The return of a legend

Follow the beacon

Kukui gasped as the geyser flew into the air, immediately running towards it. He had no doubt that Ash was doing that. The boy had told him many times about transforming with Greninja, and what it looked like. He knew this had to be Ash. He grabbed the phone he'd been given before they split up, running as he talked. "This is Kukui. Can everyone see that water spout?" 

"This is Kiawe and Lana. We can see it." "

Mallow and Sophocles can." 

"This is Lillie and Samson. We can." 

"Head towards it. I have no doubt that's Ash." "

I thought he didn't have any Pokemon with him?" Sophocles asked. 

"He didn't, but his Greninja must've found him. Try to get to it as soon as you can. I should get there first. Kukui out." Lycanroc growled softly, looking over at him. "Yeah. If he's initiated the Bond, he must be in trouble. Get ready to battle once we're there." Lycanroc nodded.

Ash grinned. "Greninja, Water Shuriken! Give us a cover." Greninja launched a Water Shuriken at Steelix, covering the field with smoke. Ash ran off through the woods, putting as much distance between him and Alton as he could. If he could get away from Steelix, he could probably sneak into the town before Alton knew where he was going. Ash ducked behind some bushes, waiting silently as footsteps ran closer. 

"Shit. I wasn't expecting that from him. Steelix, find him." Alton cursed. Steelix roared, racing off to Ash's left. 

Ash waited for a few minutes, but finally stood up. "You alright, Greninja?" Ash asked. Greninja leapt down from the tree, nodding. "Good. Now, let's try to get back to the Center. If we can find Officer Jenny, we can tell her about what happened." Greninja nodded again, walking off to Ash's right. Ash decided to follow, since Greninja seemed to know where they were.

Footsteps started getting closer. Ash turned around in time to be crushed by arms. "Ash! Thank goodness you're alright." Kukui sighed, pulling Ash closer. 

"Professor?" 

"Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" Kukui pulled back, looking around Ash's body. 

"I'm fine. How did you find me?" 

"We ran across Akae and his group. They told us you were somewhere around here. When we saw the geyser, I knew I could find you. Come on, let's get out of here." 

"There's a guy named Alton running around. He's got a Mega Steelix, and he's pretty obsessed with getting me and Greninja." 

"I know. Rin told us. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner we can get you somewhere safe. Kiawe had Litten, Mallow has Rowlet, and Sophocles had Pikachu and Rotomdex. We'll get them back to you once we get everyone back." 

"Thanks. It's nice to finally see a familiar face." 

"Let's start moving. Before Alton comes back." Ash nodded, following behind Kukui.

Sophocles and Mallow were the first people they ran into, literally. They'd been turning around a tree when Mallow ran into Ash, knocking them both down. 

"Ow." Mallow groaned, rubbing her head. Tsareena stood next to her, watching as Sophocles finally showed up. 

Pikachu hopped off of Sophocles' shoulders, running over to Ash. "Pikachu! Hey, buddy. Mallow, Sophocles, what are you two doing here?" Ash asked as Greninja helped him up. 

"We were looking for you. Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?" 

"I'm fine, Mallow. How's Rowlet?"