Chapter 7: We Will Carry On!
Chloe observed Ash and Goh's blissful sleep while Eevee snoozed in a curled-up position on her lap. It was the first time in years they traveled together. Unfortunately, she wished it were under better circumstances. "It's good to see Ash starting to act like his usual self again," Chloe turned to May.
"It'll take time, but he's getting there," May confessed.
The research fellow acknowledged, "We tried our best to support him, but it didn't feel like enough. Almost everyone had to return to their lives, yet it wasn't easy for any of us to carry on like this, including Goh. He took it hard."
May looked to the stars while she listened, "He's always admired Ash for who he is. To see Ash so broken wasn't easy for me either."
"You and Ash have done more for us than you realize. After the attack, we worried about what would happen next. We wondered whether any of us were safe until you and Ash came to Professor Oak's lab. Everyone already knows the journey you're on, and it gives us peace of mind to know that you're doing what you can," Chloe said. She brought her knees to her chest, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that we value everything the two of you do. You're both special."
The coordinator turned shy, "Chloe, you're going to make me blush."
Her friend giggled, "I don't have any other way of putting it. We're glad to have you as our friends." May tried to wave her off, but Chloe insisted. "Remember when we met at that water festival in Hoenn?"
May nodded, "I do. That was when you had that little girl and her Feebas participate."
"That's right," Chloe smiled. "Watching you mentor Jinny and Feeby encouraged me to play my part and push them to do their very best. When no one else believed in them, I did, and your guidance reinforced my belief in them. Once we got home, I started to see Pokémon in a different light."
"You reminded me of myself when I didn't like Pokémon. When I turned 10, I didn't care about becoming a trainer," May recalled.
Chloe laughed, "You only wanted to travel the world."
May rubbed her head, "Yeah, I think you were off to a better foot than I was. Although, if I'm being honest, I hoped that by encouraging Jinny and Feeby I'd also encourage you to open up to Pokémon."
The young Cerise looked surprised, "You knew I didn't like Pokémon then?"
May shrugged, "I could tell, but I was glad that you were the one who got Jinny and Feeby to ultimately believe in themselves. I barely did anything."
"You're too modest, May, even as a Contest Master," Chloe believed.
"Maybe, but it's what made us friends," May reached for Chloe's hands.
An affectionate Chloe squeezed her hands, "You're right. It was. The fact that Ash called you up for help was easily one of his better ideas." May and Chloe laughed in agreement when they looked at the young man.
"Maaaaay," Ash whined in his sleep.
May snickered, "We should get some rest. We'll be in Viridian Forest by tomorrow."
"Right," Chloe lifted Eevee and walked to her sleeping bag. She looked back at May adjusting herself beside Ash. What would life be without them? Chloe pondered.
The four heroes drifted to sleep without a care for the world. Despite the uncertainty of their journey, they were able to get a full night's rest for the first time since May's birthday. The following morning, May and Goh prepped breakfast while Ash and Chloe cleaned up the campsite with help from Eevee. The urgency of their adventure didn't allow them to waste time as they continued the trek to Viridian Forest.
Upon arriving in the forest, Goh pulled out his Rotom Phone. "It's too bad we can't get an exact location, but at least we know we're nearby," Goh studied their position.
"The plate should have a glow like the Draco Plate. That should make it easier to spot," May imagined.
"Viridian Forest is dense. There has to be an easier way to find it," Chloe rested her chin on her hand.
"Eevee vee," her curious Eevee noticed Bug-type Pokémon marching in the same direction.
Ash looked at the Normal-type, "I think Eevee's onto something." The others watched the forest Pokémon wander into the forest in a hurry.
"Did something scare them?" May questioned.
Goh disagreed, "No, they don't look afraid. They look-"
"Curious," Chloe determined.
"Right," Goh smiled at his childhood friend.
Ash pulled down the brim of his hat. "Let's follow them. They might lead us to the plate." His wife and friends nodded. They hurried until they reached a gathering of forest Pokémon. At the center of the forest, they spotted a shining object resting on a tree stump. Ash stopped when he saw the other Pokémon circle around it in awe.
"There it is!" May pointed out the rectangular shape and familiar glow.
Chloe pulled out her Rotom Phone. "It looks like this is the Insect Plate based on the image."
"It sure is," Goh also compared the image to what they saw.
Before they could take a step forward, a group of Heracross and Pinsir blocked the path. "Herac," the Heracross glared, and the Pinsir hissed. They warned them to keep their distance.
A cautious Ash waved his hands. "No reason to get defensive. We're here to help."
May stood by his side. "Please, we're here to help. There's someone looking for it that could put you all at risk."
The Heracross and Pinsir looked alarmed when they heard the coordinator's plea. "She's right. I know the plate means a great deal to the forest, but it isn't safe here," Chloe added.
"Eevee ee," Eevee insisted on trusting the humans.
"We'll bring it back once it's safe. We promise," Goh held one hand out and the other on his chest.
The other forest Pokémon eyed them alongside the Heracross and Pinsir. They didn't trust humans, but the desperation in their eyes signaled their honesty. They could sense the good intentions in their hearts. Pinsir moved aside, and Heracross paved the way for them. The Fighting-type Pokémon led them to the stump. "Heracro," it told them to take it.
"It'll be protected," Ash assured the forest Pokémon. May reached for it. Suddenly, a Dragon Pulse fired from above. "May!" Ash pulled her by the hip as the plate got blasted away along with some of the forest Pokémon.
A screech came from the sky that frightened the local Pokémon as they retreated into the forest. The Heracross and Pinsir remained to confront what attacked their fellow Pokémon. Goh and Chloe looked up while Ash and May stood up. "No, not you too," Goh froze in disbelief.
Ash's eyes widened. "Why?"
A rider descended with his violent serpent. The color of his Pokémon and the cape he wore made them distinguishable. "Lance," May gasped. The Red Gyarados and Lance opened fire again as the champion laid waste to the forest.
"The Pokémon!" Chloe saw more of them get caught in the blast.
"Vee!" Eevee got between a group of Caterpie and used Copycat to counter the Dragon Pulse.
The Heracross took flight against the Gyarados. "Hera!" the group fired Pin Missile at their aggressor.
"Aqua Tail," Lance's cold voice commanded. Gyarados swung its tail to block the Pin Missile and knocked the Heracross down with a single swing. "Fire!" Lance pointed at the defenseless Bug-type Pokémon. His Gyarados unleashed Dragon Pulse at them.
"Sceptile, I choose you!" Ash intervened.
Sceptile emerged. Acknowledging the danger, he used Leaf Blade to defend the Heracross from the Dragon Pulse. The Grass-type canceled the attack and jumped back near Ash. "The Insect Plate!" Goh saw it a few steps away.
"I got it," May slid and grabbed the plate. Before she could run back, Gyarados and Lance landed near her.
Lance frowned, "I don't think so." Gyarados readied another Dragon Pulse. May threw a Pokéball when the serpent attacked.
"May!" Chloe and Goh yelled. Ash clenched his teeth, trying to see through the dust. When it cleared, he formed a smirk. Goh and Chloe sighed with relief when Grimmsnarl appeared before the coordinator.
May smiled, "Thanks, Grimmsnarl." The coordinator ran back to rejoin her friends with the plate.
"How annoying," Lance cursed the Fairy-type. He leaped off Gyarados to confront his adversaries. "Ash, May. Why am I not surprised?" the Dragon Master crossed his arms.
Ash tightened his fist, "You won't get the plate, Lance."
Lance flicked his cape, "I don't recall needing your permission." The irises of his eyes glowed red, then reverted to their normal color. He stepped forward with Gyarados.
"It's like Iris and Alain," May recognized.
"What the heck is going on?" Goh gritted his teeth.
Ash looked back at his friends. "Goh, Chloe, help the Pokémon get to safety. We'll take care of Lance." The Pinsir defied Ash and tried to attack Gyarados, but the Water-type swung them away with Aqua Tail.
"Ash!" Goh protested.
"Let us help!" Chloe argued.
"You can help me by helping the Pokémon. Now, go!" Ash snapped.
Chloe and Goh were shocked by the anger in his eyes. They looked at May, who also insisted with a soft look, "Please, go."
The pair saw the Forest Pokémon needed them as Eevee tried to drag an injured Pidgey away from the crossfire. "Be careful," Chloe pleaded.
"We'll be back when everyone is safe," Goh emphasized and ran to join Eevee with Chloe. Ash nodded as he and May approached Lance.
Lance looked down on them. "Your desire to protect your friends will be your undoing. We will have the Insect Plate."
"We?" Ash raised an eyebrow.
"So, you are working with them?" May glared.
The Dragon-type trainer's patience waned. "That's enough chatter. If you won't surrender the Insect Plate, then we will take it by force. Gyarados, use Ice Fang!" Gyarados lunged at Sceptile with Ice Fang.
"Grimmsnarl, Parting Shot!" May ordered.
"Sceptile, Quick Attack!" Ash followed.
Gyarados was enveloped in Grimmsnarl's fairy energy, lowering the power of its attacks. "Switch to Dragon Dance," Lance grunted. Gyarados's body got surrounded by swirling purple clouds of energy as it spun around. An orange energy shot up from the ground around Gyarados. With its enhanced speed and attack, the Water-type Pokémon dodged Sceptile and bit the Grass-type with Ice Fang.
Sceptile shrieked, "Tile!" Gyarados threw the Forest Pokémon back at Grimmsnarl.
"Sceptile!" Ash worried.
"Grimmsnarl!" May panicked.
Lance clenched his fist, "Do not underestimate me. Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!" Before Sceptile and Grimmsnarl could recover, Lance's Gyarados attacked Ash and May.
"Oh, no!" Chloe saw the attack from a distance.
"Damn it!" Goh shouted.
Before Hydro Pump could land its mark, an Aura Sphere fired from the trees. The blast canceled out Hydro Pump as Lance's eyes shifted to where the attack came from. "Gyarados, we have more company," the champion warned.
Ash, May, and their friends turned to the direction of the Aura Sphere. The couple's eyes glistened when they looked. "You'll pay for that," Red and Lucario stepped out of the woods.
"Red," Lance recognized him.
Red's eyes grew, "You know me?"
"All too well," Lance threw his cape. Without command, Gyarados used Hydro Pump on the trainer and his Lucario. Lucario summoned aura from its fists and used Aura Sphere to counter the Hydro Pump similar to Close Combat.
"Whoa, who's that?" Chloe was impressed.
"I don't know, but he's good," Goh also admired them.
After Lucario punched through Hydro Pump, it fired Aura Sphere at Gyarados. Lance had the Atrocious Pokémon counter with Aqua Tail, leaving them at a standstill. Soon enough, Sceptile joined Lucario on his right, and Grimmsnarl joined him on his left. "It's good to see you, Red, Lucario," Ash smiled at him.
May winked at her son from the future. "I like the new outfits." She noticed he wore a red hat with a red jacket similar to Ash's, but the outfit had all the makings of a Sygna suit. Lucario also had chest armor with a Mega Stone at the center. The pair blushed at her remark and smiled sheepishly.
"The feeling is mutual." Lucario nodded at the trainers.
"How about we do this one together for old times' sake?" Ash caught their attention.
Red nodded. "You got it." The trainer pointed at Gyarados. "Lucario, use Extreme Speed with Aura Sphere!"
"Give me your best shot!" Lance remained defiant. Gyarados roared when Lance commanded it to use Dragon Dance. The Atrocious Pokémon's attack and speed increased again. Lucario's phenomenal speed made it seem as though it was teleporting while firing Aura Sphere. Nevertheless, Gyarados's enhanced speed allowed it to dodge the volley of aura. "You'll have to try harder than that," Lance chuckled.
"You sure about that?" Red smirked.
Sceptile and Grimmsnarl jumped out from behind Lucario using Leaf Blade and Spirit Break. The sneak attack caught the Dragon Master and his Gyarados off guard. "Sceptile!" Sceptile spun around to build power before its blade struck.
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl's fist glowed when it landed the blow on Gyarados, diminishing its power.
"My turn," Lucario saw his chance. The Aura Pokémon tackled Gyarados back after it took damage from Sceptile and Grimmsnarl.
Lance cursed his opponents. Even with twice the enhanced speed, Gyarados can't outmaneuver all three. He eyed the Insect Plate in May's arms. "This isn't over," Lance warned. He lifted his arm in the air, "Gyarados, use Aqua Tail!" Gyarados hissed when it swung its tail, unleashing a wave of roaring water at the trio.
"Take cover!" Red didn't take the attack lightly.
"Get Sceptile and Lucario behind Grimmsnarl!" May instructed. Ash and Red had their Pokémon retreat behind the Fairy-type Pokémon. May swung her arm to the side, "Grimmsnarl, use Reflect!"
Grimmsnarl raised its arms, "Grimm!" The Pokémon formed a shield between them and the wave. When the wave crashed down, the Reflect resisted the force.
May sighed when the attack settled, "That was a close one."
Red observed the area. There was no sign of Lance or Gyarados after Aqua Tail was stopped. The trainer from the future clenched his fists, "He's gone."
Ash looked around, "I don't see him."
May saw the cloudy sky, "He must've flown off with Gyarados after it used Aqua Tail. That jerk."
Red frowned, "He'll be back. They always do."
Their friends called to them before they could say anything else. "Ash, May!" Goh ran with Chloe and Eevee.
"Thank goodness, you're alright," Chloe held Eevee.
"Thanks to Red," May presented him to Goh and Chloe.
Red held his hand out, "Nice to meet you."
The friends shook his hand. However, upon taking a closer look, Goh and Chloe were shocked. "Whoa, you look almost like Ash!" Goh realized.
"And your eyes, they look like…" Chloe's voice trailed off when her stare went to May.
"Mine," May giggled.
Chloe and Goh's jaws fell and their eyes turned white. "What's going on here?!" Goh screamed. He and Chloe had so many questions, but where to begin?
Ash gave a nervous laugh, "You might want to sit down. It's somewhat of a long story."
Once the friends ensured the forest Pokémon were settled in a safe area of the woods, they briefed Goh and Chloe about the newcomer. They were surprised to learn that Red was their son from the future who helped them save Unova and the world once before from supervillains intent on destroying everything. To add more shock, Red revealed how his life led him to the past and the pair were devastated to learn of Ash and May's fate in the future.
Goh gripped his knees, "It's all so much to take in."
"Your son from the future, wow," Chloe also tried to wrap her head around it.
"Eevee ee," Eevee paid no mind to them as it played with Lucario, who petted the energetic fur ball.
"That explains the Lucario, too," Chloe turned to the Pokémon.
Ash put his hands behind his head, "Hey, you're right!"
May narrowed her eyes at him, "Ash, don't tell me you never guessed Red's Lucario came from your Lucario?"
"It never occurred to me," Ash was ashamed to admit as a drop of sweat hung from his forehead. Red, Lucario, and the others nodded sideways at the Monarch when he made his confession.
"Your adventures in Unova were years ago. How come you never told us before?" Goh asked.
Ash and May held hands, "Once Arceus reset our timeline, we didn't want to mess with it any more than it had been. We figured we'd let things run their course, but we never expected to see Red again."
"If you were meant to remain in the future, then what are you doing here?" Chloe wondered. Ash, May, and Goh were also curious to know.
Red crossed his arms, "I was led into a trap and inadvertently transported here. Someone wanted me here. My guess is to get rid of me."
The friends frowned. Ash clenched his fist, "Did this someone happen to look like May?"
Red bobbed sideways, "I'd say she looked more like Sapphire."
"Your daughter from the future?" Goh turned pale.
Red nodded at him, "Yes, my sister from the future." Ash and May acknowledged the resemblance. They confessed that was also a thought. "Except she's nothing like Sapphire. I don't know what she wants, but it's clear she has something to do with Lance and the plate you're holding. I tracked the plate's reading using this radar Lucario snatched when we encountered her."
"That makes sense," May rubbed her chin.
"Lance isn't the only one working under her. Iris and Alain are too," Ash lowered his head.
"What?!" Red clenched his fists. The couple recollected the attack on Oak's lab and the mysterious red glow in their eyes when they arrived. Red took a seat on one of the rocks to grapple with the circumstances. His eyes looked around when something sunk in, "Where's Pikachu?"
Ash lamented, "Pikachu died trying to defend the Draco Plate."
Lucario and Red felt their hearts drop when they learned of his fate. "No, it can't be. Not Pikachu. Things weren't supposed to play out like this. It doesn't make sense. None of this was supposed to happen," Red fought back tears. A sorrowful Goh and Chloe watched him shake as he grappled with the news.
May caressed his back, "That's why we set out on this journey. To save our other friends."
"Pikachu fought til the very end. I won't let it be for nothing," Ash pulled down the brim of his hat. His gaze turned solemn.
Red saw the spark in his father's eyes and recomposed himself. If he wished to help, he knew he needed to muster strength. "Neither will I," Red got up. Their conversation was interrupted when Goh's Rotom Phone rang.
"You've got a call from Gary Oak. You've got a call from Gary Oak," the phone announced.
Goh sniffled and wiped the tears away to answer, "Hello?"
"Finally, I've been trying to reach you for the past hour!" Gary Oak complained.
"We ran into trouble," Chloe rolled her eyes.
Gary crossed his arms, "I'm aware."
"How?" Ash and May looked at Goh's screen.
"My gramps told me about how the Draco Plate's reading spiked when Iris and Alain appeared. We noticed the same spike come from the plate in Viridian Forest. That's when I tried to reach you. What happened?" Gary raised an eyebrow.
"Lance attacked us but fled after we outnumbered him," Ash explained.
"Another member of the Masters 8," Gary saw the connection.
The friends acknowledged the fact. "You're right. Lance, Iris, and Alain are part of it," Goh realized.
"Does that mean the other members of the Masters 8 are under the same effects?" Chloe worried.
Gary didn't believe so, "As far as I'm aware, Cynthia is working with the authorities and the regional leagues to solve the whereabouts of the missing members, including Diantha. Unfortunately, no one has heard from Leon or Steven either."
"That can't be good. She must be rounding up the strongest trainers in the world to do her bidding," May guessed.
"If i were a supervillain, that's what I would do," Gary highlighted.
"She can try, but we won't let her get away with it. We'll stop her," Ash's determination sparked.
Red entered the camera view, "Don't forget that you have me."
Gary was surprised by his resemblance to Ash and May. That's when a stream of memories abruptly returned to him. "Wait," Gary held his head. "It's coming back to me. I know you. You're the one they called Roxas?" the young Oak remembered.
"It's Red these days, but yeah," Red confirmed.
"How did you remember?" May was surprised.
"I thought you said Arceus wiped the memory of anyone involved," Goh put his finger on his chin.
Red rubbed his chin, "Arceus must've buried your memories rather than erase them. It's impossible to completely remove a memory. Speaking from experience."
Gary seemed uneasy, "No offense, but if you're back in the past then I take the situation is more serious than we thought."
"You're right to believe that," Red agreed.
"In that case, we can't afford to waste more time. We have more ground to cover and the enemy is clearly not working alone," Gary recapped.
Goh saw his point, "You suggest we split up?" Gary gave a nod.
"We have no choice. The odds are stacked against us," Ash also agreed.
"We were able to save one plate. We can save the others faster if we do that," May held tight to the Insect Plate.
"Good. I'll leave it to you. Later," Gary hung up.
Chloe and Goh looked at Ash and May with disappointment. "I guess we part ways here?" Chloe assumed.
"I guess so," May flashed a small smile.
"It was nice while it lasted, but it won't be the last adventure together," Goh remained hopeful.
Ash put his hand on Chloe and Goh's shoulders. "I'm sure it won't be."
Eevee jumped into Chloe's arms as Lucario and Red stood by Ash and May. "Lucario and I will stick with you. Something tells me that you'll need our help," Red said.
"You mean we get to travel together for the first time?" May was surprised by his willingness.
"After we saved Unova, I learned you can't do everything alone," Red admitted.
Ash smiled at him. "Happy to have you."
"Be safe, alright?" Chloe's eyes gleamed.
"And be vigilant," Goh reminded them.
"We will. If you bump into any trouble with the other plates, you know how to reach us," Ash tipped his hat.
May bowed at them. "Good luck."
"Back at ya." Goh turned to his friend's son. "Red, it was great to meet you."
"Thank you for helping us. You'll have to tell us about our future selves sometime," Chloe joked.
Red smiled. "You bet."
"Take care, my friend," Lucario rubbed the top of Eevee's head.
Eevee wagged its tail. "Eevee!" The Pokémon beamed.
With the Insect Plate in their care, the friends parted ways in their quest to find the other plates. Goh and Chloe would venture to the north to learn more while Ash, May, and Red looked to the east.
When they exited Viridian Forest, May pulled out her Rotom Phone. "The nearest plate reading is coming from the Whirl Islands in the Johto region," May viewed the screen.
Ash grew concerned. "That might take days to get to. What if we don't make it in time?"
"Have you forgotten about the Magnet Train between Saffron and Goldenrod?" Red pointed to a billboard promoting it.
"You're right!" Ash and May rejoiced over the bullet train.
Red and Lucario chuckled. "Next stop, Johto," the trainer from the future said.