I don't own Pokemon or it's characters, but I own Denise and my other OCs
Enjoy!
Pokemon: Friends to the End
Chapter 96: Losing It's Lustrous!
At the Celestic Town Pokemon Center...
Brock and Dawn were preparing to head out.
"All set, ready to move out."Brock stated.
"Happiny."Happiny giggled.
"Then I'll go get Ash and Dennie."Dawn suggested.
"Piplup."Piplup chirped.
"Ambi!"Ambipom chuckled.
Outside...
Ash was perfecting a technique to counter Fantina's Hypnosis based on Dawn's Contest Battle the previous day while Denise and Luxio watched.
Pikachu did a spin while using Thunderbolt to make a big electric shield.
"Would you look at that."Denise chuckled.
"Luxio..."Luxio said quietly.
"Awesome! You're looking great, Pikachu!"Ash remarked. "Just make it a little bit stronger!"
Staravia, Chimchar, Gliscor, Turtwig and Buizel responded in agreement.
Then Dawn, Piplup and Ambipom rushed up to the group.
"Hey, Ash! Dennie!"Dawn called out. "We're leaving now!"
"Hey Dawn, could you wait a little longer?"Ash asked. "I think I may be onto something."
"Really?"Dawn said. "You found a counter for Fantina's sleep move?"
"That's right, sis."Denise agreed. "Your contest battle from yesterday really inspired him."
"It gave me some good ideas too."Ash admitted. "The key is to use an attack that causes damage and also blocks your opponent's attacks."
"You mean like Ambipom's Double Hit?"Dawn suggested.
Brock walked forward holding Happiny.
"But Ash, haven't you used an attack skill for defence sometime in the past?"Brock asked.
Ash nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, but Fantina's sleep moves are a whole different ball game."Ash commented. "Ghost Type Pokemon move and attack in a really tricky way and it's hard to get a grip on."
"Totally."Denise responded as she folded her arms. "Not to mention Fantina's pokemon skills were remarkable as well since she is a top coordinator too. It wasn't anything I have seen before."
Luxio was silent as he remembered Fantina's Duskull gave him a hard time during the battle.
"But what's important Dennie, is to block and defend at the same time."Ash instructed and bend down to stoke Ambipom's head. "I'll tell you, Ambipom. You showed me a lot yesterday."
"Ambipom."Ambipom chuckled with a grin.
"But I would think a technique like that would be Ambipom's skill since Ambipom got two tails."Brock admitted.
"That's what we will work on."Ash assured and looked at Buizel. "Buizel, let's show them what you got."
Buizel nodded before he rushed forward to do a big spin in the air.
"That's the spin from the Oreburgh Gym."Dawn stated with a smile.
Piplup nodded. "Plup."
"Alright, Aqua Jet!"Ash ordered.
Buizel used Aqua Jet using Aqua Jet to release water around himself before landing back on the ground.
"Whoa."Denise responded proudly.
"By putting an attack and defence at the same time that way we will be able to defeat those ghost type pokemon's sleep moves and cause a little damage while we're at it."Ash explained.
Dawn placed her hands together.
"Then that means our little spin has evolved all the way up to an awesome powerful attack."Dawn said excitedly.
"Piplup."Piplup responded.
Luxio nodded. "Luxio."
"Of course, I want a really master this move."Ash said and looked at his other pokemon. "So what do you say we get this right?"
Pikachu, Staravia, Chimchar, Gliscor and Turtwig cheered in agreement.
Inside the Pokemon Center...
Since Ash needed more time to prepare, Brock waited in the lobby.
"Hm, looks like we'll have to wait around here until they're done training."Brock said.
Happiny raises the bag causing the items inside to fall down.
"Happiny, you scared me."Brock commented.
As Brock tries to get the things back into his bag, he hears there was an attempt to steal the Adamant Orb.
"We now have more information of this morning's theft of the Adamant Orb."Rhonda admitted.
"Adamant Orb?"Brock repeated.
"Fortunately, the transport ship has made a successful emergency landing and it appears that nobody was hurt."Rhonda stated.
Ash, Dawn and Denise came in.
"Brock, did something happen?"Ash asked.
"We have just received a report of Officer Jenny, who was actually on the transport at the time of the incident, stating that the organization of the theft was called Team Galactic."Rhonda admitted.
"Team Galactic?"Ash said.
"Of course."Denise retorted with a frown. "They're the group who tried to steal the meteorites in Veilstone City."
"They are reported to be a secret organization with operations throughout the Sinnoh region."Rhonda commented."They are also believed to have some connection to the recent theft of the meteorite in Veilstone City. However, their junctures remain to be unclear. At the time of the theft, the legendary Adamant Orb was in the process of being transported from the Eterna City Museum and heading towards the Celestic Historical Research Center."
The TV screen showed the meteorites in Veilstone City and then Celestic Town's History Center.
"The Research Center is currently conducting on the research of the Adamant Orb's counterpart, the Lustrous Orb and had tighten it's security, aware of the recent criminal incident."Rhonda reported. "The Adamant Orb was en route, so that both objects could be researched together. Now however, it is widely expected that the morning's incident will seriously impede the progress on the research."
Then Nurse Joy walked forward.
"This is quite a serious situation and the Champion is scheduled to return soon."Nurse Joy stated.
This sentence surprised Ash, Dawn and Denise.
"Are you talking about Cynthia?"Ash asked.
"Cynthia is coming to Celestic Town?"Dawn said.
"Yes in the Historical Research Center."Nurse Joy replied with a smile. "Celestic Town is where she is from and Cynthia's grandmother is in charge of everything that goes on at the Research Center."
"If she's here, then we should go and say hi."Ash suggested.
Dawn nodded. "Yeah."
"That's an awesome idea."Denise admitted kindly.
Brock begins to hit on Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy can't you see your my Lustrous Orb?"Brock flirted. "I would do anything in my power to protect you!"
Denise sweat dropped while Ash and Dawn had sheepish smiles on their faces.
"I can't never understand Brock's misguided romantic attempts."Denise muttered.
"Who would Dennie?"Ash asked.
Luxio notice Croagunk staring out the window causing the three trainers and Brock to notice as well.
"That is weird."Ash said.
"Pika."Pikachu whispered.
"What's with Croagunk?"Dawn asked.
"No idea."Denise answered.
"Luxio."Luxio responded.
Afterwards...
The heroes visit the research center and saw lots of police officers around.
"Wow, it's gigantic."Ash commented.
"That's the Historical Research Center."Brock stated. "The Celestic Ruins are directly behind it."
"That's where they discovered the Lustrous Orb."Dawn complemented.
"I heard those ruins mention information about some legendary pokemon in Sinnoh."Denise admitted.
Cynthia and her grandmother Professor Carolina notice the four heroes.
"Hey, it's Ash and friends."Cynthia said.
"Hi there, Cynthia!"Ash called out.
"It's been a while!"Dawn remarked.
"Wow!"Brock said as he rushed up to Cynthia. "Too long to see the Champion!"
"It's nice to see all of you."Cynthia replied gently.
"Who are these children?"Professor Carolina questioned.
"They're the ones that I keep telling you about, remember?"Cynthia said. "They're the children who love to challenge everything."
"Oh, the rebellious ways of impetuous youth."Professor Carolina commented.
"Allow me to introduce grandmother."Cynthia suggested. "Her name is Carolina and she's in charge of the research center."
"Wow, it's a pleasure to meet you."Ash stated. "A real honour."
"Nice to meet you."Brock, Dawn and Denise said in unison.
"Pika pika."Pikachu remarked.
"Piplup."Piplup chirped.
"Luxio."Luxio chuckled.
"Thank you."Professor Carolina replied. "The pleasure is all mine. I've heard so much about you. "Cynthia was just speaking recently about all of your rivals, Ash, Denise."
"What ended up happening with Paul?"Cynthia asked.
Ash frowned while Denise simply huffed.
"We had a battle before, but you know..."Ash started.
"I would then venture to guess that you two still can't beat my granddaughter either?"Professor Carolina complemented with a smile.
Ash looked down a little.
"Actually neither of us have battled your granddaughter yet, Mrs Carolina."Denise replied.
"Grandmother, stop that."Cynthia requested gently.
Professor Carolina snickered a little.
"The thing is since we last saw you, we've been training like crazy and we made a bunch of new friends."Ash stated.
"Pikachu!"Pikachu agreed.
"You know I like your spunks, you two."Professor Carolina commented. "At least they can't take that away from the two of you, can they?"
Denise blushed a little and looked down shyly while Luxio chuckled lightly.
"So how about we have a battle now, Cynthia?"Ash suggested.
"Hey, Ash."Denise said with a frown. "We both still have to get all eight badges and defeat the Elite Four to battle her, remember? Right now, your working on getting your fifth gym badge."
"That's alright."Cynthia agreed with a smile. "Now's not such a good time anyway."
Dawn looked at Brock.
"Grandmother really doesn't mince words, does she?"Dawn asked.
Brock smiled in respond.
Suddenly an amused laughter was heard and the group saw a man with spiky bright blue hair walking forward.
"See that's just Carolina's way of saying hi."the man said.
"Land there are a lot of visitors today and here's one with a big mouth and blue hair."Professor Carolina joked.
Cynthia took a few steps forward.
"Oh my, you must be the world famous mogul of Sinnoh's industrial complex, Cyrus."Cynthia responded.
"It's indeed an honor to make the acquaintance of a true champion."Cyrus admitted with a bow.
Cynthia looked at Brock, Dawn, Ash and Denise.
"You see, Cyrus is responsible for building and library construction throughout Sinnoh."Cynthia explained.
"Mark my words; Cyrus is quite a big deal around these parts."Professor Carolina commented.
"Now stop that."Cyrus said with a smile. "You're all very kind. But at this point I'd rather be thought of as an amateur history scholar if you don't mind."
"Did your concern about the Lustrous Orb bring you?"Professor Carolina asked.
"Exactly."Cyrus agreed. "When I heard about the Adamant Orb theft, I felt like I had to do something."
"I know just how you feel!"Brock admitted lovingly.
Ash, Denise and Dawn slumped down with sweat-drops on their heads as they watched Brock flirt with Cynthia.
"I must protect the Lustrous Orb and this lovely champion!"Brock flirted.
Ash, Denise and Dawn groaned in disapproval.
"Croagunk? That's twice now..."Brock stated.
The four heroes notice Croagunk standing next to a police car.
"Wonder what's up with Croagunk?"Ash asked.
"No doubt there's something on his mind."Dawn replied.
"Too bad his not doing his job."Denise said with a shrug.
Afterwards...
The group came into the research center and walked into the main hall.
Denise notice an old portrait containing Dialga, Palkia and another legendary pokemon between them.
The dark legendary pokemon looked like it was in a serpentine look causing Denise to feel uncomfortable and make her go back to her companions and the three adults.
"Lux?"Luxio asked.
"Nothing, Luxio."Denise assured softly. "I'm fine."
"See since ancient times, our town has had a deep connection with Dialga as well as Palkia and all through my extensive research of the town's history, I've acquired mountains of material as a result."Professor Carolina explained.
Professor Carolina led the group into a room filled with books, artefacts and other items.
The group walked up to a giant slab.
"Wow, what an impressive piece!"Dawn remarked and notice Mesprit in the giant slab. "Hey wait, that's it. Dennie, we saw that pokemon before isn't?"
"Your right."Denise agreed. "That's the pokemon we saw on the day we started our journey."
This caused Cyrus, Professor Carolina and Cynthia to become surprised.
"You have?"Professor Carolina asked.
Ash walked up to see the image of Azelf.
"Yeah, we've seen that one as well."Ash admitted.
"Pika."Pikachu agreed.
"Frankly I'm speechless!"Professor Carolina stated.
"Tell me where you saw them."Cynthia ordered.
"At Lake Verity."Dawn replied.
"The form was a bit hazy but we're sure that it looked just like that."Denise responded.
"We saw something over Lake Valor."Ash said.
"Pika pika."Pikachu answered.
"It was hazy just like Denise said, but I'm telling younthat is what we saw at the lake."Ash commented.
"I'm at a loss for words."Cynthia complemented. "There isn't a single example I can think of where people actually got a glimpse of Lake Guardians."
"So we saw Lake Guardians?"Ash asked.
"Yes. Dawn, Denise, the Lake Guardian you saw was most certainly the being of emotion, Mesprit."Cynthia explained. "Ash, you must've seen the being of willpower, Azelf. It's rumored that there is one more Lake Guardian, the being of knowledge, Uxie, who lives in Lake Acuity near Snowpoint City."
"Hey. That's the same legend we heard about from Zoey and May."Brock admitted.
"It's been said for countless generations that all three of those Lake Guardians live in Sinnoh Region lakes, but they've only existed in legend until now."Cynthia stated.
"One of the legends states that only the spirits of the Lake Guardians emerge from their lakes, so that they're able to watch over and protect human kind."Professor Carolina explained. "There's a distinct possibility that what you saw were those same spirits."
Ash, Dawn and Denise looked at each other.
"Spirits?"Ash, Dawn and Denise repeated in unison.
"Hold on a sec, what's the meaning of that thing in the middle?"Brock asked.
"Our research says that it's either the Adamant Orb or the Lustrous Orb."Cynthia responded.
"Professor, if they've seen Mesprit and Azelf, perhaps you should show them the Lustrous Orb?"Cyrus suggested. "Their reaction may be important to your research."
"An interesting idea, come with me."Professor Carolina instructed.
"Right."Brock, Ash, Dawn and Denise said in unison.
The four heroes and Cynthia followed Professor Carolina from behind.
Luxio followed Denise and narrowed his eyes when he saw a evil smirk growing on Cyrus face.
Denise looked at her twin sister.
"Dawn."Denise said.
"Yeah, Dennie?"Dawn asked.
"There is something off about Cyrus."Denise whispered. "My stomach is turning and I don't like it."
"What do you mean?"Dawn asked in confusion. "Cynthia and her grandmother seem to trust him."
"Well, I don't."Denise commented coldly.
The group met up with Officer Jenny and they started heading to the Lustrous Orb's location.
"I have bad news due to our heightened security, I'm afraid I can't let you stay very long."Officer Jenny explained.
"Yes, yes, of course we all know."Professor Carolina assured.
The group continued their way until they got to a vault where the Lustrous Orb was stored.
As they got to the vault, they met up with two officers that had a Meowth with them.
"Anything unusual to report?"Officer Jenny asked.
"No, officer."James replied. "Status all normal!"
"I'll go ahead and open the doors, but you two officers, I'd like you to keep a sharp eye out."Officer Jenny ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!"Jessie and James said in unison.
The two guards moved out of the way as Professor Carolina walked forward.
Professor Carolina used her ID card on the security scan causing the doors to slowly open and the barriers to move away revealing the Lustrous Orb.
Everyone stared at the Lustrous Orb in amazement.
"Amazing how it even has a strange glow."Dawn commented.
"Ah, its beauty is timeless."Cyrus remarked.
The group went inside the small room as Ash, Dawn and Denise looked at the Lustrous Orb.
"Tell us what you feel."Cyrus suggested. "Anything come to mind?"
Ash, Dawn and Denise looked at the Lustrous Orb, but neither of them didn't feel anything.
"Nope."Ash replied. "I don't feel anything."
"Me neither."Dawn said.
"Same with me."Denise added.
This caused Cyrus to become angry.
"Impossible!"Cyrus snapped in rage. "You're just not looking at it carefully enough!"
Luxio growled angrily and glared at Cyrus.
"Luxio, calm down."Denise instructed and stroked Luxio's mane. "It's alright."
"Now now Cyrus, no reason to be upset."Professor Carolina reminded. "Remember they're only looking at it for the first time."
"Oh right sorry, but when I'm standing in front of this treasure, it's so hard for me to try and be calm."Cyrus responded. "You see the Lustrous Orb is supposed to be directly connected to the Dawn of Time."
"You study all that stuff, don't you?"Ash asked.
"Cyrus has recently taken up the investigation of many myths that relate to the beginnings of time and our world."Professor Carolina answered.
"Cynthia, aren't you doing that as well?"Brock asked.
"Yes."Cynthia replied with a nod. "All to find where our world of people and pokemon began."
"Yes!"Cyrus shouted with a smirk. "You see, the Sinnoh Region is said to have originated with Mount Coronet, just try imagining the beginning of the world, a time of no war, a brand new paradise of peace."
"There you go again, Cyrus."Professor Carolina remarked. "Our Cyrus is a real peace-nik through and through."
Cyrus chuckled before an insane smile grew on his face.
"Of course, the wars I'm talking about are different from pokemon battles."Cyrus admitted smugly.
This caused Ash, Dawn and Denise to become curious.
"As pokemon trainers, you three owe it to yourselves to know the difference between battles and wars, you should never, ever forget that especially since you've actually met two of the Lake Guardians, Mesprit and Azelf."Cyrus commented and a dark smile grew on his face. "Now give thanks for miracles."
A concerned look grew on Denise's face.
There was definitely something wrong with this guy.
"Miracles?"Ash said.
"I don't get why they went and chose us."Dawn replied.
"If you don't, I'd like to hear more about what happened at those lakes."Cyrus requested.
"To be honest, nothing else happened."Denise responded. "When me and my sister saw Mesprit in Lake Valor, it just simply vanished."
"Same with me and Pikachu."Ash agreed. "We saw Azelf for a moment and then it was gone."
Suddenly a loud explosion rang out and shook the place, startling everyone except Cyrus, who had a evil grin on his face.
The group quickly left the room when the shaking stopped.
Denise looked at Luxio.
"You okay, Luxio?"Denise asked.
Luxio nodded. "Luxio."
"There's been an explosion at the ruins!"An officer shouted at the PA System. "The entire area is overrun with Golbat!"
"Did he say Golbat?"Officer Jenny asked.
"An explosion at the ruins?"Professor Carolina questioned.
"It's just gotta be Team Galactic!"Ash scowled.
"Pika."Pikachu replied.
"Squads Three and Five, blockade the ruins now!"Offier Jenny ordered in her walkie talkie. "Squad Four, make sure you cover Area B at once! Squad Six, you cover Area C and get on it immediately! Now go!"
Professor Carolina tried to use her fingerprint analyser to close the room but the machine refused her order.
"Carolina, what happened?"Ash asked.
"Now that's odd, the doors don't seem to want to close!"Professor Carolina answered.
"What did you say?"Officer Jenny asked and listened to the officer on her small radio device.
"The research facility's security system has been taken over!"the officer protested. "We've completely lost control!"
"And that means we won't be able to protect the Lustrous Orb!"Officer Jenny growled.
"Then we have to move it somewhere else now!"Cynthia stated.
"We'll all help protect the orb!"Ash requested.
"We're lucky you all are here to help just like we were lucky in Veilstone City."Officer Jenny said and looked at the four heroes. "So are you ready to go?"
"Yes, ma'am!"Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock said in unison.
Officer Jenny looked at Jessie and James.
"And what about?"Officer Jenny questioned.
"Yes ma'am!"Jessie and James answered and saluted.
Jessie and James placed the Lustrous Orb onto the wheeled cart and ran for an exit with the group following from behind.
Suddenly Croagunk came out from his pokeball.
"Croagunk, what are you doing out of your pokeball?"Brock asked.
Croagunk ignored the breeder and started walking away.
"You guys go on ahead."Brock suggested.
"Alright."Officer Jenny replied and looked at the two guards. "Let's go!"
The group continued heading to the exit while Brock followed after Croagunk.
However when they arrived in the main hall, they came face to face with Saturn, a few Team Galactic grunts and a group of Golbats with a Bronzor.
"Team Galactic!"Ash growled.
"How about handing over that Lustrous Orb now?"Commander Saturn asked with a evil smile.
"I get it!"Cynthia admitted. "Destroying the ruins was nothing more than a diversionary tactic to weaken our defences!"
"Perhaps you should concern yourself with what's happening now."Commander Saturn complemented. "The truth is, Bronzor's put all of the security forces outside this facility to sleep and right about now, Toxicroak should be taking good care of everyone on the inside. You are now witnessing what is merely a small part of Team Galactic's brilliant plan."
"I don't think so!"Ash snapped. "We're not giving you the Lustrous Orb!"
"Never!"Dawn and Denise said in unison.
Pikachu, Piplup and Luxio rushed forward, ready to fight.
"Wow."Professor Carolina remarked with a smile. "Such brave children and pokemon."
"Alright then Bronzor, Hypnosis!"Saturn ordered.
Bronzor began glowing in a red aura.
"Pikachu, here it comes!"Ash warned.
"Pika!"Pikachu responded.
"Heads up, Piplup!"Dawn warned.
"Same with you, Luxio!"Denise instructed.
"Piplup!"Piplup chirped.
"Lux!"Luxio replied.
"Now Garchomp, battle dance!"Cynthia instructed.
Then Garchomp appeared in the fighting scene.
Bronzor prepared to fire Hypnosis.
"Brick Break, go!"Cynthia ordered.
Garchomp hits Bronzor with Brick Break.
"Return!"Commander Saturn growled.
Saturn returned Bronzor in his pokeball as Garchomp let out a roar.
"Check it out…it stopped the Hypnosis."Ash said in surprise.
"Cynthia's Garchomp is a strong pokemon after all."Denise commented.
"Well done, you definitely earned the title of Champion."Saturn said calmly.
Cynthia looked at Officer Jenny.
"If you don't mind Officer Jenny, we'll take care of this."Cynthia suggested. "You need to look after the orb."
"Alright then you keep your guard up."Officer Jenny warned.
Cynthia smiled and nodded in respond.
"Cyrus and grandmother, you go with her."Cynthia ordered.
"Right."Cyrus said.
"Fine with me."Professor Carolina replied.
"I hope you'll forgive me Professor as this was my idea."Cyrus admitted.
"My granddaughter will take care of everything, so don't worry."Professor Carolina assured.
"Come with me."Officer Jenny ordered.
"Right!"James and Jessie said in unison.
Suddenly Mars and other Team Galactic grunts arrived at the other side, alarming the trainers, Cynthia and Professor Carolina.
"Phase Four complete: Reunion."Mars stated with a smug smile.
"We're surrounded."Officer Jenny scowled.
"Should have known there were more of them."Ash retorted.
Suddenly from the ceiling, Croagunk falls down and is hit by Toxicroak's Poison Jab.
"No!"Brock shouted. "Croagunk!"
Croagunk fainted and Toxicroak went next to Saturn.
Denise and Luxio glared angrily at Saturn.
"To be perfectly honest, we have no desire for excessive violence."Saturn said with a smile. "Just give us the Lustrous Orb and we'll leave."
"Not on your life! We know you've got something up your sleeve!"Cynthia replied and threw out a pokeball. "You're not getting any of Sinnoh's treasures!"
Question: Who should be Denise's voice actress?
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter:)
Denise's Team:
Grotle (Male): Solar Beam, Heavy Slam, Razor Leaf and Bite
Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Attract and Aurora Beam
Luxio (Male): Spark, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang
Kirlia (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Confusion
Hoothoot (Male): Silver Wind, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic
Drifloon (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish