Hello, guys, here's the next chapter, and it features a cameo that I don't think you'll expect—it's a character from one of my favorite Pokémon video games. I hope you like it, and at the end of this chapter, something important will happen for this story.
Chapter 15 - Dancing with the Legend
Goh was at the lab, with an impatient look on his face while his Grookey climbed between the shelves of the lab. He had already been waiting for his friends for more than 20 minutes to accept his next assignment from the professor. "If I had known that their new 'friendship' would make them this late, I wouldn't have encouraged Ash to get closer to Chloe," Goh said to himself while looking at the clock on his Rotom Phone.
After a few minutes, Ash and Chloe arrived at the lab, looking happy. "Thanks for being so late," Goh exclaimed with a hint of annoyance. "Late? Wait a minute, what time is it?" Chloe exclaimed as she pulled out her own Rotom Dex, not realizing how late they had arrived.
Goh raised an eyebrow, clearly frustrated. "Where have you two been? I've been waiting forever!"
Ash scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Well, we stopped to get ice cream because Chloe was really hungry."
Goh let out an exasperated sigh. "Ice cream? Seriously? Why didn't you let me know you were going to be late?"
Chloe, a little embarrassed but still smiling, shrugged. "It was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment thing. I didn't expect it either."
Ash nodded in agreement, adding, "Yeah, we were just walking and then... ice cream happened."
Goh looked at the two of them, clearly unimpressed,
"Yeah, sure, I know you're 'friends,' but don't leave me hanging like this," Goh said, emphasizing the word "friends" before heading toward the professor.
"What does he mean by 'friends'?" Chloe asked, pretending not to know what he was referring to.
"I have no idea… hey, you look really nice today," Ash said out of the blue.
"Thanks, you goof. Come on, we're being waited for," Chloe responded, playfully taking his hand.
Professor Cerise handed them their next assignment. "I have a mission for you all. Professor Sycamore from the Kalos region needs your help." Chloe, Ash, and Goh exchanged curious glances.
Professor Cerise continued, "You're going to assist him with the transportation of a very important and costly piece of equipment—an advanced dimensional scanner that will play a crucial role in his research."
Goh raised an eyebrow. "Dimensional scanner? That sounds like something big. What exactly does it do?"
Professor Cerise nodded. "It's a device designed to study and track dimensional rifts and anomalies. It's still in development, but it's incredibly important for understanding phenomena like the Ultra Wormholes."
Chloe raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "So, this could be pretty significant for the whole Pokémon research right?"
"Exactly," Professor Cerise said. "That's why Professor Sycamore needs reliable help."
Ash's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing! Let's do it!
"I knew I could count on you. Alright, you need to go to Lumiose City where Professor Sycamore will explain the mission in more detail. After that, contact me to coordinate your return," Professor Cerise said, handing them a document they were to deliver to Professor Sycamore's team.
"Don't worry, Professor, it sounds easy enough," Ash said with full confidence.
The trio quickly made their way to the airport to catch their flight for their next adventure.
Goh returned to where Ash and Chloe were standing, holding the plane tickets in his hand. But when he approached them, he couldn't help but notice that they were still in the middle of their playful, lovey-dovey moment.
Chloe, holding her phone in front of them, grinned. "Come on, Ash! Let's take a picture together!"
Ash's face turned bright red. "Ugh, no way, Chloe! I look stupid in photos!"
But Chloe wasn't giving up. "Oh, stop it. Just one picture! It'll be fun, I promise."
She snapped a picture of the two of them, Ash still looking uncomfortable. "See? It turned out great!"
Ash groaned, rubbing his neck. "Seriously? You look fine, but I—"
"Just one more!" Chloe interrupted, pulling him in close for another shot, her cheeks flushed with a playful smile.
Goh stood there, watching the scene unfold, shaking his head. "You two really need to focus. We've got a mission to do!"
Chloe laughed, finally putting the phone down. "Okay, okay. Let's go, Goh. But it was worth it!"
Ash let out a sigh, but smiled a little, clearly enjoying the moment, even if he wouldn't admit it.
On the other side, Goh started to feel a little more worried that all of this might affect the team.
The three of them boarded the plane; it was a long flight from Kanto to Kalos, so they needed to get comfortable.
As the hours passed, Goh tried to sleep, but he couldn't because Chloe and Ash wouldn't stop talking.
Goh tried to ignore the noise around him, but it was impossible. He could hear Ash and Chloe laughing as they watched a video of a battle from the Kalos League.
Ash, with a proud grin on his face, said, "I totally wiped the floor with my rival in that match! It was epic."
Chloe smiled, looking at Ash with admiration. "You looked so cool, Ash... and, well, really handsome too."
Goh couldn't help but roll his eyes a little as he listened to them. They were both leaning closer together, getting more comfortable in their seats, and it was clear that they were caught up in their own little world.
Goh, trying to zone out, couldn't help but overhear their conversation. He could hear them chatting and laughing together, Chloe occasionally commenting on how "great" Ash looked during his battle.
He tried to close his eyes and relax, but the constant giggles and "aww" moments made his stomach churn a little.
After a long journey, they finally arrived in the Kalos region. As they disembarked from the plane, they gathered their things and made their way out of the airport.
Walking through the picturesque streets of Lumiose City, Goh looked down at the map, trying to figure out where Professor Sycamore's lab was. He then turned to Ash, hoping he could help, since Ash had been to the lab before.
"Ash, do you remember the direction to the professor's lab?" Goh asked, glancing at him.
But Ash didn't respond right away. He was too busy walking with chloe.
They had gotten distracted, admiring the river that ran through the city, a picturesque and romantic scene.
"This place is beautiful, Ash," Chloe said, excited to be in the capital of love for the first time.
"Yeah, I was amazed the first time I came here. When we're done with the mission, I'll give you a tour. How does that sound?" Ash asked, taking her by the arms.
She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around him as well. "Sounds fun, knucklehead," she replied sweetly, with a loving look in her eyes.
Goh, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, cleared his throat. "Hey, can you two be a little more serious? I get it, you're a lot closer now, but it's kind of awkward for me when we're on a mission."
Ash and Chloe pulled away from each other, both looking a bit surprised at Goh's sudden comment.
Goh sighed, trying to explain further. "I'm not saying you shouldn't be close, but we've got a job to do, and I can't focus with you two... doing that every five minutes."
Chloe chuckled sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Sorry, Goh. We got a little carried away."
Ash scratched the back of his head, grinning apologetically. "Yeah, my bad. We'll focus."
Goh crossed his arms, still looking mildly annoyed but relieved they understood. "Good. Because if we mess this up, we're gonna have bigger problems than third-wheeling discomfort."
Ash chuckled. "Fair enough. No more distractions."
Chloe crossed her arms but smiled. "Alright, alright. Let's get back to work."
The trio finally arrived at Professor Sycamore's laboratory. Unlike Professor Cerise's lab, this one was much more elegant and had a different architectural style. Personally, Chloe found it more impressive than her father's laboratory.
"Professor Sycamore, the team sent by Professor Cerise has arrived," exclaimed one of the Pokémon lab assistants.
Professor Sycamore approached them with a warm smile and welcomed them enthusiastically.
"Ah, you've finally arrived! It's a pleasure to meet you again Ash," he said in his characteristic friendly tone. " Also, Professor Cerise has told me a lot about you Goh and Chloe."
Ash nodded eagerly. "We're glad to be here, Professor! What's our mission?"
Sycamore gestured for them to follow him as he led them into one of the laboratory's rooms. As they walked, they passed shelves filled with documents, high-tech equipment, and various Poké Balls on display.
"The task I'm about to assign you is of utmost importance for our joint research with the Aether Foundation," Sycamore explained seriously. "We are developing a dimensional scanner capable of detecting anomalies in the fabric of space-time, which could help us better understand certain unexplained phenomena in the Pokémon world."
Ash frowned, intrigued. "Anomalies in space-time? Like the Ultra Wormholes?"
Sycamore nodded. "Exactly. But for the scanner to function properly, we need a key component that has been sent to us by the Aether Foundation. Your mission is to receive the package when it arrives at the station and escort it back here. It sounds simple, but..."
Goh sighed, crossing his arms. "Let me guess… there's a risk someone will try to steal it."
Professor Sycamore smiled slightly. "It's a highly advanced and expensive prototype technology. There are those who might try to steal it and sell it on the black market."
Upon hearing this, they realized that this simple job might be more complicated than they had thought.
Ash's expression shifted from excitement to determination. "Well, if anyone tries to take it, they'll have to go through us first!"
Goh sighed, already feeling the weight of the task. "Great. So it's not just a delivery mission—it's a high-risk one."
The professor nodded. "That's why I need trainers I can trust. I have no doubt you can handle it."
Ash grinned, his determination returning. "Don't worry, Professor! We'll make sure that equipment gets here safe and sound."
Sycamore checked the time. "The package is arriving station near Laverre city soon. You should head there right away. The delivery team has been instructed to hand it over only to you, so be ready."
"Don't worry, Professor, we'll be back soon," Ash assured him along with Pikachu.
The professor had known Ash for years and knew that he could handle any task.
With the mission clear, the trio left the lab, fully aware that things might not go as smoothly as they had hoped.
The trio was on the outskirts of the city, heading toward Route 14, fully prepared to meet the team that would deliver the package.
As Goh moved ahead to scout the path, he took Professor Sycamore's warning very seriously, aware that potential thieves might be after their package.
"Goh, you can relax. I know Professor Sycamore warned us, but I don't think it's serious enough for you to be this on edge," Ash said to his friend, who kept moving through the bushes and trees as if he were undercover.
"You'd definitely be out of a job if you were a spy," Chloe remarked, slightly irritated by how ridiculous he looked.
"You never know where threats might be hiding—they can be in plain sight or concealed in the environment. Either way, you must always be alert, and I always am," Goh declared confidently, ready for anything… but—
A Pokémon was resting on a nearby tree—a Sliggoo, perched there, completely unaware.
"Incredible! A Sliggoo! I have to catch it for my collection!" Goh said excitedly, completely forgetting everything he had just said.
However, as he approached to catch it from behind, Sliggoo noticed him and, unexpectedly, rushed down at full speed—quite surprising for a Pokémon that was supposed to be slow and sticky.
Goh immediately took off after Sliggoo, determined not to let it escape. "Hey, get back here!" he shouted, weaving through the trees in pursuit.
Chloe was about to run after him, but Ash put a hand on her shoulder, shaking his head. "Let's just wait here," he suggested. "You know how Goh is—he'll come back once he's done chasing it."
Chloe sighed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, but what if he gets too far? We're on a mission, remember?"
Ash grinned. "Trust me, he won't pass up the mission. He'll either catch Sliggoo or give up and come back frustrated."
Both stayed behind, waiting for Goh to return, and Ash took the opportunity to ask Chloe a question.
"Hey, how's the school festival going?"
"It's going great! Mika and Violet have already come up with a bunch of ideas, and the concept of making it music-themed was really well received by the student body. There's still a lot to do, but I think it's starting to take shape," Chloe replied enthusiastically.
Ash expressed his excitement about her great work. "That sounds awesome, Chloe! You're doing an amazing job with it."
Chloe smiled warmly, grateful. "Thanks, Ash. I really appreciate your help with the idea and everything lately."
After a brief silence, Chloe turned to him with a serious expression.
"Hey, Ash… I've been meaning to ask you something important."
"Uh, sure. What's up?" Ash asked, a little nervous about the question.
Chloe felt a knot in her stomach. Maybe it wasn't a big deal, but she couldn't ignore it.
Chloe hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
"I want you to perform at the music festival with me."
Ash's eyes widened slightly.
"Me? Chloe, you know I'm always up for a challenge, but… I've never played or sung in front of an audience before." He let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head.
"That's exactly why you should do it," she said with a reassuring smile. "You're great with the guitar, and when you sing without realizing it, you sound amazing."
Ash shifted uncomfortably. He was fearless when it came to taking risks, always the first to dive headfirst into anything exciting or dangerous. But this? This was different. The idea of standing in front of a crowd, with all eyes on him, made his stomach twist.
"I don't know… What if I mess up?" he muttered.
"You won't," Chloe insisted. "And even if you do, so what? It's about having fun and sharing something with people."
Ash exhaled, staring at the ground. Deep down, he knew she wouldn't let this go. And maybe—just maybe—there was a part of him that wanted to say yes.
Chloe knew that Ash could be a key part of the festival performance. Being a famous champion with an incredible voice, he would be a guaranteed success. So, she decided to take advantage of their close relationship.
She took his hands and looked at him with the most adorable eyes possible. "Ash, I know you've never shared your talent, but you know you're amazing. It would mean so much to me if you did this with me."
Ash couldn't resist Chloe's expression—her puppy-dog eyes and the sweet tone of her voice gave him the motivation he needed to accept her proposal.
"Alright, fine… I'll do it, Chloe. Just for you."
Chloe was overjoyed to see Ash willing to help her once again. Feeling something special at that moment and taking advantage of Goh's absence, she hugged him gently, just like before.
"Thank you for always being there," she whispered as she held him.
Ash felt his heart beat a little faster. Without a doubt, his bond with Chloe had awakened many emotions within him. Though he had felt infatuation before, he had never experienced it in its fullest form. He knew that, at some point, he would have to decide how far his relationship with Chloe would go.
However, before their romantic moment could continue, Goh suddenly emerged from the bushes, covered in branches and leaves. He was brushing off twigs from his hair, muttering something about how difficult it had been to chase a particularly stubborn Pokémon.
Ash and Chloe instantly pulled away from each other, their faces turning slightly red. They had promised not to let personal moments interfere with their missions, and getting caught like this was the last thing they wanted.
Man, that was rough! I swear, some Pokémon just love making things difficult. Anyway, what are you guys up to?"
Chloe quickly cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. "Oh, uh, we were just… talking about the music festival!" she said, perhaps a little too quickly.
Ash nodded, forcing a casual smile. "Yeah, so what happened? Did you get it?"
"It was really tough, and I almost fell into a ravine, but that Sliggoo is mine!" Goh exclaimed victoriously, showing a Poké Ball.
Ash and Chloe exchanged a quick glance before nodding. Whatever had just happened between them would have to wait, there was still work to do.
However, what the trio didn't suspect was that a pair of individuals already had their eyes on them. It seemed Goh had been right to stay alert.
"Youu those are the ones delivering the equipment," one of the mysterious figures said with a strange accent.
"They don't look very strong, so once they have the valuable package, we'll go after them," his partner added confidently, letting out a laugh that sounded like a rat's squeak.
"We better succeed—boss said we'll regret it if we fail this job. Gotta make this long trip worth it," the first one muttered.
Meanwhile, the trio successfully made their way through Route 14 and met up with the research team that was delivering the dimensional scanning technology.
"Alright, this is the container with everything needed for Professor Sycamore's project," one of the scientists said as he handed over a large box. Fortunately for the trainers, it was equipped with technology that made it float and could be guided using a tablet.
"Wow, I have to say, these inventions are incredible! I've never seen this kind of anti-gravity technology before," Chloe exclaimed, astonished by such a futuristic device.
"Well, Professor Krane and Dr. Kaminko have contributed a lot to the development of unconventional transportation," the scientist said proudly.
"Wow, that must be an impressive place if they have inventions like this. Well, don't worry, you can trust us to get this technology to the professor," Ash assured him.
"Thank you very much, and Professor Krane sends his regards to Professor Sycamore," the scientist said as he bid them farewell, having handed over everything needed. The research team then departed in another flying vehicle.
"Alright, so now we just have to go back the way we came… though I'm not exactly sure how this thing works," Goh admitted, struggling to make the floating container move.
Ash, determined to figure it out, started pressing buttons on the container's control panel. However, instead of moving forward, the container began to rise and drop repeatedly, making odd beeping and whirring noises.
"Uh… I don't think that's how it works, Ash," Goh said, watching as the container bobbed up and down like a malfunctioning elevator.
"I got this, I got this!" Ash insisted, pressing another button. Suddenly, the container spun in place before letting out a loud BZZZT sound, causing Pikachu's ears to twitch in alarm.
"Pika…?" Pikachu tilted its head, watching its trainer struggle.
Chloe groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Oh, for the love of—give me that!" She swiftly snatched the tablet from Ash's hands.
"Hey! I was figuring it out!" Ash protested.
"No, you were breaking it," Chloe shot back. "Maybe if you had actually listened to the scientists, we wouldn't be dealing with this mess."
"There. That's how it's done," she said smugly, glancing at the two boys.
Goh smirked. "Well, at least one of us paid attention."
Ash crossed his arms, pouting slightly. "I could have figured it out…"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. After launching it into orbit first."
Pikachu chuckled, "Pika pika!" clearly amused by the whole situation.
With the container now under proper control, the trio continued their journey back toward the lab, unaware that danger was already there, watching their every move.
As they reached the halfway point without any trouble, they decided to take a short break near a river.
"Alright, I think we're having good time. Let's rest for a bit," Goh said, sitting on the ground and stretching.
Meanwhile, Ash released his Lucario from its Poké Ball so it could cool off in the river alongside Pikachu.
Chloe, on the other hand, sat on a rock next to the container. She pulled out her Rotom Dex and started watching Pokémon Contest videos. Lately, she had taken an interest in learning more about contests as a hobby, wanting to be fully prepared for the next one.
Ash sat down beside Chloe, wiping a few droplets of water from his face after cooling off in the river. He glanced over at her screen, noticing the contest videos.
"What are you watching?" he asked curiously, leaning in slightly.
Chloe didn't look away from the screen as she answered, "Pokémon Contests. I've been studying different performances and techniques. If I'm going to enter another one, I want to be ready."
Ash smiled. "That's awesome! I bet you'll do great. You've already improved so much since then."
Chloe felt a small warmth in her chest at his words. She turned to him, her eyes softening. "You really think so?"
"Of course!" Ash grinned. "You put your heart into everything you do. That's what makes you stand out."
Chloe found herself holding his gaze a little longer than usual, a small smile forming on her lips. The air between them grew quiet, both felt something was going to happen, if just both let it go.
But before anything could happen, a sudden BOOM erupted from behind the nearby bushes, followed by a series of smaller explosions. A faint cloud of smoke began rising into the sky.
"What was that?!" Goh exclaimed, immediately jumping to his feet.
Ash and Chloe snapped out of their moment, both quickly standing as well. However, both Lucario and Pikachu were already too far to tag along. So, the trio decided to approach the bushes to see what was happening.
As they investigated, they realized that someone had set off firecrackers near the trees. It was a strange sight, but there was no doubt it had been intentional.
"But who the hell would light those here?" Goh exclaimed, completely puzzled.
Ash, though already on alert, didn't have time to warn them before it was too late. "This isn't right guys, it's a trap!" he shouted.
But they had already fallen into it. Suddenly, a web of silk threads shot out, wrapping around all three of them and pinning Ash, Chloe, Goh, and his Grookey against the trees, leaving them completely immobilized.
"What the hell is this?!" Goh shouted, struggling with all his strength to break free, but it was useless.
"It's a String Shot attack… we're trapped," Chloe confirmed, recognizing the sticky web.
"Who's behind this?!" Ash growled, trying to see who had set them up.
Two Ariados emerged from the shadows, their red eyes gleaming as they moved closer, ready to trap them further in their webbing.
"This isn't normal," Chloe said, her voice tense. "Ariados don't usually appear around here, let alone two working together like this."
Ash narrowed his eyes. "That's because they're not wild. Someone sent them to catch us." His tone was firm—this was an ambush.
The Ariados hissed, preparing to fire another layer of sticky silk to fully immobilize them. But before they could, a sudden crackling sound filled the air.
"Pika… CHUUU!"
A powerful Thunderbolt struck one of the Ariados from behind, sending it flying into a tree with a painful screech. At the same time, Lucario dashed in from the other side, delivering a devastating Aura Sphere that sent the second Ariados crashing to the ground, unconscious.
The two Pokémon landed in front of their trainers, standing protectively as the webbing that held Ash, Chloe, and Goh began to loosen.
"Yes! Nice timing, guys!" Ash grinned proudly.
"Pikachu, you're a lifesaver!" Chloe said with relief.
Goh let out a deep breath. "That was way too close."
"Quick, guys, help us out with this!" Ash called to his two Pokémon. With swift movements, Pikachu and Lucario slashed through the sticky threads, freeing their trainers.
"Thanks, guys," Ash said gratefully.
"Wait a second… those Ariados were trying to keep us here," Goh realized, putting the pieces together. "That means someone was after—"
"The package!" the three shouted in unison before sprinting back toward the river.
When they arrived, their worst fear was confirmed—the container with Professor Sycamore's technology was gone. Someone had stolen it.
"No way… they took the container! I knew someone was following us!" Goh cursed, frustrated that their mission had been compromised.
"Calm down, they can't be far. We just need to track them down," Ash said, scanning the area for any clues.
However, Chloe was already a step ahead. "I think I know where they went," she announced.
Ash turned to her, eager. "How can you be so sure?"
She simply pointed ahead. In the distance, broken bushes and damaged trees formed a clear path. It was obvious that whoever had stolen the container had struggled to control it just like they had.
The trio wasted no time and followed the trail of broken bushes and damaged trees. The path led them deeper into the forest, where they soon spotted two figures struggling to move the stolen container.
The two individuals looked young, but they seemed very strange. One was tall, blonde with red streaks in his hair, and wore sunglasses. The other had a peculiar small hat and a pair of goggles covering his eyes. It was clear that they hadn't eaten well for some time—and bathing was probably even less of a priority.
"Ugh! This stupid thing won't move!" one of them growled, kicking the container in frustration.
"Stop complaining and help me push! We need to get this to the boss before those brats catch up!" the other snapped, gripping the tablet and aggressively tapping at the controls.
Unfortunately for them, they had already been caught.
"Too late for that!" Ash shouted, stepping forward with Pikachu and Lucario at his sides, both Pokémon ready for battle.
The two thieves froze, turning their heads slowly toward Ash, Chloe, and Goh, who had just arrived on the scene.
"Alright, you've got one chance," Goh said, crossing his arms. "Hand over the container, and maybe we won't make this too painful for you."
The thieves exchanged nervous glances before the one holding the tablet smirked. "Tch, you think you can stop us? You kids have no idea who you're messing with."
"Who are you thieves?" Chloe asked, wanting to know their identity.
"You think we're stupid enough to tell you who we are?" one of them exclaimed confidently.
"We're Trully and Folly, and we won't tell you anything!" the other continued—completely ignoring everything his partner had just said.
Silence filled the air as everyone stared at them, a bit uncomfortable.
"You've got to be kidding me, Folly! Did you not hear what I just said?!" Trully yelled, furious at his partner's lack of intelligence.
"Argh! I thought you were going to say something else!" Folly responded nervously, realizing his mistake.
The trio from Kanto just stood there, watching the ridiculous scene in disbelief. How had these two managed to steal the container without them noticing? It was honestly embarrassing.
"Don't you understand?! If we don't deliver this equipment to the boss now, we're done for!" Trully shouted.
"He won't notice if we hand over the box right now. Besides, I don't think he's around," Folly tried to reassure him.
"What is it that you don't want me to find out, boys Fuhohoh?" A melodic yet irritated voice suddenly rang out. No one could tell exactly where it was coming from, but Trully and Folly knew what was coming. Both gulped hard.
Suddenly, music started playing throughout the area rhythm blending jazz and salsa.
Out of nowhere, a very tall man appeared, dressed in a bizarre funky outfit, wearing sunglasses, and—most notably—sporting a massive afro, half red and half white. He arrived dancing perfectly in sync with the music that had suddenly started playing.
Everyone stood frozen, completely stunned by the sheer presence of such an eccentric character.
Trully and Folly looked like they wanted to disappear. "W-We were just about to deliver the package, boss!" Folly stammered, forcing an awkward smile.
The man stopped mid-dance move and adjusted his sunglasses. "Oh yeah?" he said, his voice smooth yet menacing. "Then why do I see you two struggling with the container instead of delivering it?. How outrageous my posse its these pathetic"
Trully and Folly swallowed hard, knowing they were in trouble. Meanwhile, Ash, Chloe, and Goh just exchanged glances, utterly confused by what they were witnessing.
"Who the heck is this guy…?" Goh whispered to his friends.
The man looked genuinely offended upon realizing that they had no idea who he was. With a dramatic spin and a pose, he pointed at them confidently.
"You mean to tell me… you DON'T know who I am?!" he exclaimed, sounding both shocked and insulted.
Ash, Chloe, and Goh just exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.
"Hmph! Then allow me to educate you Twats!" He took a step forward, striking another pose as the music grew louder. "I am the one and only! The incredible! The idol of music… MIRROR B.!"
As soon as he finished his introduction, he executed a perfect dance move, spinning on one foot and clapping his hands in rhythm with the music.
Trully and Folly, despite their fear, instinctively started swaying along to the beat, as if it were a reflex. Meanwhile, the Kanto trio just stood there, completely baffled by the absurdity of the situation.
"Wait… who?" Goh finally blurted out.
Mirror B. froze mid-move, then dramatically clutched his chest. "Oh, the disrespect! You wound me, child!" he wailed, before quickly regaining his composure. "No matter! Soon, you'll remember my name forever!"
He snapped his fingers, and almost instantly, several Poké Balls flew into the air, releasing a group of Ludicolo, all of whom immediately began dancing to the rhythm of the music.
Ash, completely unimpressed with the theatrics, stepped forward, his expression serious. "I don't care who you are," he said, his voice firm. "We need that technology back. It's not yours, and it belongs to Professor Sycamore."
Mirror B. chuckled, not the least bit intimidated by Ash's words. He adjusted his sunglasses, flashing a mischievous grin. "Oh, my dear boy, you have no idea what you're dealing with."
He took a dramatic pause before continuing, twirling a finger through his afro. "I've been following that package for days, all the way from the Orre Region. It's going to fetch a fortune when we sell it. The Team Mirror will make a killing!"
Ash clenched his fists. "That's not going to happen. We're taking it back, and you're not getting away with this."
Mirror B. laughed aloud, as his Ludicolo danced around him, splashing water and rhythmically clapping to the beat of the music. "You think you can just walk in and take it? My dear boy, Team Mirror doesn't just let go of valuable things that easily."
He pointed toward Ash with an exaggerated gesture. "If you want to play, then dance with us, and let's see if you can handle the heat!"
"Prepare yourself, because we're not backing down," Ash declared, his eyes sharp with determination.
Mirror B. grinned widely, giving a signal to his Ludicolo, who immediately started moving into a battle stance, ready to protect their leader. "How I deal with a threat is to nip it while it's a bud yet. Fuhohoho! I'll be showing you my power now. Try not to be blown away by a sense of wow! Let the music play!" (I recommend listening to Mirror B's theme from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness for the next part.)
Two of his Ludicolo stepped forward, ready to battle while still dancing. "So, you want a Double Battle? This is getting interesting. Let's go, Lucario and Sirfetch'd, show them what you can do!" Ash exclaimed, releasing his Fighting-type Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Goh and Chloe got ready to face Trully and Folly. Goh quickly pulled out his Poké Balls, preparing for the battle ahead. "Let's do this, Scyther!" he called, releasing his sharp, fast Pokémon.
Chloe, with a determined look, stepped forward and summoned her partner. "Alright, Eevee it's time to shine!" she declared as her Pokémon appeared ready for the fight.
Trully and Folly smirked, ready to take on their opponents. "You think you can stop us? You won't even get past our Pokémon!" Trully said confidently, while Folly gave a nervous laugh, trying to keep up the bravado.
Ash stood firm; his focus unwavering as Mirror B. flashed a mischievous grin. "Alright, Lucario, Sirfetch'd, let's show them what we're made of!"
"Let's start the party, Ludicolo!" Mirror B. called, his Ludicolo dancing around as they prepared for battle.
Lucario stood tall, exuding confidence, while Sirfetch'd readied its sword leek.
"Lucario, use Aura Sphere on the Ludicolo on the left!" Ash commanded.
Sirfetch'd quickly followed with, "Sirfetch'd, use Meteor Assault!"
The battle began with a burst of energy, Lucario launching its Aura Sphere towards one Ludicolo, while Sirfetch'd charged forward at high speed, aiming its powerful leek strike at the other Ludicolo.
Mirror B. laughed, clearly enjoying the challenge. "You think you can outdance us? Ludicolo, Water Gun and Leech Seed, now!"
The two Ludicolo began spinning and dancing with the rhythm of the music, spraying Water Guns at Lucario while launching Leech Seed at Sirfetch'd to weaken them.
Ash gritted his teeth but didn't hesitate. "Lucario, dodge and counter with Close Combat! Sirfetch'd, use Brave Bird to break through!"
Lucario dodged the Water Gun with ease and launched into a rapid series of punches and kicks, while Sirfetch'd charged forward with a blazing burst of speed, breaking through the Leech Seed's hold and striking the Ludicolo with a fierce Brave Bird attack.
Mirror B. raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Not bad Darling! But you'll need more than that to defeat us!" He snapped his fingers. "Ludicolo, use Rain Dance!"
At his command, one of the Ludicolo spun wildly, sending a heavy downpour of rain into the air. The rain began to pour down, intensifying the atmosphere and giving Mirror B.'s Ludicolo a clear advantage.
"Now, with the rain boosting their speed, it's time to turn up the heat!" Mirror B. said, grinning as his Ludicolo danced even faster, their movements now quicker and more fluid.
Ash's Lucario and Sirfetch'd felt the effects immediately. Lucario, already agile, had to adapt quickly to the heightened speed of the Ludicolo. "Lucario, don't let them get away! Use Metal beam!" Ash called.
"Sirfetch'd, use Night Slash and aim for the one on the left!" Chloe added, as her Sirfetch'd leaped toward the Ludicolo, preparing its dark energy attack.
However, the rain had given Ludicolo a major boost, allowing them to easily dodge both attacks. One of the Ludicolo darted out of the way of Sirfetch'd's Night Slash, then retaliated with a powerful Water Gun that slammed into Sirfetch'd, sending it tumbling back.
Lucario's Metal beam was no better; it barely grazed Ludicolo, who was now moving so quickly that the attack missed.
Meanwhile, Goh and Chloe were battling Trully and Folly's Pokémon, Dusclops and Exploud.
"Dusclops, use Shadow Punch!" Trully ordered, as the Ghost-type Pokémon raised its hand, enveloped in dark energy, and launched it toward Goh's Scyther.
"Scyther, dodge and use X-Scissor!" Goh responded quickly, with his Scyther leaping agilely to avoid the Shadow Punch and, with impressive speed, launching its sharp attack toward Dusclops.
Meanwhile, Chloe was facing Exploud. "Eevee, use Quick Attack!" She called, sending her Pokémon racing toward the Sound-type Pokémon, Exploud.
However, Exploud wasn't going to go down that easily. "Exploud, use Hyper Voice!" Folly ordered confidently, and Exploud let out a powerful roar that made the ground shake. The sonic wave made Eevee stumble, disorienting it from the blast.
"Eevee!" Chloe exclaimed, concerned about her partner. "Don't give up! Use Bite!"
Eevee, shaking off the dizziness, dashed toward Exploud, biting down with determination. Trully, seeing the situation, it wasn't going to let them get an easy shot.
"Dusclops, use Dark pulse again! Don't let them get close!" Trully shouted, and Dusclops summoned more dark energy, but just before it could strike Eevee, Goh reacted.
"Scyther, protect Eevee! Use Aerial Ace!" Goh yelled, and his Scyther flew into action, attacking with precision. The speed of Aerial Ace allowed Scyther to knock exploud back just before it could reach Eevee, sending it reeling.
Chloe smiled. "Good job, Goh! Now, Eevee, use Shadow Ball!"
Eevee gathered dark energy and shot a shadowy sphere directly at Dusclops, who wasn't fast enough to dodge. The blast of energy made Dusclops stagger, but it quickly recovered.
Mirror B. moved his body to the rhythm of the music, confident in his victory. The rain enhanced his Ludicolo's Swift Swim ability, making them incredibly fast. With each movement, they dodged Lucario and Sirfetch'd's attacks effortlessly and countered with powerful Scald and Energy Ball, forcing Ash to play defensively.
"Fuhoho, you silly boy, you're finished! My Ludicolo are unstoppable in the rain!" Mirror B. exclaimed with an arrogant smile as his Pokémon danced and twirled effortlessly.
But Ash wasn't about to give up. He observed the battlefield carefully, recalling his experience in double battles. He didn't have to win with brute force—he had to adapt.
"Alright, let's change the approach… Lucario keep dodging! Sirfetch'd, use Protect!" Ash commanded firmly.
Lucario closed its eyes and focused its energy, anticipating the next attack. Meanwhile, Sirfetch'd raised its leek shield and generated a bright green barrier just in time to block a powerful Hydro Pump from one of the Ludicolo. The strategy worked, both Pokémon resisted the attacks without taking any damage.
Mirror B. momentarily stopped dancing, surprised. "Huh? So now you're just going to defend? That won't get you anywhere, baby!"
Ash smirked with determination. "That's what you think."
Now that he had slowed the battle down, Ash could analyze Ludicolo's movement patterns. They were fast, sure, but their speed made them follow a predictable routine.
"Now's the moment… Lucario, use Aura Sphere on the river! Sirfetch'd, use Brave Bird!"
Lucario struck the ground with a powerful sphere of energy, lifting a curtain of water and mud that obscured visibility. Sirfetch'd, enveloped in an intense blue aura, charged forward through the water screen, catching the Ludicolo off guard.
"Ludicolo, dodge it!" Mirror B. ordered, but this time, with their vision blocked, they couldn't react in time.
The impact of Brave Bird sent one of the Ludicolo flying backward, crashing into its teammate and leaving them both staggering.
Ash saw his opening. "Lucario, Close Combat! Sirfetch'd, Leaf Blade! Now!"
Lucario dashed in with a rapid barrage of precise punches, while Sirfetch'd spun its leek like a sword, delivering a glowing green slash against the weakened Ludicolo.
Mirror B.'s Pokémon collapsed to the ground, exhausted and defeated.
Mirror B. stopped moving and fell silent. A moment later, he snapped his fingers and sighed dramatically. "Oh, baby, looks like I've lost my rhythm this time…"
Mirror B.'s henchmen, Trudly and Folly, were completely distracted upon seeing their boss defeated. Their confidence wavered as they watched Mirror B. dramatically lament his loss.
Goh smirked. "Looks like your boss is out of moves. Guess that means it's our turn to wrap things up!"
"Eevee, Swift! Scyther, X-Scissor!" Chloe and Goh commanded.
Her Eevee leaped into the air, releasing a barrage of glowing stars that struck Dusclops head-on. Meanwhile, Scyther's scythes glowed bright green as it crossed them and slashed through Exploud, dealing a devastating hit.
Both of Trudly and Folly's Pokémon groaned before collapsing, completely knocked out.
"No way! How did this happen?!" Folly cried out in disbelief.
Trudly gritted his teeth. "Darn it! We were so close!"
Chloe crossed her arms and smirked. "You were never close. You just got lucky we fell into your trap."
Goh cracked his knuckles. "Now, how about you guys be good little thieves and hand over the stolen container?"
Ash smirked and pointed at the stolen container. "Now, give us back what you stole."
Mirror B. let out an exaggerated sigh, flipping his afro back with dramatic flair. "Oh, the agony of defeat! My groove—shattered! My rhythm—derailed! Such a tragedy, baby!"
Trudly and Folly exchanged nervous glances, realizing they were outmatched.
Folly hesitated. "Uh, boss? What do we do now?"
Mirror B. took a deep breath, then suddenly twirled around and struck a pose. "We accept our fate… with style." He clicked his fingers, and his Ludicolo, though exhausted, weakly mimicked the motion.
Trudly groaned. "Ugh, fine. Here, take the stupid container." He pushed it toward Ash and his friends with a scowl.
Goh grabbed it and checked inside, nodding in relief. "Looks like everything's here."
Chloe narrowed her eyes at the trio. "You better not try something like this again."
Mirror B. spun on his heel, wagging a finger. "Oh, my dear, a performer never retires! We simply wait for our grand comeback!" He struck a final pose, his Ludicolo weakly attempting a twirl behind him.
"This kid turned out to be just as strong as that one all those years ago," Trudly exclaimed, recalling one of his past challenges—against that trainer with the Umbreon and Espeon.
"Whatever! This won't be the last time you witness the moves of the great Mirror B. Mark, my words—the mighty Team Mirror will rise to the top anywhere in the world!" Mirror B. declared before dashing away with his Ludicolo.
Trudly and Folly ran after their boss, once again defeated.
Goh let out a relieved sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Man, that was intense… but we did it!" He grinned, feeling the tension finally leave his body. "For a second, I thought I'd mess up the mission, but we actually pulled it off."
Chloe smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, it helps that they were too busy dancing to think straight."
Ash pumped a fist in the air. "Yeah! We worked together and won fair and square. That's what really counts." He turned to Lucario and Sirfetch'd, who were catching their breath but still standing tall. "You guys were amazing!"
Lucario nodded with a calm, determined look, while Sirfetch'd proudly rested on its leek like a knight after battle.
Goh patted Scyther's shoulder. "You were awesome too, buddy." Scyther let out a sharp cry in agreement.
Chloe knelt beside Eevee, gently scratching behind its ear. "And you did great too, Eevee."
"Vee~!" Eevee chirped happily, wagging its tail.
With the stolen container safely in their hands and their opponents long gone, the rain finally began to let up. The storm had passed, both in the sky and on the battlefield.
Goh stretched and smiled. "Alright, let's get this container back where it belongs."
As they continued on their way and the city came into view on the horizon, Chloe walked up to Ash again, this time with a more relaxed smile.
"Hey, Ash," she said in a cheerful tone, "now that everything went well, I suppose you still remember what you promised me, right?"
Ash blinked for a moment before it clicked. "Oh! The tour around the city!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Of course, Chloe! I promised, and I'm gonna keep my word."
Chloe laughed, crossing her arms. "You better. After all that action with Mirror B. and his goons, I think we deserve a break. I want to see what makes this place special."
"I think you're really gonna like it, smarty," Ash promised, winking at her.
"Then we shouldn't waste any time," Chloe whispered before giving him a small affectionate kiss on the cheek and hurrying ahead with Goh.
Ash blushed and sighed as he watched her go. She had been making him feel so many things over the past few months, and he was starting to figure out what he wanted to do about it. However, his Rotom Phone suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
Ash pulled it out and saw a new text message. "I wonder who it could be," he muttered before opening it.
The moment he read the sender's name; he froze in place. It felt like a train had just hit him. His blood ran cold.
Pikachu, noticing the sudden change in his trainer, peeked at the Rotom Phone to see what had shaken him so much.
It didn't fully understand human writing, but it could recognize a few key words:
"I heard you're here. I'd like to see you. :3"
Alright, guys! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I definitely did. I love making these cameos from Pokémon games that aren't part of the main series or from fan games that I like.
Anyway, the next chapter is already written, so get ready… because things are about to change!