As they traveled through Mt Mortar Casey was telling them about the Xatu the mountain was famous for. The Xatu Pokemon would use their foresight abilities to look into the future in order to forecast weather. A lot of people had tried to read a human's future, but it turned out to be very difficult as there were many elements that affect human nature and choice. Some people still try to read the future however and the results were ridiculous or outright absurd.
Lokoko, -I know future sight as well. But it's only limited to battling.-
Lucario nodded, -Same condition. I don't think I would ever use it to read the future. There are too many inconsistencies to get a proper reading.-
Abra, -We can change our minds making any future we see pointless.-
Alakazam, -That's how life is. It's filled with choices.-
Max, "They sure are invested in talking about future sight."
Ash, "It is a very powerful move if used in a smart manner."
Casey, "Yeah, especially during the high ranking battles. The Pokemon are already busy using many moves at the same time."
Brock nodded, "True, most Pokemon use four moves simultaneously at the max. If one of them is future sight."
Gou, "They have a very useful advantage."
Casey, "Calista?"
A woman looked up at the call, "Casey? Is that you? Oh my! It has been a while."
A Xatu approached them and her eyes glowed brightly surprising them. Much to Brock's worry Ash's eyes were glowing too. Max then stepped forward to try to pull Ash away but another Xatu intercepted him shaking his head. After a while the glow stopped and the connection broke.
Lucario, -Meema?-
Ash, "I'm okay. Thank you for the warning Xatu. I appreciate it."
Abra was frowning, -I really do not appreciate you doing that. Please refrain from doing so in the future. I am Meema's psychic Pokemon, if you have anything to show, show me first.-
Xatu, -I understand young one but when it comes to powerful visions I'm afraid we really cannot control who the recipient is.-
Lokoko, -For someone so young you are quiet powerful though. I suppose training in control is next for you.-
Calista blushed at what seemed like a reprimand from the Ninetales, "I'm so sorry this happened. I assure you though, Xatu means no harm."
Ash waved her apology, "No, no, in fact I appreciate the warning. I knew he was no doubt planning something. A criminal like him is not one to give up their target easily."
Brock frowned, "It'll be best, if we don't speak about what happened to anyone."
Kirlia eyed the bird Pokemon, -I second that.-
Gou was checking on Ash, "I agree too, if the wrong person found out."
Max, "Say what did Xatu show you?"
Ash took a deep breath, "Team Rocket. Or rather him, to be specific. He is really hell bent on proving his right as the leader and is willing to attack, kill and destroy Jhoto if necessary."
Casey paled realizing who Ash was talking about, "We need to warn the others."
Calista was holding Xatu trembling, "I... I see, and before you ask. Xatu has always been proven correct in her visions."
Brock nodded turning to Ash, "Looks like you can't excuse yourself from the meeting in Blackthorn City anymore."
Ash sighed, "Yeah, and to think everything was going well too. All I had to worry about was the paperwork. Nothing else."
Gou pat his back, "Well Champ, don't look so down."
Max, "We will prepare your favourites for you after the meeting is done."
Ash hugged him, "Max, you are my favorite little brother."
Max flushed feeling very pleased on hearing that, even though he knew that Ash had said it jokingly nothing more. The last seven months, he had started to look at the older teen like a big brother and many times wished he was his older brother. They thanked Calista and her Xatu for the heads up and moved forward through the mountain. As they moved forward Lucario noticed something strange was in the air and became alert. Ash and Brock paused feeling the hair on their skin stand up, it was a very uncomfortable situation.
Gou, "What's wrong?"
Brock, "Something is not right."
Casey opened her mouth and closed it, "You are right. It's quiet but not in a good way."
Max huddled closer, "Is it the vision?"
Ash, "No, but this probably led to the vision occurring."
Gou, "So what do we do?"
Brock, "In my opinion, what Xatu saw no doubt happened already. So we might not be able to stop it."
Casey, "What are you suggesting? That we try to mitigate the damage? How?"
Ash, "That's not a bad idea Brock. But I must warn you, it will not be easy."
Max, "So what do we do?"
Gou, "Disguise?"
Brock, "Oh definitely."
Ash, "Come on, let's set up camp somewhere and then change."
Max, "Okay."
Casey was grumbling, "Is it just me or have we been running into Team Rocket a lot recently?"
Gou grumbled, "Not just you."
Brock, "This should be a nice place. Golbat check if anyone is around."
Lokoko, -I don't feel anyone.-
Brock, "Any cameras Golbat?"
Golbat, "Gol golbat gol."
Ralts, -That's good there are no cameras but what do you mean by signs of patrol.-
Ash, "It means someone is doing something they don't want others to learn about."
They quickly changed into their disguises but didn't leave before Yuri insisted on applying old fashioned make up. It was close to late July festival, too bad they were nowhere near a town to celebrate it but it didn't mean they could not enjoy it. They could still dress up and make their own food, though it doesn't look like they could enjoy any late July fireworks. The Sumidagawa Festival was one of the most popular festivals in Jhoto, to celebrate the freedom from a tyrannical ruler.
Yuri, 'Huh, there have been many tyrannical rulers in the past.'
Akako, "Hey Yuri - chan, I think that's enough make up. Don't you think?"
Yuri, "Yeah, I think so too. Sorry Akako - chan, I got really excited and carried away."
Akako, "Nah, it's understandable, it's the firework festival tonight right?"
Nagato, "Yes, it is. But it doesn't look like we will make it to the next town for it."
Masumoto, "We could blow up the base if they are doing something wrong."
Tetsuya chuckled, "True."
Lucario, -Meema, I think I might need a new cloak.-
Akako looked at the torn cloak, "We can get a new one next town, Riko. Until then... I know, use this."
Riko took the long coat and cap, -Isn't this for your next contest? Are you sure?-
Akako, "It'll be fine. Plus, I have not used it once so no one will recognize you."
Masumoto eyed Breloom, "That's not a bad idea, right Breloom?"
Breloom eyed Riko, "Loom bre breloom."
Akako went through her bag, "Here you go Masumoto, Breloom. You can use this coat till you get a proper disguise."
Breloom nodded, "Loom breloom loom."
Masumoto, "This will help. Come on Breloom I'll help you get ready."
After they put on their disguises which took mostly fifteen minutes, mostly thanks to the make up, they moved. Annihilape and Gengar hid them using illusions as they split up into two groups and get closer. But they faced a slight problem as they did, their Pokemon started to feel sick and their bodies became weak. This worried Akako, Nagato and Masumoto who stopped a bit further from the lake to tend to their Pokemon.
Riko, -Annihilape, Breloom sorry Madarame and I feel fine. It's the young ones who are not well.-
Madarame rubbed Kirlia's back, "Loom loom breloom."
Kirlia was dressed as a boy around Max's age, -I don't know what is happening but my body feels like it's burning all over.-
Max, "Hang on Kiko. We'll figure something out."
Abra was clutch on to Akako, -I feel like I'm going to blow up. Meema what is happening to me?-
Akako gritted her teeth, "Hold on, let me try something."
Akako focused on her aura and ran it through the Pokemon, much to Riko's protest but the young Pokemon looked better after that so they swallowed their complaints. Pikachu and the young Pokemon cooed at Akako after feeling like their body was not going to burst anymore. That was a very strange and terrifying thing to happen and Akako looked around unamused by what she felt.
Nagato, "What did you find Akako?"
Akako, "There is a strange aura around here and it's not the good kind."
Riko nodded, -I think it'll be safer for the unevolved Pokemon to guard the perimeter instead.-
Pikachu protested but Riko raised his hand up, -I know it's not feasible but it's also very dangerous for you as seen to enter an area with unstable aura floating around. Also we don't know who is around here so technically we need a guard too.-
Kiko grumbled, -How annoying! You better deal with whoever is creating such unstable aura first then.-
Akako, "We will, till then, watch out backs."
Abra, -You don't even have to ask Meema. We will set up a safe place for you.-
Nagato, "Okay, we have a plan then. The unevolved Pokemon will set up a perimeter while the rest of us will deal with the clown inside."
Kirlia scowled not liking that idea, -Fine, but you better be safe partner. I mean it.-
Masumoto, "Always partner."
Tetsuya, "Is everyone feeling okay?"
Yuri frowned, "Guess we can't take unevolved Pokemon further than this point. This is very troublesome. What are they doing in there?"
Tetsuya gritted his teeth, "Everything that goes against natural aura apparently. Stay here and create a perimeter. Be careful not to get caught."
Vulpix whined but nodded in agreement and took the Pokemon who were not evolved to their final evolution and went to get their job done. Vulpix was very annoyed but didn't argue after feeling the pain go through his body and it looks like none of the others were keen on feeling it either. Yuri watched them go a little worried about them but trusted them to stay safe. They started to look around and saw a farm house or was it an outhouse being guarded by Team Rocket members. The two looked at each other and nodded moving back to check their chances and a way in.
Meanwhile Akako, Nagato and Masumoto were checking the lake out. It looked very normal from outside but you never know when something went wrong. And it went wrong very spectacularly, a huge wave rose forcing Alakazam and Riko to create a shield using aura and psychic powers. Masumoto watched with fear and fascination as the water ran it's course and they saw a red coloured creature. As the water cleared and the two Pokemon put the shield down Akako marveled on seeing a shiny Gyarados in real life.
Akako, "Oh you look amazing."
Nagato nodded, "Yeah, what's wrong though?"
Masumoto, "You are hurt."
Gyarados was eyeing them suspiciously and growled when they tried to step closer to him only to step back. Akako was eyeing the large Gyarados warily and yet with a lot of interest as well. This Pokemon would become one of Lance's most powerful Pokemon and power house in the future. Masumoto was watching the shiny Pokemon glaring at them suspiciously and yet with interest. Akako had dispersed her aura earlier and Gyarados had felt it sooth his pain and so he had come out curious about them. Now they were at a standstill not moving an inch.
"Over there!"
"Catch him."
Nagato whipped his head around and hissed, "Team Rocket!"
Masumoto, "Should have known they were the ones behind this mess too."
Akako, "Gyarados, get out of here. We will keep them distracted."
Gyarados growled seeing the people wearing the uniform and trying to capture him again, bad enough they forced him to evolve before trying to control them. On hearing what the healer said he looked at them incredulously, bit seeing the evolved Pokemon with them, ready to battle, he understood. Gyarados was being given a chance to escape from his captors and he dived into the water hearing the little healer call out an attack. Gyarados hopes to meet the little healer and her little friends in the future.
[A. N.: Was logged out again. So annoying.
Uploading on Monday because of it.]