When we last left our heroes, they had begun braving the many dangers of the Ruins of Alph–rolling boulders, color changing tiles, and wild Pokemon being only a few of them. But just as May voices her fears over what kind of trap they could face next, her worst fears come true in the oddest fashion…

Episode 21: Sing a Melody of Darkness

“First we walk into the boulder scene from Nick Dragonswift, right down to Ash grabbing his bandanna before the boulder can squish it…” Brenna sighed as the group trekked down a stairway.

“Then we run into a block puzzle clean out of an RPG…” Dawn complained.

“And on top of that, we also ran into a swarm of Zubats, just like in a horror movie…” Misty shuddered.

“What’s next, running into a ghostly hand like in Zelda?” May groaned.

Ash suddenly heard an airy-like roar in the distance and noted a large shadow forming over May. “Be careful what you wish for, May…” he stammered.

May glanced up and dove out of the way as a odd hand-shaped being dropped down from the ceiling. At first, it was confused, but it then scuttled in May’s direction, eager to grab her and send her back to the entrance.

“Ruby Spark!” Ash called, engulfing the hand creature in flames. Once assured her foe was defeated, May peeked out from behind the column she had scrambled behind and gave Ash a hug of gratefulness.

“Now I’ve seen everything…” Misty grumbled. “Wallmasters really exist…”

“That may have been an illusion created by the Unowns to test you.” Wes interjected. “Bear in mind we are in their territory.” He was about to say more when a group of Unowns emerged from the wall to meet the group.

“What do you want?” Ash demanded. The Unowns responded by creating a thin purple chain that would periodically pulse with a purple light seemingly from then air and offered it to Ash.

“That’s the Moonstoone Chain!” Rui gasped.

“What? The Unowns wouldn’t just GIVE us the Chain!” Misty was shocked.

“Maybe they’ve seen how we’ve done braving the ruin’s traps, and they like what they see?” Dawn wondered.

“If you remember what Kaichou said, our knowledge of movies and games would help us.” Misty explained. “And if I remember right, you don’t just GET an important item! You have to earn it!”

“That may be true, but Dawn has a point too.” Wes started.

“Then why don’t we have the one who’s supposed to take the Moonstone Chain ask the Unowns what we should do?” May suggested.

“Great idea!” Ash agreed.

“Okay…” Leila turned to the Unowns. “Unowns, you’ve seen how well we’ve done braving the ruins–but what else would you have us do before I claim the Moonstone Chain?” The Unowns flew over to Leila and offered the Chain to her. “So you’re just giving me the Chain? No boss monster or one last final puzzle?” she asked, pressing the Unowns further. The Unowns made a gesture Leila assumed meant “yes” and again offered the chain. “Okay then…”

“Don’t!” Brock yelped. “They may just be trying to trick you!” he called to Leila as she reached to take the chain.

The Unowns then jerked away the chain and unleashed a wave of energy, knocking everyone else backwards and leaving Leila staring out at a large gap between her and the Moonstone Chain. Leila swallowed hard and bravely stepped into the blackness, only to expect to fall to her doom. Amazingly enough, she found herself standing on solid ground!

“So there was one last challenge after all.” Brenna sighed.

“Are we allowed to help Leila at all?” Brock asked an Unown. An Unown shaped like a one appeared before him, seemingly answering his question.

“So do you guys get to help me at all?” Leila called from the invisible floor.

“I think we’re allowed to help you only once.” Ash called back before addressing the others. “So what should our one hint be?”

“I have an idea…” With that, Dawn focused some yellow energy in her hands. “Love, oh love… Melodic Shine!” With that, the burst of light went flying over Leila’s head and circled around her, lighting up a little portion of the pathway ahead of her.

“Thanks, Dawn!” Leila called as she gingerly followed the winding pathway, the light ball from Dawn’s Melodic attack following her at every twist and turn. After what seemed like an hour, Ash could barely make out Leila on the other end, but as she picked up the Moonstone Chain, the floor returned, allowing the others to cross over safely.

Once the group was back together again, the Unowns teleported them outside, back to Wes’ campsite.

“YES!!!” May yelled as Ash summoned Swellow.

“One piece down, seven to go!” Leila smiled as she gave the chain to Kaichou.

“So where to now, gang?” Hayley asked, looking to Brenna and Wes for answers.

“Next is the Tin Tower, where Ho’oh is said to nest.” Brenna replied. “Chart a course for Ecruteak City.” she told Ash, who nodded in response.

“To gain access to Ho’oh’s nest, you need a Rainbow Wing.” Wes started as Swellow took off, unaware of the Rockets preparing to brave the ruins below them….

To Be Continued…

o^-^o: What could be hidden in the Tower? Are there more signs of Rocket activity there? Don’t miss Episode 22 on this Web site next week!