Chapter 108: Plan of Attack

The next morning, everyone was gathered at the entrance to the Ancient Retreat, having packed everything they would need for the trip ahead.

"Alright, is everybody ready? Everyone know where you're going?"

The group nodded, except for Professor Laventon, who stepped forward.

"Actually, no. I'd like to give our future visitors a gift to help them in this endeavor."

He then took out three Pokeballs and opened them, revealing a Cyndaquil, an Oshawott, and a Rowlett.

"Considering how dangerous this mission could be, I believe it is necessary to give you some extra back up."

"Professor, are you sure?" Rei asked. "These are your last ones."

"Saving Hisui is more important than my research right now."

He then turned to the others.

"Sadly, I only have the three."

Ash shrugged.

"My team is full enough. One of you can have one."

"Same here," Brock replied, leaving Goh, Chloe, and Lillie. Goh stepped forward first, and smiled at Rowlett.

"Hey, you look pretty cute. You want to be my Pokemon?"

Rowlett cooed, before perching on Goh's shoulder. Chloe stepped up next, and chose Oshawott.

"What do you say, want to be my Pokemon?"

Oshawott struck a pose, making everyone laugh. Lastly, Lillie stepped up to Cyndaquil.

"I know you're the last pick, but if you'll let me, I'd be more than happy to have you on my team."

Cyndaquil trilled, before leaping onto her shoulder.

"Alright, let's head out. Good luck, everyone."

With that, the group dispersed, each small group heading out to their target locations.

Ash led the way to Lake Valor, Irida and Lillie trailing behind him. As they walked, Irida noticed Lillie seemed uncomfortable around her.

"Lillie, is something wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Just worried about Ash, is all."

"Lillie, I know that's not true. I've seen you looking at me like I'm some sort of ghost."

"Oh…you saw that?"

"Have I done something to offend you? If we're going to be working together, then we should at least be able to get along."

"It's not that, it's just…you look like someone Ash and I know from the future, maybe her ancestor."

"Oh?"

"The thing is…she had a crush on Ash, but by the time she had the courage to tell him, he and I were dating. They patched it up, but I never got a chance to talk things out with her. I guess it just makes me uncomfortable."

"I see. Are you worried I may try to steal him from you?"

"No…yes? Maybe? I don't know, I'm…I'm sorry. It's all so very stressful."

Irida nodded sympathetically.

"To be honest, he is very handsome, and I'd be lying if I wasn't attracted to him. But everyday i saw him looking at that locket of his, and even though he couldn't remember you, I could tell you meant a lot to him. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

Lillie smiled.

"Thank you."

At last, they reached the edge of Lake Valor. After scanning the area, Ash pointed to a small cave on an island in the middle of it.

"Azelf is in there, I can sense it."

"Ok, but how will we get there?"

Ash took out a Pokeball, and released Dragonite.

"Dragonite, can you take us down there?"

Dragonite nodded, and allowed everyone to climb onto her back. Onc everyone was safely onboard, she took off, reaching the island in seconds. Once everyone was off, As gave her a hug and returned her.

"Good job, girl. Now, let's go find Azelf!"

They didn't have to look very far, as the minute Ash had said that, Azelf appeared, grabbed Ash and teleported away, leaving his friends shocked.

"Ash!"

"Pika Pi!"

From deep within the cave, a red glow emitted, almost as if it were a beacon.

"I think Azelff wants us to go in."

"But why did it capture Ash?"

"I don't know, but there's only one way to find out."

The two entered the cave, following the light all the way until the end, where they reached a huge cavern. There, waiting for them, was Ash, but something seemed off about him. His eyes had a glazed over look to them, and he seemed to stare off into space. Azelf floated above him, the jewel on its forehead glowing.

"Ash, are you okay?"

"Ash isn't here right now."

Irida's eyes narrowed.

"Azelf."

"Don't worry, your friend is safe. His mind will be unharmed."

"Then why'd you kidnap him? Let him go!"

"I will, once you pass my test."

"Test? We don't have time for any test, the fate of the world is at stake!"

"Then you'd best succeed."

With that, Ash'd body sent out his team. They immediately recognized Lucario and Dragonite, but some were unfamiliar to Lillie. Once was a snow-white Zoroark with red tints in its fur, another was what looked like an Ursaring but more rocky, and last but not least was a Decidueye that looked more like a Fighting type than a Ghost Type.

"What's with his Ursaring? Is that a regional variant?"

"No, it's an Ursaluna. They evolve from Ursaring, and they're just as dangerous."

"If you ever hope for your friend to return, then you must face my Pokemon!"

Lillie sighed, and looked at Irida.

"Well, guess it's you and me."

"We can do this, Lillie."

"Right. Alright Azelf, bring it!"

Meanwhile, the group of Zoey, Professor Laventon, and Rei reached the edge of Lake Verity.

"So this is where Dawn went? I'd bet that cave down there is where we'll get our answers."

Rei nodded, and sent out his Braviary. Unlike Unovan Braviary, its feathers were all white, something Zoey took note of.

"Alright Braviary, fly us down there."

Braviary nodded, and transported them to the island. The moment they set foot on it, a strange red glow emitted from the cavern, beckoning them in.

"Looks like we're expected."

Cautiously, they followed the light through the various tunnels until they came to a large empty room. Luckily, Dawn was there, but her gaze seemed distant.

"Dawn, you're alright!"

"Akari, is everything okay?"

"Dawn isn't here right now. I've taken control of her body for my own use. I am Mespirit."

Zoey growled, not happy with her friend being used like this.

"Let her go!"

"Do not worry, I only need her for a few minutes."

Mespirit then raised Dawn's hand, pointing at Zoey.

"You. I've seen you deep in her memories, so she is important to you. Battle me."

"If that's what it takes to free her, then fine."

"Good. And just to make sure there's no interference…"

A wall of psychic energy rose up around Laventon and Rei, blocking their progress.

"Laventon, Rei!"

"We'll be alright, just save Akari!"

"You can do it!"

"Enough chatter, let's get on with this."

Zoey sighed, and turned to the Mespirit controlled Dawn.

"You want it? Then bring it!"

Meanwhile, Brock, Adaman, Chloe, and Goh reached the outskirts of Lake Verity.

"Well, there it is."

"I don't suppose anyone has a Water Type?"

"Not one big enough to carry all of us."

Suddenly, the four were teleported into a big, well lit room in the cavern, with torches lining the walls. Everyone looked around, surprised but pleased with the solution.

"I guess that answers that question."

"I take it Uxie was expecting us."

"But where is it?"

Suddenly, a low growl drew their attention. Everyone turned to see a Heatran making its way towards them, not looking very happy. It snorted, letting out a small plume of smoke from its nostrils.

"Somehow I think we have bigger issues to worry about."