Lillie was the first to have her match against Maylene.
The two girls had the battle around the noon, and the battle ended with Lillie's win.
After the battle, Maylene asked Ash if they can postpone their battle until later that day, so she can have her Lucario rest after the battle against Lillie. As it's her star Pokémon, Maylene couldn't go into battle without it.
Ash knew this, so he had nothing against honoring Maylene's request.
Thus, at around five o'clock in the afternoon, Ash and Maylene were in the Veilstone Gym, ready for their battle.
Of to the side, Lillie, was seating on the bleachers to watch the match, while Dawn was dressed in the cheerleader outfit, and along with her Ambipom, Piplup, Buneary, and Pachirisu, they were cheering for Ash, AND Maylene. She said that she wants to witness the greatest battle of all time, thus, she is cheering for both sides.
"And now, the gym battle between Ash, the challenger; and Maylene the gym leader is about to begin," Connally, the referee of the match announced! "Each side will use three Pokémon, and the challenge will be over when all three Pokémon on one side are unable to battle. Also, only the challenger will be allowed to substitute the Pokémon."
"Let's give it everything we got, Ash." Maylene said.
"I don't know it any other way." Ash said with a smile.
"All right, Machoke," Maylene released her first Pokémon for the battle. "Come on out!"
It was her Machoke, who was all healed up, and ready to battle against Ash, just like it battled against Lillie.
"Staravia, let's do this!" Ash said, as he released his Flying Type Pokémon.
"Battle, begin!" Connally said.
Ash started the battle with his Staravia using Quick Attack.
Maylene told her Machoke to use Brick Break, and the Fighting Type Pokémon using its attack to block Staravia's attack. This came as a surprise to Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, as Maylene hasn't done this in her battle against Lillie, where she also used Machoke in the first round, though that time, Lillie didn't use a Flying Type Pokémon, and instead, she used her Buizel.
Staravia pushed Machoke back with Gust, and then used Aerial Ace.
Machoke dodged it though, and then used Cross Chop on Staravia, dealing her some damage. Instead of letting it up, Machoke started to use Brick Break on Staravia, hitting her with both of its arms, dealing her even more damage.
Maylene tried to end the battle with Seismic Toss, but Ash, and Staravia reacted quickly. Staravia used Quick Attack, and this time it hit Machoke, who didn't have time to defend itself doe to Staravia's speed, but also because it was caught off guard along with its trainer.
Staravia used Aerial Ace full speed, and dealt heavy hit at Machoke, who fell on the ground, and stayed there.
"Machoke is unable to battle!" The referee called out.
"Great job, Staravia." Ash said with a smile on his face.
Maylene returned her Machoke to her Poke Ball, and said. "You worked really hard, now you deserve a good rest," she then looked at Ash, and narrowed her eyes, though the smile was still there. "As for you, Ash. Switching from Quick Attack to Aerial Ace at that speed… Not many can do that. I'm impressed."
"That's just the product of hard work," Ash said. "Thanks' anyway, Maylene."
"OK, Ash," Maylene spoke. "Let's see how you do against my second Pokémon. Meditite, you are up next!"
Maylene's Psychic/Fighting Type Pokémon came out of its Poke Ball, and floated several feet above the battlefield.
"Watch out for those Psychic moves, Ash," Dawn said to him. "Lillie, and I both had problems with them."
Ash nodded, before much to everyone's surprise, he recalled his Staravia, and took another Poke Ball.
"Why did you recall your Staravia, Ash," Maylene asked.
Ash smiled. "I have a reason," he said. "You'll see."
"Ok." Maylene said, not really getting it, but let it go.
Ash went, and released his second Pokémon. "Chimchar, you are up." Ash released his second Pokémon.
The battle started with Chimchar using Scratch, but Meditite used Detect, and evaded Chimchar's attack. Then, Meditite used Meditate, so it can boost its attack power.
Chimchar fired a Flamethrower next, but Meditite used Detect once again, and evaded the Fire Type Attack. Once again in used Meditate, and increased its attack power even more.
Chimchar attacked with Flame Wheel, but this time, Meditite countered it with Drain Punch.
Normally, Chimchar's attack would be stronger, but as its attack power was increased by Meditate, Meditite's Drain Punch was equal to Chimchar's Flame Wheel.
Both Pokémon were thrown backward when their attacks exploded, and now they were standing on their sides of the battlefield.
Ash told Chimchar to go in with Scratch, and keep doing it, but Meditite kept using Detect, and continued to dodge them.
Then suddenly, the glow in Meditite's eyes disappeared, and it was hit by Chimchar's Scratch.
"You know that Detect can't be used forever, right?" Ash asked Maylene, with a smirk on his face.
"I do," Maylene said. "Don't think though that you've got the upper hand in this battle, Ash."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Ash smirked, before he told his Chimchar to use Flamethrower, which hit Meditite. Then Chimchar went with Flame Wheel right after, but Meditite used Confusion before Chimchar could hit it with Flame Wheel.
Seeing that his Pokémon is confused, and that the only way to de-confuse him right away is with his powers, Ash decided to simply recall Chimchar. He didn't want to use his Aura powers to enhance his Pokémon in gym battles, and wanted to win like every other trainer.
"What happened, Ash," Maylene teased him? "Didn't you recall Staravia because she wouldn't be able to handle Confusion, only for her substitute to be caught in Confusion?"
Ash saw the smirk on Maylene's face, and while he knew that she wasn't mocking him, and was only teasing him; he still didn't like it.
"No," Ash said. "Chimchar's job was to make your Meditite use Detect to many times," Maylene's eyes widened. "Now it can't use it anymore. On top of that, it's worn out."
Ash sent his Staravia back to the battlefield, and she floated above it, ready to battle again. "Your Meditite did well against my Fire Type," Ash said. "Let's see it against my Flying Type."
Meditite attacked first with Drain Punch, but Staravia pushed it back with Gust. As Meditite was worn out from battling against Chimchar, it wasn't hard for Staravia to do it.
Ash told his Staravia to use Brave Bird, which she did. Meditite tried to use Confusion, but it failed, and it was hit by Staravia's attack.
Meditite was sent flying, and fell in front of Maylene's feet, where it passed out.
"Staravia has really mastered Brave Bird," Dawn commented from where she was cheering for Ash. "And only in one day."
"She certainly learned it much faster than Turtwig learner Energy Ball," Lillie said. "But she's far from mastering it. It will take some time for that. Also. Don't forget that it's the move which causes the damage to the user as well, so Staravia is quite worn out right now. If she uses Brave Bird again, it will be weaker, and could be dangerous."
Maylene recalled her Meditite, and thanked it for the great battle, and hard work. "Ash, you should be proud of Staravia," Maylene said. "She learned Brave Bird in a single day. That's an amazing feat, and shows her talent."
"Yeah, but we also had help from Reggie, and his Staraptor," Ash said. "He did me a favor, otherwise, I would have had to bring one of my Flying Types who know Brave Bird; so they can help Staravia."
Maylene nodded. It was a good idea to use your stronger Pokémon, to teach your weaker ones. She might actually start doing that. She took her third Poke Balls, and released her final Pokémon.
"Lucario, come on out!"
Lucario came out of its Poke Ball, a smile on its face, and looking all ready for the battle. The second battle of that day, but he was rested, and ready to do this.
Ash started the battle with his Staravia using Quick Attack. Unfortunately, Lucario used Metal Claw, and hit Staravia, thus, ending the battle in its favor.
Ash sighed, and recalled his Staravia. "Don't worry, Staravia," Ash said. "You did a good job so far, but for the stronger Pokémon, you will need more training, and you will get more training. I promise you that."
Ash sent his Chimchar back to the battlefield. By now, the Confusion he was hit with by Meditite has worn out, so Chimchar is ready to battle once again.
Ash started with Flamethrower, but Lucario dodged it.
Ash told his Chimchar to continue with the Flamethrower, but Lucario kept dodging. Suddenly, Ash told Chimchar to use Dig, and right after he blew his Flamethrower, Chimchar dived underground.
Lucario dodged the last Flamethrower, and saw that Chimchar was gone. Maylene told it to try and sense Chimchar, but by the time Lucario focused to do that, Chimchar broke through the ground, and hit Lucario on its chin from below.
Lucario was sent flying backwards, but managed to stop itself from falling down, and simply landed on its legs. Lucario was surprised when suddenly, Chimchar was in front of it, and hit it with Scratch, once, twice, and then the third time, before Lucario finally fell on the ground.
This wasn't enough to take it out, though. Lucario managed to stand back up, and Maylene told it to use Metal Claw.
Lucario jumped toward Chimchar to hit him, but Chimchar dodged in the last second. Chimchar then tried to use Scratch, one more time. Unfortunately, this time it failed, as Lucario was ready for it, and used Force Palm on Chimchar.
Even though he was hit by a very powerful attack, Chimchar wasn't taken out. He then used Flame Wheel, much to Lucario's surprise, and hit the larger Pokémon.
Unfortunately, before Chimchar could attack again, sparks of electricity appeared around him for a second, before he stood in place, unable to move.
Ash cussed, as he realized that Lucario's Force Palm has paralyzed Chimchar.
Maylene used this chance, and told her Lucario to use Bone Rush. Lucario created its pole, and attacked Chimchar.
Lucario kept hitting Chimchar time after time, as the small Fire type was unable to move doe to being partially paralyzed.
Eventually, Chimchar was able to escape using Dig, but this time Lucario had enough to time to sense Chimchar's Aura, and then used Aura Sphere at the battlefield, right where Chimchar was currently moving under.
The Aura Sphere hit the battlefield, and caused an explosion, which tossed Chimchar out, and into the air.
This was it for Ash's Pokémon, as he was hit by Lucario's Metal Claw once again, and sent flying into the pillar behind Ash.
Chimchar fell to the ground, swirls in his eyes. He was unconscious, thus, out of the battle.
Ash returned his Chimchar to his Poke Ball, and said. "You did great, Chimchar. Next time you will do better. I'm sure of it. For now though, rest."
Ash then took his final Poke Ball, and released his Buizel, as his last Pokémon in his gym battle against Maylene.
With Buizel out of the Poke Ball, and Lucario already there, the final round has started.
Buizel started with Water Gun, but Lucario countered it with Aura Sphere.
When the two attacks clashed, there was an explosion, before Aura Sphere broke through the smoke, and hit Buizel.
Lucario used Bone Rush as its next attack, and started attacking Buizel. Buizel dodged the attacks, though, as he kept jumping left, and right. Up and down. It seemed that Buizel's speed will be enough to stop Lucario's attacks, but then Lucario hit Buizel on his leg, which made Buizel fall.
Buizel quickly stood back up, but now he had some pain in his leg.
Ash told Buizel to spin, and use Aqua Jet. It was the same move which Dawn started to teach Buizel when he was still her Pokémon.
Lucario tried to counter it with Metal Claw, but Buizel's attack had more power behind it, and he pushed Lucario back.
Lucario stood back up, just in time as Buizel used Sonic Boom. Lucario used Bone Rush to deflect Buizel's attacks, thus it was left unharmed.
Lucario attacked with Aura Sphere next, while Buizel broke it with Sonic Boom. Suddenly, Lucario was right in Buizel's face, much to the water type's surprise. Lucario then used Force Palm on Buizel, sending Ash's Pokémon to the ground.
Lucario was about to attack Buizel with Aura Sphere at full power, thus, finish the match. Unfortunately for Lucario and Maylene, and fortunately for Ash; Buizel got up, and started to form a blue ball in between his hands.
This was a shock to everyone except Ash, who was slightly surprised, but not shocked. He was surprised as what Buizel is using is Water Pulse, and it's an attack which Buizel hasn't even started to learn yet. Ash planed for them to start it soon, as Buizel has learned Iron Tail, and Ash wanted him to learn Water Pulse next.
Seeing this now, he guessed that there won't be any need for that, and they can simply move on to the next move in their training, which will be Protect.
Lucario fired its Aura Sphere, intending to end the battle, but Buizel countered it by throwing Water Pulse over the floor.
The two orbs clashed at the middle of the battlefield, and caused a large explosion. Everyone was impressed by the power of the two attacks, especially Dawn, as she has the least experience of all those currently in the gym, and hasn't seen many real battles. Maybe few at most, like Ash's against Roark, or Lillie's against Aerodactyl.
The next clash between the two Pokémon was when Buizel used Aqua Jet, while Lucario countered it with Force Palm. The clash caused an explosion, and sent both Pokémon flying backwards until they hit the wall of the gym with their backs.
Both Pokémon got up quickly, and jumped into the air, before again they fired Aura Sphere, and Water Pulse. The clash caused another explosion, and since this time the Pokémon were high in the air, and close to the ceiling of the gym, the explosion not only sent both Pokémon flying back to the battlefield, but also blew the roof of the gym, and exposed the cloudy sky to those inside of the gym.
Lucario managed to stand back up, though with some difficulties. Buizel on the other hand, couldn't stand up.
Maylene decided that this is her chance to end the battle, so she told her Lucario to attack with Metal Claw.
Buizel was hit twice by the Metal Claw, and was left lying on the ground.
The referee was about to announce that the battle is over, and that Maylene is the winner, but Buizel managed to stand back up, though barely.
Lucario attacked with Bone Rush, but Buizel was so tired, he could barely move. There was no way he would be able to dodge the attack. Suddenly, the rain started to fall through the broken roof of the gym, and Buizel managed to get away from being hit by Lucario's Bone Rush.
Lucario kept attacking, but Buizel kept dodging. It was like suddenly, Buizel got the second wind, and was moving faster than before.
To those who knew those kinds of stuff, which was everyone in the gym except Dawn; they all knew that this is Buizel's special ability, Swift Swim, which allows Buizel to move faster when it rains.
When Maylene figured that Bone Rush won't work with Buizel's speed, she told her Lucario to stop.
Buizel attacked right after, using Aqua Jet, but Lucario countered it with Force Palm. Lucario's attack was more powerful this time, so Buizel was sent flying, while Lucario only slid backwards over the wet battlefield.
Buizel was again able to get up, but he was tired, and panting from exhaustion. He was barely standing, and maybe has one, two moves at most left in him.
Lucario was slightly better, but it was also tired, and panting just as much as Buizel.
Buizel fired another Water Pulse, while Lucario countered it with Force Palm. Lucario's attack managed to stop Buizel's, and caused an explosion which covered the middle part of the battlefield. Suddenly, Ash's voice was heard, when he told Buizel to use Iron Tail.
This came as a shock for everyone, especially Maylene and her Lucario, who weren't expecting Buizel to show up from inside of the smoke cloud, with both of his tails glowing with metallic color.
Buizel came downward toward Lucario, while spinning in the air, and then hit the Steel/Fighting Type Pokémon right over the head.
Lucario fell on its back, and stayed there, while Buizel came back down from the air, and went on one knee.
The referee looked at both Pokémon, and saw that Buizel was still up, though barely. As for Lucario, it was unconscious.
"Lucario is unable to battle," the referee announced! "Therefore, the winner of the match is the challenger, Ash Ketchum!"
XXX
A bit later, Ash, Lillie, Dawn, and the Pokémon Ash used against Maylene; along with Connally, Maylene, and Maylene's Pokémon, were standing in front of the gym.
There, Maylene presented Ash with her gym's badge, as he was the winner, and has deserved it.
"Ash," Maylene spoke, as she held a case with the badge in it. "Please accept the Cobble Badge."
Ash took the badge, and with a smile on his face, he thanked her. "Thanks', Maylene."
"I thank you, Ash," Maylene said. "Thanks to you, and your friends, I got the confidence to continue as gym leader."
"That's great, Maylene." Dawn said.
"Make sure you stay strong, though," Lillie said. "And don't slip-up like you did because of Paul. He simply isn't worth it."
Maylene nodded. She will make sure that she never allows herself to fall in depression because of the words of other people. She will continue to train with her Pokémon, and they will keep getting stronger, and stronger, so that neither Paul, nor anyone else will ever be able to insult her, or her Pokémon.
Later that evening, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn were walking around the Veilstone City, with Reggie.
"Maylene gave me all the details," Reggie said. "She said that it was a very intense battle, and that it was very close for her to pull a win."
"It really was an intense battle," Ash said. "Just the way I needed it to be so that my Pokémon can become stronger. The ones I used today, haven't had many tough battles so far, but I plan to change that from now on."
"The Pokémon did great job, I agree," Lillie said. "But we should thank Dawn as well."
"That's right," Ash said. "Dawn's battle against Maylene brought back Maylene's battling spirit. Without it, I doubt she would have been this close to defeat me."
"Well, I did everything I did, and could, just so I can watch the amazing battle between Ash, and Maylene." Dawn said, before she looked at Reggie. "Now, why don't you tell us where you are taking us?"
"Just relax, and wait," Reggie said. "You'll see soon enough."
XXX
Soon enough, the four people were walking up the large number of stairs, outside of the Veilstone City.
When they reached the top of the stairs, they found themselves at the large meadow, which had a bunch of rocks all over it. Each rock was surrounded by a small fence, and the area around the rocks was glowing.
There were also several other people, who also seem to have come to see the rocks.
"You like it," Reggie questioned? "Pretty neat, ha? Since you are all leaving the Veilstone City early tomorrow, I wanted you to see our City's landmarks tonight."
"These rocks are landmarks," Ash questioned, as he looked around? "They aren't normal rocks. Aren't they?"
"Those are meteorites," Dawn said. "Right, Reggie?"
"Exactly." Reggie confirmed what Dawn said.
"There so many of them." Lillie commented.
"These meteorites are part of what put Veilstone City on the map." Dawn said.
Piplup went closer to one of the meteorites, while Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, along with Reggie, approached a big map of the meadow, which shows specifically the location of each meteorite.
"I read that Veilstone City was built surrounding meteorites." Dawn said.
"Right," Reggie said. "The truth is, these meteorites have been honored as guardians since way back in ancient times. Of course, as meteors fame grew, people started traveling here from all over to see them. That's how the Veilstone City slowly started to take shape."
XXX
While Reggie was giving a history lesson about the Veilstone City to Ash, Lillie, and Dawn; a helicopter flew above them, with none of them paying it any attention.
The helicopter landed on the top of the building in Veilstone City, where there were two people, a male, and a female, standing. They were both dressed in similar uniform of gray and white, with the only difference being that one is male, and the other is a female uniform. Also, both of them have green hair, of similar shape.
Out of the chopper, came another man. His uniform was different than the other two, though it was also gray and white. His hair is blue, and the style is different than the two people waiting for him.
"Commander Saturn," the male with green hair addressed to the blue haired man. "Welcome to the Veilstone Base."
"May I carry that?" The female asked, pointing at the black box which was in Saturn's left hand.
Saturn only lifted his right hand, making a stopping sign, before he said. "This is a special item I'm bringing to our leader. I'll carry it myself."
XXX
Sometime later, after they learned of Veilstone City's history, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn were back in the Pokémon Center.
They were talking about where to head next.
At that time, Nurse Joy approached, carrying glasses of juice for Ash, Lillie, and Dawn. She said that from Veilstone City, they can go to the Pastoria City, which is to the south, and it would be a good choice. "There is a resort on the shores of Lake Valor right on the way," Nurse Joy said. "So you can take a break there for a little rest. I also heard that Gym Leader in Pastoria City is an expert with Water Type Pokémon."
"Well then, I guess Pastoria City it is." Ash said, with Lillie agreeing with him. "Hey Dawn. Where is your next contest?" Ash asked her.
Dawn looked at him with surprise on her face, before she smiled awkwardly. "You'll never guess, but we are right in the middle of working on out brand new combination." Dawn said.
When her Piplup heard this, he narrowed his eyes, as he knew that this was a lie.
Ash also figured out that it was a lie, and sighed. He didn't say anything, though.
XXX
What used to be a quiet night in the Veilstone City, turned into something more, and threated to become everything but quiet.
Through the window in the Pokémon Center, Ash, Lillie and Dawn were looking at the pillar of light which was shooting toward the sky, and it made them all curious.
"What is that?" Dawn wondered out loud, while Ash watched it with narrowed eyes. He knew that trouble is coming.
XXX
In front of his own house, Reggie was standing with his own Pokémon, as well as Paul's Electabuzz. They have also noticed the pillar, and were also wondering what's going on.
XXX
The same thing happened in the Veilstone Gym, where Maylene, and her Lucario were meditating. Their meditation was interrupted when they felt the disturbance in the air.
XXX
At the top of the building in the Veilstone City, Saturn was holding a golden cube which was radiating light. He let the cube float into the air, before it started to change its shape, until it became something… new.
"There," Saturn spoke. "The Spear Key."
The so called, 'Spear Key' glowed brighter, before it started too descended down. "Those meteorites, and the Spear Key are made from the exact same material," Saturn spoke again, before he said into the communication device in his ear. "Saturn here. We've located the target. Prepare for signal jamming."
Inside of the building, one of the people working with Saturn, started to type something on the computer.
Eventually, Saturn returned the key into the box from which he pulled out a golden cube, and once he did that, the meteorites stopped glowing.
XXX
"What was that?" Dawn wondered when she and the others in the Pokémon Center saw that the pillars of light were gone.
XXX
Back at Reggie's house, he got a call from his brother.
"I need you to send me Electabuzz, since we are preparing for the Pastoria Gym." Paul said to his brother, who was seating in front of the phone, along with Paul's Electabuzz.
"I guess it is Electabuzz' turn for the Water Type Gym," Reggie commented. "Oh, yeah. Ash was here. You know, the guy who won every tournament he's even been at, and is apparently Cynthia's boyfriend. He seems like an interesting guy, and a good trainer. I like him."
"Yeah, I suppose you would." Paul commented.
"He earned a Cobble Badge today, along with his friend, Lillie." Reggie said.
"Everyone can win a badge in the Veilstone Gym." Paul said.
"I don't think so," Reggie said, drawing Paul's attention. "Maylene has actually put up a great fight against Lillie, and Ash. She was very close to actually defeat Ash. Thrust me, this Maylene is completely different than the one you fought."
Suddenly, the call between Paul, and Reggie was interrupted, making Reggie wonder what happened.
The same thing is happening all over the Veilstone City, as even in the police station, all the communications have been shut down.
Officer Jenny started giving orders to her man, while three helicopters were flying above the Veilstone City, toward the meadow with the meteorites.
XXX
At the Pokémon Center, all the people were wondering what's going on? The large screen TV have all lost the signal, and now nothing can be seen or heard, and is making people worried.
"Nurse Joy, what happened?" Lillie asked the Nurse, as she, Ash, and Dawn came in front of the counter.
"Something has gone terribly wrong with all of our medical equipment," Nurse Joy said. "It's affecting the recovery of the Pokémon."
"Don't you know why?" Dawn asked.
Before Joy can reply, a voice interrupted them all. Ash, and the girl looked toward the voice, and saw Maylene, and her Lucario run to them.
"Lucario and I sensed something was wrong," Maylene said. "So we came as quickly as we could. We got to figure this out. Fast."
XXX
Deciding to see what's going on, Maylene, Lucario, Ash, Lillie and Dawn run toward the meadow. "Lucario sensed that it has something to do with the meteorites in the park," Maylene said during the run.
"Is Officer Jenny informed?" Lillie asked.
"The phones are dead," Maylene said. "I sent Connally as a messenger."
"Look at those Helicopter's," Ash said. "They must be the reason for all of this."
"Whatever it is, we have to stop it." Maylene said.
Finally they arrived at the park several minutes later, only to find a bunch of people lifting the meteorites using the helicopters.
"Who are you," Ash asked the man with the blue hair? "And what are you up to?"
The man didn't reply. Instead, he released his Pokémon, a Toxicroak, and told it to use a Dark Pulse.
The Pokémon came out of its Poke Ball, and fired a purple and black pulse of energy, resembling a bunch of rings sticking together.
Maylene had her Lucario counter it with her Aura Sphere, but all it did was cause both attack' to explode. It didn't do any damage to the Poison Type Pokémon.
"We don't care about your landmarks," Saturn spoke. "But these meteorites, must take the necessary forms."
"What's this about?" Dawn asked.
"We are talking about taking the necessary forms to build a new world." Saturn said.
Ash groaned. "God, damn it," he swore. "Another gang of maniacs. Where is the end of them?"
Officer Jenny suddenly rode over the stairs on her bike, and flew above Ash, and his group before she landed in between Ash's group, and Saturn's group.
Once she got off the bike, Officer Jenny looked at Maylene, and smiled. "Thanks' for the tip-of, Maylene."
"It's my civic duty." Maylene said.
Jenny turned around, and looked toward Saturn and his group. "You are the ones who took the meteorites, right," she spoke. "All communications are down because of your tricks."
"Maybe, and maybe not." Saturn said with a smirk on his face.
"They are responsible for the Pokémon Center breakdown, right?" Lillie questioned.
"It's not just the Pokémon Center, but every piece of equipment across the Veilstone City." Jenny replied to Lillie, before she looked at Saturn. "You think that Sinnoh Special Police aren't aware of all behind the scene activities going on lately. Well, you are busted! You are a part of the secret criminal group called, Team Galactic!"
Ash groaned again. "Here we go again." He said, drawing Lillie's and Dawn's attention.
"What do you want with those meteorites?" Jenny asked Saturn.
"Telling you would be a waste of time," Saturn said. "I will say that it's all part of our plan." Then, Saturn ordered his Toxicroak to use Dark Pulse, once again.
It took Lucario's Aura Sphere, and Piplup's Bubble Beam to counter Toxicroak's attack. Even then, the black and purple rings from Toxicroak's attack ended up flying all over the place. One of them went toward Lillie, and was going to hit her if not for Ash, who bitch-slapped the ring away from her.
The other rings fell harmlessly all over the meadow, while Saturn looked toward Ash with wide eyes, as he was shocked to see a human slap a Pokémon's attack like it was just some nuisance.
"Surrender peacefully, while you can," Officer Jenny said to Saturn and his subordinates. "Unless you'd rather be taken kicking and screaming in handcuffs!"
"Get them out of here?" Saturn ordered his grunts, before they all went and released an army of Golbat. There must have been at least two dozen of them.
Golbat's started to use Air Cutter's on the group, and made them all jump and dodge all over the place from the storm of the attacks.
Saturn attacked with his Toxicroak, making Ash release his Kirlia, and told it to use Psybeam on Toxicroak.
Saturn countered it with Sludge Bomb.
When the two attacks collided, it became clear very soon that Kirlia's attack was more powerful, as it was pushing the Sludge Bomb back, much to Saturn's surprise.
Before it could reach Toxicroak, though, both attacks exploded. Toxicroak was pushed back a little, while Kirlia stood still, and was glaring at the larger, but clearly weaker Pokémon.
As the Golbat were flying all over the place, and attacking the group, they were also preventing them from getting to the Team Galactic helicopters, who were currently pulling some meteorites up.
One of the Golbat was about to use Shadow Ball on Piplup, but before it could, it was taken down by Thunderbolt from Paul's Electabuzz, who has just arrived there with Reggie.
"Is everybody OK?" Reggie asked.
"So far, everyone's fine." Ash replied.
"But what about the meteorites?" Dawn asked.
"We've got to destroy those lines," Reggie said, referring to the long lines which were pulling the meteorites to the helicopters. He looked at Electabuzz, and asked. "How about a little worm up before I send you back to Paul?"
Electabuzz nodded in agreement.
"We need to do something about those Golbat's, first?" Officer Jenny said.
Ash released his Shinx, and told him to use, Thunder on as many Golbat as he could.
Reggie followed Ash's lead, and had Electabuzz also use Thunder.
Dawn decided to also help, so she told her Piplup to use Bubble Beam.
The three Pokémon fired their attacks at the same time, and were able to take out majority of the Golbat, thus clearing the sky, and giving them access to Team Galactic's helicopters.
Seeing the group coming toward them, Saturn told Toxicroak to use Sludge Bomb. The attack hit behind Reggie, and Electabuzz, and sent them to the ground. Then, several of the remaining Golbat went at Electabuzz, and were about to attack him with Shadow Balls.
Fortunately for him, Ash's Shinx jumped in between them, and fired Thunder Wave, which took down all the Golbat which were about to attack Electabuzz.
One of the Golbat's wasn't completely take out, though, and it managed to fire a Shadow Ball at Shinx, but Electabuzz stopped the attack, and returned the favor to Shinx.
Shinx, and Electabuzz nodded at each other, before they returned to the battle. They both used Thunder at the same time, combining their attacks, and taking out all the remaining Golbat in the process.
Ash ordered his Shinx to use Wild Charge, and Reggie told Electabuzz to use Thunder.
Shinx run over the ground surrounded in electricity, before he jumped into the air toward the Team Galactic helicopters. At that moment, Electabuzz fired Thunder, which combined with Shinx, and added more power and force behind the attack.
Shinx flew through the air, and hit one of the lines carrying the meteorite, before he jumped at the other helicopter, and cut the other line as well.
This caused the two meteorites to fall back toward the ground. While they were falling, Maylene told her Lucario to use Bone Rush on the machines which were still attached to the meteorites. Once that was taken care of, Piplup used Whirlpool, to catch the meteorites, and safely bring them down to the ground.
"Great job, everyone." Ash said with a smile, before he looked toward Saturn, and two other members of the Team Galactic. They were currently standing at the edge of one of the helicopters, and were looking down at what happened.
"Commander Saturn." The female grunt spoke.
"There is no choice," Saturn spoke. "Retreat, now." He returned his Toxicroak back to its Poke Ball. With that, the three helicopters flew away.
Ash thought of blasting them away with one of his attack, but realized that might not be a good idea, as he might end up killing them. While that isn't really an issue for him, not any more anyway, it might be a problem if all those around him, especially Officer Jenny, saw that. She might actually send him to jail, and though he might be able to get out, the time spent in there would be wasted time.
As such, Ash decided to let Saturn, and his grunts run away this time. The next time, it will be different.
"We are sorry, Officer Jenny." Lillie apologized.
"We let them run away." Dawn said.
"It doesn't matter," Jenny said. "We got the meteorites back, and that's the most important thing. I thank you all for all of your help."
XXX
No one noticed a pair of brown eyes who were standing behind the trees, and watching everything that just happened.
XXX
Up in the air, with Saturn and the grunts, one of the grunts apologized to Saturn for their failure to get the necessary number of meteorites.
"Our work should be sufficient to make the red chain," Saturn said slowly, before he looked at the grunt, and added. "Our next stop… the Lake!"
As the three helicopters were flying away, Saturn spoke through the communications to the HQ. "HQ, this is Saturn. Operation concluded. Evacuate the Veilstone Base."
XXX
The next morning, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn left the Veilstone City, after they said goodbye to Reggie, and Maylene.