refreshment. She turns to her two disguised accomplices. "I'm well aware that our plan is to catch Pikachu, conquer Unova, and defeat those meddlesome Team Plasma pests."
"Don't forget capturing the other Pokémon in this festival!" Meowth adds.
"But?" James says as he takes a sip of his beverage before setting it aside.
"That story is a real game changer!" Meowth asserts.
"Victini, the Victory Pokémon." James says. "A Pokémon that can give anyone who comes into contact with them great power."
"Which means our goal here is simple!" Jessie says as she skewers a sliver of food on her plate. "All we do, is catch it!" She punctuates this with a triumphant display of sticking her fork in the air before having the intention of chewing the tasty morsel. As she brings it down however, she sees that the food she punctured is gone. Along with a clink of her biting down on her fork.
"Well, that's peculiar." Jessie murmurs.
"What is it Jess?" James asks as he finishes a bite of his own food.
"I was just about to bite into something when it disappeared." Jessie answers.
"Maybe you flung it somewhere." Meowth suggests.
"I think I would know it it disappeared somewhere Meowth!" Jessie shouts as she shoots him a glare.
"Now, now, no need for tempers to flare." James says before one of the waiters of the fine establishment comes to them.
"Is there anything else you may need?" He asks kindly as he holds a notepad. His writing implement is almost entirely consumed by his brown hair.
"As a matter of fact garçon, there is!" James cries out to the waiter's befuddlement. "I request the bottle cap of this fine beverage I am partaking in for my collection!"
The waiter blinks at him, confused. "You want a bottle cap?"
"Indeed sir!" James continues as he gives the table a considerable slam of his fist. "I desire to have the bottle cap!"
"James, are you sure about that?" Jessie asks as she wonders if she should smack some sense into him or laugh at his odd antics. Or some combination therein.
"You're making a fool of yourself." Meowth adds.
"It is so wrong for a fine expert of bottle caps to want to have an addition cap to add to his collection?" James poises the question as he puts his right hand to his right cheek as a dreamy expression flits across his features for a moment before he returns to his version of normalcy.
"Yes James, it is." His two cohorts retort in deadpan unison.
"You two…" James says before he shakes his head. "Anyway garçon, that bottle cap?"
The waiter chuckles uneasily as he writes in his notepad. "Okay. I shall get you that bottle cap right away."
It doesn't look like he could've run away fast enough.
"James, you are, and always will be, a total fool." Jessie says as she takes a sip of her sparkling refreshment.
"Ah yes," James says with a gleam of his eyes. "but I am your fool Jess."
Jessie doesn't respond, instead opting to take another sip as the faintest of scarlet spreads across her cheeks.
"You two are certainly something." Meowth remarks with a dismissive shake of his head as the trio resumes their consumption of their meal.
A flock of happily chirping pidove - along with a watchful Tranquill - fly above the square as the residents of Eindoak Town, Ash and his friends, and the Team Rocket Trio gather to hear what the mayor of the town intends to say.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The major - a stout man with brown hair with the three members of the Klink evolutionary line hovering behind him - begins as he examines the crowd with a warm smile. "Moms and dads, girls and boys, and - of course - Pokémon! I welcome you all to the Eindoak Harvest Festival!"
He puts a hand on his chest as he gives the crowd a slight bow. "My name is Mannes Momont, mayor of Eindoak Town!" He straightens. He pauses as he sees familiar faces in the crowd waving up at him. He waves back with a chuckle before spreading his arms wide as he returns his full attention to the gathered masses. "Folks, I'm happy to report our orchards have given us a bountiful harvest this year!
His eyes blaze as he seems to throw himself into his role of announcer. "So festival fans, are we having fun!" He ends with pointing the microphone to his audience as his other hand cups his ear.
"Yeah!" The crowd cheers as everyone - sans the Team Rocket Trio - expresses their excitement with some even putting their fist into the air.
"All right!" Mannes exclaims. "That's what I love to hear! Then it's time to kick off what you've all been patiently waiting for!" Midway through his sentence, his three Pokémon went to a nearby contraption made up of various musical instruments; each different from the last. "Our annual battle competition!"
As the three members of the Klink evolutionary line get into their respective spots on the machine, music starts to chime and Mannes resumes his tangent.
"Here are our simple competition rules," He begins as he gives the crowd a cursory glance. "Trainers who have gathered here and wish to participate will have a one-on-one Pokémon Battle," He holds up a dark brown hexagonal insignia by its tan string. "with no substitutions."
"To whomever holds the competition necklace until the end, wins!" He continues. He grips the microphone. "All right!" He punches the air before pointing out towards the crowd. "Let the battle begin!"
As the crowd disperses, the Team Rocket Trio share a conspiratory stare before making off as Ash and his friends linger.
"Just watch me win!" Iris declares as she pulls out a Poké Ball before calling the Pokémon.
"Watch me win!" Cilan says as he does the same.
"Not if I beat you both first!" Misty says as she grins at the Aqua Mouse Pokémon. "Right Marill?"
Said Pokémon exclaims in her excitement.
Emolga appears on a towering string of red pennants as Pansage emerges on top of a ledge.
"We're gonna win, right buddy?" Ash states rhetorically as he looks Pikachu.
"Pika Pikapi!" ("Right Ash!") The Electric Mouse Pokémon adds as he clenches a paw.
"Scraggy, let's go!" Ash shouts before the Shedding Pokémon appears.
He appears with his arms spread wide before glancing down and pulling up his skin that functions as pants.
"Scraggy," Ash starts. "I want you to watch all the other Pokémon as they battle."
Scraggy gives his trainer a determined stare as he pulls his "pants" up.
"Then let's go!" Ash declares before running off in the direction of where the other trainers had gone off to.
"Pikachu, dodge it!" Ash commands as the final evolution of Snivy comes towards him.
The Electric-Type runs up the nearby wall, evading his opponent once more as it comes at him.
"Serperior, use Vine Whip!" Ash's opponent - a girl with blonde hair - exclaims as she points at their opponent. Two tendrils of green erupt from her Pokémon's neck as it tries to damage the Electric Mouse Pokémon.
"Dodge it!" Ash says as Pikachu expertly evades the Grass-Type move.
"Try with Energy Ball!" The blonde girl shouts, thrusting her left hand in front of her.
Her Pokémon gathers up the energy required for the attack as a sphere of green appears in front of them.
"Deflect it with Iron Tail!" Ash responds.
Pikachu's tail glows silver as he cuts the Energy Ball horizontally in half. This causes a black smoke to blanket the battlefield.
"Finish this with Electro Ball!" Ash commands as he thrusts his right hand forward.
Pikachu jumps into the air as he gathers the electricity near his tail as the sphere increases in power before he releases it on a collision course with the opposing Grass-Type. When the Electric-Type move hits its target, a sphere of electricity ensuing as sparks of it radiate up to the sky, the blonde girl's Pokémon falters around for a few moments before ultimately fainting.
"Serperior is unable to battle!" The male judge declares as he extends his red flag to the winner. "Pikachu is the victor!"
"All right!" Ash exclaims as Scraggy shows his own joy and Pikachu jumps on his trainer's shoulder. He looks at his Shedding Pokémon. "I wonder how everyone else's battles are going."
"Use Flamethrower!" Iris' challenger exclaims as Emolga glides around the opposing Emboar. Emolga jumps on her opponent's head, infuriating them before gliding away.
"Flamethrower, once more!" The brunet shouts.
The attack being propelled from Emboar's mouth narrowly misses Emolga, but effectively intimidates the Sky Squirrel Pokémon.
"Wait!" Iris exclaims as she sees what her Pokémon's doing as the Electric-Type lands in front of her. "Don't Emolga!"
Heedless of her trainer's direction, Emolga puts her arms together in front of her as an orb of electricity appears in front of her. She opens her arms before firing the orb at Emboar, effectively shocking him before flying past Iris' thigh and causing her Excadrill to be released from his Poké Ball.
"Oh, Emolga." Iris bemoans as she puts her right hand to her face.
"Disqualified!" The judge exclaims as he crosses his red and green flags. He points the red flag at Iris' opponent. "Emboar is the victor!"
"Well, not exactly how I'd go about it." Emboar's trainer murmurs as he scratches awkwardly at the right side of his face as Emboar grins confidently, pleased with the victory nonetheless.
"I'll take your necklace now." The judge says as Iris goes over to hand it over. She glares at her Sky Squirrel Pokémon.
Emolga flinches at the harsh stare before striking a pose, trying to get herself out of trouble by being the picture of cuteness.
"I guess I'll go see how Cilan's doing." Iris mutters.
As Iris rounds a corner and sees Cilan and Pansage and who their battling, her breath catches as she grins.
"So awesome!" Iris exclaims ecstatically. "A Hydreigon! A Dragon-Type and it's shiny too!"
"Iris, I'm trying to battle here." Cilan chastises, the back of his hands on his hips.
The dark violet-haired woman stares at the Brutal Pokémon a moment longer before realization hits her and she scratches at the back of her head. "Sorry Cilan." She pauses as she looks at Hydreigon once more. She points at it. "It's going to attack!"
This returns Cilan and Pansage's attention to the battle.
"Hydreigon, Dragon Breath!" Cilan's opponent declares as she sweeps her right arm in front of her.
The Brutal Pokémon rears her head back as pale wind encircles her. She gathers the energy in her mouth before Hydreigon releases a powerful stream of pale purple at Pansage. In the resulting blast, obsidian smoke covers the battlefield before it subsides and reveals the Grass Monkey spinning before he ultimately falls backwards and faints from such a powerful attack.
"Pansage is unable to battle!" The judge announces as he sweeps his red flag in the direction of Hydreigon. "Hydreigon is the victor!"
"A bit excessive," Hydreigon's trainer remarks before crossing her arms. "but I'll take it."
"Oh well," Cilan says with a shrug before returning his fainted Pokémon. "You battled hard Pansage."
"Sorry Cilan." Iris says before she smiles at him. "Hey, let's see if we can find Ash and Misty!"
Misty gives her opponent a suspicious look. As she stares at the woman before her, she cannot help feeling as if she has seen her somewhere before.
"Didn't anyone teach you how it's impolite to stare?" Jessie inquires pointedly as her Woobat floats in front of her.
Shaking her head, the former Cerulean City Gym Leader gives the woman a partially apologetic smile. "Sorry, it's just," Suspicious flits across her face for a brief moment. "I feel like I've seen you before."
Jessie puts a hand to the back of her head. She gives her opponent a wink. "A woman as gorgeous as me hears that every hour of the day."
Gorgeous? Even the vanity she seems to exude fills Misty with the oddest sense of déjà vu.
"I know I've seen her before." Misty comments as Marill stares down her aerial foe. With a sigh, the orange-haired female smirks as she prepares for battle. "Either way," She raises her voice. "Marill, use Water Pulse!"
"Woobat, use Air Slash!" Jessie commands as she pushes her cosmetic glasses up.
Marill gathers water in her mouth before unleashing a ball of water at her opponent as Woobat's wings glow light blue before he crosses them in front of his body. Woobat opens them up quickly, effectively releasing multiple glowing energy blades that collide with the ball of the water. The result is an explosion of thin fog before evaporating.
"Water Gun!" Misty shouts.
"Air Slash once more!"
As Woobat repeats his early move, Marill unleashes a spiral of water at the Bat Pokémon. The attacks effectively damage - and in the Aqua Mouse Pokémon's case - drenches the other Pokémon.
What a strong Marill. Jessie remarks before smirking. Strength incomparable to the Twerp's Pikachu though.
Misty narrows her eyes as she gives her opponent a closer look. Why does she seem so familiar?
Shaking her head, the Water-Type Pokémon Trainer sweeps her arm forward as she orders Marill to use another attack.
"Use Bubble Beam!"
"Air Slash!" Jessie commands.
Marill gives her opponent a hard stare before releasing a flurry of white bubbles from her mouth at a great speed. As Woobat's attack manages to destroy some of the bubbles, a majority of them hit their target as the Bat Pokémon falters.
"Woobat!"
"Great job Marill!"
Jessie's expression darkens. All right Twerpette, I've had enough of you!
"Use Gust!"
At his trainer's insistence, Woobat's left wing glows light blue before he waves them. The effect is a powerful wind that blows away Marill, knocking her down in the process and doing considerable damage.
"Marill! Use Water Gun!"
"Use Air Slash Woobat!"
As the two Pokémon use their respective moves, they collide with their target. The attacks wear them both down as both Pokémon falter before Woobat ultimately falls to the ground, defeated.
"Woobat is unable to battle!" The judges announces as he sweeps his red flag at the orange-haired female. "Marill is the victor!"
"That was great Marill!" Misty exclaims before sweeping up one of her beloved Water-Type Pokémon in an affectionate embrace.
Jessie sighs. "Woobat, return!"
As one-third of the Team Rocket Trio recalls their Pokémon, she glares at the trainer opposite her. "Mark my words, we will battle again!"
While she watches as confusion works itself onto Misty's features, she vebally backtracks.
"I-I mean," She waves at Marill as she puts a hand to her cheek. "What a beautiful Marill and I can't wait to see if I'll get to battle it again." A pause. "Okay, bye!"
And the magenta-haired woman storms off to find out where James and Meowth had stolen away to.
"Hmm." Misty murmurs. "I can't help feeling that I will."
"Yamask is unable to battle!" The judge announces as he sweeps the red flag at the Hydreigon and her trainer. "Hydreigon is the victor!"
"Knocking 'em out one by one!" The Brutal Pokémon's trainer exclaims proudly as the dual Dragon- and Dark-Type Pokémon releases a subdued reflection of her own Dragon Breath. The attack startles a nearby Tranquill.
After Hydreigon and her trainer defeated Cilan and his Pansage, they went on to demolish the teams comprised of Emboar and his trainer and Samurott and his trainer. And while defeating the final evolutions of Tepig and Oshawott was a hair-raising experience, using Dragon Breath to defeat James' Spirit Pokémon was a simple matter of attacking.
"Yamask, time to rest." James states in defeat as he returns his fainted Pokémon.
"Hey!" Hydreigon's trainer calls across the battlefield. Her triumphant smirks fades to an amused smile. "That Yamask of yours has some great potential. Keep training it, and it might even be able to knock out my Hydreigon!"
And perhaps procure a certain Electric-Type Pokémon as well! James thinks before he thanks the female for the sentiment before scurrying off to find Jessie and Meowth. And devise a plan for tracking down Victini and the Pokémon's eventual capture by Team Rocket!
"A familiar recipe, no doubt about it." Cilan remarks as he leans against one of the many ledges littered throughout Eindoak Town.
"Why am I not surprised that two of the last three competitors would turn out to be Ash and Misty?" Iris moans, still a bit sore from her defeat (or rather, disqualification) of the battle she had previously.
"Never underestimate Pikachu's power and spirit!" Ash says with an arrogant grin as he scratches at his nose with his left forefinger.
"Or a Water-Type like Marill's abilities and raw determination!" Misty retorts as she and her boyfriend stare each other down. Fire blazes uproariously in their eyes as their Pokémon are taut and ready to battle.
Iris sighs. "These two are such little kids."
"Their determination and the talent their Pokémon possess is truly remarkable." Cilan states as he gives Pikachu a considering look. "Pikachu's battling style, an array of electric attacks, lead to an explosion of color and taste no matter who his opponent should happen to be. Even if it happens to be a Ground-Type." He turns to look at Marill. "And while Marill has the slightest pungent aroma of a Pokémon who hasn't battled often, it is obvious that she has been trained well and could go up against any opponent with gusto even if it happens to be an Electric-Type.."
"Only the best for Water-Types." Misty states confidently as she crosses her arms. "And after all, type advantages don't decide the battle."
"Still, Pikachu's Electric-Type moves are no match for a Water-Type like Marill!" Ash jeers.
"Oh yeah Ketchum?!"
"Yeah Waterflower!"
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"Little kids." Iris states with an unamused roll of her eyes as electricity crackles in the space between the eyes of Ash and Misty.
"Time to get this battle started!" Misty declares.
"I couldn't agree with you more!" Ash shouts.
However, before either trainer could call out an attack, a certain Pokémon decided to emerge on the scene.
"Psyduck!" Misty exclaims in exasperation.
She sighs as the Duck Pokémon stands next to the Aqua Mouse Pokémon.
"Miss," The judge begins. "there can be no substitutions during the competition." He gives her a level stare. "Decide which Pokémon you'll use quickly or I'll be forced to disqualify you."
"No need for that." Misty says with a nervous laugh as she waves him off. She looks between her two Pokémon and makes her decision. "Okay Psyduck, you win."
Already regretting her decision, Misty sighs as Marill runs over to stand with Cilan, Iris, and their Pokémon.
"Misty, are you sure about this?" Ash asks as he scratches his head.
Said female gives him a dirty glare. "Of course I'm sure!" She looks determinedly at Psyduck. "Okay Psyduck, let's show him!:
Psyduck merely holds his head as he stares blankly at his trainer.
"This battle has some interesting ingredients." Cilan comments.
"Interesting is right." Iris adds.
"Good Luck to both of you!" The saleswoman calls as she cups her hands around her mouth as Golurk stand nearby. She crosses a leg over the other as she sits in anticipation of one of the final battles of the competition.
"Hm." Ash hums as he stares his girlfriend and her Pokémon down. He grins as he seems to have reached a decision. "Okay Pikachu, I think I'm gonna use Tepig for this battle."
"Tepig!" Iris exclaims.
"Don't tell me you're taking it easy on me Ash!" Misty questions indignantly as Pikachu runs over to Marill as the Fire Pig Pokémon gets released.
"Wouldn't think of it Misty." Ash states with nothing but sincerity.
Misty stares at her boyfriend with narrow eyes, unconvinced. "Okay."
"Okay Tepig, let's give it our all!"
"Psyduck, use Water Gun!"
"Tepig, use Ember!"
Tepig's tail glows white as he unleashes a stream of fire at his opponent as Psyduck remains motionless. His only movement comes when he is pushed back by the attack.
"Not very effective, but…" Cilan begins, but trails off.
"Against a Pokémon like Psyduck, I'm not sure it matters." Iris finishes.
"Tackle, let's go!"
"Use Water Gun!"
As Tepig charges at the Duck Pokémon, the Water-Type again stands in place before unleashing a small spiral of water from his mouth. And while the attack inflicts effective damage upon the Fire Pig Pokémon, Tepig's attack sends Psyduck flailing past Misty and into the saleswoman's stand, knocking a majority of the goods off of it.
"Oh my word!" The saleswoman exclaims.
"Psyduck!"
As the saleswoman begins to pick up the debris knocked from her stand, she watches as a seemingly changed Psyduck runs past her and back into the battle. The Hydreigon's trainer, in helping clean up the debris, watches the same event unfold.
"Psyduck, are you okay?" Misty asks, surprised. She's never seen Psyduck run with so much vigor.
"Psyduck!" ("I'm feeling great!") The Duck Pokémon exclaims before releasing a powerful blast of water into the air.
"Did you see…?" Iris starts.
"Indeed." Cilan responds. "This should give their battle quite the surprising taste."
"Okay Psyduck, use Water Gun!" Misty commands confidently. "Show 'em what you're made of!"
Staring his opponent down, Psyduck closes his eyes before he unleashes a powerful torrent of water at the Fire Pig Pokémon. As Tepig is consumed by the blast, he flails around inside of it before it eventually peters out. The attack leaves him passed out on the ground, thoroughly unable to battle.
"Whoa." Ash says eloquently.
"Tepig's...unable to battle?" The judge states uncertainly, clearly perplexed by the turn of events as the rest of those present. "Psyduck wins!"
"Psyduck, you did it." Misty says, unable to believe it before she grins and gives her Duck Pokémon a hug. "You did it!"
"An interesting flavor if I do say so myself." Cilan muses as they crowd around the former Cerulean City Gym Leader. "Simply delicious!"
"That Water Gun was incredible!" Iris remarks.
"It certainly was." Ash adds after he handed over the competition necklace.
"Just goes to show you that Psyduck's always good for an unexpected win!" Misty exclaims.
"I wonder who the last competitor is." Ash ponders before taking a swaff of the water fountain in front of him.
"My guess, it would probably be the trainer with the Hydreigon I saw earlier." Iris says as she watches Axew play with Pikachu, Scraggy, and Marill.
"That battle left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth." Cilan states with a sigh.
"Whoever it is, I'm ready!" Misty says.
"Glad to hear it." A new voice interjects.
Turning, the four Pokémon Trainers see a girl roughly their age approach them. Trailing behind her is her Hydreigon.
Iris takes a breath before exhaling in it awed wonder. "The Hydreigon!" She practically squeals. "Isn't it the coolest Dragon-Type you've ever seen?!"
Cilan and Pikachu share a glance.
"So, what Pokémon will you be using?" Hydreigon's trainer asks, shooting the question pointedly at Misty.
"Marill of course." The orange-haired teen replies without missing a beat.
Said Aqua Mouse Pokémon stands in front of her trainer as the four of them get into battling position and Ash shuts off the water fountain to join Pikachu, Cilan, Iris, and their Pokémon beneath the shade of a tree.
"Show up the strength of your Water-Type Pokémon Misty!" Ash cheers as Pikachu adds his own.
"I will!" Misty calls back with a wink before turning her attention to the battle.
"Use Water Gun!"
"Use Dragon Breath!"
As the two Pokémon ready their attacks, the Water- and Dragon-Type moves collide. However, Marill's Water Gun only manages to delay Hydreigon's Dragon Breath as the move hits Marill and sends her flying into the nearby trees.
"Marill!" Misty calls, worried.
It seems her worry would be for naught as the Aqua Mouse Pokémon runs back into the fray with almost the same vigor as Psyduck had done previously.
"Marill?" Misty repeats, uncertainly.
"Marill!" ("I'm fine!") The Aqua Mouse Pokémon exclaims exuberantly, accidently releasing a slight spiral of water from her mouth.
Misty nods before staring determinedly at their opponent. "Okay Marill, use Bubble Beam!"
Almost as if she took lessons from Psyduck, Marill closes her eyes before she opens them. She takes a deep breath before exhaling it along with a flurry of bigger than normal spheres of water.
The Bubble Beam attack makes its mark as the Hydreigon takes the full brunt of the attack before teetering for a moment and falling unconscious.
"Hydreigon is unable to battle!" The judge announces after a moment's pause. He points his red flag at Marill. "Marill wins!"
"Okay?" Misty murmurs as her Pokémon seems just as confused as she is before they run to each other. Misty gives her Pokémon a hug as she congratulates her on a battle well fought.
"Have a good rest." Hydreigon's trainer says, returning the aforementioned Pokémon as she berefts herself of her competition necklace, thus silently declaring Misty as the unanimous winner of the Eindoak Town Battle Competition. "Here." She says as she hands it over to the judge.
The judge gives a polite nod. "Thank you."
He runs off with the intent of informing the mayor of the battle competition's results.
"Quite a powerful Marill you have there." Hydreigon's trainer states as she walks over to Ash and his friends.
"Thank you." Misty says with a scratch of her neck before she looks at her Pokémon. "Out of my Pokémon, she's one of them I train the most."
"I can see that." Hydreigon's trainer says with a smile before her features severe. "However, the burst of power experienced by your Marill and Psyduck were not their own."
"Not their own?" Iris echoes.
"What do you mean by that?" Ash questions.
"An undoubtedly peculiar flavor." Cilan adds.
"Those bursts of power were the result of the legendary Pokémon known as Victini." Hydreigon's trainer informs.
"Victini?!" Ash and Cilan exclaim in unison.
Iris digs around in her sleeve before bringing out the wood carving she received earlier.
"Do you mean this?" She asks. "It didn't do anything, really!"
Hydreigon's trainer chuckles. "While that bears Victini's likeness, I'm referring to the one floating around here."
"Floating around here?!" Misty exclaims.
"Where is it?!" Iris asks as the four teens look around sporadically.
"I want to see Victini!" Ash proclaims.
Hydreigon's trainer chuckles as she puts a hand to her mouth. "While Victini is around here, I think you'll find that hard to do given their ability to turn invisible."
"Invisible?" Ash repeats as Pikachu jumps upon his trainer's shoulder. A moment passes before it hits him: why his macarons were disappearing and how he had felt he had run into something but nothing was there.
"Victini must've been the one who ate my macarons!" Ash states in his realization. "And the one I ran into earlier!"
This elicits a surprised gasp Hydreigon's trainer. "You ran into Victini?!"
Ash chuckles awkwardly. "It was an accident!" He holds his hands up in surrender. His eyes widen as he realizes something else. "Victini must've been the one who helped guide me out of the cave!" He looks around. "And the one who helped save me when I was saving those Deerling!"
Walking over to a nearby tree in the general vicinity of where Marill had been during her battle with Hydreigon, Ash puts a hand against it as he looked around.
"Hey Victini!" He called. "Thanks for saving me earlier!"
The trees seem to be quiet until a sound like laughter reverberates around them.
"Is that you Victini?!" Ash asks. He moves deeper into the thicket of trees as Cilan slams his fist into the palm of another as an idea strikes him. "If it is, come out and say hello!"
"I believe I know just how to see if Victini really is here!" Cilan declares as he runs over to rejoin his friends. In his hands is the half-empty container of macarons.
"Yeah, Victini seemed to enjoy them." Misty adds.
"Victini did steal two from me earlier." Ash says as returns from the thicket and takes a macaron upon Cilan's opening of the container.
Holding an orange macaron and stepping away from the thicket, he calls once more. "Hey Victini! We've got more macarons!"
Lifting it higher into the air, Ash - along with the rest of those gathered - watch as the macaron is removed from the aspiring Pokémon Master's hand and seems to be levitating. It floats in place for a moment before whatever seems to have caught it takes it up higher into the air.
The macaron slowly disappears as the creature who took it begins to eat it.
Ash takes another macaron before throwing the yellow confection into the air around where the first macaron was. It too begins to dematerialize as whoever has it begins to descend to the ground before landing on a see-saw. The macaron disappears as the culprit appears.
"Victini!" Hydreigon's trainer exclaims. "I knew it!"
"It's so cute!" Iris remarks.
"Looks like it does exist after all." Cilan adds as Ash takes another macaron.
With a pink one in hand, he walks over to the see-saw to offer it to the Victory Pokémon. Said Pokémon appears a few inches from Ash's face.
"Want it?" Ash inquires simply as he offers it.
It seems Victini becomes startled though if its disappearance is any indication.
"Hmm." Ash mutters in disappointment before bring the macaron closer to himself. "Well, if you won't eat, I guess I'll have to!"
Right before Ash can take a bite though, Victini reappears in front of him.
"Just kidding!" Ash says with a wink to a panicking Victini.
Wordlessly, Ash hands it to the Victory Pokémon. He nods his head as Pikachu informs Victini that it's okay.
Hesitatingly at first, Victini grabs the treat with its hands before floating away and devouring it happily.
"To think, all it took for Victini to appear was a macaron." Hydreigon's trainer muses.
That strikes a chord within Cilan as he gives her the most fleeting of glares before holding the container of said culinary delights in the air. "Not just any macaron, macarons made by a Pokémon Connoisseur with a refined taste and an eye for excellence!"
Iris sighs.
Victini seems to agree if the faint salmon on its face along with its joyous dance is any specification.
"So, was it good?" Ash asks as Victini comes closer to float in front of his face.
The Victory Pokémon floats away as it chirps happily.
"Why of course, I did make them!" Cilan states proudly.
Victini holds its right hand up as it extends two fingers up for victory.
"Hey, that's my thing!" Ash exclaims without heat. "My name's Ash and this is Pikachu!"
"And mine's Iris!" The Dragon Master-in-training states as Cilan repeats the line only substituting his name.
"They call me Carlita!" Hydreigon's trainer states as Misty introduces herself and Marill.
Scraggy introduces himself as well with a proud pulling of his "pants".
"Victini, did Psyduck and Marill really get stronger thanks to you?" Misty asks.
Victini nods its head twice happily before its expression changes to surprise as Ash grabs it suddenly.
"You're incredible!" Ash exclaims as he runs around aimlessly, readjusting the see-saw's orientation in the process.. "Thanks for helping me back with the Deerling and with navigating through the cave earlier!"
He laughs as he jumps around whilst twirling Victini in the air. An action that Victini is not fond of if the water gathering in its eyes is any indication.
"Pikapi?"
Victini tries to struggle out of Ash's grip as it begins to cry.
Lowering it, Ash steadies Victini. "Victini, what's wrong?"
"Poor thing." Iris says softly as she runs over along with the rest of those present. She glares at Ash. "You made Victini cry!"
"Me?!" Ash exclaims incredulously.
"Well, it was fine before you touched it Ketchum!"
"Not you too Misty!"
"You were playing just a little too rough." Carlita adds.
Victini wriggles itself out of Ash's grasp before floating away and disappearing.
"I'm sorry Victini!" Ash apologizes. "Really!"
Pikachu jumps off of Ash's shoulder to Cilan. He grabs a white macaron from the container before jumping off of Cilan and walking away from the teens. He holds the macaron up high as he tries to recall the Victory Pokémon.
It would seem Marill, Axew, and Scraggy have the same idea as they run over to Pikachu as the former two wriggle out of their trainer's grasp. The effort seems to be successful as Victini reappears to scoop up the macaron.
"Seems Pikachu's better as interacting with Victini than you are Ash." Iris remarks with a sly smirk.
"I was interacting with it just fine!" Ash declares defensively as Victini chats happily with Pikachu, Marill, Axew, and Scraggy.
"I think Victini would disagree." Misty says.
A minute passes by of Victini talking with Pikachu before the former floats over to Ash with an expression akin to concern.
"I'm sorry Victini." Ash says as he smiles at the Victory Pokémon.
The aforementioned Pokémon seems to accept the apology as it gets atop of Ash's hat.
"It's so amazing that Victini showed up." Carlita muses next to Misty, Cilan, and Iris as Ash, Victini, and their Pokémon run ahead of them as they walk through the streets of Eindoak Town. All the while they are unaware of a trio of troublemakers lurking around within the shadows. "A true wonder."
"It's like an exotic and rare ingredient." Cilan adds.
Iris hums in joyous amusement before running ahead and twirling. "It makes me feel really, really happy!"
"It isn't everyday that you run into a legendary Pokémon." Carlita remarks.
Misty pauses at such a statement. While it would hardly be classified as everyday, nor could she really provide a counterargument given how it's been several years since she herself had seen a legendary Pokémon in the flesh, she disagrees.
Stay around Ash for a while and you'll find yourself running into legendary Pokémon more often than you'd think.
Such occasions include their meeting and reunion with Mewtwo, the fight between the legendary birds of Kanto and the mythical beast known as Lugia, along with assorted events sprinkled throughout the beginning of Ash's journey.
Misty smiles ruefully, thinking of how boring it's really been without Ash and Pikachu to liven up her days.
Walking pass a corridor, Misty is broken out of her reverie when she feels a cold chill run down her spine. Looking behind her though, she finds that nothing is there.
"She's not the only one who's really happy." Jessie says as she peers around the corridor that the twerp and his friends passed by as Meowth stands below her. James stands across from them in the same corridor. They turn away from watching the twerps go as they hurdle together.
"It's a once in a lifetime shot!" Meowth exclaims.
"A powerful Victory Pokémon!" James adds. "Now, if Victini were ours…"
"Imagine all that power in us!" Jessie finishes.
"The twerps and Team Plasma wouldn't stand a chance!" Meowth proclaims.
"And with a new bottle cap in my collection," James begins as he throws said item in the air before catching it and hooking it between his forefinger and thumb. "there's no way we can lose!"
Jessie and Meowth remain silent as a gleam shine in James' eyes.
The three peer around the corner once more.
"Now," Jessie begins. "Time to follow the twerps to see how we can get our hands on such a premium Pokémon!"
"For Team Rocket!"
Cilan runs along a dirt path with Carlia next to him as Iris and Misty run ahead with Ash bringing up the front as Victini floats above Pikachu, Marill, Scraggy, and Axew ahead of him. As Victini flies without a care in the world, it pauses upon seeing something that fills it with dread.
A tall, obsidian-purplish structure that becomes thinner the higher it goes. At the very top is a flock of Pidove that seems to be even bigger than the flock spotted earlier.
"Victini!" Ash exclaims as he catches up and takes the Victory Pokémon by its left hand. "Let's go check it out! C'mon on!"
Pulling Victini along, a force prevents the Victory Pokémon from continuing further as their hands disconnect. Looking back, Ash watches in surprise as Victini is thrown back.
Crouching its body together, Victini's entire body glows a pale red. Victini's body is surrounded in a teardrop of crimson flame. A round yellow fire also surrounds it.
"Victini?" Ash asks as they all pause. "What's wrong?"
Victini doesn't answer as it fires the flame from its body in the direction of Ash as it spins in the process.
"Ash!" Misty shouts as she and Ash watch the blast get precariously close to the raven-haired trainer.
Instead of connecting and possibly causing Ash some mild fire damage, it collides with a solid wall. As it does, the nearby structure glows purple as it seems the entirety of Eindoak Town (at least that which is in close proximity to the Sword of The Vale) is surrounded in the strange, mystical purple energy.
"What is that?" Ash murmurs as he watches the structure, previously a peculiar purple, fade to a dull black. He returns his gaze to a frightened and unsure Victini. The Victory Pokémon hugs itself as if to keep warm and give itself some security as its eyes are shut.
"Victini, what happened?!" Ash demands in concern as he rushes to the Psychic- and Fire-Type only for it to fly away. The raven-haired Pokémon Master-in-training stumbles as he watches the Victory Pokémon go before it eventually turns invisible.
Ash runs to rejoin the other teens as the Pokémon surround his feet. "Victini, wait!"
Pikachu's ears flatten as he expresses his own discontent at the Victory Pokémon desertion.
Ash sighs as his eyebrows crease with worry. "Aw, Victini…"
"I wonder what happened." Iris murmurs.
"Clearly whatever happened left an undesirable taste in Victini's mouth." Cilan adds.
"Whatever the case may be," Carlita commences before she turns to the other teens and their Pokémon. "maybe my mother can shed some light on it."
The five Pokémon Trainers and their Pokémon walk along the dirt path, each troubled by what recently occurred in their own way and in various stages of distress. But none felt more affected than Ash Ketchum and Pikachu as they both keep their eyes on the ground as they wordlessly walk behind their friends.
Author's Notes: Happy New Year! I wish all of you a happy and productive 2016 and that it is a vast improvement over 2015!
Anyway, here's the first part of the first movie of the Best Wishes! Saga. At first curious as to where to put it in the story, I decided that the best place for it would be before Excadrill listens to Iris. I would upload the movie as one chapter but A) the rest isn't written and B) the story so far is already upwards of ten thousand words. So, as I finish up the rest of the movie, enjoy this first chapter! And lastly, I can think of no better way to ring in the new year.
Originally Added: January 1st, 2016.