Our heroes continue to travel towards Shalour City, where Ash will challenge Korrina for his third Kalos gym badge.
Serena suddenly tugged on Ash's hand and darted towards the side of the trail. "This way!" she called, her voice brimming with excitement.
Clemont blinked, adjusting his glasses as he turned after them. "W–wait, Serena! Where are you going? What's so special about that cave?"
Serena's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "You'll see when we get inside."
Ash tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "A cave, huh? Let's check it out!"
They entered together, and the moment they stepped into the shadows, the group froze in awe. The walls shimmered faintly, each one glistening as though lined with countless mirrors. Light from the entrance fractured across the surface, bouncing until the whole passage glowed faintly.
"Wow..." Bonnie whispered, her wide eyes reflecting the brilliance. "It's like the whole cave is one giant mirror."
Serena nodded, her voice hushed with reverence. "That's because this is Reflection Cave. They say the walls here are so polished you can see more than just your reflection."
Ash's jaw dropped in amazement. "That's awesome! Come on, Pikachu, let's see how far this goes!" He bolted ahead, his voice echoing through the crystalline chamber.
"Ash, wait!" Clemont groaned, clutching his invention-laden backpack and hurrying after him. "You can't just go running off in a place like this!"
But neither Serena nor Bonnie could hold back their excitement, and the group dashed deeper into the cave, their footsteps clattering off the walls.
Ash slowed when he noticed something unusual—a faint glow flickering behind one of the mirror-like rocks. "Huh?" He turned, eyes narrowing at the light. "Hey, Pikachu, do you see that?"
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted its head, ears twitching.
Ash crept closer, hand outstretched, but the glow vanished the instant he drew near. He blinked, scratching his head. "Weird... I could've sworn something was there."
Shaking it off, he wandered toward another reflective wall. This one suddenly shimmered with a brighter intensity, flooding the cavern with light. Ash gasped, stumbling back as he realized what he was seeing. His reflection was... moving on its own.
"Wha—?!"
Before he could react, the reflection reached through the surface of the wall. Its ghostly arm latched onto Pikachu, yanking it toward the mirror. Pikachu cried out in shock as Ash grabbed hold.
"Pikachu!"
The others, hearing his shout, came running.
"Ash! What happened?!" Serena cried, skidding to a stop beside Clemont and Bonnie.
But they only had a second to see him clutching Pikachu as his body was drawn into the gleaming surface. His reflection swallowed him whole, and in an instant, both Ash and Pikachu vanished into the mirror.
The light flickered once... then the surface dulled, becoming nothing more than polished rock again.
"Ash!" Serena shouted, her voice echoing helplessly through the cavern.
[Line Break]
A dazzling flash of light swallowed Ash whole, and when he opened his eyes, the shimmering cave walls were gone. Instead, he stood at the edge of a forest that stretched endlessly before him. The trees were twisted in unfamiliar shapes, their leaves reflecting a strange gleam in the light as though polished like glass. Ash staggered forward, blinking at the sudden change of scenery.
"Pikachu?" he called out, voice tight with worry. "Pikachu, where are you?!"
He bolted down the forest path, eyes darting in every direction. His chest tightened with every unanswered call, until—
"Ash?"
He stopped short. Standing before him was Serena... or at least someone who looked exactly like her. Her outfit was slightly different, her posture less gentle and more self-assured, but her smile seemed almost mocking.
"Serena?" Ash blinked in disbelief.
Before he could say more, a familiar voice chimed in. "Hey, Serena, wait up!" Bonnie appeared, grinning mischievously, while Clemont raced past them with wild determination—only to stop, pivot awkwardly, and run back toward the group.
Ash's eyes widened. "Clemont? Bonnie? Serena? You're here too?"
But something was off. Their mannerisms, their expressions... they weren't quite right.
Ash tried to steady his voice. "Listen. I need your help! Pikachu was taken. Another me, he came out of the mirror and grabbed Pikachu. You've got to believe me!"
Serena tilted her head, smirking. "Another you?" She crossed her arms. "That's the worst excuse I've ever heard."
Bonnie giggled, sticking out her tongue. "Yeah right! You expect us to believe you got pulled into a mirror by... yourself?"
Ash clenched his fists. "It's the truth!"
But Serena shook her head. "No way. Still... there is something different about you compared to the Ash I know."
At that, Clemont adjusted his glasses, his voice oddly more confident than the Clemont Ash was used to. "The legend of Reflection Cave..." he began. "It's said that the cave can lead to a world of reflections, where everything is the same... but different. Perhaps he truly is not our Ash."
Ash took a step forward, desperate. "That's it! I'm not your Ash! I'm from the other world! My friends are still back there."
Serena frowned, tapping her foot. "If that's true, then prove it. Battle me. If you can beat me, then maybe I'll believe your ridiculous story."
Ash's determination flared instantly. "Fine! You're on!"
Serena pulled a Poké Ball from her bag and tossed it into the air. "Fennekin, let's go!" The fiery fox landed gracefully, flames flickering at the tips of its ears.
Ash reached for his own Poké Ball. "Okay, Froakie—I choose you!"
The frog Pokémon bounded forward with a cry, crouching into a ready stance.
Serena wasted no time. "Fennekin, use Flamethrower!"
A burst of flames roared across the battlefield, heat washing over the trees.
"Froakie, counter it with Water Pulse!" Ash commanded.
Froakie launched a pulsing sphere of water that collided with the flames, exploding into a hiss of steam.
Serena smirked. "Scratch, now!"
Fennekin dashed forward, claws gleaming.
"Dodge it with Double Team!" Ash called.
In an instant, multiple Froakies surrounded Fennekin, darting left and right. Serena's confidence faltered, her eyes darting wildly between the illusions. "What—?! Which one is real?!"
Fennekin swiped uselessly at an illusion, missing completely.
"Now's our chance Froakie! finish it with Bubble!"
The real Froakie leapt high, unleashing a flurry of glowing bubbles that exploded across Fennekin's side. The fox yelped as it hit the ground, spirals in its eyes.
Ash pumped his fist. "Alright! Way to go, Froakie!"
Serena frowned, recalling Fennekin with a reluctant sigh. "Fine. You win. I don't know how, but... maybe you're telling the truth after all."
Just then, a familiar voice rang out. "That's because he is."
Ash whirled around, and his breath caught. Standing before him... was another Ash. Same cap, same clothes, same determined eyes, but subtly darker, a more hardened look in his expression. And in his arms...
"Pikachu!" Ash cried. His Pikachu squirmed in the mirror Ash's grip, looking distressed.
"Give Pikachu back!" Ash demanded.
Mirror Clemont stepped forward. "Hold on. Let's hear him out. What happened?"
Mirror Ash's voice was low, filled with frustration. "After losing a battle to Serena, I stormed into Reflection Cave. I wanted to prove myself... but I lost track of my Pikachu. Then I saw this one." He gestured to Ash's Pikachu. "I thought it was mine."
Ash's eyes softened slightly, though he stayed wary. "Then... your Pikachu, what's he like?"
Mirror Ash's gaze darkened. "He's wild. Aggressive. And he doesn't trust anyone but me."
The scene shifted suddenly, cutting away to a clearing deeper in the forest. There, Team Rocket lurked, eyes gleaming as they spotted their target.
"Would you look at that," Jessie whispered, twirling her hair. "Another Pikachu."
James smirked. "And this one looks even feistier."
"Nyahaha," Meowth chuckled. "Let's snag it before the twerp shows up!"
Mirror Ash's Pikachu crouched, eyes glowing dangerously as Team Rocket lunged. Meowth dove first, claws extended, but Pikachu spun, tail glowing brightly before slamming him with Iron Tail, sending him crashing into James.
"Wobbu!!" Wobbuffet cried, tumbling backward with them.
Jessie caught the capture device they'd been carrying and hurled it forward. The contraption snapped open, wrapping around Mirror Pikachu in a burst of light.
"No! Pikachu!" the wild Pokémon cried, thrashing violently as the device sealed shut. Team Rocket grinned with triumph, their prize secured.
Ash stood firmly in front of his counterpart, his fists clenched at his sides. "Listen... I can't just leave you like this. Not when your Pikachu's in trouble. I'll help you find him."
Mirror Ash blinked, his hardened expression wavering for the first time. He glanced down at Ash's Pikachu, who was glaring stubbornly from his arms, then looked back up at Ash. "...Why would you? You've got your own problems. That Pikachu isn't yours."
Ash's eyes softened, but his voice was steady. "Because it doesn't matter whose Pikachu it is. If a Pokémon's in trouble, I'm not gonna stand by and do nothing."
For a moment, there was silence. Even Mirror Serena and Mirror Bonnie exchanged surprised glances, though Serena quickly covered her unease with a roll of her eyes. "Hmph. You really are different from our Ash."
Bonnie leaned toward her brother. "So how do we even start looking for Pikachu?"
Mirror Clemont chuckled to himself, puffing up proudly. "Heh heh... leave that to me."
[Line Break]
Meanwhile, back in the real Reflection Cave, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie sat anxiously near the mirror wall where Ash had disappeared. Serena pressed a hand against the smooth surface, her reflection staring back at her with glassy indifference.
"Ash..." she whispered. "Where did you go?"
Clemont cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses with an air of determination. "Don't worry, Serena! I've been preparing for situations just like this!" He pulled out a strange, cube-shaped device covered in coils, gears, and blinking lights.
Bonnie's eyes lit up. "Ooh! What is it this time, Clemont?"
Clemont grinned. "Behold! My latest invention—the Other Dimension Converter! With this, we should be able to reopen the portal Ash went through and bring him back!"
Serena gasped hopefully. "Really? That's amazing, Clemont!"
"Stand back, everyone!" Clemont announced proudly as he pressed a button. The machine began to whir, its gears spinning and sparks dancing across the coils. For a moment, it actually looked like it was working—until the machine gave a loud pop! and exploded in a cloud of smoke, leaving Clemont's hair standing on end and soot covering his face.
"Clemont!" Bonnie shouted, coughing as she waved the smoke away. "Your invention was a total flop again!"
Serena sank to her knees, tears brimming in her eyes. "Ash... what if he never comes back?"
Bonnie had her hands on her hips, scolding her brother. "You always say your inventions work, but look what happens! They always blow up!"
Clemont flailed nervously, waving his hands. "W-well, I just need to recalibrate the energy transfer, that's all!"
But Serena wasn't listening. She knelt quietly, her fists clenched in her skirt, her gaze fixed on the mirror. Please be okay, Ash...
[Line Break]
Back in the Mirror World, Mirror Clemont held his staff high, a confident grin on his face. "Now, behold my brilliance!" He knelt and drew a jagged lightning bolt shape into the dirt, then planted his staff upright in the center. "According to my spell, the staff will fall toward the direction we need to search for Pikachu!"
The group watched as the staff wobbled dramatically before clattering to the ground, pointing toward the darker stretch of the forest.
"There!" Mirror Clemont declared triumphantly, thrusting a fist into the air.
Mirror Bonnie's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Wow, big brother! You're amazing!"
Ash blinked in disbelief, while Mirror Serena looked equally unconvinced. "That's... your plan?" she asked flatly.
Mirror Clemont beamed. "Of course! My magic never fails."
Ash sweatdropped but shook his head. "Well... it's better than nothing. Let's go."
[Line Break]
Mirror Ash's Pikachu paced furiously in its cage, cheeks sparking. With a sharp cry it released a Thunderbolt, electricity flashing wildly through the bars. The metal rattled and groaned, but still held firm.
"Persistent little thing, isn't it?" James muttered, adjusting his rose-colored hair fringe as he peeked through the brush.
Jessie folded her arms smugly. "Persistent and pointless. That cage is Shock-Proof, Trademark Pending."
Meowth's ears twitched as he pointed toward the canyon edge. "Hey, look sharp! We got company comin'."
Down the path, Ash and his group arrived, only to be blocked by the sheer cliff wall ahead. Ash frowned. "A dead end?"
Mirror Serena groaned, tossing up her hands. "Great! Now what? Where could Pikachu have gone?"
Hidden in the shadows above, Team Rocket leaned closer, eyes gleaming at the sight of not one but two Pikachu in the same area.
"Two electric rats for the price of one," Jessie whispered. "It's our lucky day!"
James nodded. "And they'll both look marvelous as gifts to the Boss."
Meanwhile, Mirror Ash's fists trembled at his sides. His voice cracked. "What if... what if I never see Pikachu again?"
Ash placed a hand on his shoulder, his tone steady. "Don't think like that. We'll get them back. But you can't give up now."
Before Mirror Ash could answer, a sudden whizz filled the air—Ash's Pikachu was yanked up into a net.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted, spinning around in shock.
The group turned just as Team Rocket leapt down onto the path, posing dramatically.
"Prepare for trouble!" Jessie declared, twirling her hair.
"And make it double!" James added with flair.
"To protect the world from devastation!" Jessie cried.
"To unite all peoples within our nation!" James followed.
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie struck a pose.
"To extend our reach to the stars above!" James tipped his rose.
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Meowth, that's right!" the cat Pokémon chimed.
"And together we're Team Rocket, soaring through the skies!" Jessie finished.
"Bring out your Pokémon, or prepare for your demise!" James laughed.
Ash's teeth clenched. "Team Rocket!"
Mirror Serena tilted her head. "Team... Rocket?"
Mirror Clemont adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "Ah yes. The Heroes of Justice. How fortunate they've arrived!"
"Heroes of what?!" Ash nearly fell over.
But there was no time to argue—Ash's sharp eyes caught sight of the other cage hanging at Jessie's side. His heart sank. "They've got your Pikachu too."
Mirror Ash gasped, his face paling. "No...!"
Jessie and James tossed their Poké Balls into the air. "Inkay, Pumpkaboo, take the stage!"
Ash glanced at his counterpart. "We'll fight them together. Ready?"
Mirror Ash wiped at his eyes, trying to muster some courage. "Y-yeah!"
Both raised their arms. "Hawlucha, I choose you!"
The two Hawlucha landed side by side. Ash's looked sharp and battle-ready, while Mirror Ash's shifted nervously, glancing at its Trainer.
"Use Karate Chop, both of you!" Ash commanded.
His Hawlucha darted forward like a rocket, slamming its arm down on Inkay and sending it skidding back. In contrast, Mirror Ash's Hawlucha jogged hesitantly, swinging its arm half-heartedly. Pumpkaboo floated easily aside before ramming into it with a Tackle, knocking it backward.
James smirked. "Inkay, use Psybeam!"
A rainbow beam shot forward, but Ash's Hawlucha shoved Mirror Ash's Hawlucha aside and took the full brunt of the attack. Its body spasmed as confusion set in, eyes swirling.
"Hawlucha, return!" Ash recalled his partner, grimacing.
Pumpkaboo followed up with another heavy hit, slamming Mirror Hawlucha into its Trainer and knocking them both down in a heap. Mirror Ash groaned, holding his partner close. "I... I can't do this."
Tears welled in his eyes as he buried his face in Hawlucha's feathers. "I always mess everything up!"
"Hey!" Ash shouted sharply. His voice cut through the despair like a blade. "Crying won't solve anything. We haven't lost yet!"
Mirror Ash looked up, startled by the fire in his counterpart's eyes.
Meanwhile, Mirror Clemont tiptoed behind Team Rocket, clutching the cages that held both Pikachu. "I-I've got them!"
"Hey!" Meowth spun around, spotting him instantly.
"Uh-oh!" Clemont squeaked, panicking. In a desperate move, he planted his foot on Meowth's head, springboarding away as Jessie and James lunged to stop him.
"Give those back!" Jessie screeched.
"No way!" Clemont cried, hurling the cages into the air.
"Fennekin, Hidden Power!" Mirror Serena shouted.
Fennekin's orbs of energy shot upward, bursting against the locks of both cages. The metal shattered, and the doors flew open. Two Pikachu tumbled free, landing neatly in front of their Trainers.
"Pikachu!" Ash and Mirror Ash cried in unison, their faces lighting with hope.
Both Pikachu crouched low, cheeks sparking furiously.
"Let's do this together!" Ash shouted.
"Yeah!" Mirror Ash agreed, pointing forward. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
Twin streams of lightning erupted, colliding in midair before slamming into Team Rocket and their Pokémon.
"Waaaaah!" Jessie, James, Meowth, Inkay, and Pumpkaboo were consumed in a dazzling explosion of sparks.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" the trio wailed as they vanished into the sky.
The clearing grew quiet, smoke curling into the air.
Ash fell to one knee, relief flooding through him. His Pikachu leapt into his arms, nuzzling his cheek. "You're safe now, buddy."
Beside him, Mirror Ash hugged his Pikachu tightly, tears spilling down his face—but this time, they were tears of joy.
Ash's chest heaved as the last sparks of Thunderbolt faded into the air. Both Pikachu stood proudly at their Trainers' sides, victorious.
Mirror Serena folded her arms, though there was the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "Well, I suppose you were telling the truth after all. You're not our Ash."
Mirror Clemont adjusted his glasses. "Indeed. Your strength and resolve... they're very different from his."
Even Mirror Bonnie giggled, hopping in place. "You're way cooler than our Ash!"
Ash rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Aw, thanks. But really, it's just thanks to Pikachu and everyone helping out."
The mood lifted briefly, but Mirror Serena's gaze drifted toward the fading light spilling into the cave entrance. Her smile faltered. "It'll be dark soon."
That single word froze everyone in place.
Mirror Clemont gasped. "Dark... of course! The legend! Anyone still trapped in the Mirror World after sunset... will be stuck here forever."
Ash's eyes widened, his stomach tightening. "What?!"
Pikachu's ears twitched nervously as the group bolted toward Reflection Cave. Inside, the glowing crystal walls shimmered faintly, reflecting dozens of warped versions of themselves.
On the way, Mirror Ash explained hurriedly. "When I first got here... I was upset about losing to Serena. I didn't know what else to do, so I wished as hard as I could to start over. That's when the mirror opened for me."
Ash slowed as they reached the familiar rock face, the same mirror-like wall he'd been pulled through. His reflection stared back at him, solemn, almost waiting. He tightened his grip on Pikachu and whispered, "I want to see them again. Clemont, Bonnie, Serena... I want to travel with my friends."
The Mirror group nodded encouragingly. One by one, they joined in, voices rising together. "We wish for Ash's return!"
On the other side of the cave wall, the real Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena were huddled near the same reflective stone. Bonnie was gripping Serena's arm tightly, her eyes red from worry. "Please, bring him back," she whispered.
Clemont clenched his fists. "Ash, you'd better not leave us behind."
Serena pressed her hand against the mirror's surface. "Come back to us, Ash. Please."
A low hum filled the cave. Light spilled from the rock's surface, brightening until it formed a glowing oval. Two portals swirled into existence—one in each world, their surfaces like liquid glass. For a brief, wondrous moment, the two groups could see each other through the shimmering space.
"Serena! Clemont! Bonnie!" Ash shouted, running forward with Pikachu in his arms.
"Ash!" Serena's face lit up with relief. She reached her hand toward the wavering portal.
The portals trembled, drifting closer until they nearly overlapped. Ash stepped into the glow—but as his foot crossed the threshold, the portals began to pull apart again, light stretching thin between them.
"No!" Ash cried as his body started to slip into the void.
"Grab on!" Serena thrust her arm through the portal, fingers stretching desperately. Ash flung his hand forward—and their palms smacked together.
With a sharp yank, Serena held firm, teeth gritted. "I won't let go!"
Clemont and Bonnie grabbed onto her shoulders, pulling with all their strength. Pikachu scrambled up Ash's arm, chirping frantically as the gap widened.
"Pull, everyone!" Clemont shouted.
With one final heave, Ash was yanked through, tumbling onto the cold stone floor with Pikachu landing safely in his lap. The portal behind him snapped violently, then steadied, hovering for only a moment longer.
Both groups, now face-to-face across the thinning glow, exchanged hurried farewells.
Mirror Ash raised a hand, Pikachu perched proudly on his shoulder. "Thanks for everything. We'll keep moving forward from here."
Ash grinned back, brushing dirt from his jacket. "You'd better. And so will we."
Mirror Serena smirked faintly. "Don't go getting lost again."
Mirror Clemont and Bonnie waved as the portal shimmered one last time before sealing shut with a soft whoomph. The cave fell silent, save for the faint drip of water echoing off the reflective walls.
Ash exhaled slowly, looking down at Pikachu, who chirped with a tired smile. Then he turned to his friends. "They're gonna keep on their journey... and so should we."
Serena brushed her bangs from her face, relief softening her expression. Clemont nodded firmly, and Bonnie leapt at Ash's side, hugging his arm tightly.
Together, they stepped out of Reflection Cave, the fading sunlight warm on their faces, ready to continue their own path forward.
[Line Break]
Stepping out of Reflection Cave, the cool evening air greeted them. The sun was dipping low over the horizon, casting streaks of orange and violet across the sky. Ash stretched his arms above his head, Pikachu perched contently on his shoulder.
Serena slowed her steps, her eyes lingering on the fading light. "Ash..." she began softly, "do you think we'll always be together? On this journey, I mean."
Ash blinked, caught off guard. Then his usual smile broke across his face, bright and certain. "Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way."
Bonnie clasped her hands behind her back and skipped up beside them. "And me too! We're a team, remember?"
Clemont adjusted his glasses, smiling warmly. "She's right. Whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together."
The four of them stopped for a moment on the ridge, the last light of day painting their silhouettes against the sky. For Ash, it was clear—this bond, this friendship, was as unshakable as any dream he chased.
Pikachu chirped happily, echoing the sentiment, and Serena's lips curved into a small but radiant smile.
Bonnie broke the moment with her usual cheer. "But first things first! I'm starving!"
Clemont chuckled. "And it'll be dark soon. We should find a place to rest for the night."
Ash nodded eagerly. "Good idea. Let's head to the Pokémon Center!"
With that, the group set off down the road together, their laughter carrying into the twilight.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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