Pokemon: Advanced Wishes Black or White

Chapter 42: Paint It Black

Ash, May, Victini, and Pikachu teleported into a room filled with stacks of boxes. "Guess this is our starting point," May examined the area.

"Looks like a storage room," Ash determined.

"Fortunately, there's a map," May noticed a layout of the building on the wall.

Ash looked at the layout, "Nice, this will make it easier to find Cilan and Iris and rescue them."

"Looks like we're right here," May saw a label indicating storage room.

"We have a lot of ground to cover, so let's get moving," Ash almost turned the doorknob until he noticed two shadows standing guard by the door.

May sighed, "Guess taking the door is out of the question."

Ever the optimist, Ash pointed at an alternative. "We have the air vent."

"Pika?" Pikachu wondered how they would remove the grate.

May turned to Victini, "Victini, do you mind using your psychic powers to move that grate?"

"Tini," Victini obliged. The grate was outlined in blue when Victini used its abilities to detach it and set it on the ground.

Ash gave Victini a thumbs up, "Nice one." Victini clapped in glee over its usefulness. The only thing left was to climb onto the vent. Ash stood under the grate with his hands cupped, "Here, May. Step on my hands to give you a lift."

"What about you?" May tilted her head.

"I can jump it since I'm a bit taller," Ash winked.

"Right," May couldn't disagree with him there. She stepped on his hands to rise until she grabbed the ledge of the vent, and then she pulled herself up. She crawled inside the tight space. "Don't fall behind," May called to him.

"I won't," Ash sounded sure of himself. Pikachu and Victini entered the vent without struggle. Ash took a few steps back, then sprinted toward the wall. He sprinted up until he got a hold of the edge. Once he pulled himself up, he crawled as May led the way. They were off to a good start.

***

"I hate this," Iris tried to free herself from the pole she got chained to.

"Axew ew," Axew squirmed in frustration.

"Iris, remember yesterday's training. We must remain calm and resourceful if we want to escape," Cilan took deep breaths.

"Speak for yourself," Iris glared. She remembered how much she and Axew struggled compared to their teammates, so much so that Auro said they would need more practice.

Cilan chuckled, "I'll think of something. Give me some time." Iris sighed and looked at Axew, receiving a nod from the Dragon-type. Iris closed her eyes to take deep breaths. She might as well practice.

***

"Scraaaaagggyyyyyyy!" Scraggy used all its strength to remove the air vent grate. The Fighting-type Pokémon dropped below to the hallway with May and the others close behind.

"Thanks, Scraggy," Ash appreciated his assistance.

May wondered, "Why didn't you let Victini handle that vent cover?"

"Auro warned us not to rely on Victini too much. Besides, I think our other friends should train, too," Ash emphasized.

May saw the point he made, "That makes sense. Good thing Scraggy could fit in those ducts." They moved along the hallway, hoping things would go as smoothly as they had been.