"Team Aqua," Brock growled, "What do you want?"

A male took a step toward the surrounded three at the head of the ship, "You thought you could just get the Red Orb and try to summon the Beast huh..."

"Zel! Shut the hell up!" A feminine yet commanding voice rose from the group of the Team Aqua members. She appeared to the leader of the group, but the talkative man didn't follow her orders.

"Ha ha... you stupid kids. You can't just summon the Beast easily, the only way to do it is to have a Chosen One recite the long lost code of the Ancients..."

"Zel! If you don't stop talking, I am gonna feed you to the Sharpedo!" The female leader yelled again, and this time her threat worked. She then turned to the teenagers, "I guess you kids heard more then you should, so I should just wipe you out." She released her Pokemon, a huge Sharpedo that is two times larger then its usual size, and a Tentacreul with extremely sharp stingers. The rest of the Team Aqua released a variety of Water type Pokemon. "Those of you in the water, follow the four who went on the island earlier; the rest of you, attack!"

The battle raged on the deck; four against six. Normally, Team Aqua has the advantage in number as well as the terrain, but Ash's Pikachu balanced the odds. Elemental attacks were flying in every direction as Pokemon and human desperately dodges them. The deck is partly charred from the explosion and the engine of the ship is dead because of all the electricity Pikachu is releasing.

"The ship can't take anymore, it's gonna explode!" Tracey shouted quickly as he retrieved all his Pokemon and belongings and dived into the ocean. The others followed suit and jumped into the ocean as well, but Misty didn't.

"Jump off the ship, Misty!" Ash yelled at her nervously. The ship's control room was lid on fire and small explosions were occurring. "I can't! My foot is stuck in this metal thing! I can't move!" Misty wiggled furiously, trying to get herself free, but to no avail.

Ash watched in horror as Misty moved around furiously, trying to get her foot from the death trap. "Pikachu, use Light Screen!" Ash commanded the defensive attack quickly, hoping time had not run out. Pikachu zipped in front of Misty and created a light barrier, before the whole ship had lid up and explode...

"Here is the Red Orb, take gently care of it and get out of here quickly." Professor Ivy quickly handed a red sphere to Duplica, May, and Gary. Professor Ivy then led them to the back door of her laboratory as her three assistants pushed Duplica, May, and Gary on.

"Why the hurry? Are your working on some experiment or something?" Duplica asked as they are getting shoved out of the laboratory by the three younger girls rather roughly. "Ooh, don't tell me... you're working on a kind of Pokemon food for the Pokemon living on this island?"

The triplet assistants kept pushing the three out the laboratory, "No, she's not working on any experiments." Professor Ivy led the way to a darkened hall and then a metal door. "It's just that I know Team Magma wants to get their hands on the Red Orb as well."

Before they opened the metal door, Professor Ivy put her hand on Gary's shoulder. "I know you are Samuel's grandkid, so I trust you to not let anybody except your grandfather gets their hands on it."

Gary got hold of the sphere, it's a little bit smaller then a Poke-Ball, but it was a lot heavier. Gary held the sphere in two hands, and felt his hand burning from the heat. He can't explain it, but he felt a surge of energy trapped inside the sphere, wanting to get out. Gary nodded to Professor Ivy and led the two girls stealthily away from Professor Ivy's laboratory.

They ran through the thick jungle, going back to the beach. Three Team Magma members suddenly jumped into their path, all of them holding Poke-Balls. "This is the farthest you'll go. Hand over the Red Orb and maybe we'll let you survive." The three turned the other direction and found themselves trapped by three other Team Magma members. "Hehehe..." They laughed stupidly as they moved in, closer and closer.

"Where's Melody, she would be a big help right now." Gary gritted his teeth as he backed up into the two girls. The three held up their Poke-Balls and prepared for a tough battle, maybe their last... They were trapped, out numbered, and the situation looked grim. "No way I am backing down without a fight!"

The explosion propelled Pikachu high up the sky, and it plunged down to the surface. Ash quickly floated over and check on his buddy, "Are you okay, pal?" The electrical mouse nodded weakly as it signaled Ash toward Misty's direction. Not needing to walk nor swim, Ash quickly floated above the smoking and sinking ship, looking around anxiously for any sign of Misty.

His sight trailed off somewhere further away from the ship and saw her. Ironically, Pikachu had been closer to the blast, but it was in far better shape then Misty. Her white attire had been slightly burned, and she was injured severally. Her unconscious body slowly sinking down, and Ash can't do anything about it... Ash looked around quickly and saw Tracey and Brock trying to fight off the Team Aqua members.

"Misty..." Ash watched in misery as his friend sank slowly down, and he's unable to do anything but watch. Her long and slender sank first, while the rest of her body sank slowly. A jolt of pain went up to his forehead as a memory came back to him... "If you ever need the help of the Guardian of the Sea, just hum its song and it'll come to your aid..."

Ash closed his eyes, and despite all the things going on, he hummed the song of Lugia peacefully. "Lugia, help my friend." Ash whispered hopefully. Misty was already sinking down, oxygen was gone, and her lifeless body sank deeper and deeper... A twister of water came from under her and pushed the limbed body up and above the water. The twister subdued and revealed a huge whitish-silver, dragon-like Pokemon, its wing stretched out and it opened its mouth to reveal large fangs. A green aura surrounded Misty as she landed softly on a small remains of the ship. Her breathing was back and her injuries wasn't really bad; Ash was relieved...

"Misty... are you alright?"

"..." Misty had enough strength just to lift the sides of her mouth at Ash before you went back to unconsciousness.

At that moment, I wished I could of hold her hands; to show that I was there, to put behind our differences and conflicts. To follow the promise that I made a long time ago. I wanted her to be awake to see me smile at her, but unconscious to escape all her worries. I wanted to hold her in my arms and forget all of my worries... but I can't...

"We have retrieved the Red Orb, ma'am." Six Team Magma member bowed to a black-cloaked figure ahead of them. The figure was thin and slender, probably a female. The leader of this small group handed the Red Orb to the cloaked figure with two hands, keeping his eyes to the ground. "We have also captured the three who held the Red Orb."

The cloaked figure accepted the Red Orb with a nod of acknowledgement. "Release the three, they are no use to us anymore. Then patrol the shore to prevent any interference with the Summoning." The six bowed and backed away, showing respect for the cloaked figure as they went about their duties.

"Only a Chosen One of the Ancients can summon the Beast that lies within..." The cloaked figure threw the Red Orb hard onto the ground, the Red Orb shattered on the impact. A gush of strong wind emitted from the shatter Red Orb and rattled the cape of the cloak figure. The cape fell down, revealing long, dark red hair...

Beast of the Ancient,
Ruler of the land.
Your power unparalleled,
Your strength unmatched.
Only with the Ruler of the Sea
Can your supremacy be truly mastered.
I, sole survivor of the forgotten race,
Ancient Chosen One of the North Wind,
Hereby summon the unsurpassed power of the Land.
Awaken, my legendary Pokemon,
Wake from your eternal slumber and release your wrath.
Awaken, Groudon!

The floor shook like in an earthquake. The remains of the Red Orb released a dark ruby smoke and an eleven feet tall Pokemon materialized bits by bits. Strange markings wrote on the body of this Pokemon; it had sharp claws and a thick armor. Pointed fangs were detected when it roared an earsplitting "Grou...!"

The Summoner lifted her uncapped head to gaze the Beast in awe. The towering Pokemon shook the ground as it made its way towards the unsuspecting beach; each step on the ground left a magma-like print, boiling with high temperature. The Summoner once again hid her beautiful face behind the cape and ventured back to the forest. "My work here is done..."

"What the hell is that?!" A Team Magma grunt stared at the eleven feet, 2000 pound giant, shaking the earth with each burning step towards him. He felt his legs trembling, unsure if that's because of the earthquake produced by the Beast or his utmost fear.

"That's my mission... capture Groudon with this!" A taller man told the Grunt. The taller man wore a different Team Magma custom, probably only for Executive members of the team. He did not seemed scared under the intense staring of the Legendary Pokemon. With a light chuckle, he threw the unique Poke-Ball he had been holding in his hand. "Magma Ball! Capture!"

The Magma Ball made impact with the colossal figured, and some how, Groudon was absorbed into the Poke-Ball, something that was more then 10 times smaller. The Magma Ball rolled on the fertile soil, making heat imprints, quickly drying the ground. After much struggling, Groudon gave up and was captured easily by Team Magma...

"Sharpedo!" The shark Pokemon cried out in pain as Misty's Golden rammed hard into it with its sharp horn. Sharpedo gave out of strength after numerous Elemental and Physical attacks. The leader of the Team Aqua gang quickly returned her Pokemon back into its Poke-Ball.

Tracey crossed his arms with a relaxed and victorious smile on his face. "Looks like your lasted Pokemon fainted. So you better tell us what's your motive before we blast you off like we do to Team Rocket members." Brock swam up to Tracey and nodded with a mocking smile on his face.

"You dare you compare those weaklings Team Rocket member to us, the high and royal Pokemon Trainers of the Seven Seas?!" The feminine leader gathered her gang of battered followers with a sharp whistle, "You lucked out this time, but from the looks of it, you lost more then you won. The Beast of the Land is secured and your Chosen One has perished. You'll lose the next time we meet." All the Team Aqua members dived back to their submarine and back to their secret hideout.

"You better run!" Brock shouted after the dark shades in the water. "That's what they say every time they lose to the good guys... 'we'll get you next time'..." Brock mimicked the leader with a feminine voice.

"No... She's right..." Tracey said moodily and lashed angrily at the water once he realized what she meant. Tracey and Brock swam up to the unconscious Misty, who was laying peacefully on a wooden board, accompany by a worried Ash. "Come on, we have to get to the shore and look for the others. The longer we stay in the sea, the greater the chance Team Aqua may launch another attack at us." Tracey sulkily advised at the group and he inched slowly towards the shore.

"You sure no one will find us here?" May asked with a slight of fear in her voice. She inched closer to Gary, feeling warmth from his heated body. No one answered her question as they all together moved deeper into the dark cave. They arrived at an opened area at the end of the tunnel; an area surrounded by thick vegetations and tall trees...the dark night draped over the weary teens with their weak Pokemon.

"We'll be safe here, as long as we stay quiet and out of the wild Pokemon's ways." Brock murmured to the group, not exactly in a reassuring tone. The group all sat in a small, circular shape, while Brock tries to start a fire in the middle. "How's Misty doing?" He asked unattendingly as he scraped two small trigs to ignite a small fire. They could not release any Pokemon because the flash created by the Poke-Ball will draw much attention in a dark night like this one.

Ash floated closer to the sleeping Misty. Her breathing seemed to be slower then normal, many tiny beats of sweat rolled off of her forehead. Her paled face held a sad expression. "Not so good... I can't tell her temperature, but I think she got a fever; and her wet cloths doesn't help either." Ash replied dejectedly and sighed. Tracey and Brook started to spread out their wet things close to the fire, hoping that they'll dry fast.

Melody, Duplica, and May approached to the sick Misty and kneel close to her. May put her hand on the Chosen One and felt a burning temperature. Misty was terribly sick at that point. May nodded to Gary as he quickly pulled out a sleeping mat and a sheet for Misty. The three girls politely asked the boys to turn around so they can undress Misty from her soaked attire and put her into bed.

Misty snuggled closer to the thick sheet, slightly reveling the curves of her body. The boys moved the sleeping mat, with Misty in it, closer to the warm fire. Ash carefully laid Misty's robe-like attire close to the small fire, while the other got into their sleeping bags, ready for the night.

Ash looked at Gary. He gave up his sleeping mat to Misty; and some how, some way, Ash felt a little guilty about it. He apologized for it quietly, Gary just laughed at his antics and disregarded it. "I haven't seen you in years. Wanna stay up all night and talk? I mean, some one is going to have watch in case Team Aqua or Team Magma comes back to attack us right?"

Ash nodded at his statement. "Plus, you have to change the towel on Misty's forehead, because I can't do it..." They both trade small smiles and sat next to Misty. Misty's slightly wet hair captured Ash's gaze and made him comprehend how beautiful she is. But as Ash realized Misty's current conditions, he felt guilty and useless...

"We're not doing a great job... you know, the whole saving the world thing?" Ash said as he admired the deep night, knowing he is still accompanied by his rival, Gary. Gary replied with a simple "I know" as he replaced a new towel on Misty's forehead. Knowing the rest of the group is still wide awake, searching for stars in the sky, he acknowledged them. "We're not working as a team. I mean, if Misty is going to be the Chosen One and save the world, shouldn't we protect her at all coasts? Be her Guardians and look after her?"

Tracey cleared his throat, showing that he's listening. The others shifted lightly, making a rustling sound, all showing Ash and Gary that they're paying attention. Gary spoke up, "I think Mew already told this tale, but I am retelling it again: A long time ago, when the world is in chaos created by a mad and unholy Pokemon, a sole young Summoner stood up to it and fought it. In the end, the young Summoner summoned a powerful Pokemon to triumph over the Unholy one; but that day would never happened if the young Summoner's Guardians didn't protect her along the way."

"Gary's right. We are Misty's friends, it's our duty to protect her. As our new occupation, The Guardians, it's our job to defend our Chosen One from any attack and any threats; because without her, the world will fall..."

"Very well said Ash." Brook added in, "On this day, we are all members of The Guardian Force. We'll swear to protect our Chosen One from any dangers from all costs. Let me repeat what I said: Protect her at all costs. Does anyone right now doesn't want to be a Guardian?" Everyone looked around at each other, no hand rose, and no voice spoke up. "Well then, I guess we're all in!"

"Great! Now we might actually stand a better chance against whatever I saw on the beach. Did any of you besides May and Duplica have seen it?" Gary suddenly brought up the topic. "I think that Pokemon had something to do with the Red Orb, because Team Magma took it away from us after we lost the Pokemon Battle. Professor Ivy had also warned us to not let anybody getting their hands on it... I failed our mission..." Gary said with shame and hung his head low, staring at the burning twigs.

"Gary, what did you do?! I told you to not go off on your own! " He snared at Melody, May, Duplica, and Gary. "Now we lost an important item and Team Magma has it!" Tracey yelled at them.

"Chill out, man!" May wandered over to Gary and gave him a reassuring look, making the poor boy smile a little. "We did the best we can, and what's done is already done, we're sorry!" Gary, Melody and Duplica nodded with the apologizing May.

Still isn't really satisfied with the situation, Tracey just grunted. Something doesn't add up here; if Team Magma had something to do with a powerful Pokemon, how come they did not attack us with it? May, Duplica, Melody, and Gary's Pokemon are already out of battle condition, and Ash, Misty, Brock, and mine Pokemon aren't doing really well either. Team Magma could've easily wiped us out, but they didn't do it... why? "Gary, how long did you see the Pokemon?" Tracey asked rather not so politely.

"Only for a couple minute, then it went out of my sight. Why?" Gary replied quickly, not wanting Tracey to get any angrier with him or the girls.

"Nothing..." Tracey said carelessly as he went back to his warm sheets, trying to figure out the missing part in the puzzle. The other quickly fell asleep; now only Gary, Tracey and Ash are still up, each thinking different thoughts. The night is quiet and dead, but the smell of tension is still in the air. At the middle of the night, Gary and Tracey eventually drifted off to the unconquerable dream word. Only Ash was awake now, watching over the silent camp, watching over his fellow Guardians, and watching over Misty...

"Team" is a loose term applying to our currently situation. Daggers are being thrown everywhere, while the likes of Brock and Melody didn't do much trying to keep peace. Even though we're the Guardians now, it doesn't mean much if we are not working together.
Things aren't going well between Misty and I. I just wished I can understand her... I would never understand a girl's thoughts... For now, I just have to keep my emotions under control. I don't wanna go back to that place again.
To Be Continued

Well, did you like it? Took me a while to write it... Well, please review, and remember I am looking for a beta-reader or someone to bounce idea off.
Anyways, thanks for reading my fic!