Pokemon: Advanced Wishes Black or White

Chapter 33: The Man in the Mirror

He tightened his fists as he lay on the grass. Even in his sleep, he failed to relax. Between deep breaths, his face would clench. His dream felt all too real.

"You have to leave with Aunt Misty," the gentle voice of a man caught his ears.

"But why?" the little boy received a backpack from the man.

"Because it's safer, sweetheart," an older woman stroked his hair. Her voice was that of an angel.

"I trust you, Mommy and Daddy," a girl near his age acknowledged.

"You'll take good care of each other, won't you?" the father smiled at his son.

"You two will always have each other," the mother reminded her children.

"Guys, she's here," another man a bit younger than his father came up behind them. He wore glasses and a green shirt.

The little boy felt his sister's hand grab his, "Sapphire?" the sibling looked at her. Sapphire nodded at him. She looked so much like their mother. When he looked at their mom, he saw tears in her eyes.

"It's time," the mother kneeled to hug both of them.

Their father wrapped himself around the three of them, "We'll be together forever." The man closed his eyes to fight back tears. When they separated, they stared at the doorway.

His dad's oldest friend stood by the doorway, ready to guide them. "Pika!" the mouse hid his sorrow behind a smile for the youngsters.

"Pikachu will make sure you don't get Aunt Misty upset," the dad winked.

"It'll be fun," their mother grabbed them by their hands to walk out. He couldn't understand why they were leaving with Aunt Misty, but he trusted his family and would do as told. His mother smiled when they met eyes again, "Your journey starts today." He felt a tear flow down his cheek when she said that.

***

"Tepig, I choose you!" Ash called out his loyal Fire-type.

"Boldore, go!" the cloaked figure commanded.

"Tepig!" Tepig glared at the Rock-type.

"A Boldore? I haven't fought one of those in a while," he recalled.

"Boldore, use Power Gem," the stranger attacked.

"Boldore!" the middle gem underneath its eyes began to glow red. Suddenly, a red beam shot out with quick speed.

"Tepig, dodge and use Flame Charge!" Ash got into high gear.

"Tepig!" Tepig jetted off with fire enveloping its body. The pig's swift movement allowed him to avoid the Power Gem. Boldore remained still as Tepig charged forward with all its might. "Tepig tepig teeepiiiiig!" Tepig increased the intensity of its flames and leaped at Boldore.

"Mud-Slap," the trainer's Boldore splashed dirt at Tepig.

The mud halted Tepig's offense, but his trainer pushed him, "Tepig, get it together and use Flamethrower!"