"Thank you so much for your help, Ash. If it weren't for you, we would have faced a lot of trouble."
After capturing the Pokémon hunters, they were handed over to Officer Jenny. Ash realized he couldn't extract any more information from them, and Mr. Sasaki expressed his gratitude.
"It's no problem. Honestly, even without my help, Mr. Sasaki, you all could handle it yourselves."
"Hahaha, don't say that! We really don't want to get caught up in troublesome conflicts, so you've been a tremendous help this time. As I mentioned before, we'll use our connections to keep an eye on this matter."
"Thanks, then we should be on our way."
As Ash and his friends prepared to leave, Mr. Sasaki said, "Wait a moment; I think it would be good for you to see the mirror that the Pokémon Hunter Organization is after."
Upon hearing Mr. Sasaki, Ash was a bit surprised. While he was curious about what the Pokémon hunters coveted, he also recognized it was something passed down from their ancestors.
"Is that okay?"
"Of course, no problem! In fact, I have a feeling in my ear telling me it's best to show it to you."
"???" *N
Everyone looked confused by Mr. Sasaki's words, but when he handed the mirror to Ash, a face appeared on its surface.
"Blue?!"
Seeing the face, Ash was equally surprised because it belonged to a girl named Blue, someone he knew well — so well that they were almost at the point of confessing feelings for each other.
The Blue in the mirror looked just as shocked to see Ash, but then suddenly cried out, "Ash! I don't know how I can see you through this mirror, but listen carefully! Stay away from places with ripples! You'll be transported to another world! You have to be careful! Absolutely don't go near them! Absolutely…"
Just as Blue finished her warning, her image vanished. Ash couldn't help but scratch his head in frustration, realizing that not a single word she said was actually asking for him to rescue her: "That silly girl, she must be in trouble…"
With that, Ash returned the mirror to Mr. Sasaki and shouted to the surroundings, "Since you had Mr. Sasaki show me the mirror, you must have a way to let me through, right?"
"Indeed, I can let you pass, but the world on the other side is very dangerous. Are you sure you want to go?"
The sudden voice surprised everyone, but none panicked. Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki had seen much in their time and were aware of some of the details, while Misty and the others trusted Ash, knowing that if he hadn't acted yet, it meant the voice wasn't an enemy. Otherwise, Ash would have certainly been dishing out Pokémon and preparing to fight.
"Even if you say it's dangerous, I can't just leave that foolish girl to fend for herself. Just give me a straight answer: can you let me through?"
"No problem."
"Great! How much preparation time do I have?"
"A day's time in that world; is that enough?"
"That's actually too much."
Then Ash turned to Mr. Sasaki and said, "Looks like I'll need to impose on you for a while longer."
To this, Mr. Sasaki chuckled and replied, "Of course, it's wonderful to witness such an interesting event firsthand."
"Thanks! Sorry, Misty, Suzy, Lyn, Brock, but it looks like you'll have to wait a bit. I need to go save a foolish girl."
Misty and the others understood Ash's apology and nodded in agreement.
"Stay safe; that voice said it would be very dangerous…"
"Don't worry; since it's dangerous, I'll bring my old buddies along..."
After reassuring Misty and the others, Ash revealed a smile. It seemed like it was time for his trusty companions to make their entrance.
—— Divider Line ——
"Hey, Professor Oak, could you please have my Nidoking and Nidoqueen come over? I need their help. Also, could you send over my Gyarados and Tentacruel as well?"
"Hey, Professor Birch, please send my Zigzagoon over; I need his assistance. And my Aggron too."
"Hey, Professor Rowan, could you have my Honchkrow stop by?"
After a series of phone calls by Ash, a slew of Poké Balls began to appear, transmitted via the Sasaki family's equipment. Ash quietly released all of his Pokémon except for Tentacruel.
"Roar!!!" *2
With a pair of roars, the powerful Nidoking and Nidoqueen appeared in front of Ash and promptly took their positions beside him.
"Zigzag!"
A Zigzagoon jumped out and looked around before happily hopping onto Ash's shoulder upon spotting him.
"Roar!!!!"
After emerging, Aggron let out a growl and stood next to Ash with heavy steps.
"Roar!"
With a massive roar, Gyarados entered the scene, happily nudging Ash with its head.
"Wow!"
The last to arrive was Honchkrow; after appearing, it flew to Ash's side and scanned the surroundings.
Ash looked at his old buddies and said softly, "I need to take you all with me to save someone, which is why I called you over. You are among my most powerful Pokémon. So I'll need your help. And Absol, Houndoom, and Houndour, you all come along too; that Blue girl really knows how to drag me into trouble."
"Pika!"
Seeing Ash seemed ready, Pikachu jumped up onto his shoulder, while Meowth and Blissey moved closer to Ash.
Ash addressed the Pokémon he had recently released: "You and Dragonite protect Misty, Suzy, and Lyn…"
"Um... let me..."
"Men protect themselves!"
"... How unfair..."
As Brock sulked, Ash continued, "You all team up with Dragonite to keep them safe. I'll be back soon. And Gardevoir, don't be too eager; this operation is going to be dangerous."
However, a cheerful Gardevoir shook its head.
"Gardevoir!" I'm not afraid!
Seeing Gardevoir's reaction, Ash felt a bit helpless.
"Uh... well, it's about time to start. Aerodactyl and Kabutops can help out quite a bit, and Mama Bear, could you please keep an eye on things here?"
"Eevee!" Leave it to me!
With that, Ash nodded, then shouted, "Let's go!"
"Okay."
With a flash of light, Ash disappeared from his location, and at that moment, time froze in the world Ash inhabited.
The silhouette of Arceus appeared in the stilled time, glanced around, and then vanished along with Ash.