What If Ash was in Pokemon Horizons?

by Aameem100

Summary:

Just a fun what if senario if Ash was invited to the Indigo Academy and met Liko and Roy, since Ash's last series just ended I thought "Why not?"

I'm not saying that "This is how HZ should've been" or that I "fixed Horizons"

This is just a fanfic I made for fun :)

Chapter 1: Prologue

Delia walks into Ash's room, seeing him in his new shoes.

Ash: Oh, hey mom! I'm about to head out on another journey! Don't know where I'm going, but know it's gonna be great!

Pikachu: Pika!

Delia: Well, I might just have an idea for where you can go, this came in the mail for you.

Delia hands Ash a letter, with his name in big letters on it.

The letter reads, "Dear Ash Ketchum, We would like to congratulate you on winning The World Coronation Series, however, we heard from your mother that you would like to be able to befriend all Pokemon, so we would like to give you that chance at our academy, as we would like you to attend, as it would be an honor, please let us know, -The Indigo Academy."

Ash: The Indigo Academy?

Delia: yes, I've heard about them so I decided to get into contact with them, I figured that it could help you befriend every Pokemon to exist.

Ash: Wow! Thanks mom! Ready for another adventure Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Ash then runs downstairs, quickly grabs his backpack and Rotom Phone, and runs out the door, next stop, the academy.

Notes:

I know it sounds stupid but I wanted to write this so yeah.

Chapter 2: The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One

As Ash runs toward route 22, his phone starts going off,

Rotom: You have a call from "Mom"

Ash answers the call.

Delia: Ash, I forgot to mention, the academy requires a uniform, and you forgot it back home.

Ash: Okay mom, I'll come back.

Ash ends the call and sighs

Ash: Well Pikachu, we're proably gonna miss the bus, wait a minute, I got an idea! Lets go get my uniform buddy

Pikachu: Pika Pi!

Ash starts running back the way he came.

A couple mintues later, on route 22, three girls are seen sitting at the bus stop, with one girl sat away from the other two, but then they all look up when the hear a cry.

Here comes Ash, in his new uniform, riding Pidgeot to the bus stop, Pidgeot lands as Ash and Pikachu get off.

Ash: Thanks Pidgeot.

Ash returns Pidgeot back into her Pokeball

Ash: Excuse me, did I miss the bus to The Indigo Academy?

Girl 1: No, it hasn't arrived yet.

Ash: Great, thank you.

Ash notices the girl sitting by herself, he can't help but sit next to her, and start a conversation.

Ash: Say, I haven't seen you around these parts, you from out of town?

Liko: O-oh! Uh, yeah I'm new to Kanto....

Ash: Well, welcome! Hope you like it here!

Liko: Um, thanks, I hope I make some friends here...

Ash: Well, you just did, I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and this is my partner Pikachu.

Pikachu: Pika!

Ash holds his hand out for Liko to shake, and she does after nervously staying still for a bit.

Ash: So, where you from?

Liko: I-I'm from Paldea.

Ash: Paldea? I've never been there before, I should go there sometime.

Soon, the bus evenually arrives, and Ash sits next to Liko, and he constantly points out each Pokemon he sees through the window,

Liko: You seem to really like Pokemon.

Ash: Yep, it's my goal to befriend every one of them!

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Liko: Well, I hope you reach your goal.

Ash: Thanks, and what's your goal?

Liko: I don't know.

Ash: Don't worry, you'll find it one day!

Piakchu: Pika! Pika!

When the bus was near The Indigo Academy, Ash had an idea,

Ash: Hey, Liko, do you have a phone?

Liko: Yeah, why?

Ash: Let's exchange numbers! Friends always keep in contact!

Pikachu: Pika Pi!

Liko: Um, okay.

Ash and Liko switch phones and put each others numbers in, then switch back.

The bus then arrives at The Indigo Academy, Ash and Liko walk in the same direction at first, then Ash is stopped by a worker.

Worker: Excuse me, are you Ash Ketchum?

Ash: Yes, that's me, why?

Worker: The headmaster had a room set up just for you, please come with me.

Ash: I guess I'll catch up with you later Liko.

Liko: Okay, bye.

Ash: See ya.

The worker leads Ash to a room that looks similar to a regular dorm room, but with one bed and a big window by said bed.

Ash: Whoa!

Worker: We hope you enjoy your time here, Ketchum, I'll leave you to it.

The worker exits the room as Ash looks on in awe

Ash: I could get used to this.

Pikachu: Pika.

The next morning, Ash and Liko reunite as the entrance ceremony takes place the next day. Following the headmistress giving a welcoming speech, the new students gather in a classroom, where each of them gets a Pokédex installed on their Rotom Phone, except Ash.

Teacher: Okay everyone, please come up and pick your first Pokemon.

Ash raises his hand.

Ash: Uh, teacher I already have a Pokemon.

Teacher: Yes, I'm well aware Ash, but the academy still wants you to take one.

Ash: Oh, ok.

Ann eagerly chooses Oshawott as her partner, while Liko nervously picks Sprigatito.

Ash walks up and looks at the names, and chooses the Pokeball with the name he doesn't know

Ash opens the Pokeball to find a small duck-like Pokemon.

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash pulls out his rotom phone to find out.

Rotom: Quaxly, the duckling Pokemon, a water type, Its strong legs let it easily swim around in even fast-flowing rivers. It likes to keep things tidy and is prone to overthinking things.

Ash: Awesome! Welcome to the team Quaxly!

Liko finds her new partner cute, but Sprigatito simply scratches her when she tries to pet it and runs off. Liko chases after Sprigatito, while Ash looks on.

Ash: Well that ain't good.

Another timeskip to the next day, with Ash, Ann and Liko all hanging out.

Ann: Say, Liko you wanna have a battle?

Liko: Sure, sounds fun.

Ash: Oo a battle! I'll direct it!

The two battlers stand on opposite side of the battlefield, with Ash in the center

Ash: Battle Begin!

Oshawatt hits Sprigatito with a water gun, and she calls it quits.

Ash: Um, Sprigatito refuses to battle, Oshawatt is the winner! Which means the winner is Ann!

Liko is not happy.

Ash: Hey, it wasn't a bad first time.

Timeskip again to the next day, where our three friends spot an airship, well two of them do.

Ann: Is that an airship?

Ash: Woah!

Liko:...

Ash: Liko?

Liko: I just don't get it, how come you and your partner Pokemon get along so well?

Ash: Well, Pikachu hated me when we first met, until I was willing to let myself be hurt from a flock of Spearow so he wouldn't, so...

Liko and Ann look at him in shock.

Ash: Right, not the best idea, Ann?

Ann: Maybe learn more about Sprigatito in order to understand herbetter and maybe even learn what you both wanna do.

Ash: Yeah, that, much better solution, but just keep mine in the back of your mind, believe me, it works

Pikachu: Pikachu...

Pikachu faceplams.

Meanwhile, a group of people are searching for Liko,

???: Sir, it seems that World Monarch Ash Ketchum has befriend Liko, should we include him aswell

??: .........Yes, he might be a big help.

A school break arrives, and Ash and Liko are seeing Ann off.

Ann: I'll see you both after break!

Ash: Okay! See ya!

Liko: Bye!

Pikachu: Pikachu!

As Ann walks off, Liko asks Ash a question.

Liko: So, what are you gonna do during break?

Ash: I don't know, maybe I'll catch a flight to Paldea.

Liko: Well, if you do, be sure to tell my folks I said hi.

Ash: Will do.

Pikachu: Pika Pika!

As the two walk back to their dorms, they run into a strange boy.

Amethio: Hello, I am Amethio, are you Liko?

Liko: Yes, I am, why?

Amethio: I have a letter for you, it's from your grandma, she wants her pendant back.

As Amethio walks off, Sprigatito hisses, and Ash and Pikachu have a similar feeling.

Ash: I have a gad feeling about him, I mean how did he know what the letter said, it's sealed.

Liko: My grandma could've told him.

Ash: She would send someone you don't know? And what even is this pendant?

Liko: Come with me.

Ash and Liko enter Liko's dorm, and Liko shows Ash her pendant.

Ash: Wow, that is shiny.

Liko thinks for a bit, then decides to escape.

Ash: Where are you going?

Liko: I think you're right, I'm getting out of here.

Ash: I'm coming with you.

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Soon, the duo is sneaking away, trying not to be noticed, but Zirc confronts them and calls out his Rhydon.

Ash: I'll protect you Liko! Pidgeot I choose you!

Ash releases Pidgeot from her ball, ready to fight.

Ash: Use Wing attack!

Pidgeot hits Rhydon with a Wing Attack, before Rhydon can attack back, Ash calls out for a Double Edge, and after a few more moves, Rhydon faints, and the duo flee, with Ash returning Pidgeot.

The dup are on a rooftop when Amethio confrnts them.

Amethio: Liko, give me your pendant!

Ash: She would never!

Ash: Ready buddy?

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Before Ash and Amethio can battle, a man swoops down from the sky on his Charizard,

Friede: I also have business with Liko, Ash aswell.

Liko: Why does everyone have business with me?!

Amethio: Well then, let's have a battle

Amethio sends out his Ceruledge to confront Charizard.

As the battle between the two Fire Pokémon commences, Liko, while thoroughly confused by everything that's going on, decides to get away in order to prevent the school from being caught in the crossfire, Ash follows.

During their escape, they need to jump over a gap between rooftops. Liko gathers her courage and takes the leap of faith, just as a Psycho Cut from Ceruledge misses Charizard and heads towards her, Ash, without thinking, jumps in front of Liko to take the hit, suddenly, her pendant starts to glow brightly, and she's surrounded by a green, hexagon-patterned sphere of energy, protecting her and suspending her mid-air, while Ash releases Pidgeot to stop himself from falling, looking at Liko.

Ash: Oh my Arceus.

Pikachu: Pika Pika....

Notes:

Yes, Ash's Pidgeot will be in his party during this story for the time being, also I'll only be adapting parts of the episode I think will change, if a part of an episode isn't in the chapter, it's unchanged.

Chapter 3: The Pendant That Starts It All: Part Two

Liko finds herself surrounded by a green sphere of energy created by her pendant. Looking around, she spots a strange Pokémon floating in the air in front of her, Ash tries to use his Rotom Phone to try and figure what that Pokemon is.

Rotom: No Data available.

Ash: What?

After a few seconds, the Pokémon transforms back into her pendant and the sphere disappears, causing Liko and her Sprigatito to start falling, with Ash sprining to action to fly towards her to catch her. Fortunately, Friede and his Charizard save her in the nick of time.

Liko: Why is so much happening in one night?

Ash: That's just the adventure life!

Pikachu: Pika!

Friede: Looks like we'll have to continue our battle some other time.

Friede flies off on Charizard, Ash following closely behind on Pidgeot.

Behind them, Amethio, Zirc, and Onia call out a Corviknight and a pair of Skarmory to continue their pursuit.

Liko's initial rush of excitement wearing off, and she starts freaking out because of how many unexplained things have happened to her, including being saved by a man whom she doesn't even know yet, Ash sees this.

Ash: Hey, you okay?

Liko: I... don't know, so much is happening.

Ash: I've been there before, when I started my journey.

Liko: You mean the day you almost allowed yourself to die?

Ash: Hey, it worked, Pikachu likes me now.

Pikachu: Pika...

Pikachu is not amused

Liko: Yeah, I guess so.

Liko tries to ask for Friede to drop her off, only for them to start approaching a massive airship named Brave Asagi. A battlefield-like structure called the Wing Deck comes together at the back of the ship, allowing Charizard and Pidgeot to land.

Friede is approached by Murdock and Mollie.

Ash: Okay, can someone tell us what's going on?

Liko: Yeah, and who are you?

Murdock: Really? You didn't tell them?

Mollie: You didn't even fill in the Monarch?

Liko: Monarch?

Mollie: Yeah, Ash is the strongest trainer in the world.

Liko: You are?!

Ash: Hehe, yeah, did I not tell you?

Liko: No!

Ash: Well now you know

They're then approached by a Fuecoco and a Pawmi.

Ash: Who are those Pokemon?

Liko: They're from the Pladea region.

Ash: Awesome!

Murdock: These Pokémon settled down with us during our travels, along with a group of other Pokémon from other regions.

Ash: Awesome! Hey Liko, maybe they aren't bad guys!

Liko: Maybe they aren't.

Pikachu, Pidgeot and Sprigatito start playing with the other Pokemon, which both trainers find cute.

Ash realizes there's still one Pokemon in his party that isn't out of his ball.

Ash: Quaxly, come on out!

Ash releases Quaxly from his ball to play with the others

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly!

Liko quickly refocuses her attention on what's important. However, before she can ask any questions, Friede realizes that the three people from before are still after them.

Mollie: Friede, Orla has detected a huge stormcloud on their path.

Friede: Wait, there's two people and a Pokemon arriving on a Meowth balloon.

Ash glares darkly.

Ash: Oh, no.

Liko: Ash, do you know them?

Ash: Yes, they're not important.

Friede: Noctowl, be on the lookout, Mollie, watch after the kids.

Friede leaves for the wheelhouse and sends Charizard to help Orla in the engine room.

Ash, Liko and Mollie enter the elevator, but before Liko, Ash and Mollie can head downstairs, a blackout cuts the power to the elevator. Just then, Noctowl alerts them that their pursuers are approaching. Using a telescope, Mollie recognizes them as the notorious Explorers group, and Team Rocket.

Liko: Ash, please tell us, who are those people?!

Ash: They're Team Rocket, they're bad people that steal other people's Pokemon.

Liko: What?!

Ash: Like I said, not important.

The explorers are soon at the Wing Deck, which Mollie is unable to retract due the blackout, so she heads outside to try to retract it manually, leaving Liko and Ash to watch after the Pokémon.

Unfortunately for Mollie, she's unable to retract the Wing Deck before the Explorers break through the barrier surrounding it, Team Rocket hiding behind them, somehow unnoticed.

Liko: i feel like I'm the heroine in some story.

Ash: I've had that feeling a couple times before.

Liko looks at the scared Pokemon, and feels gulity of them being caught in the crossfire, all because of the pendant her grandmother gave to her.

Ash: Hey, don't feel bad, it's not your fault.

Ash's words fall on deaf ears.

The Explorers enter the airship and find the duo.

Amethio: Why did you flee?

Liko: I don't know.

Amethio:Can you truly trust your rescuers?

Liko: I don't know.

Amethio: What was the pendant's glow about?

Liko: I don't know.

Ash: She may not know, but we're both sure we can't trust you!

Sprigatito lunges at them, but Zirc easily holds it back.

Ash: Bad move buddy, Pikachu! Use-

Liko: Let Sprigatito go! I'll go with you if you leave the Pokémon alone.

Ash: What?!

Pikachu: Pika?!

Amethio: Fine, since it's clear your part of the secret of the pendant too, and the Ketchum boy, so he doesn't try anything

Ash: Fine.

Ash returns Pidegot and Quaxly.

They don't make it further than the Wing Deck before Friede swoops in with Charizard

Friede: I promise to proctect Liko and Ash!

Ash: Yay Friede!

Friede and Amethio properly introduce themselves to each other, with Friede presenting himself as the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Refusing to let them take Liko, Friede agrees to continue their earlier battle, though this time, instead of Charizard, he chooses to use Captain Pikachu against Amethio's Ceruledge, which Amethio scoffs at.

Ash: You got a problem with Pikachu's?

Pikachu: Pika Pi-

A net comes and snatches Pikachu

Ash: You've gotta be kidding.

Ash looks up to a very familar balloon, with Pikachu in a glass cage.

Jessie: Prepare for trouble!

James: And make it double!

Ash: We are not doing this! Forget the motto!

Meowth: Someone's a little cranky.

Jessie sends out her Yanmega while James sends out his Inkay.

While Friede is battling Amethio, Ash is battling his old enemies

Ash sends out Pidgeot and Quaxly.

Ash: This'll be over shortly.

Ash: Pidgeot! Use Wing Attack on the balloon! Quaxly! Use Water Gun on the cage!

Quaxly fires Water Gun onto the cage, the circuits react badly and it explodes, allowing Pikachu to be freed and back in Ash's arms, while the Wing Attack knocks back both Pokemon onto the balloon, allowing Pikachu to get off a Thunderbolt and blast them off.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Ash sees Liko, who saw the fight.

Ash: See? They're not important.

Meanwhile, Amethio has Ceruledge fight back against Captain Pikachu with Psycho Cut, the attack gets deflected and strikes the room where all the Pokémon are.

Liko, not wanting anymore Pokemon to get hurt decides to speak up.

Liko: Stop the battle! I'm ready to follow through with my surrender.

Ash: Liko, no.

Sprigatito jumps off her arms and starts crying out to her in a determined manner.

Ash: See Liko, Sprigatito isn't giving up, why should you?

Liko realizes how wrong she was, and she has a face of determination she looks at Ash, who nods, he's letting her have this

The attack erupts out of Sprigatito with such intensity that both Friede and Amethio are left in shock at its power, while Liko feels happy to have finally succeeded in using a proper move with her partner.

Ash: That's how it's done! Yes! Go Liko!

Pikachu: Pika! Pika!

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly! Quax!

Pidgeot: Pidgeot!

However, the attack also breaks the barrier surrounding the Wing Deck, allowing the stormy winds to blow in.

Ash acts fast and returns Quaxly and Pidgeot, then grabs onto Liko and Friede holds onto him for extra support so they won't blow away.

They're unable to stop Sprigatito from flying overboard. Deciding on a tactical retreat, Amethio orders the Explorers to withdraw, snatching Sprigatito mid-fall as they fly away, leaving Liko to helplessly watch and cry out as her partner is taken away from her.

Ash: This is not the end. Just wait Amethio, you don't get in the way of a trainer and their partner Pokemon!

Chapter 4: For Sure! Cause Sprigatito's with Me!

Liko wakes up aboard the Brave Asagi. Remembering how her Sprigatito was taken from her the previous night, and she hears Ash's loud snoring.

Liko: Ash, wake up!

Liko shakes Ash awake

Ash: Huh?! Oh hey Liko, good morning!

Liko: You snore so loud!

Ash: Heh, sorry

Pikachu: Pika Pika...

Liko gets dressed into her uniform, but Ash is seen in the usual attire, with his new red shoes instead of his old blue ones.

Liko: You had extra clothes?

Ash: Yeah, that uniform gets uncomfy from time to time.

They step out of their cabin to find Orla, Murdock, and Mollie on the deck.

Orla: Friede is looking for the Explorers so we can get your Sprigatito back.

Ash: Sweet! Hear that Liko?

Friede soon returns.

Friede: I managed to follow the Explorers to a nearby port city, but I lost the track of them afterwards, so I has no idea where exactly they're hiding.

Liko: I wanna come with you, I wanna find her.

Ash: Me too!

Friede: You won't stand a chance against the Explorers without any Pokémon.

Ash: She doesn't need a Pokemon, I can protect her.

Friede: Liko's mom actually hired us.

Ash: What really?

Liko: What?

The rest of the team to berate Friede for once again unintentionally withholding information from her, though they quickly brush it aside to focus on breakfast instead.

Ash: Ooooo, breakfast!

Mollie asks Ash and Liko's help in getting some Potions from a Pokemon Center, and leads them to the Pokémon Center, Mollie hands Liko a list of the preordered items and sends them inside alone without explaining why she's not coming along.

Ash: Uh, I know you don't like talking to people so, I can take the list if you want.

Liko: Yes please.

They encounter Nurse Joy.

Nurse Joy: Oh my, well if it isn't World Monarch Ash Ketchum! What could I do for you today?

Ash: Hi Nurse Joy, me and my friend Liko have a list of preordered items on this list here.

Ash hands the list to Nurse Joy, but Joy gets distracted by the need to treat another girl's Vulpix first. The girl berates herself for causing her partner to get hurt, making Liko think about Sprigatito and the possibility of it getting hurt too, Ash sees this.

Ash: Hey, remember how I told you how I got Pikachu to like me, well, after he defeated the flock of Spearow, he was hurt badly, I rused him to the Pokemon Center, and the Nurse Joy there really gave me an earful.

A Flashback begins

F.B. Ash: If there's anything I can do, please, just tell me.

F.B. Nurse Joy: You can be more responsible.

F.B. Ash: Huh?

F.B. Nurse Joy: If you want to become a Pokémon trainer, young man, you don't let your Pokémon battle till it's in this condition.

F.B. Ash: But you don't know what happened.

F.B. Nurse Joy: What's past is past. Now we have to heal your Pikachu.

Return to regular time as Ash continues.

Ash: I spent time in the waiting room just blaming myself, but it happens to everyone, so, please don't blame yourself.

Liko is moved.

At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy finishes treating the Vulpix and hands Liko and Ash the boxes containing the preordered items. Liko almost falls over from the weight of the boxes, but they're caught by Mollie's Chansey the instant she exists the building.

Simultaneously, Rockruff catches Sprigatito's scent on a disguised Onia, who's been out shopping.

Murdock, Friede, Ash and Liko run towards her

Ash: Wait, it's just a random woman.

The other three deapan at him, and Pikachu faceplams.

Liko: Remind me again how you're World Monarch?

Onia ditches her shopping bag and makes a run for it, contacting Amethio and informing him of her situation.

Murdock stays behind to assist the civilians whom Onia knocked over during her escape, Ash, Liko and Friede follow Rockruff to the warehouse area where the Explorers are hiding.

Friede: Hold on, Liko, I can't just let you charge in there.

Liko: What?! Ash, aren't you gonna say anything?

Ash: He's kinda right....

Liko: As Sprigatito's Trainer, it's my responsibility to save it.

Ash: Can't we just make a plan?

Friede devices a plan.

Liko, Ash and Friede enter a warehouse, where Amethio confronts them.

Amethio: I want Liko's pendant.

Friede suggests they settle things with a Pokémon battle, as their previous battle wasn't even properly finished. Amethio agrees, and Liko and Ash move aside from being caught in the middle of the action, much to Ash's disappointment.

While Captain Pikachu once more clashes against Amethio's Ceruledge, the duo use the distraction to sneak further into the warehouse, with Rockruff quickly leading them to the room where Sprigatito is being held.

As Friede and Amethio's battle moves to the warehouse's rooftop, Liko and Ash work together to break open the door and reunite with Sprigatito. They escape outside, where Onia appears before them, still fawning over "her" cute Sprigatito.

Ash: It's not your's and it never will be!

Liko: Yeah!

Onia is devasted when the Grass Cat Pokémon refuses to come with her and calls out her Skarmory.

Onia: Ha! A Grass type like Sprigatito stands no chance against my Skarmory!

Ash grabs Pidgeot's Pokeball from his pocket, planning on helping his friend.

Ash: Pidgeot! I choose y-

Liko: Use leafage!

While the attack doesn't do much against Skarmory, it still provides enough of a cover to allow Liko, Ash, Pikachu and Sprigatito to escape.

Ash thinks to himself

Ash [in his mind]: I know I wasn't paying attention to it last night, but that leafage was bigger than any of the times I saw Rowlet using it.

On the rooftop, Amethio has driven him and Captain Pikachu at the edge. His confidence of his impending victory fades away quickly, however, when the leaves of Leafage rise up behind Friede and he sees Liko and Ash running away, realizing too late that the battle was just a distraction planned by Friede. Smirking, Friede and Captain Pikachu fall off the rooftop and fly away with Charizard.

Ash and Liko are sitting at the edge of The Brave Asagi, staring at the sunset with their partner Pokemon.

Liko: I think we can trust The Rising Volt Tacklers, seeing that they our safety before my pendant.

Ash: Yeah, i think so to.

Liko: I feel like, being separated and reuniting with Sprigatito has truly made me feel like a Trainer.

Ash: I've been there before.

Liko: Really?

Ash: Oh, yeah, Me and my friends and Team Rocket had washed up on this island after escaping the S.S Anne, and I got separated from Pikachu on said island, and this island had giant Pokemon!

Liko: No way!

Ash: i'm not joking! I was scared, but it helped me become a better trainer.
Liko and Ash step in front of the Rising Volt Tacklers

Liko: While they seemed suspicious to us at first, due to you guys taking us with with you without explaining anything,

Ash: We feel ready to trust and travel with you now in order to find out more about Liko's pendant and why the Explorers are after her.

Friede happily accepts their request to continue traveling along with them, as they're also interested in finding out more about the pendant, since the Rising Volt Tacklers are a team all about uncovering the mysteries of the world, yet another thing that he's absentmindedly neglected to mention. With Ash and Liko now officially a member of the team, Friede declares that their next destination is Liko's home in Paldea, where they're going to collect their bodyguard fees so they can keep financing their adventures.

Ash: We're going to Paldea?! Sweet! A new region!

Notes:

F.B. = Flashback

Chapter 5: The Treasure After the Storm!

Liko wakes up on the Brave Asagi with her partner, seeing that Ash is already awake and dressed, him and Pikachu waiting for her.

Liko: I can't believe the break's almost over.

Ash: It is? How are we supposed to go to school then?

Liko: I already informed our teacher that we're going to attend class online.

Ash: Oh, I wonder why a friend of mine didn't think of that?

Liko: What did your friend do?

Ash: He just told his teacher he'd come back to school on the day of a test.

Liko: Wow...

Liko then changes into her new traveling outfit, with Ash standing outside the door as to not see her.

Ash sees Liko.

Ash: Wow, you look amazing!

Liko: Aw, thanks Ash!

Pikachu: Pika Pika!

They hear some singing, so they go outside to investigate, finding the source coming from Fuecoco. Embarrassed, Fuecoco runs away.

Ash: Aw, I liked his singing.

they then head to the kitchen where they greet the Rising Volt Tacklers, who compliment Liko's outfit. Professor Friede tasks Ash and Liko with being the lookout.

Ash: Good, I don't want Team Rocket trying anything.

Liko: What happened to them being not important?

Ash: I didn't say they weren't annoying and didn't need to be stopped.

Liko continues writing notes on Sprigatito as the ship loses altitude, waking it up.

Ash: What was that?

Pikachu: Pika?

Friede is also shocked.

Friede: Orla, Is something wrong with the ship.

Orla: No, the engine is fine.

Spotting an island in the distance, Friede lands the ship there, launching two grappling hooks to the cliff sides.

As Liko feeds the Pokémon, Ash notices that Fuecoco is not with the rest of the Pokémon

Ash: Hey Murdock, do you have any idea where Fuecoco went?

Murdock: I found him trying to sneak food, so Rockruff told it off.

Orla: Murdock, I need your help.

Murdock Leaves as Ash goes over to Liko,

Ash: Liko, I think Fuecoco is missing.

Liko: Hmm, Maybe we can go ask Ludlow.

Ash: Good plan.

They then find Ludlow, who tells them that Fuecoco likes singing but stops as soon as someone spots it doing so. After learning from Mollie that it often played with Charizard on the deck, Ash and Liko go up there and finds claw marks, realizing that it had fallen off the ship.

Liko: Oh no, what should we do?!

Ash: We find him!

Ash sends out Pidgeot.

Ash: Pidgeot! Can you get us down onto the island?

Pidgeot: Pidgeot!

Ash and Pikachu get on Pidgeot, Liko and Sprigatito following.

Pidgeot flies off the deck and towards the island.

Pidgeot lands on the island and Ash returns her.

Ash and Liko start searching the island for Fuecoco, while doing so Liko and Sprigatito accidentally disturb a Pokémon group's nest, causing them to be attacked with String Shot, and they start getting chased.

Ash: Y'know this reminds me of my first day of a Pokemon trainer! With a flock of Spearow chasing me!

Liko: You're going through memory lane now?!

Ash: Yep!

Liko: Well how'd you stop them!

Ash: Oh yeah! Pikachu! Thunderbolt!

Pikachu: PIKACHU!!!!

Pikachu hits the wild Pokemon and stuns them as Ash and Liko run off

We then see Team Rocket, who just saw Ash and Liko leave.

Meowth: Say... Why don't we get those wild Pokemon on our side, that way.

Jessie: Wow, that's the first good idea you've had since Kalos.

Meowth: Hey!

In another area of the forest, Ash, Pikachu Liko and Sprigatito are searching when the wild Pokemon return.

Ash: Oh no.

James: Well, Well, Well.

Ash: Arceus why....

Jessie: What? Can't handle some little Pokemon, World Monarch?

Ash: I don't wanna hurt them, last time was self defense.

Liko: Um, I don't think they care.

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Liko's pendant begins to glow, surprising her.

Meowth: Oooo, shiny!

Jessie: The new trewpette's necklace must be special.

James: Pikachu and the necklace! What a treat!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

They all get distracted by Roy throwing rocks on trees, by the time Team Rocket look back to where they were, Ash and Liko are gone.

Ash: Thank goodness Fuecoco is okay.

Roy: Woah, aren't you the World Monarch?

Ash: Yep, that's me.

After a short introduction, Team Rocket and the angry mob returns. Liko has Sprigatito use Leafage, but the Pokémon are unfazed and use String Shot to ensnare them before Ash could react. As they are dragged away to the tree, Liko realizes that Fuecoco had angered them by eating their food stash.

Friede and his Pokémon then appear, surprised at the revelation. Charizard volunteers to help, but Friede stops it from doing so, as its fire would make the situation worse.

James: Well, another Pikachu!

Jessie: We could get double the fame if we give the boss two strong Pikachus!

Meowth: What a lucky day!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Friede and Captain Pikachu improvise, using the Pokémons' String Shot to bind them. He then feeds them a berry each to calm them down.

James: What no! Don;t you want revenge!

Jessie: Weak! You're all weak!

Meowth: This don't look good,

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash: Wanna blast them off together?

Friede: Let's do it!

Ash: Use Thunderbolt!

Friede: Use Volt Tackle!

Pikachu and Captain Pikachu's combined attacks send Team Rocket flying.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Untying the group, Roy is excited to meet a Pokémon Professor, though Ash and Liko are surprised he is one, but Ash is happy.

To apologize to the wild Pokémon, they restore their food stash by gathering more berries.

The group then parts ways.

Night falls on the airship as Ash and Liko are in their cabin.

Liko: I wonder why my pendant glowed again.

Ash: I don't know, but now Team Rocket knows about it, there's two evil teams searching for it, one more then the other, we gotta be more careful now, we don't know how far either The Explorers or Team Rocket will go.

Liko puts on a determined face.

Liko: Right.

Chapter 6: Found You, Fuecoco!

Ash and Liko are sleeping in their shared cabin when they wake up, hearing screaming and the sound of electricity.

Ash: Was that you buddy?

Pikachu: Pika Pika

Pikachu shakes his head.

Ash and Liko go outside, and they see Friede and the rest of The Rising Volt Tacklers, find Roy restrained by Captain Pikachu.

Friede, Ash and Liko introduce Roy to the others as someone they ran into during their time on the island.

Roy: I came here to see that face.

Liko is a bit nervous to think that it's her.

Ash: That face?

Roy: Yeah, Fuecoco.

Friede: Dude, you can't just sneak on board our home.

Roy: I'm sorry, I just really wanted to spend more time with Fuecoco, eating berries with him and singing with him.

Ash: it seems like like Roy and Fuecoco have quite the bond, I can respect that.

Liko: Maybe they'll be partners.

Friede: It's not enough to just become partners with a Pokemon, their feelings have to be in sync as well. Maybe Roy should stay the night.

Liko, Ash and Roy start looking for Fuecoco. First they search the kitchen, in which Roy tries to sing for Fuecoco to appear. Next they head to the observation deck, where Noctowl scares Roy when he mistakes him for Fuecoco.

Later, the trio are looking up at the stars,

Roy: I wonder if Fuecoco is thinking about me.

Ash: I'm sure he is!

Liko: Yeah, I was the same with Sprigatito.

Roy starts singing Fuecoco's song

Ash and Liko: You're ruining the mood.

Ash: Jinx!

Roy: Oh! You can't talk until someone says your name!

Ash and Roy continue rubbing it in Liko's face as she deadpans at them.

The next morning, Roy slept great while Orla is groggy, having had trouble all night with the patches in the airship. Roy offers to get his Grandpa and the island's Pokemon to lend a hand. Roy takes Liko, Ash and Friede to his Grandpa's house, and Friede is shocked to know that Roy's grandpa is also the village elder.

Liko happily watches Sprigatito and a female Nidoran playing together. She finds it fascinating that island's people get along with its Pokemon without having to catch them, observing Roy and a Psyduck getting along too.

Ash also sent out his Pidegot and Quaxly to play.

Liko realizes something, but remembers she can't speak thanks to Ash jinxing her.

Liko makes hand motions for Ash to say her name, and he finally cracks.

Ash: Okay Liko, I've had my fun, you can talk now.

Liko: Thank you, anyway I remembered that Roy wants to get closer to Fuecoco, but once we leave, Roy won't be able to see Fuecoco anymore.

Ash: Maybe Fuecoco can stay here, it doesn't have an owner.

Liko: But he likes the airship.

Ash: Maybe we can let Fuecoco decide, wherever he is.

Roy notices Fuecoco running by, who warns him about the Explorers. Friede goes back to the ship, leaving the elder in charge of the kids.

Ash: These guys just won't quit.

Roy: The Explorers?

Liko: The Explorers are a group of people that are after my pendant, and I think it'll be my fault if they keep going.

Ash: No, that logic would make it my fault Team Rocket is after my Pikachu, we didn't ask for either to go after us, but it's up to us to tell them off.

Liko: I still want to do something about it.

Ash: Yeah, we all do.

Roy asks the forest Pokemon for help, feeling a bit overwhelmed and afraid for the place Fuecoco calls home. Liko starts trembling too, but Sprigatito places its paws on her hands to reassure her, Ash remains calm.

Likewise, Fuecoco offers to fight by Roy's side, greatly exciting him as the other Pokemon land their support.

When Onia finds them, Liko asks Roy and the Pokemon to leave Onia to her. After seeing Sprigatito glaring at her, Onia begrudgingly declares that they are now enemies, with Liko still refusing to give up her pendant.

Ash: Yeah, get her Liko!

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly!

Pidgeot: Pidgeot!

Pikachu: Pika Pika!

Liko: You didn't leave with Roy?

Ash: Was I supposed to?

After Liko defeats Golduck, she rides on Ash's Pidgeot as Ash returns Quaxly and gets on Pidgeot as well, and they fly off.

The duo arrive and see Roy struggling to have Fuecoco use ember, and Ash returns Pidgeot.

Ash: This is very familar to me.

Roy: Can you help?

Liko: You have to let Fuecoco know what you feel.

Roy then starts singing to Fuecoco, who starts singing along too. After a little bit of this, Roy commands Fuecoco to use Ember, and Fuecoco shoots a huge fireball, which overpowers Zirc's Rhydon.

Ash: Yeah! That was awesome!

Roy looks over and sees a net headed towards Ash, and he and Fuecoco tackle him away from it, letting themselves be captured.

Ash: What the....

Ash looks up and sees Team Rocket's Balloon,

Ash: You just couldnt leave well enough alone!

Jessie: We had to get our revenge!

James: And those explorers haded it to us, no sweat!

Meowth: They are no threat!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Jessie: So, twerp, what'll it be?

James: Give up Pikachu?

Meowth: Or save this little boy!

Before Ash can respond, Amethio then flies Corviknight over to the kids, kicking up a tornado of wind and sand before diving down towards Liko with talons out.

Ash stands stunned, he doesn't know what to do, save Roy from Team Rocket, or save Liko from the Explorers.

Chapter 7: The Ancient Poké Ball!

Amethio and his Corviknight attempt to snatch Liko, only to be stopped by another barrier summoned by her pendant.

Liko gives Ash a knowing smile, telling him she's gonna be okay, Ash smiles back before turning his attention to Team Rocket.

Jessie: So twerp, you gonna let your friend come with us?

James: Or will you finally hand us that Pikachu!

Meowth: You can only choose one!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash: Neither!

Ash sends out his Pidgeot and she uses Wing Attack to set Roy and Fuecoco free, and a Thunderbolt from Pikachu sends them flying.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Liko then notices Roy's ancient Poke Ball glowing with her pendant. As the barrier comes down, Friede and Charizard try to get to the kids, but Zirc, Onia and their Skarmory's stand in his way using Gust.

Ash is able to stay with Liko and Roy due to being close to them before the Skarmory striked.

Amethio recalls his Corviknight and confronts Liko and Roy himself, sending out his Ceruledge to battle them with.

Liko: I don't think we can take him on, but I'm willing to try!

Roy: Me too!

Ash: Yeah!

Amethio: If you do wish to join this battle Ketchum, you must use your Quaxly.

Ash sees what Amethio is planning, having him use his weakest Pokemon, he remembers when Faba did the same, but it didn't work, and he's confident the same will happen here, so he gives a determined grin and recalls Pidgeot and sends out Quaxly.

The battle starts with Sprigatito and Fuecoco attacking together with Leafage and Ember.

Quaxly fires off a water gun, but it's not very effective.

prigatito, Fuecoco and their trainers attack from different sides, only to have their attacks cut through by Psycho Cut, which lands a hit on both Pokemon.

Quaxly sneaks up behind and lands a pound, it doesn't do much.

Amethio: Just stop this pointless struggle.

Sprigatito and Fuecoco, having taken heavy damage, activate their abilities, Overgrow and Blaze. Sprigatito uses Leafage, and as Ceruledge blocks, Fuecoco comes up the front and lands a hit with Ember.

Quaxly's abilty of Torrent is activated, which Quaxly uses to land a stronger water gun, doing some damage.

Still thinking their teamwork won't change the outcome, Amethio has Ceruledge use Phantom Force, doing heavy damage to both its opponents.
As Ceruledge is ready to deliver the final blow, Liko and Roy's treasures start glowing together again. Roy's Poke Ball opens up, and from it a beam of light splits the clouds above. To everyone's surprise, a black Rayquaza comes down from the sky.

Ash: That's Rayquaza....

Roy: I thought the Pokeball was empty.

Liko scans it with her Rotom Phone. Friede joins up with Ash, Liko and Roy as the Rayquaza uses Draco Meteor, hitting the entire beach and forcing the Explorers to retreat.

Roy tries to get Rayquaza back in the Poke Ball, but it refuses, glances at Liko for a second and ascends into the sky. Liko breathes a sigh of relief, and Roy falls to the ground, happy that it left.

At Roy's house, Liko and Roy are excited that they actually saw a legendary Pokemon.

Roy: Wait Ash, didn't you know it's name, that means you saw one before right?

Ash: Yep, though it's usually green, I did encounter a black Rayquaza back when I was in Kalos .

Liko: Wow...

Roy's Grandpa acknowledges that black Rayquaza that was once under ownership of the ancient adventurer.

Friede: But why would a Pokemon like that be in Roy's Poke Ball?

But the elder honestly has no idea. When he was young, the elder found that Poke Ball on the beach to give to his grandson not knowing there was actually a Pokemon inside.

Roy is thrilled to know that his ancient Poke Ball belongs to the adventurer of legend.

Thinking Roy's Poke Ball has some kind of connection to her pendant, Liko asks the elder about it, but he doesn't know the answer.

Likewise, Friede is interested in this mystery too, wanting to look more into it as a Pokemon professor.

Ash is also interested in the mystery, wanting to befriend Rayquaza.

Friede gets a call from Mollie saying that she's all done treating Ash, Liko and Roy's Pokemon.

Fuecoco looks at the Oran Berries Roy wanted to give him, and Charizard gives Fuecoco a Poke Ball.

Roy arrives at the Brave Asagi and tells Fuecoco how he really feels before Fuecoco, Quaxly and Sprigatito come out.

As Sprigatito jumps into Liko's arms, and Quaxly goes atop Ash's head, Fuecoco approaches Roy and spits out a Poke Ball, having decided to become his partner. Roy then catches Fuecoco and Ash and Liko are amazed that they was there to witness it.

Ash: Roy, now that you have a Pokemon, you should join us!

Liko: Yeah!

Pikachu: Pika Pika!

Roy: I don't know if my grandpa will let me.

Unexpectedly, Roy's grandpa has been listening, and ultimately accepts his grandson's decision to go with the Rising Volt Tacklers on adventures.

As the Rising Volt Tacklers prepare to set sail for Paldea, Roy gives Friede the flag for their ship that he found when it washed ashore. Roy then comes to think of Fuecoco as his greatest treasure that washed ashore. The Brave Asagi prepares to depart from the island as its people, with Roy's grandpa, wish Roy safe travels.

As our trio of heros gaze at the sunset, Roy vows to find Rayquaza, as does Liko, Ash too, prompting the three to share a laugh as the Brave Asagi flies into the sunset.

Ash: Paldea! Here we come!

Chapter 8: Special Training with Pikachu and Cap!

As the Brave Asagi continues its journey towards Paldea and the Rising Volt Tacklers go about their daily business, Roy suddenly makes a loud entrance to the observation deck, startling Liko.

Roy: Hey Liko, let's have a Pokemon battle!

Liko: Sure!

Suddenly, they hear the sound of loud and fast footsteps as Ash arrives.

Ash: Did someone say a Pokemon battle?!

Roy: Yeah! Me and Liko were going to have one.

Ash: Nice! I'll direct!

Pikachu: Pika!

However, the battle between Sprigatito and Fuecoco ends up consisting of them just using Leafage and Ember to counter each other's attacks over and over, until they both become too tired to continue.

Ash: Well, that wasn't so bad....

Pikachu: Pikachu....

Pikachu shakes his head, it was bad.

They are then summoned to the meeting room by Friede

Friede: I have installed the Rising Volt Tacklers app to each of your Rotom Phones and also installed a Pokédex to Roy's phone.

Roy is so excited to hear about this he ignores the rest of Friede's words.

Ash: There's an app?

Friede: Yes, the app verifies your team membership and works as a message group between members.

Roy: I hope I can register Rayquaza in my Pokedex!

Ash: If you dream it, you can acheive it!

Roy: But I have no idea where to look...

Friede: Why not ask Dot?

Liko: Who?

Murdock: She's my niece.

Friede: She's around your age, she's even the one who made the app, though we don't see her often, since she's always gathering information, but since that's whay she's doing she'll be able to help you three.

Making their way towards Dot's room, Liko and Roy hear the Nidothing theme music coming from inside the room, figuring she must be watching one of their videos. Roy knocks on the door and asks for advice in finding Rayquaza, but instead of a response, jumps out of a hatch on the door. Roy takes the chance to try out his Pokédex by scanning Quaxly, before noticing a note attached to its chest. Opening it, he finds a drawing of himself and Fuecoco after losing in a battle.

Roy: Well that's rude.

Ash: It might be true, but you two just need a little training, no problem!

Liko: I think I have an idea.

Ash smiles confidently, she's going to ask him.

Ash's face of confidence drops into shock as he watches Liko ask Friede for help.

Roy: I know I need to get stronger to catch Rayquaza

Liko: And I need to get stronger to protect the ones I love from The Explorers.

Ash: Don't forget Team Rocket.

Liko: Them to.

Friede agrees to this, and the team gathers on the wing deck. At first, it seems like Friede will be using his Charizard for the training match, but with the bright flash of a bolt from the blue, Captain Pikachu enters the field, having chosen to act as Liko and Roy's opponent.

Ash: Hey Friede, think we can make this a double battle? A bit of Pikachu and Pikachu action?

Friede: Sure, but Cap already has a plan.

As Piakchu joins the battlefield, Captain Pikachu whispers something to him, as Friede does the same to Ash.

Ash: Ah, I gotcha.

Friede: Liko, Roy, if either of you hit one of the Pikachu, you win.

Roy: That's easy!

Sprigatito and Fuecoco start launching as many attacks as they can, but Cap only needs to slightly lean from side to side to avoid every last one of them, Pikachu using Quick Attack to move from one side of the field to the other, then standing still, however, Sprigatito looks closely at Pikachu every time he does, as if she's trying to learn how to use the attack as well.

Liko: Maybe we should use a combo attack, I mean we can't hit Ash's Pikachu, but Sprigatito can use Leafage to blind Captain Pikachu, and then Fuecoco can charge in with Tackle.

Roy: Right!

However, Captain Pikachu avoids this attack just as easily as the previous ones, using Double Team to create multiple fake copies of itself, while Ash's Pikachu sneakily hides behind each clone as he crawls around trying not to be seen.

Soon, though, Liko figures out the pattern behind Cap's Double Team, seeing that he's moving backwards in a zigzag pattern. With this knowledge, Sprigatito and Fuecoco take out the copies one by one, until only the real one is left. Sprigatito tries to use Scratch, but Cap dodges again by jumping into the air, Ash's Pikachu using Quick Attack to add momentum to his jump as he joins Cap. Liko and Roy prepare to strike again when both Pikachus come down, but to their surprise, as soon as Cap and Ash's Pikachu come back down, their Pokémon fall asleep from exhaustion, meaning that the battle has ended.

With the battle over, Murdock offers everyone lunch. Liko observes how everyone has a favorite flavor; for example, Sprigatito likes bitter food, while both Roy and Fuecoco like spicy food, Ash and Pikachu like everything.

Soon, everyone is done eating.

Friede: Liko, Roy, you two should battle against each other and remember what you learned during the battle with Cap and Ash's Pikachu.

And so, the battle begins.

Liko patiently waits for Fuecoco to make a move, but when none comes, she decides to make the first move instead, ordering a Scratch. Fuecoco dodges it and counters with Tackle, which Sprigatito, in turn, also dodges. Liko and Roy realize that this battling style is different from before: instead of blindly ordering moves without even looking at their opponent, they're now making moves in reaction to the moves their opponent is making, a lesson that they subconsciously picked up from their battle with Cap and Ash's Piakchu. Both Pokémon exchange several more moves, before Roy aims for a finishing hit with Ember. Liko tells Sprigatito to run past it, but to her surprise, Sprigatito starts running blindingly fast, avoiding the Fire-type move and slamming into Fuecoco, knocking it out and making Liko the winner.

Liko: What move was that?

Ash: That was Quick Attack!

Liko: But how?

Ash remembers the previous battle and remembers how.

Ash: Sprigatito, she was looking at Piakchu everytime he used Quick Attack to dodge it and Fuecoco, she must have been trying to learn it!

Liko: Really?

Roy: Looks like it!

Liko and Roy thank Ash, Friede and their Piakchus for helping them.

Roy also shares a fist bump with Liko, promising to win the next time they battle.

Just then, Roy receives a message, which turns out to be from Dot, so he, Ash and Liko go to her door once more. When they knock, Quaxly once again comes out carrying a note. This time, the note features a drawing of Rayquaza and some land.

Liko: That's Paldea, Rayquaza's in Paldea.

Roy excitedly thanks Dot and runs off, with Liko thanking her as well and hoping she'll learn to know her better.

Ash: Thanks Dot! New Region here we come!

Ash runs off to catch up with Liko and Roy.

Chapter 9: The Door That Never Opens!

The next morning, the Rising Volt Tacklers have breakfast, and Ash notices Dot's empty chair.

Ash: Say, will Dot join us?

Friede: Well, she's never been interested in eating with the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers, she just eats nutrient-rich gummies.

Ash can't help but feel concerned, you don't just not spend time with people you live with, not even your uncle.

Murdock: Well I plan to make something tasty enough for Dot to like.

Mollie: You know, I noticed we were short on sugar, Moomoo Milk, butter, and dried fruit.

Orla: Seems like someone's making sweets, Murdock, you having anything you want to say about this?

Friede: Hey now, blaming people won't slove anything.

Mollie: Why would you be the one to say that?

Friede: We'll go to a town and get sweets.

Murdock: Yeah...

Ash and Liko get ready for they're remote classes, being greeted by Anne.

Anne: Nidothing's doing a livestream today!

Ash: Who?

Liko: You've never heard of Nidothing?!

Ash shakes his head.

Classes begin, with Ash and Liko joining remotely.

They dock at the town,

Friede: How about rock-papers-scissors, like we usually do to see whoever has to watch the ship.

Everyone throws paper except Ash and Roy, who throw rock, making them the ones to stay behind with the ship.

As the others go into the town, Roy talks to Liko

Roy: Liko, can you cover for me?

Liko: Sure!

Ash: It's so you can watch that livestream, right?

Liko: Yep.

Roy goes with the Rising Volt Tacklers into town.

Meanwhile, Ash and Liko do chores around the Brave Asagi, feeding the Pokemon, hanging the laundry out to dry, taking out the trash by feeding it to the Alolan Muk on board, and scrubbing the deck. Afterwards, they try to get a peek in the secret cupboard they heard about from Roy before he left. When Liko opens the cupboard however, she gets a surprise curtesy of Alcremie, who attacks her and covers her in cream. Upset by this experience, Liko wipes herself off just as Murdock calls in.

Liko: Ah! Oh my Arcues I'm so sorry!

Murdock: Um, there's lunchboxes on the ship if either of you get hungry...

Ash: Thank you Murdock, bye!

Ash hangs up the call.

Ash, Liko and Ludlow get their lunchboxes, and Liko notices a fourth one for Dot.

Liko: Ludlow, should I bring Dot her lunch?

Ludlow: Of course, after all, A good lunch, a good hunch.

Ash: What?

Ash and Liko bring Dot her lunch, knocking on her door only for no one to answer. They are about to walk away when Liko hears the Nidothing theme coming from Dot's room again.

Liko: Dot, are you watching Nidothing?

Both are surprised when Dot finally speaks, although it comes in the form of a nervous and frustrated shout.

Ash: I think's it's best to leave her alone.

Ash's request falls on deaf ears, again.

Liko: Y'know I really admire Nidothing, she's soknowledgeable about Pokémon, and it's so fun to watch her.

Liko tries her best to relate to Dot, but then Dot panics about the time. Hearing this, Liko realizes she's going to be late for the livestream.

An overwhelmed Dot abruptly blames Liko, telling her to go away.

Liko: But why aren't you with the other Rising Volt Tacklers?

Dot: I don't have the time, I'm busy.

Liko respects Dot's schedule, apologizing for bothering her and leaving her lunch by her door, Ash following.

Later, Liko is excited for Nidothing's livestream in a few minutes, Ash having nothing else to do.

The livestream starts and Nidothing gets ready to read the comments left by other streamers. Eventually she gets to Liko's comment, to the latter's shock. Nidothing herself, who is actually Dot under the costume, gets very embarrassed that Liko's comment is about wanting to befriend her.

An embarrassed cry from Liko startles Nidothing and Quaxly and can be heard throughout the ship.

Liko freaks out that Nidothing actually read her comment, Ash trying to calm her down.

Nidothing: Try to change the environment, making friends is like Pokemon battles.

This inspires Liko to try even harder.

At sunset, Roy tries to thank Dot for the helpful advice about Rayquaza, Liko and Ash having told him that Dot spoke to her earlier.

After Roy tells Liko and Ash about the wild Spearow he battled, he suggests that he and Liko have a battle.

Liko initially thinks Roy wants to battle in front of Dot's door before he disagrees. However, after remembering Nidothing's advice about her comment, Liko decides to battle where they are after all, prompting Dot shout at her again. Roy, excited to hear Dot's voice for the first time, tells Dot about the cloth and the wild Spearow, but she is not interested in that.

Liko: Hey, Dot, what are you interested in?

Dot: an ancient Poke Ball housing a shiny Rayquaza.

Ash: I think that's a way of saying she's into mystical things no one has seen before.

Liko: We might be closer than she thinks!

Our trio of heros share a laugh.

Liko tells Roy when she tried to get a peek into the secret cupboard, Alcremie was there and cover her in cream. Roy likes this and rushes over to get some too, though Liko didn't like it one bit.

Liko thanks Dot before walking off, Ash following.

As the sun rises, Friede and Captain Pikachu are asleep at the steering wheel when Cap sees land. The Rising Volt Tacklers have arrived at Paldea.

Chapter 10: Welcome to Paldea!

The Brave Asagi arrives at Liko's home region, Paldea.

Liko thinks being back in Paldea is nostalgic even though she hasn't been gone for that long. She also realizes that this will be her first time in her home region with Sprigatito.

Ash is overjoyed to be in a new region.

Friede: C'mon Liko, I'll take you home.

Ash hears this, and wants to join in,

Ash: Ooo! Can I come!

Fride: Sure, I guess.

Ash: Sweet!

Friede: Y'know Liko, we are going to miss you, but our job would lead to this.

Ash: What?!

Friede: We were asked to bring Liko home.

Ash: Oh...

Liko, Ash and Friede walk outside, with Liko believing her journey is over. Liko briefly sees Dot through the window as Roy tags along as well, wanting to see Paldea for the first time. The group visits Mesagoza, where Roy encounters a Cyclizar rider. They also check out various stores. Friede tries to call Liko's mother, but she doesn't answer, so the group decides to head over to Liko's house to see her father, Alex.

Liko, Ash Roy and Friede arrive at Liko's house, where Fidough greets Liko and the others.

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash uses his Rotom Phone

Rotom: Fidough, the puppy Pokemon, a fairy type, The yeast in Fidough's breath is useful for cooking, so this Pokémon has been protected by people since long ago.

Liko's father, Alex comes out to greet them.

Alex: Liko! Oh my, is this the World Monarch, with my daughter? I must be dreaming!

They all go inside.

Roy: Hey, Liko's dad, did you know Liko is a rising Volt Tackler?

Friede wants to change the subject.

Friede: I see you painted an Arcanine and a Rapidash.

Alex: Oh yes, I'm a painter, and I even draw picture books.

Liko: Dad, where's mom?

Alex: Oh, she's busy working.

Liko decides to head up to her room, with an unamused Sprigatito heading outside.

At sunset, Ash, Liko, Roy and Friede head back the Brave Asagi, with Liko feeling a bit worn out from that day.

Liko: I'm home.

Liko immediately puts her hands over her mouth.

Morning arrives, and Liko could hardly sleep over how conflicted she's been feeling, and her roommate, Ash knows.

Ash: Something on your mind?

Liko: Yeah.

Ash: You can tell me anything, I won't tell a soul.

Liko: I just, I want to stay with you all and see the world, but I know my dad wants me to stay here, and I don't want to upset him.

Ash: I know what you're going through.

Liko: You do?

Ash: Well, I didn't go through it, but a friend of mine did, back when I was in Kalos, my friend, Serena, her mom wanted her to be a Rhyhorn Racer, her whole life her mom made her train. She even told me our meeting at Professor Oak's summer camp was the only happy memory she had for a while. Until she left on her journey, and found Pokemon Showcases, when she told her mom, she was unsupported, so she had to beat her in a Rhyhorn Race to gain her respect, but the best part is, after that race, her mom was so supportive!

Liko: So, you're point is...

Ash: Even when it seems like your parent doesn't support you, if you show them just what you can do, they will be so proud of you, I don't think your dad will stop you, if you're honest with him.

Later, after all the other events of the episode, tells Alex that she finally decided what she wants to do. Meeting Sprigatito, Friede, Roy and all her new friends made her realize what her Grandmother's words meant.

Liko: Dad, can I please keep traveling with the Rising Volt Tacklers?

Alex sees how much of her grandmother's thirst for adventure Liko has developed, asking Sprigatito to keep her safe. Later, Ash, Liko, Alex and Friede hang out at the coffee table with the coffee Liko got Alex. Liko notices picture books, and Alex asks her to give them to Roy. Alex then states that Brassius, who is in Artazon, has seen a rare Pokemon, which could be the Black Rayquaza. With this info, Ash, Liko and Friede decide to go to Artazon, but not before Liko notices a painting that Alex has been working on last night. Friede, Ash and Liko depart, the painting is revealed to be Sprigatito and Fidough sleeping together.

Chapter 11: Nemona and Brassius and..

Liko, Ash and Roy arrive at Artazon, where they see lots of Grass-Type Pokemon. They spot two Sunflora by a Sunflora sculpture, made by Brassius himself.

Ash: Wow! So many new Pokemon!

Roy: Hey Ice cream man, have you seen a black Rayquaza?

Ice Cream Man: A black Rayquaza? Sorry I've never heard of such a thing.

Roy: Aw man!

Soon, Liko, Ash and Roy encounter Nemona, who uses her Pawmo to defeat a Skiploom in battle.

Nemona looks over and sees the trio, focussing on Ash.

Nemona: Oh my Arcues! Ash Ketchum, The World Monarch, is right here infront of me! Let's have a battle right now!

Ash: Alright! Make it a 3 on 3!

Nemona: Fine by me!

Liko: Ash, We're here to see Brassius!

Ash: Oh yeah, sorry, looks like we're gonna have to save our battle for later.

Nemona takes Liko, Ash and Roy to Brassius' atelier

Nemoma: Brassius is the gym leader of Artazon.

Liko: You're a champion ranked trainer...

Ash: You're a champion too!?

Nemona: Yeah, but Paldea does champions differently.

Liko nervously shakes Nemona's hand.

Nemona: I also have business with Brassius too seeing how he's been absent from Gym Battles for a while now.

Ash: A gym leader who refuses to battle, I've seen that before.

Roy: Really?

Ash: Yep, back during my Sinnoh days.

Pikachu: Pika Pi.

The group hears shattering nearby and find Brassius smashing one of his sculptures.

Brassius looking so on edge makes Liko anxious, so Ash decides to give her a hand.

Ash: Hey, Brassius, we were sent here my Liko's father.

This thrills Brassius, whose unsettling brand of excitement scares Liko even more, so Piakchu hops over to her and gives her a nuzzle.

Brassius invites Liko, Ash, Roy and Nemona inside for tea as they notice his passion for art, as seen with all the sculptures of Grass-Type Pokemon around his house. Brassius' Doliv shoots its oils onto Pawmo. Doliv is nervous until Sprigatito uses its sweet scent to make it happy. The elated Doliv shoots more oil at Pawmo.

Roy: Brassius, we're here about a black Rayquaza.

The news doesn't thrill Brassius one bit. Brassius heads downstairs and anxiously stands over a shattered black Rayquaza sculpture. Out of the corner of her eye, Liko notices a piece of the black Rayquaza sculpture, realizing that Brassius is on a slump, something Alex has experienced as well.

Liko: Maybe we should do something to make him smile.

Ash: That's a great idea!

Roy: Maybe we should try gathering Sunflora for him.

Arriving at Sunflora Lawn, Liko, Ash, Roy, and Nemona split up to look for Sunflora.

Ash has a simple plan, hide and lanch himself at any that he sees, he moslty falls for statues, but he does round up a few.

Liko gathers up a lot more Sunflora (33 Sunflora) than Roy (10 Sunflora) and Nemona (15 Sunflora) and Ash (5 Sunflora) by the time their search is over.

Liko: i'm sure these Sunflora will cheer up Brassius!

Dolliv then shows up and shoots Brassius with its oil, blowing his cover. Brassius, seeing no other way around it, brings Liko, Roy, and Nemona back to his house, where he presents the giant black Rayquaza with a tortured Sunflora sculpture he worked on.

Brassius: I have been working on this piece to capture the intensity of the Rayquaza through a Sunflora's eyes, and then my whole world was turned upside down when I saw the real black Rayquaza, which is why I've been a slump and lost interest in Gym battling.

Liko and Ash feel bad seeing Brassius at such a low point, Ash evens puts his hand on Brassius' shoulder.

Roy: I wanna go to the forest where you saw it!

Brassius: How about a gym battle?

Roy: Yeah!

Ash: Aw man! I wanted to challenge the gym....

Brassius sends out his Sudowoodo to face Roy's Fuecoco.

Ash: Be careful Roy! Don't use a fire type move!

Roy: But it's a Grass Type, use Ember!

However, it does little damage due to Sudowoodo being a Rock type.

Roy: What?

Ash: I tried to tell you! It's a rock type!

Roy: But isn't he the grass gym leader?

Brassius commands Sudowoodo to use Rock Throw, which hits Fuecoco hard. Sudowoodo uses Rock Throw again. Fuecoco dodges, charging at Sudowoodo with Tackle. However, Sudowoodo uses Substitute, which outsmarts Fuecoco again and again. Sudowoodo follows up with Taunt, making Fuecoco mad and prompting it to use Ember instead of Tackle as Roy commands. Brassius tells Roy that his focus should be on his own Pokemon instead of finding the real Sudowoodo. In its rage, Fuecoco stomps the ground and cracks it underneath its feet. Fuecoco has learned Stomping Tantrum, which gets rid of another substitute. Fuecoco follows up with the same move, scoring a super-effective hit on the real Sudowoodo. Brassius then Terastallizes Sudowoodo into a Grass Tera Type, calling this piece "The Lie That Came True".

Ash: Woah! What is that?!

Nemona: Terastallization, my friend!

Ash: So cool!

Piakchu: Pi Piakchu!

Roy has Fuecoco use Ember, but Sudowoodo avoids it and hits Fuecoco with Trailblaze, knocking it out.

After the battle,

Nemona: Tera Types are Pokemon types shown through terastallization, and sometime's it's different than either of the Pokemon's usual type.

Ash: Wow!

Meanwhile, Team Rocket watches from a bush.

Jessie: You hear that boys? Tera types, terastallization?

James: Yes, our Pokemon could have hidden types.

Meowth: I could have a hidden type! We need to find a way to terastallize!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Brassius congratulates Roy on a great battle before sharing another sculpture at his house, "The Forest Arboliva". Arboliva's forest is where he saw the black Rayquaza, and then Arboliva resonated with the Legendary Pokémon. Liko notices something about this sculpture before she, Ash and Roy return to the Brave Asagi and share what they found.

Liko: The sculpture Brassius showed them gave off a sad vibe.

Ash: Oh really?

Roy: Maybe it means something.

Meanwhile, in a dark forest, a shadowy Arboliva walks through.

Chapter 12: Arboliva's Forest

The next day, Nemona takes Liko, Ash, Roy, and Mollie to the forest, which has been ravaged by a devastating wildfire. As they traverse the burnt woods, hoping rain will restore it, they notice an area that's completely untouched. The group heads down there,

Roy: I'll scout ahead!

Ash: Alright, we should meet at the big tree if we ever get lost.

Liko: Sounds good.

Roy heads off as Ash, Liko and Mollie stay behind.

Liko: I don't I take after either of my parents.

Ash: What makes you say that?

Liko: I've never felt certain things about stuff I wanted to do, unlike them.

Ash: Well that might mean you just haven't done thing that made you feel that way, give it time.

Mollie: I come from a long line of Pokemon doctors. I had followed the path that was chosen for me at youth, but I quit.

Hearing this, Ash and Liko realize why Mollie didn't go with them to get supplies from Pokemon Center.

Sprigatito finds some Oran Berries. Liko goes with Sprigatito to pick some more Oran Berries, Ash and Pikachu following, but then Liko gets nervous, and Ash notices

Ash: What's wrong?

Liko: I think we're lost...

Ash: Hey, don't worry, remember, if we get lost, we go to the big tree.

Liko: Right.

The tree starts to move, shaking the ground. Ash and Liko notice the giant tree moving, deciding to go over there.

On the way over there, Ash and Liko come across a Paldean Wooper that's dehydrated and in bad shape.

Liko: Oh no!

Ash: We gotta help it!

They try their best to tend to it, but then a Cacnea, accompanied by a Shroomish and a Hoppip, gang up on them before carrying the Wooper away.

Ash: They could be it's friends, or it's enemies coming back for round two, come on let's follow!

Pikachu: Pika Pi!

They follow them to the giant tree. The wild Pokemon try to protect Wooper from the two.

Ash: Please, we just want to help!

Liko: We don't wanna hurt anyone!

Mollie and Chansey arrive to treat the Wooper

Mollie: You wanna know why I quit? I wanted help wild Pokemon who don't go to the Pokemon Center.

Ash: A former Nurse Joy?

Just then, the giant tree starts moving again, revealing that it is not a tree, but a giant Arboliva. Roy jumps off the giant Pokemon.

Roy: Why is it so big?

Ash: Is it Dynamaxed?

Liko: What?

Ash: The fact that you don't know what that is proves that I was wrong.

Liko: It has another Ancient Poke Ball!

Ash: Roy's must not be the only one!

Arboliva starts attacking Ash, Liko and Roy with its oils. While Mollie is still treating Wooper.

Roy: Fuecoco, use Ember-

Liko: No Roy! It'll just cause another fire!

Ash: She's right.

Ash looks at Pikachu

Ash: Sorry buddy, can't risk another fire, so let's use water! Quaxly! I choose you!

Quaxly comes out, ready for anything.

Liko: Sprigatito! Quick attack!

Roy: Fuecoco! Stomping Tantrum!

Ash: Quaxly! Water Gun!

The water gun hits Arboliva in the eyes, throwing it off balance, giving Sprigatito the opportunity to use Leafage in the air to surround Arboliva. Fuecoco follows up with another Stomping Tantrum, which brings Arboliva down on its knees before falling over, almost landing on top of Fuecoco before Sprigatito saves it with Quick Attack.

Arboliva gets back up, ready to attack Ash, Liko and Roy again until Wooper comes over and pleads for it to stop. Mollie then connects with Arboliva, having gotten through to it. Wooper and the other wild Pokemon head back into the forest.

Liko: I think Arboliva wants to tell us something.

Ash: I see it too.

Arboliva picks up Ash, Liko and Roy, lifting them over its head to show them the entirety of the burnt forest.

Ash: The forest, it was hurt so badly.

Ash puts a comforting hand on Arboliva.

Chapter 13: The Future I Choose!

Looking at the burnt-down around them, Ash, Liko and Roy and understand the dire situation the forest is in.

Mollie: The Arboliva uses its nutrients to heal injured Pokémon like a doctor, but with the forest being so badly damaged, there's only so much it can do, which will inevitably lead to more Pokémon ending up like Wooper.

Liko: We're going to replant the forest!

Ash: Good idea!

Liko and Mollie start gathering Berries, while Roy has Fuecoco plow the ground with Stomping Tantrum and he himself clears out rocks and burnt-down tree parts, Ash has Pikachu Iron tail any dead trees.

The gathered Berries are then planted, and Ash has Quaxly use Water Gun on the berries, but growth is kinda slow.

Liko gets a phone call from Friede, and she explains the situation.

Soon, Friede meets up with Liko, Ash, Roy, and Mollie, followed by Orla and Ludlow. Ludlow pulls out a Dive Ball and calls out his Quagsire, whose Rain Dance helps to dampen the dry soil. Once the rain has ended, Arboliva uses its Seed Sower Ability to make the planted Berries grow into new trees. The restored trees allow the Pokémon that had fled the fire to return, much to Liko, Ash and Roy's pleasure.

Suddenly, Liko's pendant starts to glow and transforms into a mysterious Pokémon. Arboliva reacts to the Pokémon's presence by creating a big ball of light and surrounding Liko, Ash and Roy with it.

Inside the ball of light, Liko, Ash and Roy find themselves in the middle of a thick mist. A silhouetted figure speaks to them from amidst the mist, but can't finish his sentence before the mist lifts and the three trainers return to reality, the mysterious Pokémon transforming back into Liko's pendant in the process.

The group barely have time to process this before Arboliva's Ancient starts glowing and it suddenly itself into it. Taking this as a sign of Arboliva wanting to come with them.

Friede: Ash, Liko, Roy, think you three can look after the ball?

Roy: Yeah!

Liko: Yep!

Ash: We got this!

The team return to the airship.

Later, Liko shows Ash and Roy some picture books her father had given to Roy to read.

Roy: Wait, the story about the ancient adventurer is the same story my grandpa told me!

Ash: What?!

Liko, Ash and Roy read the story from the book: a hundred years ago, there was an adventurer who, accompanied by the Black Rayquaza, befriended five strong Pokémon. Together, the adventurer and these six Pokémon traveled from region to region, until they found a place simply called "paradise." The man, with his Pokémon friends, had gone on to settle down and live there, becoming forever known as the "ancient adventurer."

Roy: One of the Pokemon must be Rayquaza, and the other must be Arboliva.

Ash: But that means theres still four more of those Poke Balls out there!

Liko decides to call her dad to get some answers, and he says that the stories were inspired by her grandma, and he believes the story is fiction, but Ash and Roy still think the story is real, given their encounters with the Black Rayquaza and Arboliva.

Later, the Rising Volt Tacklers gather in a meeting, sharing what Friede learned.

Friede: Liko, what do you think we should do?

Liko: I want to go meet my grandmother.

Roy: Okay! That means we can find out more about the acient Poke Balls and the ancient adventurer!

Ash: FIne by me!

Liko: But she travels the world, so I don't know where she is.

Friede: Due to some evidence I found, I think she might be in Galar.

The group agrees to head to Galar next.

Roy: Say Ash, isn't Galar the region where you became World Monarch?

Ash: Oh yeah! Why do you ask?

Liko: Won't that mean you'll be swarmed by fan?

Ash: Oh yeah...... Don't worry I'm sure I won't draw attention to us!

Chapter 14: An Unexpected Picnic!

Ash, Liko and Roy enter the main room of the Brave Asagi.

Ash: Hey, Friede, when are we leaving for Galar?

Fride: Well, your gonna have to wait a bit, we need to run a security check, the tail fin of the ship isn't responding.

Roy: Aw man!

Friede: Don't worry, these checks are common, and it helps make sure the ship flies safely, it should only take half a day.

Liko: Well, why don't we go outside for a picnic?

Friede: Good idea, Ludlow will probably stay behind to watvh the ship though,

The team moves outside, setting up their picnic table on a seaside cliff near the city of Levincia. Murdock fills the table with loads of food.

Roy tire sto take some food, only to be stopped my Orla and Mollie.

Orla: Roy, we're not going to be eating the food directly, we're making sandwiches.

Ash: I could go for a sandwich...

Pikachu: Pikachu...

Liko has a hard time deciding what ingredients she wants for her sandwich; Roy tries to make a massive sandwich, which ends up falling apart, Ash puts everything on his sandwich, but he gobbles it up before it can fall apart, it was hard to swallow though.

Friede fills his sandwich with nothing but meat.

Ash sends out his Pidgeot and Quaxly and serves them some bowls of Pokemon food, as well as some for Pikachu.

Looking at the people around her, Liko starts reminiscing how she, Ash and Roy wound up with them, feeling thankful for having met them.

While Sprigatito and Fuecoco play with Roy's Ancient Poké Ball, Quaxly, Pikachu and Pidgeot join in and Roy takes a selfie of himself, with Ash and Liko and their Pokémon, and sends it to Dot.

Suddenly, a Wattrel steals Fuecoco's sandwich, Roy starts chasing it, Ash, and their Pokemon behind them.

Roy and Ash eventually catch up to Wattrel on a cliff, being cornered when Pidgeot flys infront of it, but instead of flying away, the Wattrel puts the sandwich down and challenges them.

Roy: Don't worry Ash, I got this!

Ash: If you say so! Pidgeot come back!

Pidgeot flys back to Ash's side with Pikachu and Quaxly.

After Fuecoco's Stomping Tantrum proves ineffective against the Flying type, Wattrel fires back with Growl. Roy has Fuecoco counter by singing as loud as it can, but as the clash of voices just starts driving away the nearby wild Pokémon and remains in a stalemate, Roy calls off the confrontation. Realizing that Wattrel is hungry, but then the Wattrel is snatched up by a net.

Ash: Oh no..

Ash looks up to see Team Rocket

Jessie: Oh yes Twerp!

James: And I see you've got the new Twerp as well!

Meowth: A twerp duo!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash: i'm not dealing with you today, Pikachu use Iron Tail to break the net, pidgeot use Wing Attack to blast off Team Rocket.

Meowth: Wait, what-

the two Pokemon does so, and Wattrel is freed and Team Rocket fly off.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Roy knows that the Wattrel is just hungry, so...

Roy: How about I give you half, is that okay?

Ash: Roy, that was big of man, I'm proud of you buddy!

Roy: Thanks Ash.

But once Wattrel has eaten its half, it promptly steals the other half too and eats it as well.

Ash: Oof, sorry man, but there should be enough for you to make another once we get back.

Roy: i guess so...

While heading back, Roy notices a flock of Wattrel flying away, while the Wattrel he faced isn't going with them.

Later, Ash and Roy have reunited with Liko, and Roy shares his encounter, He then suddenly stops, unable to stop thinking about Wattrel, he decides to go check on it again.

Ash: Liko, 20 Pokémon Dollars that he catches the Pokemon before the sun goes down?

Liko: Oh it is on!

Meanwhile, Team Rocket have crahsed landed in another part of Paldea.

Jessie: Who does that Twerp think he is, not letting us stay for even a second?!

James: I suppose he no longer takes us seriously, ever since those Explorers showed up.

Jessie: Then We show him who is true enemies are!

Meowth: Right! I saw you two need to catch some new Pokemon, the others are getting old.

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Just then, James spots a Capsakid looking right at him,

James: Oh hello, would you like to join us?

Capsakid responds by biting James's head with it's one sharp tooth.

James: OW! Okay I'll take that as a Yes!

Chapter 15: Fly! Wattrel!

On the Brave Asagi, is working on getting the phone signal back, but to no avail. Liko, Friede, Ash and Murdock are outside her door, unsure of what to do.

Friede: Maybe we should start up the ship to see what happens.

Dot: No way! That's way too dangerous, the ship will only fly straight!

Murdock: Dot, I'm sure it'll be okay.

Murdock: Hey, Ash, Liko, why don't you come with me to do some shopping in Levincia?

Ash: Sounds good to me!

Liko: Okay.

Ash, Liko and Murdock are walking into town when Murdock starts to say something...

Murdock: Hey Liko, I just wanted to say thanks again for inviting Dot to our picnic, I want you to keep being her friend, I know she'll need great friends like you.

Liko: Of course, Dot gave me courage to tell my dad about staying with the Rising Volt Tacklers, I hope she can fix the ship.

Murdock: Don't worry, we'll get through it like we've always done.

Ash: Yeah!

During they're time in town, Murdock was hoping to get some Spicy Herba Mystica. He managed to buy a lot of ingredients and enjoyed ice cream with Ash & Liko, and now their walking back.

Ash: Hey thanks for the great time we had today Murdock!

Murdock: Anytime, World Monarch.

They see Roy.

Ash: Oh, hey Roy, what are doing?

ROy: Oh, I'm teaching this Wattrel to conquer its fear of heights with jumping drills.

Ash: Oh, almost like your it's trainer..

Ash eyes Liko, remembering the bet, the sun is not down and Roy and Wattrel are bonding.

Roy encourages Wattrel, as do Ash, Liko and Murdock. This gives Wattrel the courage to jump down, and it is amazed that it did so.

Friede sees Liko, Roy, and Murdock trying to help Wattrel fly over the river. They head back to the ship at nightfall, where Dot, on her Rotom Phone, tells everyone that she's checking everything on the ship seeing how she doesn't know the exact impact of the Magneton's electromagnetic storm.

The next morning, Liko and the others have a delicious breakfast, which Dot had too. Roy was busy, however, and Liko ans Ash find him with a cardboard cutout of Wattrel tied to Ludlow's fishing rod, putting his next step for Wattrel into motion.

Ash, Liko and Roy go to see Wattrel and show it the plan before getting the Storm Petrel on the rope to try and get the hang of flying.

Liko suddenly gets a message from a shop about the Spicy Herba Mystica Murdock was looking for heads back to Levincia to do some shopping.

Roy gives Wattrel extra momentum by swinging the rod forward. When Wattrel flaps its wings, they start to produce electricity, which snaps the rope. Ash and Roy checks to see if Wattrel is alright, and sees it hovering over the river before a gust of wind lifts it up to its flock.

Landing on the watchtower with its flock, Wattrel is overjoyed that it conquered its fear as the other Wattrel congratulate it.

Murdock: Wow Roy, you did amazing!

Ash: Yeah! Great job man!

Roy: Thanks!

Wattrel notices Roy about to leave with Murdock, deciding to fly to him. Roy turns around and sees Wattrel flying to him, and Murdock hands him a Poké Ball, knowing Wattrel wants Roy to it. A strong gust of wind throws Wattrel off-balance, so Roy runs to throw the Poké Ball, which catches Wattrel before it falls into the river. The catch is successful, and Wattrel is now Roy's Pokemon, with Roy promising that the two will be great pals.

Ash smiles, not just because he's happy for his friend, but he also won the bet, and is 20 Pokemon Dollars richer, he'll wait for Liko to come back.

Chapter 16: Someone We Can't See! Whosawhatsit?!

At the Brave Asagi, the team is getting worried since Liko hasn't come back yet.

Ash: I'll call her, maybe she'll pick up.

Ash calls Liko, only for...

Rotom: This number is unavaible

Ash: What?!

Dot points out tons of reports from Artazon, giving Friede and the others their first lead as he takes Roy and Ash with him to Artazon.

Meanwhile, Spinel observes Liko's pendant, wondering what it could be before turning his attention to Artazon, where his Beheeyem is spying on the Rising Volt Tacklers. As they all grow increasingly worried for Liko, Wattrel sees a Corvisquire flying above, following it with Roy and Ash trailing behind.

Roy: Come back Wattrel!

Ash: Roy wait up!

Roy and Ash finally catches up to Wattrel in Levincia, but...

Ash: Uh, Roy, I don't think we're in Artazon anymore...

Roy: I don't think we're near Artazon...

Ash and Roy decide to spend their time searching for Liko.

Ash: Liko!

Roy: Liko!

Pikachu: Pi! Pikachu!

Fuecoco: Fuecoco!

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly!

Pidgeot: Pidgeot!

Wattrel: Wattrel!

Friede and Dot arrive at their position

Ash: Friede! And.. who is that?

Friede: This is Dot.

Roy: Woah, you finally, came out of your room?

Dot: Yes, but let's focus on finding Liko.

Ash: Right, do you know where she is.

Dot: Yep.

Dot, using her Rotom Phone, leads them to Liko's location.

Ash, Roy and Dot arrive at the top of the other building just in time to see Liko. Liko remembers her friends, the ones she holds dear and met because she took the effort to step out. Gathering all her courage once more, Liko takes the leap of faith with Sprigatito again, almost losing her balance when she lands, but this time not falling down, which raises her confidence.

Ash, Roy and Dot are relieved for Liko.

Liko: Guys, I remember everything!

Roy: What?

Dot: Um...

Ash: Good for you?

Liko: Dot, is that you?

Before Dot can explain, Iono drops in to praise a bashful Liko for the good time she gave the people of Levincia and for the caring friends she has, and then she sees Ash.

Iono: Oh, my gosh, you're friends with The World Monarch?!

Liko: Well, I-

Iono goes up to Ash

Iono: Monarch Ash, you must do the outro with me!

Iono pulls Ash into camera view

Ash: Gah!

Pikachu: Pika!

Dot, using Nidothing's voice, wraps it up by also praising Liko, making her happy that she and Nidothing worked together.

Spinel puts Liko's pendant in a case as he observes Iono signing off with Ash and his Pokemon, thinking that Liko is stronger than he expected.

Liko: Dot, thank you for helping everyone find me.

Dot: No biggie.

Liko: I've got so many great friends by my side now.

Roy: Heck yeah!

Ash: True That!

However, as Liko is ready to set sail...

Liko: Wait.

Ash: What's wrong?

Liko: My pendant, I'm not wearing it!

Friede: Where did you last have it.

Liko: Well, I remember I ran into a man in an alley.

Ash: That's not a good lead

Roy: No it's not.

Friede looks up Beheeyem on his phone.

Liko: Wait, that's the Pokemon the man had with him!

Ash: What?!

Friede: that Beheeyem as the one he and Charizard fought earlier.

Roy: That guy was probably a member of the Explorers!

Ash: We can't let him take your pendant, we gotta get it back!

Pikachu: Pika!

Friede and the rest decide to counterattack the enemy and get Liko's pendant back.

Chapter 17: Quaxly, We Can Do It!

Liko, Roy, Dot, Ash and Friede decide to begin their counterattack against the thief who took Liko's pendant, but before that...

Dot: Quaxly, I just wanna thank you for being with me.

hearing this, Friede pulls out a Poké Ball.

Roy: Wait What?

Liko: I thought she already caught Quaxly?

Ash: I did too!

Dot: Well, I wasn't interested in being a trainer, but I want Quaxly to be my partner!

She throws the Poké Ball, though poorly that Quaxly has to let itself get caught.

With the culprit behind Liko's pendant still on the run, the Rising Volt Tacklers decide to split up in order to find them before they manage to get away. Wondering how the culprit might make their escape, a billboard advertising a leaving cruise prompts them to head to the docks to intercept the ship, though they are too late to get onboard. Friede manages to drop in with his Charizard, where they're greeted by a mysterious man who pulls out a Bisharp, making Friede believe he's found the culprit. Meanwhile, the other members, barring Ludlow, tell the kids to stay put, the they go off to search.

Liko: My pendant was the one that brought us all together....

The Ancient Poké Ball starts shining, making them realize that her pendant must be nearby. They split to pinpoint the location.

Ash, Liko and Roy are searching, when they see Quaxly's water gun in the air, causing them to go over to the location of Dot and Quaxly.

As the ship is about to leave, Roy jumps on, so does Ash, and Liko, though nervous, jumps for Roy's hand just in time.

Spinel then orders Magneton to use Electro Ball on Quaxly before expressing disappointment in Dot, believing her to be a capable Trainer. Before he could have them finish the pair off, Sprigatito bumps in with Quick Attack, Liko, Ash and Roy making it to Dot's position to give her a hand.

Liko: That's the guy who stole my pendant!

Ash: Oh, you're in trouble now buddy, if you mess with my friends, you mess with me!

Spinel: Ooo, The World Monarch thinks he can do something, you don't scare me, I'll just give Liko here another memory wipe.

Roy steps in and has Fuecoco use Ember. After some encouragement from Roy and Dot, Liko confidently stands up to Spinel, standing together with her three friends and all four of their partners against Beheeyem and Magneton.

Spinel orders Beheeyem and Magneton to use a joint Psychic-Electro Ball attack which hits Quaxly, but then Piakchu hits Magneton with an Iron Tail.

Formulating an idea of how to deal with an attack like that, Liko orders Sprigatito to use Leafage, causing Spinel's Pokémon to flinch and their next combined attack to fail.

Ash and Roy then target Magneton, Spinel orders Magneton to ascend, which Roy has Fuecoco try to hit with Ember to no avail, but Ash has Pikachu use a Quick Attack-Iron Tail combo to gain momentum to reach Magneton and do some damage.]

Roy then brings out his Wattrel to use Peck. In the process, Wattrel steps on Fuecoco's head, angering it as it launches another Ember. As Wattrel prepares to attack, it notices the fireball from behind and dodges it, resulting in Magneton getting hit by the attack instead. Wattrel, upset by the unintentional friendly fire, begins fighting with Fuecoco, forcing Roy to leave to break them up.

Dot: It's over, give back the pendant!

Spinel becomes uncharacteristically angry seeing Beheeyem and Magneton had fainted, this time ordering his Umbreon out with Snarl, which Quaxly tries to stop with Water Gun but it is too powerful for every Pokemon except Pikachu, but he's taken quite a bit of damage.

Spinel apologizes to Umbreon for having to send it out to fight weaklings, while the group note that it's on another level. Regardless, thinking of all the times her pendant has saved her, Liko resolves to do the same for it. while Ash keeps the battle going.

Ash: I've got some Umbreon experience! Piakchu! use-

Just then, the pendant responds to Liko's resolve and determination, shooting up a huge beam of light that Liko follows. Blinded by the light, Spinel walks out of his van with the case in tow, and he ends up dropping it. Sprigatito retrieves the pendant for an overjoyed Liko. Spinel orders Umbreon to intercept, but suddenly Arboliva emerges and angrily stares at him. Spinel, appearing to lose his sanity, is intrigued by what he's seeing before Umbreon begins tugging at his coat sleeve, making him return to reality and realize that he's outmatched, so he backs away.

Ash sees the way Spinel looked when it saw Arboliva, giving him reminders of Lysandere....

Arboliva extends its arms to Liko, who hops on and thanks it. Do, Ash and Roy arrive, and Liko urges them to get on Arboliva. Arboliva then falls into the water and begins swimming back to shore, where they meet up with the rest of the crew.

On the Brave Asagi, Dot goes over to Liko on the deck, while Ash is close by, lost in thought.

Dot: Thanks for coming to save me.

Liko: Of course! That's what friends are for!

Dot: Can I tell you something?

Liko: Sure! What is it?

Dot:.....I'm Nidothing!

This revelation shocking both Liko and Sprigatito beyond words, Ash however...

Ash: Wow, crazy...did not see that coming.

Liko shakes off her shock and goes over to Ash.

Liko: Hey, is everything okay?

Ash: Yeah, just some bad memories of the past came up, that's all.

Liko: Do you wanna...talk about it?

Ash thinks, before saying.

Ash: It was back when I was taking on the gym challenge in Kalos, there was this guy, led his own evil team, and wanted to wipe out the population, I saw him lose his mind for his goal, and when I saw the Explorer guy after your pendant sent out Arboliva, I remembered him.

Liko: But we're still here, you stopped him, didn't you?

Ash: I did, but he went so mad he lost his life....

Liko decides to find a way to take Ash's mind off of it, but how? Liko remembers seeing Roy's new Wattrel, and remembers their bet.

Liko: Say Ash, I saw Roy caught the Wattrel, and it's still the same day we made that bet, so that means...

Ash remembers this and starts to smile.

Ash: Oh yeah! You owe me 20 Pokemon Dollars Liko!

Liko reaches into her bag and brings out the money.

Liko: Alright! Alright! Here!

Liko hands Ash the money and they laugh, Dot smiling as she watches them.

Ash: Hey, Liko, thanks for that, I needed something else to think about.

Liko: Anytime Ash, anytime.

Chapter 18: Special Training Time!

As the Brave Asagi continues its voyage toward Galar, Liko is pacing in front of Dot's room, still trying to come to terms with her newfound knowledge of her being Nidothing.

Ash: Hey, if it helps, I found out the Masked Royal was professor Kukui, and i was shocked too!

Pikachu: Pika!

Liko: What dod you do?

Ash: Well, I was shocked, but soon I came to terms with it, because he's still the same guy! Just like Dot! just because she's Nidothing doesn't mean she's a different person.

Roy comes in

Roy: Hey, have you guys seen Fuecoco and Wattrel? I can't find them.

Ash: No, but we can help you look.

Liko: Yeah!

The two of them find Roy's Pokémon outside, where Wattrel is getting annoyed at Fuecoco constantly getting in its way as it tries to sunbathe, eventually starting to peck the Fire type out of frustration. Roy tries to calm the situation by singing with Fuecoco, but this only ends up frustrating Wattrel even more for being left out, and it lets out a piercing cry. Fuecoco responds in kind, leaving Roy holding his ears in pain of the clash of voices as Liko turns away, overwhelmed by the commotion.

Ash: I think you should try to make them get along!

The troubles continue at lunchtime, when Wattrel again gets annoyed for Fuecoco constantly wanting to be close to it and starts pecking it again. Liko giggles in amusement as she watches Roy chase after his two squabbling Pokémon.

Orla: Say Liko, maybe you should catch another Pokemon.

Liko: I should? I haven't thought about catching another Pokemon until now.

Ash: Oh it's the best, if they're not arguing, they make the best of friends!

Ash guestures to his team of three, all eating and getting along.

Later in the day, Roy asks for a training battle with Cap, Ash asks if his Pikachu can join in, and the battle field is set.

During the match, Wattrel pulls off a new move, which Roy's Rotom Phone identifies as Spark. Despite the new move, though, Cap wins the match by making Fuecoco and Wattrel ram into each other and knock each other out. As a result, Roy's Pokémon go right back to squabbling with each other.

Dot: Hey Friede, there's a lot of turbulence coming up, you all should probably head back inside.

Friede: Right

Everyone goes back inside, except for Roy, who's still trying to get his Pokémon to stop fighting. Liko goes to help Mollie in keeping the airship's Pokémon calm as the turbulence starts rocking the ship. However, when Roy hasn't yet come inside, Liko goes to get him, Ash following. Outside, Roy and his Pokémon only notice the turbulence once it's on them, but on their way inside, Wattrel gets blown away by the wind. It manages to fly back, but struggles to not get blown away again, so Roy goes to rescue it just as Liko and Ash arrive on the scene. While struggling to hold Wattrel, Roy notices its wings glowing. A thick branch blown by the wind suddenly flies towards him, but Wattrel uses a powerful Spark to break it before it can hit.

Everyone is now back inside.

Roy: Wow, Wattrel's Spark might have a chance at overthrowing Cap's Thunder Punch and maybe even Ash's Pikachu's Thunderbolt! I wonder why it didn't use a Spark that strong during the battle though?

Liko: Well, Wattrel generates electricity from wind, so its wings being hit by the turbulent winds must've allowed it to generate more electricity than before.

This leaves Roy in a pickle, as he has to find a way to generate wind during a battle. He decides to ask Dot for advice and goes to her door. Liko is feeling flustered at the idea of going to Nidothing's room, but Dot still lets them in.

While Liko is busy feeling nervous at being in her idol's room, with Ash trying to calm her down, Roy presents his problem to Dot. Given that Roy's Wattrel is small and can't fly well, Dot theorizes that falling from a great height could allow it to generate enough wind for a moment. This gives Roy an idea, and he rushes to the wing deck to do some training.

Roy's training ends up taking hours, causing him to even miss dinner. Liko and Ash bring him some sandwiches and drinks, finding a totally exhausted Roy and his Pokémon on the wing deck. Roy refuses to disclose the goals of his training at the moment, wanting to keep his strategy a secret until it is ready. After eating, he and his Pokémon go right back to training.

By next morning, they feel ready and issue another challenge for Friede, Ash, Pikachu and Cap. The rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers gather to watch, and proceed to get baffled when Fuecoco and Wattrel jump onto Roy's head to form a small tower. Flinging his partners into the air, Roy has Fuecoco use Ember repeatedly to propel itself and Wattrel upwards, until Wattrel takes to the skies. Landing back down, Fuecoco keeps using Ember, while Wattrel dives down with Spark, the force of the dive generating the wind necessary to power up the attack. Instead of dodging, Cap meets the attack head-on with Thunder Punch, and Pikachu with an Iron Tail, pushing Wattrel back. Fuecoco tries to use Tackle on Cap as he's falling down, but Cap and Pikachu are still able to dodge, causing Fuecoco fall down and faint, alongside Wattrel.

Although Roy is momentarily dejected by his loss, the rest of the team still compliments the results of his training. Recovering from their dejection, Roy and Fuecoco start singing again, with Wattrel also joining in this time. Seeing Roy's Pokémon getting along fills Liko with joy, and she figures that maybe having another Pokémon friend could actually be fun after all, Ash even shows her his Rotom Phone for her to see all the Pokemon friends he's caught. Friede, meanwhile, notes that Cap's hat was actually knocked off during the match, which counts as an achievement, as does the fact that Cap actually got serious for a moment during the match.

Chapter 19: Flying Pikachu, Rising Higher and Higher!

Ash, Liko and Roy head into Dot's room again

Ash: Hey Dot, do you have any idea how Cap was able to fly during his battle with Roy?

Roy: Cap's gotta be a special flying Pikachu!

Liko: Maybe, Ash's Pikachu can't fly

Ash: At least, I don't think he can.

Dot: I've always seen Cap the way he is now, but I can help you three find out.

Dot sends her Rotom Phone accompany Liko, Ash and Roy as they go to question Friede and Cap at the Brave Asagi's helm in the hopes of making a good video about the mystery. Unfortunately for them, though, while Friede doesn't deny that Cap did indeed fly on the previous day, he's reluctant to answer any questions regarding their past. As such, Ash, Liko and Roy start asking questions from the other crew members. Mollie and Murdock can only tell that Cap is a picture of health, Ludlow tells the children that Cap is the reason why Friede formed the Rising Volt Tacklers to begin with. From Orla, they learn that she and Friede used to live in Kanto together before she moved to Hoenn, and that he's shy when it comes to talking about his past, especially in front of cameras. Seeing the children's curiosity, though, Orla agrees to help them and makes an impromptu announcement to the crew that Friede will be sharing his and Cap's story in the meeting room. While initially unhappy by the sudden announcement done without his consent, Friede ultimately caves in from the pressure of everyone's curiosity and starts telling his story.

Having quit his job as a company researcher, Friede has lost the passion for his work and started to spend his days by simply monotonously with Ludlow. This routine changes, though, when he is contacted by his former teacher, , whom he goes to meet at 's Treasure Eatery restaurant to learn that she had moved from Kanto to after getting married and having a daughter. To reinvigorate Friede's passion, Lucca invited him to meet a special Pikachu that had become famous among locals. At first, Friede is uninterested, feeling he already knows everything there is to know about . His attitude changes, though, when he seems the Pikachu creating a massive vortex and floating through the sky with it. His researcher spirit reinvigorated, he sets out to research this peculiar Pikachu, but all of his attempts at approaching it are met with either it tackling him or running away from him. Noticing Pikachu getting hungry while doing squats with his tail, he and gather him some and remind him that it's also important to ensure the intake of proper nutrients.

Observing Pikachu from afar, Friede learns that Pikachu has a light body, which he's using in combination with the and his springy tail to launch himself upwards, using the vortex of energy created by the move to climb into the sky, where flapping his tail allows him to float momentarily. Contacting Friede, Lucca is happy to learn of his discoveries and tells him that this reinvigoration of curiosity is exactly what she hoped from a netting between him and Pikachu, while taking care of her daughter Liko.

Despite continuing to observe Pikachu for days, Friede is still unable to figure out what drives him to flying every day at dawn, regardless of the damage he takes from each usage of Volt Tackle. Finally deciding that simply observing isn't enough, he takes flight with Charizard one morning just as Pikachu does too and rises up to the sky with him. Looking at the sunrise, he finally realizes that what drove Pikachu was the desire to see this horizon. Forgetting to flap his tail at the sight of Friede, Pikachu starts to fall, but Charizard saves him. Friede asks Pikachu to become his partner, so that they both can soar through the sky together. Accepting this request, Pikachu lets himself be , officially making the partners. Returning to Ludlow and his boat, the Asagi, Friede and he sail to , where Friede meets Orla and makes the surprising request of making the Asagi able to fly. Orla happily obliges and converts the boat into an airship, which Friede renames the Brave Asagi. Instead of any payment for her work, all that Orla requests in return is to get to travel with Friede so she can continue to take care of the airship's maintenance. Friede accepts her request and also appoints Pikachu as the captain of the airship, making him Captain Pikachu. Taking inspiration of Pikachu's Volt Tackle, he names the newly formed team the Rising Volt Tacklers, before setting sail with his new teammates.

Ending his story, Friede is met with applause from the crew

Liko: I still can't believe my mom was your teacher!

Ash: Classic Friede! Always leaving stuff out!

Ash laughs as Friede is embrassased.

Later, Ash, Liko, Roy and Dot meet at the deck

Dot: I finished editing the video...

Ash: Maybe we should keep this to ourselves...

Liko: Yeah.

Roy: Sounds good.

Dot: Yep.

Ash: Y'know Liko, your mom is to thank for all of this.

Liko: i know, when I come back to Paldea, I'll thank her.

Ash: And hopefully I'll meet her, of maybe you can meet my mom if we ever go back to Kanto, or maybe our moms can meet each other!

Liko: Oh Ash...

Roy: You better keep your word when we get to Galar, no drawing attention to yourself right?

Ash: Yeah of course! No one will know I'm there!

Chapter 20: The Bittersweet Truth

The Rising Volt Tacklers have finally arrived in the Galar region, ready to begin their search of Liko's grandmother. Not wanting to risk the Brave Asagi nor Ash attracting too much attention and luring the Explorers or Team Rocket to them, Friede parks the airship outside the city of Motostoke, from which they can take a train to Hammerlocke to begin their search. However, Friede learns after landing that the trains won't be running until the next day due to maintenance.

While Orla heads out to buy some ship parts, Dot requests Ash, Liko and Roy to visit the Battle Café at Motostoke to get her some Slurpuff cotton candy for her next Nidothing video. Accompanied by Murdock, the three young Trainers enter the city.

While Liko helps Murdock with his shopping,

Person: No, I havent seen a Black Rayquaza in my life!

Ash: Another no, Roy?

Roy: Yeah, another round of fans?

Ash: Yeah, at least i'm getting used carrying a pen around.

Pikachu: Pika Pi

Roy: I think I'll ask the gym leader Kabu, he's from Hoenn so he's gotta know something.

Ash: A gym leader? Cool! Maybe I can battle him!

Roy: I'd like to see that

Ash: Hey, Roy? I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise, i didn't excalty have a disguise on me, and I didn't know everyone would plaster my face over the entire region.

Roy: It's okay, you are World Monarch.

The group arrive at the battle cafe

Murdock: That's odd, the Slurpuff cotton candy isn't on the menu

Ash sees the café pastry chef be defeated by a customer

Ash: Maybe because it's an award for beating the head chef!

Roy: But I'm sure he doesn't welcome an endless hoard of trainers, we can proably only fight him once a day.

Ash: I'll battle him!

Murdock, however, recognizes the chef as a man named Mitchell, who likewise recognizes him and refuses to battle him.

Mitchell: You think you're better now that you're budd buddy with the World Monarch?!

Murdock's Alcremie tries to offer Mitchell some of her cream, but is left heartbroken when he refuses.

Murdock: Mitchell and I used to be friends, but that was a long time ago.

Liko: Can't you tell us more?

Roy: Please Murdock

Ash: yeah, Please

Murdock: okay, we used to run a pastry together while having a friendly rivalry between my ruby cream cakes and his matcha cakes. That changed when the our mascot Pokémon, Milcery, evolved into a Ruby Swirl Alcremie, which benefitted my pastries more than Mitchell's. This led to an argument between us, and I left the pastry with Alcremie. I understand now that Mitchell would've wanted Milcery to evolve into a Matcha Cream Alcremie, but I'm not sure what to say to him to make up for what happened.

Liko notices Mitchell listening in on their conversation and Alcremie still looking sad.

Liko: Why don't me and you battle him.

While hesitant, Murdock eventually agrees to this, and he and Liko issue a Double Battle challenge to Mitchell. Mitchell agrees to accept the challenge issued by the young lady, but warns them that, unlike with his customers, he won't go easy on them.

The battle begins, with Liko's Sprigatito and Murdock's Alcremie facing Mitchell's Slurpuff and Appletun. The battle is off to a less than optimal start, as Sprigatito gets immobilized by Slurpuff's Cotton Spore and hit by Appletun's Apple Acid. Alcremie, though, manages to protect herself from Appletun's attack with Acid Armor, before proceeding to free Sprigatito from the cotton by absorbing it into herself. Beginning their counterattack, Murdock has Alcremie use Decorate on Sprigatito, powering it up and allowing its Scratch to deal more damage on its opponents. Though they get back on their feet, instead of attacking back, Slurpuff and Appletun instead start pouring out ingredients for Mitchell, much to Liko's confusion. In response, Murdock also starts whisking some of Alcremie's cream, leaving Ash, Liko and Roy baffled at how the battle suddenly transformed into a bake-off. However, seeing the chefs and their Pokémon looking happy is enough to make Liko happy too. At Murdock's request, she has Sprigatito add the finishing touch on their pastries by sprinkling Leafage leaves on them.

Calming down, even Murdock and Mitchell begin to notice how out-of-nowhere their sudden bake-off came. Liko points out to them how happy Alcremie is, as it had just wanted to make pastries with both of them again, just like they used to. Murdock finally finds himself able to apologize to Mitchell, who silently goes inside and comes back out with a slice of matcha cake, requesting that Alcremie pour some of her cream on it, which she happily does. Mitchell admits that his inability to blend Alcremie's cream with his pastries was simply due to his own inexperience at the time and also apologizes to Murdock. The two men share a tearful hug to celebrate their rekindled friendship, before Mitchell suddenly notices that one of the customers present at the patio is none other than Gym Leader Kabu, much to Roy and Ash's excitement.

Chapter 21: Kabu's Battle Training!

Ash, Liko and Roy turn and see Kabu with a crowd of fans surronding him

Kabu: That Leafage was pretty powerful, little lady!

As Roy is about to ask about the Black Rayquaza, Kabu goes for a run back to the Motostoke Stadium, with Liko, Ash and Roy following behind.

Roy: Wait! I have something to ask you!

Ash: And I wanna battle you!

The three arrive and are greeted by Wakaba, a Gym Trainer apprentice.

Wakaba: Well, I can't believe my eyes! The World Monarch is here at the gym, but you don't need a badge!

Ash: Doesn't mean I can't fight the gym leader!

Wakaba takes Ash, Liko and Roy to Kabu

Wakaba: Y'know Kabu's someone who works very hard.

Ash: Just like me!

Roy: I can work hard too!

Liko also observes how much in common Wakaba has with Roy and Ash. The group meets up with Kabu at the battlefield, where he is doing some stretches. Ash, Roy and Liko ask about the Black Rayquaza, Roy showing Kabu the Poke Ball it came out of, and Liko wanting to find out more about the Legendary Pokemon for bringing her as far as she's come.

Seeing the resolve of the two young Trainers, Kabu puts them through a training test to strengthen their partners' basic moves in creative ways. Liko and Roy must compete against each other to either extinguish or light up the flames on a group of Litwick, with the one who manages to do so on every Litwick present before the other being declared the winner.

Ash: Hey, why can't I be a part of this?

Kabu: Your the World Monarch, you don't need a training test.

Ash: So does that mean we can battle?

Kabu: I'm not one to deny a challenge, especially from the Monarch, how bout a 1 on 1 after this? only fire types.

Ash: I don't have a fire type with me...

Kabu: Have you ever caught one?

Ash: Yeah I have, loads! let me see which one I'll pick and I'll make a call!

Ash runs off

During the competition, Liko has Sprigatito use Leafage in different ways depending on how fast or tough their candles are to blow out. Kabu, Ash and Wakaba admire Liko and Sprigatito. Roy, noticing the score going down, has Fuecoco keep on using Ember at a rapid pace. However, Fuecoco soon tires out and gets hungry, so a snack break is taken. After Roy gets some reassurance from Kabu, the competition is resumed. Liko has Sprigatito use Leafage like before, while Roy and Fuecoco recover from their struggle, turning the tables on Liko lighting more Litwick candles. Liko sees a bunch of Litwick huddled up together, but after seeing Roy's renewed confidence, Liko stops to admire his progress for a crucial moment, which costs her the competition.

Seeing how Liko and Roy are improving, Kabu challenges them to Tag Battle, with Wakaba as his partner.

Liko: but, aren't you supposed to battle Ash?

Ash: I can wait, the next best thing than being part of a battle, is watching one!

The battle begins, with Liko's Sprigatito and Roy's Fuecoco facing Kabu's Centiskorch and Wakaba's Rolycoly. Fuecoco starts with Ember on Centiskorch, but its Flash Fire Ability cancels it out. After an ineffective Leafage from Sprigatito, Centiskorch strikes back with Flame Wheel and Bug Bite, while an intimidated Wakaba can only watch. Liko commands Sprigatito to blind Centiskorch with a big Leafage and run in with Fuecoco using Quick Attack and Tackle, respectively. However, Centiskorch fires a Flamethrower straight ahead, blowing them back hard and leaving Liko afraid for her partner getting hurt. Roy sings with Fuecoco, giving it the strength to get up as Centiskorch charges for another Flamethrower. Roy commands Fuecoco to counter with Ember, but it uses a newly-learned Flamethrower instead. However, it is still not enough to overpower Centiskorch, whose Flamethrower knocks it out.

Seeing Roy's partner fainted, Kabu leaves Liko to Wakaba. Sprigatito overpowers Rolycoly's Smack Down with Leafage. Next, Wakaba commands Rolycoly to use Rapid Spin, which Sprigatito dodges and hits Rolycoly with a sharp Leafage. Seeing Wakaba's frustration and determination to win, Liko suddenly forfeits the match. Upset by the possibility winning by default without actually getting stronger, Wakaba runs off. Kabu speaks with Liko about her hesitance stemming from her compassion for others' feelings, having noticed that she let Roy win in the training before too. He claims that Liko must also think of how hard their opponent works, not to mention her own partner, who doesn't want to hold back either. With that advice, Liko goes to apologize to Wakaba, who also apologizes for lashing out at her.

Kabu: Alright World Monarch, you have your pokemon ready?

Roy: He probably chose something strong like a Charizard!

Liko: Maybe he's got like an Infernape?

Ash: i have both, but I chose neither! Come on out!

Ash sends out his Torkoal

Roy: Oh...That doesn't look very strong

Kabu: Looks aren't everything, let the battle begin!

The battle begins, and Ash starts things off with Heat Wave, Kabu has Centiskorch use smokescreen to blind Ash and Torkoal, then attacking with a flamethrower, knocking Torkoal down, but Ash recovers by using an Iron Defense to trick Centiskorch into getting a free it, only for him to have Torkoal wait for Centiskorch to get in close and hit it with a point blank Body Slam, dealing damage, Ash calls for Flamethrower, but Kabu has Centiskorch use Coil to trap Torkoal and it uses Bug Bite, Ash uses this to his advantage by having Torkoal use FlameThrower right in Centiskorch's face's throwing both Pokemon back onto their opposite sides of the field, Kabu then decides to Gigantamax Centiskorch, thinking Ash couldn't figure out a way to counter that, but Ash goes into his backpack and puts on his dynamax band and he Dynamaxes Torkoal, and the two Pokemon clash and in the end Torkoal defeats Centiskorch, making Ash the winner.

Ash and Kabu shake hands

Kabu: I expected nothing better from the World Monarch.

Roy and Liko run up to Ash

Roy: Ash that was amazing!

Liko: You're so skilled!

Ash: Thanks guys!

Ash returns Torkoal, and just as he's about to send it back to Professor Oak, he decides to send Pidgeot back as well, he doesn't need it anymore, and he wants a team of new Pokemon to catch, a condition his Quaxly fits nicely under, so he transfers both Pidgeot and Torkal back to Professor Oak, leaving him with just two Pokemon in his party.

Kabu: I did see the Black Rayquaza several days ago during my morning run, flying over Motostoke before heading west, towards the Galar Mine.

When Liko and Roy return to the Brave Asagi, the Rising Volt Tacklers decide to delay their planned trip to Hammerlocke to check out the mine first, while Liko is left in deep thought by Kabu's departing words of finding her own path.

Notes:

I had a lot of fun writing Ash vs Kabu

Chapter 22: The Lonely Hatenna

During a thunderstorm near the Galar Mine, a frightened Hatenna runs from the lightning and the wild Pokémon surrounding her. The Calm Pokémon finds a mountain hut and hides inside. Looking out the window, she gets spooked by the lightning again and falls into a crate.

The next day at the Brave Asagi, Liko and Ash finish up classes and have a brief chat with Ann,

Ann: Hey guys! I caught my first Pokemon!

Ash: Wow! A Sandshrew! Congrats Ann!

Liko: Yeah!

Finishing the call, Liko, Ash, Roy and Friede head to Galar Mine.

Roy: I'm gonna catch Rayquaza for sure!

Ash: You think so?

Roy: Yeah I do Ash! Do not believe in me or something?

Ash: No, no, I do, just that, I have another friend, and when he was staring his journey he wanted Mew to be his first Pokemon.

Liko: Mew? The Mythical Pokemon? And he wanted it to be his first?

Ash: Yeah, and he's more skilled now, and he still hasn't caught it.

Roy: But he's not here, he could've caught it just now!

Ash: If he did, then my phone would be filling up with messages from him.

Soon, the four come to an arrow sign.

Roy: So, Liko, where should we go?

Liko: Um, that way!

The four start heading right, However, they quickly head for the mountain hut in the other direction when it starts raining.

There, Liko finds the Hatenna from before lying down in the crate she fell into.

Ash and the Hatenna make eye contact, and they recognize each other.

Ash: Hey it's you!

Pikachu: Pika!

Liko: You know it?

Ash: that Hatenna helped me and my friends when my friend Brock got mind controlled by a Hatterene!

When Liko notices that something is wrong with Hatenna, she carries her through the pouring rain back to the Brave Asagi, Ash coming with because he also wants to help.

Back at the ship, Ash and Liko take Hatenna to Mollie.

Mollie: It's fine, physical, it's just feeling down, Ash you said you befriended it yeah?

Ash: Yup.

Mollie: Maybe you should look after it til the storm blows over.

Ash: Actually, I think Liko should do it.

Liko: Huh?

Ash: I mean she was the one who carried the Pokemon all the way here, and she was the first person who knew that something was wrong with it.

Mollie: I see, Liko, will you look after the Hatenna?

Liko: Yes, I will.

Ash and Liko go to Dot's room to talk about Hatenna. During the conversation, Hatenna picks up on the strong emotions Dot expresses about the comments she gets on her Nidothing videos, making her run out without the two girls noticing. Hatenna comes across Murdock and Orla, but runs off after picking up their mad emotions when they start arguing. Their squabbling stops when Liko and Dot arrive looking for Hatenna, Murdock remarking this being the first time Dot's spoken to him face-to-face.

Seeking help from Roy, Ash Liko, and Dot wait by a box trap with Pokémon food he set for Hatenna as bait. Unfortunately, Fuecoco falls for it instead. Meanwhile, Hatenna comes across some of the Pokémon on board having a meal and running away when Alcremie offers some to her. With their search getting nowhere, Liko remembers how overwhelmed she was when arriving on the ship in a storm like this, went to the observation deck, where she likes to think by herself sometimes. Indeed, Hatenna is there too, and while Liko doesn't notice her right away, she still tells the Calm Pokémon how she understands how it must feel in an environment full of new Pokémon and people. Calming down, Hatenna shows herself and happily jumps into Liko's hood, feeling comfortable in her presence, even to the point of sleeping through the night in her room.

The next day, the rain has stopped, and Liko, Ash, Roy, and Friede return to the mountain hut to let Hatenna go. While Hatenna starts hesitantly walking away, Sprigatito suddenly jumps in front of her. After a moment, Hatenna turns around and jumps into Liko's arms, showing that she wants to stay with her.

Liko: You want to stay with me?

Ash: I knew this would happen! You two are almost one in the same, but you'll need a Poke Ball to catch it.

Ash hands Liko a Poke Ball

Ash: Here!

Liko catches Hatenna

Roy and Friede compliment her ability to understand Pokémon's feelings, Ash relating to it, filling Liko with the resolve of wanting to learn more about how Pokémon feels, having finally found her own path as a Trainer. With a new friend in tow, Liko, Ash, Roy, and Friede resume their walk toward Galar Mine.

Meanwhile, a submarine emerges from the sea and hides in an inlet near Galar Mine. Aboard the submarine, prepares to head out, outright rebelling against the to stay out of the pendant mission from now on by investigating the rumors regarding the Black Rayquaza being in the mine. and resolve to come with him, which he's fine with.

Meanwhile, up in the air...

Jessie: Finally! We're back in Galar!

James: It's only a matter of time til we find the Twerp and steal Pikachu!

Meowth: We woulda got here sooner if your little Capsakid didn't use it's little tooth to pop our balloon every five seconds!

James: How was I supposed to know when it was able to break out of it's ball?!

Chapter 23: Charge! Galar Mine!

After Liko catches Hatenna, she, Ash, Roy and Friede arrive at the entrance to the Galar Mine, where Liko notices her new friend trembling in her hood. This leads the group to think that Hatenna must be reacting to the Black Rayquaza's feelings. As Dot finishes up her Nidothing video on Slurpuff Cotton Candy, Murdock hands donuts to Orla and Mollie, the former fawning over ship parts she got from Motostoke. They get a message from Liko about how she and Hatenna became good friends.

As Liko and the group delve into the mine, they notice some Pokemon living there fleeing from something.

Friede: This must be part of Rayquaza's diet.

However, Liko, Ash and Roy run off during his explanation and can't find their way back to him.

Friede: Kids, stay put, I'm sure Ash can protect you guys until we can meet up again!

Ash: Okay!

The trio hear a cry, and Roy runs off after it

Ash: Roy! Friede said to wait!

Ash and Liko run after him

They point their attention to a high ledge, which Sprigatito checks, but to no avail. As they continue their search, Sprigatito gets startled by a Woobat, who flies away. Liko and Roy find the Woobat hiding in a hole with a Timburr and Roggenrola. Liko, noticing how scared they are, offers them some of Murdock's cookies, encouraging Hatenna to join them too.

Just then, Liko, Ash and Roy hear the mysterious cry from before, which scares the Wild Pokemon away and makes Hatenna tremble again. Liko, Ash and Roy follow Woobat to a settlement where some workers and their Pokemon have lost their stamina.

Ash: Woah, you guys look burnt out

Worker: It's the World Monarch

The other workers murmur about how The World Monarch could help them

Worker: Monarch, our spirits have been taken away by a giant Pokemon, please, stop it, and help us!

Ash: A giant Pokemon? Don't worry we'll take care of it!

Liko: We?!

As Cap keeps searching for the kids, he sees a dark aura looming above. After Liko calls the Pokemon Center to have the workers and their Pokemon treated, Liko, Ash and Roy decide to meet up with Friede, who finds strange claw marks in the cave wall. However, Liko, Ash and Roy are confronted by Zirc and Onia.

Zirc: Going somewhere?

Ash: You guys?! Pikachu! Let's do this!

Pikachu: Pika-

Pikachu gets caught in a net

Ash: You've gotta be kidding me.

Jessie: Heyo Twerp!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash sends out his Quaxly, while Jessie sends out Yanmega and James sends out Capsakid.

Ash: Liko, Roy, can you guys take care of the Explorers!

Roy: You can count on us!

Ash: Quaxly! Lets do this!

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly!

Onia commands Golduck to use Scratch on Sprigatito, but Cap blows it to a nearby chasm with Thunder Punch, having found Liko, Ash and Roy. Just then, Liko's pendant starts to glow with the mysterious cry from before. A Galarian Moltres bursts from the chasm, stunning everyone and making Hatenna tremble.

James: What in Arceus name is that?!

Meowth: It looks like a Moltres!

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash scans it with his Rotom phone

Rotom: Moltres, Galarian form, The Malevolent Pokémon, a Dark and Flying Type, This Pokémon's sinister, flame-like aura will consume the spirit of any creature it hits. Victims become burned-out shadows of themselves.

Ash: Moltres has a galarian form?!

Liko points to its talon, which is holding an Ancient Poke Ball. Moltres unleashes Air Slash, which Cap deflects. However, Golduck and Rhydon receive heavy damage, forcing Onia and Zirc to recall them back into their Poke Balls and make a retreat. Ash has his Quaxly use Water Gun to free Pikachu, then Pikachu uses Thunderbolt on Team Rocket.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbfuffet!

Moltres uses Fiery Wrath, draining Cap and the others of their stamina

Ash, his Quaxly, and Pikachu also push themsleves back up.

Cap dodges Moltres’ Wing Attack before pushing Sprigatito out of the way a second Wing Attack, taking the hit from the attack as well as its following Air Slash, Ash has Pikachu use Thunderbolt and his Quaxly use Water Gun.

Roy and Fuecoco’s determination to keep fighting overpowers the effects of Moltres’ aura. Moltres uses Hurricane to deflect Fuecoco’s Flamethrower and catch it in the tornado. Cap saves Fuecoco before Moltres launches another Air Slash at Roy, which Cap blocks with Thunder Punch. However, Cap receives heavy damage. Liko and Hatenna sense Moltres’ rage, which starts to collapse the mine. Knowing what will happen if they stay here, Liko’s resolve to get her friends to safety overpowers the effects of Moltres’ aura. Roy is shaken with fear by the sheer power of Moltres before Liko snaps him out of it. They use a mine cart to make their getaway, with Moltres hot on their tail, Ash stays behind to keep Moltres busy.

As Ceruledge and Charizard continue their struggle, Friede and Amethio notice Liko and Roy fleeing on the mine cart and are shocked at the sight of Moltres coming out as well, with Ash attacking it with his two Pokemon. Charizard uses Flamethrower to save the kids from Moltres as Friede tells them to take care of Cap. An enraged Moltres then confronts Ash, Friede and Amethio as Liko and Roy flee from the mine.

Chapter 24: Fiery Galarian Moltres

After fleeing from Galarian Moltres in the Galar Mine, Liko and Roy head to Motostoke's Pokemon Center to treat Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Captain Pikachu.

Friede and Ash walk in.

Ash: Man, that battle with Moltres was tough, I still can't believe we escaped when we did.

Friede: Well Amethio did help.

Ash: Yeah, say do you think people would've wanted to see that? Would they be upset that they didn't?

Friede: Guess we'll never know.

Friede notices that Charizard is hurt too, so he has Nurse Joy treat the Flame Pokemon as well, which she gladly complies too.

After all their Pokemon are healed up, the group heads outside to the benches. Their Pokemon snack on berries.

Friede: Moltres was so strong....

Ash: I know...

Liko: Well that sounds fun.

Ash: Oh it is! It's always exciting when you find a tough opponent!

Roy: I agree!

Just then, Dot calls Friede to tell him about the information she gathered on Galarian Moltres, having been asked by Friede to investigate earlier. She tells the group about its physical features and how Pokemon who approach it end up lethargic.

Dot goes on by saying that the Legendary Pokemon resembles Kantonian Moltres, but not much is known about it, and it's unstoppable when it gets mad.

Friede: That's something we know all too well...

Dot hangs up.

Friede: Well since Moltres has one of those ancient Poke Balls, we should go after it.

Ash: Makes sense to me! I've been itching for another battle with it!

Roy: But there's no way we can beat it when it's mad!

Liko: Maybe there's another emotion other than anger in it.

Ash: Yeah, maybe your Hattena can help-

Roy: Maybe a Flamthrower could do the trick!

Liko: Kabu said winning isn't the only path for a trainer.

Ash: Yeah, we shouldn't defeat it, we should calm it.

As the group ponders how to calm Moltres, Fuecoco and Wattrel start squabbling over a Grepa Berry. Roy tries to break them up, but to no avail. The Grepa Berry they are fighting over lands in front of a napping Sprigatito. When Fuecoco dives to get it, Sprigatito ends the quarrel by calming both of Roy's Pokemon down with its relaxing scent, giving the group an idea.

The group arrives at the entrance to the Galar Mine, where Friede reassures Liko and Roy to relax and be ready for anything since the Explorers may still be inside, Ash sugguests that Team Rocket could've returned as well. As they enter the mine, they see the damage done from Moltres' Fiery Wrath, the kids being informed by Friede to make a run for it if the Malevolent Pokemon does that same attack again, Ash being an exception. Just thinking about Moltres' Fiery Wrath makes Roy nervous, but decides not let it get to him or Fuecoco. Sprigatito notices Liko thinking about how badly Moltres must be suffering. Hearing Moltres' cry from deep within the mine, Friede knows its anger hasn't cooled quite yet.

As the group comes out of the entrance tunnel, Moltres is right there waiting for them. Friede immediately sends Cap and Charizard into battle, Ash brings out Pikachu and his Quaxly. Friede and Roy plan to draw Moltres' attention, having both Charizard and Fuecoco use Flamethrower. Moltres avoids the attack, and Liko and Sprigatito get to work building up a lot of relaxing scent for the Legendary Pokemon. When Moltres charges up for Air Slash, Cap and Pikachu jump in front of Liko and blocks it with a Thunder Punch and Iron Tail combo. With that, Liko commands Sprigatito to use Leafage, the Grass Cat Pokemon mixing the attack with its aromatic scent to launch it at Moltres. However, the Malevolent Pokemon flaps its wings to deflect the attack each time. Friede gets the idea of having Sprigatito ride Charizard to get closer. Sprigatito hops on Charizard as they take flight. Charizard circles around Moltres and uses Flamethrower. Fuecoco backs up Charizard with its own Flamethrower, which lands a hit on the Malevolent Pokemon and gives Liko and Sprigatito the opportunity to use Leafage again. However, Moltres blows off the attacks with a massive Hurricane that blows all of its attackers back.

Liko walks up to Moltres and tries and reason with it. She shows the Malevolent Pokemon Arboliva's ancient Poke Ball, and Roy shows it the ancient Poke Ball that contained the Black Rayquaza. Moltres still rages as Liko questions its anger. Moltres uses Fiery Wrath, so the group retreated behind some nearby rocks. Roy tends to Fuecoco as the Fire Croc Pokemon falls as it looses stamina from Moltres' aura. Cap takes action and uses Volt Tackle on the Malevolent Pokemon, Pikachu also fires a Quick Attack, and Ash's Quaxly fires a Wtaer Gun. The attack gives Cap recoil damage, but it also stops Moltres' Fiery Wrath. Liko runs up to Moltres once again. Despite Friede's warning, Liko tells Moltres that she wants to know how it feels. Moltres charges up for Air Slash, prompting Liko to shield Sprigatito with her body. Suddenly, Arboliva comes out of its Poke Ball to protect Liko. Almost immediately after, Liko's pendant starts to glow again with two of Lucius' Pokemon present. Moltres uses Air Slash, which Arboliva tries to block. Friede and Roy begin to think that maybe they can't stop Moltres after all, but Liko still remains determined. Liko knows now that fighting alone isn't all there is to becoming a trainer; learning how Pokemon feel and showing compassion for them; that is her path as a trainer. With Liko's feelings linking with Arboliva, the Olive Pokemon activates its Seed Sower Ability, which awakens Sprigatito's power. The Grass Cat Pokemon has learned a new move: Grassy Terrain.

Ash sees a small apple fall from Arboliva, and he sees it move, so he scans it with his Pokedex.

Rotom: Applin, the Apple Core Pokémon, a Grass and Dragon type, As soon as it’s born, it burrows into an apple. Not only does the apple serve as its food source, but the flavor of the fruit determines its evolution.

Ash sees Moltres about to fire an Air Slash at it, so he dives in and saves it, keeping it in his arms as the battle goes on.

With that, a powered-up Sprigatito uses Leafage once more, which Moltres still shakes off. Even so, Liko, still determined to get through to Moltres, has Sprigatito keeping using Leafage. When Friede gets an idea to not let the Leafage go to waste, he, Ash and Roy lend Liko a hand as well, having Charizard, Ash;s Quaxly, and Wattrel whip up a gust of wind to fight back. With nowhere for the wind to go, the leaves of Leafage rises up to Moltres. The Malevolent Pokemon tries to use Air Slash again, but Cap intervenes by using Double Team and having the clones immobilize it. With this, Liko has Sprigatito use its strongest Leafage, Moltres taking the full force of the attack. As the sweet scent scatters throughout the cave, Moltres finally calms down.

The Malevolent Pokemon lands in front of Liko and begins speaking with the pendant, which turns into the mysterious Pokemon. As the two Pokemon talk to each other, Liko wonders what they could be talking about. Moltres then makes it rain inside the mine, which Liko thinks is a sign that it's crying. Friede and Roy wonder how Moltres is making it rain in a cave until a vision like the one with Arboliva is created for all of them to see. The group is surprised to see that it shows Lucius with Moltres speaking of one called "Rakua", which intrigues Liko. As the pendant's Pokemon brings the vision to an end, the group is left confused as to what "Rakua" could mean. Moltres approaches, leading Roy to think that it's still mad, but the Legendary Pokemon drops its ancient Poke Ball from its talon and recalls itself back into it, to Liko's shock as Arboliva does the same. Liko picks up both of their Poke Balls, getting the feeling that Moltres wants to join them. Roy still wonders what made Moltres so mad in the first place, and Liko believes that it had a deeply-held desire, wanting know what it is and thinking that Moltres might even have a soft side. That's the feeling Liko gets, so she wants to make sure she's right. Liko praises Sprigatito for its hard work, and Roy likewise praises his Pokemon too, Ash praises his. Liko notices that the Pokemon from the pendant is gone. Hatenna jumps out of Liko's hood and climbs up a rock before tumbling down for Liko to catch. The pendant Pokemon then reveals itself to be hiding behind the rock.

Roy: Say, Ash, what's that?

Ash: Oh, this Applin must've been living, in Arboliva, and it fell out during the fight, so I protected it so it wouldn't get hurt.

Ash sees that the cave is save, so he tries to let Applin leave, but the little Applin is scared, it doesn;t know what to do, where to go, all it knows is this nice trianer who protected it, so it runs back into Ash's arms.

Ash: Do you wanna come with me?

Applin nods

Ash pulls out a Poke Ball, and catches Applin

Ash does his iconic pose

Ash: Alright! I caught an Applin!

Pikachu and his Quaxly join in

Pikahcu: Pika Pikachu!

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly!

Liko: Say thats a cool pose Ash!

Ash: Thanks! It's kinda my thing.

Roy: Can I do it next time I catch a Pokemon?

Liko: Me too?

Ash: Sure why not?

Kabu arrives at the mine having heard of the collapse caused by Moltres. As a worker informs him of the evacuated and injured Pokemon, Liko and the others arrive to greet him. Friede introduces himself to Kabu and thanks him for looking after the kids. Liko shows Kabu Moltres' Poke Ball, and Roy tells him that it trusted Liko and went inside. Kabu is impressed by this, praising Liko for her training having paid off. Kabu proposes that next time they meet, they will having an official battle.

Kabu: Oh, and speaking of battles, Ash, I wanted to award you for winning our battles, so this is for you.

Kabi hands Ash a jagged weird piece with a symbol on it.

Ash: I love it! What is it?

Kabu: Why that's the Fire Badge, rewarded to every gym challenger who defeats me.

Ash: Oh wow! Thanks Kabu! I should probably tell Bea she owes me, heh.

Kabu: Well you also defeated her.

When Kabu notices something rustling in Friede's coat, the three race walk out of the mine, mildly amusing Kabu.

Sunset comes around, and Liko is left wondering if that Pokemon from the pendant won't go back to being a pendant anymore. Friede would rather focus on getting it back to the Brave Asagi and talking about it there. With that, the four start running back to the ship, Liko thinking that adventure feels like so much happens in short time nonstop. Meanwhile, the Explorers watch them from above. Zirc and Onia ask Amethio if letting them go is a good idea since they have Moltres in their possession. Amethio assures his subordinates that Moltres wasn't their objective. Onia thinks they have nothing to show or coming all the way to Galar, but Amethio points out the Pokemon from the pendant, proposing that they follow them to the old castle and steal that Pokemon.

Meanwhile, with Team Rocket...

Jessie: I can't believe it, those twerps not only have a new form of Moltres, but a new Pokemon too?!

Meowth: Don't ya worry Jess! We'll steal all three of those ancient Poke Balls.

James: And the new Twerpette's Pendant!

Jessie: And let's not forget the Twerps Pikachu!

The three laugh.

Wobuffet: Wobuffet!

Chapter 25: Reunion at the Ancient Castle!

Following their adventure in the Galar Mine, Liko, Ash, Roy, and Friede have returned to the Brave Asagi with the mysterious Pokémon that emerged from Liko's pendant. With none of the Rising Volt Tacklers or even the Pokédex recognizing it, Liko, Roy, and Friede head out to ask more from Liko's grandmother. Friede also asks Captain Pikachu to watch over the airship while they're gone.

Liko, Ash, Roy, and Friede arrive in the Wild Area

Ash: Wow! Glad to be back!

Liko's grandmother's Squawkabilly approaches them

Squawkbilly: Liko! Old castle!

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Rotom: Squawkabilly, the Parrot Pokemon, a normal and flying type, These Pokémon prefer to live in cities. They form flocks based on the color of their feathers, and they fight over territory.

Roy: I think it wants us to follow it.

the group to follow it. Squawkabilly eventually leads them to what looks like a wall of stone, until a Stonjourner moves aside to reveal a secret passage for them. They go inside and Stonjourner moves back to cover the entrance again,

The group walk down the passage.

Liko: I never really saw my grandma other than brief visits, and I don't even count those as actual meetings, the last time I saw her was a year before I went to Indigo academy, and that;s when I got the pendant...

Ash: Family member who you barely see? Been there before...

Eventually, the Rising Volt Tacklers group arrives at the old castle they were searching for.

Liko: Grandma?

The group is right away greeted by Liko's grandmother's Arcanine and then her grandmother, Diana, herself.

Diana: Well I'll be, the World Monarch in the same room as my granddaughter.

Ash: Heh, nice to meet ya!

Roy and Friede introduce themselves to Diana, while Liko introduces her to her partner Pokémon, Sprigatito. Diana shows them around the castle, which serves as one of her hideouts and as a spot where wild Pokémon can come and go as they please. Sitting down to talk, Diana reveals that she too had been targeted by the people after her pendant and thanks Liko for keeping it safe. Liko and Friede struggle to explain the situation, but before they can properly do so, the truth reveals itself when the mysterious Pokemon climbs out of Liko's bag and moves towards a surprised Diana. Liko explains that her pendant transformed into this Pokémon, which Diana identifies as Terapagos.

Ash: Terapagos? Do you know more about it?

While she knows the Pokémon's name, she hadn't expected the pendant to be a hibernating Terapagos, even if its form differs from the recorded form with a big shell. She also suspects that Terapagos used to be one of Lucius' partners, much to Liko and Friede's surprise.

the group eats a meal of canned food and follows it with cups of tea. Liko asks Diana to tell her how she became an adventurer, which she's happy to tell now that Liko has taken her own first step into the world. When she was even younger than Liko is now, she had discovered an old briefcase in her attic. Inside it, she had discovered the pendant and a book written by Lucius about his adventures. This inspired her to start her own journey to learn more about Lucius, but no matter how hard she searched, she never found a single sign of him. 30 years ago, she finally gave up on her search, but still keeps on adventuring, all thanks to the inspiration provided by Lucius. Several months ago, an old friend of hers offered to support her on her adventures, but when it turned out that said friend was associated with a shady organization that was after her pendant, she chose to hire the Rising Volt Tacklers to protect both Liko and the pendant. She thanks Friede for protecting her granddaughter.

Diana: And The World Monarch protecting her will also help me sleep at night, thank you for that dear.

Ash: It was my pleasure miss, anything for my friends!

Roy shows Diana the Ancient Poké Ball which the Black Rayquaza had emerged from. Liko also recounts how some mysterious visions had appeared during their encounters with Arboliva and Galarian Moltres, which she now suspects were actually Terapagos's memories. When she asks her grandmother if she knows what "Rakua" is, Terapagos suddenly lets out an excited cry and moves towards a nearby door. Diana answers that Rakua is the name of the paradise that Lucius sought and leaves to fetch something she wants to show them: Lucius's memoirs.

However, whilst Diana is on her way to retrieve the memoirs, her Arcanine and a Blipbug appear behind a window to warn her that intruders are approaching. Moments later, Amethio, Zirc, and Onia enter the building. Friede sends out his Charizard, while Amethio calls out Ceruledge, and Zirc and Onia cover Liko and Roy's escape routes. Terapagos notices Amethio and pulls itself free from Liko's grasp, locking eyes with him and letting out a sharp cry.

The roof bursts open and Team Rocket lands

Jessie: Surpise!

James: Why what do we have there, three acient Poke balls, a Pikachu and a new pokemon to take!

Meowth: Now give em here!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Chapter 26: Rivals in the Dark of Night!

Liko, Roy, Ash, and Friede find themselves confronted by Amethio, Zirc, Jessie, James, Meowth, and Onia at Diana's castle, while, unbeknownst to them, the Explorers Admins Onyx and Sango are also on their way to the scene, accompanied by Hamber. Terapagos has locked eyes with Amethio in particular and is crying at him aggressively.

Just then, Diana and her Arcanine enter the room to hold the Explorer and Rocket trio off while her Squawkabilly opens a hidden tunnel for her granddaughter and her friends to use to escape.

Diana: Go on! I'll catch up!

Liko, Ash, Roy, and Friede make their escape

Liko recalls Hatenna just as Rhydon digs through the tunnel ceiling above her, scaring her and forcing the group to run. From Rhydon's digging, Zirc is able to determine that the escape tunnel leads to one of the castle's towers. As such, Amethio orders his henchmen to circle their targets from below, while he strikes from above.

The group climbs the tower

Friede: You three stay here, I'll go up to the top and call Murdock

Ash: I'll go with you

Friede and Ash get to the top, and Friede attempts to call Murdock, However, his phonecall is interrupted by Amethio and Meowth appearing on Amethio's Corviknight and attacking them with Hurricane. To make their way to a more favorable battleground, Friede and Ash jump off the tower and Friede calls out his Charizard mid-fall, landing on the roof below.

Amethio and Meowth land on the same rooftop, Amethio sends out Ceruledge and recalling Corviknight to make the match two-on-two. Ash sends out Applin against Meowth, which he laughs at, Not wanting to trigger Ceruledge's Weak Armor, Friede chooses to keep his distance and attacks with Air Slash and Flamethrower. During the battle, one of Ceruledge's Psycho Cuts strikes the tower, causing rubble to start falling towards Charizard. Friede tells Charizard to use Dragon Claw on the rubble, but Amethio has Ceruledge use Phantom Force, having it dive out of the shadow of one of the pieces of rubble and take the hit from the Dragon Claw before Friede can react, triggering Weak Armor and increasing Ceruledge's Speed. With this advantage, Ceruledge is able to land multiple Night Slashes on Charizard, sending it crashing down to the roof, Applin only knows Astonish, and it doesn't do much to Meowth, and Applin eventually gets scared ans flees back into it's ball.

Despite taking a lot of damage, Charizard is still able to get back up. However, Ceruledge still has the advantage in speed, allowing it to easily dodge Charizard's Flamethrower and hit back with Night Slash. Amethio aims for the finishing blow and tells Ceruledge to start charging for a powered-up Psycho Cut. Just then, though, Friede finally decides to stop holding back and whips out his Tera Orb, Terastallizing his Charizard into a Dark type, rendering Psycho Cut ineffective and allowing Charizard to use a super effective Tera Blast, finally defeating Ceruledge, Ash has Pikachu use Thunderbolt to defeat Meowth.

Liko and Roy are in awe at what they just witnessed, but their moment of awe is cut short when Zirc and James suddenly appear on the staircase behind them. Urged by Roy, he and Liko climb down a ladder to escape, but on the ground level, they're confronted by Onia and Jessie, and Zirc and James fly up behind them on Zirc's Skarmory, surrounding the two children. With no other choice, Liko and Roy start battling the four. Liko's Sprigatito and Hattena make short work of Onia's Golduck and Jessie's Seviper with super effective attacks, prompting Zirc to switch targets and have Rhydon attack Sprigatito. However, Rhydon's Megahorn is disrupted by a super effective Stomping Tantrum from Fuecoco,and Roy's Wattrel defeats James' Caspakid. Before the battle can continue, a loud noise is heard, and Zirc notices a couple wild Pokémon being affected by Salt Cure, indicating the presence of Onyx and his Garganacl.

On the rooftop, a cold wind blows by, which annoys Amethio as he recognizes as it as a sign of Sango's presence. Unexpectedly, the damaged tower starts falling down on them, forcing Ash, Friede, Meowth and Amethio to take flight to avoid being crushed by it. On the courtyard, Zirc, James, Jessie and Onia decide to abandon the confrontation and retreat to avoid getting caught in the crossfire, flying away with their Skarmory moments before Liko and Roy are surrounded by Sango and Onyx. Suddenly, Captain Pikachu dives down from the sky and strikes Sango's Glalie with Thunder Punch, the Rising Volt Tacklers having arrived on the scene with the Brave Asagi. Murdock sends down Orla's Metagross to pick up Liko and Roy while Cap stays behind to confront the two admins. Sango has Glalie use Blizzard, but Cap dodges it, forcing Garganacl to defend itself with Wide Guard. Onyx next commands Garganacl to use Salt Cure, but Cap avoids this attack as well and strikes back with Volt Tackle, which sends Garganacl flying back. Sango starts growing annoyed and, ignoring Onyx's objections, recklessly orders Glalie to use Self-Destruct. The violent explosion rocks the courtyard, but Cap manages to escape from it with Friede, Ash and Charizard, while Glalie and Garganacl are defeated. At the same time, Diana emerges from the smoke while riding her Arcanine. The Legendary Pokémon performs a mighty leap and lands straight on Brave Asagi's wing deck, much to everyone's amazement.

As the sun rises over the ruined castle, the latest confrontation between the Rising Volt Tacklers, Team Rocket and the Explorers comes to an end, with Onyx scolding Sango over her reckless actions, while Amethio quietly looks towards the sky. Aboard the Brave Asagi, Diana gives Lucius's memoirs to Liko and encourages her granddaughter to seek out the Six Heroes that once traveled with Lucius: Black Rayquaza, Arboliva, Galarian Moltres, Lapras, Kleavor, and Entei.

Chapter 27: Terapagos's Adventure!

The episode begins with Liko recounting everything that has happened ever since she met, Sprigatito and the Rising Volt Tacklers.

On the Brave Asagi, Ash pours out some Pokemon food for his three Pokemon, but Applin refuses to eat.

Ash: What's wrong bud? Not what you wanted?

Applin moves closer to the pantry, gesturing towards a bottle of syrup.

Ash: You want syrup on your food?

Applin happily bounces

Ash: Well, who am I to say no, here you go bud!

Ash pours syrup over Applin's bowl, Applin happily munches whist Pikachu and Ash's Quaxly are freaked out and move their bowls away from Applin's

Terapagos has a hard time eating the Pokemon food laid out for it unlike the others. With the castle now in ruins, Diana has decided to stay aboard the ship, sharing her morning appetite with Roy.

Friede: Well if you're here, maybe I could get a few pointers on how to raise Pokemon

Liko: Guys? Where's Terapagos?!

Terapagos walks around the ship's hallway, trying to make nice with the Pawmi on board only to scare it away. Liko looks all over the ship for Terapagos, even moving Snorunt out of the way to call into an air vent for it, but to no avail.

Roy: Don't worry Liko! We'll find it!

Ash: Yeah! The little guy's just hanging around somewhere

they find Terapagos in the hold trying to eat Oran Berries out of a small crate, but knocked it over and fell onto its back trying. Remembering how Terapagos wasn't too fond of the Pokemon food, Liko resolves to observe it more in hopes off understanding it.

From her observations aboard the ship and doodles on her Rotom Tablet, Liko sees that Terapagos never loses composure even when scolded by Captain Pikachu, likes sweets as seen when it slams its face into Murdock's cake, and always finds exciting things to do around the ship. After Terapagos interrupts one of Dot's Nidothing videos, she calls Liko over to her room, who is immediately embarrassed at the sight of Dot in her Nidothing costume. During a chat with Dot in her room, Liko comes to understand that everything today is new to Terapagos since it's been asleep for decades. The fills her with the resolve of wanting to teach Terapagos more about the modern age.

When Terapagos wanders off again, Liko asks Sprigatito where it went, only for the jealous Grass Cat Pokemon to run off. However, Hatenna jumps out of Liko's hood and leads her outside, where Terapagos is on the tip if the ship's front, calling for someone. Liko recalls Hatenna into her Poke Ball since it could sense Terapagos' strong emotions. Just then, Liko tries to call Friede when strong turbulence threatens to throw Terapagos off the ship. But, seeing how there will hardly be any time to save Terapagos, Liko takes matters into her own hands. Sleeping in the observation deck, Diana is woken up by Sprigatito ramming into the door. She goes outside to see Liko climbing the ship's front to save Terapagos. She grabs Terapagos' hand, and is saved by Diana and Arcanine just as she is about to be thrown off by strong turbulence.

In her room, Liko apologizes to her grandmother for doing something so risky before thanking Sprigatito, who walks off again. Liko thinks Sprigatito is mad at her for her recklessness, which Diana thinks is her hidden courage that stems from her caring nature for Pokemon. Diana believes that Liko was the reason Terapagos awakened, praising her granddaughter for already surpassing her. Diana opens up Lucius' memoirs and shows Liko a picture of Terapagos in the book, although it looks different from how they met. Liko recalls how she and her friends saw visions when they met Arboliva and Galarian Moltres. Diana shows Liko an old picture of Lucius, who Liko immediately recognizes as the person from the visions. Diana theorizes that meeting the remaining members of the Six Heroes will help Terapagos regain its true power, and then the path to Rakua will open. Liko realizes that Terapagos wants to see Lucius again, but has a hard time believing it will since he is trainer from a hundred years ago. Nevertheless, Liko still wants to fulfill Terapagos' wish by taking it to Rakua. Just as her grandmother warns her of the dangerous road ahead, Liko takes to words out of her mouth about having a Pokemon by her side. Diana then gives Lucius' belt to her granddaughter, seeing how it's only right that she wears it from now on. After Liko puts on the belt, Diana tells her that Terapagos responded to Liko's feeling in tune with Pokemon. She says that it was thanks to meeting her first partner, Sprigatito, that he best traits were able to blossom. Hearing this, Liko goes to the captain's deck to thank Sprigatito for helping her take the first step as a trainer. Liko then takes in Diana's words about feelings reaching Pokemon even if words can't.

In the meeting room,

Liko: Guys, Terapagos wants to go to Rakua, and we need to find all six heros in order to find it, can you help me?

Ash: I'll help!

Friede: Me too

Roy: Same here!

Orla: But it won't be easy, there's been no sightings on an Entei.

Ash: Yeah, and that Kleavor thing, I remember Cynthia talking about it, it lived back when Sinnoh was not even named Sinnoh, I think she called it Hisui, but that thing has to be gone by now, right? But Lapras, I owned one, if we can search the waters and find mine, I'm sure she can help us fin the one we're searching for!

Mollie: Yes, but there are tons of oceans and seas around the world, it would take us ages to find either your Lapras or the one we're looking for.

Dot: There have been Black Rayquaza sightings in Galar.

Ash: Looks like we're staying here then.

Roy: Better get your pen ready Ash, who knows how many fans are gonna swarm you.

Meanwhile, aboard the Explorers' submarine, Onia and Zirc wonder what's wrong with Amethio, who is left in deep thought about something, Whist Team Rocket, Meowth having been able to put a listening device on Amethio's shirt, listen in.

Notes:

What do you think Ash's Applin is gonna evolve into? Also I plan to have some character and Pokemon returns for the next three heros

Chapter 28: As Long as I'm With My Friends

Ash, Liko and Roy head to Dot's door

Ash: Hey Dot, you wanna have a battle?

Dot: No, I'm gathering info.

Going to Mollie for a check up on her Pokemon, Liko tells her that while she is worried about Dot, she still doesn't want to be a bother. Mollie however, believes that overthinking every possible outcome can lead to just doing nothing, and that dealing with problems head-on is the best solution sometimes. As Dot contacts Liko and Mollie to get ready, the latter offers to look after the ship with Diana and Ludlow.

Arriving at the Wild Area, Liko marvels at all the Pokemon around her.

Ash: Impressive Huh? This place is home to Pokemon not just in Galar!

Seeing what looks to be a long snake-like Pokemon in the woods, Roy checks it out thinking it's Rayquaza. However, it turns out to be an Onix instead. Terapagos tries to follow the Rock Snake Pokemon as it leaves, but Liko stops it. Seeing this, Roy thinks Terapagos might be able to tell if Rayquaza is nearby. Roy tries to call Dot, who startles him, Ash and Liko when she shows up behind them.

Arriving near a lake,

Dot: This should be where the person who found the Rayquaza should be.

However, there is no one around, meaning the info was fake. Wanting to keep everyone's spirits up, Murdock proposes having fun while there are here, but Dot wants to go back to the ship. Liko tries to stop her, but Dot points out her shame for letting this happen once before and putting Liko in danger for it. Dot starts to feel mad at herself, and the strong emotions from her fit of frustration causes Hatenna to run off, prompting Liko, Dot and Roy to run after her. Hatenna stops her sprint at the edge of the lake, where she becomes overwhelmed at being separated from the others. Just as the kids arrive to find her, a large Drednaw emerges from the lake. After Liko scans it with her Pokedex, she notices that Terapagos is gone before seeing it go near Drednaw. When the Bite Pokemon opens its mouth, Roy has Fuecoco step in to save Terapagos from its jaws, but it is just yawning. After Drednaw interacts with both Quaxlys and Hatenna, an Ingredients Seller appears, surprised at this normally hostile Drednaw warming up to the kids, and Ash recongizes him.

Ash: Hey it's you!

Seller: Yes it is! I remember you! I helped you and your friend, wow who knew I helped out the future World Monarch, hey I hope you don't mind, but...

The Seller pulls out his Rotom Phone and a photo of Ash with his winning Team, meaning he wants a photo and an autograph

Ash: Oh yeah, of course

Ash pulls out his pen and signs the photo, and he and Pikachu poses for the photo with the Seller.

Meanwhile at the Explorers' base, Onyx and Agate sit quietly at a table while Sango flies around the room on her Glalie. She bumps into Garganacl and falls onto the ground, prompting Onyx to scold her for having no self-control. Spinel steps into the room, revealing that he was the one who gave the fake information to Dot once again, just as Hamber and Amethio arrive as well, Team Rocket listening in through the device.

With the table set up, Murdock is ready to prepare delicious Curry using the ingredients the kids got from the Seller. However, Dot insists that she has her own food to eat. When Roy, Ash and Liko question Dot about not liking Curry, she is quick to admit that she's never had it before, to the shock of Liko, Ash and especially Roy. Hearing this, Liko eagerly insists that Dot lets her make her first Curry, and everyone agrees. Liko starts to feel like she might have scared Dot out of it when she decides to head back to the ship, but quickly smiles upon hearing that she's going to get Mollie, Diana and Ludlow to come down and join too. While peeling some vegetables, Liko notices how Roy cuts his ingredients into tiny pieces, unlike how she prefers using large, chunky pieces, and Ash cuts weird, uneven pieces. Seeing how Liko, Ash and Roy have different tastes, Murdock proposes making Roy's Curry alongside Liko's; a Curry battle. While Roy goes off to get his ingredients, and makes Ash assist him. Liko takes Dot with her for assistance as the others prepare the rice in the meantime. Roy and Ash gather some spicy Cheri Berries from a tree, only for a Greedent to swipe them by fooling Fuecoco into giving it each one that drops. Roy comes down to confront the Greedy Pokemon, and when its innocent eyes don't fool him, it calls upon a Skwovet army that attacks and engulfs Fuecoco. Luckily, Ash calls on his Pikachu and Quaxly to attack, Pikachu with Thunderbolt, and his Quaxly with Water Gun, they drive the skwovet away, although Greedent gets away with the Cheri Berries.

With their Berries gathered, Liko and Roy get to making their respective Curry. They add the ingredients they chopped up before adding the Berries they picked and heating it up. Dot helps out too, stirring the pot as best she can. Liko and Roy then encourage Dot about the last step; lots of love, which makes her blush hard. With both Curries complete, everyone enjoys the tastes of their dishes, making the competition end in a draw. Liko goes for seconds, Dot admits that she never cared what she ate as long she just her nutrients. She points out there was so much she thought she understood and overlooked at the same time. After some reassurance from Liko, Dot tries some of Roy's Curry.

With their Berries gathered, Liko and Roy get to making their respective Curry. They add the ingredients they chopped up before adding the Berries they picked and heating it up. Ash and Dot help out too, stirring the pot as best she can. Liko, Ash and Roy then encourage Dot about the last step; lots of love, which makes her blush hard. With both Curries complete, everyone enjoys the tastes of their dishes, making the competition end in a draw. Liko goes for seconds, Dot admits that she never cared what she ate as long she just her nutrients. She points out there was so much she thought she understood and overlooked at the same time. After some reassurance from Liko, Dot tries some of Roy's Curry.

As Zirc waits outside with Onia, watching a Nidothing video, all of the Explorer admins go over what they know about the pendant that has turned into Terapagos, as well as how it made contact with three of the six heroes. Onyx and Sango suggest taking on the Rising Volt Tacklers, but Spinel, having witnessed the pendant's power, thinks that resorting to force is risky and that they should just monitor them for now. Amethio agrees with Spinel, explaining that Arboliva and Galarian Moltres were not awakened by Terapagos, but rather by Rayquaza. He then proposes making Rayquaza their first priority in order to stay ahead of the Rising Volt Tacklers, which everyone goes along with, they also agree to find away to get Team Rocket out of the picture, seeing them as nothing but useless pests, which angers the eavesdropping Trio.

Walking back to the Brave Asagi after a fun day in the Wild Area, Dot asks Liko why she was acting surprisingly pushy today. Liko bashfully replies that she had to stop her, pointing out that making Curry was her idea of making Dot feel better about the false info unknowingly provided by Spinel. Dot hesitantly thanks Liko for what she did for her. She wanted to be helpful others, but was so hard on herself. Hearing this, Liko just calls it a surprise and compliments Dot on how she was helping them out so much already. Both girls talk about how much fun they had in the Wild Area. Back on the ship, Dot gets to looking over the info on Rayquaza. Liko wonders what they can do, and Roy proposes that this time, they can ask about the ancient Poke Balls. Diana says that she knows someone who runs an antique shop who could help identify them, so the group decides to head there next.

Ash: Um, guys, if we're doing out into the public, I'm gonna need a new pen, mine's out of Ink...

Chapter 29: The Stolen Treasure

Using the note given to her by Diana, Liko leads Friede, Ash and Roy to Tepen's shop. Seeing a Lampent on the signpost of one of the shops, the group knows that's Tepen's antique store. Upon arriving, Tepen is shocked to see Ash there, and his gasp causes Ash to get swarmed by fans, Liko tries to tell Tepen why they've come, but Tepen tries to sell them off with products such as a special sleep powder and a "fossilized" Rotom Phone from 20,000 years ago. Tepen becomes shocked when Liko introduces herself as Diana's granddaughter, pointing out that they went on a few adventures back then. After Tepen tells a story of how he and Diana got stuck in an Ariados' web for a whole week, Friede starts to feel suspicious about his stand, but Liko reassures him that her grandmother vouched for Tepen. Roy then shows Tepen the black Rayquaza's ancient Poke Ball. Tepen becomes shocked before acting like he's never seen it before, having Roy hand him his whole bag for analysis. He fiddles around with the bag before giving it back to Roy, claiming he doesn't know about the ancient Poke Ball, so the group decides to leave. As Tepen waves to them, Hatenna senses bad intentions from him and tries to warn the group, but Fuecoco and Roy are too hungry to pay it any mind, so they decide to go somewhere to eat, but Ash now has a feeling that something's up, once he's able to break free from the crowd.

While eating at a restaurant, Sprigatito notices something moving in Roy's bag, and a Foongus suddenly pops out and jumps down into the tree below. Roy then panics when he finds out that his ancient Poke Ball is gone, prompting the group to head back to Tepen's shop to look for it. Tepen, who is revealed to have stolen the ancient Poke Ball when he swapped it for Foongus, shows it to all his Pokemon before declaring that it's closing time. The group arrives at Tepen's shop, only to find that he's closed up and taken everything with him.

Friede: This must've been his plan the whole time...

Ash: Right, Hattena was probably trying to warn us.

As they go to catch Tepen, Liko ponders why he would take Roy's ancient Poke Ball before thinking it might be the Explorers' doing. Meanwhile, Tepen contacts someone about the ancient Poke Ball.

The group decides to split up to find Tepen, Friede taking Charizard to search by air while Ash, Liko and Roy search on the ground. When Tepen spots Friede in the air, he gives the bag with Roy's Poke Ball to Lampent and his other Pokemon. He sends them off as Friede comes down and confronts him. Tepen doesn't come clean, but does let Friede inspect his goods. However, Tepen tips the cart and dumps all his goods onto Friede before making his getaway through a produce market. Charizard goes after him, only to get Friede in trouble with the merchants when it flies through and damages the stands. Friede contacts Liko and points her to Tepen's Lampent having run off with the ancient Poke Ball before sending Captain Pikachu to help her, Ash and Roy. They spot Lampent, joined by Tepen's other Pokemon. Liko sees the bag that Lampent is carrying, thinking the ancient Poke Ball must be in there. They chase the Pokemon to a museum, where they may be hard to find with all the artifacts that they look like. Ash, Liko and Roy eventually find Lampent and the others acting like a single statue, prompting them to run and jump out a nearby window.

When Friede fixes all the produces stands he damaged, he goes off to meet up with the kids, who decide to split up at a park. Roy finds and confronts Tepen's Pokemon. Lampent leaves Bronzong and Honedge to face Roy and Fuecoco. The Fire Croc Pokemon dodges Honedge's attacks and retaliates with Ember. Bronzong then covers Fuecoco with its body and has Honedge hit the Bronze Bell Pokemon so its ringing stuns it, which buys them time to escape and meet up with Tepen. Ash and Liko find Lampent and Bronzor and has Sprigatito use Leafage, only to have it repeatedly blocked Bronzor's Iron Defense. Ash has Applin use Astonish, but Lampent is too high up, but Applin won't give up, and he starts rolling and he gets enough momentum to get up high and hit it, and Ash is shocked to see that Applin learned Rollout. Spotting a shovel, Hatenna uses Confusion to lift it and cut the bag off Lampent. However, before Sprigatito can grab it, Tepen appears and has Lampent use Thief to get it back.

Roy arrives

Liko: Why are you doing this?!

Tepen: Someone came by today, and offered me some real dough for it!

Ash: Are you serious?! All this just for money!?

Ash thinks, he could just offer more and be done with this, but that would only teavh Tepen nothing, so he's gonna fight for the ball back.

Convinced that it was the Explorers after all, Ash, Liko and Roy decide to take the ancient Poke Ball back from Tepen themselves. After Tepen's Pokemon avoid Fuecoco's Flamethrower, Liko has Sprigatito get the bag from Lampent using Quick Attack, but the Lamp Pokemon uses Ally Switch to have it slam into Bronzor instead. Applin uses Rollout, and gets a hit on Honedge Fuecoco uses Flamethrower again, but it is doused out by Bronzong's Rain Dance, so Roy has Wattrel use a Spark on Lampent that gives Sprigatito the opportunity retrieve it. But the Grass Cat Pokemon is blown back by Honedge's Metal Sound. Things get worse for Ash, Liko and Roy when the Foongus from before shows up and puts all of their Pokemon to sleep with the special sleep powder, revealing that it was his Pokemon too, but Ash has one more trick up his sleeve, while Pikachu and Applin are asleep, Quaxly's still in his ball, so he lets him out, and Cap shows up, and they knock out all of Tepen's Pokemon with Quaxly also learning Wing Attack, and they get the bag from them. Charizard and Friede arrive to block Tepen's exits, finally making him surrender.

Diana shows up to confront Tepen about the ancient text she was deciphering; it was all fake. Liko stops her grandmother before she can have her Arcanine use Flamethrower on Tepen. Diana then reveals that the adventures they had together were true after all. Tepen claims that thievery is way easier than adventuring, but Diana reveals the truth on Bronzor's crest, the truth that Tepen longs for those adventuring days again. Tepen still thinks he's not cut out for it, but Diana tells him what she told her granddaughter, that the first step is always the scariest part, which doesn't go unnoticed by Liko. Looking at each of his Pokemon, Tepen starts to feel shame for having made them do such bad things, tearfully apologizing to them. Liko becomes amazed by her grandmother, saying that she loves her in her head. At sunset, Tepen decides to make a fresh start with his Pokemon. He also owes someone else an apology, the Poke Ball craftsman who wanted the ancient Poke Ball. Tepen gives Liko the address to the place where he was supposed to take the Poke Ball, so she decides to head there next.

Notes:

Yeah I know Applin can only learn Rollout by hatching one, but the only other move Applin learns via level up other than Astonish is Withdraw, so I had to get creative.

Chapter 30: Orla and the Poké Ball Smith

As the Brave Olivine heads to the place mentioned by Tepen, Roy apologizes to Orla for the hole he made while practicing his Poké Ball throwing. Orla tells Roy to do that kind of thing outside because of the crucial wiring running through the ship. The other Rising Volt Tacklers inform Orla about other things that aren't working right around the ship. Ash and Liko notice how overworked Orla is as the latter marches off to take care of the ship.

The ship arrives at their stop, a Poké Ball Factory. Ash, Friede, Liko and Roy look over to Orla, who immediately believes the factory is in poor condition. Friede points out that Orla has particular standards when it comes to machinery as a whole. Just then, an explosion is heard from inside. The shadow with glowing blue eyes that comes running out reveals itself as a young girl, who invites the group inside. She offers to make them tea, and as she pulls out a kettle from a pile of things, it ends up falling on top of her. She bursts out of the pile with the kettle, and Liko thinks she is pretty lively. Liko then picks up a Hisuian Poké Ball that rolls off the pile, which the factory girl points out is actually a recreation of it, and Ash marvels on how similar it looks, and she freaks out that the World Monarch is there. She then shakes hands with Ash and introduces herself as Karna.

Karna's Magby heats up the kettle for the tea. As the group has it with Karna, she apologizes for Tepen's dishonesty. Liko asks if she makes Poké Balls, and Karna answers that it is her passion. Roy has Karna take a look at his ancient Poké Ball, and she is immediately amazed by it. She is unable to tell Roy more about it, but points to a box full of out-of-the-box prototypes she has made. As Friede, Ash and Liko admire Karna's optimism, she lets Roy have the box to practice his throwing. Noticing Karna's Poké Ball making machine malfunctioning again, Orla asks Karna if she has kept up with maintenance. When Karna gets confused by the question, Orla wastes no time in repairing everything wrong with the machine. Karna switches it on, and stylish silver Poké Balls come out. Orla points out that with the proper care, machines can work good as new.

Roy tries out some of the Poké Balls Karna gave him. First, he tries out the Rocket Ball, which flies in a straight line. Next, he tries the Boomerang Ball, which comes back around and hits him in the face. Finally, he tries out the Bomb Bomb Ball, which explodes as he is about to throw it. A Galarian Weezing draped in shadow watches Roy from behind a tree. Back at the ship, Friede tells the others how Orla has warmed up to Karna and won't be back for a while. Mollie thinks Orla needs a breather because of her demands from Friede, who hears this and blames Murdock, who blames Mollie. Diana just smiles and remarks that it is everyone's fault. Liko holds up one of the silver Poke Balls Karna made, giving a less than impressive pep talk to herself. Magby shoots flames into the furnace, making Karna's Poké Ball mass production go faster thanks to Orla's idea of having the Pokémon help out too. Orla also compliments Karna on how beautiful the Poké Balls are. When Liko enters, Karna proposes that Orla stays in her factory and works with her. Liko becomes nervous at the possibility of Orla leaving the crew, but Ash..

Ash: Wow, Liko, what an great chnace for Orla to get a bit of a break, right?

Liko: How are you not scared that she'll leave?

Ash: Because sometimes people need to part ways, it's for the best, I've had to see that with my friends and my pokemon, I know it's scary, but sometimes it's what's best, and deep down I know we'll see her again.

Liko: I didn't think about it like that, thanks Ash.

Ash: No problem.

Roy is still getting nowhere with the Poké Ball prototypes. He decides to try out the Chase Ball, this time reading the instructions first. The Chase Ball then hits something, and the Galarian Weezing comes out, chasing Roy and Fuecoco.

Roy tries to run away, but he turns around and sees Team Rocket

Meowth: Well what do we have here?

James: The New Twerp, alone

Jessie: Now, how about you hand over all those Poke Balls? And Your Pokemon!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Roy: Never!

Roy runs in a different direction

Meanwhile, Liko wonders if Orla is going to stay and work with Karna at her factory. Remembering how overworked Orla seemed to be before, Ash asks her if every day is fun for her. Orla claims that it is fun, even if it is a lot to handle sometimes. Orla tells Liko that she used to have a nice, fulfilling, and stress-free job at a shipyard in Slateport City. Even though it was nice, she often found herself questioning her true ambitions. Back when Friede asked her to turn Ludlow's boat into the Brave Olivine, she saw this as an opportunity to put her skills to the ultimate test. By the time she finished her work on the ship, she realized what she really wanted to do.

However, just as Orla is about tell Ash and Liko what it was, Roy comes running to the factory with the angered Weezing and Team Rocket hot on his tail. Fuecoco gets hit and confused by the Poison Gas Pokémon's Strange Steam. After an ineffective Leafage from Sprigatito, Weezing retaliates with a super-effective Sludge Bomb. and Ash uses his three Pokemon but the trio won't blast off Liko becomes worried knowing that Weezing is a Poison-type, which has the advantage over Sprigatito. Orla sends out Metagross, who being a Steel-type is immune to Poison type attacks. Weezing continues the assault using Strange Steam, which Metagross blocks by spinning. Metagross then knocks the Poison Gas Pokémon far away with a super-effective Metal Claw. Karna praises Orla, but Fuecoco, having snapped out of its Confusion, notices Weezing come back with an army of Weezing. However, Captain Pikachu comes down from above and knocks out all the Weezing with Thunder Punch, Friede having arrived on the scene. However, more Weezing just keep coming, and a Thunderbolt from Pikachu sends Team Rocket finally flying.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Friede looks at the smoke coming out of the top of the factory, getting an idea. He tells Orla to boost the output of the machinery to what it can't handle. Orla is reluctant at first, but decides to try anyway. With that, Orla runs inside and has Karna help her out. Magby shoots flames to power the furnace while Elekid feeds it electricity. As Metagross holds the machine together with Psychic, Orla contacts Friede and tells him that the machine can't handle much more, but Friede is still positive that it will work. Karna is worried, but Orla, having decided to trust Friede, knows he has some kind of plan. With the machine past its limit, it lets off a giant smoke cloud that shoots out from the top of the factory, making all the Weezing stop their attack. As they go to feed on the smoke cloud, Liko scans Galarian Weezing with her Pokédex, which says that it feeds off contaminated particles in the air. As the Weezing calm down from the meal and let off clean steam, Orla remarks that it's just like Friede to come up with that kind of crazy plan.

At sunset, Orla makes a pipe on the factory for the Weezing to eat the smoke out of. Orla then declines Karna's offer to work with her at her factory. Karna understands and gives Orla something to remember her by, a silver Poké Ball, only it has blue ornaments on it. After departing from Karna's Poké Ball factory, Orla tells Ash and Liko that she really wanted to do things she has never done before. She knew she'd have plenty of chances to do so when getting on the ship. Liko agrees, knowing it was undoubtedly the same for her. The other Rising Volt Tacklers then inform Orla about things that aren't working right around the ship again, but this time, Orla takes it with a smile. Ash, Liko and Orla exit the engine room, Orla grabbing her tool box to reveal the special Poké Ball Karna gave her.

Chapter 31: Slip and Crash! A Mystery Pokémon?!

After departing from Khana's Poké Ball Factory, Liko and Roy do some training via double battle with Friede and Ash. However, during the battle, Fuecoco slips on a strange purple liquid on the ground, crashing into the barrier surrounding the Wing Deck. As the group notices the purple liquid on the battlefield, Cap sees a Pokémon draped in shadow by the door of the Observation Deck.

As night falls, Liko tells Diana about the purple liquid that Ash and Roy are trying to investigate. Liko puts the books she is carrying on the table next to Diana, and then gets the feeling that she is in the way. But Diana is fine with Liko's company, or the comforting sound of her voice. Liko then notices a chipped teacup, but Diana tells her to leave it be, because there's something she wants to test. Liko suddenly hears a strange clinking sound. Diana tells her granddaughter to check it out if she's feeling curious. She gives Liko extra incentive knowing that investigating mysteries like a detective is something she likes doing. Looking at her Pokémon, Liko is quick to gather up the confidence to admit it herself as she goes off to have fun with solving the mystery.

Ash and Roy have trouble finding that purple liquid from before, until the mysterious Pokémon Cap caught a glimpse of leaves some from them to find. When they leave the area, the Pokémon joyfully reveals itself as a Polteageist. Meanwhile, Liko can't seem to find out where that clinking sound came from. Sure enough, the clinking sound catches Liko's attention again when Polteageist appears outside and runs into Pawmi, dropping its tea cap on the floor. She follows the sound to see what she finds, but to no avail. Liko then hears Rockruff barking followed by the same clinking sound and goes to check it out, but gets baffled even more upon see nothing there.

Dot goes to the refrigerator to get some of Shuckle's juice, but sees that there's hardly any left. Upon seeing Shuckle arrive, Dot grabs him and slurps the juice straight out of its shell with a straw. Shuckle doesn't like this and pours Dot some cups of juice from its shell instead. Muk watches Dot, who says that Shuckle's juice is the best, and Polteageist, who is stuck to Muk's back, is shocked to hear this. As Dot leaves, Muk heads into the kitchen and greets Shuckle. When Polteageist gets unstuck from Muk, Cap catches the Black Tea Pokémon. Polteageist angrily points at Shuckle, wanting to challenge it to a fight. Cap is alright with letting Polteageist settle things its way. Shuckle approaches very slowly, so Cap has Snorunt push it over to them.

Liko is in her room, having to decided to get some sleep and investigate the clinking sound tomorrow. However, she doesn't have long to rest, as the clinking sound is heard yet again. Ash and Roy are about to give up their search too, but spots the purple liquid left by Polteageist again. Liko finds Quaxly, who is looking awfully suspicious. Roy and Ash arrive as well, to Quaxly's dismay. Ash, Liko and Roy hear crashing from the Hold and find the Brave Olivine's Pokémon gathered together, cheering on Polteageist and Shuckle as they battle. Roy scans Polteageist with his Pokédex before Liko notices Terapagos with the Pokémon as well. After Polteageist and Shuckle taunt each other, Shuckle scores a hit with Rollout. This causes the Black Tea Pokémon to drop its tea cap on the floor and its purple liquid to spill out, which Ash, Liko and Roy respectively realize came from Polteageist. Shuckle uses Rollout again, and this time, at Cap's urging, Polteageist dodges it, causing Shuckle to crash into the Berry crates behind it. Polteageist wants to keep the battle going, but then it looks at all the Pokémon cheering for it, having earned their respect. Polteageist then uses Teatime, making music and pouring all of them some of its tea. Looking at Polteageist, Shuckle shoots Berries out of its shell to have with the Black Tea Pokémon's tea. Liko realizes Quaxly was doing this without the rest of the crew ever noticing.

Roy: I wanna join in!

Liko: I think it might be best to give them their private time

Ash: Yeah, it's not everday non-wild Pokemon battle without their trainers

After Polteageist and Shuckle come to respect their different tastes, the former shares the Rising Volt Tacklers handshake with Cap. The elated Polteageist spins around and spills its purple liquid, which Fuecoco slips on yet again. Luckily, all the Pokemon are there to catch the Fire Croc Pokémon.

The next day, the Rising Volt Tacklers are gathered outside on the Wing Deck for a meal. Ash, Liko and Roy hand out food to the Pokémon belonging to each of the crew before noticing that the rest of the Pokémon are tired from staying up all night. Friede comes over and is not so surprised to see Polteageist among the sleeping Pokémon. The crew tells Liko and Roy not to get so hung up on it, claiming that everything is fine as long as everyone is comfy. Just then, everyone gets startled at Friede suddenly spitting some bad-tasting tea from the antique cup Diana had before, revealed to be a Sinistea. Diana then reveals to Liko that that the experiment she was testing last night with her antique teacup involved Polteageist creating this Sinistea from its tea. The crew watches Sinistea drift off to sleep next to Polteageist.

Chapter 32: Song Within the Mist

As Terapagos sleeps on Nosepass' head in the Brave Olivine's Captain's Deck, Diana shares with the Rising Volt Tacklers rumors of a strange white mist and a mysterious singing Pokémon who guides lost sailors to safety. Ash, Liko and Roy are delighted to hear this, Diana also says that it may be a shining Lapras, and while she not a hundred percent sure, Friede points out that there's a good chance it's still a special Lapras. This strange song having been heard around the world for a long time, Diana even tried to scope it out herself, but eventually gave up. Ash wants to search for it right away, but Orla and Mollie think it won't be that easy. Diana shows possible sightings of where Lapras may be, which she got with Dot's help. Friede and Murdock are impressed with how fast it took Dot to pull this off, and Dot says that it's pretty easy to find this kind of stuff online, which Diana is quick to agree with. However, Liko is more impressed with her grandmother at the moment seeing how she managed to befriend Dot so quickly. Diana points out that her searches can become easier thanks to the Rising Volt Tacklers. Dot then locates someone who might have spotted Lapras, so Friede suggests going there first.

Ash, Liko, Roy and Friede talk to the man they find, the captain from before, who says it was a beautiful song. The captain shares that the fog showed up in the open sea, where Lapras saved them. Friede asks where Lapras is now, and the captain is unable to gave them any more information. They notice one of the crew members restocking some Berries, and the captain says that the ship shook fiercely, knocking the cargo overboard, to Liko and Roy's shock. Nevertheless, the captain is still happy that the ship was unharmed and he and his crew got to meet Lapras. The groups decides to head back to the ship, the captain reassuring them that Lapras will be there to save them from the fog.

The group hears a familar cry, the captain gets excited thinking it's the same Lapras, but they all see a different Lapras

Ash: Wait, that's my Lapras!

Ash runs up and embraces his Lapras

Ash: Hey, girl, how've you been?

Liko: This is your Lapras?

Ash: Yeah, we parted ways so that she could be with he family, say where are they?

Ash's Lapras says something to Pikachu, who uses movments to tell Ash

Ash: You heard what this other Lapras was doing, so you went by yourself so that you can meet it?

Ash's Lapras nods

Ash: Well, that's what we wanna do too! Do you wanna team up!

Ash's Lapras lets out a happy cry, she's in

Back on the ship, Friede has Nosepass point North as Liko looks up Lapras on her Pokédex. Liko is amazed to learn that the Transport Pokémon can understand human speech. Roy points out that he's met a group of friendly Lapras himself, who come to his island and let the villagers ride on their backs. Ash again points out his Lapras is now back in the picture. Liko asks if this Lapras will let her ride its back, and Roy is positive that it will, exciting her.

Ash: Um, I don't know

Roy: What do you mean Ash, your Lapras is friendly, and so were all the ones I meet

Ash: Yeah, but every pokemon is different, when I first meet Lapras, she didn't like humans, I had to gain her trust.

Liko: Oh, I see..

Ludlow and Dot's show up, Dot wanting to record everything on her Rotom Phone. Liko thinks this would be tough for a Nidothing video, but Dot says this is just for her personal interest. The ship starts descending towards the water, making Liko and Roy believe there's another air leak. However, Friede reassures them that he's putting the ship down in the water so it will be easier to search for Lapras. The ship lands on the seabed, next to Ash's Lapras. Ludlow pointing out this used to be a boat after all. Ash, Liko and Roy then spot one of the crates from the cargo ship that went overboard. Liko spots more crates near a layer of rocks on the seabed. Terapagos senses something, and the kids think it is Lapras. Friede confirms that they have reached their target area, telling Ash, Liko, Roy and Diana to keep a lookout as Murdock prepares some celebratory donuts. Roy wonders what Lapras' song will sound like, thinking Roy's would like to sing with it too. He also is happy to think it may be easier to reason with than Galarian Form Moltres, and Liko is quick to agree. However, Ash warns them both to be wary of making assumptions.

The mist suddenly starts to appear, which Friede thinks is a sign of Lapras. Liko is surprised by the sudden appearance of the mist, and hears the same song the sailors before. Liko sees Terapagos getting happy, thinking Lapras may be nearby. Friede, Ash, and Ash's Lapras look carefully for Lapras when the ship suddenly shakes violently. Captain Pikachu's ears pick up on Lapras' song in the distance, and Friede is happy to know that the rumors were true. The shadow of Lapras appears in front of the ship, though Dot and Friede can't really see it clearly in all this fog. Noticing Lapras leaving while singing its song, Ash's lapras starts going after it. Friede decides to go after it, but Diana thinks that something is off here. Terapagos starts crying out to Lapras. Liko and Roy decide to call out to the Transport Pokémon too, but a sudden cry of distress from Fuecoco startles them. They turn around to see Fuecoco and an Ambipom fighting over a Tamato Berry, as well as a Toedscruel swiping the rest. Toedscruel blinds Fuecoco from behind with Mud-Slap. Liko commands Sprigatito to use Quick Attack on both thieves, forcing them to drop their plunder and retreat. Liko and Roy think they mysteriously disappeared, but Quaxly and Dot spot a strange shadow speeding away from the ship.

The fog dies down, and kids see that Lapras has vanished. As Quaxly washes off the mud on Fuecoco's face, Terapagos is feeling sad that Lapras isn't here anymore. Everyone gathers in the meeting room, thinking that Lapras must have dove underwater, Ash goes out and comforts his Lapras, who is also sad she couldn't catch up to Lapras. While Orla and Mollie are relieved that Lapras saved them, Roy and Ludlow tell them how Ambipom and Toedscruel appeared and tried to steal food from them. Friede finds it confusing how both Ambipom and Toedscruel were found out here in the open ocean instead of their usual grassy region habitats, which leaves the rest of the crew baffled too. Dot then shows everyone the strange shadow she saw speeding away after the two thieves retreated. Liko and Roy thinks it may be a boat, which may indicate that it was their trainer. Friede becomes curious about the sudden timing of the fog, and Liko suddenly realizes that it's Lapras itself using Mist, as Diana points out. Friede then gets an idea, proposing to go back and meet Lapras again. He has Orla get to the Engine Room and leaves Ludlow in charge of steering. However, he has something different in mind for Murdock and Mollie.

The ship makes a sharp U turn as Liko and Roy wonder how they will find Lapras. They then notice Mollie and Murdock taking all the Pokemon food out of storage and onto the deck under Friede's orders. Meanwhile, Friede goes out onto the Wing Deck, right as the fog kicks up. The ship starts to shake violently again. Liko catches a sliding Terapagos as Sprigatito jumps on her shoulder. Friede has Cap create a vortex with Volt Tackle that completely clears out the fog. Cap points to the ship's side, revealing Ambipom and Toedscruel among lots of other Pokémon, aquatic or otherwise, riding on top of a Wailord covered in scars. The two thieves then make their move, climbing aboard the ship to steal the food on the deck. Witnessing the shocking revelation, Friede realizes that the effort to guide lost ships was all just a big sham by Lapras. A nervous Liko gazes upon Lapras, revealed to have battle scars on the right side of its neck and its left eye, as well as a damaged shell.

Ash: So you were lying! That's not cool!

Ash's Lapras feels betrayed

Ash: Hey, Lapras, wanna show that meanie who's truely the best Lapras around?

Ash's Lapras looks shocked, then determined

Ash: Alright! Let's do it!

Ash and his Lapras prepare for a Lapras vs Lapras fight.

Chapter 33: Lapras's Feelings for its Friends

Terapagos is happy to see Lapras, whose blue glow resonates with Terapagos'. From this, Liko knows now that Lapras is one of the six heroes, but the latter just turns away from them before being called over by Wailord, Ash trying to have his Lapras attack. Lapras then commands its band of Pokémon pirates to board the Brave Olivine with Ambipom and Toedscruel. Ash, Liko and Roy are shocked to see the Lapras' crew beginning their assault on the ship. Mollie and Murdock send out Chansey and Rockruff, though they are intimidated by Vigoroth and Galarian Slowbro. Just then, Roy confronts them, as does Ash and Liko.

Sprigatito uses Leafage, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt and Fuecoco uses Ember, but both attacks are easily avoided, but the Thunderbolt hits but doesn't do much. The group seems outnumbered, but Diana's Arcanine intervenes with Extreme Speed. Friede and his Pokémon arrive to lend them a hand as well. The battle goes well, with Charizard using Air Slash on Toedscruel and Ambipom, Arcanine scaring Slowbro with Flamethrower, Ash's Pikachu using Thunder Punch on Vigoroth, Fuecoco and Sprigatito ganging up on Bibarel with Tackle and Scratch, and Chansey and Rockruff holding their own against Octillery and Barbaracle. Eventually seeing how its crew is losing, Lapras orders them to retreat, to Liko's dismay. Friede decides to go after Lapras and its crew.

Ash: I have an idea, Liko, Roy come with me!

The three arrive at the edge of the deck, where Ash's Lapras is

Ash: Jump!

the three jump onto Ash's Lapras' back

Ash: Lapras, stop the the thiefs!

Ash's Lapras starts going after them, while Ash calls Friede so that the two groups stay connected

With Ludlow at the wheel, the ship also tails Lapras and its crew.

Friede: Lapras was offering to help lost voyagers, but really, it was deceiving them all along,

Diane: It appears so. It was using Mist to make ships get lost on purpose.

Roy: but Lapras saved us with its song.

Friede: That was probably part of it's plan.

Friede shows them the shadow that sped away after Ambipom and Toedscruel retreated the first time, which Dot identifies as Wailord. Thanks to Cap clearing the Mist attack, they finally got the full picture; that Lapras was distracting them with its song in the mist so its pirate crew would sneak on board and steal the ship's food supply. Liko and Roy are shocked to hear this, Ash is more dissapointed for his Lapras' sake.

Friede says how duped the crew of that cargo ship really was for never realizing that Lapras was the culprit behind the lost cargo, and that the Pokémon that weren't native to the sea were a clear hint. The ship shaking shortly after Lapras' arrival was also likely caused by Wailord. Diana is impressed with how Lapras must have gathered all those Pokémon from different regions, calling them the "Lapras Pirates", which Liko and Roy shiver at, and Ash thinks it's cool. Mollie and Murdock are shocked to hear this as well, knowing already that Lapras are intelligent but never expecting this. Friede reveals that he had them gather the ship's food supply to confirm that Lapras and it pirate crew were trying to steal it, the two becoming unamused by Friede's absentmindedness again. Liko wonders why Lapras would do such a thing, and Diana asks her how Lapras feels.

The Rising Volt Tacklers catch up to Lapras' crew. When Roy compliments Ludlow, Friede says that this was once his ship so he has a lot of experience. Hearing this, Ludlow chuckles and compares himself to a Gyarados. On Friede's orders, Orla and Charizard add more power in the Engine Room to increase speed. Friede and Diana notice that the Lapras pirate crew slowed down to prepare for battle. Liko, Roy and Chansey start to panic, but Ludlow tells them to have faith in his Quagsire, who is at the front of the ship, Ash calms Liko and Roy down by bringing up his Lapras can protect, and he has a Quaxly as well. Ludlow tells everyone to hold on tight. As Lapras' crew fires Water Gun, Quagsire unleashes a massive Surf that blocks the attacks while also causing raging waves around the ship, Ash's Lapras also counters with Ice Beam With a fierce look in his eye, Ludlow steers the ship hard as Quagsire continues using Surf to block the attacks from the Pokémon pirates. Roy is pumped by how awesome Ludlow is. Just then, Lapras orders its crew to stop their attack. Friede plans to cut past Wailord and get to Lapras. The pirate crew head off in another direction. Lapras makes a charge right towards the ship, almost tipping it over on impact. As the Lapras makes eye contact with Ash's Lapras, Liko is left shaken by how intense Lapras is, as are Ash and Roy. Lapras then backs up and fires a powerful Ice Beam to freeze the ship in place before turning to leave, Liko calling for it to come back.

Ash: Coward! Come back and fight!

With the ship firmly stuck in the ice, the Rising Volt Tacklers have doubts that Lapras will show itself again and turn to Friede for their next move. Friede says Lapras is out in the ocean, but that hardly helps. Liko remembers how Lapras turned away when it saw Terapagos, getting the feeling that something must be on its mind and wanting to get the chance to know what's up. However, she also knows how difficult it will be to find Lapras. Roy points to a discarded crate that Lapras dropped. Liko then gets the idea to simply wait for Lapras instead of chasing it. She gets back on the ship and heads to her room and puts on Lucius's belt, ready to get through to Lapras.

The Transport Pokémon heads to its base, the layer of rocks that Liko briefly saw before. It heads into the cave where its crew is and becomes shocked to see Liko with Friede, Ash and Roy among the crowd, having rid on Ash's Lapras to get there. After Liko tells Lapras that she hopes its okay to stay, she points out that all the crates came from those rocks she saw. Wailord shows up to help Lapras confront the group, but Liko says that she wanted the Transport Pokémon to see Terapagos, who is quickly welcomed by its crew with open arms. Liko tells Lapras that Terapagos wanted to go to Rakua, the paradise Lucius and his six heroes found, and that she will help it even if she doesn't know what it will be like. Lapras looks at its crew, and Liko pleads for it to help them. Terapagos starts glowing and Arboliva and Galarian Moltres emerge from their ancient Poké Balls. After Lapras takes a look at Liko, it starts singing, creating a big ball of light and surrounding the group with it. They are shown a vision where Lucius thanks all of his companions before promising that he won't die; rather, he will live on with Rakua.

As the vison comes to an end, Liko notices Lapras tearing up and wailing mournfully with Arboliva and Moltres. The group finds out that Lucius's six heroes made a promise with their trainer, and that's why they came with the Rising Volt Tacklers. Arboliva and Moltres return to their Poké Balls, and Lapras smiles at Liko before getting Vigoroth and Barbaracle to bring over some Berries for their guests. The ship arrives, the ice holding it having been melted by Arcanine's Flamethrower. Murdock offers everyone donuts to share. While they all eat, Liko wonders if this is how Lapras and its crew have been living all this time. Diana says that this is just how they live in nature, believing that people and Pokémon don't always stand side by side, but Pokémon Trainers make a bridge between that divide.

Sunset comes around and Liko asks Lapras to keep its promise and accompany her and the rest to Rakua. Lapras is hesitant at first, but its crew is there to help the Transport Pokémon make the right choice. Ambipom hands Lapras its Poké Ball, which its crew has been keeping safe for it. After some reassurance from Wailord, Lapras takes the Poké Ball, tosses it in the air and recalls itself inside. The pirate crew hop on Wailord and sail out to sea, the Float Whale Pokémon using Mist in Lapras' place to cover their tracks. Liko is glad that they will keep living their way. As Wailord's Mist clears, Liko and Roy believe that with half of the six heroes on their side, they are one step closer to finding the black Rayquaza.

Ash goes back to his Lapras on the shore

Ash: Well Lapras, thanks for all the help, you've left your herd, guess your all grown up now.

Ash's Lapras turns to leave, but it turns back, it wants to stay.

Ash: Do you wanna come back with me?

Ash's Lapras nods

Ash thinks, he doesn't want to refuse, but he can't have Professor Oak just force her into a small pond in his lab, but then he has an idea.

Ash takes out Lapras' old Poke Ball

Ash: Alright, Lapras, return

Ash's Lapras gets recalled

Ash transports Lapras to Alola, he knows Professor Kukui is welcoming, and Alola has more bodies of water for Lapras' liking.

Ash rejoins the rest of the group. Just then, Terapagos wakes up and spots something in the sky. The group looks up and are shocked to see none other than the Black Rayquaza flying overhead.

Chapter 34: Roar of the Black Rayquaza

As the Explorers' submarine travels through the ocean, Zirc and Onia see something on the radar, which Amethio immediately knows is the Black Rayquaza. He has the two grunts remain on standby while he heads out on his Corviknight to confront the legendary Pokémon.

Team Rocket are also in their submarine, and they head out, determined to prove Amethio wrong, that they aren't pests

Meanwhile, Liko and the group are shocked to see Rayquaza itself flying over them. Roy runs over and immediately starts calling out to it, wanting to ensue a battle. Friede wonders if the six heroes called out to it. Ash is ready to gight. Diana and Terapagos are amazed by the Sky High Pokémon's presence, with Liko hoping they will get through to it. Rayquaza finally notices the group when the six heroes' Poké Balls start glowing. On the Brave Olivine, the other Rising Volt Tacklers are a bit worried about Rayquaza possibly attacking everyone again.

Just then, Amethio arrives and confronts Rayquaza, holding out an Ultra Ball and declaring that he will catch it. Rayquaza uses Dragon Pulse, but Amethio flies his Corviknight out of the way. He sends out Ceruledge and has it use Psycho Cut with Corviknight's Air Slash, but Rayquaza's mighty roar deflects it and causes waves to crash into the rocks surrounding it. As Diana shields Liko. Ash, Roy and Friede see Amethio on another rock. Rayquaza glares at Amethio, who has Ceruledge ride Corviknight towards the Sky High Pokémon for a more up close and personal approach. After Ceruledge launches Psycho Cut, Amethio has Corviknight avoid Rayquaza's Dragon Pulse. Seeing how Rayquaza's attacks are getting closer, Friede and Charizard shield Roy. Roy wants to help Rayquaza against Amethio, and Friede desperately tries to hold him back. Murdock tells Friede that its time to retreat, and he drags a frantic Roy to the ship. Diana tells Liko to get back too, but she wants to reason with Rayquaza. Diana protests seeing how Rayquaza is too riled up at the moment.

Ash prepares to leave, but Team Rocket appear

Ash: You guys go on, I'll deal with them

but before Ash can do anything, Rayquaza blasts them off, and Ash simply runs onto the ship

Continuing to dodge Rayquaza's attacks, Ceruledge leaps off Corviknight using Bitter Blade, striking it on the head. However, Rayquaza shakes it off, smacking Ceruledge down with its claw before finishing it off with Dragon Pulse. With that, Rayquaza turns its attention to the ship. Roy breaks out of Friede's grasp and challenges Rayquaza to battle. Looking at Terapagos, Rayquaza unleashes Draco Meteor, which Charizard and Arcanine try to block with Flamethrower, Ash's Pikachu trying to block it with Thunderbolt. One of the meteors lands near Liko, knocking her down. Terapagos sees Ash, Liko and Roy in danger, crying for Rayquaza to stop, but to no avail. A meteor hurdles towards Roy, but Liko pushes him out of the way, and then Ash pushes her out of the way and braces for impact. Just as Ash is about to get hit by the meteor, Terapagos intervenes, saving Ash and turning into its Terastal Form. Terapagos uses Tera Starstorm to counter Rayquaza's Draco Meteor, leaving everyone speechless. Terapagos turns back to its Normal Form, passing out as Liko tends to it, Ash offering to help where he can. Rayquaza then flies off, to Roy and Amethio's dismay. Friede finds it odd that the Explorers weren't after them this time. After he reassures Roy, they head back to the ship. Liko briefly notices her grandmother looking out before she heads back too.

Liko takes Terapagos to Mollie, where she states how exhausted it must be from using up all its energy trying to protect Ash. Meanwhile, Roy is feeling downhearted that he and Rayquaza finally met again after all that time ago, but it wouldn't even look at him.

Ash: It's okay Roy, it'll trust you again

Roy: How do you know?

Ash: I had a pokemon disobey me once, saw my friends go through that too, but in the end, we regain their trust.

Friede has a talk with Diana about Terapagos' Terastal Form being the Pokémon depicted in Lucius' journal. They then acknowledge that Rayquaza left immediately after Terapagos turned back from that state, like it had no interest at all. They can tell that Rayquaza was testing Terapagos. Friede believes that meeting three of the six heroes must have been awakening Terapagos' power, which may be incomplete at the moment. Diana says that only Kleavor and Entei remain, getting Friede pumped for a goal to strive for, as well as feeling thankful for fulfilling his dream as a professor by traveling with unknown Pokémon. Diana feels the same about picking up where she left off thirty years ago. Entrusting Liko to Friede, Diana feels it best she tackles this mystery in her own way. She then brings up her old friend, Hamber, who is with the Explorers. This made her want look into them herself. Friede wants to help out with that, but Diana refuses. The sun rises over the sea, and Diana suggests searching for the remaining six heroes before Rakua, while she investigates the Explorers and why they are after Terapagos. Diana tells Friede to keep this all to himself, but he nonetheless asks Diana to keep in touch if anything goes wrong. However, seeing how Diana doesn't use a Rotom Phone, she has her Squawkabilly deliver messages instead.

In the infirmary, Liko is still feeling worried about Terapagos. Diana then comes through the door, asking her if she has a minute. They head out to the wing deck, where Roy is still feeling down about yesterday. Diana proposes that the two of them battle her together, having noticed that they've both had a lot on their minds from their most recent encounter with Rayquaza and wants to get their spirits back up, and then Ash butts in and now the match is Liko and Roy vs Ash and Diana. Friede acts as the referee as Dot watches on her Rotom Phone, recording the match for Liko and Roy to use as reference as Ludlow remarks her curiosity. Diana tells the kids that they must land a single hit on her Arcanine or Ash's Pikachu to win. Sprigatito uses Leafage, but Arcanine avoids it with Extreme Speed, which hits Sprigatito hard. Fuecoco follows up with Flamethrower, but it gets overpowered by Pikachu's Thunderbolt. Friede is impressed by Diana, who commands Arcanine to use Sunny Day to power up its Fire-Type moves. Roy doesn't let that stop him, having Fuecoco use Stomping Tantrum. After Arcanine dodges it, the Legendary Pokémon uses Flamethrower to counter Sprigatito's Leafage. Ash, Liko and Roy are left in awe by Diana's strength, but looking at Sprigatito and Fuecoco powered up from Sunny Day, they decide to fight on. Liko tells Roy that they finish this their way, and Roy starts singing with Fuecoco. Liko commands Sprigatito to use Leafage again, and Arcanine avoids it with Extreme Speed just like before. However, Fuecoco and Sprigatito slide under Arcanine before it can land the attack. The two strike back with Leafage and Flamethrower. Arcanine deflects Leafage with Flamethrower and tries to overpower Fuecoco's own Flamethrower. However, this distracts it from Sprigatito, who sneaks up behind it and lands a hit with Scratch.

Liko and Roy celebrate their victory, and Diana praises them both as does Friede and Ash. Diana says that no matter how big or strong the foe, there is always a way to fight back. Knowing there is so much more they can do together, Liko and Roy want to grow stronger as trainers. Liko acknowledges that her grandmother has taught her so much even though there's still a lot she doesn't understand. Mollie then contacts Liko to tell her that Terapagos is awake. The group goes to the infirmary to see it eating a whole plate of berries. Liko has no idea what lies behind the mystery of Rayquaza, Lucius or Rakua, but that's exactly what makes it so exciting to her. She resolves to find out, together with Sprigatito and the Rising Volt Tacklers.

Back at the Explorers base, Amethio goes to Hamber and tells him that Rayquaza got away. Hamber understands what Amethio wants now, and he is quick to agree that he wants to get stronger.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket are sulcking in a forest

James: This isn't the end, we;ll show them all we're not pests!

Jessie: Yes, we're not pests, we're the best!

Meowth: say it loud!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Chapter 35: Respective Departures

Picking up from before, Liko is glad Terapagos is awake and doing okay. Diana, watching from the window, is glad too. Later, Friede enters the observation deck to check on Diana, who is packing up for her departure. She asks Friede to look after Terapagos for her. Friede has decided to head back to Paldea seeing how there have been ancient records of Terapagos sightings there and that the Tera Pokémon is linked to Terastal phenomenon. With that, Diana asks Friede to drop her off at the next port. Ash, Liko and Roy are eavesdropping from outside, and ask Wattrel and Squawkabilly to be silent to not blow their cover.

Roy: So, are you gonna miss your grandma?

Ash: Even if you are, that's okay, I wasn't all that accepting when I released my first Pokemon, or when I split with my first two compainions

Liko: She's always like this, so I won't let it get to me

Roy then proposes a farewell party for Diana, and they decide to get the people and Pokémon on the Brave Olivine to help out.

Finishing up one of her Nidothing videos, Dot gets a call from Iono. Iono thanks Dot for the Terastal Cap promotion deal, since she couldn't take it herself as can't put it on with her headgear. Iono brings up Dot being a Trainer now, but Dot says that she already knew about the Trainer stuff before she actually became one. Just then, Ash, Liko and Roy knock on the door. Fuecoco comes running in through the hatch on the door, alarming Dot. Liko tells her about their plans for a party. Dot doesn't follow, but Iono understands that her IRL friends want her to come. Liko thanks Iono for the other day, and the latter asks for a favor back. She wants Liko to look after Dot, flustering her. Iono continues about Dot's new trainer status, and fangiriling now that she knows Ash is in the room. Looking at Ash, Liko and Roy, Dot ends her call with Iono, saying that she doesn't like parties.

At the Explorers base, Amethio consults Gibeon, saying that while he was able to reach Rayquaza, he was no match for it. Gibeon asks Amethio how he felt upon engaging the Sky High Pokémon. Amethio says that it wasn't taking the battle seriously, more like it was testing him. Amethio says that he will seize Rayquaza next time, and Gibeon agrees knowing that it and Terapagos are the essential keys to Rakua, "his" paradise. After the meeting concludes, Amethio requests training from Hamber.

The battle takes place, with Amethio using his Ceruledge and Hamber using his Dusknoir. Ceruledge starts with Psycho Cut, which Dusknoir counters with Shadow Ball. Using the smoke to its advantage, Ceruledge goes behind Dusknoir and prepares to use Night Slash, only for Dusknoir to notice and land a Shadow Punch on the Fire Blades Pokémon. Activating its Weak Armor ability, Ceruledge tries to use Bitter Blade, but Dusknoir catches it by its arms and hits it with Shadow Ball. In its launch, Ceruledge uses Phantom Force. However, Dusknoir grabs it from the portal and throws it aside. Ceruledge cuts through Dusknoir's following Shadow Ball. Amethio believes that Dusknoir has no blind spots. Hamber asks him if he will concede, but a determined Amethio commands Ceruledge to use Psycho Cut, which slices through Dusknoir's consecutive Shadow Ball attacks. The Gripper Pokémon follows up with Shadow Punch while Ceruledge tries to keep it at a distance using Psycho Cut. Hamber has Dusknoir close the gap, but Ceruledge wraps it arms and legs around Dusknoir's arm, which disrupts its attack. This surprises Hamber, who knows that Amethio isn't used to this battling style. When Dusknoir shakes Ceruledge off, the Fire Blades Pokémon uses Phantom Force, sneaking behind Dusknoir and knocking it to the ground. Hamber is impressed by Amethio, who indeed desires strength. Deciding not to hold back anymore, Hamber pulls out a Tera Orb and Terastallizes Dusknoir into a Tera-Ghost Type, commanding a powered-up Shadow Ball. Ceruledge uses Bitter Blade to cut through it, but is caught off guard by Dusknoir, who knocks it out with its following Shadow Punch. Hamber asks Amethio is he is satisfied, but he requests a rematch.

Meanwhile Team Rocket listen in through the device Amethio still hasn't noticed, glad that one of their threats isn't unbeatable

Back on the ship, Diana watches the sunset before Arcanine points her to the meeting room. Diana opens the door and everyone surprises her with a party they all put together for her. As the Pokémon start singing together, Murdock brings out a cake for Diana, having Alcremie use it cream to decorate it before topping it with berries. Diana also gets some tea for everyone to have with the cake. As they eat together, Friede ends up accidently getting a sip of Sinistea's tea. Murdock teases Friede about not telling the teacups apart from the Black Tea Pokémon before collapsing when he accidentally drinks some of Polteageist's tea despite Friede's warning, so Diana has Arcanine carrying him off to bed. Dot then presents a video that she made about all the good times Diana had with the Rising Volt Tacklers. First, the film shows their escape from the old castle from the Explorers, then the Rising Volt Tacklers enjoying Curry in the Wild Area, and the trouble they got into with Tepen at his antique shop, which Ludlow tries and fails to make a joke out of. Finally, the film ends with Liko and Roy's training battle against Ash and Diana, ending with Liko thanking her grandmother. The video gets a positive response from Diana, the kids revealing that the four of them made it together, though Dot did most of the work. Diana thanks everyone for the party.

Hamber complements Amethio's growing strength, but Amethio knows he needs to be a lot stronger if he wants to be a match for Rayquaza. Seeing how far that wish will take him, Hamber gives Amethio a Tera Orb for himself. Amethio acknowledges that by mastering Terastal Phenomenon, he will get the power he needs to rival Rayquaza. As Spinel's Beheeyem spies on them, he and Agate decide to let them have their moment. With collected data on Terapagos' resonance reaction, they plan to go after Rayquaza.

Meanwhile, Meowth sneakily breaks in and steals a tera orb for Team Rocket and leaves before he gets caught

Liko enters the kitchen and helps Diana with the dishes. Liko then thanks her grandmother for giving her the pendant. It was just like she said, that taking the first step was the scariest part. By doing just that, Liko was able to find new horizons with each passing moment. Finding the confidence to speak her mind without holding back, and facing each danger that followed with courage and friends by her side. Diana takes Liko to the observation deck, feeling like she should be the one thanking her for reigniting her yearning for adventure. She gives Liko her adventure log, having decided to set off on new adventures. Likewise, Liko gives her grandmother a gift in return, a bracelet that she made herself thanks to Ann teaching her how to do it.

After the ship drops off Diana at the port, the Rising Volt Tacklers are on a course for Paldea. They make finding the rest of the six heroes their top priority so that Terapagos can regain its power and the way to Rakua can open.

Friede: Hey, Ash, I have a gift for you

Friede hands Ash a Tera orb

Ash: My own Tera orb?!

Friede: Yep, I figured you earned it

Ash: Wow, my own Tera orb, and we're going back to Paldea? Isn't this great Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pika!

Chapter 36: The Wild Pair, Friede and Cap!

As the Brave Olivine heads to Paldea, Friede discusses taking a job to raise funds. Roy asks if adventuring is the Rising Volt Tacklers' job, but Friede says adventuring doesn't put food on the table. Murdock thinks he could deliver sweets while Orla asks her old work buddies who know anyone in need of mechanical repairs. Mollie asks Dot to make her a publicity video for medical consultations, and Murdock asks for one about his sweets, which Dot thinks is too much work. Roy volunteers to do heavy lifting. Liko says that she'll do anything, so does Ash, but Friede reminds them that they have classes.

As Terapagos sneaks into Liko's backpack, Liko has a talk with Ann, who is amazed that she caught a Hatenna in Galar, and is amazed that Ash caught an Applin. Classes begin, with Liko's homeroom teacher giving out an assignment. Students are to pick a trainer and their Pokémon partner they know and look up to and write a report on them. Looking at Sprigatito, Liko thinks on who to write the report about. Hearing Friede's voice, she gets an idea. Friede has found a friend who wants them to find their lost Pokémon. Friede offers to go alone, until Liko and Roy offer to come with him, the former wanting her report to be about Friede and Captain Pikachu

Ash: Well, I know who I'm gonna choose!

Liko: And who is that?

Ash: Me and Pikachu of course!

Liko: Oh, I was gonna do the same thing, guess I better find another duo.

Looking at Sprigatito, Liko thinks on who to write the report about. Hearing Friede's voice, she gets an idea. Friede has found a friend who wants them to find their lost Pokémon. Friede offers to go alone, until Ash, Liko and Roy offer to come with him, Liko wanting her report to be about Friede and Captain Pikachu

Friede and the kids arrive at a shack in a desert. Friede tells Ash, Liko and Roy to stay close to him. The man at the bar comes over and greets Friede. Liko and Roy introduce themselves, as does the man, whose name is Shine.

Shine: My goodness, Friede! How come you've never told me you knew the World Monarch?

Ash: We learned he likes to hide important info...

Liko: And save it for "Later" but Later never comes.

Friede: You kids know I'm right here.

Roy: Yep!

At the table, Shine shows the group a picture of his Pokémon he wants them to find, a Bramblin that he caught in Paldea. He also tells them to be wary of Pokémon poachers who have been sighted snatching up random wild Pokémon out there. Friede tells Liko that Shine works as a protector of wild Pokémon, and catching Pokémon stealers is part of his job. Liko is amazed by how reliable Friede and Cap are.

The group thinks that finding a tumbleweed looking Pokémon that blows in the wind will be difficult. Cap spots Bramblin behind a nearby bush, and Roy calls out to it. The Tumbleweed Pokémon is picked up by the wind and rolls away, Friede and Liko following behind. Cap tries to catch it, but misses. Bramblin goes behind a large rock, and Roy tries to catch up to it. However, he runs into the back of something gray and a herd Rhyhorn glare at the group before they are are chased out of their territory. Although they lost track of Bramblin, Friede looks at a sign that shows a desert to the left and an oasis to the right. He proposes heading left since Brambalin don’t like getting wet, but Cap thinks it went the other way. As the two start to butt heads about which way Bramblin went, Liko acknowledges that they do have their differences.

Roy: Can't we check both ways?

Ash and Pikachu exchange an awkward glance, they're glad they're not like this.

Pikachu spots Bramblin hanging from a tree on the high cliff above

Ash: Great job buddy! Guess they were both wrong!

Friede and Cap sweatdrop at that.

The wind blows Bramblin away again, so they go after it. Arriving at the desert, the group comes across a huge trail of tumbleweeds which Bramblin could blend with very well. After they searches the tumbleweeds for Bramblin without success, Liko watches the tumbleweeds, she eventually spots Bramblin among them, Terapagos falling out of her backpack as she gets up. Ash, Friede and Roy come over, but Bramblin is already gone.

Ash, Friede, Liko and Roy go around a town asking people about Bramblin, but they have no leads. Cap becomes annoyed when he spots to girls behind him calling him cute. This causes him to enter a sneezing fit.

Ash: What's wrong with Cap?

Friede: That's just his allergies, if someone calls him cute he can't stop sneezing.

Ash and Pikachu go over to him, Pikachu wiping his nose and Ash trying to comfort him, the kid has a soft spot for Pikachus, and then the girls recognize him as the World Monarch and he quickly picks up both Pikachu's and dashes off before things get worse

They exit the town, Friede reassuring Ash, Liko and Roy that being popular has its perks, to which an annoyed Cap pulls on his goggles and cheeks. Liko starts questioning whether this is the ideal bond she is going for. They arrive at an oasis and hide from some of the poachers, who they find out took Bramblin.

Ash acts on impulse and goes out of the bushes where they were hiding

Ash: Stop right there!

The two hunters turn around

Ash: I've got some questions for you!

Pikachu: Pikachu!

The hunters are shocked to see the World Monarch of all people confronting them.

A little while later, The hunters are trapped in an Electroweb and Friede calls Shine to pick them up. With that, the group decides to go where their leader is, which is where Bramblin is most likely being held.

They arrive to rescue Bramblin from the boss and her crew.

Ash: Hold it right there Hunters! You're gonn release every Pokemon in that cage, or we'll make you!

Boss: Oh great, The World Monarch thinks he can stop me

Lead Hunter: Don't worry ma'am, he won't bother you anymore, men! Shut him up!

The two other Hunters send out an Omastar and Toxtricity, while the lead one sends out a Mudsdale.

Toxtricity and Omastar use Acid Spray and Rock Blast, which Cap avoids and deflects without problem. Cap blows them both back with Thunder Punch, but when he goes for Mudsdale, it doesn’t have any effect do to the Draft Horse Pokémon being a Ground type. To make matters worse, when Cap catches the boss’s eye, she fawns over his cuteness, causing his allergy to kick in again. Mudsdale uses Mud-Slap, Toxtricity uses Acid, and Omastar uses Water Gun, all of which Cap still manages to avoid even in his fit of sneezing.

Ash: Oh no...

Boss: I want that Pikachu! Infact get me both Pikachus

Lead Hunter: Consider it done.

Ash: Oh no you don't!

Ash, Liko and Roy decide to step in as well, commanding Sprigatito and Fuecoco to use Ember and Leafage, Pikachu uses Iron Tail. Mudsdale uses Bulldoze to throw Cap, Sprigatito and Fuecoco off balance. Seeing this, Bramblin uses Power Whip on the cage. The boss sends out Avalugg, having it use Blizzard to cool down the captured Pokémon.

Boss: Not one more step, or the Pokemon get it!

Ash grits his teeth in anger

Friede decides to avoid being reckless before noticing a brief glow from Bramblin. Cap exchanges a look with Friede.

Friede: Alright! We gotta go in by force!

Ash: Got it!

Roy: Alright!

Liko: On it!

Cap doesn’t agree with this, and the two start to argue. Cap suddenly runs off and Friede sulks at his behavior, leaving the kids to handle matters.

Ash: I'll deal with them, you guys stop the hunters!

Ash lets out his Quaxly to help Liko and Roy

Friede tries to call to Ash to stop him, but he stops himself, instead continuing to sulk.

Liko again finds herself questioning their ideal bond, thinking she’ll have to revise her report. Liko and Roy get back to facing the poachers. Fuecoco counters Toxtricity's Thunder Shock with Ember, and Sprigatito meets Omastar’s Water Gun with Leafage. Ash's Quaxly uses Water gun against Mudstale Both sides are blown back, and Mudsdale uses Bulldoze again, but Sprigatito and Fuecoco and Ash's Quaxly avoid it.

Friede: Now!

Up on the cliff, a familar voice calls out

Ash: Pikachu! Iron Tail! Cap! Thunder Punch!

The two Pikachu's strike down Avalugg, and then Ash climbs down anf the three meet back up with the others, Mudsdale tries to use Mud-Slap on Cap, but he avoids it, hopping over the Draft Horse Pokémon. Friede praises Cap, leaving Liko very confused. Bramblin then darts around the cage using Rapid Spin. The energy output evolves it into Brambleghast, who uses a stronger Power Whip to break all the Pokémon out. Friede reveals that Friede and Cap planned the whole thing to get the poachers to take their eyes off the cage, Ash was an unexpected part, but he went with it. The boss stomps over, getting Friede and Cap to think she'll call him cute again, only to declare that Cap is not cute at all. Toxtricity and Omastar use Acid Spray and Rock Blast, which Cap avoids and retaliates with Thunder Punch, sending them high into the air. Mudsdale charges up for Stomp, but as Omastar and Toxtricity come down, Cap sends them into flying into Mudsdale with Thunder Punch, sending all three Pokémon into the cage. The boss is left saddened at her loss as Friede and Ash do the iconic high five with their respective Pikachus, with Liko amazed by their teamwork.

Back on the ship, after Ash, Liko gives her report to the class. She says that she can't describe what makes Friede and Cap so good together, but she does know this: When she's with those two, she feels overwhelming excitement. Sure they have been in some tight spots, but getting through it wit them has made her feel a lot stronger. She ends her report by saying she wants to be a trainer like Friede someday.

Notes:

A/N: I Don't know if you guys already noticed this or not, but most of these chapters aren't 100% written by me, I usually adapt summaries off Bulbapedia, so if there's no summary, then there's probably not gonna be a chapter, unless The Pokemon Wiki has a summary for me to use, so with that being said, the next chapter will have to be put on hold for a while.

Chapter 37: Mission: Find Oinkologne's Partner!

The episode starts with Dot doing a Nidothing livestream. Liko feels nervous, trying very hard to think of what to say. As the livestream continues, Nidothing gets to a commenter in Pigton Town who has recently become the trainer of an Oinkologne. She says that the Pigton Town Tag Battle is starting soon, but her partner doesn't want to team up with anyone. Nidothing thinks for a moment before knowing just the girl to help. After the livestream, Liko gets a call from Dot. Friede, Captain Pikachu, and Terapagos are startled by a cry from Liko.

Liko: You want me to help the Oinkologne trainer?!

Dot: Yeah, go to Pigton Town and see what she has to say.

Roy: I can go?

Ash: Me too?

Dot: Sure, just be sure to get loads of shots of Pigton Town for me!

Dot catches shots of Pigton Town on her Rotom Phone, leaving Liko overwhelmed that she's tagging along for a Nidothing shoot. Yuno, the commenter from the livestream, runs over to greet Quaxly before asking Liko if she is friends with Nidothing. Liko is happy, but hesitant to answer at first. Yuno introduces her partner, a female Oinkologne named Twirls, who is feeling down. Later, Yuno is excited to hear that Liko is SprigatitoSuperfan, having seen her collab with Iono, and is double excited when she remebers Ash is the World Monarch. Yuno points out her problem with twirls's feelings.

Liko: Y'know when I first met Sprigatito, I never could understand how it felt.

Ash: Same with me and Pikachu, but then we learned something...

Liko: If you want to understand your Pokemon's feelings, you have to let them know about yours

Yuno tries it for herself, telling Twirls that she wants to enter the Tag Battle, but not if it will make her sad. Twirls also gets encouragement from Quaxly.

Later, the group comes across a male Oinkologne, who Twirls has feelings for. Yuno is dismayed by this, knowing that Oinkologne belongs to Renta, Yuno's childhood friend who annoys her. Urged on by her partner, Yuno tells Renta that Twirls wants to team up with his Oinkologne, Prince, which Renta finds amusing.

Renta: Just because Twirls is best buds with the World Monarhc doesn't mean Prince will choose it.

Renta leaves the decision up to Prince, who turns away to Twirl's dismay. Prince releases his sweet scent from his tail, attracting a lot of female pig Pokémon to him. Liko panics when Sprigatito gets mesmerized as well. Twirls then runs off crying seeing Prince's stunt.

At the fountain, Dot suggests that Twirls gets a glow-up and a more confident attitude that will catch Prince's eye. Looking at Quaxly, Liko gets an idea. They give Twirls a wash and brush her fur to make her more polished. Liko gets the feeling that Yuno feels differently about Renta than what she shows. The group cheers for Twirls as she walks with a more proud posture. Then, Twirls tries to balance a pose. Liko notices that Yuno is still talking about Renta, getting the feeling that she is interested in him.

Liko: Y'know, I'm getting the feeling Yuno wants to be more than friends with Renta.

Roy: Yeah, I'm starting to see it too...

Ash: Yeah, like best friends!

Liko and Roy stare at Ash

Ash: What?

Liko: um, nothing

Ash walks off

Roy: Who knew the World Monarch could be so dense?

Liko: Tell me about it, I'd feel bad for anyone that fell for him.

The group meets back up with Renta and Prince. Renta remarks that this is not about Twirls and Prince teaming up, but rather Yuno and himself. An embarrassed Yuno denies it, but Liko knows different. Yuno sends Twirls to put Prince in his place with a charming pose, but he is still not impressed, leaving Twirls downhearted.

Renta: Ha! Even Twirls' new walk and pose couldn't win my Prince over!

Ash: Oh shut it you, you're only saying that beacuse every other girl pokemon flies to Prince beacuse of his scent, with that, he's nothing.

Renta glares as Ash smirks, there that oughta shut him up

As Renta and Prince are about to walk off however, Quaxly steps in to challenge Prince, to Dot's shock. The trainers in the area hear Nidothing's voice and recognize her Quaxly. The Duckling Pokémon then breaks into a dance that amazes Liko and Roy, and shocks Dot even more. Ash's Quaxly pops out of it's ball and joins in. Yuno and Twirls are left in awe at the two Quaxly's dance. Eventually, the duo Quaxly's dancing steals Prince's crowd. Jealous, Prince kicks dirt into both Quaxlys, to the group's dismay, although both Quaxlys quickly brushes themselves off.

Ash: Hey! That wasn't very nice, what's wrong, can't handle the truth even though it's just been proved?

Renta gets even more angry

Suddenly, Twirls tackles Prince back in retaliation, angering Renta. As Ash, Liko and Roy watch the two argue, Twirls steps between them and releases her sweet scent into the air. The scent relaxes and mesmerizes everyone, including Liko, who figures out that Twirls is giving off the scent for Yuno and Renta since they weren't being honest about each other's feelings. Prince walks up to Kuru-chan, who, in a display of irony, turns away his dismay. Renta finally decides to team up with Yuno, who is still in denial. Dot thinks those two never change, but Liko knows that they are getting along in a way, same with their partners. Liko tells Yuno that she's happy for her, and Yuno says it is only because Renta begged her to join him. With that, Renta and Yuno request a practice Tag Battle with Liko and Roy before the Pigton Town Tag Battle, since they both know they have no chance against Ash, which Liko and Roy accept.

Ash: Sweet another battle! I'll direct!

Dot gets the scoop as the battle is about to begin. Prince makes the first move, using a Double-Edge that Sprigatito dodges. Fuecoco uses Ember, but Kuru-chan blocks it with Mud-Slap. Liko is amazed by how in sync Yuno and Renta are before commanding Sprigatito to use Leafage. Kuru-chan dodges using the dance moves from Quaxly unleashed before using Body Slam on Fuecoco. As Prince uses Work Up, Sprigatito and Fuecoco charge with Quick Attack and Tackle. Prince avoids using Dig before coming back up and attacking Sprigatito. Liko asks her partner if she is okay, and Sprigatito is ready for more. Sprigatito and Fuecoco blow both Oinkologne back with Leafage and Stomping Tantrum. Yuno, Renta and their partners decide to go all out with Double-Edge.

The combined attack against Sprigatito and Fuecoco transitions into it knocking out a Mamoswine, resulting in Yuno and Renta winning the Pigton Town Tag Battle. Nidothing gives her scoop on their marvelous victory before interviewing Yuno about it. She says that it was thanks to the support of Nidothing, SprigatitoSuperfan and The World Monarch. Nidothing asks Yuno if she and her "ideal partner" are getting along, and she immediately becomes bashful. Ash, Liko and Roy are amazed by everything working out for Yuno as Dot reads the comments. However, she becomes embarrassed when one of her comments reads about Nidothing playing Cupid, as the other three share a laugh.

Chapter 38: Fuecoco... Becomes a Crook?!

As the Brave Olivine continues its trip to Paldea, the Rising Volt Tacklers get a job request from an archaeologist friend to remove a rock that's in the way of their excavation work. Mollie thinks it won't pay much if it's just moving a rock, but they change their minds when Friede shows that it will indeed pay a lot.

Arriving at the excavation site, Liko acknowledges that Terapagos loves bathing in the desert's normally harsh sunlight. However, Liko also sees that Roy's eyes don't do well with bright sunlight as he and Fuecoco work on a new move while training with Ash. Snorunt offers them a cold glass of Shuckle's juice. Liko thanks Shuckle for the juice before noticing Roy's scrunched face, mistaking him for being mad when the sun is just blinding him. Murdock comes out and gives Roy a pair of sunglasses. Murdock offers Liko and Ash a pair as well, but the sunlight doesn't bother Liko as much as it does Roy. But Ash takes a pair. Looking as Fuecoco's amazed expression, she gives the sunglasses to him instead. The crew is getting bored waiting for the go-ahead call from the client. The machines are heard running, but it is shortly followed by an alarm and someone shouting that "they" are back, so Friede goes to the site to check it out.

Back on the ship, Friede proposes to investigate inside the ruins to figure out what's going on. Ash, Roy and Liko offer to come, but Friede thinks it's too dangerous since the Pokémon that attacked the excavation crew are down there. The kids still insist on coming, Ash reminding Friede he's more than able to protect himself and the others, and Friede finally complies.

Ash: Wait! If we're looking for a Krookodile family, I think I know someone who can help

Ash pulls out his phone, pushes a few buttons, and a Poke Ball appears in his hand, and he opens it and out comes his Krookodile, still wearing his cool sunglasses

Ash: What better way to find a family of Krookodile than having a Krookodile to help you?

In the ruins, the group start looking for signs of Krokorok and Krookodile. Cap hears something and runs off with Friede and Liko following behind. Fuecoco sees and follows eyes poking out from the sand. The pair of eyes belong to a Sandile, who bursts out of the ground and bite Fuecoco on the tail. Roy sees this and scans the Desert Croc Pokémon with his Pokédex. Knowing that's one of the hostile Pokémon mentioned by Friede, Ash and Roy chase after it until it burrows to get away. However, before they can go tell Friede, Ash, Roy, Fuecoco, Pikachu and Ash's Krookodile get swallowed up by a sinkhole that appears below them. Meanwhile, Liko and Friede spot a lot of tracks belonging to the Sandile family, believing they probably built their nest down here. Friede tells Ash, Liko and Roy not to leave his side, and it takes a while before he and Liko realize that Ash and Roy are not with them anymore.

After falling into the sinkhole, Ash and Roy end up at the nest of those Pokémon. He gets nervous seeing the Krookodile (with feminine eyelashes) and Krokorok with the Sandile from before, thinking the two are like a mom and dad. The newly hatched Sandile scurry out of their nest, but the Krokorok and Krookodile gather them up. When the Sandile start crying, Krookodile and Krokorok create a beat with their tails to calm them down. Roy and Fuecoco start playing along to the rhythm as a trio of three more Krokorok confront the intruders.

Ash: We don't wanna hurt ya! Tell em Krookodile!

Ash's Krookodile talks to the trio of Krokorok in hopes to calm them down, the mother Krookodile sees that Roy and Fuecoco joining in has calmed down the Sandile.

Meanwhile, Liko and Friede go back the way they came to look for Ash and Roy. They follow Cap to an indent in the ground. Cap jumps on it, revealing the sinkhole that got Roy, the three getting sucked down too. They end up in the Krookodile and Krokorok's nest and see Ash and Roy and Fuecoco wearing their sunglasses, harmonizing with the Pokemon's rhythm as the sunlight from above shines down on them. Watching this display, Friede and Liko find Roy to be such an enigma. The Desert Croc family uses Round to smash a nearby boulder. Friede points out this move before praising Ash and Roy on making friends with the Desert Croc family. Roy takes a moment to get serious, saying that the Desert Croc family were unfairly called "savage" Pokémon. The group notices the ceiling above crumbling as the excavation team is starting up again. They realize that the Desert Croc family were trying to defend their home. As Krookodile leads the Krokorok to stop them again, the group goes to stop the fight.

Above ground, Krookodile and the Krokorok plan their attack. However, Luxray spots them under the sand using it's X-ray vision, alerting the workers to their presence. Despite Roy's pleas, the male worker has Minccino use Dazzling Gleam and the female worker commands Diggersby to use Hammer Arm. Seeing the Krokorok trio down angers the Krookodile and her husband, who use Crunch and Take Down on Minccino and Diggersby. The two then start attacking the excavation machines. Knowing they are in a blind rage, Roy has Fuecoco stop them with Tackle, but the Fire Croc Pokémon is just swiped back by Krookodile's tail. Fuecoco runs over, putting his glasses on and making a rhythm as Ash, Liko and Friede arrive. The Sandile also arrive to support Fuecoco. Knowing what Fuecoco is trying to do, Roy tells Fuecoco to go for it. With the support of Roy and the Sandile, Fuecoco learns Disarming Voice, which makes Krookodile and Krokorok stop their attack. Everyone is relieved as Roy praises Fuecoco's new move.

Friede tells the archaeologist that the noise from the excavation was disturbing the Desert Croc family's nest. Looking that the Sandile playing with the other Pokémon, Roy gets an idea. As Orla, Mollie and Murdock arrive, having grown impatient, The Desert Croc family uses Round to smash the rock. However, the Rising Volt Tacklers are bummed out knowing that they did not have to use the ship, so their pay was smashed too. The ship departs, Fuecoco, Ash's Krookodile and the Desert Croc family seeing each other off with Disarming Voice, Aerial Ace and Round, shortly after Ash has his Krookodile sent back to Oak's lab. Liko knows that even though they didn't get paid, Roy and Fuecoco gained something better.

Chapter 39: The SOS is from Tandemaus?

One the way to Paldea, a storm forces the Brave Olivine to make a landing. After the storm, Ash, Friede and Roy notice that the flag has been damaged. Mollie also requests Pokémon check-ups since it will be a while before they get off the ground.

After Mollie finishes with Snorunt, Liko comes in requesting a check-up for Hatenna. It has been feeling off because of the storm; one just like the one from when she and her trainer first met. Chansey gets a fluffy white towel for Hatenna. Liko notices that Hatenna has taken a liking to Chansey. Friede's Charizard, Slugma and Carkol, Ash's pokemon and Ash come in, all exhausted from having worked so hard in the engine room during that storm. Liko tends to Charizard, who instantly perks back up once it has one of Chansey's eggs. Next, Shuckle comes in, and Hatenna trembles a bit. After Mollie gets a tiny thorn out of its hind leg, Chansey takes the lingering pain away with Heal Pulse. Hatenna seems elated by this move, wanting to learn how to use it too. Suddenly, she runs out and point Ash, Liko and Mollie to an injured Tandemaus. Looking up the Pokémon on her Pokédex, Liko thinks there should be another since they are usually seen in pairs that never split up. Mollie believes this could be an emergency. Liko notices something troubling Hatenna, and Mollie thinks that she's taking in Tandemaus's feelings. Mollie decides to let it rest in the infirmary and make finding the other one their top priority. However, Tandemaus jumps out of Chansey's arms and has the group follow it into the forest.

They arrive at a cave with a fallen tree blocking it. The Tandemaus calls into it, making Liko realize that its partner is in there. They try to push the tree, but it's too heavy. Liko decides to widen the gap at the bottom, having Sprigatito dig with Tandemaus. While Mollie isn't able to fit through the gap, Liko volunteers.

Ash: I'll go with you!

The two enter the gap

Entering the cave, it isn't long before Ash and Liko find Tandemaus's partner, handing it over to Mollie. Liko hears Tandemaus crying into the cave again, realizing there may in fact be more in there. She also lets Hatenna wait outside knowing this may be too much for her. Liko tells Mollie and Ash that Tandemaus may have more friends trapped in the cave, and despite Mollie's protest, Liko ventures in anyway.

Ash: Don't worry Mollie! I'll go after her!

Ash runs after Liko

Hatenna, feeling worried about Liko, asks for Chansey's help. Chansey gives the Calm Pokémon one of its eggs, and Mollie gives her a fluffy white towel to carry it into the cave.

Ash and Liko come to a branching pathway, getting confused as to which way to go. Liko gets even more worried when Tandemaus suddenly collapses from exhaustion.

Ash picks up the Pokemon

Ash: We should hurry, if there are more then they're proably like this one...

Outside the cave, Mollie has gotten the entire crew to help get Ash and Liko out of the cave. They tie a rope to the tree and all pull together to move it out of the way. Mollie calls to them, but hears Liko's voice from a hole off to the side, filled with relief that they and the Pokémon are okay as she throws her arms around Liko. Liko reveals that the Tandemaus helped her escape by gnawing through the rock. She also shares that Hatenna learned Heal Pulse. Mollie praises the Calm Pokémon, who suddenly falls back from exhaustion.

Back on the ship, Mollie, Hatenna and Chansey chase Maushold (who made their new home on the ship) around the infirmary. Liko looks up Maushold on her Pokédex, revealing that was the Pokémon they saved, not Tandemaus. Mollie was so focused on treating the patient she already had that she hadn't even considered that possibility.

Liko: And it was all thanks to Hatenna!

Ash: Yep! Great job Hatenna!

Maushold runs out with Hatenna and Chansey still giving chase.

Notes:

I know the chapter didn't provide much, but man it feels good to be back :)

Chapter 40: Tinkatink's Ideal Hammer

With the Brave Olivine still heading for Paldea, Dot does a Nidothing livestream. One of her commenters says that they can't hear her, and as she tries to fix the problem, the computer ends up falling apart, leaving the video on standby. Ash and Liko come running to Dot's door to make sure she's okay. Upon opening the door, Liko covers her eyes at the sight of Dot coming out of the Nidothing costume, trying to make herself believe that Nidothing is Nidothing and that there is nobody inside her. A dejected Dot decides to cancel the livestream.

Friede decides to make Tetsuron Town their next stop to stock up on supplies, which thrills Orla since she is running low on iron for ship repairs. Liko asks about the town, and Mollie says that it's a place famous for industrial products, which include machines. Dot contacts Liko, requesting a new mic if she's going; a condenser-type unidirectional cardioid.

Liko: A what?

Ash: Sorry Dot, we have no idea what you're talking about, why don't you come with us?

Dot becomes nervous, but Roy thinks it's a good idea. However, Murdock insists that Dot already has so much to do, making Dot shudder anxiously. The ship arrives outside Tetsuron Town, and as everyone goes outside to see it, Dot comes out having decided to go out shopping.

In the town, Ash, Dot, Liko, and Roy get the mic Dot needs from a store. Dot walks the three around, eventually arriving at the specialty shop district. Ash, Liko and Roy decide to check it out, and Dot simply smiles and complies. As Ash looks at an old phone, Liko looks at an old TV and Roy checks out an old radio, Dot obtains a pink microphone to use as a prop for her videos. Dot then notices that Ash, Liko and Roy are gone. She takes out her phone to call them but realizes that they'll think she got lost if she calls them.

Ash walks around the shopping center, but he stops when he passes a random booth, and Applin comes out of his ball and moves excitedly towards it

Ash: You spot something you like buddy?

Pikachu: Pika?

Applin gestures towards a sign on the booth, it reads "Syrupy Apples! Fresh from the land of Kitikami! Only 500 Pokédollars!

Ash sees that it looks like no one runs the booth, but Applin really wants one, so he leaves some money there and takes one

Ash: Here ya go Applin!

Applin levaes its old applie and goes into his new one, and starts to glow Ash stands in shock, its evolving!

The shine stops as Applin appears covered in red syurp and a long rod between it's eyes

Ash: Who's that pokemon?

Ash pulls out his pokedex

Rotom: Dipplin, the Candy Apple Pokémon and the evolved form of Applin, a grass and dragon type, Dipplin is two creatures in one Pokémon. Its evolution was triggered by a special apple grown only in one place, Dipplin's signature move is Syrup Bomb

Ash: Wow! congrats Dipplin! You evolved!

Ash and Pikachu embrace their newly evolved friend.

Meanwhile, Dot soon comes across a Tinkatink trying to take a worker's iron hammer, despite his pleas not to. The tearful Tinkatink runs towards him, but trips over a rock, dropping her hammer. Dot hands Tinkatink her hammer before the Metalsmith Pokémon becomes amazed seeing the pink microphone she got, taking it and hitting it with her hammer to Dot's dismay. She scans Tinkatink with her Pokédex, realizing that Tinkatink is trying to turn her new mic into a new hammer. After watching Tinkatink for a bit, Dot hears Liko and Roy calling for her. She looks at Tinkatink before heading to their location, which doesn't go unnoticed by the Metalsmith Pokémon. With Dot meeting up with the two, Liko thinks Dot got lost, to which the latter says that they were the ones who were lost. Tinkatink finishes her new hammer and is satisfied with the results, Ash reunites with everyone else and shows off Dipplin, and the others are impressed and excited for it.

The kids arrive at the ship, where Murdock immediately runs over and throws his arms around Dot, having been incredibly worried about anything happening to her. As they head back inside, something is seen tunneling in the ground below them. Ludlow senses its presence, saying that the waves are calm, but a storm is approaching. Maushold is hanging out in the hold when that same figure scares them away. It then proceeds to devour the iron bars stored in the hold.

Later, Orla is excited to tend to the ship with all that iron she bought. However, her excitement to turns to shock at the sight of all the iron ransacked. She demands to know who is responsible, and Dot thinks she just might know. Tinkatink arrives on the ship, happy with her new hammer provided by Dot. However, she runs into Muk. Both of them get frightened by each other, with Tinkatink running away in fear and Muk collapsing. Running into the engine room, Tinkatink gets frightened even more at the sight of Slugma in the furnace and Carkol looking at her, running away from them too. Dot sees a hole in the ship made by some kind of Pokémon but has doubts that it was made by Tinkatink. Arriving in a dark hallway, Tinkatink gets scared and runs away from a scary-looking shadow around the corner, which turns out to be Orla's Elekid and Metagross playing together. Dot hears Tinkatink's voice, catching the Metalsmith Pokémon as she comes down the stairs. Dot asks Tinkatink why she's here, and Tinkatink shows Dot her new hammer, which elates her that she likes it. Knowing what Tinkatink's true intentions were, Dot thinks that another Pokémon was behind the iron being destroyed.

Ash, Liko and Roy arrive, and Dot introduces Tinkatink to them as someone who likes to make hammers out of iron. Murdock arrives to hear this, getting the idea that Tinkatink was the one responsible for Orla's iron going missing. Tinkatink stands still nervously before running off prompting everyone to run after it. Running from Ash, Roy and Liko, Tinkatink runs into Rockruff in the meeting room before Liko goes around back. Roy tries and fails to catch Tinkatink in the meeting room, and Tinkatink jumps off Liko's back to get away from her, Ash tries to jump after it, but he lands on Liko. Friede notices this, Liko telling him that Murdock thinks Tinkatink is the culprit. Heading into the hold, Tinkatink runs into Mollie and Orla as the others arrive as well. An overwhelmed Tinkatink starts to tear up, leaving the others confused. Dot rushes in and defends Tinkatink, telling the crew that the Metalsmith Pokémon was only trying to find her so she could show her the new hammer. She reveals that she found a large hole in the ship that was made by something bigger, the real culprit. Friede enters and agrees with Dot, saying that the iron wasn't stolen; it was eaten. The scraps left behind show bite marks, and Tinkatink are not known to eat iron. Dot reassures Tinkatink that everything is fine now that they know the truth.

Friede is ready to reveal the true culprit behind the missing iron, who comes crashing in and reveals itself as an Orthworm. Liko scans it with her Pokédex just as it makes a lunge for the group, forcing them to move out of the way. Orthworm snatches up Tinkatink's hammer before burrowing through the floor. Seeing Tinkatink's tears, Dot knows how precious that hammer is to her and jumps into the hole with Tinkatink to get it back, and Ash, wanting to befriend evry pokemon, follows suit. As Ash and Dot arrives outside the ship, it suddenly starts falling over, Orthworm having cut the anchor. The Earthworm Pokémon then swallows Tinkatink's hammer and taunts the group. Quaxly uses Water Gun, but Orthworm burrows underground to avoid it. It then lunges at the group, who jump out of the way. Friede and Charizard catch the ship's cut line as it is about to fall over. As the others come outside, Friede tells Dot to just focus on getting Tinkatink's hammer back. With that, Dot pulls back the hair covering her eyes ready to take on Orthworm, who emerges from the ground. Quaxly uses Water Gun, and Orthworm dodges before taunting Tinkatink. Seeing Orthworm slither around the wet part of the ground, Dot gets an idea, whuspering something to Ash, and he sends out Dipplin, Dot has Quaxly use Water Gun to draw it in. As Dot keeps this up, Friede and Liko can tell that she has some kind of plan. As secretly, Ash had Dipplin use Syrup Bomb to create a circle of wet syrup that traps Orthworm, Liko figures it out, the others knowing that Orthworm rusts if it gets wet. As Orthworm charges, Quaxly uses Pound, which hits the Earthworm Pokémon hard and makes it spit out Tinkatink's hammer. Tinkatink leaps and grabs her hammer before bringing it down onto Orthworm, defeating it and forcing it to retreat. Dot praises Tinkatink, who lifts her hammer in the air triumphantly.

At sunset, Ash, Liko and Roy apologize to Tinkatink for chasing her around earlier before bidding her farewell. The kids are ready to head back inside, but Dot stops in place, with Tinkatink starting to tear up again. Dot isn't sure what to say at times like these, feeling like Tinkatink wants to come with her. Quaxly hands Dot a Poké Ball, and Dot asks Tinkatink if she would mind being caught by her. Tinkatink is thrilled and smacks the button with her hammer. Successfully catching Tinkatink, Dot lets her out of the Poké Ball and promises that the two will be good friends. Murdock tears up at his niece growing up so fast. Later, Dot starts another Nidothing livestream, apologizing for the technical difficulties before introducing Tinkatink as her new friend. Nidothing's zipper catches Tinkatink's eye, and she grabs it and pulls it down, making Dot panic as Quaxly frantically shuts off the camera.

Chapter 41: Farewell, Sprigatito?

Stationed near Tetsuron Town, the Rising Volt Tacklers patch up the holes in the Brave Olivine made by Orthworm. Tinkatink runs off with Dot following behind. Friede and Murdock see this, the latter tearing up at how Dot has grown up, prompting Orla to tease him. Liko's Sprigatito is laying down next to her trainer, who is giving Hatenna and Terapagos a bath. Liko wants to give Sprigatito a bath as well, but she just walks away. Just then, she sees a house with cat ear-like windows in the nearby forest.

Just as Liko finishes washing her Pokémon friends, Roy comes over wanting to battle, which she accepts.

Ash runs in

Ash: I call dibs on directing!

Fuecoco starts off with Ember, which Sprigatito dodges. As she is about to use Quick Attack however, Fuecoco keeps her back with Disarming Voice. Sprigatito uses Scratch to cut through Fuecoco's following Ember. Terapagos and Hatenna see the battle and come out onto the wing deck. Liko commands a big Leafage, but as Fuecoco dodges, Hatenna and Terapagos end up in Sprigatito's line of fire, prompting Liko to shield them. Getting blown down, Liko lands on her wrist, injuring it to Sprigatito's horror. Sprigatito tries to apologize, and her trainer says it's fine. Ash and Roy take Liko to the infirmary to have Mollie look at the injury. As Mollie patches up Liko's sprained hand, a guilt stricken Sprigatito can only watch before walking away from the door. Soon, Sprigatito decides to head over to the house she spotted earlier. Mollie gives Liko a brace for her left hand and informs her not to use it to hold anything heavy. After reassuring Terapagos and Hatenna, Liko notices that Sprigatito is gone.

Sprigatito arrives at the gates to the house, spotting several other Sprigatito playing together. Sprigatito walks through the gates. The person inside spots Sprigatito and recognizes her. Meanwhile, Ludlow tells Liko that Sprigatito went towards the house in the forest. Liko tells Hatenna to watch Terapagos for her while she goes to find Sprigatito, Ash joins her. However, Hatenna panics when she turns and sees that Terapagos has instantly vanished. As Ash and Liko look for Sprigatito in the woods, Liko wonders if this is her fickle side showing again, though she's never wandered so far from the ship before. Ash and Liko arrive at the house, hesitantly wandering inside before spotting a Sprigatito, running after it thinking it may be hers. However, she becomes overwhelmed running into more Sprigatito before being greeted by Manya, the owner of the house. Liko frantically apologizes for trespassing. But as she's about to introduce herself, Manya reveals that she already knows Liko and Ash from the Indigo Academy, which shocks them.

Manya: You think I'd not know the World Monarch?

Ash: Oh my Arceus how'd you know?!

Liko stares at Ash with a bit of annoyance

Liko: Ash, your title is publicly known

Ash: Oh yeah....

Manya shares with Ash and Liko that she is a Pokémon Breeder and shares Liko's love for cat Pokémon. Liko asks how Manya knows her, and she says that she never forgets the Pokémon that head out into the world, or the people who pick them as their partners. Liko becomes excited to know that her Sprigatito was raised here. Manya says that she also helps with helping Indigo Academy students find their partner Pokémon, and she remembers Liko particularly well. Manya shares how Liko's Sprigatito was unique with its fickle and carefree nature, even more so than the rest of its peers, and had trouble fitting in. Liko hears that Sprigatito didn't look to happy when Manya spotted her earlier, saying that she suddenly ran off. Manya tells Liko that it's rare that a Pokémon leaves its partner and comes to her place by itself. Manya shares a sad truth about a Pokémon and its trainer not getting along and having to stop being partners. Liko is horrified to hear this and insists that she and Sprigatito are doing fine before going off to look for her partner.

Ash: Miss, I swear their bond is nearly as strong as the one I have with Pikachu, this is probably one big misunderstanding.

Ash runs after Liko

The two are now looking for Sprigatito

Liko: I know Sprigatito better than anyone.

Ash: Yeah, that girl just doesn't truly know you, sure she raised your partner, but the Liko she knows is the shy afraid girl who just started at Indigo Academy, and not the super awesome, super confident Liko standing right next to me!

Liko smiles at Ash's words, platonically

Liko: Thanks Ash

Ash: Of course! Now, Sprigatito's partner, where do you think she'd be?

Liko thinks for a moment, then says...

Liko: Somewhere warm, and sunny.

Ash: Well let's getting looking!

Liko spots Sprigatito on the roof of Manya's house, and it doesn't take long for Ash to catch up. Sprigatito also spots them, but turns away in guilt upon seeing Liko's brace. Despite this, Liko tells Sprigatito that it wasn't her fault. Liko also tells Sprigatito that how she found out that this is where she grew up. Liko wonders if Sprigatito is mad at her when she walks away. Liko thinks Sprigatito must be feeling sulky, offering to get some matcha cake for it on the way back. Sprigatito hops through the window, Ash and Liko trying to get her to come back to the ship so they can finish their battle with Roy, or have some snacks first. Ash and Liko get distracted by two other Sprigatito making scent on pillows before continuing to follow her Sprigatito. As Hatenna and Terapagos arrive at Manya's house, Liko catches Sprigatito and questions how it's feeling. Not wanting Sprigatito to quit on their partnership, Liko desperately tries to convince her to stay. However, Sprigatito scratches Liko's hand and run away, leaving her in a state of dread. Reminded of how Sprigatito was acting when they first met at the Indigo Academy.

Liko starts to tear up

Liko: Maybe Spirgatito doesn't like me anymore...

Ash notices her tears are tries to reassure her

Ash: No Liko! No! She's just a little gulity, I promise we just need to get our messgae clear to her, the fact the you're not willing to give up on her shows your starting off better than some of my closest friends!

Manya comes over and invites Ash and Liko inside for tea and sweets. Liko recognizes the flavor of the tea as matcha. She tastes it and shakes at the bitter taste, but finds it relaxing too. Manya offers Liko sweets too, but she declines, but Ash early accepts. Noticing Liko's uneasiness, Manya notes that Sprigatito used to make that same face.

Manya shares Sprigatito's story with Ash and Liko. She would rest on her favorite spot on the roof until she would get bored. Seeing the other Sprigatito playing together, she'd want no part of it. This was until Sprigatito saved one of its friends from a fall with her unusually powerful Leafage. After this, she became popular among the other cat Pokémon, and would actually leave the roof to play with them. However, one day while Sprigatito was using her Leafage to pick Oran Berries from the trees, her friends were snatched up by a Spidops that would come around and cause trouble with its traps every now and then. Sprigatito managed to use Leafage to drive it off, but accidentally ended up hurting its friends in the process. Sadly with this, the others begin to fear and avoid Sprigatito, sparking a long-lasting repression of using Leafage again. As her friends found trainers and left Manya's, Sprigatito stayed on that roof, unable to let go of her guilt.

Ash: See Liko? Sprigatito just has a hard time letting go of her own gulit.

Just then, Liko thinks back to Sprigatito having trouble using Leafage when they first met, figuring out that she was repressing herself because of what happened with Spidops. Liko looks at her brace, realizing that accidently hurting her with Leafage made Sprigatito think that she would fear her, like all her friends did. Manya says that it was a relief that Liko and Sprigatito were able to meet in her interview for the Indigo Academy. Sure enough, Manya was there too, and she knew that Liko would be the perfect partner for Sprigatito seeing how the Grass Cat Pokémon couldn't stop gazing at her.

Finally taking in the pain Sprigatito carries, Liko goes to find her partner, Ash following. Sprigatito arrives at the Oran Berry trees, making her feel bad again. Liko finds her, and just as Sprigatito is about to avoid her again, she steps in front of her partner and catches her. Liko then tickles Sprigatito before the Grass Cat Pokémon prepares to scratch her again. However, Liko doesn't mind if Sprigatito scratches her, reminding Sprigatito of everything they have been through together since they met. Everything new and scary to Liko felt possible to overcome because she had Sprigatito with her. Liko tells Sprigatito that she wants to face the future with her partner by her side. As Sprigatito retracts her claws, Liko embraces her.

Seeing this, Ash faces Pikachu and scratches his chin.

Ash: I'm greatful for you buddy.

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Just then, Liko hears Hatenna's voice, and she and Ash find her and Terapagos in the Oran Berry patch. The two can barely react before they are snatched up by the same Spidops from back then, enraging Sprigatito.

Ash is about to do something, but a net snatches up Pikachu, and he looks up and sees a familar balloon.

Ash: Oh boy....

James: Well hello there twerp!

Jessie: Say, do you like my new Pokemon, after we heard that pathetic little sob sotry I just knew I had to have it!

Meowth: And Your Pikachu!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

James sends out his Capsakid while Ash sends out his Quaxly and Dipplin, letting Liko deal with Spidops

Just as Spirgatito is about to hesitate again though, Liko gives her encouragement. She commands Sprigatito to use Leafage, which becomes a new move, Magical Leaf. The attack knocks Spidops away and frees Hatenna and Terapagos. Ash has Quaxly use Water gun to blast back Capsakid and Dipplin use ROllout to free Pikachu, and then Pikachu uses Thunderbolt to blast them off.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

As Ash, his Pokemon, Liko and Spirgatito celebrate their victory, Manya points out that their bond caused the move to evolve. Liko praises Sprigatito, as do Terapagos and Hatenna, and Ash and his team, with Manya proud that Sprigatito was able to find a great family.

Back at the Brave Olivine, Roy and Liko decide to finish their battle. Fuecoco uses Ember, which Sprigatito dodges with Quick Attack. Roy commands a Stomping Tantrum, and Liko responds by having Sprigatito leap high in the air. She then commands Sprigatito to use Magical Leaf, shocking Roy. The Magical Leaf knocks Fuecoco out in one shot, making Liko the winner. The Rising Volt Tacklers praise Liko as she and Sprigatito exchange a celebratory high five.

Chapter 42: A Wild Mom Appears!

The chapter begins with Dot following Tinkatink around the Brave Olivine. As the Metalsmith Pokémon arrives at the kitchen door, Dot gets a text from someone, but decides to ignore it to focus on Tinkatink. Murdock opens the door, letting Tinkatink in to Dot's dismay. Friede and Charizard pick up the one who contacted Dot. She is annoyed that Dot read the message but ignored it. Murdock chases Tinkatink around the kitchen trying to get his frying pan back from her. They all run out of the kitchen, Murdock leaving his Rotom Phone in there as texts from the same person come in. Annoyed by not receiving her regular report, the person sends Murdock several angry Primeape faces. The chase continues outside the observation deck, Ash, Liko and Roy chasing Tinkatink too. They all spot her on the wing deck, running into Terapagos and being sent flying.

Luckily when Friede arrives, Tinkatink is caught by the Midnight Form Lycanroc belonging to the person sending all those texts, who is revealed to be Murdock's sister Blanca, Dot's mom, surprising Ash, Liko and Roy. Blanca claims that she is just popping in, and scolds Murdock and Dot for not responding to her texts. She explains to Murdock that his check-ins have been getting more and more brief so she decided to swing by in person. Blanca says that Friede was kind enough to give her a ride and as she goes on about how smooth Charizard's skin is, Lycanroc stops her from going off topic, something she often tends to do.

Blanca: Well, it is a nice surprise to know that the World Monarch has been with Dot all this time

Ash: Thanks, I guess..

Ash pets Lycanroc

Friede: Say Ash, you seem to be familiar with Lycanroc.

Ash: Yep, I had a friend in Alola that has this exact form, and I have one of my own.

Ash shows Friede his Rotom Phone, which is on the page of his Lycanroc, and Friede looks shocked.

Friede: I've never seem that form of Lycanroc before!

Ash: Oh yeah, that's Dusk Form Lycanroc.

Friede: Lycanroc has a third form?!

Ash: Yeah, well I remember being told it was never seen before

Friede: So you're telling me you got a never before seen third form of Lycanroc?!

Ash: Yep!

Friede faints at this new info

Blanca remembers that she came to pick up Dot since her "trial period" is over. Blanca tells Ash, Liko and Roy that Dot is only on the Brave Olivine as a trial, and as she turns to Dot, she is not there. Blanca doesn't sweat it, saying that she and her daughter can catch up when they're home, to Ash, Roy and Liko's shock.

As Dot heads to her room and lays down on the bed, Murdock apologizes for his little sister's brand of energy. This prompts Blanca to start talking up a storm again, only for Lycanroc to cut her off. Murdock knows how Blanca has never stopped worrying about her daughter, Friede remarking how much bigger of a worrywart she is than Murdock. However, Dot can't really match her mother's energy, apart from when she's streaming. Blanca becomes intrigued by hearing that's what she was always doing whenever she was cooped up in her room, Roy remarking how she does that at her own home too. Blanca tells the group how Dot got super mad at her for barging into her room one time. Roy thinks that Nidothing was in the middle of a livestream. Blanca has never heard of this Nidothing character. Liko suddenly remembers that she caught that stream live, becoming excited to meet the "mom" from that livestream, though Ash calms her down.

Ash: Easy Liko, not now, there's more important things than meeting someone who appeared in one stream.

Blanca decides to look up Nidothing on her phone. Seeing how popular her daughter is as this costumed streamer, she goes to ask her about it herself. Seeing how Murdock can't stop her, he shows Blanca some donuts for Dot, as it is one way she will open up more. He hands them to Maushold to take to his niece. Blanca decides to go ask Dot about that too. However, Ash, Liko and Roy want to talk to Dot instead. As they exit the room, Blanca is moved to tears by her daughter having made such great friends.

At Dot's door, Ash Liko and Roy request to hear her side of the story, and about her "trial period". They don't want their friend to leave the crew like this. Roy tells Liko that maybe now is not a good time and that they should head back. Quaxly points to the door, and Dot opens it thinking they're gone. It's only after seeing that Ash, Liko and Roy fooled her with reverse psychology that Dot finally tells them everything. She says that the trial period was her idea, having felt like she wasn't getting anywhere being stuck in her house all the time.

Dot: I made the app and joined the crew by convincing my mom that it was a trial period. She agreed on the grounds that I could stay until the period was over

Ash: I see, Dot you were just scared to face your mom, make senses seeing how protective she is, but what parent isn't, Liko and Roy know that, don't you guys?

Liko and Roy get reminders of when they were afraid to tell their father and grandfather respectively that they wanted to leave home to join the crew

Ash: And I know it too.

Ash shows his Rotom Phone, showing many calls from Delia, Professor Kukui, and Professor Burnet.

Roy: Why are those two professor constantly calling you?

Ash: Well, you know how some pokemon have regional forms, like Meowth, or Wooper

Liko, Roy, and Dot nod

Ash: Well, I like to think the professors as my Alolan parents.

Blanca enters, surprised that Dot is out of her room. Liko tells her that she came to pick up Dot, and Blanca is quick to admit it herself. Blanca then confronts Dot saying that she never tells her anything. Dot calls her annoying under her breath, to which Blanca knows she's that way but she's her mother. As Lycanroc is about to cut her off again, Liko chimes in, wanting Dot to find the time to talk. As Blanca wonders what to do, she sees Quaxly and realizes that Dot became a Pokémon Trainer, challenging her to a battle.

Everyone gathers on the wing deck to watch the Pokémon battle between mother and daughter. Blanca says that battles speak just as loud as words, so Dot will be able to express how she feels. Dot thinks that the idea of battling her mom is pointless, but at the same time feels like she shouldn't run away. With that, both Trainers pull their hair back, and the battle begins. Quaxly starts with Water Gun. As Lycanroc dodges Quaxly's back-to-back Water Guns, Blanca says that Murdock shares how even on the ship she is cooped up in her room. While Dot admits that she's not wrong, she shares how she has made friends and gotten to enjoy the outside world. Blanca asks Dot why she became a Pokémon Trainer, which she wasn't interested in before. Dot tells her that ever since meeting Quaxly, and later Tinkatink, it felt more exciting to be a Trainer. Lycanroc closes in, prompting Quaxly to strike with a close-range Pound. Lycanroc takes the hit and nearly knocks Quaxly overboard with Counter, Dot catching him just in time. Dot tells her mother that she can do everything that was out of reach from her in her room, which Blanca is excited to hear. Quaxly's Water Gun and Lycanroc's Rock Throw collide. Quaxly charges at Lycanroc, who blows him back with Counter again. Dot wonders if this was hopeless from the start, but, as a Trainer, decides to work less like an individual and more like a unit. Dot has Quaxly aim for Lycanroc's legs with Pound. Lycanroc takes Pound, but this time, Quaxly dodges Counter and knocks it off it's feet with a powerful kick. Dot is surprised as Quaxly blows Lycanroc back with another kick. Murdock catches Lycanroc, who is knocked out from Quaxly's new Low Kick. As Tinkatink and Quaxly celebrate, Dot requests that Blanca lets her stay with the Rising Volt Tacklers. Blanca is moved to tears, having just that be what she wanted Dot to say. With that, Blanca lets her daughter stay on the ship with her friends, which relieves Ash, Liko and Roy.

Chapter 43: Transform! The Hero of the Seas, Palafin

The Rising Volt Tacklers arrive at a beach to have fun. Ash, Pikachu, Roy, Fuecoco, and Rockruff run to the beach before playfully running from a wave. Murdock tells them to have fun and work up a good appetite for the barbecue tonight, which thrills Ash. Liko asks why Orla and Mollie aren't here, and Friede mentions they'll be here soon, while Murdock says that hard workers like them deserve a treat. Murdock and Friede decide to go stock up on ingredients while Ludlow volunteers to watch the kids. After Friede and Murdock leave, Roy asks Ludlow if he wants to swim with him, Ash and Liko, but he just prefers admiring the sea.

Ash: Say, Liko, why isn't Dot here?

Liko: I invited her, but she just complained about how sticky you get from being soaked in seawater, and sunburn

Ash: Heh, that sounds just like Dot!

Liko notices Sprigatito trying to catch a Pokémon burrowing through the sand. Ash thinks it's a white Diglett as it reveals it's long body, which surprises him, Roy and Liko.

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash scans it with his Rotom Phone

Rotom: Wiglett, the Garden Eel Pokémon, a water type, Though it looks like Diglett, Wiglett is an entirely different species. The resemblance seems to be a coincidental result of environmental adaptation.

Ash: Woah, so it's kinda like a regional variant, but a whole new pokemon too!

Sprigatito follows Wiglett to a group of Water-type Pokémon, which Roy is amazed by.

Liko comments on how nice and clean this beach is. A swimmer suddenly appears behind the kids, startling them. He boasts about how dedicated he is to preserving the sea's beauty by picking up trash with his partner Trubbish. As Roy is left confused, an uncomfortable Liko hides behind the umbrella. The swimmer quickly gets an autograph from Ash and then spots trash in the distance and rushes off to pick it up with Trubbish, leaving Liko confused while still admiring his dedication. The kids spot a pod of Finizen in the water

Ludlow: Long time no see...

As Sprigatito and Fuecoco greet a Nacli, Roy scans Finizen with his Pokédex. Ash and Liko play with the Finizen underwater, finding entertainment in their bubble rings. Watching the pod swim around her, Liko then spots one with a red heart-shaped mark on its chest. She gets intrigued by this before hearing someone calling for help back on the beach, the Finizen with the red mark becoming determined and diving below the water. The kids see a man hanging from a roof, the ladder broken as he is losing his grip. Some men with cameras and their trio of Patrat are ready to capture what happens on this beach when someone's in trouble. They are excited to spot something in the water rushing out to catch the man before he falls; Palafin, Hero of the Ocean. The trash cleaner appears next to the kids, startling them again as he points out that Palafin is the protector who watches over these waters. Palafin returns to the ocean, the camera crew thanking it and snapping pictures of it.

Fuecoco wears its sunglasses while relaxing on a Wailmer float, and Sprigatito plays with a Buizel. The trash cleaner introduces Liko and Roy to Palafin in its Normal form, the Finizen with the heart-shaped mark that Ash and Liko saw earlier. The Pokémon they saw save the man was Palafin in its Hero form. Roy is amazed to know it probably transforms, and the trash cleaner admits that no one has ever seen it change forms. Liko sees the camera crew snapping photos of Palafin, asking who they are. The crew introduces themselves as the Snap Boys, devoting their time to taking pictures of Palafin. One of them shows photos to the kids they've taken of Palafin helping out in the beach community. Thanks to their Patrat, keeping a close eye on Palafin, they've been able to take quite a lot of photos.

Ash: That seems kinda cool, but does Palafin want to be seen transforming on camera?

Liko is still enthralled by how such a cute Pokémon can become a cool hero. Roy asks if they have ever been able to snap a photo of Palafin's transformation sequence, and they say no, but it would be great. As Palafin uses its ultrasonic waves, one of the Snap Boys takes another picture, prompting the Dolphin Pokémon to turn away and splash its tail at the group in annoyance. Ash and Liko notice this, Liko thinking that she wouldn't mind seeing the transformation for herself, and that Palafin doesn't want anyone to see it change forms. Palafin uses its waves on Liko, who thinks that seeing something about Dolphin Pokémon that it doesn't want to be seen wouldn't feel right. Palafin's eyes light up at Liko's thoughts.

The waves suddenly wash a napping Fuecoco out to the water as Ludlow plays with Sprigatito. Roy looks at more photos the Snap Boys took of Palafin before sees Fuecoco freaking out, its toes popping a hole in his float causing it to sink. As Roy rushes to help his partner, Palafin saves it in its Hero form, creating a life preserver with the rings on its tail for Fuecoco to rest on, as the trash cleaner points out. Once out of the water, Roy and Fuecoco tearfully embrace as the Snap Kids take photos of Palafin's Hero form. Palafin returns to the ocean, the Snap Boys thanking it and snapping pictures of it again, this time with a teared up Roy thanking it too. Its strengths are pointed out by an announcer. A woman loses her cloth to the wind, and Palafin uses its jet propulsion to soar through the air and catch it. A kid loses his bike key, and Palafin uses the bubble lenses around its eyes to spot it from far away. Palafin swims at 50 knots, and its super strength allows it to lift a cruise ship with ease, as seen when it lifts a large boat off some rocks. A poacher catches a bunch of Luvdisc for their scales, and Palafin uses its signature move, Jet Punch, to break the crane. It does a super jump in the opposite direction with water pumped from its blowhole before coming back fast with enough force to kick the tank open, freeing the Luvdisc. Everyone praises Palafin for saving the day and protecting the peace of the ocean as Sprigatito relaxes on Ludlow's lap.

The Snap Boys admire the pictures they've taken of Palafin at work, when one of them can't take it anymore, having never been able to catch its transformation on camera. The others point out what a lost cause it is. The lead Snap Boy says that he had the chance when Palafin's Normal form was right there, knowing how huge it would be if they actually succeeded in snapping a photo of its transformation. The others know that Palafin only changes when someone is in trouble, giving the lead Snap Boy an idea.

On a cliff above the beach, one of the Snap Boys fakes a leg injury while calling out for Palafin as the other two lie and wait below, using fakes bushes to hide themselves. Meanwhile, Dot reads through the comments on one of her Nidothing videos about the joys of seaside, disagreeing with their opinions on salt water being enjoyable. She gets to a comment asking about the legendary hero of the sea. Dot thinks its Palafin in its cool Hero form, but the commenter says that they're not talking about Palafin, which surprises Dot. She is left wondering if there's someone else out there like that. The Snap Kid faking his injury is starting to wonder if they should be doing this. Just then, he finds himself surrounded by a gang of Klawf. He flashes his camera at them to try and get away. He steps over a Diglett before running into a palm tree, causing coconuts to fall and hit a Klawf on the head, angering the whole crew. When he calls for help, the other two Snap Kids think he is a good actor. Palafin hears the Snap Boy's pleas, ready to leap into action. However, the cameras of the other two catch its eye, causing it to hesitate. Ash, Liko and Roy hear the commotion and decide to help the Snap Kid from the Klawf. As Roy goes off, Ash and Liko see Palafin sitting still. Sprigatito points her to the other Snap Kids below the cliff, their cameras pointed at Palafin, and Ash and Liko realize what's going on. Roy arrives at the cliff and tries to have Fuecoco calm the Klawf down with Disarming Voice. However, it doesn't work, and Fuecoco gets hit by the Klawfs' X-Scissor. Ash, Liko and Palafin see the situation getting worse, but the former knows it can't transform with those cameras pointing at it. Sprigatito shares an idea with Liko, who has her partner use Magical Leaf to block the Snap Boys' cameras, Pikachu then uses Thunderbolt to destroy the cameras. Palafin sees Ash and Liko giving it a hand, glowing with a bright sparkling light that leaves them in awe.

Seeing Palafin transform reminds Ash of his Greninja.

Roy and the Snap Boy are cornered by the Klawf, but just before they are about to get attacked by their X-Scissor, Palafin arrives in its Hero form and takes on the Klawf. The trash cleaner arrives out of nowhere again to announce the "showdown of the century". Everyone is there to cheer on the Hero Pokémon as it strikes first with Jet Punch. Klawf strikes its chest with X-Scissor, which the trash cleaner identifies as Palafin's weak point. Ludlow, saying that a Staraptor hides it talons but bares them when the time is right, changes into his superhero alter ego, Mighty G, sending out his Sharpedo to ride into the fray. Surrounded by the Klawf army, Palafin doesn't know how much longer it can hold on. Liko then notices something in the water, leaping out revealing itself to be Mighty G riding his Sharpedo. The Brutal Pokémon uses Aqua Jet to send the Klawf scurrying back, Mighty G leaping off and catching Sharpedo in his hands. He sets down Sharpedo by a tree and is glad to see Palafin again, shocking the crowd that they know each other. Mighty G gives Palafin hand signals, which confuses Liko. But her confusion turns to shock upon seeing that Palafin understood. Mighty G tells everyone to cheer Palafin on. The crowd's cheers resonate with the Hero Pokémon, its chest lighting up to show that it has regained its strength. Mighty G and Palafin make a leap into the air and dive down towards the Klawf, unleashing they're Hero Hug to sooth them. After everyone poses with the calmed Klawf, Liko asks Mighty G what makes a hero cool. He answers by saying that a big heart will always answer the call, making Liko nervous. Palafin and Mighty G return to the ocean, everyone thanking them as Liko thinks about what Mighty G told her.

The Snap Boys' stunt is found out by the group, Ash scolds them for someone elsewhere needing rescue from Palafin. After the Snap Boys apologize, Liko admits to herself that she got to see Palafin's transformation after all, but decides to keep it a secret from them. She, Ash and Roy then notice Ludlow lying on his side, having thrown his back out. Liko tells Ludlow that Mighty G and Palafin helped them out a while ago. Liko asks Ash if they'll ever see them again, and he is confident that they will. Dot sees the picture of everyone, including Mighty G, posing with the Klawf, less than impressed that the Hero of the Ocean isn't a Pokémon. At sunset, Roy shows Friede the photos he got from the Snap Boys. Ludlow notices a strange white structure in the background of one of the photos. The trash cleaner points out that some suspicious strangers showed up and put it there, intriguing Friede.

Later in the evening, the Rising Volt Tacklers are enjoying the barbeque in the beach. Suddenly, Friede gets a call from Professor Willow, who tells him that Pikachu wearing strange hats are being spotted all over the world. Captain Pikachu leaps onto Friede's shoulder, prompting Prof. Willow to mention that the hat is the same as Cap's hat, much to their surprise. Prof. Willow wants to ask Friede and the RVTs to get to the bottom of this, but suddenly, one of the Pikachu behind him shocks him, ending the call, leaving Friede, Ash, Liko, and Roy wondering about what happened.

Chapter 44: A Challenge from the Explorers

The Rising Volt Tacklers are doing some shopping. Liko, Orla, and Mollie have just finished buying their portion of the shopping list when they find Ash, Roy and Friede waiting in line for a limited-set Sea Diglett Manjū, with only 30 boxes of it being available per day. Mollie says they are free to continue waiting as long as they've completed shopping everything they were supposed to. Awkwardly, Ash, Friede and Roy make it clear they haven't done so yet, so they head out to shop, while Mollie asks Liko to make sure that Ash and Roy doesn't waste their money. Outside the town, Coral and Sidian have arrived as well, with Coral having promised her fellow admin that there's something very important to be found here. She disguises herself to avoid being recognized as a member of the Explorers before heading out, leaving her partner looking after her.

Just as Ash, Liko and Roy complete their shoppings, Liko notices a hunched-over old man, scowling in a way that intimidates her. Ash, however, realizes that the old man must've thrown his back, so he, Roy and Liko help him aboard his cart and take him to his destination while Sprigatito gives him a back massage, making him feel better. A young man approaches them and says that they can now open their shop. As thanks for helping him, the old man gives the children a boxful of the coveted Sea Diglett Manjū, as he actually works at the shop that sells them. The manjū is made of local sea salt and red bean paste, covered in white chocolate imported all the way from the Kalos region to give it the appearance of a Wiglett. Being assured that this box is not one of the 30 boxes to be sold today, Ash, Liko and Roy happily accept it as the two men leave.

Back in town, Coral is waiting in line for the Sea Diglett Manjū just as the store opens. Counting herself as the 30th person in the queue, she's sure she'll get a box, but unfortunately for her, the last box instead goes to the Cutiefly in front of her, which had come to pick it up for an errand. Coral is enraged, but despite her protests, she's thrown out of that store as it is closed for the day. Her state of disbelief ends up being short-lived when Ash, Liko and Roy walk past with their box of manjū, eating them.

Ash: Oh it's so good!

Liko: I can't belive we got this without having to wait in line

Roy: Yeah, we were just nice to someone

Outraged by the children having gotten a manjū box without having to wait in line while she's been left with nothing, Coral swears to make them pay.

Ash, Liko and Roy head back to the airship, but just before they can reach it, Roy notices that Fuecoco has run off. He quickly finds his partner, only to spot a letter attached to Fuecoco's back. Despite the handwriting being hard to read, Roy is able to make out what it says. The letter's sender claims they stole something important and demands to meet them at the nearby "Snorlax Rock". Roy, having heard of old-style challenge letters from his grandfather, figures this must be one, and heads out to the Snorlax Rock, followed by Ash and Liko. At the designated spot, Coral is waiting for them and demands they hand over the Sea Diglett Manjū box they "stole". While Roy denies them having stolen anything, Liko agrees to share one and opens the box. This, however, ends up only making Coral even angrier, because she had wanted the box due to it being a limited item, meaning that opening it has completely ruined its value for her.

Ash: What's the good of food if you can't even open the box to eat it?

Enraged, she sends out her Glalie and removes her disguise, allowing Liko and Roy to recognize her as a member of the Explorers. Liko wants to call Friede for help, but Roy feels ready to battle on his own, as his Fuecoco has a type advantage over Glalie. Before the battle can begin, though, Sidian and his Garganacl enter the scene as well, much to Coral's annoyance. Noticing the children from the Rising Volt Tacklers, he feels ready to battle them. Coral immediately claims Roy as her opponent, so Sidian settles on challenging Liko, leaving her in disbelief of how a box of Sea Diglett Manjū could've led them to this situation.

Ash: Don't worry guy, together, we-

Pikachu get snatched up by a net

Ash: Why do I even bother?

Ash looks up and, of course, it's Team Rocket, in their signature Balloon

Jessie: Why so gloomy twerp?

James: Finally ready to admit that we've won?

Meowth: That's right!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Having no choice but to battle, Liko orders Sprigatito to use Quick Attack, but Garganacl does not even flinch from being hit. Fuecoco tries to use Flamethrower, which Glalie easily dodges and counters with Blizzard, freezing Fuecoco solid. Sprigatito, meanwhile, manages to avoid a Salt Cure from Garganacl and hit it with Magical Leaf, though the sturdy Rock type still remains unflinching from the attack and continues attacking with Salt Cure, ultimately cornering Sprigatito between itself and the Snorlax Rock. Ash sends out his Quaxly and Dipplin to deal with Jessie's Spidops and James' Capsakid. Coral orders Glalie to use Crunch on the frozen Fuecoco, but Roy's partner manages to thaw himself out before he can be hit, much to Coral's disbelief, though she soon starts laughing when Fuecoco slips on the icy ground left behind by Blizzard. Further Flamethrowers also fail to make contact, after which Glalie attacks Fuecoco with multiple Ice Spinners, leaving Roy desperate to come up with a counterattack.

Ash's two pokemon defeat Team Rocket's with eas, and free Pikachu, but they aren't giving up just yet.

Meowth: We're not done yet! James! Tera me!

James: You got it Meowth!

James pulls out the Tera orb, and after a bit of struggling, terastallizes Meowth, showing an axe on his head.

Meowth: What?! That's it?! I just get a funny hat?!

Team Rocket's Rotom phone chimes in at this

Rocket Rotom: Meowth has a steel tera type, or whatever...

Ash: Well, if they can terastallize, then so can we!

Ash looks toward Pikachu

Ash: Ready buddy?

Pikachu: Pika!

Ash pulls out his Tera Orb and terastallizes Pikachu, showing balloons on his head, causing Ash's Rotom Phone to chime in.

Rotom: Congrats! Pikachu has a Flying Tera Type!

Ash: Alright Pikachu! Finish this with Quick Attack!

Pikachu runs toward Meowth, and the balloon, but instead sends a bunch of white colored Terastal Energy towards them, sending them blasting off

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash: That wasn't Quick Attack!

Ash's Rotom Phone chimes in again.

Rotom: Ta-da! Pikachu forgot Quick Attack and learned Tera Blast instead!

Ash: Awesome!

Ash embraces his three pokemon in a job well done, as Pikachu's FLying Tera hat shatters and Ash's Tera Orb dims.

Having Sprigatito cornered, Sidian declares that his next attack won't miss and orders another Salt Cure. Liko, though, manages to avoid the attack by having Sprigatito use Quick Attack and dive out of the attack's way by jumping through between Garganacl's legs, before unleashing a Magical Leaf at it from behind. This, though, ends up only providing a smokescreen for Garganacl, allowing it to grab Sprigatito and finally hit her with a close-range Salt Cute, before tossing the Grass Cat Pokémon aside. However, despite being hurt by Salt Cure's salt crystals, Sprigatito still refuses to give up and stands back up. Powered by her Overgrow Ability, Sprigatito is able to counter Garganacl's Stone Edge and actually land a hit on it. Roy, meanwhile, notices Fuecoco's frustrated stomps cracking the ice beneath it, so he has him use Stomping Tantrum. The shattered ice produced by the attack throws the spinning Glalie off-balance and sends it flying at Garganacl, finally dealing a proper hit on it. Sidian is impressed, but then declares that playtime is over, and he and Coral intend to get serious. Before they have a chance to do so, though, Sidian receives an alert and immediately recalls Garganacl, telling an annoyed Coral that they have more important things to do. Coral protests that she hates it on the island and that they can summon the Black Rayquaza later. Sidian is annoyed at Coral for blurting out their plans to capture Rayquaza in front of the two children and calls out his Aerodactyl, pulling Coral away when she intends to continue the fight, much to her irritation.

Having narrowly survived their encounter, Liko calls Friede and tells him what they just learned. Friede soon arrives on the scene in-person, asking for further details on where the Explorers headed. Based on their clues about an island and the earlier photo featuring a tower apparently built by some suspicious people, Friede decides to investigate said tower and island, telling Ash, Liko and Roy to return to the airship while he does so.

Ash: I'm coming with you Friede, there's no way I'm letting the explorers catch Rayquaza, and if I know Team Rocket, they'll find a way to show up there as well.

Friede: I figured, come on, we got work to do.

Ash gets on Friede's Charizard.

Roy shares some manjū with Captain Pikachu and Charizard as they head out, Liko can't help but feel an uncomfortable sensation of uneasiness within her chest.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket have landed, and Meowth Steel Tera hat shatters as the Tera Orb dims, but the squad notice that they're near where the Explorers are, and they find out their plans to catch Rayquaza, which gives them the idea to intervene, show the Twerp that there's omly one evil team he show take seriously.

Chapter 45: The Plan to Capture Rayquaza

Ash and Friede go to the island with the suspicious tower to check out what the Explorers are up too. They find the tower and sees Spinel's Magneton and Beheeyem circling it, before spotting Spinel himself going inside. Ash and Friede head back to the Brave Olivine and shows his findings to the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Seeing the photos, Liko and Roy recognize Spinel as the one who once stole Liko's pendant in Levincia. Figuring the tower must be what the Explorers must be using to summon the Black Rayquaza, Friede decides to use Captain Pikachu and Ash's Pikachu's electricity to destroy it, while Dot says she can put together a shutdown program. Friede's ready to charge in any time, but the ship would be easy to spot, as would be arriving on Charizard, so he instead has Ludlow get a boat ready. Ash, Liko and Roy offer to come along, and though Friede initially tries to refuse, seeing that determine stares on their faces convinces him otherwise, so he just tells everyone else to wait at the airship.

The group arrives at the island on a boat, Friede telling them not to make a sound. A Vespiquen ends up spooking Fuecoco, forcing Roy to shush him. Friede urges everyone on, and they all shush Cap when he gives the command. The group eventually arrives at the tower, slowly walking up to the door, which, to Friede's surprise and suspicion, is unlocked. He has Ludlow look after the kids as he enters the tower. He and Cap look around before the door suddenly shuts behind them, trapping them inside to Liko's distress. Friede tells Spinel that the others missed out on his trap. Spinel appears, and Friede remembers his voice from his assault in the Levincia alleyway. The Explorers admin explains that this tower was made to hold Friede, who calls out to the children and tells them this is the wrong place. Ludlow asks the children to stay calm and leave Friede to his battle. Liko takes a breath to calm herself down before going with the group to search for the right tower.

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Ludlow have failed to find anything on the island, thinking they should search Levincia instead. Terapagos, emerging from Liko's bag, turns her attention to a nearby lighthouse, Ash, Liko and Roy suddenly sensing the Black Rayquaza's presence from above. The clouds part, and sunlight pours down as Rayquaza descends and lets out a mighty roar. Elsewhere, Iono, who is in the middle of a stream, also spots Rayquaza in the distance. The group heads to the lighthouse on their boat, Ludlow sending out his Quagsire and speed them up with Hydro Pump. Chalce sees that Rayquaza has let its guard down, just like Spinel predicted, having Coral and Sidian move in to attack. The two admins have Glalie and Garganacl attack Rayquaza with Blizzard and Salt Cure, respectively. Chalce joins in too, commanding her Medicham to use Psybeam. The group arrives at the lighthouse, spotting the generator they used to lure in Rayquaza and informing the Brave Olivine about it. Dot finishes the shutdown program, but says that she'll have to connect it to the machine directly. As Murdock offers to help, Dot looks at her Pokémon, saying that she'll go. The group is shocked by this, Murdock protesting against Dot's decision.

Dot: If Ash, Liko and Roy can go out there and fight, then so can I!

Moved to tears by Dot's bravery, Murdock agrees, and the team starts moving in.

With Rayquaza covered in ice and salt crystals from Coral and Sidian's attacks, Chalce pulls out an Ultra Ball to catch it. Ash, Liko and Roy confront her, only to be challenged by Sidian. The Brave Olivine arrives on the scene, and Roy has Fuecoco use Stomping Tantrum to shake up the lighthouse. Sprigatito uses Quick Attack to distract Sidian and Garganacl as Chalce throws the Ultra Ball at Rayquaza. However, Roy has Wattrel use Spark to knock it away. Medicham retaliates with Psybeam, which blows Wattrel out of the air, with Roy catching it before recalling it.

Ash tries to fight, but he and Pikachu are snatched up by a net and soon he's inside Team Rocket's hot air balloon, face to face with the trio

James: Now you listen here twerp!

Jessie: What do these Explorer Guys have that we don't?!

Meowth: Yeah, ever since they came along, you've been treating us like jokes!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash: Is that what this is all about?! Seriously?!

James: It seems we'll have to teach you who to fear!

Jessie: Yes! Prepare to tango with Team Rocket!

Jessie and James ready their Poke Balls, but Mewoth cuts in.

Meowth: Uh, you both remember that you both sent your older pokemon back to the boss right? And the twerp already crushed Spidops and Capsakid.

The adults look dumbfounded at this

James: Meowth, it would be a big help to use if you-

Meowth: Fight? Well after that Terastal showdown, I'm beat!

Ash sees a way out this, so he flashes them a cocky smile

Ash: And that's why. The Explorers don't forget small things like that, at least their actually competent villains

Jessie: Why you-

Ash gets right up in Jessie's face to deliver the final blow

Ash: And at least they're an actual threat.

James: How dare you-

Ash: Pikachu! Thunderbolt!

Pikachu: PIKACHU!!!!!

Jessie: Wobbuffet! Quick, use Counter!

Wobbuffet blocks the Thunderbolt

Jessie: ha! Looks like your little plan is now foiled!

Ash: You sure about that?

Jessie's quick thinking backfires, as the Thunderbolt is too much for Wobbuffet, and this causes the entire balloon to explode, blasting off Team Rocket and sending Ash falling to the ground below.

Team Rocket: We're blasting off again!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

Ash holds Pikachu and prepares to take the impact for him, secretly wishing he still had Pidgeot but he feels something tiny grabbing onto his vest, and he looks up and sees that Roy sent out Wattrel to save him, and the poor thing is using all it's remaining strength to use its little feet to hold onto Ash's vest for dear life and bring him down.

Wattrel lands Ash and Roy recalls it and he and Liko check up on him

Roy: Ash, that was so cool!

Liko: Cool? More like dangerous, he could've died!

Ash rubs his hand behind his head sheepishly, Pikachu does the same

Ash: Hehe...Sorry.

Coral and Glalie try to attack next, but Friede stops them with Charizard's Flamethrower. Murdock positions the airship above the lighthouse, Dot jumping down to face Chalce while using her Nidothing suit to cushion the landing. She has Quaxly and Tinkatink keep Medicham busy while she comes out of her suit and plugs her Rotom Phone into the generator, shutting it down with her program. She quickly retreats and praises her Pokémon, Ash, Roy and Liko praising her as well.

With a roar, Rayquaza breaks free from the ice and salt crystals. Chalce commands Medicham to use Zen Headbutt on the Sky High Pokémon, but before the move can connect, Rayquaza uses Draco Meteor, which hits Medicham, wreaks havoc on the area, and destroys the Explorers' resonance generator. The meteors rain down all around the Brave Olivine as well, making it rock violently and forcing Murdock to start pulling out for now. Crying out in frustration, an enraged Coral recklessly charges towards Rayquaza against Chalce's protest, leaping off Glalie as it flies into its Dragon Pulse using Self-Destruct. The violent explosion is enough to send Rayquaza reeling back and crashing straight into the Brave Olivine, causing massive damage on the airship and horrifying everyone as it starts slowly falling from the sky.

Notes:

A/N: So, if you don't know Ash left the anime one year ago today, which also means this fic is one year old too. So I just wanna say, thank you, and I hope you all have a good day, even if some of us are a little sad since it's been a year without Ash.

Chapter 46: From So Far Away

While the Brave Olivine is falling from the sky following the Black Rayquaza crashing into it, Spinel appears at the Levincia Lighthouse aboard a helicopter. Since Rayquaza is still in fighting fit even after everything the Explorers admins have thrown at it, he tells everyone to retreat. The admins agree and leave the site. At the same time, the Brave Olivine makes a successful emergency landing in the sea nearby, with its crew calling Friede, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Ludlow to assure them that everyone aboard the ship is fine and, as Ludlow heads back to the airship to help, encourage them to focus on the Black Rayquaza. Ash, Liko and Roy call out to Rayquaza, telling it how it has inspired them to come this far and issue a challenge for it. After a moment, Rayquaza responds with a roar, accepting their challenge. Friede invites Dot to take part in the confrontation as well and divides them into teams, with him, Ash and Roy taking flight with Charizard and driving Rayquaza closer to the lighthouse. As Rayquaza moves towards them, Captain Pikachu uses Volt Tackle and creates a vortex that launches Sprigatito and Quaxly into the air, but Rayquaza easily swats them back down with its tail before they can attack.

Dot gets an idea, having Cap launch Sprigatito and Quaxly into the air again. Once in the air, Quaxly uses Low Kick to give Sprigatito a further boost as she uses Magical Leaf and Fuecoco, Pikachu and Charizard join in with their respective Flamethrowers and Thunderbolt. Rayquaza counters these attacks with Dragon Pulse, creating an explosion. Using the smoke as a cover, Charizard flies in closer, allowing Fuecoco and Pikachu to land a super effective Disarming Voice and Electroweb. However, the group's momentary celebration over the success of their maneuver quickly subsides as the smoke clears and Rayquaza roars, indicating that it is intending to fight seriously now. This becomes evident when Rayquaza launches a Draco Meteor, forcing Charizard to star making evasive maneuvers. Fuecoco falls off Charizard during these maneuvers, but Quaxly manages to save Fuecoco by slowing down his fall with Water Gun. Another Draco Meteor barrage quickly follows, knocking Quaxly out and leaving Terapagos in the path of a falling meteor. Liko rushes to defend Terapagos, but before the meteor can hit, it is suddenly sliced in half by Ceruledge, with Amethio entering the scene in its wake.

Ash: Oh great, he's here, what's next Team Rocket's gonna come back?

Annoyed that Spinel kept him out of the loop for this operation, Amethio declares that the Black Rayquaza will be his and pulls out out his Tera Orb, Terastallizing his Ceruledge into a pure Ghost type and having it attack Rayquaza with multiple boosted Phantom Forces. Friede understands that they have to team up in order to stand a chance against such an overwhelming opponent, so he too pulls out his Tera Orb, Terastallizes his Charizard, and has it use Tera Burst on Rayquaza.

Ash: We should terastallize too!

Pikachu: Pika pika!

Ash throws his Tera Orb towards Pikachu, but nothing happens

Ash: What?

Friede: Ash, did you terasallize before?

Ash: Yeah, when I was fighting Team Rocket when Liko Roy and I got that Wiglett food, oh no I didn't recharge the Tera Orb!

Fried: You knew that Tera Orbs need to be recharged?

Ash: Not excatly, Mega Stones, Z Crystals, Dnamax Bands, now Tera Orbs, they're different but share one common thing.

With Friede's help, Ash is able to recharge his Tera Orb, and Flying Tera Type Pikachu is back

Despite Amethio being irritated about Ash and Friede potentially getting in his way, he still lets them battle by his side as Charizard, Pikachu and Ceruledge attack Rayquaza together with many powerful attacks, leaving Liko, Roy, and their Pokémon amazed at the power of Terastallization. Just as Charizard, Pikachu and Ceruledge aim for a finishing blow, Rayquaza lets out a roar and dives into them with a devastating Dragon Ascent, forcing Friede and Amethio to recall their defeated partners, Ash cradling a defeated Pikachu.

Ash sends out his Dipplin and orders a Rollout, Dipplin gets up close, but Rayquaza traps it with it's long body and fires a point blank Draco Meteor, and Dipplin faints, forcing Ash to return it.

Ash, as a last resort sends out his own Quaxly, and it uses it's quick feet and fires off a Wing Attack, but a Dragon Pulse hits Ash's Quaxly, and it falls into the sea, Ash tries to return him to his Poke Ball, but the Red beam can bring anything back, Ash's Quaxly is seemingly lost at sea.

For a moment, everyone is stunned silent by Rayquaza's power. The silence is broken when Fuecoco starts stomping the ground in frustration and flames start appearing around him, with Friede realizing that Fuecoco is trying to use Flame Charge. With an encouragement for Terapagos, Liko also regains her confidence and orders Sprigatito to use Magical Leaf. As Sprigatito lunges forward, though, she suddenly starts glowing and ends up evolving into Floragato.

Ash sees something coming out from the water, and soon his Quaxly's head pops out, alive and willing to keep fighting.

Ash: Still got more in ya bud?

Ash's Quaxly: Quaxly!

Ash: Alright! Water Gun!

But Ash's Quaxly does not fire a water gun, it instead jumps up, an aura of water surronding it.

Liko: What move is that?!

Ash: It's Aqua Jet!

Ash's Quaxly goes head to head with Rayquaza, Rayquaza is strong, but Ash's Quaxly pushes himself to the limit, and soom Ash's Quaxly is in a bright light and evolves.

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash pulls out his Pokedex

Rotom: Quaxwell, the Practicing Pokémon, a water type and the evolved form of Quaxly, These Pokémon constantly run through shallow waters to train their legs, then compete with each other to see which of them kicks most gracefully.

Dot's Quaxly looks on in awe

Quaxwell overpowers Rayquaza and hits its head with a point blank Wing Attack, then lands back on it's feet with everyone else.

Smiling confidently at her partner, Liko repeats the order for Magical Leaf, while Roy tells Fuecoco to use his newly learned Flame Charge, and Ash calls for Aqua Jet. All three starter Pokémon launch their attacks, actually managing to hit Rayquaza and push it back before falling back to the ground. Despite them collapsing from exhaustion afterwards, everyone is still proud of what they did. Quickly recovering from the hit, Rayquaza looks at Liko in the eye before roaring one more time and flying away. Zirc and Onia arrive to rejoin Amethio, who declares that they'll be leaving, calling out his Corviknight. Liko thanks him for his help, but Amethio tells her that next time, he'll be coming for Terapagos, and that the Black Rayquaza is his quarry, before flying away with his subordinates.

At sunset, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Friede rejoin the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers, happy to see that all the Pokémon are doing well. Ash, Liko and Roy, though, are also quick to apologize, as they lost the battle, and their beloved ship got damaged in the process. Friede is quick to talk back, reminding them how they've gone through so much and met so many people already without ever going back on their goals. They have now managed to get this close to Rayquaza, who once seemed to be so far away, with Sprigatito and Ash's Quaxly evolving and Fuecoco learning many new moves along the way to this point, and their adventure will not end as long as they don't give up. Their confidence restored, Liko declares that she will find the rest of the Six Heroes and deliver Terapagos to Lakua, Roy expresses his desire to grow strong enough to gain Rayquaza's approval, Ash declares that he will be a Pokemon Master, and even Dot wishes to stand by Ash, Liko and Roy's side in order to learn more about the mysteries of the world that they are trying to solve. In order to grow stronger, the four children tell Friede that they wish to know about Terastallization. Friede has an idea on how to help them, so he declares that while the rest of the crew focuses on repairing the airship, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot will start undergoing Terastal training, though he leaves the details vague for now. While Friede, Murdock, and Orla head out to prepare a picnic for the crew, Liko looks at the Brave Olivine and thanks it for having brought them this far.

Chapter 47: Welcome to Naranja Academy!

Ash wakes up in his hotel room that he's staying in, recalling his meeting with Director Clavell

Flash back to the previous day, Director Clavell is leading Ash towards a secret room

Ash: Why are you taking me down here Director?

Calvell: You see, Ash, long ago Naranja Academy was once called Uva Academy, and our main color was purple, but when we rebranded, all that was thrown away, except...

Clavell shows Ash an old uniform, just like a Naranja Academy uniform, but with purple where Orange should be.

Clavell: This unofrm is the last item remaining of our Uva Academy days, and since you are the World Monarch, I'd like to offer this uniform to you.

Ash looks at the uniform in awe, cut back to present day, Ash wakes up his Pokemon and changes into his Uva Academy uniform, but he also wears his vest, signature hat, and the red and black shoes his mom gave him, before departing for Mesagoza

At the city's main square, Ash reunites with Liko, Roy and Dot, who are already wearing their Naranja Academy uniforms, with Liko wearing her Indigo Academy uniform. Terapagos peeks its head out of Liko's bag, and she explains that she decided to take it along to avoid leaving it alone in case someone noticed it. As they arrive in front of Naranja Academy, Roy insists on taking a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Though Dot requires some persuasion, the photo is eventually taken.

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot move on to the director's office, where they meet Clavell, the director of the academy, and Geeta, the chairwoman of the school board.

Clavell: So we meet again Master Ash, I see you've taken a likign to your exclusive uniform.

Ash: I have, it's pretty neat!

Geeta: I must say, It's both a surprise and an honor for the World Monarch to attend our Academy.

At Clavell's request, Geeta turns on a video showcasing the academy's Terastal Training course, which is a curriculum solely dedicated to teaching academy students from all around the world about the Terastal phenomenon, which is uniquely found in Paldea. This phenomenon is somehow linked to Terastal energy, which manifests itself in the form of crystals found around the region, which Liko also recalls seeing near her house, though many mysteries still surround it. Trainers are able to utilize this phenomenon with their Pokémon thanks to Tera Orbs, which are exclusively for Trainers permitted to use them by Paldea. Geeta presents Liko, Roy and Dot with their own Tera Orb, which they are happy to receive.

Clavell: I must ask, why do you wish to take this course?

Roy: I wanna challenge a strong pokemon!

Liko: There's a place I wanna find.

Dot: I wanna solve the mysteries of the world.

Ash: I wanna be a Pokemon Master, which means I have to befriend every Pokemon in the world! And That means I have to be the very best in battling! Like no one ever was!

With the motivations revealed, Clavell explains the basics of their Terastal Training curriculum: after learning about Terastallization, the students must travel around Paldea and battle its Gym Leaders to pass the course. Just when Clavell intends to send them to their classroom with the escort of their student council president, said person suddenly enters the room, revealing herself to be none other than Nemona. She's happy to see Ash, Liko and Roy again, presents them with her newly evolved Pawmot, and also greets Dot, who's left shaking by the presence of a Champion-ranked Trainer. Clavell is surprised to learn that they already know Nemona, with Liko explaining how they previously met in Artazon.

Ash: Man, Nemona, we gotta battle, still on for a 3 on 3?

Nemona: You know it!

Clavell: Miss Nemona, may you please show our new students around the school first?

Nemona: Aw, man, maybe later!

Ash: Sure!

During the group's guided tour around the academy, they run into the academy's art teacher, Hassel. A woman named Rika appears from behind him and greets the children as well. Ash asks Dot if they're supposed to know them, causing her to incredulously inform him that these two are members of the Paldea Pokémon League's Elite Four. Noticing Liko, Rika recognizes her as a student from Indigo Academy and wonders if she could be a Trainer capable for holding her own at the Pokémon League.

Rika: Wow, even The World Monarch is here, that's amazing.

Hassel bursts into tears

Hassel: He's gifted us the honor of being our student!

Ignoring Liko's flustered response about still being new to all of this, Rika wishes the Indigo Academy representative good luck. Liko, not having previously realized she is representing Indigo Academy at this school, resolves to do her best as a representative. This encounter leaves Nemona and Ash fired up to battle again, but the school bell interrupts them, forcing them to once again delay their promised confrontation.

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot's first class is a Battle Studies lesson, taught by Dendra. She takes her new students to the schoolyard and has them exercise by doing arm thrusts alongside her and her Hariyama while she explains the specifics of the Terastal Training course. The Gym Leaders will give each of them two tests, basics and implementation, to make sure they are using Terastallization correctly and worthy to use their Tera Orbs. Moreover, students are not permitted to have Terastal battles with each other during this course, only being allowed to gain more experience about it from the Gym Leaders, who are assigned for each of them by the academy based on their individual aptitudes. The first part, the basics test, involves battling with their assigned Gym Leader. With the explanation complete, Dendra concludes the exercise, which has left Liko and especially Dot completely exhausted. They're then approached by Jacq, the biology teacher, who sends the children an app with information about the curriculum and tells them to take videos and photos while they're out there traveling in preparation for a report later, before taking his leave. The four children check their app to see which Gym Leader each of them has been assigned with: Liko learns that she'll be battling Katy in Cortondo, Roy is excited to get another chance at facing Brassius in Artazon, and Dot is left flustered upon learning that she has to face her idol Iono in Levincia Ash is excited to see that he'll be battling Grusha in Glaseado. Dendra concludes the lesson, but as they're heading back inside, Ash and Liko are surprised to see none other than their classmate Ann walking by.

The children sit down to talk. Ann reveals that she came here for the Terastal Training course, just like Ash and Liko, who introduces Ann to their friends. Liko and Ann are both happy notice that their respective starter Pokémon have both evolved

Ann: Ash, what about your Quaxly?

Ash: Check it out!

Ash sends out his Quaxwell

Quaxwell: Quaxwell!

Ann: Wow!

Ann decides to challenge Liko to another battle, which she gladly accepts. As they move to the battlefield, Liko can't help but reminisce about their first battle back at Indigo Academy, where her Sprigatito fought Ann's Oshawott. Ash, working as the referee, starts the battle. Liko tells Floragato to use Magical Leaf, which Ann's Dewott counters with Water Pulse. Dewott tries to hit Floragato with a flurry of Razor Shells, but Floragato dodges them all and takes some distance to her opponent before using Quick Attack. Ann tells Dewott to throw its scalchops, and while Floragato dodges them both and manages to land her Quick Attack, one of the scalchops loops back around and hits the unsuspecting Floragato in the back before returning to its owner. The hit leaves Floragato open for a super-effective Aerial Ace from Dewott, which is observed by Poppy, Rika, Hassel, Larry, and Penny, who have come to watch the battle. While Floragato recovers from the hit, Liko gets an idea and tells her partner to use her flower bud to stop Dewott from moving. Ann has Dewott dodge the incoming bud with Detect and go for another Razor Shell, but the bud loops back around and knocks the scalchop out of Dewott's hand before it can execute the latter command, leaving it defenseless against another Magical Leaf flurry, which is enough to defeat Dewott and make Liko the winner of the battle. As the two friends promise to battle again and grow stronger, Geeta joins the Elite Four in observing the scene, feeling happy about the flourishing connection between the two schools. Nemona suddenly bursts into the schoolyard, wanting to have a battle too, but yet again, she's denied by the school bell, leaving her dismayed once more.

At the entrance hall, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot receive their camping equipment and prepare to head out. Since Cortondo is the closest one out of their four destinations, they decide to head there first, making Liko the first one of them to have to take on a Gym Leader. Just as Clavell prepares to send the students off, the front doors burst open to reveal Coral and Sidian, dressed up as students and apologizing for being late. Sidian introduces them with the fake names of "Onigiri" and "Sandwich", causing Coral to start laughing at how pathetic the fake names sound, but she still follows through with them. Clavell can't find their names on his list, but Chalce, dressed up as a teacher, claims there must be an error in the database and says she'll take care of the two new "students", suddenly Jessie and James dressed up as lunch staff rush by, with Meowth and Wobbuffet follwoing. Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot, seemingly recognizing the two Explorers admins and Team Rocket, they set off on their journey, wondering what they could be up to.

Chapter 48: Put Your Heart Into It!

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot have arrived in the town of Cortondo, where Liko is due to take on the local Gym Leader in her first-ever Terastal battle. While Ash, Roy and Dot admire the town and the many Bug Pokémon that reside there, Liko can't help but feel nervous about what's to come. Ash, Pikachu, Roy and Fuecoco's noses lead them to the highly popular Patisserie Soapberry, where they decide to try out some of the local sweets. Both them and their Pokémon find them extremely tasty, with Terapagos even asking for seconds. Once they're done eating, they are surprised to see none other than Murdock approaching them, revealing that he's working part-time at Patisserie Soapberry to gain some money for them while Orla focuses on repairing the Brave Olivine. Just as he's about to mention who he's working for, he's interrupted by an angry yell from in front of the pâtisserie. The person responsible for the noise turns out to be Coral, who is outraged for not getting to have any of the town's famous sweets due to them having run out of stock for the day and demands to have some regardless. Murdock addresses the woman Coral is yelling at as Katy, making Liko and her friends realize they are looking at the town's Gym Leader and the person whom Liko is supposed to battle. Katy recognizes Liko by name as well, but before they can as much as agree on having their battle, Coral butts in and demands a battle as well. However, since Katy is busy for the rest of the day, she says she can only face one of them. As such, Coral demands to battle Liko first to see which of them gets to face Katy. Liko accepts and asks Katy if she'd be allowed to use Terastallization in this battle, wanting to practice it before the test. Katy states that students taking the Terastal Training course are not allowed to use it against each other and suggests a different type of confrontation instead: a cake-baking contest.

While nervous about having to bake a cake, which she has never done before, Liko still takes on the task with confidence. Thanks to Murdock having previously shown her how to make a cake, she and Floragato produce a successful matcha cake. Coral, meanwhile, only succeeds in producing a messy pile of dough, having no idea how baking is supposed to be done. Crying out in anger, she decides to vent her frustration on the others and has Glalie freeze the entire room with Blizzard. However, Katy proceeds to glare at her and tell her to leave in a tone intimidating enough to unnerve even her, causing her to storm out. With Coral out of the competition, Katy declares Liko the winner of the baking contest and agrees to battle her, but tells her and Floragato to try out their cake first. They do so, with Liko being surprised at how good it turned out. Katy points out how she was able to make a successful cake without practicing first by simply putting her heart into it, which can apply for battles as well. Liko realizes that she was overthinking earlier when she wanted to practice, understanding now that every battle is a real battle and resolving to try out Terastallization during her test.

Liko and Katy move on to Cortondo Gym's outdoor battlefield, with Ash, Roy, Dot, and Murdock watching and cheering from the sidelines. Dot is worried that Liko's Floragato will be at a disadvantage against Katy's Bug Pokémon, but surprisingly, Katy decides to her Teddiursa, a Normal type, instead. Katy starts the battle, with Floragato making the first move with Quick Attack. Katy tells Teddiursa to use Charm, which causes Floragato to become flustered by her opponent's sudden display of cuteness and only gently tap it. This leaves the Grass Cat Pokémon open for a Slash from Teddiursa. Liko tells Floragato to step back and attack from a distance with Magical Leaf. Before she can do so, she is caught in Teddiursa's Sweet Scent, causing Floragato to lose her focus and allowing Teddiursa to hit her with another Slash. With both close-range and distance attacks proving troublesome and Floragato getting struck by Slash again and again, Liko's friends are worried if she'll survive long enough to even Terastallize her Pokémon. Liko is getting nervous as well, until she remembers the words Katy had said to her before the battle and resolves to enjoy the battle alongside her partner. When Teddiursa uses Sweet Scent again, Liko tells Floragato to aim her Magical Leaf down, bouncing it off the battlefield and forming a wall of leaves that blocks the scent. Teddiursa's attempt at using Slash instead is deflected by a similar maneuver. Seizing her chance, Liko pulls out her Tera Orb and Terastallizes Floragato into a Grass Tera Type. A powered-up Magical Leaf blows Teddiursa back, but while Liko and Floragato are celebrating their first Terastallization, Katy decides to even the playing field and uses her own Tera Orb as well, turning Teddiursa into a Bug type. As a result, Floragato's following Magical Leaf fails to deal notable damage, while a powered-up and super effective Fury Cutter from Teddiursa proves to be Floragato's downfall, ending the battle.

Rushing over to her defeated partner, Liko apologizes to her for losing after they tried so hard. Katy, however, surprises Liko by declaring that she has passed her test, revealing that during the Terastal Training course, it doesn't matter if the student wins or loses their battle. Since Liko demonstrated being in perfect sync with her partner and chose the perfect timing for her Terastallization, Katy rewards her with a stamp on her Rotom Phone. She even admits that she could've ended the battle the moment Liko used Terastallization, but couldn't help herself from doing the same. Liko thanks Katy and promises to try harder from here on out, while Katy reminds her to always enjoy the here and now and invites everyone for some sweets. That night, after having enjoyed their fill of sweets, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot are camping outside of Cortondo, with all four of them feeling too excited by the battle to actually sleep. While Liko thanks her partner, Roy is getting fired up by his upcoming rematch against Brassius at their next destination, Artazon, meanwhile Ash strolls off for a training battle, sending out Quaxwell and Dipplin and them and Pikachu face off, catching the attention of a nearby Nymble, who jumps in, ready to fight.

Ash: You wanna join in to?

A battle begins, Pikachu vs Nymble, it only takes on Tunderbolt to take out Nymble.

Ash: That was it?

The Nymble runs off crying, it's pride hurt

Ash: Hey, wait come back!

Ash runs off, his pokemon following, after a short search, Nymble is spotted by Ash crying on a rock, and then a group of wild Lokix, beating down upon it for being "weak"

Ash: Hey, leave that Nymble alone!

Pikachu, Quaxwell, and Dipplin's attack scare off the bullies, and Ash sits by Nymble

Ash: You wanted to be stronger so that you could beat them, right?

Nymble looks up at Ash, how'd he know?

Ash: I caould see it, when they were attacking you, and during our battle, that desire to prove yourself, to gain others approval.

Nymble listens to Ash's words

Ash: So why don't we show those bullies, huh? Together!

Ash's Pokemon cheer at this to encourage Nymble

Ash sets a Poke Ball down by Nymble

Ash: Only if you want to, that is.

Nymble galnces at the ball, before slowly going up to it and hitting the sircle in the center, it goes inside, the ball shakes three times, and Ash's Rotom Phone goes off

Rotom: Nymble has been added to your Pokedex!

Ash picks up the Poke Ball

Ash" Welcome to the team Nymble, you're gonna fit right in.

Chapter 49: Sparkle! The Glow of Flame and Art!

On their way to Artazon for Roy's Terastal Training battle against Brassius, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot make a brief stop for Roy to do some training with Fuecoco, though in a moment of passion, Fuecoco's series of overenthusiastic Stomping Tantrums ends up collapsing the ground underneath him. Eventually, though, the squad safely arrives in Artazon, where they find the streets bustling with people and Pokémon. From Hassel, who is setting up a sign, they learn that a yearly art festival is currently taking place, with Brassius working as its director. After seeing the unveiling of this year's festival's centerpiece, the Black Rayquaza statue that Brassius was previously working on, Roy asks for Hassel to take them to Brassius for his Terastal Training battle. Hassel leads them to the town's battle court, where Brassius is working on his latest sculpture. When he and Hassel greet each other, Liko is surprised to learn that the two are actually friends, with Hassel having acted as Brassius's mentor and helped him to get out of a slump. Another surprise appears in the form of Liko's father Alex, whom Brassius had invited go the festival due to his work with picture books. Roy tries to challenge Brassius, but while the Gym Leader is curious to see how much Roy has improved since they last fought, he refuses for now, as he needs to finish his sculpture first. When Roy keeps asking for a battle right away, Nemona suddenly appears and happily agrees to battle him, finally bring able to do so without an interruption.

Ash: Aw man, I wanted to battle Nemona...

Nemona: Maybe next time Ash!

Taking their places at the battle court, Nemona chooses to use her Pawmot and to not use Terastallization in order to allow Roy to not break the Terastal Training rules. Roy has Fuecoco use Stomping Tantrum, which Pawmot dodges and counters with Quick Attack. Fuecoco follows up with Disarming Voice and Flamethrower, both of which hit their mark. A rain starts to fall, but Roy, completely focused on the battle, does not notice this, instead ordering Fuecoco to use Stomping Tantrum again. This time, Pawmot dodges the attack with Dig. When the Hands-On Pokémon resurfaces, Roy orders a Flamethrower, which ends up fizzling out in the falling rain, giving Nemona the chance to order a Double Shock, which is enough to knock Fuecoco out. It is not until Roy goes to pick up his fainted partner that he notices the rain and realizes why Flamethrower failed. He tries to ask Nemona for another battle, claiming the rain was the only reason he lost, but Brassius says that he will never win if he continues battling this way, declaring that until he can find out what he's missing, he can never master Terastallization, and putting their battle on indefinite hold. Hassel suggest the children make art for the festival as a change of pace, with Alex specifying that this year's theme is creating art with Pokémon. While Roy is initially reluctant, he eventually agrees after seeing Fuecoco watching Brassius's sculpture.

At the Artazon Gym, the children are provided with materials for their own art projects. Liko gets the idea to use Pokémon footprints to make a painting, Dot borrows Roy's Wattrel for a mechanical project inspired by Tinkatink's hammer-making, Ash uses Dipplin's syrup as paint and Quaxwell's water moves to create a nice water color painting of him and his pokemon, and Roy gets inspired by a Charizard painting to make a clay sculpture of Fuecoco's idol. However, Roy is not satisfied with his sculpture, which then also starts falling apart. Brassius approaches him and tells him to remember that anything within his reach could be a clue to how to create art. At first, Roy fails to understand what that's supposed to mean, but when Fuecoco accidentally burns one of the sculpture's wings and makes it hard, he remembers the festival's theme of working together with Pokémon, making Pokémon moves another thing he can use. As he and Fuecoco complete their sculpture, he also understands that using things within his reach as hints can also be applied for battles. Later, the children present their art projects to the others: Nemona has created a carving of Pawmot, Liko and her Pokémon have created a painting of Arboliva, Dot has constructed a miniature electric ferris wheel featuring Tinkatink's hammers, Ash makes a little mess syurpy water color painting of him and his Pokemon, and Roy presents his Charizard sculpture, which he finishes by having Fuecoco ignite its eyes, mouth, hands, and tail. Roy's finished sculpture makes Brassius realize that Roy understood his advice and declares that he'll be waiting for him at the battle court.

Roy and Brassius take their spots on the battle court. Just like last time, Brassius uses Sudowoodo, which has a type advantage over Fuecoco, but can Terastallize into a Grass type, meaning that Roy must find a way to turn the type advantages around in order to win. The battle begins, with Fuecoco making the first move with Stomping Tantrum, but Sudowoodo uses Substitute to avoid the attack, before countering with Stone Edge, which lands a hit on Fuecoco. Fuecoco uses Disarming Voice, which Sudowoodo blocks with another Stone Edge. Roy has Fuecoco use a flurry of Flamethrowers, but yet again, Brassius is prepared for a move he's seen before, and has Sudowoodo use Substitute to block every single one of these attacks. Brassius is feeling disappointed, but Roy starts paying attention to Sudowoodo, and notices that the real one is starting to sweat with effort as the battle drags on, allowing him to start distinguishing the real Sudowoodo from the substitute and land repeated hits on it. Forced to go on the offensive, Brassius orders a Stone Edge, but it is overpowered by a Stomping Tantrum. Impressed by Roy's performance, Brassius pulls out his Tera Orb and Terastallizes Sudowoodo. In response, Roy reveals his own Tera Orb and performs his first Terastallization. Sudowoodo moves in with a boosted Trailblaze, which Fuecoco meets with a boosted Flame Charge, finally catching Brassius by surprise with an unexpected move. The two Pokémon clash, but eventually, Fuecoco succeeds in pushing Sudowoodo back, before following up with Flamethrower, which is enough to defeat Sudowoodo.
Brassius admits his defeat, allowing Roy and Fuecoco to celebrate their victory. After hearing Roy's explanation on how he was able to locate the real Sudowoodo, Brassius deems him a worthy Trainer to use Terastallization and rewards him with a stamp to signify him having passed the test. Knowing she'll be next to take on a test, Dot starts feeling nervous, but assures herself that she can do it. First, however, the children, especially Roy and Fuecoco, decide to chow down after the exhausting battle.

Chapter 50: Dot and Nidothing

On the way to Levincia, where Dot's Terastal Test is set to take place, Ash, Liko and Dot notice how happy Roy is that he passed his test.

Ash: makes sense, that was his first major win.

Liko tries to give Dot confidence before being notified about a new Nidothing video that Dot scheduled in advance. Liko, blushing, asks Dot if any of her videos would be filmed out and about, and Dot denies it. Roy calls the others over to show that they've arrived in Levincia.

In the city, Roy says it looks just as awesome as always. Liko turns Floragato's attention to a Sprigatito billboard, asking if it takes her back. Dot contacts the Rising Volt Tacklers to tell them that they've arrived in town. Murdock tells Dot that he got some of the sweets from Patisserie Soapberry for her and the others. Iono greets everyone and presents Wasabi sauce. Roy wonders if they could see her before the Terastal course, but Dot says she's busy and doesn't have that kind of time. However, to they're surprise, Iono is right there at the dock waiting for them, revealing that it was her who showed it to the Rising Volt Tacklers. Murdock hands out the sweets he got from his part-time job, thrilling Ash, Liko and Roy. Everyone enjoys the sweets as Friede, Ash, Liko and Roy talk about how the Terastal course is going. Iono then asks Dot for a favor.

Everyone heads out to the dock, which is lit up by a circle of Tadbulbs. Iono tells Dot that her Terastal tests are shown on livestream, ready for the rehearsal battle. As lots of Rotom Phones surround a nervous Dot, Iono wants her to battle like this rehearsal is the real deal. She then chooses Roy to be her opponent. Liko notices how nervous Dot is acting before the battle begins. Fuecoco starts off with Flame Charge, which scores a direct hit on Quaxly. Dot is about to give a command, but gets distracted by the cameras of the surrounding Rotom Phones. Fuecoco scores another direct hit on Quaxly with Stomping Tantrum, followed by a slew of Flamethrowers, all while Dot is too anxious to give any commands at all, resulting in her defeat. Ash & Liko see how Dot isn't acting like herself. Iono asks Dot what's wrong, and she says that she couldn't concentrate with all those cameras pointed at her. Iono understands and takes the phones back before giving Dot the advice to put on a good show in a Terastal battle. Dot finds it hard to believe that she can't have that kind of battle as herself and not Nidothing.

On the Brave Olivine, Dot looks at her Nidothing suit before picking it up. Roy talks with Liko about Iono's offer to let Dot battle in her Terastal test as Nidothing. Liko wonders if Dot is okay with it, saying that Nidothing and Dot aren't the same in terms of personality. Ash suggests that they'll just have to wait and see. Liko gets notified about a Nidothing livestream, becomes shocked to see that it's being recorded on the Brave Olivine's upper deck. Nidothing announces something big coming up, leading Roy and Liko to think that Dot accepted Iono's offer. Nidothing is about to come out and say it, but after a moment of silence, she says that it's coming up soon.

Dot is in town wearing her Nidothing costume and filming Quaxly and Tinkatink eating churros from Smooch-A Churro. Ash, Liko and Roy are watching her from a bush, Liko noticing Quaxly not as into it as Nidothing. Nidothing continues to do her thing, getting several people to record her as Quaxly becomes more disappointed. Dot takes off the Nidothing suit in an alley and checks the response. Ash, Liko and Roy find her and point out how much fun she was having. The cameras don't bother Dot when she's Nidothing. Liko and Roy ask her if she's planning on battling as Nidothing during the Terastal course, and Dot says that she got Iono's permission. Liko, starting to feel uneasy, asks Dot if that's what she wants as Tinkatink finds a sleeping Varoom on a crate. Liko thinks Dot was forcing herself in the act, and Dot is quick to nervously deny it. Just then, Dot notices an annoyed Quaxly dragging the Nidothing costume away. Dot tries to get it back, but Quaxly stands in her way. Liko questions Dot again about battling as Nidothing, and Dot, overwhelmed once again, insists that her decision is final.

The kids see Tinkatink being attacked by Varoom. Roy has Fuecoco use Flamethrower, and Varoom leans to the side to avoid it. Varoom then glares at Fuecoco and revs up, scaring the Fire Croc Pokémon. Tinkatink starts crying, forcing Dot to recall her back into her Poké Ball. Varoom charges at the group, only to have the Nidothing suit land on top of the Single-Cyl Pokémon as it speeds away with it. The group follows Varoom to the city's central square, where it confronts them in front of everyone. Dot again becomes nervous at everyone breaking out their cameras to record the scene. Quaxly charges in and gets knocked back by Varoom. Dot sees Quaxly's determination, but still can't fight with all the cameras out. Quaxly uses Pound, but it's vision is blocked by smoke from Varoom, leaving it open to be rammed again by the Single-Cyl Pokémon. Seeing Dot and Quaxly struggle, Ash, Liko and Roy run in to help, only for Dot to stop them and join Quaxly. Dot commands a Water Gun, which Varoom dodges with rapid movements. Quaxly reminds Dot to keep her focus away from the cameras. Finally taking her mind off the cameras, Dot commands Quaxly to use Water Gun over and over. As Dot pays attention to Varoom's movements, it charges again, only for Quaxly to toss it aside with Low Kick and leave it open for one last Water Gun.

Varoom gets back up, but this time, it has calmed down and warm up to Quaxly. The people watching are amazed by Dot's performance as Iono announces that she will facing Dot in the Terastal course and it will be livestreamed. Dot remembers the Nidothing costume, only to see that it has vanished. Ash, Liko and Roy carry the Nidothing costume into the ally, just as Dot comes over and thanks them for grabbing it. She then apologizes to them before saying that the cameras didn't bother her when she was battling with Quaxly. This battle makes Dot think that she's earned some respect from Iono and decides to take the test as herself, which amazes Ash, Liko and Roy.

Suddenly, Ash gets a call from Director Clavell

Ash: Hey Director, what's up?

Clavell: Master Ash, I'm sorry to say that Grusha is heading out for a training and won't be back for a while, you'll have to head to Glaseado right away in order to challenge him tomorrow.

Ash: Oh, I understand, I'll start my way there as soon as possible.

Clavell: Thank you.

Ash ends the call

Ash: Sorry Dot, I can't see your battle, I have to head to Glaseado

Roy: What? Why?

Ash: Grusha's gonna leave to train, if I don/t challenge her tommorrow Arceus knows when will be the next time I can, and Glaseado is a long wat from here, so I have to leave, now.

Liko: We understand Ash.

The four share a fistbump

Ash: I promis, right after I beat Grusha I'll come right back

Ash starts tto run off

Ash: And when we meet again tell me all about the batlle, don't leave out a single detail!

Pikachu: Pikachu!

Chapter 51: Trending Terastallisation! Dance, Dance, Quaxly!

Dot posts a Nidothing video in collaboration with Iono regarding their upcoming Terastal Training battle, during which Iono expresses her hopes on her challenger battling true to herself. After the video has been posted, Dot talks with Liko and Roy about what she thinks "battling true to herself" means to her. Based on her earlier battle against Varoom, she believes the answer to be creating a plan and following through with it. Having simulated a battle between Quaxly and Bellibolt based on their moves, she believes she has a plan that she can follow. She does, however, acknowledge the fact that unexpected things can always happen, based on one of her Nidothing streams, where she accidentally messed up in the middle of a live broadcast, although this ended up spreading Nidothing's popularity further. As such, Dot spends the entire night refining her plan to be as comprehensive as possible, knowing full well that her unevolved Water type is at a severe disadvantage against a fully evolved Electric type.

Meanwhile, Ash is on the path to Glaseado Mountain, but curretly, he's hiding in some bushes, seeing a pack of Paldean Tauros, he finally spots one of the Blze Breed, and he sends out Quaxwell to fight it.

Ash: Go Quaxwell! Say Tauros, you wanna have a battle?

Tauros gets angered and starts to attack, but Ash has experice with Kantonian Tauros, and he has Quaxwell's quick feet and dancing skills to land swift water hits with Water Gun and Aqua Jet, eventually Tauros is defeated and Ash catches it

Ash: Nice! Now we've got a perfect counter to Grusha's Ice Types!

The next morning, after refusing an offer from an ecstatic Murdock to come cheer for her in person, Dot heads out with Liko and Roy to prepare for her battle. Unnoticed by them, Sidian and Coral are following them to get intel on Terapagos, though Coral has more interest in getting some of the local churros. They are, though, noticed by Clavell, who assumes that they have come to cheer for their fellow student and offers to join them in doing so, but the two walk away while Clavell is busy checking his phone. As the evening sun spreads orange light over Levincia, Dot exits the Levincia Gym, having been informed that the arrangements for her battle are done and that it'll take place at the central square. Clavell meets up with the three, wishes Dot good luck in her test, and asks how their journey has been going so far. Roy starts excitedly telling in length about what he experienced in Artazon, so Liko tells Dot to go ahead. Just as Dot heads off, Clavell turns to Liko and asks her how she's been doing.

Ash's battle with Grusha begins

Grusha: I hope The World Monarch can put up a fight.

Ash: Oh, belive me I will!

Ash sends out Tauros, who isn't trustful of Ash, but he doesn't back down from a fight, meanwhile, Grusha sends out Cetitan

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Ash scans Cetitan with his Rotom Phone

Rotom: Cetitan, Terra Whale Pokémon, an Ice Type, This Pokémon wanders around snowy, icy areas. It protects its body with powerful muscles and a thick layer of fat under its skin.

The battle begins, Grusha and Cetitan are in total sync, meanwhile, Tauros does whatever attack it wants, only obeying Ash from time to time, Tauros takes a beating, but it keeps fighting, and so does Cetitan, eventually, both battlers Terastallize, Cetitan an Ice Tera Type and Tauros a Fire Tera Type, the two Pokemon clash, and Tauros barely comes out on top, passing Ash his first Terastal training test.

Ash is now outside Grusha's Gym

Ash: Well buddy, looks like me and Tauros are gonna have to work on being friends.

Pikachu: Pika Pi.

As night descends over the central square, Iono starts a livestream to broadcast her and Dot's Terastal Training battle live. With a crowd around the square watching, Dot reminds herself to stick to the plan.

Dot suddenly hears a familiar voice

Ash: Dot! Dot!

Dot looks in the crowd and sees Ash in the stands, next to a shocked Liko and Roy, Dot just waves in response

Iono starts the battle with Spark, but Dot uses Quaxly's superior speed to avoid the attack. Iono orders another Spark from Bellibolt, but Quaxly again dodges it. Iono realizes that Dot had noticed that Bellibolt takes a moment to charge up the electricity required for the attack and used that opportunity to avoid it. While Dot orders a Water Gun as a counterattack, Liko and Clavell are still locked up in their conversation, until they notice Roy following Dot's battle on his Rotom Phone and are reminded of it. They rush to the central square, where Quaxly's Water Gun has only succeeded in triggering Bellibolt's Electromorphosis Ability, building up electric power inside it. Dot tells Quaxly to dodge the incoming attack, but Iono surprises her by having Bellibolt unleash a powered-up Discharge, which hits Quaxly hard. Struggling to stand back up, Quaxly only barely avoids a Spark before striking back with Low Kick and Water Gun. Deciding on a moment of healing, Iono tells Bellibolt to use Slack Off. Quaxly's Water Gun barrage fails to stop Bellibolt from healing itself, and it stands back up, fully reenergized. Iono orders a Discharge, but due to Quaxly's attacks having left the battlefield soaking wet, this inadvertently knocks out power from the central square, causing both the lights and the livestream to be plunged into darkness.

Dot tries to come up with a new plan to deal with the situation, but her mind is drawing a blank due to the situation being too unexpected. She does, however, calm down upon seeing Quaxly dancing happily on the puddles around the square. Deciding to turn this disaster into success, Dot pulls out her Tera Orb and Terastallizes Quaxly into a Water type. The timing of this maneuver catches Iono off-guard, and her confusion only grows when Dot tells Quaxly to repeatedly use Low Kick without taking advantage of the Terastallization. During the rapid-fire assault, Quaxly suddenly learns a new Water-type move and hits Bellibolt hard with a boosted Liquidation. Liko and Roy are happy about this, but at that moment, the lights and the cameras turn back on. With her livestream restored, Iono regains her usual confidence and decides to go all out too, Terastallizing Bellibolt into an Electric type and ordering another Discharge. Quaxly attempts a counterattack with Liquidation, but Discharge strikes first. When the attack dissipates, Quaxly's Terastallized state becomes undone and he collapses, making Iono the winner of the match. Dot admits that he lost, but, at Iono's insistence, also admits that she had fun. Iono emphasizes that having fun is a very important part of being a Pokémon Trainer, and because of this and staying true to herself, she declares that Dot has passed her test. Liko and Roy come over to congratulate Dot while Iono concludes her livestream.

Later, at the Levincia Gym, Clavell also congratulates Dot on passing her test, before extending the same congratulations to Ash, Liko and Roy as well. Now that all four of them have passed their tests, he asks them all to return to Naranja Academy, though he also reminds them to interact with wild Pokémon along the way and write their reports for Jacq. Before that, though, he again addresses Dot and asks her to teach him all that she knows about streaming, leaving Ash, Liko and Roy to awkwardly wait as yet another lengthy conversation ensues.

Chapter 52: The Flower Tower

Following Dot completing her Terastal Training in Levincia, she, Ash, Liko, and Roy head to a river to do a report on wild Pokémon. To help them, Dot pulls out Friede’s Pokémon distribution map.

Liko: I want to tell the Rising Volt Tacklers about my report.

Ash: Yeah, I wanr to get some battles in

Roy: Me too!

The kids decide to set up camp where they are. While it takes time for Liko to get her tent ready, Ash and Roy are already done since they're used this kind of thing. As the rope dangles in Liko's hand, Floragato gets mesmerized by it and grabs it, knocking Liko and her tent over. Dot places her tent by a large flat rock so she can have a good work station. Floragato turns Liko's attention to a Pineco sleeping in a tree before Roy trips on a tree root, running into the tree and causing Pineco to fall down and explode. Later, Liko and Roy wash their Pokémon in the river. Roy spots a school of Arrokuda swimming down the river before a large Kilowattrel flies over head, thrilling Wattrel. Roy decides to go after Kilowattrel and write his report on it. Ash decides to have Nymble battle some wild Pokemon for his report. Dot goes back to the camp site while Liko stays by the river.

Liko lets Terapagos walk around before preparing to wash Floragato. However, Liko's attention gets turned to Hatenna getting dirty again, so she washes Hatenna a second time. As an annoyed Floragato plays around with her yo-yo vine, she hits a rock into the water. She tries to show Liko, who becomes fixated on Terapagos walking away, catching it before it wanders off too far. Liko finally gives Floragato some attention, but the Grass Cat Pokémon, annoyed at the sight of Terapagos and Hatenna in her Trainer's arms, just turns away. Liko tries to place her hand on Floragato, but gets pricked by her fur becoming spiky all of a sudden. Floragato runs off, leaving Liko wondering what's wrong.

Back at the camp site, Dot struggles to find just the right Pokémon to use in her report when she sees an article on a twister made of petals. Dot sees Floragato in a bad mood and gets the feeling that something happened between her and Liko. After finding out that Liko has not decided on a Pokémon to write her report on, Dot shares some info on the "pillar of petals". The article says that a huge number of flower petals are swept into the air, creating a pillar that connect the land to the sky. Though it remains unknown what causes this phenomenon, let alone when the next one will occur or the type of flower the petals come from. As Terapagos wanders in another direction, Dot tells Liko that anyone who sees this phenomenon will be sure to find happiness. Hearing this, Liko looks at Floragato. Dot gets the feeling that a local Pokémon may be behind the pillar of petals. Liko resolves to look for it with Floragato to lift the Grass Cat Pokémon’s mood. Liko goes to tell Floragato about the pillar of petals before panicking when she realizes that Terapagos wandered off. She sees some rustling in the nearby bushes and runs to check it out, Floragato reluctantly following behind. Dot thinks she should head out too, but not before stopping Tinkatink from messing with their frying pan.

Liko can't find Terapagos, so she asks Floragato to help her look. However, Floragato ignores her, causing Liko to become disappointed. Floragato notices Liko's disappointment, but she once again finds herself more focused on Hatenna, prompting Floragato to continue ignoring Liko. Meanwhile, Terapagos arrives at a pond, getting amazed by the resident Magikarp. The Tera Pokémon then gets launched over the trees by a charging Lechonk, still smiling all the while. Liko and Floragato arrive at the same lake, spotting some footprints. Liko hands Hatenna to Floragato as she checks out the footprints. Hatenna picks up on Floragato’s annoyance, but they realize that their attention was preoccupied when they see that Liko is gone. Hearing an explosion, they think that Liko may be in trouble, so they go to check it out. Liko hears the explosion too, thinking it was another Pineco. She heads over there too, but ends up falling into a ravine with vines laid around the top. She realizes that she got separated from Floragato and Hatenna.

Floragato and Hatenna find Terapagos crying on its back next to a Pineco. Hatenna struggles to flip Terapagos over and they both desperately ask Floragato for help. A reluctant Floragato flips Terapagos over before a strong wind catches the Tera Pokemon's attention. Terapagos walks in the direction of the wind, right towards more hanging Pineco. Floragato freaks out and grabs Terapagos, running with Hatenna as fast as possible in the other direction.

Liko wonders how to get out of the ravine knowing she can't climb out, not to mention the heat. Suddenly, she spots a large number of Toedscool running down into the ravine, quickly hiding behind a large rock and scanning them with her Pokédex. She sees that the Toedscool are trying to get rid of the vines. Just as all the Toedscool notice Liko, Floragato arrives to protect her Trainer. Liko however, runs to stop Floragato, getting pricked by her spiky fur again when she embraces her. She tries to tell Floragato that the Toedscool didn't attack her before embracing the Grass Cat Pokémon again, not minding her prickly fur poking her. Floragato's tension fades, with her prickly fur becoming soft again in the process. Terapagos goes over to the Toedscool, wanting to help them. The Toedscool respond by pointing up to the vines covering the ravine. Liko sees that they are trying to get rid of the vines. After the Toedscool form a ladder to help Liko and her Pokémon out of the ravine, Liko commands Floragato to cut the vines with Magical Leaf. The Toedscool turn around, waiting for something as the heat from the sun intensifies. Just then, a strong wind blows through where the vines where, creating a twister in the ravine as the Toedscool rejoice. One by one, they all fly into the twister, releasing flaps into the swirling winds. Liko realizes that this is in fact the "pillar of petals". Liko is glad that Floragato was here to see this with her.

Night falls at the camp site as Dot is shocked to hear that Liko saw the pillar of petals. Liko tells her, Ash and Roy that the petals turned out to be Toedscool flaps, and Roy thinks that will make a great report. Dot looks up that the strong wind blowing over the hot ground, as well as the angle of the ravine in which the wind runs along, causes a tornado. The resident Toedscool have a habit of using this wind to get their flaps to peel off. Dot asks Liko if she took photos out videos, and she nervously says that she forgot. However, she decides to draw up an illustration for her report instead. Liko smiles at Floragato, happy she was able to strengthen their bond with this experience.

Chapter 53: Wattrel's High Wind Warning!

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot are observing various wild Pokémon for the reports they need to make. Suddenly Team Rocket attacks, but Pikachu easily blasts them off, and Jame's Capsakid gets separated from the trio, Roy comes across it and doesn't realize it's the Capsakid from Team Rocket. Roy chooses to observe the Capsakid, with Fuecoco bringing him a Grepa Berry to feed it. Wattrel tries to help Roy too, but is constantly outdone by Fuecoco bringing in more berries and even directly fetching them straight from the tree with Flame Charge and grilling them in the process, while Wattrel keeps struggling to even fly high enough due to strong gusts of wind. When the group gathers at their campsite to eat and show off their progress, Roy shows his friends a video of Wattrel struggling with strong winds, which it still has problems with, despite Roy having helped it to overcome its fear of flying. Roy wonders how he could help Wattrel get more confident.

In the dead of night, Roy wakes up to notice that Wattrel is missing. He and Fuecoco find the Storm Petrel Pokémon in the woods, struggling to get up a tree. Roy and Fuecoco try to cheer up Wattrel with a song, though it remains dejected. Suddenly, a haunting sound fills the air, sending shivers down Roy and his Pokémon's spines. A Houndstone appears nearby and runs towards them, but instead of attacking them, it just affectionately jumps onto Roy and cuddles up to him until its Trainer, Ryme, calls it off. She reveals that she had heard Roy's earlier singing to encourage Wattrel and performs a rap telling it to not run away from its fears. Roy is in awe at the rap, but his attention quickly turns elsewhere when he notices Capsakid emerging from a nearby bush. Knowing that it's a Pokémon that likes sunlight, he wonders why it is on the move in the middle of the night. Ryme figures that it must be fleeing from "the unworldly", a scary Pokémon not from this world that she's trying to find. Roy gets excited at the prospect of meeting it too, but quickly turns around to film the potentially rare Capsakid behavior for his report. Kneeling closer to Fuecoco, Ryme says she sees potential in him and encourages the Fire Croc Pokémon to keep at it. When Roy turns back around, Ryme and Houndstone have both vanished. In the morning, Roy tells his friends of "the unworldly", but neither Ash, Liko nor Dot has any idea what it could mean. When Roy tries to show them the video he took to prove that his nightly encounter was real, his Rotom Phone only displays a black screen.

Liko: Roy, are you sure you weren't seeing things?

Roy: No! It was real, I swear!

Ash: Well, stuff similar to what going on here happened to me before, and the supposed crazy person was always right in the end, so I'm with ya Roy!

Roy: Thanks, Ash.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket spy on the twerps, James is very worried for his Capsakid.

The group once again splits up to continue writing their reports. As Wattrel still struggles to overcome its fear of strong winds, Fuecoco keeps effortlessly collecting berries, even offering one for Wattrel. An irritated Wattrel winds up in a short fight with Fuecoco, which Roy is quick to break up, though Wattrel flees while he's busy calming down Fuecoco. While looking for Wattrel, Roy spots Capsakid from stuck on a cliff. He carefully walks down a narrow cliffside path, leaving Fuecoco behind to avoid him falling into the water below. At one point, the cliff beneath Roy starts to crumble, causing Fuecoco to cry out in alarm, but Roy barely manages to get to stable footing in time and successfully reaches Capsakid. Capsakid relaizes Roy is a twerp his trainer speaks of, and bites him on the finger and uses Bullet Seed to fire its extremely spicy seeds into his mouth. To Capsakid's surprise, however, Roy finds the spicy seeds very tasty, happily even accepting a second mouthful of them. Eventually, Roy manages to earn Capsakid's temporary trust, but is unable to make it back past the collapsed cliff face or climb up the cliff while holding Capsakid. Wattrel, having been attracted to the site by Fuecoco's alarmed cry from earlier, sees its chance to conquer its fear and swoops down to help. As Wattrel keeps struggling against the wind, Hatenna and Floragato sense that something is going on and leads Ash, Liko and Dot to the site.

Eventually, Wattrel manages grab a hold of Capsakid, and, after some further struggles, gets it to safety. After celebrating Wattrel's success, Roy starts climbing up the cliff, much to Ash, Liko and Dot's alarm. Although Roy assures that he's a good tree climber, a combination of a rock he tries to grab breaking off and an especially strong gust of wind blowing by cause him to lose his grip and start falling. Without hesitation, Wattrel dives down to save him and unexpectedly evolves into Kilowattrel, becoming big enough to grab Roy and fly him around for a while as Ash, Liko and Dot observe the newly evolved Frigatebird Pokémon in awe. Roy is also feeling excited that his Pokémon evolved, but is left dismayed when he finds out that neither of his friends actually recorded the evolution. Nevertheless, after saying goodbye to Capsakid, the group continues on their journey, with Fuecoco taking a flight on Kilowattrel along the way. Capsakid reunites with Team Rocket, James being glad his Pokemon is safe, while Jessie and Meowth roll their eyes at his antics. Meanwhile, in the depths of a dark, mist-filled forest, a ghostly Pokémon lurks in wait.

Chapter 54: Hatenna and the Otherworldly

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot are traveling through a forest to find the Pokémon known as "the unworldly" which Roy had heard of. They soon hear noises coming from deeper in the woods, until three people who look very similar to them suddenly appear before them. While Liko's Hatenna uses Heal Pulse to heal them and their Pokémon, the three Trainers, Luka, Rai, and Bocco, reveal that, just like Liko and her friends, they are students from Naranja Academy who are taking on the Terastal Training course. However, they had gotten lost on their way to their designated Gyms and wandered through a foggy forest, until they arrived before a spooky-looking tree that seemed to have a ghostly face. Since they couldn't go any further, they decided to turn back, only for the strap on Luka's bag to break. She had used a vine from a nearby tree to repair it, but at that moment, a scary Pokémon had attacked them, and they had fled, unable to repel it by battling it. Based on their description of the Pokémon, Roy and Dot deduce that it could be "the unworldly" they are looking for. When Liko and her friends mention that they want to find it to write a report about it, Luka and her friends get scared at the mere idea and flee in terror while thanking them from their aid.

Liko and her friends continue on deeper into the forest. As fog starts rolling in, a group of Mankey suddenly flees past them on the treetops. Only moments after they have passed by, another Pokémon appears before them. Using her Rotom Phone, Liko identifies it as an Annihilape, a Pokémon that has gained power not constrained by the limits of flesh through rage, making the children realize that this Pokémon is "the unworldly" they were looking for. Annihilape starts attacking them, forcing the children to defend themselves with their Pokémon, with Quaxly and Floragato holding it back while Fuecoco and Pikachu knocks it down with Flame Charge and Iron Tail, giving the four a chance to run away. They eventually arrive at the side of a river and stop to catch their breath. Hearing noise nearby, they find a group of Mankey next to the tree with a ghostly face that they had heard of. One of the Mankey is holding a snapped vine, which Liko realizes must be the same one that Luka had used to repair her bag. Dot figures that this tree must be important to the Mankey in some way, and since the four of them and their Pokémon resemble the group they met earlier, the Mankey are mistaking them for the culprits. The Mankey start throwing rocks at the four of them, ignoring their pleas of innocence. Several Primeape charge at them, but Floragato, Fuecoco, Pikachu and Quaxly are able to fight them off. One Mankey throws a rock that almost hits Terapagos, but Hatenna uses her Psychic powers to defend it. Annihilape appears again, and the Mankey and Primeape move aside to make way for it. Dot theorizes that Annihilape could be the guardian deity of these Mankey. Annihilape attacks with a flurry of Shadow Balls, and the group's Pokémon fight back, but their attacks don't seem to work. Deciding on a combination attack, they simultaneously attack with Magical Leaf, Flamethrower, and Water Gun, but all they succeed in is making Annihilape even angrier.

In the midst of the battle, Hatenna spots some of the Mankey looking at a tree on the opposite shore and realizes something. When several of Annihilape's Shadow Balls end up striking the pack of Mankey, they grow angry as well and start attacking Annihilape, much to the group's surprise. While Dot figures that her theory on Annihilape being a guardian deity is incorrect, after all, Hatenna comes up to them and points out what's on the other side of the river: a large supply of Berries at the base of another tree. Figuring the Berries belong to the Mankey, the group realizes that the Mankey had grown angry because they had previously used the vine hanging between the two trees to cross the river and reach their food storage, but are now unable to do so. To fix the situation, the group constructs a new bridge out of straw and logs, which Hatenna helps attach to the tree on one side of the river, while Roy flies to the other side with Kilowattrel and attaches the other end of the bridge of the Berry storage tree. The Mankey, Primeape, and Annihilape excitedly cross the river using the new bridge and reach their food storage once more. Ash, Liko and Dot follow them and are feeling happy for them. Ash and Liko thank Hatenna for figuring out what was wrong, and is surprised to notice a brief glow around her Pokémon.

Liko: Woah, what was that?

Ash: I think Hattena's gonna evolve soon!

The Mankey pack's excitement rises so high that their stomping starts shaking the ground. As a result, a loose boulder soon falls down from the cliff above and almost hits the pack. While no one is hurt, all Berries have been smashed. This causes the short-tempered Pokémon to fly into a fit of rage and start fighting each other. During the fight, two Primeape from the pack suddenly evolve into Annihilape, surprising the group with the revelation that Annihilape is Primeape's evolved form. Ash is in awe, remembering his own Primeape, and wonders if his Primeape has evolved yet. The fight grows more violent with two new Annihilape now being present, quickly resulting in all the Mankey being defeated and leaving the three Rage Monkey Pokémon to fight amongst themselves. The group falls back, but they soon notice that Hatenna is approaching the Annihilape, trying to stop the fight. In that midst of the raging fight full of enraged emotions, the overwhelmed Hatenna suddenly evolves into Hattrem. From Dot's Rotom Phone, the group learns that Hattrem will silence anyone with strong emotions, which she then proceeds to do to three Annihilape, defeating them with her newly learned move. The group is impressed at Hattrem's strength, though Dot is also left flabbergasted when she then also heals them right afterwards.

At sunset, the group eats some newly collected Berries alongside the pack, with Dot recording some video of the Annihilape for her report in the process. This experience has left the group excited to meet even more Pokémon, feeling good about their reports. Later, Hattrem is dismayed to find out that she's now too big to ride in Liko's hood anymore, but she gets over it quickly, and the group continues on their way back to Naranja Academy.

Chapter 55: The Treasure of Eternity

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot continue their journey back towards Naranja Academy.

Dot: Man, I'm exhausted

Ash: But it's fun! Man I have missed travling lik this, only our feet to take us! No planes or cars!

Ann suddenly catches up with them, also on her way back to the academy after passing her test. She's surprised to notice that Hatenna and Wattrel have evolved, and also spots Terapagos peeking out of Liko's bag. Before Liko can explain about Terapagos, Dot collapses.

Dot: I can go on anymore...

Roy: Maybe a snack break?

They do so, with Liko taking the time to reveal to Ann how Terapagos used to be the pendant she had previously shown to her. Ann is also excited by the concept of traveling around in an airship, though Liko admits that they've still got ways to go, as there is a faraway place where Terapagos wishes to go to, which is why they're taking the Terastal Training course. Ann notes how Liko has grown much more confident and asks Roy and Dot to be her friends too. They accept, though the socially awkward Dot does so reluctantly.

Ann: I'm gonna give it my all at the league!

Ash: There's a pokemon league here?!

Liko receives a phone call from Friede, who asks how she, Ash and Roy are doing and if they too saw a pink haze when encountering Lucius's Lapras and Galarian Moltres. Ash, Liko and Roy confirm this to be true, with Liko mentioning how she also saw the same thing with Arboliva. Having confirmed what he wanted to know, Friede wishes Ash, Liko and Roy good luck on their Terastal Training and ends the call.

Later, Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ann have finished their break and are continuing along their way.

Ann: leaving Kanto for Paldea really made me nervous.

Liko: I felt the same way when I had come to Indigo Academy, I was able to take a step forward after meeting Floragato.

Ann: I feel the same way! Having Dewott and Sandshrew by my side made everything better.

This statement catches Liko by surprise, and she starts wondering if Terapagos is actually trying to take her to Laqua, instead of vice versa. Happily holding Terapagos in her arms, Liko and her friends run ahead as they finally see Naranja Academy in the distance, declaring that they've finally made it back.

Notes:

Short chapter this time, The episode itself isn't focused to much on the kids, but I did what I could.

Chapter 56: Showdown! The Paldea Elite Four

Having completed their Terastal Training tests, Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot, Coral, Sidian, and other students have returned to Naranja Academy. Before their next assignment, however, Director Clavell has an announcement.

Clavell: I have arranged a series of friendly battles against special guests for you all to participate in.

Geeta enters the hall and reveals that the special guests in question are members of the Paldea Elite Four, making the students excited, especially Ash. As the students move to the schoolyard, Dot is feeling that losing is a certainty against such powerful opponents, but Nemona reveals to the squad of friends that these friendly matches will be Tag Battles, where each of them will pair up with the Gym Leader they fought for their test. Case and point, Iono appears on one of the battlefields and waves at Dot, making a flustered Dot realize that she'll be the first one to battle. With Dendra working as the referee, Iono and Dot take their place at the field and are soon joined by their opponent, Poppy, who calls out her Tinkaton and Copperajah to face Dot's Quaxly and Iono's Bellibolt. Dendra clarifies that the battle ends when either the student's Pokémon or one of the Elite Four member's Pokémon is defeated, and Clavell adds that the Gym Leader will be disallowed to Terastallize their Pokémon so that the student can have more spotlight, much to Iono's dismay.

Dendra starts the battle, with Iono making the first move with Discharge, though it ends up shocking Quaxly as well and doing next to nothing against Poppy's Pokémon. Poppy tells Copperajah to use Sandstorm, which surrounds the battlefield and buffets Dot and Iono's Pokémon while doing nothing to Poppy's Steel types. Tinkaton leaps forward with Gigaton Hammer, but Bellibolt uses Reflect to soften the blow. Geeta feels that the battle is becoming a showdown between a Gym Leader and an Elite Four member, with the student being too overwhelmed to do anything, but Clavell and Dot's friends feel sure things can still change. With the protective barrier still active, Iono tells Dot to take the offensive, so she has Quaxly use Water Gun, followed by Liquidation. Poppy's Pokémon shrug off the hits with ease, however, and Tinkaton then proceeds to smash the Reflect barrier apart with Brick Break, much to Iono's shock. Poppy aims for a finishing blow and launches a combination attack in the form of Copperajah's Rock Slide and Tinkaton's Rock Smash, sending a barrage of rocks raining onto her opponents. Bellibolt protects Quaxly with its body, but is starting to feel tired. With the sandstorm fading, Iono tells Bellibolt to use Slack Off to heal itself. Seeing Quaxly expressing his determination with dance moves, Dot gets an idea and has him do the same on Bellibolt's belly, triggering its Electromorphosis Ability. When Tinkaton leaps in with Gigaton Hammer, Bellibolt uses its belly to launch Quaxly high into the air to avoid the attack. Iono tells Dot to use the chance to her advantage, and she does so, Terastallizing Quaxly and having him use a powered-up Liquidation. The attack clashes with Tinkaton's hammer, until both sides are pushed back. Iono then points out how her Bellibolt used the distraction to get onto Copperajah's back, allowing it to land a close-range Zap Cannon. Copperajah collapses, thus resulting in Dot and Iono being declared winners. Poppy congratulates the two, but quickly notices that Dot isn't feeling happy despite being on the winning side. Dot admits that she feels that they only won because Iono did all the heavy lifting, but Poppy says she's thinking too hard and hopes to battle her again someday, before taking her leave with Iono, leaving Dot feeling a little better about herself.

Roy's turn is next, and his partner, Brassius, leaps down from a set of loudspeakers to join him on the battlefield. Their opponent is Hassel, whom Brassius reveals to be a Dragon-type expert, which Roy sees as a valuable source of experience for his future confrontation with Rayquaza. Hassel sends out Baxcalibur and Flapple, while Brassius calls out Dolliv to join Roy's Fuecoco. The battle begins with Roy ordering a Flame Charge. Avoiding an Ice Shard from Baxcalibur while Dolliv blocks Flapple's Acid Spray with Seed Bomb, Fuecoco's attack is able to make contact with Baxcalibur. To Roy's surprise, however, the attack seems to strengthen Baxcalibur, and he tells Fuecoco to back off, barely avoiding a hit from Baxcalibur's Glaive Rush. Brassius explains that Baxcalibur has the Thermal Exchange Ability, which boosts its attack power if it's hit by a Fire-type move, leaving Roy exasperated that Brassius didn't warn him sooner. Deciding to switch things up, Roy has Fuecoco use Disarming Voice, which deals super effective damage on the two Dragon types. Hassel tells Flapple to use Grav Apple, which reminds Fuecoco of an actual apple so much that he ignores Roy's orders to dodge until it's too late and the move hits him straight on the head. Brassius encourages Roy to fight with passion, so he orders Fuecoco to use Flamethrower, which Dolliv powers up with Helping Hand. Hassel responds to this collaboration of moves by having Flapple use Twister, creating a fiery tornado that Baxcalibur dives inside of. Thanks to Thermal Exchange, the tornado suddenly freezes over and shatters, leaving Baxcalibur even more powered up as it uses Glaive Rush again. Fuecoco tries to flee from it, but is unexpectedly saved by Dolliv's Grass Knot making him fall down and out of the attack's path. The next combination of attacks comes in the form of Dolliv's Seed Bomb and Fuecoco's Flamethrower, which is blocked by Baxcalibur and Flapple's double Protect. While Dolliv prepares a giant Energy Ball, Roy Terastallizes Fuecoco and combines his boosted Flamethrower with the Energy Ball, creating a spectacular display that Hassel can't help but be impressed by. Hassel orders Baxcalibur to use Blizzard, enveloping the combo move in ice, before ordering another Glaive Rush, launching a surprise attack through the ice that defeats both Fuecoco and Dolliv, making Hassel the winner. Despite losing, Roy still felt that he had fun, though he's subsequently left awkwardly staring at Hassel as he starts to cry profusely at how much both Roy and Brassius have grown. Talking with Nemona, Roy admits that he's still no match for Rayquaza and swears to keep growing stronger.

While Ash and Liko prepare for their battle, Sidian and Tulip's team is defeated when Garganacl loses to Rika's Clodsire and Dugtrio. Rika berates Sidian's attitude of accepting loss just to ensure his own backup's survival, but Sidian says he prefers it to a disgraceful victory, which Tulip finds understandable. The two of them make way for Liko and Katy, who look forward to battling together as much as Rika looks forward to keeping her winning streak going, the Elite Four member smiling confidently.

Meanwhile, Ash is approached by Grusha.

Grusha: Ready for our battle against Larry, World Monarch?

Ash: As I'll ever be!

Larry approaches them as well.

Larry: My face may not say it, but I'm looking forawrd to this as well, good luck kid.

Larry and Ash shake hands, meanwhile a wild Cetoddle looks on in excitement, this little fella saw Ash's battle with Grusha and admired Ash ever since, and followed Grusha all the way to the academy just to see Ash again.

Chapter 57: Liko vs. Rika! Towards the Battle's End

Ash and Grusha send out Pikachu and Cetitan respectively. While Larry sends out Staraptor and Flamigo.

Larry: Got lots of respect for ya, Monarch. So don't expect me to go easy on ya.

Ash: I'm fine with that! Go all out!

The battle begins, Ash remembers his own Staraptor and has Pikachu trap it in an Electroweb, while Grusha has Cetitan use Ice Shard on Flamigo, Larry counters by freeing Staraptor with Brave Bird and Flamigo hitting Cetitan with a Close Combat, doing big damage, Cetitan fires back with Ice Spinner, but Flamigo dodges. Pikachu uses Thunderbolt and it hits Staraptor, making it weak. Flamigo then gets close to Pikachu and tries a Throat Chop, but Cetitan fires a Liquidation to knock Flamigo back, spilling water everywhere. Ash sees this and gets an Idea, having Pikachu use Thunderbolt, but no clear target. The thunder goes everywhere and thanks to the spilled water, hits all three pokemon, even Cetitan, knocking Staraptor and Flamigo out. Larry and Ash then shake hands.

Larry: Great on the spot thinking kid, but that was a little reckless, don't you think?

Ash rubs the back of his head sheepishly

Ash: Yeah.. Guess I just got carried away.

Larry: Just be careful, okay?

Ash: Of course!

Thee Tag Battle of Liko and Katy versus Rika of the Paldea Elite Four is about to begin. While Ash, Roy, Ann, and Nemona discuss about Liko's chances, Dot sees Terapagos wandering off and runs after it, unnoticed by the other four. On the battlefield, Rika, noticing Liko acting nervous, delays Dendra's declaration to start the match and walks over to Liko.

Rika: Hey Liko, you wanna pet my Clodsire?

Liko: Um, sure.

Liko reaches out

Rika: Stop!

Liko: What?! What did I do?

Rika: Clodsire's skin is poisonous, and you aren't wearing protective gloves.

Liko is unamused by the tease, but is surprised to notice she's feeling less tense now, being ready to start battling.

Once Rika has returned to her spot, Dendra properly starts the battle. Rika starts her offensive right away, telling Dugtrio to use Dig and Clodsire to follow up with Sludge Wave. Nemona explains to Roy and Ann that Sludge Wave is a move that hits the entire field, so Dugtrio had used Dig to avoid being hit by it. While Floragato and Lokix both dodge the Sludge Wave, Floragato ends up taking a hit from Dig as Dugtrio resurfaces. Although it is not very effective on the Grass Cat Pokémon, Nemona knows that repeated hits from it can still sting. Rika repeats her previous moves, as do Floragato and Lokix, except this time, Floragato manages to wrap her vine around Dugtrio, who proceeds to spin around to send her flying. Floragato performs a hard landing, though Liko doesn't notice her partner's pained expression and only congratulates her performance. Rika orders Dugtrio to use Rock Slide on Floragato, who trips while trying to dodge due to her hurt leg. Fortunately for Liko, Katy has Lokix defend Floragato with Throat Chop, stopping the barrage of rocks before they can hit. Liko thanks Katy for her help, and Katy tells her to pay attention on other things than just Clodsire. Liko complies by glancing all around the field, but Rika criticizes her for having too many thoughts in her head at once, telling her that during a battle, she shouldn't be think about anything else. She asks Liko what she thinks she's battling for, and while she admits that Liko is not wrong by saying that she wants to win, there's also more to it than that. Katy assures Liko that she'll understand everything by the end of the battle, which Rika is already eager to continue. Looking at Floragato, Liko smiles as she can sense how excited and eager her partner is, and promises to focus on winning.

Meanwhile, in the academy's lobby, Dot's chase for Terapagos is momentarily interrupted by her spotting an entire shelf full of issues of the Occulture magazine, but Quaxly urges her to focus on the task at hand. Following Terapagos's voice, she follows it to the upper layer of the lobby, where it turns out that the bag containing Terapagos has been found by Penny.

Dot: Um, can you give me that back? And keep that pokemon a secret?

Penny instead turns around.

Penny: Keep quiet about this, Dot.

Dot is surpised with her knowledge of her name.

Back at the battle, Rika repeats her reliable combo of Dig and Sludge Wave. Liko is prepared for it this time, though, and has Floragato slice the Sludge Wave apart with Magical Leaf, jump into the air to dodge Dugtrio's Dig, and then hit the Mole Pokémon with a super effective Magical Leaf. In the audience, Geeta notices Grusha getting interested by Liko's strategy. Rika is happy to see the battle heating up and decides to start fighting harder too. Clodsire and Dugtrio fire a double assault with Mud Shot and Rock Slide, forcing Floragato to do easive maneuvers. When she tries to deflect an incoming Mud Shot, she's left wide open for a Rock Slide barrage that rains down on her. Katy creates an opening for Liko by having Lokix use Lunge, which turns Rika's Pokémon's attention to it and allows Liko to command a Quick Attack on Clodsire. Rika, however, anticipated this and has Clodsire use Poison Jab, extending its spines in preparation. Lokix quickly jumps in pushes Floragato aside at the last second, taking the hit instead and getting poisoned in the process. This, however, plays into Katy's strategy, as Lokix's Swarm Ability is triggered, giving its Bug-type moves a significant boost. To Liko's surprise, Katy suddenly declares that she's going to stop holding back and fight with her full power now. Dodging its opponents' attacks, Lokix hits Clodsire and Dugtrio with a Struggle Bug and Lunge barrage, before aiming a Bounce at Clodsire, which Dugtrio takes the hit from in its place. Liko is left speechless by Katy's performance, but ultimately, the damage from the poison catches up to Lokix, and Dendra declares it unable to battle. With Bounce having left Dugtrio paralyzed, the match has now effectively turned into a one-on-one battle between Floragato and Clodsire. Liko can still sense Floragato's excitement, wondering if she wants to start bouncing around like Lokix did. In the audience, Roy and Ann are feeling uncertain about Liko's chances, since Clodsire, as a Poison type, has a type advantage over Floragato, but Nemona assures them that Lokix's Struggle Bug has lowered the power of Clodsire's attacks, so the match should still be plenty exciting.

Back at the school lobby, Dot and Penny have sat down to talk.

Dot: How do you know my name?

Penny: I do maintenance for the Terastal Training course registration system, since I'm an engineer for the Pokémon League.

Dot tries to tell Penny how she work on technical stuff as well, just as Penny stands up and peers down to the ground floor, spotting a disguised Chalce reading a book. Then sitting back down.

Penny: That girl seems suspicious, she just recently appeared in the school's database out of nowhere under the name of "Agepan".

Neither she nor Dot feels comfortable with the idea of going to talk to her about it. Just then, Quaxly notices that Terapagos has wandered off again. Dot quickly spots Terapagos on the ground floor and catches up with it, though this causes Chalce to notice her.

Dot: Uh... What do you think about Occulture.

Chalce: Well, i think that the ideas presented in the magazine are absurd.

Dot: Well, even rumors have a tiny bit of truth in them.

Chalce: Some truths are better left undiscovered.

Chalce puts her book away and leaves, with Dot wondering why she looks so familiar. Dot takes the Scarlet Book that Chalce had been reading and starts skimming through it, with Terapagos suddenly becoming interested in one image in particular. Dot returns the book to the shelf and exchanges phone numbers with Penny before heading off to reunite with her friends, meanwhile, Team Rocket, who are on Libary duty, peek out from behind a bookself, looking after Dot.

James: it seems the twerps have a mmysterious book!

Jessie: And that book may be related to that mystery Pokemon!

Meowth: That Pokemon could be a great gift for the boss!

James: We could get promoted!

Jessie: yes, but we better be careful. The original Twerp is still isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but his new Twerp friends are sharper than him! If the one with seeminly no eyes most of the time can get suspicious of the Explorer girl! We're gonna be exposed if any of them see us!

Wobbuffet: Wobbuffet!

At the battlefield, Clodsire counters Floragato's Magical Leaf with Mud Shot and tries to fend off her Quick Attack with another bombardment of mud. When Floragato keeps approaching, Clodsire prepares a Poison Jab, but Floragato wraps her vine around one of the toxic spines, before lunging in and hitting Clodsire hard with a new move, which Katy identifies as Acrobatics, making Liko excited. Dot reunites her friends in the audience just as Floragato, becoming increasingly exhausted and slowed from the damage she's sustained, takes a hit from a Mud Shot. Despite realizing that someone of Rika's strength level is going all out against her, Liko still can't help but smile. Smirking, Rika reiterates her earlier question on why Liko thinks she does battles. Liko confidently answers that it's so she can immerse herself with battles and become one with her Pokémon. Recognizing that Floragato has always taken battles seriously, Liko declares that from now on, she will take them seriously and enjoy them as well. Rika is very pleased with the answer and the expression on Liko's face, so both Trainers decide to take the battle to the next level by Terastallizing their respective Pokémon. Floragato attacks with a boosted Magical Leaf, which Clodsire counters with a powered-up Earth Power, overpowering the Grass-type move and defeating Floragato, thus making Rika the winner. After recalling and thanking her partner, Liko suddenly finds herself shedding tears. Katy gives her a comforting hug, recognizing that she's feeling passionate because she took the battle seriously, thus making the loss hurt more. Ash also sees this, and leaves the stand and goes onto the battlefield and hugs his friend.

Ash: Hey Liko? Can I tell you something? It might make you feel better.

Liko nods

Ash: During my first Pokemon League, I was in the top 16 match, Team Rocket had kidnapped me and tried to steal Pikachu, making me late for the match, and my Pokemon were tired. When I only had one Pokemon left. I foolishly chose my Chrizard, who didn't like me at the time and wouldn't listen to what I'd say. Charizard took out one Pokemon, then took a nap, making me lose the match. I was crushed, hard, but I got back up, and I went on to win The Orange League! I then used any failures as motivation. Even though I lost in Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. I omly saw how much higher I ranked league after league! Top 16, Top 8, Top 4, Runner Up and then I won the Alola League, and then i went on the become the strongest trainer in the world! i wouldn't be here today if it weren't for those failures. You did amazing today, especially since this was your first serious battle! Take this loss and only use it to motivate you for a rematch, this isn't over for you, not by a long shot.

Liko sobs more and Katie and Ash tighten their hug, Ash was right though, Liko did feel a little better, Grusha watches on, interested in Liko's potential

After calming down, Liko approaches the rest of her friends and accepts their compliments on how well she performed. Roy and Dot note how Liko is acting more enthusiastically and seriously about battles than she ever has before, which she herself also recognizes and also thanks Rika for.

Later, at the school lobby, Liko is approached by Grusha, whom she remembers from his battle against Larry with Ash.

Grusha: If what you just experienced was enough to raise your spirits, you must be pretty frigid.

Liko is left very confused by this encounter, but is quickly cheered up by Roy coming up to her and expressing his desire to battle someone strong and become a better Trainer, a sentiment that Liko now also shares, Ash comes up and offers to train them to get stronger. Dot approaches the two and shows them the Scarlet Book, which she had just borrowed from the school library. She opens the book to show them the picture that Terapagos was interested in. Liko notes the drawing's resemblance to Terapagos and feels that a new adventure is about to start for them, while the admiring Cetoddle watches from afar.

Chapter 58: The Terapagos I Don't Know

The Rising Volt Tacklers are all sitting down to eat at a restaurant. They congratulate Ash, Liko, Roy and Dot on passing their basics tests while Murdock cries lots of tears for Dot’s performance in particular.

Dot: Get a grip, Uncle Murdock, the course isn't over yet.

Liko: Yeah, we can’t let up now.

Ash: We won't guys! We'll beat the rest of the course with no issue!

Mollie and Orla tell the kids that they also should slow down and relax to have a good balance in life. Roy calls the waiter to get him another orange juice. Orla notices a smiling Liko.

Orla: Say, Liko? What's got you smiling?

Liko: Nothing, it just feels great for everyone to be back together.

Ash: Oh yeah! It's amazing that we're all here!

Orla: Well, by the time we get back, the ship should be airworthy again.

Friede: I'll be heading over to the Naranja Academy once the meal is over.

Dot: Why? The implementation tests don’t start until tomorrow.

Friede: I made an appointment to see Geeta and Clavell.

Friede and the kids meet with Clavell and Geeta, the latter in particular being familiar with his work as a Pokémon Professor. Just as Geeta asks about Terapagos, said Pokémon pokes its head out of Liko’s bag, shocking Geeta and Clavell.

Geeta: Where on earth did you find this Pokemon?!a

Liko: well, it first was a pendant, and my grandma gave it to me.

Ash: it's a weird story, we know.

Friede mentions sightings of Terapagos in Paldea through old records, hoping that Geeta would know something about them. Geeta brings up old sketches of Terapagos’ forms on the screen. Liko recognizes the sketch on the right as Terapagos’ Terastal form that it took on when protecting Liko from the Black Rayquaza.

Clavell: While no details of Terapagos have been recovered, it’s said to be a Pokémon with a strong connection to Terastal phenomenon.

They turn to a photo of the Great Crater of Paldea.

Geeta: Well, a Pokémon resembling Terapagos was sighted in Area Zero, the deepest point of the crater in fact, which was recorded in the Scarlet Book.

Hearing this, Dot grabs the Scarlet Book from her bag and shows it to Clavell and Geeta. The latter skims through it and finds a sketch of what is thought to be a third form Terapagos can take.

Liko: Terapagos wants to go to a place called Laqua.

Geeta: Where?

Roy: It’s a place that a ancient adventurer reached a hundred years ago!

From this, Geeta hypothesizes that solving the mysteries of Terapagos will help solve the mysteries of Laqua.

Ash; So how bout we just go to Area Zero head on!

Roy: Yeah!

Clavell: Well, entering will be incredibly difficult as there was an accident there.

Geeta: If we ever do go down to Area Zero, I'd be happy to accompany you.

Ash: Sweet!

She also points them to someone who may know of things from a hundred years ago.

At the library, Dot puts the Scarlet Book back in its place. Friede remarks how mysterious only lead them into even more mysterious begging to be uncovered. Ash, Roy and Dot notice Liko’s look of unease, to which she admits that she doesn’t really know anything about Terapagos. Roy disagrees, saying that she’s learned a lot about its personality.

Ash: Yeah Liko, you've been watching over Terapagos forever now! You've surely learned at least something.

The group is greeted by the Naranja Academy’s history teacher, Raifort. Liko is about to introduce herself to Raifort when she sees another Terapagos by her side, and so are the other kids.

Roy: WHAT??!!

Dot: HOW?!?!

Ash: TWO TERAPAGOS?!?!

Raifort brushes this off as an "illusion", and sure enough, the Pokemon reveals itself as her Zoroark.

Ash: Oh! It was a Zoroark! Good trick!

Roy: You've seen one?

Ash: Yeah, a rival of mine in Alola had one.

Liko scans the Illusion Fox Pokémon with her Pokédex, and as she lowers it, Zoroark has taken on the appearance of Captain Pikachu. Raifort knows that the group is following a lead, and as Liko is about to answer, Raifort says that she is heading out to do fieldwork right now and offers to let them join her in finding some ancient treasure.

While walking on the trail, Raifort hears about the legend of the ancient adventurer, his Six Heroes, the paradise they were aiming to reach, and Liko receiving Terapagos in the present day. All this gets her more excited and even more curious. Friede asks about Laqua, and Raifort mentions it recorded in a history book. Zoroark signals Raifort, who tells everyone to lay low for the active treasure nearby. The kids hear the sound of metal, thinking it must be a Pokémon. Roy goes over to the bushes and spots a Gimmighoul, scanning it with his Pokédex. Friede says that its rare for anyone to catch its Roaming Form in Paldea, so Roy declares that he’ll be the first. Just as he sends out Fuecoco however, it vanishes and leaves behind a Gimmighoul Coin. Raifort tells Roy that Gimmighoul must have dropped it in a panic, letting him keep it. Roy then spots Gimmighoul on Fuecoco's head. It jumps off Fuecoco to reveal itself as Zoroark again, who hands Raifort another Gimmighoul Coin. The group decides to split up to look for more Gimmighoul Coins. They are then pointed by Terapagos to the ruins of a fort. As the rest of the group (excluding Roy) comes over, Terapagos runs down there first, prompting them to follow.

At the ruins, Terapagos crawls into a hole and greets the Nacli and Charcadet inside. Raifort tells the group that Charcadet has supported knights and nobility since ancient times. Terapagos comes out with Charcadet riding on top, which makes Liko smile. Nacli greets Liko, and Dot wonders why its not afraid of people. Friede says that Nacli has been helping humans for hundreds of years. Raifort shares that these two have lived in Paldea for a long, long time, forming connections with people. Roy comes back with his hat full of Gimmighoul Coins, boasting about how he’s a natural-born treasure hunter. Raifort points to their objective, the watchtower. She says that back when the region was divided into multiple countries, the emperor built them to keep watch on the neighboring countries. Seeing the tower, Roy sends out Kilowattrel and tells it that the tower where they met looked like this one. Raifort remarks that artifacts built by those from days long past now play a part in your own story. She says that history is the past leaving its impact on the present.

Roy flies Kilowattrel to the top of the watchtower. Friede sends out Charizard and carries Ash, Liko and Dot up there too. On the watchtower, the kids overlook the land when Raifort points them to a treasure chest. Friede gets a feeling and Fuecoco opens the chest to reveal Gimmighoul in its chest form. A purple aura surrounds the Coin Hunter Pokémon, prompting Roy to skip over and hand it all the Gimmighoul coins he collected. Ash, Liko and Dot wonder what’s wrong, and Friede says that Roy has fallen under Gimmighoul’s spell; controlling humans to make them collect coins, only to steal every last one. With all of Roy’s coins handed over, Gimmighoul jumps off the tower and runs off. Raifort says that by hunting for old coins, they were able to meet modern-day Pokémon. She then shares that the history book regarded Laqua described it as such: "Once upon a time, far beyond Paldea, a hundred days and nights away, there was a Pokémon paradise. The shining pink of Laqua." Hearing this, Friede realizes that Laqua is connected to Rakurium. Raifort shares that people always dismissed the paradise as nothing more than a fairy tale, and that long before the Naranja Academy was even founded, this land was once part of the Paldean Empire; and even before that, another kingdom entirely. Raifort tells Liko to imagine what the Paldea now may have looked like back then, because even though you can’t see it for yourself, the more you learn about the past, the more you can imagine it. Seeing Terapagos climb onto the ledge of the tower and cry out, Liko envisions Lucius and Terapagos on the tower, overlooking the land. Raifort tells everyone that discovering the past is an adventure on its own; if you believe in it, you can find it. Friede thanks Raifort, even though she just wanted to show the children of the future how much fun learning about the past can be.

Back at the Naranja Academy, Clavell greets all the students, informing them that that those who have passed the basics test will be moving on to the implementation tests. Dendra assigns the students to a designated Gym to take on its Gym Leader, which Coral finds boring for being the exact same thing as the basics test. Dendra informs the students that this time around, they will have to use two Pokémon instead of one. Hearing this, Ash wonders what duo would be the best combination, while Dot becomes worried about Tinkatink’s sensitive nature. Roy and Dot acknowledge that if they can pass the implementation, they will finally be able to use Terastal Phenomenon. Liko looks forward to that since learning more about Terastal Phenomenon will help her learn more about Terapagos. Checking their apps, Ash gets Tulip in Alfornada and Roy gets Ryme in Montenevera while Dot gets Larry in Medali. Liko gets Glaseado Mountain, which means she will battle Grusha. Liko remembers Grusha from when when he battled with Ash against Larry and when he approached her after her loss to Rika of the Elite Four, becoming a bit nervous. Roy asks which route they should take this time, and Liko says that Medali seems to be the closest this time. Sharing the Rising Volt Tacklers handshake, the group sets out for Medali.

Chapter 59: Food Fit for a Kingambit!

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot have arrived at Medali for Dot's second Terastal Training test. Walking through the city renowned for its many restaurants, they spot an old couple arguing while trying to clean up a griddle. Dot's Tinkatink eagerly approaches the item, but a sudden, booming yell from a Kingambit halts her and startles the group with its volume. The old couple, Nandi and Mokichi, apologize for the Pokémon's habit of trying to attract customers and invite the children to visit their restaurant, the Anything Eatery, as an apology for scaring them. While waiting for their meals, Roy checks Kingambit's data on his Rotom Phone, learning that it's a Pokémon that strives forward with brute strength, which is showcased when it accidentally sets down a salad plate hard enough to shatter the plate, despite trying to be gentle with it, and bows down in apology. Nandi asks Kingambit to return outside to welcome customers while the trio gets their meals, which turns out to be mishmash bowlfuls of food items called Anything Meals.

The children dig into their meals, but the assortment of flavors in it leaves them confused at how to describe how it tastes like, though Ash seems to enjoy it. Nandi and Mokichi get into an argument regarding Mokichi's way of preparing the meal in a thoughtless fashion of piling together random stuff. Dot, meanwhile, discovers udon at the bottom of the meal, which she finds very tasty. Nandi and Mokichi reveal that the noodles were made by Kingambit, who excels at any job that requires a lot of muscle. As the group's Pokémon get their own sets of Anything Meals, Liko questions the reason behind the dish's extravagant nature. Nandi explains that they are trying to not get shown up by the Treasure Eatery, the biggest and most popular restaurant in Medali, which has started to drain away even some of their old regulars. As such, they came up with the Anything Meal to compete with the Treasure Eatery's menu, though they end up tossing everything into a single bowl to make it easier for Kingambit to carry. Mokichi prepares to make more, only to notice that his iron griddle is missing. Noticing that Tinkatink is also missing, Dot fears the worst and rushes outside to, indeed, find Tinkatink having just finished fashioning the griddle into a new hammer. To pay up for the lost griddle, the children are put work at the restaurant for the rest of the day, with Ash & Liko helping to clean the place up, Roy going outside to advertise the Anything Eatery alongside Kingambit, and Dot heading out to buy a new griddle. Roy questions Dot's decision to take Tinkatink along, considering what happened with the previous griddle, but Dot isn't worried, knowing that Tinkatink has an eye for good quality iron, so the griddle that she finds interesting is bound to be a good one. Liko is surprised to see Dot being more in-tune with Tinkatink than she expected, but the realization also makes her happy.

Dot eventually returns with a new griddle, finding Roy having a hard time getting any new customers for the restaurant, partially due to Kingambit's booming voice intimidating people. Kingambit's loud attempt to greet a young boy results in the boy starting to cry, but he's quickly cheered up by Dot's Quaxly's happy dancing. The dance performance attracts a small crowd, which Roy and Dot use to grab people's attention and lead then to the Anything Eatery. Soon enough, the restaurant is filled with people, keeping Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot busy, though Mokichi is briefly distracted by how silent Kingambit has suddenly gotten. Taking a break from the exhausting work, Dot goes to sit outside, where he's soon met by Mokichi. Mokichi says that Kingambit is not feeling as cheerful as usual, which has never happened before since they first met years ago and started the Anything Eatery together. Dot is surprised to learn that Nandi wasn't at the restaurant from the start. Mokichi explains how he first met her when Kingambit's yelling caused her to throw out her back, and an apology meal at the restaurant had eventually led to them living together. Kingambit is the thing that keeps the two of them cheerful, so seeing it lose its cheerfulness worries Mokichi. Dot feels that maybe her and her friends taking its usual jobs is why Kingambit is feeling downcast, but Mokichi assures her to not blame herself, only wanting to find out how to get Kingambit back to its old, cheerfully hollering self again.

Seeing several leaving customers feeling hesitant about the idea of coming back makes Dot realize something. She, her friends, Nandi, and Mokichi gather inside the restaurant as she gives a briefing on what she feels is wrong.

Dot: The Anything Meal is so full of different stuff that it doesn't have a distinct flavor which can leave a lasting impression on people and make them want to come back for more.

Ash: I mean, I liked it.

Liko: You like everything Ash.

Dot bases her deduction on her career as a livestreamer, which requires her to always think of new ways to make viewers come back to view and comment on her videos. She declares that the solution to this problem lies in the udon made by Kingambit, the most delicious part of the meal. Since the Anything Meal is currently so full of everything that the flavor of the udon doesn't have a chance to leave a lasting impression, it needs to be revised to into a new specialty dish that allows Kingambit's udon to stand on its own. Kingambit backs away at this sudden new suggestion, only to almost back straight into Sidian as he opens the front door to enter. He barely has enough time to recognize Asj, Liko, Roy, and Dot before Quaxly charges at him, only to stumble and slam straight into his leg. Sidian mistakes this act as a challenge for a Pokémon battle and accepts the supposed challenge. Sensing an opportunity, Dot tells Kingambit to start preparing udon dough for the afternoon opening.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket spy from a tree.

James: Oh crud. It seems like one of the explorer twerps is battling one of the new twerp.

Jessie: Well we have to stop them! Show them who the true villains are!

Meowth: Not now hair for brains! We gotta wait til the time's right!

Moving outside the restaurant, Sidian and Dot start their battle. Sidian's Garganacl makes the first move with Salt Cure, which Quaxly dodges. Quaxly tries to counterattack with Liquidation, but is blocked by Garganacl's Iron Defense. A crowd starts to gather to watch the battle, just like Dot had hoped in order to gather more customers. When Garganacl uses Salt Cure again, Dot has Quaxly counter it with a Low Kick, creating a beautiful shower of salt particles that captivates the crowd. Dot asks Sidian to do the same again, which he is all too agreeing to oblige to, allowing Quaxly to create another captivating shower of salt. Dot then calls out to Kingambit, who lets out one of its signature loud yells, attracting the crowd's attention to the restaurant. To seal the deal, Dot tells Liko to open up the door, allowing the crowd to smell the delicious scent of Kingambit's udon dough. Dot announces to the crowd that starting from this afternoon opening, the restaurant's menu will include the brand-new Kowtow Cleave Udon meal, and invites everyone to come in. The crowd eagerly follows, leaving Sidian confused at what happened to their battle, though he too quickly notices how hungry he feels.

The Kowtow Cleave Udon proves to be a massive success, with customers, including Sidian, finding it delicious, some of them even asking for seconds and promising to come again. Kingambit is back to doing its usual hollers, making Dot happy to see it being so cheerful again. Eventually, Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot all get to taste the new meal as well, finding it just as tasty as expected. Mokichi thanks the children, and especially Dot, for their help. While he and his wife start working on more udon, at the counter, Larry finishes his own bowlful, liking the simplicity of the meal. As he leaves, Dot seems to suddenly notice him and tries to get a closer look, but tells her friends it was nothing when they turn to look and see no one.

Notes:

Not super proud of this chapter, but I did the best I could :)

Chapter 60: Dance, Quaxly! The Blue Medali Step!

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot have arrived at the Medali Gym for Dot's second Terastal Training test against Gym Leader Larry.

Gym receptionist: I'm sorry, Larry ism't present at the moment he left to visit a Gym clientele, although he should still be somewhere in Medali.

Exiting the Gym, Dot is feeling especially annoyed, as she had already prepared a strategy for her battle against Larry. Before they can start looking for Larry, Dot's Quaxly hears something and runs off. The group follows, ultimately finding Quaxly being attracted to a dance performance put up by an Oricorio. Once the performance finishes, Quaxly approaches Oricorio and is noticed by its Trainer, a dancer named Diva. Upon hearing that they're looking for Larry, she agrees to tell them where he is, just as long as Quaxly joins her for a dance first. Having no other choice, Dot has Quaxly demonstrate his dance moves. Diva compliments the performance, but her Oricorio's own performance with a fiery Revelation Dance still leaves Quaxly impressed, so he starts mimicking Oricorio's dance steps while using Low Kick. Diva is impressed and compliments Quaxly's dedication to his dance, until Roy reminds her that she was supposed to tell them where Larry is, which she had completely forgotten about.

The group then arrives at the Treasure Eatery, whose name they remember from the Anything Eatery. After entering, they tell the welcoming staff members that they're looking for Larry, who has just finished a meal at the counter and comes to greet the children. Seeing him face to face, the four young Trainers remember him from Naranja Academy and his battle with Ash, and Ash, Liko and Roy being surprised to learn that he's both a Gym Leader and an Elite Four member. He agrees to have his test with Dot and asks the Cook for help. She happily obliges and presses a button that transforms the dining area into a battlefield, much to the trio's surprise and Ash's excitment.

Since Tinkatink has never battled before, Dot chooses to lead with Quaxly, while Larry chooses Dudunsparce as his first Pokémon. The battle begins with Dot starting to execute her planned strategy, having Quaxly use Water Gun and then attack with Liquidation while her opponent is blinded by the first move. However, before Quaxly's second attack can hit, Dudunsparce uses Glare, causing Quaxly to become paralyzed and leaving him wide open for a Boomburst. With Dot's plan thrown off, she makes the choice to recall Quaxly and send forth Tinkatink. While the Metalsmith Pokémon eagerly responds to the call for her first battle, she is quickly intimidated by the much bigger Dudunsparce, so Quaxly emerges from his Poké Ball to encourage her. Dudunsparce uses Glare again, but Tinkatink avoids the paralysis by covering her eyes with her hammer. As such, Dudunsparce follows up with Hyper Drill. Tinkatink dodges the attack before meeting the rapidly spinning Dudunsparce with Brutal Swing. Both spinning Pokémon clash with each other several times before being sent skidding back. Dot tells Tinkatink to use Brutal Swing again, but while she's still winding up, Larry recalls Dudunsparce and sends out Staraptor, causing Tinkatink's attack to miss the airborne opponent. While Tinkatink is disoriented, Staraptor strikes her with Wing Attack, defeating her.

With no other choice, Dot is forced to send Quaxly back into the battle. She once again tries to follow her plan, having Quaxly blind Staraptor with Water Gun and then following up with Pound, but Staraptor is hardly fazed by the first attack before using Hurricane to send Quaxly flying back before his Pound can hit. Staraptor follows up with Air Slash. Although the move makes contact, Dot has Quaxly use the smoke cover created by it to get behind Staraptor and attack with Liquidation. However, Quaxly's paralysis causes him to seize up in the middle of the attack, allowing Staraptor's Wing Attack to easily overpower it.

Despite having taken heavy hits, Quaxly is still able to stand back up, although Dot is starting to feel frustrated that nothing she tries out is working. Suddenly, though, she notices Quaxly flapping his wings the same way Staraptor is, and remembers how Quaxly had earlier combined his own moves with Oricorio's dance moves. This gives Dot an idea, and she has Quaxly to combine his moves with other moves he's seen; combining Dudunsparce's deep breath when using Boomburst into his Water Gun, using Oricorio's dance steps to use Low Kick, flapping his wings like Staraptor while using Pound, and finally spinning like Tinkatink when using Liquidation. Staraptor meets the last move with Wing Attack, but is overpowered and sent flying back. Dot compliments Quaxly's performance, but suddenly, Quaxly starts glowing and changing shape, evolving into Quaxwell. Dot is feeling ecstatic by this unexpected event and seizes the chance by Terastallizing Quaxwell. The Practicing Pokémon attacks with a powered-up Liquidation, powering through an Air Slash to deal a big hit and sending Staraptor crashing to the ground. However, before he can unleash another move, Quaxwell's paralysis from earlier suddenly catches up with him, leaving him immobilized. Larry decides to capitalize on this opportunity and pulls out his own Tera Orb, Terastallizing Staraptor into a pure Normal type. With the boost from Terastallization, Staraptor swiftly attacks the paralyzed Quaxwell with a strong Facade, knocking him out and concluding the battle. Dot is left dismayed when she felt she was so close to success.

Soon after, Larry starts reading his finished performance report.

Larry: Final status, you passed.

Dot: What?! How?

Laary: You used both poekmon very well and your Terastallization was timed well.

Larry sends a stamp to Dot's Rotom Phone. Ash, Liko and Roy understand that it was Quaxly doing just this with his dance moves that had allowed him to evolve. Dot feels her partner has shot way past her and swears to catch up with him. The mood of the moment is abruptly interrupted by Fuecoco growing hungry once more, so the group sits down to eat some rice balls. While the Cook keeps generously giving them as much as they can eat. Ash's Quaxwell and Dot's Quaxwell share a high five, happy they're both at the same stage.

Chapter 61: Roy and Fuecoco's First Snow!

Summary:

The fic has risen from the dead

Ash, Roy, Liko and Dot head off to a clothing store to pack some winter clothes, Ash opts to stay hidden so people don’t recognize him and just use his Crown Tundra jacket. Afterward, the group begin their journey to Montevera, the group makes their way to Mount Glasado.

Ash: According to my Rotom Phone, we’ll have to pass Mount Glasado to get to Montevera.

Floragato points Liko to a nearby location where a Bergmite is feasting on berries, a Delibird and a Snorunt arrive to try the berries too, Fuecoco joins in, but snow falls from a nearby tree onto it, leading the Bergmite to think that Fuecoco is a Frigibax instead.

Then an actual Frigibax appears next to Fuecoco, and Bergmie tackles both of the Pokemon away. Roy checks on his partner while the Frigibax dives back into the fray, and their chilly battle kicks up a Blizzard. Pikachu, Fuecoco and Quaxwell try their best to stop the fight, but it can't be stopped, and then Hattrem emerges from its Poke Ball, and with a well-placed attack, both Bergmite and Frigibax are knocked out, stopping the Blizzard. The heroes reach a frozen lake and enjoy sliding across the ice with their partners before making snow angels and a snowy Captain Pikachu that they take a group picture with.

Roy and Fuecoco venture into a nearby forest and find a snoozing Cubchoo, Roy wants to get a closer look, but ends up upsetting the mother Beartic by getting too close. Ash, Liko and Dot arrive to help with Pikachu, Floragato and Quaxwell, who manage to blind the Beartic and allow the kids to escape, and they notice a nearby cabin. They enter the seemingly empty cabin and dry off while making some tea and enjoying the warmth.

The group decides to stay the night in the cabin before heading to Montenevera the very next day, the kids decides to stock up on firewood to keep the cabin warm. They split up into two groups, Liko and Dot, Ash and Roy, and everyone agrees to return to the cabin before dark. Ash and Roy stock up pretty quickly Thanks to Pikachu and Kilowattrel, but then Roy notices that Fuecoco is missing.

Roy: Uh, Ash? Have you seen Fuecoco?

Ash: No, I haven’t. The little guy probably ran off to get more wood, we can look for him, I’ll help you!

The boys search around the area. Roy notices a Pokemon covered in snow and thinks it’s Fuecoco, but it's actually a Frigibax , and it runs away. Roy sees the same Captain Pikachu snowman nearby, so does Ash.

Ash: Dude, I think we’re going in circles.

The boys keep searching til dusk, Roy has never been so broken before.

Ash: Feeling a little off?

Roy: Yeah, I never imagined being separated from Fuecoco could be like this.

Ash: I get it. I got the same way when I got separated from Pikachu, isn’t that right bud?

Pikachu: Pika!

Roy: But I’m not gonna give up!

Ash: Good, Fuecoco wouldn’t either.

Roy begins to sing, and Fuecoco hears him and finds them Roy immediately wraps Fuecoco in a hug. The boys begin to make their way back to the cabin and notice the Frigibax and Cubchoo from earlier enjoying some more berries. The Bergmite approaches and Roy notices the Beartic is nearby, but Fuecoco is too busy eating. Roy uses his scarf and a twig to disguise the Frigibax so that the Bergmite doesn't attack it like before and draw the Beartic's attention. More snow falls on Fuecoco, and he shifts the snow to look like the nearby Cubchoo. The Beartic returns, but it decides to enjoy the berries with Ash, Roy and the other Pokemon instead. The boys return to the cabin and explain what happened.

Liko: Well, I’m glad you found Fuecoco, Roy!

Dot: But where’s all the firewood you two gathered?

Ash and Roy check their hands, which are empty.

Ash: I guess we lost it while looking for Fuecoco…

The kids make do with what they have and spend the night in the cabin. The next morning, Roy and Fuecoco walk ahead of the group, determined to reach Montenevera and start their Terastal Training test.

Notes:

Wow this chapter took longer than expected to make, the fic should go back to normal after this. Thanks again for all the support! :)

Chapter 62: Resonating Spirits in a Challenge to Ryme!

Roy and Fuecoco are in high spirits, singing together as group arrives at the town of Montenevera. The group sees numerous lit candles around the settlement.

Liko; Woah, so many candles.

Ash: The web says this is done to honor souls that passed one. They also do a lot of other stuff, like concerts. In fact there's one today and one tomorrow!

The grouo get to the Montenevera Gym, but the Gym receptionist tells them that Ryme isn't present at the moment. The receptionist redirects the group to search for her near the plaza stage. Thye make their way over there, and suddenly they're surrounded by a pack of Greavard popping out of the snow.

Ash: Aw, these little pups are cute! My Rotom Phone says these are Greavard!

Liko: Can't argue with that!

Soon, the group starts to feel tired..

Roy: Hey, anyone feel a little, tired?

Dot: Yeah, My Rotom Phone says Greavard's natural characteristic is slowly sapping away the life essence of anyone near them.

Fortunately, They find a restaurant and one meal makes everyone recover, while they eat, Terapagos approaches a pair of Drifloon, who grab it and take it for a ride through the air.

Liko: Hey! Those Drilfoon got Terapagos!

The group gives chase, then a gust of wind causes the Drifloon to lose their grip on Terapagos, but it's saved by Nemona and Pawmot.

The group heads back to the plaza, and finds a big crowd surrounding the stage, though Ryme herself is still nowhere to be seen.

Roy: Hey Ryme! WHere are you? I wanna battle you!

MC Sledge: Yo little dude! Ryme's not here yet, but I'd love to battle you as a rehersal!

Roy: Deal!

Roy joins MC Sledge on stage. MC Sledge sends out Sableye, while Roy calls forth Fuecoco, as usual. Sableye attacks with Shadow Claw and Power Gem, both of which Fuecoco dodges before starting to sing with Roy, firing himself up and defeating Sableye with a Flame Charge. Roy leaves the stage and right then, MC Sledge welcomes the star of the day's concert; Ryme. Roy is shocked, having not expected that the woman he met in the woods a while back was actually Ryme.

Ryme: Who want's to join me on stage?

Roy: Me! Me!

Ryme: Alright little man! Come on up!

Roy returns to the stage, and Ryme is surprised to see that he is the Terastal Training student she had heard was coming. Ryme chooses Houndstone as the first of her two Pokémon, while Roy chooses to lead with Kilowattrel. The Frigatebird Pokémon attacks with Spark, which grazes Houndstone despite its attempt to dodge. More Sparks follow, until Ryme has Houndstone to use Phantom Force, dodging the next attack and striking Kilowattrel, then finishing it off with Crunch.

Fuecoco steps forward to battle. Roy and Fuecoco start off by singing their song, during which Houndstone uses Scary Face, following up with Crunch just as Fuecoco charges in with Flame Charge. The attacks repel each other, and while Fuecoco's second Flame Charge misses due to Phantom Force, but he's fast enough to turn around just as Houndstone reappears and hit it with a Flamethrower, defeating it.

Ryme sends out her last Pokemon: Low Key Form Toxtricity.

Liko; Wait, that's not a ghost type.

Nemona: Not yet it's not.

Ash: What do you mean by that Nemona?

Roy and Fuecoco perform their song once more then attacks with Flamethrower, but Toxtricity uses Overdrive to repel the attack. Roy has Fuecoco use Stomping Tantrum instead, but is blocked by another Overdrive. Fuecoco's attempt to attack directly with Flame Charge is also foiled, this time by Boomburst, making Roy grow more and more desperate.

Ryme: Struggling to win? That may be becuase Toxtricity's Ability is Punk Rock, which boosts the power of its sound-based moves. R

Roy: Doesn't matter, I'll win!

Roy has Fuecoco sing once more before attacking with Disarming Voice. Toxtricity doesn't even flinch from the hit.

Nemona: Punk Rock also has a second effect that decreases the damage taken from sound-based moves.

Ash: Woah, so Roy's song is working against him!

Ryme starts her counterattack and has Toxtricity to use Hex. Fuecoco dodges the attack by jumping into the air, which backfires as he's hit by an unavoidable Overdrive while mid-air. Roy's desperation takes over, and he immediately Terastallizes Fuecoco in a rushed manner. Before Fuecoco can do anything, Toxtricity blinds him with Venoshock and finishes him off with an Overdrive, ending the battle without Ryme terastllzing her. Ryme stares at the broken boy.

Ryme: If you think you passed this test, you're delusional. Come back to me after you've washed your soul.

Ryme walks away to resume her concert, leaving Roy to be with his friends and try to cope with how he has failed to utilize his partner's full potential. Ash gets a buzz on his phone, and sees a message and goes over to the group.

Ash: Hey Roy? I'm sorry man , but Tulip has a modeling gig coming up, and if I don't battle her tomorrow, I can't for a while. So I have to go.

Roy: It's okay, I get it Ash.

Ash: I'll be back as soon as I can.

Ash and Roy fistbump and Ash runs off.

Notes:

I know It's repetitive , what I'm doing with Ash's tests, but for me it's the best way to have Ash take his test without making a whole new chapter. Hope you guys understand :)

Chapter 63: A New Song for Fuecoco

Ash arrives in Alfornada and immediately rushes towards the gym. Of course stopping when a crowd starts to form around him and he has to take pictures and sign autographs.

???: Well, well well, seems like I’m not the only one drawing a crowd now.

Ash looks to see a grown woman with pink purplish hair, wearing a long dress and high heels, from what he’s seen, it’s none other than Tulip.

Ash: Tulip, I’m here to challenge you for my Terastal test!

Tulip: I’m not one to say no to a challenge, especially not one from The World Monarch. Meet me on the battlefield in five.

Five minutes later, Ash and Tulip take the field, Tulip sends out Espathra while Ash sends out Nymble. Espathra starts off with Shadow Ball, but Nymble dodges thanks to its small size and counters with Struggle Bug. Doing big damage, Nymble tries to charge in with Double Kick, but Espathra sends it flying with Psychic. Hurting it badly.

Ash: Nymble, return!

Ash returns Nymble to its Poke Ball and sends out his final Pokemon, Tauros. Tauros is still distrustful of Ash, only attacking what moves it wants to use, only occasionally obeying Ash. Together they’re still able to defeat Espathra, though Tauros is weakened. Tulip then sends out her ace, Florges, and terastallizes it into a Psychic type. Tauros rushes in ready to use Assurance, but Tulip takes advantage of Tauros’ rebellion and has Florges use a Psychic and Moonblast combo to take it out. Ash has no choice but to send out Nymble, still hurt from the previous battle.

Ash: I know you’re hurt badly Nymble, but I know you can pull through!

Nymble jumps up trying to use Double Kick, but Florges uses petal blizzard to hit it away, then Psychic to beat Nymble down repeatedly.

Tulip: Seems like this battle is nearly over, Ketchum. It’s been an honor.

Ash: I’m sorry, Nymble, I just thought that with your type and your spirit you’d pull through. But I put too much faith in you.

Nymble sees its trainer’s defeated look, it remembers the terrible life it’s had to live since it first hatched, constantly looked down upon and bullied. Stronger Pokémon beating on it for fun. Ash was the one person who supported it and now it’s letting him down. It’s proving everyone right, they can’t be right. Nymble’s supposed to win….

NYMBLE’S SUPPOSED TO WIN

Nymble lets out a large cry, so many years he spent in that forest, learning new moves to try and counter its bullies, but no matter what it’d never win. Now Ash was losing faith in it, not again… NOT AGAIN

Nymble gets absorbed into a bright light and evolves into Lokix

Ash: Woah! Who’s that Pokemon?

Ash scans Lokix with his Rotom Phone

Rotom: Lokix, the Grasshopper Pokémon, a Bug and Dark type. When it decides to fight all out, it stands on its previously folded legs to enter Showdown Mode. It neutralizes its enemies in short order.

Ash: Awesome Lokix! You evolved! We’re not out of this fight just yet!

Tulip: Well then! Florges, let’s finish this in style!

Florges charges in with Psychic, but Lokix outspeeds with a new move, Lunge. Slamming right into Florges and then following up with Struggle Bug, wearing Florges. Ash then terastallizes Lokix into a Tera Bug type, boosting its Bug type moves. The two Pokemon exchange a few more moves before colliding with Lunge and Psychic respectively, but Lokix hits first, causing Florges to faint. Making Ash the winner.

Ash: You did it Lokix!

Ash and Pikachu run up to Lokix and hug it, Tulip returns Florges comes over to them and shakes Ash’s hand

Tulip: Without a shadow of a doubt, Ash Ketchum, you passed your test, congratulations!

Ash sees his Rotom Phone, which shows that Tulip sent a stamp. So he says goodbye to Tulip and hops on a Flying Taxi back to Montenevera.

Ash arrives back in Montenevera and sees the concert stage again filled, with Roy and Rhyme at the battlefield, he reunited with Liko, Dot and Nemona. MC Sledge starts the battle, which Ryme initiates with a series of Overdrives. Fuecoco dodges all of them and uses Flamethrower as a counterattack. Toxtricity successfully blocks the attack with Boomburst. Ryme orders a Venoshock barrage, which Fuecoco dodges with Flame Charge before landing a hit and then attacking with Disarming Voice. That barely fazes Toxtricity, who lands an Overdrive on Fuecoco. Fuecoco stands back up, and Roy and Fuecoco start singing a new song while dodging and bouncing back from Toxtricity's attacks. The entire crowd joins in on the cheerful song as well, and the repeated Disarming Voices are starting to have an effect on Toxtricity. Fuecoco uses Flame Charge to land another hit, bouncing all around Toxtricity before landing another Disarming Voice and then a Stomping Tantrum, landing a super effective blow on its opponent and making the audience cheer loudly.

Ryme is impressed by Roy's performance, but refuses to give up, revealing her Tera Orb and Terastallizing Toxtricity into a Ghost type, Roy responds to by Terastallizing Fuecoco. Toxtricity attacks with a barrage of Terastal-boosted Hexes, all of which Fuecoco dodges while the crowd keeps singing and cheering. Fuecoco finally takes a hit from a close-range Hex, but his boosted Flamethrower pushes through and strikes Toxtricity, undoing its Terastallization and knocking it out. MC Sledge officially announces Roy as the winner of the match, Ash, Liko and Dot join him on stage, congratulating him.

Ash: Roy, man! That song strategy was awesome! What changed?

Roy: Well, I thought Fuecoco and I were singing to get stronger, but we sang together to show off our feelings.

Liko: Then everyone singing together, sharing their own feelings must’ve helped Fuecoco then!

Roy: Right on the money!

Ryme walks up to them and compliments Roy on figuring out the true purpose of singing. She then takes out her Rotom Phone, and proudly announces that Roy has passed his test, sending him a stamp. Roy's friends all celebrate with him and turn their attention towards Liko's upcoming test and start heading for Glaseado Mountain.

Chapter 64: Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha

The group arrive at Glaseado Mountain anf head straight for the Gym,. The group learns that Liko still has some time before her test is due to begin, so they decide to try out Cetoddle bobsledding in the meantime. Liko is a bit hesitant, but eventually agrees. LIko, Roy and Dot rent a Cetoddle and starts sliding down a slope, Ash is about to rent his, but then another Cetoddle runs up t o him, clearly upset with him.

Ash: Well, Hi little guy, do you know me?

Pikachu talks with Cetoddle, and Pikachu uses charades to communicate that to Ash.

Ash: So, you saw my battle woith Grusha, followed me back to the academy, and followed me back to your home, making you upset that following me was for nothing?

The Cetoddle nods

Ash: Why would you wanna follow me though? Did you want me to catch you?

The Cetoddle nods, more happy this time.

Ash: Well, I can't say no to that!

Ash throws a Poke Ball and catches Cetoddle and they go bobsledding, reuniting with the others. Grusha finds them soon after

Grusha: So this is my challenger.

Ash: Yep! This is Liko!

LIko: Hi...

Grusha: You must be pretty skilled if your having fun right before your test.

Grusha walks off, leaving the kids confused.

Roy: Is he always like this?

Ash: I remember him being like this for my battle against him, so yeah!

The trio returns their rented Cetoddle to the sledding center. And they head to the gym, Ash, Roy and Dot are in the stand while Liko and Grusha take the field. Liko chooses Floragato as her first Pokémon. Grusha chooses Cetitan as his lead. Liko utilizes Floragato's high speed to her advantage with Quick Attack, but Cetitan's bulk easily withstands the attack, rendering the strategy moot. After dodging an Icicle Spear barrage, Floragato tries Magical Leaf, only for it to be countered by Cetitan's Ice Spinner, which strikes Floragato at an unexpectedly high speed for such a slow Pokémon. Liko recalls Floragato and sends out Hattrem in her place. Cetitan uses Icicle Spear again, but Hattrem is able to stop and send the icicles back with Confusion. Being hit by its own attack hardly fazes Cetitan, though, and a collision between Brutal Swing and Liquidation ensues, followed by Cetitan dealing the finishing blow on Hattrem with Ice Spinner.

Liko sends Floragato back out, and she outruns another Ice Spinner, Liko waits for the moment when Cetitan opens its mouth in preparation for using Icicle Spear, and has the Grass Cat Pokémon fire a Magical Leaf flurry into the Terra Whale Pokémon's mouth. Unable to protect the inside of its mouth from the attack, Cetitan stumbles and is knocked off its feet. Grusha chooses to recall Cetitan and send out his second Pokémon, Altaria. Floragato uses Quick Attack, but Altaria simply flies up before using Moonblast. While the initial Moonblast is blocked by Magical Leaf, a subsequent rapid-fire series of Moonblasts forces Floragato to take evasive action. Liko tries to think of a way to deal with a flying opponent, then she spots Altaria's feet. Liko has Floragato charge in and wrap her vine around Altaria's feet, pulling it down and allowing Floragato to hit it with Acrobatics. Capitalizing on the moment, Liko takes out her Tera Orb and Terastallizes Floragato. In response, Grusha does the same and Terastallizes Altaria, turning it into an Ice type. Floragato unleashes a Terastallization-boosted Magical Leaf, Grusha has Altaria counterattack with a boosted Ice Beam. After a brief clash, Ice Beam overpowers Magical Leaf, briefly freezing Floragato and causing her Terastallized state to come undone. The ice shatters and Floragato collapses, Liko has lost.

Liko gets her Pokemon healed up, she and her friends awaiting Grush'as decision. Liko's anxiety is to the max.

Roy: Hey, don't worry Liko! You did very well!

Dot: Yeah, and I still passed even though I lost to Larry!

Grusha comes out of the Gym, and everyone waits in silence

Grusha: Liko, you have failed.

Roy and Dot gasp, while Ash puts his head down.

Roy: But Liko did her best!

Grusha: Trying your best isn't good enough! She still lost the battle!

Ash: Okay, Liko failed, that's fine. She can just get a rematch, right?

Roy: Yeah! Like I had with Ryme!

Grusha: No, I'm not doing any rematches, Liko's loss today shows that she failed, and nothing could change that.

Grushas walks off, muttering under his breath "Passing depsite losing the battle, what a frigid joke!"

Roy: Ash, you can talk to him, right? You are the World Monarch.

Ash: I would, if I didn't agree with him.

Dot: What?! But Ash Liko tried her best-

Ash: And I'm proud of her for that, but Grusha;s right, you can't pass just because you tried. She can't excatly stop the Explorers if she's always handed passes like that. I was willing to let that go with Katie and Iono, since those tests should be easy, while these ones should be harder. I even let the battle with Larry go since he's both a Gym Leader and and member of the Elite Four. But Liko lost fair and square here, Grusha's decision makes sense, I'm sorry Liko.

Liko: No, it's okay, I understand.

Ash nods, seeing the tears form in Liko's eyes, He feels bad for her, he still stands by what he said, but Liko's his friend. They'll figure something out.

Chapter 65: The Approaching Shadow!

The kids head back to Naranja Academy, Liko still upest about failing her test with Grusha, knowing that she'll never get to use Terastallization again now. Along their way down the mountain, they comes across a crossroads, one path leading to Paldea's Highest Peak, the summit of Glaseado Mountain.

Roy: Hey guys, why don't we see the top of the mountain? That might cheer up Liko.

Ash: Oh yeah! Great idea Roy!

Dot: Ugh, do we have to go somewhere even colder?

LIko: I actually think that would be nice.

Ash: Then it's settled!

They head up the mountainside, exhaustion starts to set in, Roy spots a cabin where they could rest for a bit, so he and Dot head towards it. However, a boulder moves to block the path they've taken after Roy and Dot take said path.

Ash: Whoa. Did you see that Liko?

Liko, being distracted by her thoughts about making her friends worry about her, fails to notice and takes a different path. Ash gives chase.

Ash: Liko, wait! That's not the path Roy and Dot went down!

The two head down the path, Liko not hearing Ash's calls. Then one call finally snaps her out of her thoughts.

Liko: Oh, I guess we took a wrong turn.

Ash: Yeah, that's...kinda what happened.

The duo hear footsteps, making them think Roy and Dot found them. But around the corner out comes Amethio, buddled up for the winter just like them. The two parties are shocked to find each other. Amethio decides tsteal Terapagos, sending out his Ceruledge. Ash and Liko won't back down though and Floragato and Pikachu take the field. But Pikachu is captured by a spider web and Ash sees none other than Team Rocket.

Ash: You guys again?! You can't take a hint!

Jessie: I'll take that as a compliment!

Jessie and James send out Spidops and Capsakid, Ash sends out Tauros and Dipplin to fight back.

Ash: Liko, You'll have to battle Amethio alone, don't worry! You can do it!

Ceruledge uses a flurry of Psycho Cuts, but Floragato uses Quick Attack to avoid them all, before dodging and countering an incoming Shadow Claw with Acrobatics. Following a powerful blow from Magical Leaf. Tauros is hesitant to fight after the loss against Tulip, but Ash belives in it, and Tauros starts to trust him. Ceruledge attacks with a flurry of Bitter Blades, but Floragato nimbly dodges all of them before counterattacking with Magical Leaf. Dipplin and Tauros hold their own, knocking out Capsakid and Spidops and freeing Pikachu, but Wobuffet takes the fieldbefore Ash can blast them off. Amethio recognizes that Liko's strategy involves avoiding Ceruledge's Fire-type moves and attacking from a distance. Before Floragato can attack again, Amethio reveals his Tera Orb and Terastallizes Ceruledge into a Ghost type. James sees this pulls out their Tera Orb and Terastallizes Meowth into a Steel Type. With its Terastallization boost, Ceruledge starts to quickly overwhelm Floragato with a series of Phantom Forces. While Meowth and Wobuffet knock out Dipplin. Remembering how she got overwhelmed by Grusha's Terastallization as well, Liko begins to falter as Floragato continues to get beaten down. Amethio aims for a finishing blow with Bitter Blade. However, before the attack can land, Spinel's Umbreon suddenly jumps in the middle of the battle, followed by Spinel himself.

Meowth: Gee, what's that guy doing here?

Ash loses his focus again, remembering Lysandere while Pikachu tries licking him to calm him down. Spinel reveals a container holding his sample of Eternal Blessing. The container fills with a pink mist, which Spinel releases at his Umbreon, causing it to cry out in pain and become completely feral, shocking everyone as Ash gets deja vu remembering what Lysandere did to Z2.

Ash: What are you doing to it?!

Terapagos senses the Eternal Blessing and forces itself out if its bag and starts angrily crying out at Spinel. Amethio tries to have Ceruledge attack Umbreon, but Umbreon defeats Ceruledge with a single blow before the Terastallized Pokémon can do anything. Meowth tries to attack, but he meets the same fate as Ceruledge. Spinel shows the Eternal Blessing to Terapagos, waiting for its reaction. Its anger reaching a critical point, Terapagos lets out a loud cry of rage and suddenly transforms into its Terastal Form. Using its powers, Terapagos is able to make the Eternal Blessing shatter and Umbreon calm down, though it quickly reverts back to its Normal Form from exhaustion. Spinel smiles in satisfaction, having seen what he wanted to see. Recalling Umbreon, he thanks Ash and Liko for their cooperation and starts to leave, ignoring their and Amethio's questions about what just happened. All three give chase to Spinel, even Team Rocket want to know what happened. The chase eventually leads all of them to a large underground cavern. Finding so sign of Spinel.

Ash: Where'd he go?!

Jessie: What's with these Explorer chumps and them always escaping?!

Amethio: It's a trap!

The entrance to the cave gets blocked off, trapping the group inside.

Chapter 66: Liko and Amethio, Ash and Team Rocket

The group try to escape the blockage of the cave's enterance. Terapagos angrily cries at Amethio while Liko tries to calm it down. Terapagos eventually calms down, realizing that Amethio won’t try anything. Amethio turns and walks the other way, Liko tries to say something, but hesitates, starting to blame herself for making Roy and Dot worry about her again.

The cave gets colder and Floragato gets some grass stalks from on the ledges above, wanting to keep them warm with it. Seeing this, Amethio's Ceruledge wants to help out as well, warming up Amethio with the heat from its fiery blades. Tauros also warms up Ash with it's body. Seeing what the Fire Type Pokemon are doing, Liko hands it some grass to make a campfire. Amethio and Ash comply and soon the group huddle around their little campfire.

Amethio: DUring our battle, you stopped after I Terastallized his Ceruledge, why was that?

Liko: I failed my Implementation Test, against Grusha. I thought if I could use the Terastal phenomenon, I could learn more about Terapagos and be able to help it.

Amethio: So is one setback all it takes for you to give up?

Ash: Amethio!

Meowth: let him finish, twerp!

Liko: No, it's not. I'll never give up. Why did you dave me during the battle with Rayquaza?

Amethio: I wasn't trying to save you!

Liko: But you did! All the Explorers are awful-

Jessie: But not as awful as Team Rocket!

Ash: Shut up, Jessie!

Liko: There's something different about you, Amethio, why do you need Terapagos and Rayquaza?

Amethio: It's all for Gibeon, my grandfather, the leader of the Explorers.

Ash: Your grandpa's the leader?!

James; Huh, wonder if the boss has kid...

Meowth: Think I heard he had a son in Johto, or maybe it was Kanto... Those regions are so close together I always get them mixed up.

Amethio: Gibeon wants to reach Laqua, and Terapagos and Rayquaza are the ones who can lead him there. I want to fulfill my grandfather’s dream and live up to his expectations.

Terapagos acts hostile towards Amethio again, only for Liko to calm it down.

Liko: I'm on an adventure from my grandma actually. Terapagos was the pendant she gave me.

Amethio: So Terapagos wants to go to Laqua as well?

Liko: Yeah, I think all of us here are on the same path. We could more than enemies.

Amethio: I never got to know you, I really enjoyed this.

Liko: Me too.

Ash sees Liko and Amethio's conversation and decides to try soemthing with Team Rocket.

Ash: Guess since we're gonna be in here awhile, I think you four owe me and Pikahcu some answers.

James: Ugh, fine twerp, what do you want to know?

Ash: My Pikachu, why are you alwasy trying to steal him? Or other Pokemon?

Mewoth: Gee, thought we told ya why when we first met ya.

Jessie: Whatever, it's for the boss. Your Pikachu is super strong, so strong that it would be the perfect present fo him.

James: And then finally he'll show us some repesct! Or even a promotion!

Meowth: And for the record, similiar reasons are why we take other pokemon, or powerful stuff like those Poke Balls or the new Twerpette's pendant.

Wobuffet: Wobuffet!

Ash: So you want to prove yourselves to your boss?

Meowth: Yeah, and that that darn Persian's place!

James: I think that's only a goal for you.

Ash: Oh boy, you may see me as a twerp, but here's some advice: Stop chasing his approval, because it looks like you four just aren't good enough for him. Make your own path. I wouldn't be World Monarch if I was constantly trying to be good enough for Gary or Paul.

Team ROcket are ready to rebuttal, but they know the Twerp made some good points.

Jessie: We'll think about that... but you're still a twerp!

Amethio feels a draft and looks up to see holes in the cave ceiling. Amethio has everyone work together to get evryone out. Ceruledge, Pikachu, Mewoth and Floragato ride Amethio’s Corviknight up to the holes, where they use Psycho Cut, Iron Tail, Fury Swipes and Magical Leaf to widen the gap, but this also causes debris to fall. Seeing a large rock heading towards Liko, she sends out Hattrem and has her use Confusion to stop the rock in place before smashing it apart with Brutal Swing. The group manage to escape the cave.

Amethio: I should warn you, that wasn't the last you've seen of Spinel. He'll lay out another trap sooner or later with that Eternal Blessing.

Ash: Thank you Amethio.

Liko: But the Explorers and the Rising Volt Tacklers should work together! We have the same goal!

Amethio: No we should not! Our goals are the same, but our paths are not. As for me, I'll make my own path.

Ash: He has a point Liko, and he even makes his own path, see Team Rocket?

Jessie: We'll think about what you said. But if the Explorers return, so will we.

James: Yeah! This little truce ends now!

Meowth: next time, we'll steal it all! The boss willa adore us then!

Wobuffet: Wobuffet!

Amethio walks off, while Team ROcket run off in a different direction, saying "WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" "WOBUFFET!" While Ash looks on in disappointment.

Ash: Guess those guys never change...

The two reunite with Roy, Dot and even Grusha. Roy and Dot run over to them, glad that they're okay whileFriede watches overhead. They all enter the cabin, where Grusha lights the furnace. Liko gets Grusha's attention.

Liko: Grusha! Thank you.

Grusha: No problem, it all worked out in the end.

Liko thinks that she may have failed her Implementation Test, but Terastallization isn’t the only path she could take as long as she stays strong and never gives up.

Friede: So what was Spinel doing out here, you two?

Liko: He used something called the Eternal Blessing his Umbreon.

Ash: And then Umbreon went beserk!

Friede: Is that so? Well the Eternal Blessing is also called Laquium, which was kept at Exceed.

Liko: I don't think Umbreaon liked the blessing.

Ash: So much for that name.

Liko: But it went back to normal after Terapagos transformed and destroyed the shard!

Friede: Interesting, I'll need you two to keep an eye out for more activity from the Explorers while I head back and fills everyone in.

Dot: Well we should proably head back to Naranja Academy.

Roy: Yeah, we should.

Liko: Yeah, but I wanna go somehwere first. You thinking what I'm thinking Ash?

Ash: Oh you know I am.

The squad make it to Glaseado Mountain’s peak, the highest point in Paldea and take a group photo.

Chapter 67: Infiltrating the System! Naranja Academy in Danger!

All the Terastal Training students have returned to Naranja Academy. all those who passed, and all those who failed.

Clavell: It's so great to see so many broght young faces come back after traveling far and wid to understand Terastallization. The students who have passed their tests will receive their Tera Orbs later. But first Geeta and I have a fun idea for you all. Geeta?

Geeta: Of course, Clavell. We have made a competition called the "Course Students Battle Tournament" where each student will battle each other and can Terastallize if they wish. Even if they failed.

That last statement calms Liko, deciding to give it all she's got. As Ann and Dewott battle Luka and Roserade, Nemona meets up with the main squad.

Nemona: Hey guys! Glad to see you again!

Ash: Hey Nemona, after this tournament we should battle!

Nemona: Definitely! Did you guys see that all the gym leaders are here? They wanna see how much stronger the students got.

Liko sees Ryme and Larry talking with Geeta, Grusha isn't here.

Nemona: So when are you guys battling?

Roy: Not til the second half.

Nemona: Well, I look forward to it!

Suddenly, Dot gets a call from Penny...

Penny: Dot? It's Penny, meet me in the nurse's office. We need to talk.

Dot: But, I have to battle in this tournament-

Penny: it's urgent.

Penny hangs up, and Dot runs off.

Dot: I have to take care of something. I'll be right back!

Ash: Huh, I wonder what's got her so worked up.

The others watch the tournament, later they get a call from Dot.

Dot: Guys! The Explorers are in the academy! They're up to no good!

Liko: Could it be those two studnets we saw?

Roy: Onigiri and Sandwich? Probably.

Dot: Yeah, and a fake teacher.

Ash: Now that you mention it, Team Rocket's proabably here too. And that lunch staff looked odd to me.

Dot: If that's the case then they're everywhere and cold be anywhere! We gotta split up! I'll check the biology lab!

Roy: I'll go to the art room!

Liko: I'll head to the home economics room!

Ash: I'm gonna see the cafeteria!

The squad go their separate ways. Ash runs into the Cafeteria and checks under tables, while still on call with his friends.

Ash: Status report, did anyone find anything?

Liko: Turns out Onigiri was Sidian! I'm battling him now!

Roy: And Sandwich was Coral!

Dot: That fake teacher was Chalce!

Ash: Keep them at bay! I'll call Officer Jenny! They're not getting away this time!

Ash ends the call and goes to dial the Police, but then he hears voices coming from the kitchen. He sneaks in, hiding as he overhears the very lunch staff he was suspicious of talking.

Jessie: You heard what the shy twerpette and the multi-hair girl said! The Explorer-Twerps are here!

James: True, but what could they want?

Ash hears enough to know these aren't academy staff, at least not good ones. And jumps out infront of them

Ash: Hold it right there! Why do a bunch of lunch staff want to know about the Explorers?

The lunch staff stands in shock. James knows the twerp is too dump to see through their disguises so he plans to scold the young boy, but Jessie has other plans...

James: Young man-

Jessie: That's because we aren't! In fact we are...

James and Jessie take off their disguises and Meowth and Wobuffet reveal themselves

Ash: Team Rocket?! I knew you'd come back!

James: Well, we did say so back on the mountain, didn't we?

Jessie: But we've been ehre the whole time!

Meowth: And you feel for it, hook, line and sinker!

Wobuffet: Wobuffet!

Ash: Doesn't matter now! I'll call Officer Jenny and stop both you and the Explorers!

Pikachu: Pika!

Meowth: Oh now you don't! Tera me James!

James: On it!

Meowth Terastallizes into a Steel type, Ash Terastallizes Pikachu into a Flying type. Jessie and James send out Spidops and Capsakid, so Ash sends out Lokix and Tauros. The two sides clash, moves exchange in flashes of light. Meowth uses it's new strength to counter Pikachu's every move. Tauros easily defeats Capsakid, and it and Lokix team up to take down Spidops.

Jessie: You're not winning this twerp! Wobuffet! Take them down!

Wobuffet jumps into the battle, preparing to counter every attack, literally. Using Counter, but Ash's Cetoddle pops out of it's Poke Ball and suprises Wobuffet by attack from behind, using Ice Shard and Powder Snow to freeze it soild. Pikachu uses one last Tera Blast to send Team Rocket and their Pokemon flying.

Team Rocket: WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!

Wobuffet: WOBUFFET!

Ash: Great thinking Cetoddle!

Ash pets Cetoddle as a job well done before returning all his pokemon. He pulls put his Rotom Phone to dial the police again, then hears the sounds of a battle from the roof, and a familiar voice.

Ash: Liko!

Ash: hurries to the roof, seeing Liko against Sidian, and Grusha wayching from a different point than his. Sidian commands Garganacl to use Salt Cure. Floragato jumps to dodge, but her legs are grazed. A nervous Liko commands a Magical Leaf, but it barely does anything to faze the Terastallized Garganacl while Sidian mocks Liko's weakness. Garganacl heals itself with Recover again while Floragato falls to her knees from Salt Cure's effect. Sidian again tells Liko to hand over Terapagos. Ash and Grusha have seen enough and are about to step in, but then...

Liko: Never! I won't give up! Not for the school or Terapagos! I can't affort to lose!

Floragato lets out a determined cry, and Liko Terastallizes her. Garganacl uses Stone Edge, but Floragato leaps on the air to dodge it before using a boosted Magical Leaf. Garganacl counters with Salt Cure, but Floragato redirects her attack, which deals the finishing blow to Garganacl to defeat it. Sidian recalls Garganacl and gets on his Aerodactyl.

Sidian: Remember my name Liko! Remember it!

Sidian flies off while Ash tackles Liko in a hug, much to her surprise.

Ash: Liko! Oh my Arcues that was awesome! You didn't let Sidian get to you! And that battle...

Liko sees Grusha apporaching as Ash goes on.

Liko: Ash...

Ash: And then you Terastallized despite failing agaisnt Grusha! Way to show-

Ash sees Grusha and stops his tangent.

Ash: Him who's boss...

Liko: Grusha, listen I-

Grusha: Save it. Meet me in the Director's office.

Grusha walks off as Likoe groans.

Ash: I'll go with you, they can't put you in trouble for this! You just helped save the academy!

In the office, Ash and Liko stand before Clavell, Geeta, and Grusha.

Clavell: Liko, is it true that you Terastallized in battle despite failing your test?

Liko: Yes, I did...

Grusha: Is this the kind of person you are?

Liko: Please I know I messed up but I was only trying to proect to school! I'm so sorry!

Ash: She really had no bad intentions! In fact it was the only way she could win!

Grusha: Kids! Kids! It's okay! I should be the one who's sorry for misjudging Liko the way I did.

Liko: Oh, no it's okay! Ash actaully showed me that you had a good point, just because I tried shouldn't mean that I should pass.

Grusha: Still, I understand now that when you fight on someone else's behalf, that's when the real strength shines through.

Clavell: You two did an excellent job today, protecting the academy, and so did your friends. That what makes a trainer worhty of a Tera Orb.

Liko: Wait, does that mean?

Grusha: Yep, that battle against that Explorer? Your retake. And you passed with flying colors!

Liko is pleased to hear this, feeling proud of herself while she thanks the staff. And Ash husg her again, though this time she hugs back.

Ash: I knew you'd figure something out!

The two head outside, where Roy and Dot congratulate Liko for passing, now the whole squad is able to Terastallize. With the second round of the tournament getting underway, Dendra shows The kids who they'll be facing.

Liko: Roy! It's you vs me!

Roy: Huh?! No way!

Ash: Dot! It's you against me!

Dot: Woah, didn't see that coming.

Chapter 68: Shine on, Terastallization! Ash vs. Dot! Liko vs. Roy!

Everyone at the Academy wait in excitement, Penny told them how the four saved them from the Explorers. Ash and Dot take the field while everyone watches from the stands.

Ash: Say Dot? How bout we give everyone a good show with a double battle!

Dot: A what battle?

Ash: Y'know! A double battle! Where two pokemon from a trainer take the filed at the same time! It'll make us stand out!

Dot: Uh, sure.

Ash sends out Dipplin and his Quaxwell, Dot sends out Tinkatink and her own Quaxwell. The Quaxwells go at it, attacking and dodging. Their rivalry on full display. Dipplin uses Syrup Bomb to slow Tinkatink down, Dot calls for a Slam, but Tinkatink can't attack, she sees both of Ash's Pokemon as a friend! She can't hurt her friends! Dipplin sees this opening and uses Rollout and lands a direct hit.

Dot: Why won't Tinkatink attack?

Liko: I think she doesn't wanna hurt her friends!

Ash: There's nothing personal Tinkatink! We're just having fun!

Dipplin feels bad for Tinkatink, and decides it's best to use some encouragement, and starts to cheer.

Dot: Woah, what's Dipplin doing?

Ash: I think it cheering for Tinkatink!

Nemona: Not just any cheer! Dragon Cheer!

Ash: What?

Nemona: It's a whole new move!

Sure enough, Dipplin starts to shine with a yellow glow, learning Dragin Cheer. calming Tinkatink down and helping her see this battle's just for fun, no matter what they're still friends. Dipplin is about to restart their fight, and Tinkatink jumps up to use Slam, but Dipplin starts to glow and evolves into Hydrapple. Ash pulls out his Rotom Phone and scans his new Pokemon for the Pokedex.

Ash: Who's that Pokemon?

Rotom: Hydrapple, the Apple Hydra Pokémon. A Grass and Dragon type and the evolved form of Dipplin. Seven syrpents live inside an apple made of syrup. The syrpent in the center is the commander. On the rare occasion that their moods align, their true power is unleashed.

Ash: Oh, that is so cool!

Ash and Dot resume their battle, Hydrapple and Tinkatink clash, as does the two Quaxwells, sometimes the two battles merge into one big battle, or divides back into two. Tinkatink sneaks up on Hydrapple and uses Brutal Swing, but Hydrapple uses another new move: Fickle Beam, and hits Tinkatink directly, taking her out. Ash gets so excited by this new move and praises Hydrapple, and it basks in its trainer's attention. But this leaves an opening for Dot's Quaxwell to attack it with a Low Kick, and with Hydrapple taking bits of damge from Tinkatink and using all it;s energy, that hit is enough for it to faint. Ash and Dot recall their Pokemon, leaving the two Quaxwells left on the field.

Dot: Looks like it's just a mirror match!

Ash: Yeah! We'll lets go all out and give everyone a mirror match finale they deserve!

Ash and Dot pull out their Tera Orbs and Terastallize their Quaxwells into Tera Water Types. The crowd goes wild as the two Practicing Pokémon go head to head using every move they know, and dodging with their quick feet and dancing skills. The two are tired and nearly fainted before they charge in a final attack, Dot's Quaxwell using Low Kick, and Ash's Quaxwell uses a new move too: Low Sweep. The two stand as they attacks hit, but Ash's Quaxwell hit first, making Dot's Quaxwell faint is defeat, and making Ash the winner! Dot and Ash recall their Quaxwells and shake hands.

Ash: Man that battle was awesome! We gotta do thata again!

Dot: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait for a rematch either!

The tournament moves on to its final battle, Liko versus Roy, Roy receives some words of encouragement from Ash, Nemona and Ryme, while Liko receives her encouragement from Dot, Ann and Katy. Liko and Roy take their places on the battlefield.

The battle begins with a collision between Fuecoco's Flamethrower and Floragato's Magical Leaf, which cancel each other out. The two Pokémon collide with Flame Charge and Quick Attack, with Floragato overpowering Fuecoco and pushing him back. The same attacks are repeated, but thanks to Flame Charge, Fuecoco's speed has increased, allowing him to run laps around Floragato and hit her. Liko tries to stop Fuecoco by binding him with Floragato's vine, but Roy has Fuecoco push through and keep running, making Floragato spin uncontrollably. Floragato manages to fling Fuecoco up into the air and then back down again. Roy recalls Fuecoco and sends out Kilowattrel, who has the advantage of being able to fly. Liko has Floragato grab Kilowattrel's leg with her vine, only for Kilowattrel to fly high into the air, dragging Floragato along, before diving back down. Floragato, though, manages to use Magical Leaf to cushion the landing. She then uses the same move offensively against Kilowattrel, who tries to fly away from it. While Kilowattrel finds Magical Leaf following it, the erratic flying helps its wings build up an electrical charge, which Roy uses to his advantage by ordering a Spark, which powers through Magical Leaf. Floragato tries to counterattack with Scratch, but is overpowered and hit, leaving her crippled with paralysis.

Liko recalls Floragato and sends out Hattrem, who manages to stop Kilowattrel's following Spark with Confusion. Roy counterattacks with Uproar, disrupting Hattrem's concentration. This allows Kilowattrel to fly up and dive in with another Spark, powering through another Confusion and dealing a hit. Roy orders another Spark, which Hattrem is too tired to dodge, so she instead glances at Liko and makes Floragato's Poké Ball glow a moment before she's struck down. When Liko sends Floragato back out, her paralysis is cured.

Liko: What?! But how?!

Nemona: it's Hattrem's ability! Healer!

Kilowattrel dives in for another Spark, and Liko almost orders Floragato to grab Kilowattrel, before remembering what happened earlier and cancelling the order. Floragato did already start the move, though, and her aimlessly waving vine distracts Kilowattrel enough to give Liko an opening, allowing Floragato to defeat it with Scratch. Roy sends Fuecoco back out to begin the final round of the battle, which both sides are determined to win.

Roy has Fuecoco use Flamethrower, but before it can go off, Floragato repeats her previous strategy and startles the Fire Croc Pokémon with her vine before attacking him, successfully pulling off a new move: Sucker Punch. Roy and Fuecoco start expressing their determination to keep growing stronger by singing their song, with Ryme, Ash, and the other students joining in as well. In the middle of the song, Fuecoco suddenly starts glowing and evolves into Crocalor, much to Roy's excitement. Both sides are eager to witness the newly evolved Pokémon in action and throw their Tera Orbs to Terastallize their partners into a Tera Fire Type and a Tera Grass Typer respectfully. A clash between a boosted Flamethrower and Magical Leaf follows. While Crocalor's attack powers through, Floragato dodges it and goes in for a Quick Attack, which Crocalor meets with a boosted Flame Charge. The attacks clash in a big explosion. After a few tense moments, Floragato falls down from the cloud of smoke and faints, with Dendra declaring Roy the winner. Roy celebrates his victory with his newly evolved partner and shakes hands with Liko.

At dusk, The squad says their goodbyes. Ann tells Liko and Ash she'll be heading back to Indigo Academy, and all of them promise to battle each other again. Roy receives congratulations from Nemona, Ryme, Hassel, and Brassius, while Dot receives a simple nod of approval from Larry and a phonecall from Iono, which she proceeds to mostly ignore in order to talk with Poppy. Ash and Liko have a brief talk with Geeta and Rika in the obby, being encouraged to keep going further by Grusha, Tulip and Katy, Penny approaches Dot, thanking her for her help. The squad leaves the Academy with their new Tera Orbs, well new for Liko, Roy and Dot, and head out to a new adventure...

Chapter 69: Into a New Sky! The Brave Olivine!

Summary:

Heh, chapter 69, nice.

Ash, Liko, Roy, and Dot are talking with Raifort outside Naranja Academy.

Raifort: If you're looking for more information about Terapagos. I know Briar is obessed with it. She's in the land of Kitakami.

Ash: Kitakami? Hey I remember that place! Someone was running a stand selling apples from there!

Liko: Who's Briar?

Raifort: She's a teacher at Blueberry Academy in Unova.

Ash: There's a new academy in Unova?!

Dot: Ash, please don't die of excitment.

The Brave Olivine, now fully repaired, arrives at the school to pick the children up, ending that conversation. The group reunites with the Rising Volt Tacklers aboard the airship, and they set sail towards new adventures. The next morning, the kids meet up on the airship deck.

Ash: I wonder what upgrades this thing got!

Dot: Well, looks the same to me, so probably nothing big.

The kids mutally decide to tour the airship together. Their first stop is the bridge, where they soon spot a big red button on the control panel, but Friede forbids them to press it, "Only for emergencies. This makes Ash and Roy even more tempted to see what it does, but Liko and Dot hold them back. The next stop is the engine room, where Orla excitedly shows off some minor upgrades. In the infirmary, Mollie points out some upgrades her workspace has received as well. Then the kitchen, which has experienced a big style change. Crocalor spots what he thinks are three pieces of sushi and tries to eat one, only for all of them to attack back and reveal themselves as a trio of Tatsugiri.

Liko: Do those three belong to you?

,Murdock: Uh, the truth is more complicated than that.

The three Tatsugiri end up escaping the room, leaving the children and their Pokémon to follow after them around the airship. They stop to rest at the wing deck, declaring their tour a success. Friede approaches them with a briefcase containing Lucius's belt, which he's now returning to Liko's possession. Terapagos starts excitedly calling out at the Ancient Poké Balls attached to the belt. Arboliva, Galarian Moltres, and Lapras all emerge from their respective balls in response and look at the children in a way that they interpret as a battle challenge. While intimidated at the idea of battling against some of the Six Heroes, their partner Pokémon's excitement wins them over, and they accept.

Ash: You three have fun with that, I'll pass.

Roy: What? Why?

Ash: You guys need this more than me, this is your battle. Plus, there's three of them and four of us.

The Brave Olivine stops at a rocky island in the middle of the ocean to allow the battle to occur. Liko and Floragato face Arboliva on the wing deck with Ash watching, Roy and Crocalor face Moltres on the island, and Dot and Quaxwell face Lapras near the shoreline. Floragato begins the confrontation by using Quick Attack to dodge Arboliva's blasts of oil before using Magical Leaf, which Arboliva counters with the same move. Roy gets Crocalor pumped up against the tough opponent and has him counter Moltres's Fiery Wrath with his own anger by using Stomping Tantrum, successfully avoiding getting fatigued by the move before countering an Air Slash with Flamethrower. Dot has Quaxwell dodge Lapras's Ice Beams with his graceful steps. Liko uses the cloud of leaves created by the Magical Leaf clash to have Floragato wrap her vine around Arboliva's arm and strike the Olive Pokémon with a super effective Acrobatics. The hit triggers Arboliva's Seed Sower and covers the field in a Grassy Terrain, which Liko takes as Arboliva telling her to hit harder. Crocalor gets sent flying by Moltres's Hurricane, but Roy manages to use this to his advantage by having Crocalor rise above Moltres and unleash a super effective Disarming Voice at the Legendary Pokémon. At the shoreline, Dot uses the field of ice created by Lapras to have Quaxwell quickly get closer to his opponent and hit it with a Low Kick.

The three decide to use their Tera Orbs, Terastallizing their respective partners and attacking with Magical Leaf, Flame Charge, and Liquidation. The boosted moves make contact, but their opponents are hardly fazed by them. Liko, Roy, and Dot are determined to keep going, but then Terapagos suddenly calls out to everyone,.

Liko: What's Terapagos saying?

Ash: I think the little guy wants the battle to end and everyone come back!

The trio reunite at the Wind Deck and the Hero Pokemon return to their Poke Balls. The Brave Olivine resumes its journey and Friede compliments the three young Trainers.

Freide: Your Pokemon weren't the one ones who evolved, you three did too.

Ash: Yeah! No doubt about that! You three aren't the same rookies I meet before.

Friede: I think it's time to head to Kitakami and find out more about Terapagos!

Chapter 70: Roy is Crocalor, and Crocalor is Roy!

Summary:

Heh, HZ069, nice.

The Rising Volt Tacklers arrive in Kitakami, they take a bus through Kitakami Road to Mossui Town, planning to ask around if anyone knows where Briar is. As soon as they arrive, they find the entire town almost completely deserted. A shopkeeper informs them that the townspeople are off enjoying the annual Kitakami Harvest Festival, so the Rising Volt Tacklers decide to head there to both have fun and ask around.

The Rising Volt Tacklers arrive at Kitakami Hall and change into some festive clothing. Ash and Friede find a Sinistcha, which Ash scans with his Pokedex.

Ash: Woah, who's that Pokemon?

Rotom: Sinistcha, The Matcha Pokémon, a Grass and Ghost type. It pretends to be tea, trying to fool people into drinking it so it can drain their life-force. Its ruse is generally unsuccessful.

They meet its trainer, Carmine. Friede wishes to take a closer look at, but Carmine doesn't trust outsiders, not even The World Monarch. So she challenges Friede to a game at a carnival booth. Friede happily accepts and runs off with Carmine, though Ash figures out that he's just happy to enjoy the festival.

Ash meets up with Liko, Dot and Roy, no one knowing Roy and Crocolure switched bodies. Roy soon finds Crocalor interacting with his friends, and ends up talking to them, forcing him to reveal the truth.

Roy: Crocolure and I met a guy, he gave us a machine and we swtiched bodies!

Ash: Woah. That is werid, but kinda cool!

Liko: Ash! Really?!

Ash: What? I would wanna be Pikachu for a while. Well, I was a Pikachu.

Liko, Roy & Dot: WHAT?!?!

Ash: It's a long story! My friends and I met some wizard who offered to cast a mind reading spell on me and Pikachu, only for her to turn me into one! But it only lasted a little while though!

Pikachu: Pika!

Roy: Well, what do we do now?

Ash: I say, we keep things on the down low for now.

They're then approached by Murdock, who offers to treat them to anything they like. The kids want to get the situation fixed, but they also want to enjoy the festival, so they accept Murdock's offer, and he leads them to a stand selling syrupy apples. Roy tries to take one, and ends up accidentally spewing fire on it. Murdock, though, sees the combination of caramelized candy and a gently baked apple as a new kind of delicious baked treat. The candy apple seller asks if they could make more of them, but the children politely refuse and excuse themselves.

The kids spot Orla trying to fix a broken stove at a stand. They can't help but get involved. Orla finds herself unable to get the stove to heat up properly. Roy gets an idea, and his friends ask if they could use "Crocalor's" fire to heat up the stove instead. Roy gets into position under the stove, and he shoots out a more powerful flame than intended, sending him flying and requiring Crocalor to catch him. Crocalor cheers, which encourages Roy to give it another go, and they sing their song together, allowing him to produce a proper flame. Ash, Liko and Dot note how Roy and Crocalor make a great team, even in swapped bodies.

The man the kids were looking for finds Roy and tells him that he's managed to get the machine to work again. Roy and Crocalor return to the man's remote stand and use the device again, restoring themselves to their original bodies. Ash, Liko and Dot reveal themselves from a nearby bush, wanting to try out the machine as well. The man agrees, and Liko and Floragato press the buttons together, but nothing happens. When the man examines the machine, it suddenly breaks down, much to his horror.

Ash: Looks like Clemont's work to me.

Roy: Who?

Ash: A friend of mine. His inventions always broke down like that. But man science is still so amazing!

Dot notices the text "Synchro Machine" written on the back of the device, and the man actually thinks Clemont actually made that machine and starts frantically apologizing to them.

At sunset in Mossui Town, the Rising Volt Tacklers reunite. Carmine shows up enraged that she lost to Friede earlier.

Carmine: You! I demand another game!

Carmine then notices Ash again

Carmine: Nevermind! World Monarch! I want a battle!

Ash: Sorry, Carmine? Was it? But we have to find Briar

Carmine: Well, in that case, Briar is my teacher. And she's at the Crystal Pool, and outsiders can't go there! So I guess you're outta luck!

Suddenly, the caretaker of the local Community Center and his daughter approaches them.

Shizune: There he is dad! The boy who caught me!

Ash: What?

Roy: Oh yeah, Crocolure and I rescued her from a bad fall.

Caretaker: My on my! It's The World Monarch! Well now I know now that you lot deserve a bug thanks! What can I do to repay you?

The Rising Volt Tacklers push Ash to the front to represent them.

Ash: Well... I hope it's not to much of a hassle. But we need to get to the Crystal Pool, but we're not allowed in.

Caretaker: Oh? Is that it? Go on ahead!

While Carmine fumes in frustration, the Rising Volt Tacklers prepare to head for the Crystal Pool.

Chapter 71: Tinkatink's Hammer Wasn't Made in a Day

Notes:

Hey guys, I'm trying a new writing style for this fic and others! Let me know what you think!

Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot and Friede hike up the Infernal Pass with one goal in mind: Get to the Cystal Pool and meet up with Briar. "I hope Briar can help us." Liko says with hope. "She definitetly will!" Roy boasts with confidence "And if she won't, Ash can make her!"

Ash rubs his head sheepishly "I don't think the whole 'World Monarch' thing can work everytime..." he says with a nervous chuckle, not wanting his friends to rely on him.

No one has time to respond since they see shadows below them, getting bigger and bigger. Everyone instinctively moves away from these shadows as a metallic tub falls in those exact spots. Ash looks to the sky and sees some kind of white flying Pokemon "Who's that Pokemon?" He says whilst pulling out his Rotom Phone, it's robotic voice speaking "Bombirdier, the Item Drop Pokémon, a Flying and Dark type. It gathers things up in an apron made from shed feathers added to the Pokémon's chest feathers, then drops those things from high places for fun." Friede adds on from the phone "That makes sense! Bombirdier loves to startle people and Pokemon!" Dot's Tinkatink tries hammering one of the tubs, but ends up dropping her hammer, making her cry so Dot picks it up for her. Making Tinkatink happy to hug Dot's leg. Warming everyone's hearts from that sweet interaction.

They keep on their hike, observing wild Pokemon from time to time, hearing clangs and thumps as Tinkatink find scarps to add to her hammer. "Wow, Tinkatink seems to be making her hammer bigger!" Ash observes in fascination. " "Yeah," Dot responds, "Whenever she adds onto her hammer, it's like she dones't care about anything else." "Reminds me of someone when they're making vidoes for the web!" Roy replies, him and Liko giggling in a teasing manner, making Dot blush in embarrasment.

The group take a break from the hike to let Tinkatink continues her hammer work. The little Pokemon is deep in her work, ignoring the spashing of water ballons breaking around her, dropped by that same Bombirdier. That Pokemon then drops down some chattering teeth, the constant sound startling Tinkatink and allowing for Bombirider to steal the metal plate Tinkatink was working on, flying off. Ash and Dot have Pikachu and Quaxwell go after it, Bombirdier does come back, with a Pineco. Dropping it upon the group as it uses Self-Destruct. Blinding everyone in a cloud of think smoke, once everyone clears their vision, Tinkatink is gone. "Tinkatink? Tinkatink?! Where'd she go?!" Dot exlaims, anxiety filling her veins as Liko tries to help calm her, depsite being anxious herself. "She couldn't have gotten far! We'll find her!" Ash shouts, confidence in his voice which Friede picks up and adds onto "Ash's right! Let's split up and cover more ground!" "Great idea Friede!" Ash proclaims, as the two fist bump.

The group go their separate ways, Ash and Pikachu search high and low for hours til the sun goes down, calling out for Tinkatink. Soon they hear a constant sound of clanging, and goes toward the source. He's not the only ones who heard it, Dot and Tinkatink did too.

Ash and Dot arrive at some sort of nest, filled to the brim with metallic trickets big and small. They see Tinkatink rumanging around in the nest, and try to pry her out before Bombirdier sees. Bombirdier notices, but Ash and Dot send out their Quaxwells to distract it for a while so Tinkatink can find that iron plate. Tinkatink eventually finds it and continues her work, bringing Ash and Dot's guards down. "Phew, we finally got that plate back." Ash says relief flooding his voice. "Yeah, so glad this mass is bascially over." Dot replies. Bombirdier sees the intruders in its home and is filled with rage, dropping a tub onto the Quaxwells, who use Water Gun to blast the tub right back at it. Bombirdier, enraged Terastalllizes into a pure Dark type. Shocking the kids

"Since when can wild Pokemon Terastallize?!" Ash exlaims in confusion, only getting Dot's frantic shrugging of shoulders. "Alright, we can figure that out later, we have Tera Orbs! Let's use them!" Ash shouts in determination, that determination spreads to Dot, who nods.

They pull out their Tera Orbs, but another Bombirdier attacks them, making them drop their Tera Orbs and they roll out of sight. The kids search for them while shouting attacks for the Quaxwells and Pikachu.

Tinkatink adds the plate to her hammer and tries to join the fight, but the mere size of it now makes her fall over. Seeing the Quaxwells struggling and Pikachu getting exhausted makes Tinkatink get back up and slowly drag her hammer toward the fight. The Terastallized Bombirdier sees her and flies down to pounce, "No!" Dot yells "Tinkatink! Hang on! Pikachu save her!" Ash shouts. Pikachu jumsp between the two and uses Electroweb to block Bombirdier, but it's pure Dark typing allows it to take the hit. Tinkatink msuters her strength to lift her hammer, and is bathed in a bright blue light, a contrast to the night and starry skies around her, immediately grabbing Ash and Dot's attention. Tinkatink appears different as the light dims, taller, longer hair, both Ash and Dot know she evolved.

"DId Tinkatink just evolve?!" Dot asks in disbelief. "She definitely did! But into what?" Ash replies, eyes sparkling with excitement as he pulls out his Rotom Phone again, scanning her with his Pokedex, the robotic voice instantly coming to life, "Tinkatuff, the Hammer Pokémon, a Fairy and Steel type. These Pokémon make their homes in piles of scrap metal. They test the strength of each other's hammers by smashing them together."

Tinkatuff joins the battle, giving the other three Pokemon a chnace to rest. She defeats one Bombirdier with a single Brutal Swing. "Woah! Dot, did you see that?! That was awesome! Did you see?!" Ash says in rapid energy, shaking Dot back and fourth in a quick manner. "Yeah, I did, and maybe I'll see more if I can see clearly!" Dot sarcastically repiles with passive aggression, Ash's her friend, but he can be a bit much. Tinkatuff pounds on the Terastallized one with a new move.

"What move was that?!" Dot asks, her face showing a flurry of emotions. "That's Play Rough!" Ash shouts in excitement, visibly buzzing, though Dot can't handle all that energy, muttering "Know-It-All" under her breath, but Ash had heard it, replying playfully "You like it and you know it."

The kids watch both Bombirdier flee in defeat and return their Quaxwells. "Well, now we just gotta find our Tera Orbs, no matter how long that takes." Ash says, with a hint in his voice of a seriousness that they're gonna be searching for a long time, only for him to feel something at his feet. "Oh! There they are!" Ash adds on cheerfully before picking up both orbs and handing one to Dot, who is shocked and a smidge annoyed at how Ash changes attitudes so fast.

Around an hour later Ash and Dot reunite with the others. Dot shows off her new Pokemon to Liko and Roy, while Ash talks with Friede about what they saw. "So, you're saying the wild Bombirdier just Terastallized out of nowhere?" Friede asks. "Yeah, it was so strange, but also really cool!" Ash says with his adventure-loving smile, Pikachu even chimes in with an excited "Pika!"

'Interesting..." Friede murmurs "It's one thing for a wild Pokemon to Terastallize, but this one's not in Paldea, incredible."

"Yeah, no kidding" Ash replies, "I wonder if they can combine with stuff like Z moves, or Mega Evolution?"

Notes:

So, what did you think of the chapter? What about this new style? If you like it, please leave Kudos if you haven't already and comment! If you didn't be sure to comment what you didn't like, please try to be civil, and I'll see you guys next time!

Chapter 72: Encounters at the Crystal Pool

The group arrive at the Crystal, Ash and Roy looking around excitedly. Roy spots a sign, leading his friends to it. "Look guys!" Roy shouted with excitement booming in his voice. "We can meet dead people at the pool! Isn't that cool?!"

Liko seems interested, Dot simply shrugs "Maybe, but the sign says it's just a legend." She states, Ash replies "Doesn't mean it's not true!" Remembering when he got caught in Tapu Fini's mist.

"Uh, where's Briar?" Liko suddenly asks, making the other three look around, Liko had a point. Briar was nowhere to be found. "I'll look for her," Friede said, already walking off, "I'm sure you four are trained enough to be by yourselves, wait here." And with that, he walks into the nearby forest of trees.

The kids play with Floragato, Crocolure, Dot's Quaxwell and Pikachu, playing at the shore of the pool. Sudeenly, a seemingly angry Milotic emgers from the crystal waters. Ash and Pikachut ry to talk with the anrgy Pokemon, explaining that they come in peace. But Milotic doesn't wanna talk, terastallizing into a Ghost Type in front of them.

"Another Wild Terastallization?!" Ash calls out, wanting to use more science-like terms like Friede or Clement would.

Ash turns to his friends "Alright guys, looks like we gotta have a battle!" He calls out, as Pikachu stands ready for anything, Floragato, Crocolure, and Dot's Quaxwell joining him.

Any counterattacks the Pokemon fire out Milotic easily avoids, except for a few Thunderbolts from Pikachu. Liko tries to hold Milotic in place with Floragato's vine, but Milotic uses the vine to its advantage. Dragging Floragato underwater, making her let go of her grip on Milotic.

Roy and Dot get an idea from a game they played at the Harvest Festival, huddling up with Ash and Liko to come up with a plan.

Floragato ties her vine to Dot's Quaxwell, and he dances in the shallow water of the pool, luring Milotic, and allowing Crocolure and Pikachu to hit it with a Thunderbolt and Disarming Voice combination. Milotic fires back with its own Disarming Voice, much to the kid's surprise. Milotic and Crocolure sing at each other repeatedly, reverting Milotic's Terastallization as the two Pokemon seem happy singing together.

A now calmed Milotic swims away, as Friede returns with Briar, seemingly both had seen the whole battle.

"You must be Liko, Roy and Dot!" Briar says, beaming at the kids, "Raifort's told me a lot about you three!" Then, she turns to Ash "She's also told me a lot about you, ut I already new a ton about you! Mr. World Monarch!" Briar adds, beaming at Ash with admiration. "Plus, with the Unova Champion herslef speaking so highly of you, I felt like I knew you very well!" Briar finsihes with.

Ash rubs the back of his head "Guess I'm well known everywhere now." He said, chuckling sheepishly, kinda liking the attention.

Terapagos pops out of Liko's backpack, making Briar see it and freak out, being very excited. Making Terapagos scared, and runnign away as she chases it for examination, having Floragato step in to calm her down.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Briar exlaims, "I'm just so excited! I've only every seen one other Terapagos!"

Liko's eyes widen in surprise, "You have?"

"Indeed!" Briar replies.

"Well, since you seem to know a lot, would you know why wild Pokemon outside of Paldea can Terastallize?" Friede asks, seeing an opportunity to get answers, even Ash leans in, wanting to know.

"Well, those crystals giving the Crystal Pool it's name resemble those found in Paldea. Allowing wild Pokemon in Kitakami to Terastallize, isn't that wonderful?" Briar replies brightly.

Ash happily responds "You bet it is!" While Friede muses to himself "So that's why..."

"I found that out when doign research about Terastallization. Apparently Terapagos is connect to that phenomenon." Briar explains, making the kids hooked.

"Wow! I wanna know more!" Roy exclaims, the other kids sharing his excitement.

Briar leads the group to her tend, which was nearby. They all work together to set up a fire for them to sit around to chat. "Any more questions for me?" She asks.

"I got one!" Roy calls out, "Who's your partner Pokemon?"

Liko and Dot look at him, weirded out by his question, they could learn so much, and he chose to ask that?! "What?" Roy cluelessly asks.

"That's a good question!" Briar replies, wishing to cheer up Roy, "I've just been so busy with my research that I haven't found one."

Dot finds that relateable, replying "I'm also busy studying Pokemon, but I've got Quaxwell with me." Making Quaxwell hold his head high and making Briar smile.

Liko catches Briar up on what she knows about Terapagos. The pendant, Lucius, the six heroes and Laqua. Briar listens closely before responding "I don't know anything about a place called Laqua, but I do know that this Lucius must've met Terapagos somewhere. Just like Heath!"

"Who?" Ash and Roy piped up.

"Why, the very person who gave Terapagos its name of course! Briar cheerfulliy replied, "And an ancestor of mine!"

The group look in shock, a few gasps escape from the kids, as Briar looks inside her backpack pulling out seemingly a copy of the Scarlet Book, but it appears much older. Dot takes the book and skims the pages, Ash, Liko and Roy looking over her shoulder.

Briair explains, "This here is the original Scarlet Book, wirtten by Heath themself! The printed version in the acdemy always block out certain chapters. So I figured you four would like to see the entirety!"

The kids read through the book in interest, reading through previously censored chapters, reading about how Heath went down into the Great Crater of Paldea and explored Area Zero and met Terapagos.

Briair continues her explanation to the kids and Friede, "When Heath first released the Scarlet Book to the public, many people didn't believe them. I want to prove their discoveries were true, and to do that I need to solve the mysteries about Terapagos, every single one."

Briar leads the group back to the pool once the sun goes down. Liko having Terapagos call out to Lucuis, the group betting that Terapagos's memories of Lucuis and the legend of the Crystal Pool can get them more answers. Terapagos cries out til the sun comes up, and nothing.

"Guess the legend was wrong..." Ash suggests, everyone else forced to coem to that conclusion of their own subconscious.

The group decides to call it a day and part ways with Briar, who continues her research at the pool while Friede and the kids head back to The Brave Olivine. Friede, Ash, Liko and Roy reunite with the rest of the crew and discuss what to do next. Being kinda in a limbo since they have no leads about Terapagos or the remaining Heroes.

"Uh, where's Dot?" Murdock finally asks, his voice filled with worry.

"Oh, Dot wanted to stay in Mossui Town to get footage." Liko replied casually.

Just then, Dot runs into the ship and into the conference room, reuniting with everyone and dragging a girl inside by the arm. Yelling, "You guys! This girl saw Kleavor!"

"She has?!" Friede replied, the others too stunned in shock to speak.

"Who are you?" Ash asked after a moment of silence.

The girl chuckled "Nice to meet you too, World Monarch. My name's Perrin."

Chapter 73: The Search for Kleavor!

Summary:

Short Chapter this time

Perrin, Friede and the kids trek up Tengu Mountain on the search for Kleavor. Searching for nearly two hours now. "So, where exactly did you see Kleavor?" Friede asked, getting a bit impatient due to all the walking.

"Oh, I don't actually know. When I took the picture, it started to attack me. So I ran." Perrin said casually, making the four kids groan. Their legs growing increasingly tired minute by minute. Still, they pushed on, not letting their aching legs stop them from gaining another of the Six Heroes.

Perrin eyes Liko, Roy and Dot concerned, leaning in to whisper to Friede, "Is it really safe to bring children this young? I understand Ash, being the World Monarch and all, but the other three? Isn't that a bit dangerous?"

Friede chuckles, understanding Perrin's concern. "Believe me, those three are growing stronger everyday, and can handle themselves just fine. Though Ash likes to stick with them, so no matter what, they'll be okay." Earning a nod of understanding from Perrin

The group stop at a rocky clearing, Crocalure, unable to contain his every-growing hunger, reachers for a berry growing on a nearby bush. Not noticing the ground around him start to crumble and crack. Roy does, however and dives in to try and save his partner, only for them to fall into a sinkhole, trapping them in a fissure.

"Roy! Are you okay?" Liko asks in fear.

"Yeah! Yeah! I'm fine!" Roy replied, his voice echoing from below. "I don't think we can get back up though, you guys keep going! I'll find another way and catch up!"

The group continue on into the forest, only to be surronded by a pack of Houndoom and young Houndour. Friede and Ash share a look, it's Champion Time! Friede sends out Cap and Charizard while Ash sends out Pikachu and Tauros. They fight off the pack, with some help from Liko and Floragato. Letting Perrin and Dot go on ahead. Liko and Florgato get chased into another part of the forest by the Houndour they were battling.

Ash and Friede focus on their battle, Tauros holding his own against Pokemon its own type. Suddenly, Tauros's red markings turn blue, and its mane shifts downward. Catching Ash and Friede's eye. Tauros unleases a wave of water, washing away all the attacking Pokemon. Ash and Friede know the move as Surf, but how?!

"What.. Just happened?" Ash blanky asked. Friede quickly came to a conclusion, one he himself can't believe. "I think, Tauros just switched from a Blaze Breed, to an Aqua Breed..." Tauros falls asleep, it's mane turning dull, the blue marks fadding. "And now its a Combat Breed." Friede mused. Ash decides now's not the time to investigate his Paldean Tauros and simply returns it to its Poke Ball. Ash and Friede ride atop Charizard and fly off in search of the others.

Ash and Friede land in a spot of forest containing trees and rocks scarred with slash marks. Liko and the others already there. Friede sees Liko, Roy and Dot, and can't help but feel proud. Ash feels proud for his

"You see, Perrin?" Friede asked, approaching Perrin, "The kids forged their own paths when we got seperated, and we all ended up in the same place. They're more than capable to be here." Perrin nods in agreement.

Terapagos sees Kleavor spying on the group, the little creature being the only one to spot it. Terapagos calls to it, only for Kleavor to run away.

Chapter 74: Kleavor the Solitary Warrior

The group continue the search for Kleavor. Liko taking a quick break to put on Lucius's belt. They arrives at a waterfall, seeing a tree being sliced apart and falling down.

"Wow." Ash commented, "Was that Kleavor?"

The group hear loud thumping footsteps, enough to shake the earth. Kleavor emerges from behind the waterfall. Before anyone can react, Lapras pops out of it's ball, glaring at Kleavor.

"Wait, guys. Look at Lapras's scars, and look at the tree!" Liko suddenly said, pointing to the scars on Lapras and the sliced remains of the tree. "They're the same!"

The others look to anf from the scars, Roy pipes up "So, that means, Kleavor hurt Lapras?"

"Looks like it." Friede commented.

The two heroes start fighting each other, forcing the group to take cover. As soon as they do, however, the battle ends. The two pokemon shaking fin and blade. "Oh!" Ash piped up, "That battle was probably how they greet each other!" The others eye him oddly, wondering how he came to that conclusion, but relieved Kleavor seemed to be calm now.

Liko sees her chance and walks up to Kleavor, "Kleavor, I know you belonged to Lucius. And I want you to join us, so we can finally finish Lucius's promise and make to Laqua! So, will you join us?"

The group all wait in anticipation, Kleavor turns around and disappears behind the waterfall. Lapras's face falls and returns to its Poke Ball. But all four kids remain determined to continue the pursuit.

"Well, if Kleavor went behind the waterfall," Perrin observed, "That there must be something behind it where Kleavor can run off."

Roy goes up to the watefall and inspects it. Finding a cave entrance, the group enter, finding a limestone cave. Seeing more marks of Kleavor's blades.

"Looks like Kleavor trained in here for, a while by the looks of it." Friede remarks.

While the group traverses through the cave, Perrin's Growlithe gets distracted by a Noibat, Perrin and Friede to chase after it, leaving the children to continue the pursuit on their own. The kids feel a breeze from outside, finding another exit to the cave. Into a bamboo grove, not far is Kleavor, chopping down many tall stocks of bamboo. Kleavor senses their presence and turns to face them.

"What's Kleavor doing?" Dot asks,

"Asking for a battle, duh!" Ash excalimed excitedly, making Dot roll her eyes. Pikachu jumps off his shoulder onto the grass, facing Kleavor.

"Oh yeah! It wants to see how strong we are!" Roy shouted, letting Croclure stand beside Pikachu.

"Good idea!" Liko said, "We can keep Kleavor here til Friede gets here!" Floragato joins the other two Pokemon, and Dot has her Quaxwell join them too.

The battle starts with Magical Leaf, Stomping Tantrum, Air Cutter and Thunderbolt. Atttacks Kleavor blocks with ease. They try more direct attacks: Acrobatics, Flame Charge, Iron Tail and Liquidation. Kleavor just shrugs them off.

"It's okay!" Dot shouted, mentally coming up with a strategy "Just dodge and weave, and build of damage over time!" The other three nod, repeating their attacks. Until Kleavor suddenly runs off deeper into the grove. The group give chase, the Pokemon quickly surronding Kleavor.

They try to attack again, but Kleavor avoids them all, attacking them and sending them falling to the ground. Then attacking with a close range X-Scissor.

"Oh no..." Dot says, coming to a realization "Knleavor wasn't running away, it was luring us into a trap!"

"What?!" Ash yelled.

"It's the bamboo." Dot explained, "Kleavor uses it to listen for our attacks. We can't hit it!"

"Then let's get out of here!" Liko shouts, planning a retreat.

"Pokemon, come back!" Roy shouts to the four Pokemon!

The four Pokemon try to run back to their trainers, but Kleavor raises a ring of stone pillars around the area, keeping them trapped in the fight.

The Pokemon keep fighting, but their attacks never land. Crocolure build up tons of heat for another Flame Charge, but the heat makes some bamboo pieces pop, grabbing even Kleavor's attention. Roy gets an idea, and has Crocalor build up another Flame Charge and run rapidly in circles around Kleavor. Causing nearby bamboo pieces to snap open loudly all around it, Kleavor's focus gets completely thrown off, leaving it open to an onslaught of incoming attacks from Floragato, Pikachu, Quaxwell and Crocolure.

Kleavor soon grows weak and climbs outside the stone pillar ring it created. Right where Friede and Perrin have excited the cave, the kids break through the stone pillars and attackin once again with their Pokemon. Kleavor Eventually launches a powerful counterattack with a move that Friede recognizes: Stone Axe. Imtimidating the kids.

"What kind of move was that?!" Ash shouted, "That was Stone Axe, one of Kleavor's trongest moves. It must be using it as a last resort." Friede replied. Liko pipes up "Well, if Kleavor's using its best move, then we should be at full power too!" Liko pulls out her Tera Orb, Ash, Roy and Dot pull out theirs as well. Terastallzing their Pokemon, Pikachu becoming a Flying Type.

The four Pokemon power through another Stone Axe and land a combination of Magical Leaf, Flame Charge, Liquidation and Tera Blast. Kleavor is hit heavily, falling onto its knee. The Pokemon and their trainers celebrate, but Kleavor manages to hit them with one last Stone Axe. Making all of them, even Pikachu faint. But Kleavor is too week to keep attacking.

The group has quickly heal the four Pokémon, and Kleavor stands up and motions the group to follow it. It leads the group out of the bamboo grove and and onto a cliff not far from Oni mountain. Kleavor smashes open a nearby boulder, revealing an Ancient Poké Ball was nested inside. Kleavor releases a shining sphere of light from its body, which envelops the group and transports them into a vision of the past. They see, Lucius, defending a tied-up Kleavor from a group of angry villagers. Lucius frees Kleavor from its bonds, it still tries to attack him, Lapras emerges and takes the hit for him, producing scars on its neck.

"I see," Lucius said, "You're rampage isn't over yet. Why don't you test your strength beside me, on my adventure. Together we can find a paradise I've been searching for. What do you say?"

After a moment of consideration, Kleavor accepts and enters one of Lucius's Ancient Poké Balls. Lucius smiles warmly, turning around "Rystal," He began, "It's time to go..."

The golden light fades, and the group is returned to the present. Kleavor returns to its Ancient Poké Ball, and Liko happily picks it up.

While Ash, Dot and Roy wonder who Rystal is, Friede comes to the conclusion that Kleavor must have been waiting for someone it could trust and travel with in order to use its strength to aid its allies again.

The group head down the mountain and part ways with Perrin, who promises not to publish any images of Terapagos or Kleavor. Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot, and Friede return to the Brave Olivine and report their discoveries to the rest of the RVT.

The next day, Ash and Liko awake in their shared room, and get ready for the day, but they stop once they hear a knock on the window. Liko goes up to it and Diana's Squawkabilly pops up, startling the two kids and making them jump back.

Chapter 75: The Three Explorers

Ash and Liko follow Squawkabilly outside, Roy, Dot and Friede seeing them and gving chase as well. Squawkabilly stops in the kitchen of the Brave Olivine, where they also find Diana herself.

"Grandma?!" Liko eclaimed, the others behind her wide eyed, "What are you doing here?!"

"Well, your mother told me that you all were in Kitakami, so I rode Arcanine here." Diana began, "I needed to reach you, cause I have new information on Lucius!"

"Really!" Ash beamed, "What is it?"

"Well, Liko's gotta earn it!" Diana replied, "In another battle! What do you say, Liko?"

The group look to Liko, who after some thought, nods determinedly. The group head out to the Wing Deck to watch the battle. The rest of the RVT joining them.

"This time, we won't hold back!" Diana said, Arcanine taking the battlefield. Liko thinks about the last battle, remembering it took her and Roy working together to land just one hit. But she and Floragato have grown since them, they'll win. Even if Fire is strong against Grass.

Floragato starts off with Magical Leaf, and Arcanine avoids it with Extreme Speed, which Liko has Floragato take head-on so Magical Leaf curves around and strikes Arcanine anyway. Arcanine follows up with Flamethrower, but Floragato dodges it and strikes with Acrobatics. Liko cotinues that battle pattern, aiming to damage Arcanine slowly overtime.

"It's incredible how far you two have come!" Diana proudly said, before her face hardens to a stern frown that gives Liko a bit of a shiver, "But it won't be enough! Flare Blitz!"

Arcanine releases a burts of flames, Florgato tries to move away, but is grazed by the attack. Floragato gets back up and lands a Sucker Punch point blank onto Arcanine, canceling another Flare Blitz. But getting hit by Sucker Punch activates Arcanine's Justified, giving it a strength boost.

Liko's anxiety spikes, realizing her indrect mistake. She bounces back and Terastallizes Floragato, Diana calls out Flare Blitz, and Liko looks for an opening so that Magical Leaf wouldn't immediately burn up. She spots Arcanine's feet, "Perfect" she thinks, as Floragato fires the attack, maoing Arcaine fall down. Liko then has Floragato fire an even stronger Magical Leaf, defeating Arcaine.

"Wow," DIana said, returning Arcaine. "You've improved so much." She added, smiling.

"Yeah," Liko replied, "My friends helped me a lot during our Terastal Training" gesturing to Ash, Roy and Dot. Ash and Roy beaming while Dot gets flustered and avoids Diana's eye.

The RVT go into the conference room, Diana starts showing what she found. Starting with an old photo of her and her friend, Hamber. Who she reveals found out was part of the Explorers back when they broke into her castle. Shocking the others, then she adds that Lucius first founded the Explorers, surprising the RVT again.

"That's why I left," Diana stated "To find out the true origin of the Explorers."

The RVT lean in, wanting more, so Diana starts talking "I visited towns Lucius wrote that he visited. Spoke with the elders who knew him. They told me a lot, and gave me this."

Diana pulls out another old photo, showing three trainers together. "These were the founders of the Explorers, Lucius, Rystal and Gibeon." Diana said.

"Well, I heard the name Rystal before when we found Kleavor, but I have no idea who Gibeon is." Friede said.

"I think we might know." Liko piped up, looking to Ash, who nodded.

"When we were trapped with Amethio, he told us about him." Ash started,

"He's the leader ot the Explorers, and his grandfather." Liko finished.

The others are shocked, left standing speechless, confused as how Gibeon is still alive after all these years. Diana decides to present her last piece of information

"Anyhow," She began, "I learned that Gibeon is the board chairman of Exceed. From what I hear it's some kind of company."

"Yeah, and I used to work there." Friede said, shocking everyone, "I went back there to investigate when the airship was being repaired. They were doing research on some substance called Laquium, which has a strange effect on Pokémon. But, I didn't even know til now there was a board chairman, but my boss did say there were people above even him in the company."

"That makes sense," Diana replies, "I wasn't able to find anyone at Exceed who knew Gibeon."

"So, that means Gibeon was at the company to research Laquium, and the Explorers are trying to reach Laqua, like us." Roy thought out loud, making Dot come to a realization.

"Wait," Dot started, "What if they're connected? The Explorers only want to get to Laqua so that they can get more Laquium!"

The RVT are shocked by the revelation, and need time to think things over, taking a snack break to clear their heads. "I think we should try to learn about Rystal," Friede suggested, "Terapagos seemed to miss her when said her name."

"Yeah, I thonk we should go back to the Crystal Pool!" Liko eclaimed, her voice filled with resolve, "I mean, if the pool can let us see the dead, maybe we can meet Rystal herself?"

Ash piped up in an unsure protest, "But, we already tried that with Lucius, and it didn't work."

"Yeah," Dot replied, "But didn't you both figure out Gibeon is somehow alive? I mean it's worth a shot."

Ash nodded "Good point."

"Then, it's settled." Friede started, "Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot, Diana and I will head up to the Crystal Pool."

The said group head back up to the Crystal Pool, arrving there while the moon is high in the sky. Terapagos calls to Rystal while the human pray to meet Rystal.The Crystal Pool reacts to their plea and starts to glow brightly. Blinding them, the light dies down not too long after appearing. In it's place stands a woman holding a baby. "Where am I?" She asked, "What is this place?"

"A-Are you Rystal?" Liko asked, her anxiety getting the best of her.

"Yes, that's me." Rystal replid, "Who are you all?"

"I-I'm L-L-Liko-" Liko began, only to be cut off when the four heroes release themselves from their Poke Balls. Happy to see her, while Terapagos happily walks towards her.

"Lucius's Pokemon?" Rystal asked, "But why would you all have them?"

Liko tries to respond, but her anxiety over meeting one of the original Explorers gets the best of her, leaving her a studdering, stumbling mess. Ash speaks up for her.

"We're the Rising Volt Tacklers, Ma'am. And we have Lucius's Pokemon so that Terapagos can regain it's power and we can reach Laqua together!"

"You're at the Crystal Pool, Rystal." Friede continued, "In the future, yu were brought back from our past so that we can meet you."

Rystal hums, "I can believe that, since you have four of Lucius's Pokemon and my partner" Smiling down at Terapagos."

The group's eyes widen in shock at the relevation. "Wait," Roy started, "Terapagos is your Pokemon?"

"Yes," Rystal chuckled, "Who you think he belonged to?"

"Lucius!" Dot eclaimed, making Rystal chuckle and Ash rub his chin.

"It does make sense." Ash mused, "The legend did only saw Lucuis and six heroes, including Terapagos would make seven. Plus, you can't have more than six Pokemon on you. That's a rule we've had for centuries according to Professor Oak and Cynthia."

The baby in Rystal's arms starts to cry, and she draws her attention to her daughter. "Shh," She whispered soothingly "It's okay Leila."

That name sends shocks down Diana's spine. Her eyes widening in surprise, catching Friede's attention.

"You okay, Diana?" He asked.

"Yeah," Diana sighed, "It's just that, Leila is my mother's name."

"Wait." Ash said, mentally placing the peices "Wouldn't that mean Rystal's your grandma? And that means.... Rystal is Liko's great-great-grandma?!"

"Who are you calling old?!" Rystal scolded, startling the group, but Rystal calms down after a few deep breaths. "But that does explain why Terapagos is with you, and Lucius's Pokemon, since... Lucius is Leila's father.

Silence

That was all there was with the group, eyes wide, yet nothing to be said. But Liko quickl lets out a series of mumbling whimpers, her body shaking like a baby's rattle. Before screaming loudly into the night at the news.

The others cover their ears. "Oh boy..." Ash muttered to Pikachu. "We're gonna be here a while..." Pikachu responds with a tired "Pika..."

Chapter 76: The Wonders of the World!

Liko eventually calms down, asking "Okay, Just tell us what you know, about Lucius, Laqua, everything."

Rystal nods, thinking back to that fateful day. "I was running from a group of theives who wanted Terapagos, then I ran into Lucius, who scared them away with his Rayquaza. Lucius was the one who told me about Terapagos, I used to call it Pagogo and Laqua. He told me how he wanted to find it, and I wanted to join him. We traveled the world, he caught the rest of his Pokemon during all that time. One day we stopped in a town and asked around about Laqua, but everyone thought it was just a fairy tale. Except for one, our new friend: Gibeon, and his Zyguarde."

The group seem to take a step back, Ash and Liko shutter mentally. Their suspicions of the modern Explorers roaming freely in their minds. Ash's mind turns to Lysandre again, thinking how history repeats itself. An evil man with a Zyguarde, he hopes that Squishy and Z2 are okay, Greninja can protect them. Or maybe they're now under Bonnie's care.

Rystal continued, "The three of us traveled together for years, and called ourselves the Explorers." The group seems to soften, such pure intentions back then, Rystal keeps telling her tale, "We eventually found Laqua." Shocking the group, if Rystal still knew the location, they go get Terapagos there immediately after taming Entei and Rayquaza.

"It truly was a paradise..." Rystal said nostalgically, "Many Pokemon lived together in harmony. We went deeper, wondering what else there is to see, but... The deeper we went, the less welcoming Laqua became, nothing but withered plants and dead grass. Until we found something, a cluster of pink crystals. Terapagos immediately hated it."

"Laquium..." Friede muttered, gears turning in his mind, while Ash and Liko remember when they saw Spinel use Laquium, and how Terapagos stepped in.

"Gibeon knew they contained a lot of energy, so did Lucius, it was how Laqua looked so alive at the top. But he also knew they could be a burden, so he wanted us to leave, so that we couldn't risk ruining anything. But Gibeon didn't take too kindly to that, and had Zyguarde dig up the crystals, making pink mist spill out, making the Pokemon go on a rampage." Ash and Liko shudder again, thinking of how Spinel's Umbreon acted under the mist's influence.

"Lucius and his Pokemon tried to stop the mist, but they couldn't stop it, not even when Zyguarde went against Gibeon and tried to help." Rystal explained, tears forming in her eyes. "The ground broke beneath Gibeon, and he fell before we could save him..."

Ash and Liko shared a brief look, coming to a shared conclusion. Even if Gibeon fell to his demise, he had to have escaped Laqua and led to the modern day Explorers and Amethio's birth.

"Terapagos and I didn't want to give up either, so much that Terapagos transformed into its Stellar Form." Rystal choked between sobs, making the kids and Friede's eyes widen, remembering when Briar showed them a picture of that very form. "Terapagos sent Lucius's Pokemon around the world to protect them, and contained Laqua in a dome of energy. But Lucius didn't get out in time..."

The group's features fill with worry, worrying how the story ends, Rystal continues despite her tears "Lucius insisted I leave him behind, promising we'll meet again. Made me promise to protect our future." Gesturing down to Leila, "The crystals in the dome exploded, and the next thing I saw was the pendant where Terapagos was." Rystal reveals a teal gem shaped pendant from under her shirt, Liko and Diana recognize it, how could they not? The same pendant they wore, the one holding Terapagos.

"I left right Laqua right after, I needed to protect Leila." Rystal continued, "I don't want to tell her about Lucius, I don't want hisotry to repeat itself. I don't need to be remembered, her life alone is proof Lucius and I existed."

Friede speaks up after some silence "Rystal, do you remember where Laqua was?"

Rystal thinks for a moment, before saying "No, I'm afriad I don't. Rayquaza flew us there after days at sea. A ship picked me up on the way back. Gibeon could know, if he were still alive."

Liko is about to pipe up that Gibeon IS still alive, but a bright light surronding Rystal, "Oh dear," she says, "It looks like my time here is up, but I'm so grateful to see the future Lucius's protected. Liko?" Rystal asks, making the girl look up at her. "Look after Terapagos for me, and thank you, for letting me see all this." With those final words, Rystal and Leila fade away, soon nothing but air stands in their spot as if they never were here.

Terapagos stares where Rystal once was, and starts to cry. Liko bends down and hugs it, and Ash goes behind her and hugs Terapagos too with Pikachu, as does Roy, and Dot, then Friede and Diana. Terapagos eventually calms down, looking up to Liko in a pleading manner. "Hey, why're you looking at me like that, little guy?" Liko asked.

Ash pipes up, "I think he wants something." Handing Liko a Poke Ball, Liko senses what Ash thinks and tests Ash's theory by holding the ball out to Terapagos. Who happily lets himself get captured. Liko sends Terapagos back otu and hugs it again, "We're in this together now, Pagogo!" She happily cries.

"You're leaving again?!" Roy cried, him and the rest of the RVT standing outside the Brave Olivine the next day, Diana about to board her Arcaine.

"Yeah," Diana said, "Now that the mystery about the pendant's over. Even though I didn't know Rystal and Lucius were my grandparents since my mom told me her mother died young. So now I'm gonna travel wherever my heart takes me. I'll still come back to help if you need me, though!"

The RVT watch Diana get atop Arcaine and ride off inot the distance. "So, what now?" Roy asks.

"Well, we still have to locate Entei and Rayquaza." Liko started, "We should do that before we try to find Laqua."

"But, where would we find them?" Dot asked.

"Maybe we could go to Johto? Or Hoenn?" Ash suggested.

"Actually," Friede piped up, "I think I know someone who can help..."

Chapter 77: Wynaut?! Wy-Yes!

The Brave Olivine soared through the skies. Friede informing the kids about Wy-Yes, a fromer member of the RVT. And someone he thinks can help them find Entei. The kids are excited to meet someone that was in the RVT, but they can't hlep but notice Mollie seems more tense. The airship lands in asavanna. The decide to venture off looking for Pokemon before Wy-Yes arrives. They find an oasis with barely any water within it, but they don't have time to admire it as they are charged at and attacked by a group of Pokemon, Pokemon they don't recognize.

"Who's that Pokemon?" Ash asked as he pulled out his Rotom Phone. The phone quickly scanned the group and revealed it's information. "Farigiraf, the Long Neck Pokemon and the evolved form of Girafarig. A Normal and Psychic type. The hardened head from the tail protects the head of the main body as Farigiraf whips its long neck around to headbutt enemies." The Rotom's monotone voice said. "Woah!" Ash said excitedly, "Girafarig can evolve now?!"

Dot's voice snapped Ash out of his thoughts, "Ash! Stop scanning the Pokemon and help us!" Making Ash look up from his phone. Seeing Liko, Roy and Dot fighting off the hoard, but are outnumbered. "Oh, right." Ash said sheepishly, sending Pikachu out to help. The four fight off the Farigiraf, wondering why the Pokemon are so angry.

They don't find out however, as the Pokemon flee and they see a man and his Wynaut approching them. "I think I've got myself a scoop!" He says, "You lot must be the secret society that fights Pokemon! I mean, why else is the World Monarch among you!"

The kids stare at hime, jaws dropped. About to object when Friede appeas beside him. "I see you all have met Wy-Yes." He says.

"Wait, thats Wy-Yes!" Ash asks.

"Yep." Friede replies, leading everyone back to the airship.

Wy-Yes happily reunites with the rest of the RVT. Especially happy to see Mollie. "Wow!" He says, "You've changed since I left! Like the new hairstyle!"

"Buzz off!" Mollie barks.

Liko perks up, "Wait, did Mollie look different when you were part of the group?" The other three kids perk up too, wanting answers.

"Oh yeah!" Wy-Yes said, but Mollie steps in before he can continue.

"Don't you dare tell them!" Mollie yells, "Unless you want to be sent flying..."

Wy-Yes nervously turns to Friede, wanting to ignore Mollie for the moment. "So, what did you wanna talk about, old friend?" Friede starts to catch up Wy-Yes on what's been going on, but Wy-Yes interrupts, thinking Friede just wants to catch up. Darrging him elsewhere to talk.

Dot leads her friends back into her room, showing them a copy of the Occulture magazine. The kids see Wy-Yes credited as a journalist on the cover. "So, you're a fan of my work?" A voice behind them says, scaring the kids. Looking up to see Wy-Yes behind them. "Uh, sure." Dot admits. Roy tries to bring up Entei, but Wy-Yes interrupts thinking they want to know the history of the RVT.

The kids share looks, curiosity getting the better of them. Letting Wy-Yes take them around the airship while telling various tales. Claiming Murdock made a very popular dessert, which Murdock himself denies, saying it was only popular within the airship for a short time. Wy-Yes then claims Orla made a supersonic aircraft, which Orla denies, as they aren;t currently flying in one. Wy-Yes then claims Ludlow is secretly a superhero. Which the kids doubt, laughing at the idea of old Ludlow being a superhero, though Ash eyes Wynaut happily jumping. Ludlow subtley exhales in relief.

Wy-Yes brings the kids to the WIng Deck, saving the best for last: Mollie. On cue, Mollie appears and tries to stop him, but Wy-Yes pushes her away and shows the kids a photo of himself and Mollie, both much younger. "Woah." Ash said, "Didn't Mollie say her family was full of nurses?" Liko nods, Ash continues "Cause she looks a lot like Nurse Joy..."

"Oh, it's not just that!" Wy-Yes continued, "She used to love me! She clung to me all the time and barely sopke to anyone!" Wynaut again happily jumps, catching Ash's eye, and the others too.

Mollie turns red, anger and embarrasment filling her veins as she has Chansey launch him into the sky. Ash sees this and gets deja vu, yelling "He's blasting off again!" Before laughing as Mollie huffs and walks away.

Meanwhile, in a familiar Meowth Balloon. The Rocket Squad were in the middle of stalking the Twerp when Wy-Yes flies right past them "Hey! That guy just stole our thing!" James said. "Gee, that's just swell." Meowth replied, "First those Explorers intimidate the Twerp more than us, now some random guy blasts off?!"

"Yeah, and he's got a Wynaut," Jessie barked "What a knockoff!"

"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet called out.

The kids follow where Wy-Yes went flying, finding him in the oasis with Friede. Ash tries to ask about Entei, but is shushed by Wy-Yes. Annoying the World Monarch. "I can hear the Farigiraf headed our way!" Wy-Yes exclaims.

"Sure buddy..." Ash mutters, but stays slient as he sees Wynaut happily jump once more.

The group hear loud footsteps, quickening in pace. Looking towards the sound, they see a herd of Farigiraf, surprising everyone that Wy-Yes was right. Though Ash seems to suspect some sort of pattern. The group also hear more footsteps stomping from the opposite direction. Looking to the other side they spot a heard of Espathra.

"Who's That Pokemon?" Ash said as he scanned the herd with his Rotom Phone.

"Espathra, the Ostrich Pokémon, a Pyschic type." Rotom examined robotically, "It emits psychic power from the gaps between its multicolored frills and sprints at speeds greater than 120 mph."

The two herds meet in the middle of the oasis and they clash. "I think this place is the Farigiraf's home." Dot thinks out loud.

"Oh," Ash replied "So that's why they attacked us when we were here."

The two herds continue to fight, pyschic beams clashing from both sides. The pure energy causes part of the rockface atop them to break apart and start to fall, nearly crushing the group. But as they duck for cover and Pikachu jumps up to destroy the boulder with Iron Tail. But a certain Chansey uses Tackle to crush the boulder first. The group looks up to see Mollie on the scene.

"MOLLIE?!" The group eclaimed in unison. "But how?" Friede asks.

"Noctowl let me know something was going on here." Mollie answers.

Dot looks to the oasis, spotting bubbles rising like balloons relased to the air. Bubbles coming from underneath a large rock.

"I think there's something under that rock!" Dot says, "Can someone destory it?"

"On it!" Roy replied, "Crocalor! Stomping Tantrum!" Crocalor leaps into the empty pond and begins using the move.

"Pikachu!" Ash called, "Help out with Iron Tail!" Pikachu hops off Ash's shoulder into the empty pond and helps Crocalor. The two moves break the rock and causes water to slowly gush back into the oasis. Ash sends out his Paldean Tauros and it shifts to the Aqua breed and uses Surf to refill the pond. The Farigiraf and Espathra stop their clash and go to drink together, their turf war resolved.

Back on the Brave Olivine, Wy-Yes thanks the RVT for all the material he can use for Occulture.

"Mr. Wy-Yes," Liko finally manages to ask, "Have you heard anything about an Entei?"

Wy-Yes rubs his chin, "An Entei?" He replies, "I think I've heard of an Entei sighting in Olivine City. Wait, was that all you lot wanted out of me?" Wynaut again happily jumped.

The four kids collapsed to the ground comedically. "Yes!" Dot replied breathlessly. After Mollie kicks Wy-Yes out, again. The airship sets course for Johto. Ash, Liko and Mollie watch the skies from outside.

"Hey Mollie," Liko asks, "How do we know Wy-Yes was telling the truth? I mean he lied a lot today."

"True," Mollie chuckled, "But Wynaut's been with him for so long that it knows the truth. It'll jump with joy if he was telling the truth, which he was."

"Wait, that means," Liko started, "What he said about your past had to be true too!"

Mollie blushes, embarrassed, "Yeah, I was so naive back then. Fell for a lot of his claims. But I'm not sure if he was teasing me or teaching me."

Ash and Liko laugh, and Mollie joins in. But Wy-Yes's Wynaut remains in Ash's mind. How it reacted to Wy-Yes's claim about Ludlow. But, Ludlow of all people being a superhero of all things? Ash comes to the conclusion that Ludlow was hiding something at the very least.

Chapter 78: Ludlow's Homecoming!

The Brave Olivine lands in Olivine City, and the crew split up to search for clues about Entei. The kids and Ludlow try ti hide form the public, as to not have Ash swarmed by fans.

"Hey, Ludlow." Liko asked as they walked, "Isn't the airship named after this place?"

Yep." Ludlow chuckled, "I grew up here."

"Hey Ash," Roy asked, "Did you ever come here on your journey?"

"Oh yeah!" Ash replied, "I still remember my battle with the Gym Leader, Jasmine! I would show you my badge, but It's on my other vest." Ash rubbed his head behind his head as Pikachu chirps sheepishly.

Ludlow and Ash show Liko, Roy and Dot around town, only for all of Ludlow's tour spots to either be removed or replaced by a more modern building like a Rotom Phone shop. Ludlow thankfully isn't upset by this, finding them interesting. Ash tries to introduce them to Jasmine, but finds the Gym closed.

"Guess Jasmine's busy." Ash mused, rubbing his chin.

The group ask around about Entei, with no luck. So they take a break after a while, resting on the beach.

"So, Ludlow," Liko asked, seeing an opportunity, "What made you leave home?"

"Well I was curious to see what Pokemon lied beyond the sea." Ludlow responded, giving Liko the feeling that Ludlow was once like them.

The group spot an old man and his Wooper on a nearby pier, they start to walk to him, planning to ask him about Entei, but they rush into their nearby house. The group runs after them, seeing that he's inside watching a movie. Ludlow exposes himself to join him. They watch "VS Sharpedo" starring the man's favorite actor, Ginjirou. The kids also join the men, and the old man introduces himself as Mamoru and goes into a passionate tangent about all the "VS Sharpedo" movies. Going into detail of how many movies there are. Confusing Ash, Liko and Roy and exasperating Dot.

"But then," Mamoru concluded, "After 'Sports Day of the Dead VS Sharpedo', Ginjirou disappeared from the movie scene and was never seen again."

"Woah-" Ash started, but was cut off by Mamoru "But I just know that he'll return someday, until then, me and Wooper will protect these shores in his and his Quagsire's place."

"Wait a second," Roy realized, looking through photos on his Rotom Phone, "We met the superhero Mighty G a while back, don't they look similar?" Roy shows the photo of Mighty G to everyone. "I think Ginjirou might be Mighty G!"

The group seems to believe this, though Ash eyes Ludlow tense up slightly. Remembering how Sohdayo's Wynaut reacted when he talked about Ludlow being a superhero in secret, he connected the dots, but kept his mouth shut, not that he had a chance to speak.

Mamoru jumps up at the theory while Ash was in his thoughts "No way!" He shouted. "It's impossible for Ginjirou to grow that old!"

The others stare at them in shock, eyes wide at the declaration. Mamoru even realizes he may have went a bit far, "Hey!" He awkwardly said, "How about I show you folks where the very first 'VS Sharpedo' was filmed, the Whirl Islands!"

"Hey, I remember going to the Whirl Islands!" Ash reflexivly piped up.

"Great!" Mamoru replied, "Then you can help me show them around, Mr. World Monarch."

The group arrive on one of the Whirl Islands, Ash tries to show his friends around, but Mamoru distracts them by fanboying over locations featured in the first Sharpedo movie. Floragato notices three Tatsugiri getting trapped in a whirlpool, and alerts the others. The kids send out all their Pokemon to help, but no Pokemon can help. Mamoru's Wooper dives in instead, but it gets caught in the whirlpool. Ludlow tries to sneal away, but Mamoru clings to him, pleading for him to save his Wooper, but Ludlow's Quagsire approches, distracting him. When Mamoru looks, back, Ludlow is gone. Ash notices this too, knowing Mighty G's about to come.

Not even two minutes later, riding on a Sharpedo, is Mighty G. "I knew it." Ash thinks, as Mighty G uses Sharpedo and Quagsire to calm thw vortex, freeing the Tatsugiri and Wooper. Mamoru realizes Mighty G is Ginjirou.

Mamoru approches Mighty G, "Y'know, I loved you when you were Ginjirou, but you're still cool."

Mighty G grinned "Much appreciated, my friend."

The two take a photo before Mighty G rides off into the sea where he came, but Ash knows he'll be back soon. Just not as Mighty G. The group sail back to Olivine City, Ash notcing Ludlow holding his back, clearly in pain.

"So, Ludlow," Ash asked, faking cluelessness "You okay? Your back seems to be killing you."

Ludlow jumped, "Oh, I'm quite fine Ash, thank you for asking. Just a little sore from running to get help, did I hear that Mighty G returned?"

"Yeah, he did..." Ash responded, he knew better, he wasn't gonna expose him.

As the sun does down, the group dock at Olivine, being greeted by Friede, Mollie and Orla.

"Where have you five been?" Friede asked

"It's a long story." Said a very tired Dot.

"Did you find anything about Entei?" Asked Liko.

Orla shook her head, defeated, "Nope, nothing."

Mamoru perked up, "Wait, did you say you're looking for an Entei?"

The RVT turn towards him. "Yeah," Mollie answered, "Why, do you know something?"

Mamoru pulled out his Rotom Phone, "A customer meantioned seeing one at a nearby archipelago." Showing the RVT a location on his Phone, "I told some trainers that were walking through town, two boys, I think one of thems an Oak. And when I showed them, the other one said that he'll be one step closer to catching Mew, whatever that means."

Ash's eyes widen, they were here too?! Roy sees his expresson, "Do you know them, Ash?"

"Yeah, don't worry, they're not like Team Rocket, I think they can actually help." Ash quickly said, "They're friends of mine. But, Team Rocket might also show up."

"Then we'll be ready for them." Friede said, sharing a fist bump with Cap, "And that's out next stop!"

Ash nods "It'll be nice to see them again," He says, earning a nod from Pikachu.

Chapter 79: Entei's Fierce Battle Cry!

The RVT look over at the map of Entei sightings they've created. Made entirely from interviews around Olivine. They land on an island, finding no signs of any Pokemon.

"Wouldn't that mean a volcano's gonna erupt?" Dot asks

"I don't think so, kiddo." Friede chuckled, pointing to a rock. "I don't see any signs of volcanic activity."

"Wait, where's Ash?" Roy suddenly asked, the others realize quickly that the World Monarch had wandered off on the island.

But the fear didn't last long, "Over here!" Ash yelled, running over to them, followed by two people. "Sorry bout that! Just needed to find some old friends!"

"Who are they?" Liko asks, pointing to the two.

"Oh, right. Quick introductions!" Ash said, "Rising Volt Tacklers, this is Gary and Goh. Gary and Goh, these are the Rising Volt Tacklers."

Friede rubbed his chin, "I heard those names from Professor Oak and Professor Cerise before..."

"Ah, Professor Friede. Pleasure to finally meet you in person." Gary said, making Goh jump.

"That guy's a professor?! But he doesn't look like one! Where's his lab coat?!"

Ash chuckled "Classic Goh."

Gary eyes Liko, Roy and Dot "So, Ashy boy, these are your new friends, huh?"

"Oh yeah!" Ash said happily, "These guys are the best! They're really strong too!"

Gary snickered, "They better be, b=compared to when I met this guy!" elbowing Goh playfully.

"Hey man! You're still doing this?!" Goh sighed.

"So, you guys are after Entei too?" Dot asked.

"Oh yeah!" Goh cheered, "I'm gonna catch it!"

"I, for one, don't plan on catching it." Gary added, "I just wanna get some research on Entei done for my gramps."

Friede chuckled at the two kids "Well, I hope you don't catch it actually," Making the boys stop their banter and look at the professor "Because Entei already has a trainer."

Goh deflated "Aw, really?"

Before Friede or Ash can explain further, Friede gets a call from Murdock. The group go onto the beach to find Murdock next to Ludlow, cradling a beached Huntail. Mollie quickly treats it and releases it back to the sea, Ash and Gary stopping Goh from catching it.

"Why would a Huntail be beached?" Gary asked as they watch the Huntail swim off.

"Maybe it was running from something." Dot suggested.

"Yeah, but from what?" Goh asked, looking to Ash, who just shrugged.

Friede gets an idea. Boarding everyone on the Brave Olivine, taking them to the site of a submarine volcano.

"Entei's a Pokemon usually involed with volcanos." Friede explained, "It'll show up here, eventually."

So the group waited, and waited. Day turned to night as all but Murdock, Friede and Cap go to bed, Goh and Gary sleeping on the floor of Ash & Liko's room. The sleeping members are awoken by a loud echoing roar. The rush to the bridge of the airship, seeing the airship quick swerve away from the volcano as it eyrupts. The kids look and see a new island beinf formed as the volcano rises to the surface. Murdock lands the airship on a neighboring island. Friede, Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot, Gary and Goh disembark on the new island, and see Entei land on the mountaintop.

"Entei!" Liko called out, "We need your help to reach Laqua!"

Liko's plea is only responded by a deafening roar. "It doesn't wanna listen!" Dot said.

"Then let's prove ourselves!" Ash said, pulling out a Pokeball as Entei leaps down to face them.

Ash sends out his Tauros and Quaxwell, Liko sends out Floragato, Roy sends out Crocalor, Dot sends our her Quaxwell, Gary sends out his Blastoise and Goh sends out his Inteleon. The group has a simple plan, use primarily Water moves and Crocalor's Ground move. Floragato, Pikachu and Cap will distract Entei to provide openings for them. Pikachu and Cap easily counter Entei's attacks, while Floragato struggles. Entei uses a Sacred Fire, which Blastoise counters with Hydro Pump while the other Pokemon scatter.

Floragato uses Magical Leaf to blind Entei, giving the Quaxwells and Crocalor with Water Gun, Aqua Jet and Stomping Tantrum, but Entei dodges all three attacks and counters Cap's Thunder Punch with Fire Fang. Cap distracts Entei with Double Team, so thar Floragato, Dot's Quaxwell and Inteleon can attack with Quick Attack, and double Liquidations. ENtei easily endures the moves without flinching. Crocalor tries to use Stomping Tantrum, but is frozen in place by Entei's Extrasensory. Allowing Entei to attack him with Sacred Fire. Cap takes the hit at thr last second, getting burned, but still able to battle. Using Double Team again to distract Entei, but all the clones disappear by Entei's Eruption.

The move puts the other Pokemon in danger, Dot's Quaxwell tries to protect Floragato from the rocks as they fell, but both are hit by Sacred Fire. Cap charges with Volt Tackle, the move making contact thanks to Tauros, Blastoise and Inteleon blocking another Sacred Fire. Entei gets slowly weakened by Blastoise, Ash's Quaxwell & Tauros, and Inteleon. Ash noticing how Tauros seems so much faster when shifted into the Aqua breed, though its attacks don't hit as hard. Roy has Crocalor fight through another Extrasensory and use Stomping Tamtrum repeatedly, slowly wearing down Entei, beofre eventually falling over from exhaustion.

Entei looks up at the kids, and nods its head. Giving its approval. Liko sends out Pagogo and they go up to Entei.

"Woah!" Goh yelped, "What Pokemon is that-" Goh pointed to Pagogo, only for Ash to clamp his hand over his mouth.

"That's a Terapagos! It's a long story, but we can't interrupt this!" Ash whispered, and Gary chuckled and shook his head.

"Entei," Liko began "Pagogo needs your help to reach Laqua!"

Entei looks at the two, expression neutral. Liko pulls out Lucius's belt, seeing the the four Ancient Poke Balls, not one glowing or opening.

"What kind of Poke Balls are those?" Gary asked, Ash simply replied "Again, long story."

Entei looks up, not at Pagogo or the belt, but a newborn island forming in the distance. A lighting bolt strikes the volcanic island, making everyone jump. Raikou appears near said island, freaking Goh out. Suicune arrives right after, bringing a snowy aurora along with it. Entei leaps to join the other Legendary beasts. The trio of Pokemon roar as the sun rises before they disappear.

"I don't think that Entei was one of the six heroes." Friede observed.

"Yeah, It looks like it was only there for the birth of the island." Dot commented.

"Well, I don't know what you lot are gonna do now, but I wish you luck. I'm gonna go and do some more research for gramps" Gary said, turning to Goh "You wanna come, Goh?"

Goh perked up "Oh yeah! I guess we'll be seeing you later, Ash!"

Ash shares one last high five with the two beofre Goh excitedly runs off, sending out his Flygon to fly off the island. Gary quickly runs after them, hops aboard Flygon and they fly off, Ash wvaes after them. "Bye guys!" He yelled to the sky.

Friede and the kids return aboard the Brave Olivine, figuring out what to do. Suddenly Friede gets call from Briar, everyone gathering around to hear the call.

"I'm so glad I got in touch!" Briar began "An Entei has just been spotted in Area Zero!"

"Area Zero?!" Ash piped up, "We finally get to go there?!"

"Awesome!" Roy cheered, him and Ash sharing a high five.

"But, how to we even know it's Entei?" Dot asked,

Briar flips to a page in the Scarlet Book, showing off a sketch that looks similar to Entei, but there are some differences.

"This is what the cameras have seen!" Briar said, "Oh! I can't wait to finally get Geeta's permission! I want to see you all in Paldea soon." And just like that, the call ended.

Freide and Cap head to the steering wheel, setting a new course for Paldea, hoping Area Zero has what they're looking for.

Chapter 80: Over the Top!

Friede and the kids arrive at the gates of the Pokemon League. Ash and Pikachu gaining a wave of nostalgia, remembering all their countless attempts of the past.

"So, why are we here again?" Dot asked, her legs tired from all the walking.

"Because," Friede started, "It's the only way to get into Area Zero, plus we need Geeta's permission."

Just then, the gates open, and out comes Geeta, Penny, Rika, Poppy, Larry and Hassel. Rika eyes the group in curiosity, "Why do you want to go into Area Zero?" She asked.

Liko steps forward, "Briar's told us that Lucius's Entei could be in Area Zero! We need to Pagogo to befriend it so they can reach Laqua again!"

Geeta nods "Yes, and Briar has shown me the information she's found." Geeta paused, "SO after some consideration, I'll allow Ash and Friede entry into Area Zero. You three will need to stay behind."

"What?! Why?" Roy asked.

"Area Zero is filled with dangerous Pokemon from the past and future. Only powerful trainers and researchers can hadle themsleves down there." Geeta stated, "We call them, Paradox Pokemon."

"That sounds awesome!" Ash exclaimed, making Dot elbow him to read the room.

"But, we're strong trainers too! We can handle outselves!" Liko countered.

"Is that so?" Geeta asked, "Well, I'll have to see for myself. If you three can get past me, I'll grant you permission into Area Zero."

Liko tenses up, the fact setting in that she's gonna battle Paldea's Top Champion. Roy and Dot walk up beside her, detemination in their eyes, ready to battle. Liko takes a deep breath, "Alright, you're on."

The group move up to the top of the League's tower. Hassel acting as a referee, Ash and Friede watching on the sidelines alongside Penny and the rest of the Elite Four. The three kids send out their Starter Pokemon, whilst Geeta sends out her Glimmora and two Glimmet. Making Ash perk up at the new Pokemon.

"Who's That Pokemon?" Ash said, scanning a Glimmet with his Rotom Phone.

"Glimmet, The Ore Pokemon, a Rock and Poison Type." Rotom spoke, "It absorbs nutrients from cave walls. The petals it wears are made of crystallized poison."

Ash moved on to Glimmora, Rotom's voice quickly returning "Glimmora, The Ore Pokemon and the evolved form of Glimmet. A Rock and Poison Type. Glimmora’s petals are made of crystallized poison energy. It has recently become evident that these petals resemble Tera Jewels."

Roy blinked in confusion "But, I've never seen those Pokemon before, but they have Pokedex entries?"

"Simple," Geeta responds, "These Pokemon are found only within Area Zero, and since you're fighting to get into Area Zero, I thought it was a nice fit."

Dot thinks for a bit, "If they're Rock Types, then Quaxwell's Water Moves should be weak to them! And if they're Poison Types, then they'll be weak to Crocalor's Stomping Tantrum! So let's lead with that!"

Roy and Liko nodded, "Right!"

Crocalor starts with a Stomping Tantrum to a Glimmet, but the Glimmet dodges by rasing it's speed with Rock Polish. The two Glimmet soon become mighty fast and protect Glimmora. The three starters try to attack up front, but Glimmora uses Dazzling Gleam to block off their attacks and blind them. Allowing the Glimmets to attack with Power Gem.

Gimmora prepares another Dazzling Gleam, but Crocalor uses Disarming Voice to quickly hit both Glimmet, which Ash and Friede mark as a smart move. Quaxwell then charges to Glimmora to use Liquidation. Gimmora quickly protects itself with Spiky Shield, hurting Quaxwell instead. This gives Floragato an opening to hit with Sucker Punch, which lands. But the phsyical attack actiates Glimmora's Toxic Debris, spreading Toxic Spikes on the battlefield and poisoning the Starters. Liko, Roy & Dot try to come up with a new strategy, but Glimmet see the opening and follow up with Venoshock, hurting the Paldean Starters further.

"Well, if Dazzling Gleam won't let us see, then maybe we should do what we did against Kleavor!" Roy suggested, keeping details vague in front of Geeta.

Liko and Dot perk up, realizing what Roy's talking about. "Oh yeah! Good idea, Roy!" Liko replied

Glimmora unleashes another Dazzling Gleam, seeing a supposed opening. Blinding the Starters again, this time Floragato uses her ears and dodges both incoming Power Gem attacks from the Glimme. using her vine to trap them. Giving Crocalor an opening to hit them with a super effective Stomping Tantrum.

Ash lets out a hearty cheer "Yeah! Those are my friends! Woo hoo!"

Geeta looks to the World Monarch, still keeping a calm demeanor "Oh, I wouldn't get too excited, World Monarch. Glimmets, Memento!"

Ash's eyes widen, "But wouldn't that..."

The Glimmet do as told, lowering the Starters Attack and Special Attack, then fainting. As Geeta returns the two, Friede and Ash share a surprised look.

"She was willing to sacrifice two of her Pokemon?" Friede observed.

"She's gotta have some killer strategy with Glimmora if she's willing to do that!" Ash added on.

Liko looks to Roy and Dot "Geeta's seems to adapt to everything, she'll use anything to win. So we need to go all out!"

"Right!" said Roy and Dot.

"Well, I can't let you rely on brute force, now could I?" Geeta noted.

Glimmora tries to use Mortal Spin, but Floragato interupts it. Glimmora quickly switches to Spiky Shield to protect itself instead. Liko then has Floragato hit Crocalor with Sucker Punch, shocking everyone.

"Look, I know this looks bad..." Liko panicked, shrinking under the glares and surprised eyes, "But I have a plan! Trust me! Roy, have Crocalor use Stomping Tantrum, and you'll see!

Roy hesitates, but looking into the girl's eyes. He nods "Crocalor, Stomping Tantrum, now!"

Crocalor obeys, dealing major damage to Glimmora. Surprising everyone once again.

Ash snaps his fingers, "I got it! Liko wanted to interrupt Crocalor's attack, so that way Crocalor's next Stomping Tantrum would deal extra damage to make up for Memento! Great job, Liko!"

"Thanks, Ash!" Liko replied, looking back to the Pallet Town native, then turning back to her other friends. "But a strategy like that won't work again, so we gotta go in with full force!"

Roy and Dot nod, Geeta spots what their planning and nods as well. Terastallizing Glimmora into a Rock type, as Liko, Roy and Dot Terastallize their Starters.

Floragato tries to fire off a Magical Leaf, but poison kicks in. Allowing Glimmora to fire a Tera Blast at her with no issue, Crocalor and Quaxwell quickly up in, blocking the hit with Flamthrower and Water Gun. The Tera Blast proves to be too strong, however, knocking them out.

Glimmora closes in on Floragato, ready to unleash one last Tera Blast, but then Floragato's Overgrow kicks in. Liko sees this boost as their last chance to get into Area Zero. Commanding a powerful Magical Leaf. Glimmora counters with Tera Blast, causing the moves to clash and blinding everyone in a colorful explosion.

When the dust clears, everyone sees Floragato barely standing, while Glimmora lays on the battlefield, defeated. Liko's eyes widen at the surprise at beating a champion. Ash also looks to Geeta, a part of him doubting her strength. Geeta looks back to him and winks, making Ash understand. That wasn't her full power, but of course, those three aren't on their level yet, Ash had to admit.

"You three have done well." Geeta starts, "It appears I was wrong, you three do have the ability to survive in Area Zero. So I hereby grant you three access."

Geeta has Penny lead the five down to the Zero Gate. She and Dot share one last look before she walks off. The gate opens, revealing the giant hole of the Great Crater. Friede sends out his Charizard and he and kids ride atop it, Charizard descending into the depths.

Chapter 81: Total-lie Awesome Pokémon in Area Zero?!

Charizard lands in Area Zero, not too far from Briar. The researcher guides the five of them through Area Zero. As Briar speaks passionately on Paradox Pokemon, Liko, Roy and Dot are left in awe at the crater's sheer atmosphere and beauty. Stunning Tera Crystals and shimmering waterfalls galore, feeling as if they;ve stepped into a new world. Though Ash just wants to see what Pokemon live here.

"Ash, don't you think this place is beautiful?" Liko asked as Friede and Briar talked.

"Yeah, but I really wanna see what Pokemon live down here!" Ash said excitedly, Pikachu matching his mood.

"Hey, I think I see one? What is that?" Roy suddenly says, poitning to a Pokemon looking similar to a Dunsparce.

"Is that a, longer Dunsparce?" Dot asked, confused by the mysterious Pokemong slugging around.

"Who's that Pokemon?" Ash asked, scanning it with his Rotom Phone.

Rotom powered on, searching the database for intel, "Dudunsparce, the Land Snake Pokémon, a Normal Type and the evolved form of Dunsparce. It drives enemies out of its nest by sucking in enough air to fill its long, narrow lungs, then releasing the air in an intense blast."

"Oh, Dunsparce can evolve, cool!" Roy mused, though Ash didn't respond. His eyes firm on Dudunsparce, getting a sense of deja vu, remembering his days in Unova and Kalos. The times he tried to catch a Dunsparce, but failed.

Ash readies a Poke Ball, not accepting failure this time. "YOU'RE MINE!" He declares, throwing the Poke Ball, direct hit. The ball shakes once, twice, thrice, and then clicks shut.

"Dudunsparce's data has been added to your Pokedex!" Rotom delcared emotionlessly. Making Ash throw his hands up in the air, as does Pikachu.

"YES!" Ash shouted, he and Pikachu celebrating their new capture. Confusing the rest of the group.

"Why are you so excited by a Dudunsparce?" Dot asked, making them stop their celebration, slightly embarrassed.

"It's a long story," Ash started, rubbing the back of his head, "I'll tell you guys later."

The group don't realize that Sidian and Coral are spying from afar, but they don't notice Jessie and James spying on them, waiting for the perfect time to strike and humiliate the Explorers. Coral plays around with some Tera Crystals, throwing small pebbles at them to see what sounds they make. Leaving Sidian annoyed by her antics, suddenly her experiments create a loud booming noise, catching the attention of the Rising Volt Tacklers.

"What was that?" Briar asked, looking up.

"Maybe it was a Paradox Pokemon..." Friede mused, exciting Ash and Roy.

That's when the young boys notice a smaller figure spying on them. Far from the two groups spying from above, Ash and Roy quickly depart from the others to check it out. Coming face to face with a strange looking Maneton, with black hair adorning its top screw and the ends of its magnets. With two longer magnets acting as legs.

"Who's that Pokemon?" Roy asked this time, scanning with his own Rotom Phone.

"No data available" was all his Rotom said.

The boys stare at the new Pokemon, confused. Assuming that it indeed the Paradox Pokemon they heard. They don't have time to dwell on that thought, as the Pokemon suddenly charges at them. Sending them running further away from the others, tailing them at every turn.

Coral follows closely behind while Team Rocket stick with watching Sidian from afar. Coral eventully loses track of the boys as they run deeper into Area Zero, going on her own adventure.

"I'm tired of this!" Roy declared after running for what felt like hours, "Croclor, Flame Charge!"

Croclor lands a direct hit, but the Pokemon easily shakes it off. Confusing the boys.

"Alright then, my turn! Thunderbolt!" Ash commands, Pikachu attacks with sheer force, but it does nothing, surprising the boys.

"That must mean it's a Ground Type!" Ash delcared, him and Roy preparing for a Pokemon battle.

Cetoddle pops out of its Poke Ball, wanting to get into some long overdue battle action. "You wanna battle, bud?" Ash asked, and Cetoddle nodded, jumping excitedly. Pikachu nods, agreeing to sit out of this fight, Cetoddle steps forward alongside Crocalor. The duo attack with a combination of Ice Shard and Flamethrower. The Pokemon easily takes the Flamthrower, but is caught off by the Ice Shard, knocking it down. The Pokemon looks up to the trainers, bowing in respect.

"Wow, you were pretty strong," Roy commented as The Pokemon struggled to get back on its magnet feet.

"Yeah, I hope we can battle again!" Ash commented, waving at the Pokemon before he and Roy run off to reunite with the others.

The boys eventually stumble upon a cavern, finding Briar, Liko, Dot and Friede inside. The group look up the boys, a mix of cunfusion and worry adorn their faces.

"Where have you two been?" Dot asked.

"Oh, we fought a Magneton with hair!" Roy exclaimed.

"Yeah! And it had legs too!" Ash added on.

Liko and Dot look at the bys as if they;ve gone mad, though Briar quickly flips through her Scarlet Book to help prove the boys right.

"Oh, you mean a Sandy Shocks!" Briar eventually said, showing the kids the page.

"Oh yeah! That's exactly what we fought!" Roy commented.

The Group light a fire thanks to Charizard, Tauros and Crocalor. The group cook their dinner and eat up. By nightfall, Roy is fast asleep, snoring loudly. Liko and Friede also quietly snoozing. Suddenly, a loud screm echos through Area Zero, startling the remaing awake members of the group.

"What the heck was that?!" Dot asked, looking toward Briar and Ash.

"That, was a Scream Tail.." Briar yawned, showing the two kids the page of her Scarlet Book again before falling asleep. Dot groans and tries to sleep as well, though Ash stares at the page in horror, remembering his own experinces with a certain Jigglypuff. He falls asleep quickly, dreaming to never meet a Scream Tail.

Chapter 82: The Pillar of Fire

The group wake up the next morning, arriving at the site Entei was last spotted after long hours of walking. Leaving most of the group with little energy to continue searching, except Ash, to no one's surprise. Everyone votes on staying at the site to have a small picnic to rest their legs, not knowing of those stalking them.

As the group finishes their food and packs up, they hear booming footsteps behind them. Finding the very Entei they're searching for walk up to them. Though it looks more primitive than the one they encountered in Johto.

"Is that Entei?" Roy asked, as everyone had frozen in stuuned slience for a moment too long for his liking.

"It can't be, it looks way different than any Entei I've seen!" Ash commented with unease.

Pagogo began to stir in Liko's arms, calling out to Entei, before Lucius's other four Pokemon free themselves from their Poke Balls.

"Well, that proves it." Liko concluded, "This has to be Lucius's Entei."

Liko grabs Lucius's belt and walks up to Entei, holding it out to the Pokemon. "Entei, we've been trying to reunite all of Lucius's Pokemon and find Laqua. Will you please help us?" she asked, hope and fear in her eyes.

Entei responds by bringing out his own Ancient Poke Ball and placing it within the belt. Lowering the guard of the group. Thinking Entei was complying immediately, instead, the Pokemon snatches the belt and traps it under its foot.

"What's it doing?!" Liko panicked.

"It's challenging us!" Ash concluded, "If we want it to join us, we need to get the belt back first!"

Ash, Dot, Roy and Friede walk up to Liko and stand beside her, preparing for battle. Liko herself changes her stance, as Briar watches the fight with Pagogo from afar.

Entei secures the belt within its fur, and Roy starts with Stomping Tantrum with Crocalor due to Entei's weakness to Ground. Only for Entei to use Burning Bulwark to render the move useless.

Dot's Quaxwell follows up with Liquidation, but the attack fails and Quaxwell ends up burned from touching Entei. Ash sends out his Tauros, which shifts into an Aqua Breed upon using Surf, only for that move to not do as much damage as Ash had hoped.

"Okay, that's werid," Ash tensed up, "Surf should've done, like way more, right?"

Dot rubbed her chin, seeing the heat around Entei disappear, "I'm not sure," she started, "But I've got an idea. That new move Entei used, it must take up a lot of energy, so let's take advantge of that!" She proposed, causing Ash, Liko, Roy and Friede to nod.

Tauros, Crocalor, and Tauros bombard Entei with a combination of moves. Forcing it to use Burning Bulwark again, and the Pokemon maintain their distance until the move's effects wear off. Allowing an opening for Cap to jump in and fire off a point blank Thunder Punch, while Pikachu hits with Thunderbolt from afar.

Entei shakes off these moves, however. And retaliates with a powerful Dragon Pulse, shocking everyone.

"Since when can an Entei learn that move?!" Ash asked to no one, causing Briar to start searching her book.

"That's because It's probably not an Entei! It's a Paradox Pokemon!" Briar yelled, getting everyone's attention. "I don't know which one just yet, but I'll find out!"

"But that makes no sense!" Roy pointed out, "Rystal said it was an Entei!"

Briar didn't look up, "Well, Paradox Pokemon have only been recognised in recent years. So Rystal could have simply mistook it for an Entei, like we just did!"

Dot thinks for a moment, "Well, if it can use Dragon Pulse, and Surf and Liquidation didn;t weaken it.." She mused, "Then it's gotta be a Fire and Dragon Type!"

"Which means Stomping Tamtrum is our only good move." Friede added on.

Hearing this, Ash gets an idea, returning Tauros and sending out Hydrapple. Causing the others to give him confused looks. "Hydrapple knows Rollout, remember?" He said.

Floragato and Dot's Quaxwell still charge in with attacks, but the Paradox Pokemon doesn't use Burning Bulwark like they wanted. Cap sets up Double Team as a distraction while Dot's Quaxwell hides ina nearby river, waiting for an opening to use Air Cutter. That opening arrives, and Quaxwell fires off the move, but instead of air being unleashed onto the Paradox Pokemon, it's water.

"Wait, that's not Air Cutter." Dot questioned.

"No, it's not! It's Aqua Cutter!" Ash exclaimed in excitement, his own Quaxwell escaping his Poke Ball to see the new sight.

The Paradox Pokemon gets fed up by the constant attacks, using Burning Bulwark again. Allowing Hyrapple and Crocalor to use their Ground Type moves to deal big damage. The Paradox Pokemon responds by shooting a Dragon Pulse into the sky, parting the clouds to give itself a ray of sunshine to boost its attack. Using Raging Fury as a threat of what's to come.

"Wow," Briar observed the new move, "That looks like a pillar of fire!" The something clicks within her, and she scrambles to a page in the Scarlet Book, "Everyone, I figured it out! This Pokemon is a Gouging Fire!"

Goging Fire unleashes another Raging Fury, this time firing directly at the six Pokemon against it. Causing Hydrapple to faint. The four kids look to each other and nod, it's time to end this. They Terstallize their Pokémon and attack from all directions. Quaxwell using a boosted Aqua Cutter to knock Gouging Fire into the river, leaving it wet and confused. Pikachu then lands the final blow: A Flying boosted Tera Blast. Knocking Lucius's belt out of it's fur, Floragto snatches it with her vine and swings it into Dot's hands. The battle's over, and they won.

Liko walks up to the Paradox Pokemon as the Terasatllization ends. "So, was that enough for you to join us?" She asked, the others watch with baited breath, Gouging Fire responds by sending everyone into another vision, showing Lucius himself struggling to tame Gouginf Fire, before he and Rystal fly off on Rayquaza.

As the group returns to reality, Gouging Fire walks next to Lucius's other four Pokemon. Pagogo also crawls near them. They cry in unison, their voices harmonizing as none other than the Black Rayquaza desends from the sky, looking down at our heroes.

Chapter 83: Beyond the Shining Rainbow

The group up at the skies in shock, Rayquaza stares them down. Descending to their level. Looking to the other five heroes, not moving.

"I think Rayquaza's challenging us now that we got all the heroes." Liko theorized.

"Looks like it." Friede responded.

Dot looked to her dimmed Tera Orb, "But we already used up our Tera Orbs. Are we gonna be able to beat it?"

"We have to try!" Roy exclaimed, "This could be our last shot to prove oursleves to Rayquaza!"

Ash strengthens his resolve, "Then, we;ll just have to manage without!" Ash sends out his entire team of Pokemon, excluding the fainted Hydrapple. "You ready guys?"

Liko, Roy and Dot ready their own battle stances, "Ready!"

Friede steps up, "I'll be joining you kiddos!"

Charizard distracts Rayquaza as the kids run off to their own places among the terrain. Charizard leads Rayquaza to a cliff where Roy, Crocalor and Ash's Tauros were waiting. Crocalor unleashes a Flamthrower and Tauros fires off a Fire Blast, which Rayquaza dodges both attacks and flies higher up the mountain. Where Hattrem uses Confusion to create a path of loose rocks for Floragato and Ash's Lokix to jump off and land an Acrobatics and Double Kick, only for Rayquaza to easily dodge those as well.

Rayquaza flies futher up Area Zero's mountain, only to suddenly be attacked by both Quaxwells, Tinkatuff, and Ash's Cetoddle using Low Sweep, Liquidation, Slam and Take Down. Charizard sees an opening to unleash a series of Air Slashes, and Pikachu unleashes Thunderbolt straight onto Rayquaza. All the previous Pokemon who tried to attack Rayquaza strike again with the same moves they attempted before, with Crocalor dealing a final Flamethrower.

Rayquaza shakes off every attack as it finally reaches the sky, releasing a Draco Meteor. Leaving every trainer and Pokemon to find a spot to hide. As Dot hides, she spots a nearby waterfall, remembering their strategy against Gouging Fire.

"Hey everyone!" Dot called out, getting her friends attention, "We don't need to lure it! We should soak it instead!" Dot points to the waterfall, as everyone understands her plan.

The kids ride atop Kilowattrel as it soars closer to Rayquaza, letting Crocalor push it into the waterfall with the help of Charizard. Just as Floragato and Quaxwell destroy the rocks to soak Rayquaza. Cap and Pikachu electrocutes the water with Volt Tackle and Thunderbolt. Rayquaza realiates with Dargon Tail, fainting Charizard and making Cap start falling to the ground. Rayquaza fires a Dragon Pulse as Roy and Kilowattrel save Cap, causing Dot's Quaxwell, Tinkatuff, Cetoddle and Tauros to faint.

Floragato uses Magical Leaf to blind Rayquaza, allowing for Kilowattrel to approach with Spark, stunning Rayquaza. Giving Crocalor an opening to land on Rayquaza's head and fire off Disarming Voice to deal super effective damage before getting thrown off. Lokix suddenly starts jumping from rock to rock to reach Rayquaza, confusing everyone. Lokix eventually jumps to Rayquaza, releasing a hidden set of legs which strikes Rayquaza hard.

"What kind of move was that?!" Ash asked, utterly amazed.

"Oh, that wasn't a move, that was Lokix's Showdown Mode." Friede replied, observing Lokix's sheer determination. Rayquaza hits back with Dragon Tail, slamming Lokix into a hillside and fainting.

"Why didn't Lokix try to dodge?" Ash asked, recalling Lokix.

"That's the catch with Showdown Mode." Friede replied, "Lokix can't use it for long, it can deal great amounts of damage, but it takes a toll on it."

Rayquaza fires off another Draco Meteor, using Dragon Tail as a bat. The meteors hit Hattrem, Floragato, Kilowattrel, Ash's Quaxwell and Cap. Making them faint instantly. Leaving Crocalor and Pikachu the last Pokemon standing.

Ash and Roy try to stand their ground, but Rayquaza isn't giving them a second to breathe before attacking again. Pagogo senses Liko's desire to keep battling, and transforms into its Terastal Form to everyone's shock. Giving Liko one last Pokemon for battle.

Pagogo begins by using Ancient Power with Pikachu and Crocalor supporting it with Disarming Voice and Electroweb. Rayquaza counters with Dragon Pulse, at which Pagogo uses Protect to shield it and its teammates. Though Protect fails after Rayquaza unleashes multiple Draco Meteors. Rayquaza attempts to use Dragon Ascent to finish them off while Pagogo uses Tera Starstorm to counter. Rayquaza gets sent flying into a gorge while Pagogo gives up the last of its strength to refill Roy's Tera Orb before transforming back to normal.

"Hey Ash! I can Terstallize again!" Roy exclaimed.

"That's great, Roy!" Ash said, reaching into his backpack and pulling out his Z Power Ring. "I've got another idea!"

Ash and Roy fire off a powerful combination, Terastallized boosted Flame Charge and 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt. Roy then throws his Ancient Poke Ball and catches Rayquaza.

As ROy celebrates finally catching Rayquaza, it escapes the Poke Ball and restores some of Pagogo's power, recovering it from fainting. The group is brought into another vision where Lucius, Rystal, and Gibeon were able to reach Laqua. Past Rayquaza seeming so happy alongisde the other heroes and Pagogo

"I get it now!" Liko said, "Rayquaza didn't want to come with us until we found the other five heroes and Pagogo! To keep Lucius's promise!"

As the vision fades, Roy tries to get Rayquaza back in the Poke Ball, "Not so fast, Roy." Friede said, "Rayquaza doesn't belong to you, it still belongs to Lucius."

"Oh right." Roy deflated, "I'll get Rayquaza's approval someday!"

Pagogo gets atop Rayquaza's head and it flies off. The group knowing excatly where they're going. Quickly bidding farewell to Briar and going back up to Paldea. Not much later, The Brave Olivine follows Rayquaza as it flies towards Laqua. The four kids calling their families to tell them the news.

Chapter 84: The Truth Revealed!

The Brave Olivine soars through the sky, Rayquaza and Pagogo flying alongside it, having fun together. The kids watch from the wingdeck, excited to finally go to Laqua. Though Friede has some concerns.

"Remember guys," Friede finally said, "This place could be dangerous, the Explorers are also after this place. After Laquium."

"Yeah, and Team Rocket follows Pikachu and I wherever we go." Ash added on, Pikachu nodding in agreement. "Why's Laquium called the 'Treasure of Eternity' anyway?"

"It might have something to do with cell activation." Mollie theorized.

"Maybe." Friede mused, rubbing his chin, "That would explain how Gibeon's still alive."

"But don't they already have some?" Dot asked, "Why would they need more?"

Liko thinks back to when she and Ash saw Spinel use Laquium, "When Spinel used it, his Umbreon broke it into pieces. So maybe it runs out?"

"Or it can easily be destroyed." Ash suggested.

"Didn't Rystal say Pagogo put up a barrier in Laqua?" Roy asked, "So would there be any left?"

"Well, the affects of Laqua isn't seen around the world, so it's hard to know if there is any left." Friede mused. Leaving everyone in a worried silence.

"Y'know what?" Ash finally said, catching everyone's attention, "Let's not think about that. If the Explorers, or Team Rocket show up, we'll be ready for them! But right now, lets get to Laqua first!"

The other Rising Volt tacklers nod, the kids regaining their excitement to reach Laqua, while the adults remember their reasons for adventuring in the first place.

Meanwhile, Amethio, Zirc and Onia sit imprisioned in a warehouse, Poke Balls confiscated. Exceed guards having caught them spying in Spiniel's office. They seem deep into conversation of Spinel's intentions, when the shutter raises, revealing Hamber holding their Poke Balls.

"Hamber!" Amethio shouted, relieved, "How did you find us?"

Suddenly, a Meowth walks out from behind him, "He had a little help!" The Meowth said, though Amethio knows of a Meowth that can talk. Just as a man and woman dressed in white.

"Prepare for a rescue!" Jessie exclaimed.

"Even if that's not what we do!" James added on.

"Alright! Alright!" Meowth interupted, "Gee, the twerp was right, that motto was getting old." He muttered.

"Still doesn't answer how you found us." Zirc growled, upset a rival team had to save them.

"Oh, of course!" Jessie replied, "Meowth left a little gift on your boss a long time ago!"

Onia pries off a small device stuck to the back of Amethio's shift like a suction cup. The very listening device Meowth planted a long time ago. Hamber changes the subject by returning the Poke Balls to the three.

"I think it be best to relocate, for our safety." Hamber suggests.

Amethio perks up, "I may have an idea."

A limo pulls up to a mansion, Amethio's mansion. The two teams enter, seeing a large portrait of a woman.

"Woah, who's that lady?" Meowth asked.

"That would be my late mother, she passed away in a car accident when I was young." Amethio replied, walking into another room alongside Hamber, while the others linger by the portrait, shocked Amethio would open up so casually.

Zirc, Onia and Team Rocket eventually follow Amethio into the other room, where Hamber tells the story of Lucius and Gibeon. How they met, then fell apart at Laqua due to Laquium, then his Zygarde betrayed him thanks to Lucius's Rayquaza.

"Zygarde then lost many of its Zygarde Cells." Hamber continued his story.

Zirc perked up in confusion "Zygarde cells?"

"Why yes," Hamber replied, pulling out one, surprising everyon, especially Team Rocket.

"Woah, I haven't seen one of those in a while." James commented, Jessie and Meowth nodded whilist Hamber explained how Zygarde cells worked.

"Gibeon nearly lost his life in Laqua." Hamber finally continued the story, "He discovered how Laquium could extend a person's lifespan and left Laqua with a sample of it, then he founded Exceed in order to preform more research for a hundred years."

"Wow, this guy's older than all fo Team Rocket!" Meowth commented.

"That's surprisng, since the boss said we're the oldest evil organization." Jessie added.

"The Rising Volt Tacklers are making their way to Laqua as we speak." Hamber reported, "And Liko is the descendant of Lucius and Rystal."

Amethio shrugged, "Not surprised." He said, "Zirc, Onia, we're going to Laqua."

The Explorers Trio walk out, send out their Pokemon and fly off, leaving Team Rocket standing alone outside the mansion.

"So, now what?" Meowth asked.

"What do you mean? We follow them!" Jessie shouted, "If Laqua has something that can keep people alive, the boss would want that so that he can rule everything forever!"

James perked up, "And if we deliver it to him, think fo the promotions we'll get!"

"Wobbuffet!" Wobuffet cried, his three teammates already fantasizing their promotions before fueling up the hot air balloon and flying after Amethio.

Back on the Brave Olivine, Rayquaza suddenly roars, attracting the attention of the kids before it flies off higher into the mountains. Leading to them looking for Friede and finding him after a short while of searching.

"Friede! Rayquaza's speeding away!" Roy exclaimed, "Can't we speed up and go after it?"

"I'll see what I can do." He replied, calling Orla. "Hey Orla? Do you think we'll be able to catch up to Rayquaza?"

"No can do." Orla replied, "The ship's not gonna survive going much higher, we're gonna need to dock at Kumuri Town."

As Friede and Orla are talking, Ash suddenly gets a call from Professor Oak, "Hello?" Assh answers.

"Ah, Ash! So good to hear from you!" Professor Oak's familiar voice flooded in, "I heard from your mother that you're about to explore the ancient Laqua paradise, and Professor Cerise and I were wondering if we could send a few people to gather research?"

Ash rubbed his chin, "I don't know professor, we're supposed to be keeping this secret."

"Oh, why yes!" Oak responded, "We'll only be gatherung research for our own purposes, neither Cerise nor I plan to release anything to the public!"

"Alright, then I don't think the other's would mind." Ash accepted, "Just tell whoever you're sending to meet us in Kumuri Town."

"Splendid!" Oak exclaimed, "I'll send them that location, you'll recognize these two, you've traveled with them before!"

Ash perked up, "Well, who are they?" He asked.

"Why, that would ruin the surprise! Best of luck Ash!" And just like that, the call ended.

Chapter 85: Where the Land Meets the Sky

The Brave Olivine lands near the area of Kumuri Town, disembarking from the ship to ask around about how to get to Laqua. Though Ash himself is looking for where he should meet up with those Professor Oak sent. As the group ask around, a voice shouting "Hey Ash!" catches the World Monarch's attention. He turns around, seeing the two reseachers Oak and Cerise had sent, two fo his friends.

"Tracey! Chloe!" Ash exclaimed, running to them. Pikachu happily recieving pets from his old friends. Ash quickly reunites with Liko, Roy, Dot and Friede, introducing his friends to them and explaining why they're here. They don't have time to dwell of that, as they hear loud screams of a young boy mentioning Rayquaza. The group move towards the source of the noise and find a father attempting to calm his son down.

"Excuse me," Friede asked, walking up to the two, "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, my son, hes..." The man started, only to stop and stare directly at Ash. "You are Ash Ketchum, the World Monarch! He eclaimed, pointing to the Pallet Town boy. "What brings you to our town?"

"Seems you're pretty popular, Ash." Chloe teased, elbowing him. Even the son stopped his tantrum to stare at Ash's mere presence in awe.

Ash chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "We're actually trying to head to Laqua with the help of the Black Rayquaza. Do you guys know how to get there."

The father shook his head, "No, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm sorry."

The son, however, instantly shook with rage, "I don't care if you're the World Monarch, if you're friends with Rayquaza, you're no good!"

The boy runs off in rage, "Yuta!" his father calls after him, before turning back to the group, "I'm sorry about him. He believes the stories of the matriarch."

Friede perked up, "Matriarch?"

"My great-grandmother." Yuha's father replied, "She told me once when I was young that she saw a Black Rayquaza around a hundred years ago from today."

Friede quickly puts two and two together, knowing what he has to do in order to get the information they need, but first, he needs to get rid of the kids. "Why don't you guys ask around town, catch some Pokemon." He told the kids, "I'm gonna go get some answers and don't wanna overwhelm the matriarch."

The kids nod and head into town as Yuha's father leads Friede to the home of the matriarch. Ash fiils in each group as to what they other missed as they venture around the small town, even trying to catch a few Pokemon. Until they hear Yuha's voice coming from a cave.

The kids enter said cave, Crocalor providing light and Tracey's Venomoth helping them find Yuha, seeing him and his Noibat being chased by a swarm of wild Vibrava. Soon, the kids are also chased by the Vibrava into a small hiding spot.

Yuha seeths at the group, "Why did you follow me?!" He demanded, "I'm not trying to talk with friends of Rayquaza!"

Chloe steps up, holding Yuha by the shoulders, "Hey buddy," She soothed, "We're not here to hurt you. How'd you end up like this?"

Yuha catches his breath, realizing his fellow trainers are not a threat, "I was looking for my Noibat, and just as I found him, we got chased by the swarm!" He recalled, "It's gott have something to do with Rayquaza!"

"Well no time to rant about that now." Dot calmly replied, "With that swarm blocking the way we got in, we'll need to find another way out."

Ash, Roy and Dot send out Cetoddle, Kilowattrel and Tinkatuff, having them use Take Down, Uproar and Play Rough. One Vibrava counters and lands a hit on the Pokémon, causing Hattrem to step in and use Heal Pulse. Dot sends out Quaxwell and he uses Aqua Cutter. Pikachu, Crocalor and Floragato continue the assault with Thunderbolt, Disarming Voice and Magical Leaf, even Chloe and Tracey use Eevee and Scyther to help out. Yuha watches them work together in awe, working up the courage to have his own input.

"Noibat! Dragon Claw!" He called out, Noibat hesitated, but pulls off the move. Smacking Vinrava around in a strange pattern, creating a space for them to escape.

The kids rush out of the cave's enterance, catching their breath right outside. "Wow! That dragon claw was awesome!" Roy commented in amazement.

"Thanks," Yuha replied before elaborating, "Noibat and I were training to learn that move before we got attacked."

Hearing this makes Tracey perk up, "Y'know most Vibrava live in caves like these. Yuha, couldn't it be possible that you two were training in the Vibrava's home?"

"Oh," Yuha realized, "So I guess this wasn't Rayquaza's fault, I'm sorry for acting so mean to you guys."

"Hey, we get it!" Ash comforted, "You didn;t know any better."

"Thanks, Yuha said gratefully, "You guys were awesome! No wonder you're the World Monarch. Someday Noibat and I will be just as in sync. Just you wait, I'll see you at the top, Ash Ketchum!" And just like that, Yuha and Noibat run off.

Ash immediately gets a call from Friede, which he answers, "Hey, Friede, what's up?"

"Alright, I've got updates." Friede started, "Turns out Gibeon's been here before. That's probably how he survived. Then, I found out where Laqua is. It's a long story, but we're gonna have to climb Kumuri Mountain. Meet up at the Brave Olivine and then we'll head out."

"Alright, we'll be there!" Ash replied before ending the call.

The two groups meet up at the Brave Olivine and change into more wintery clothes, even Chloe and Tracey, who had brought their own. They depart to Kumuri Mountain, comign across a very slick wall of rocks, too slippery to climb, Pagogo summons Arboliva to carry them up without issue. The group walk for a short while before finding a river blocking their path, with currents too dangerous to cross. Lapras and Kleavor are summoned, lapras to give them a ride across and Kleavor to destory any rock or twing that could hurt them.

After the river, the group reach the higher summits of the mountain. Long out of reach of Rotom Phone reception, seeing a large boulder roll down the hillside toward them. Gouging Fire is summoned and pushes the boulder over the moutain's edge. Higher up the moutain, the group are stopped by a Tyranitar and Nidoking. Before any Pokemon can be sent out, Moltres is summoned and uses Fiery Wrath to sap their energy, alllowing them to reach the top of the moutain. At the top, they spot tons of cloud at their level, almost at their fingertips. Pagogo urges them forward, and they obey. Entering within the white, fluffy clouds. When they emerge, they find themsleves standing on a crater among many more clouds.

Meanwhile, in the forests of Kalos, a familiar Greninja has chopped down the last remaining tentacle created by Team Flare.

"Good work, Greninja!" Squishy praised telepathicly, Z2 by his side. "You're welcome to go back to your trainer if you'd like."

Greninja nods in respect, before sensing something off. Eyes widening in fear, seeing his trainer, and those he can sense are his allies in grave danger, against silhouettes of Zygarde and a familiar hot air balloon.

"Greninja? What troubles you?" Z2 communicated with concern.

Greninja speaks in a panic, informing the Zygarde cores of what danger he believes his trainer is in.

"I see," Squishy communicated, "So, if you do wish to save your trainer, then allow us to acompany you. After all, another Zygarde exists, how could we not investigate?"

Greninja nods, using his bond with his trainer to locate the trainer's excat point, before running off in the quickiest direction. Squishy and Z2 quickly hopping on his shouldlers as he runs off into the night.

Chapter 86: The Pokémon Paradise of Laqua!

The group stare in awe at the scenery of the crater, staring among the many fluffy clouds. Pagogo wiggles out of Liko's arms and cries out to the clouds. Rayquaza escapes the Ancient Poke Ball, appearing within the skies, Rayquaza looks down at the group before flying through each cloud, dissipating each one. Revealing a giant crater full of lush greenery, Rayquaza reenters the Ancient Poke Ball as the group begin walking amongst the greenery Laqua has to offer.

As the group are walking, they start to sweat at the humidity. Quickly shedding their coats and gloves and pushing forward through Laqua. Tracey taking sketches at every sight while CHloe takes notes, seeing Pokemon feast on large berries they've never seen before. They enter a clearing, finding a bunch of Pokemon peacefully living in their habitats. A Bidoof approaches them and starts playing with Pagogo, catching the attention of the other Pokemon, welcoming the newcomers with open arms.

"Hey, they're not all defensive." Chloe noted.

"It seems like since Laqua is a paradise, the Pokemon here trust humans. Since they don't have anything to threaten their homes." Tracey theorized.

"Man, Laqua really is a paradise!" Ash exclaimed, he and Pikachu rushing to play with the wild Pokemon.

"Yeah it is!" Roy shouted, playing with a different set of Pokemon.

Liko and Dot nodded in agreement, though Liko notices from the corner of her eye, that Friede seems off, almost as if something bothered him to where he couldn't hide it.

"Hey Friede, is everything okay?" Liko asked, getting the professor's attention.

"Oh, yeah," Friede replied, "I'm just wondering how the environment is like this, I mean, this was at the top of a very cold mountain! The sunlight and temperature probably have something to do with it, but maybe even the Pokemon have something to do with it."

"It could be the Laquium." Liko suggested, making Chloe and Tracey perk up.

"Maybe," Friede mused, "But even if it is, there's no traces of it, at least not here. Or anything Rystal told us had happened all those years ago.

"What's Laquium?" Chloe asked.

"Long story, I'll tell you later." Ash replied, Chloe and Tracey nodded in response.

Pagogo suddenly calls out to the group, walking further into a forest, the group quickly follow, moving deeper into Laqua. They walk for miles, though Dot quickly grows tired. They eventually come across another clearing, giving Ash and Roy another chance to play with some more wild Pokemon.

"This looks like a good place to stop for the day." Friede said, catching the attention of the kids.

"What?!" Roy whined, "But I wanted to explore some more!"

"Me too!" Liko added on, "Didn't we just get here?"

"Yes, but it's already sunset." Friede replied, pointing to the darkened sky, surprising everyone.

The kids reluctantly set up their tents for the night, before lying on the lush grass to stargaze. Admiring the twinkling stars above them. As Ash starts a fire and Tracey cooks up some food, Ash sees Liko sitting by her sleeping bag, seemingly in her own thoughts.

Ash walks up to his friend, "You okay Liko? You seem kinda out of it."

Liko jumps, slightly startled, "Oh! Yeah, it's just..." Liko looks down at Pagogo, "I'm worried. Our goal was supposed to bring Pagogo to Laqua, but now I'm not sure if I wanna say goodbye."

Ash sits down beside her, offering a comforting hand on her shoulder, "If that happens, I'm sure you'll see him again. Saying goodbye is never easy, but I'm sure this is for the best. Pagogo belongs here, but Pagogo himself may wanna stay with you. Anything could happen."

Liko manages to give Ash a small smile, "Yeah, you're right. Anything could happen. I'll keep going, no matter what happens."

Before Ash could respond, Tracey calls out "Dinner's ready!" Leading to everyone to circle around the campfire to eat a quick meal before going to sleep.

The next morning, the group continue voyaging through the forest, Roy and Crocalor leading the pack. Only for them to eventually run into an off putting rock hill. Cap punches it directly with Thunder Punch, revealing something underneath.

Friede scans it with his Rotom Phone, "Looks like there's some sort of wall of Terastal energy blocking our way. This must be the barrier Pagogo put up." Friede concluded, "We'll need to get past it, Liko, can you and Pagogo try to remove it?"

"I'll try." Liko answered, Pagogo immeditately transforms into its Terastal Form and removes the barrier without much issue, at first. Only for him to collaspe from exhaustion, "Pagogo! Return!" Liko called out recalling Pagogo back into his Poke Ball.

"Alright, I'll go on ahead. The rest of you stay here." Friede said, beginning to walk off.

"Wait, why can't I come?" Ash asked.

Friede briefly turned around, "If things go south, I need someone to lead the pack. And who else than the World Monarch to help out?" He flashed Ash a grin before walking off, leaving the six kids on their own.

They kids waited for around an hour, playing card games Chloe had packed, when a net suddenly snatches up Pikachu. Only for Tracey to call out his Scyther to free Pikachu.

"Don't tell me they're here..." Ash gritted his teeth as he helped untangle Pikachu from the broken net.

"Okay, we won't." A voice from the bushes said, as Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet reveal themselves.

"Of course, you're here." Ash growled.

"They've still been following you?" Tracey asked.

"Yeah, they've never stopped." Dot repiled.

"When will these guys quit.?" Chloe scoffed.

"Well, excuse you, but with all these Pokemon roaming freely for us to give to the boss, how could we not?" James boasted.

"Well, guess we had the same idea!" Another voice called, as Coral, Sidian and Chalce come out from another side of the Laqua forest.

"You guys again?!" Jessie exclaimed, "How many times do you have to outshine us."

"We don't outshine on purpose, as we have our own goals here." Sidian replied. "Team Rocket embarrasses themselves."

Jessie's face starts to turn red, then Ash cuts in, "Enough!" Catching everyone's attention. "It doesn't matter who outshines who, cause we're gonna stop you, right here, right now!"

The kids all send out ready their Pokemon: Pikachu, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Scyther and Eevee. As do the villains: Capsakid, Spidops, Garganacl, Scream Tail, Medicham and even meowth readies himself for a battle.

This all ends today.

Chapter 87: The Rising Volt Tacklers vs. The Explorers vs. Team Rocket!

"Why are you guys even here?!" Liko asks, anger igniting in her eyes.

Coral cackled, "We've been watching this place for years! We just couldn't get far with that barrier. Thanks for your help with that, by the way." She taunted, horrified that she helped the enemy.

"Oh, wow that's smart!" James complimented, "We just heard from-" He began before Jessie elbows him.

"Don't tell them that!" She scolded her teammate, "We're supposed to be the better team!"

"The better team is our team!" Ash barked, "Especially when we take you down!"

Ash, Chloe and Tracey take on Team Rocket's Meowth, Spidops and Capsakid while Liko, Roy and Dot take on the Explorers. Scyther spares with Spidops, while Mewoth easily tanks a Thunderbolt. Much to Ash's shock.

"Surprised, twerp?" Meowth taunted, "We've been blasted off too many times for that to work now!"

Eevee charges toward Capsakid with Headbutt, only for it to dodge and hit Eevee with Bullet Seed. Then lands on top of her to land a Bite, burning Eevee thanks to Capsakid's tooth. Scyther lands Cut and Slash repeatedly, but loses energy due to its age. While Spidops uses Silk Trap, slowing Scyther down. Spidops then uses its webbing to trip Scyther and trap it. Pikachu uses Iron Tail to free it, allowing Spidops to hit him with Bug Bite. While Eevee attacks Capsakid with Copycat, sending Bullet Seed back at the Spicy Pepper Pokémon. Eevee goes in for another Tackle, but stops as Burn kicks in. Allowing Capsakid to knock her out with a powerful combination of Razor Leaf and Bite. Ash watches in shock as Chloe returns Eevee to her Poke Ball, looking over and seeing that Liko, Roy and Dot are struggling as well.

"Ha! What're you gonna do now that you're without a Pokemon, twerpette?" Jessie taunted, whilst Spidops ties Scyther's blades together and Meowth tanks another Thunderbolt from Pikachu.

"Bold of you to assume Eevee's my only Pokemon." Chloe replied, pulling out another Poke Ball. Perking Ash's interest as Chloe sends out a bright yellow and green Pokemon, featuring white paws and a long tail.

"Who's that Pokemon?" Ash wondered, pulling out his Rotom Phone.

Rotom quickly scans the Pokemon, "Boltund, the Dog Pokemon and the evolved form of Yamper. An Electric Type, It sends electricity through its legs to boost their strength. Running at top speed, it easily breaks fifty miles per hour."

"The evolved form of Yamper?!" Ash realized, looking to Chloe, "Does that mean.."

"Yep." Chloe replied confidently, "Yamper's all grown up! Play Rough, Boltund! Now!"

Boltund obeys, hitting Capsakid hard, sending it flying to James's feet. Capsakid looks into his trainer's eyes and begins to glow, not willing to give up the fight just because the other Pokemon's bigger. Becoming taller and gaining an extra head, one that's fully red.

"What Pokemon is that?" Tracey wondered, sketching it instantly, while Ash's Rotom phone gets to work scanning it.

"Scovillain, the Spicy Pepper Pokémon and the evolved form of Capsakid. A Fire and Grass Type, The red head converts spicy chemicals into fire energy and blasts the surrounding area with a super spicy stream of flame. The green head has turned vicious due to the spicy chemicals stimulating its brain. Once it goes on a rampage, there is no stopping it." Rotom generated.

"Capsakid evolved just to win the fight for me!" James cried, happy tears prickling in his eyes, causing Jessie to bop him on the head.

Scovillain's red head bites down on Boltund's body, its teeth bursting into flames. "Woah, that ain't not Bite, that's a full-on Fire Fang!" Meowth had commented. Scovillain's grip is strng, too strong for Boltund to get away. While the green head pellets him with Razor Leaf and Bullet Seed.

Seeing this, Ash huddles with Chloe and Tarcey to create a plan. Surprising Team Rocket as Tracey has Scyther go behind Meowth and pin him down with its blades. While Pikachu traps Spidops with Electroweb. Boltund uses its hind legs to kick Scovillain off its body, Scovillain rushes in to use Fire Fang again, only for Boltund to dodge and hit it with Play Rough, sending it flying toward Spidops where the Fire Fang lands, knocking out Spidops in an instant due to Spidop's Fire weakness.

The three kids high five at the victory, Ash looks over and sees Floragato and Crocalor knock out Garganacl and Scream Tail, even Dot's Quaxwell knocks Chalace's Medicham off its feet. Impressing Ash at how far his friends have come. Jessie and Coral are enraged at their losses, sending out Wobbuffet and Glalie to continue the battle, only for everyone to stop in their tracks as the ground beneath them begins to shake.

"Is there an earthquake?" Tracey wondered aloud, everyone gets their answer as they see a pillar made purely of pink smoke shooting out to the sky from a faraway distance.

"What the heck is that?!" Chloe exclaimed, freaking out over what she's seeing whislt Tracey draws a sketch for Professor Oak.

Pagogo looks up to the smoke and growls, Liko notices his behavoir and quickly comes to a realization. "It's the Laquium..." She whispers, though everyone hears her. Horrifying the Rising Volt Tackler, Tracey and Chloe. Delighting the Explorers, and confusing Team Rocket.

Notes:

I do apologize if this chapter feels short. I wanted to focus more on the Team Rocket fight since the Explorer battle would be unchanged from the actual episode, and I was starting to run out of ideas. I do have more ideas for the next chapter, I'm really excited to write that one so stay tuned!

Chapter 88: Guided by the Black Rayquaza!

Jessie and Coral grit their teeth as Wobbuffet and Glalie ignore Pagogo's anger. Intent on beating the twerps once and for all. Only for their hits to be blocked by a Rhydon and Golduck. Revealing Zirc and Onia have seemingly just appeared in between the two groups.

"Hurry, young trainers!" Zirc called out to the kids, "Reunite with the professor! We'll deal with them!"

Ash can only manage a quick nod of respect before Dot and Chloe practically drag the others into running off in the direction Friede had wandered off to. Though Jessie's anger is too much for the two Explorers gone rouge.

"HEY!" Jessie yelled at the top of her lungs, "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?! GET BACK HERE!" Jessie and Wobbuffet easily push past Zirc and Onia, James, Scovillain and Meowth then go chasing after them, knocking Zirc and Onia to the ground.

Coral also tries to give chase, but Chalce places her hand on her shoulder. "Don't try it. We must prioritize the mission.

Meanwhile with the kids, the group quicken their pace upon realizing Team Rocket are chasing them. The two groups skid to a stop upon a desolate wasteland and Friede standing wth a large cluster of Laquium crystals, alongside a few familiar figures.

"There's Friede!" Roy eclaimed, making the professor turn around.

"Look! Amethio's here too!" Liko pointed.

"And that Spinel guy!" Dot pointed out.

"Is that... Gibeon?" Ash pointed to the elder man, then to his Pokemon, "Is that a Zygarde?! How can another one exist?! And why's it such a different color?"

Tracey and Chloe look to Ash in confusion "Another?" They jinxed. Liko, Roy, Dot and even Friede perk up at that.

"Long story," Ash brushed off, then he points to Team Rocket, "Believe it or not, they understand." Leading to the trio nodding smugly.

"Well, I'm glad to see you all safe, even with more enemies around." Friede spoke up, eyeing Team Rocket, "From what I've seen, Laqua could collapse if the Laquium keeps persisting. The Explorers wish to excavate it, but doing so would put all the Pokemon in danger, we can't let it happen."

Spinel laughs "Oh Friede, it's way too late for that now. We will aquire the Laquium no matter what!" He mocks, enraging Ash, who gets reminded of Lysandre over and over again.

Ash isn't the only angry one, as Pagogo lets out an angry yell, summoning the six heroes from their ancient Poke Balls. Which Gibeon only scoffs at.

"Pay them no mind, Zygarde." He said before pointing to the cluster, "Harvest."

Zygarde slams into the Laquium, allowing it to regain its fifty percent forme. The Laquium breaking it into pieces and revealing someone inside. Someone clad in armor and donning hair a color akin to Liko's.

"Lucius?!" Gibeon gasped, realizing this was a trap set by Zygarde.

"Hello, old friend." Lucius replied, before looking towards Friede and the kids, "And you must be the RIsing Volt Tacklers." Making said group tense up in shock.

"How do you know who we are?" Friede asked.

Lucius chuckled, "Why, with the help of Zygarde, of course! It allowed me to see through its cells in order to see the world over the years. Making me aware of your adventure, and the Explorers plan. And Team Rocket's crimes. As well as the rise of the new World Monarch." Making Ash beam while Team Rocket seethe.

"You traitorous Zygarde!" Gibeon suddenly yelled, pointing to his partner Pokemon, "How dare you keep an eye on me while feigning suppression!"

"Anyway..." Lucius continued, ignoring Gibeon's outburst. "I was asleep for years until Zygarde reached out to me telepathically. It had used all its cells to monitor the ecosystems as it saw the Laquium as a threat. Zygarde also left a message for Rayquaza once it was freed, requesting that Rayquaza find worthy trainers capable of taming the rest of my Pokemon and Pagogo."

"Wait," Friede had interrupted, shocked. "So you're saying, that our adventure was started because of Zygarde and Rayquaza?" Making the four kids Friede traveled with gasp.

"To some extent, yes." Lucius answered, "However, it was your own willingness that lead you ll to Laqua in the first place. Surpassing even Rayquaza's expectations."

The four kids beam at this, while Gibeon scoffs "Well, if you truly think Laquium's dangerous. Then why would you allow the seal to be undone?"

"Quite simple, old friend." Lucius replied, "To destroy the Laquium."

Gibeon's eyes widen in horror, "Why should I allow that?! The Laquium could help improve the lives of both People and Pokemon!"

"Perhaps," Lucius replied, "But the Laquium will cause more damage. We must move into the future together alongside Pokemon."

"Speaking of which." Friede spoke up, getting Lucius's attention. "If the Laquium is destroyed, would that mean the end of Laqua?

"Thankfully, no." Lucius replied, making Spinel perk up.

"Well, if Laqua can survive without Laquium..." Spinel began, "Then it wouldn't be a problem if we just, took it, right?"

"Absolutely not." Lucius replied, "The Laquium shouldn't be excavated, otherwise, it'll be activated."

Friede rubbed his chin, "I see," he mused, "External forces seem to trigger the Laquium, right?"

Lucius nods, "And the Laquium would go onto harm the environment and turn Pokemon who inhale it, go bersek."

Spinel walks toward Gibeon, ignoring Lucius's words. "Master Gibeon, I request permission to begin the Laquium excavation."

Gibeon stares Spinel in the eye, briefly hesitating, something Amethio picks up on. Gibeon then nods, leading to Spinel Coral, Sidian and Chalce, who arrive with machines. Spinel sends out his newly evolved Magnezone to power up the machines, which begins excavating the Laquium clusters from underground to make the Core appear.

"You fools!" Luicus yelled, scaring Liko, "Once the Core is activated, it'll be beyond anyone's control!"

Laquium gas begins to slowly disperse from the excavated crystals reaching Charizard and Cap's nostrils. Leading to them attacking and knocking each other out. Forcing Friede to recall them. Scovillain and Wobuffet also go berserk from the Laquium, leading to Jessie and James recalling them while Meowth covers his nose. The kids also covering the noses of their partner Pokemon. Amethio has Ceruledge use Psycho Cut on the machines to stop them, but Coral stops the attack with her Glalie, who tanks the hits.

"Gibeon, please!" Luicus pleaded, "If you continue with this, it'll be the end of the world!"

"I don't care if the world ends!" Gibeon snapped, "If that's how things will be, so be it. Only those strong enough to wield Laquium can live on.

Horror fills Lucius's features, looking toward his descendant for help, "Liko, please. I need you to get my Pokemon friends to share their power with Pagogo. It's our only hope."

Liko nods, "I understand, grandfather."

The six heroes gather around Pagogo, allowing it to transform into its Terastal Form. While Gibeon turns to his Zygarde.

"My old partner," he began, "I need you now more than ever. Please, fight alongside me, so we can defeat this resistance and provide strength to the world!"

To everyone's shock, except the Explorers, Zygarde stands firm beside Gibeon. Amethio in return steps in front of them alongside Ceruledge, glaring up at his grandfather in defiance. Sparking outrage from the Explorers and smug grins from Team Rocket.

"What a shame," Gibeon sighed, "My own grandson opposing me."

Amethio turns back to the kids and Team Rocket, "I can't fight it alone. I'll need your help, will you assist me?"

The six kids and Team Rocket join Amethio's side. Though Chloe and Tracey need some reassurance from Ash.

Liko and Amethio nod to each other, as does Ash to Team Rocket, and they all Terastallize their Pokemon: Pikachu, Floragato, Crocalor, Dot's Quaxwell, Ceruledge and Meowth. Leacing Tracey and Chloe starstruck.

"What is that?!" Chloe asked, Boltund sniffing curiously at the shiny crystal Pokemon.

"Terastallization!" Ash exclaimed, "It's kinda Paldea's thing!"

"Amazing!" Tracey praised, creating a sketch while Scyther readys a fighting stance.

As the group prepares for a fight, a familiar voice enters Ash's head. "Tackling another Zygarde eh? Well, it takes one to beat one! Mind if we join, Ketchum?"

"Squishy?!" Ash blurts out, making everyone look at him as if he were an insane man.

"What?" Dot asked, before Ash can reply, a blue figure lands in front of the kids.

"Woah! Who's that Pokemon?" Roy asked, scanning it with his Rotom Phone.

"Greninja, the ninja Pokemon. A Water and Dark type, it appears and vanishes with a ninja’s grace. It toys with its enemies using swift movements, while slicing them with throwing stars of sharpest water." Rotom scanned.

"This is my Greninja, our bond must've alerted him to come here." Ash explained.

"What about those green creatures on its shoulders?" Chloe asked.

"Aren't those, Zyguarde cores?!" Friede realized, shocking Lucius and Gibeon, who though the white Zygarde was the only one.

"Yep! Meet Squishy and Z2!" Ash presented, "Think you can handle fighting, well, another you?"

"Of course, I've done it once before." Squishy replied, eyeing Z2.

"How's it talking to us?!" Dot asked, hearing the two voices in her head.

"That's telepathy," Ash explained, "A powerful Pokemon like Squishy can talk to you through your mind!"

"Incredible..." Friede mutters.

"Now then, I suggest we cut the chit-chat and finish these villains!" Z2 exclaimed, floating into the air, as does Squishy.

"An excellent idea, 2!" Squishy praises, before the two cores fuse and become Zyguarde Complete Forme. Stunning the kids, Team Rocket grin as Friede rushes to record with his Rotom Phone

Lucius can't believe his eyes, neither can Gibeon or any of the loyal Explorers, Gibeon looks to his Zygarde "So, you're capable of more when another core is involved, interesting." he commented.

"Well, if they're transforming, we should too buddy!" Ash exclaimed, confusing the others.Ash and Greninja fist bump. allowing Greninja to transform into Ash-Greninja, though it dawns a new design to match Ash's newer outfit. Freaking out Friede more as he records more footage for his own research since neither of his Pokemon can fight.

Gibeon simply brushes off the new transformation as his Zygarde readys its stance, as do the kids and Team Rocket Complete Forme Zygarde towering over them like a guardian angel, and they all charge, while Gibeon stands firm, he and the white Zygarde ready to stand their ground, and crush them!

Chapter 89: The Earthshaking White Zygarde

Ash sends out the rest of his team to protect Pagogo as it charges power from the Six Heroes, Tracey sends out Venomoth and Marill to help out as well, Tinkatuff, Kilowattrel and Hattrem join in too. Ash, Tracey, Chloe, Ash-Greninja, Sqiushy, Z2, Team Rocket, Liko, Roy, Dot, and Amethio stand before Gibeon and his White Zygarde, starting the battle by sending an onslaught of attacks that the White Zygarde dodges effortlessly, surprisng Squishy and Z2. Though it gives Dot an idea

"Hey, Squishy, was it?" Dot asked in her head, "Aren't you weak to fairy type moves?"

"Why, yes, we are!" Squishy replied telepathically, "Why do you ask?"

"You'll find out." Dot thought before yelling out, "Everyone! We gotta make an opening for Crocalor to use Disarming Voice!"

"Don't forget Boltun knows Play Rough too!" Chloe added.

"Right!" Ash replied, and every Pokemon except Ceruledge and Meowth move in to create an opening. Only for the White Zygarde to to blast them back with Land's Wrath. Ceruledge then moves in with Shadow Claw as does Meowth with Night Slash. Only for the White Zygarde's Core Enforcer to not only stop them but also damage their teammates.

"Well, ground attacks don't seem to work..." Dot mused, making Tracey perk up.

"Perhaps due to this Zygarde's size compared to ours, it'd be more optimal for us to attack from the air while our Zygarde remains on the ground." Tracey proposed.

"Hey, that's not a bad idea, Sketchit!" Dot praised, the two high-fiving.

The others follow up with their own ideas to get into the air, Crocalor and Pikachu soar using Flame Charge and Iron Tail on the terrain while Ash-Greninja simply jumps high into the air as Scyther flies up. Only for the White Zygarde to unleash Thousand Arrows to send all of them back down to the ground, Squishy and Z2 think quickly and shield their teammates from the move, tanking a strong hit from their own kind.

While the two Zygardes clash, Ceruledge and Meowth attempt to attack from behind, barely noticing each other. The White Zygarde, however, notices them and jumps into the air, unleashing another Core Enforcer onto both Pokémon. Before the attack lands, they're is saved by Floragato and Ash-Greninja.

The team circles up, Liko being the first to break the slience, "Amethio, I know you're used to fighting alone, but this is a team effort, we need your help too."

Amethio nods, "My apologies, I'm still getting used to a true team battle."

Ash turns to Meowth, as well as Jessie and James, "I need you guys to help out too! I don't wanna see Meowth sneaking off and betraying us now!"

The other trains turn to glare at the organization, except Amethio. Mkaing James chuckle nervously and Jessie to sigh.

"Alright, fine." Jessie relented, "We'll put aside our evil goals, for now."

Ash sighed, "Good enough." Though Pikachu was still eyeing them.

"Alright, now that that's settled, I'm kinda stumped on what to do now." Dot included.

"Well, who needs a plan? Let's just charge in!" Roy chimed in.

"I would agree, if we all charge in at the same time, my grandfather wouldn't know who to target first." Amethio added on.

With the plan in place, Floragato approaches the White Zygarde, the other Pokemon following suit. The White Zygarde unleashes another Thousand Arrows, Squishy and Z2 easily tank the hits again, while Chloe notices something once the smoke clears.

"Hey Squishy?" Chloe called out in her head, "Do Zygarde need to collect all the Zygarde cells after using Thousand Arrows?"

"Y'know I'm sharing this body, trainers," Z2 said playfully, "But yes, us Zygarde need to recharge in order to recollect every cell we've released using Thousand Arrows."

Chloe shares her intel with the group, leading to the Pokemon rushing to the White Zygarde once again, managing to evade another Thousand Arrows rather than Squishy and Z2 taking the hit again. Gibeon catches the trainers off-guard, however, yelling out "Thousand Arrows, Zygarder, again!" shocking everyone especially Squishy and Z2.

"It didn't wait to recall the cells?!" Squishy said, shocked and a little horrified.

"Why, that's incredibly risky!" Z2 added on.

The White Zygarde tries to take advantage of the shock factor to use Core Enforcer again, but Ceruledge uses Phantom Force to send them except Squishy and Z2 into the air. The complete Zygarde in question uses Extreme Speed to sneak up behind the White Zygarde and hold it in place using their big arms.

While in the air, the remaining Pokemon unleash a barrage of moves, especially Disarming Voice from Crocalor. The While Zygarde wiggles to create an opening to fire a Core Enforcer that is blocked by Aqua Cutter, Slash, Water Shuriken and Psycho Cut from Dot's Quaxwell, Scyther, Ash-Greninja and Ceruledge respectively. The White Zygarde fires off another Core Enforcer, but Pikachu, Meowth, Floragato and Crocalor manage to stop it with Thunderbolt, Night Slash, Magical Leaf and Flamethrower. The White Zygarde fires off another Thousand Arrows, though the team hold on and attack again and again. The White Zygarde just tanking the hits, confusing Squishy and Z2.

"2! Why isn't the Zygarde's trainer telling it to try to dodge?" Squishy asked his other half.

"Why, I'm not sure, unless..." Z2 then comes to a horrifiying realization, "You don't think?"

Squishy quickly comes to the same realization, "Oh dear..." Squishy quickly inavdes the trainers heads, "FRIENDS, GIBEON IS PLANNING ON HAVING HIS ZYGARDE UNLEASH LAND'S WRATH! YOU MUST ESCAPE!"

The trainers perk up at the news, but it's too late, the move is unleashed, hitting every Pokemon in the sky of Laqua, even striking Squishy and Z2 from behind, reverting them back into two Zygarde Cores. The remaining Pokemon fall to the ground, and when the dust clears, the trainers see all their Pokemon without their terastallization, apart from Boltund and Scyther, who never had it. They lie flat on the terrain, knocked out. The only Pokemon to get back up are Floragato, Ceruledge and Ash-Greninja.

Ash quickly scoops up Pikachu and the two Zygarde cores, while Gibeon begins to laugh, "Nows our chance to stop that Terapagos! Zygarde, another Core Enforcer!"

The White Zygarde readies the attack, only to be ambused by Magical Leaf, Liko runs to her partner, refusing to give up. While Ash-Greninja is helping Ceruledge onto its feet. While with Pagogo, Ash's Quaxwell sees the bleak state of the fight, the Pokemon runs off from Pagogo, leaving him in the protection of the other Pokemon, joining Floragato against the White Zygarde.

"Quaxwell!" Ash called out, rushing to join Liko beside his own Indigo Academy partner, "You came to help us out!"

Tracey, Chloe, Dot and Roy run to their fainted partners and cheer on their friends, Luicus and Friede also cheer them on. Surprisingly, even Jessie and Jeames cheer the twerps on, which Assh flashes them a knowing smile, angering Jessie.

"Oh, don't get used to it, twerp!"

Floragato and Ash;s Quaxwell are touched by the amount of support, they join paws and begin to glow a bright shimmering light and grow, evolving into two fully grown beasts.

"Who are those Pokemon?" Ash and Liko pulled out their Rotom Phones.

"Meowscarada, the Magician Pokémon and the evolved form of Floragato. A Grass and Dark type, With skillful misdirection, it rigs foes with pollen-packed flower bombs. Meowscarada sets off the bombs before its foes realize what's going on."

"Quaquaval, the Dancer Pokémon and the evolved form of Quaxwell, a Water and Fighting type. A single kick from a Quaquaval can send a truck rolling. Quaquaval uses its powerful legs to perform striking dances from far-off lands."

Ash-Greninja, Creuledge and Amethio walk up to join Ash and Liko, Creuledge communicates something to its trainer, Amethio quickly understands.

"Creuledge has enough strength left for one last attempt." He informed the two trainers, "We will create a path for you to end this battle."

Ash looks to Ash-Greninja, "I'll have Greninja help Ceruledge out!"

The four Pokemon dodge another Land's Wrath from the White Zygarde, surprising Squishy and Z2, who lay in Ash's arms alongside Pikachu. The White Zygarde fires off a Core Enforcer, but Ceruledge and Ash-Greninja stop the attack with Bitter Blade and Water Shuriken. Allowing Meowscarada and Quaquaval to hit the White Zygarde with Acrobatics and Low Sweep, though Ash and Liko do notice they don't appear to be attack, but rather dancing to get the White Zygarde's attention.

The White Zygarde suddenly jumps up, avoiding Meowscarada's Sucker Punch. The Order Pokemon prepares to fire off another Core Enforcer, only to be hit by a barrage of flower bombs, sending it plummeting to the ground. Quaquaval then lands on top on the White Zygarde and stomps it repeatedly, his feet glowing with energy.

"What on earth?!" Gibeon stammered out.

"What moves were those?!" Ash asked, him and Liko astonished at the display.

"Those are Flower Trick and Aqua Step!" Friede yelled to the trainers, "The Pokemon distracted Zygarde with their dance moves before striking!"

Ash and Liko high-five at the successful attack, while Ash-Greninja and Creuledge share a nod of mutual respect. The White Zygarde gets back up, so Meowscarade and Quaquaval prepare to fight to again, but the White Zygarde only stares them down.

"Well done," A new voice entered their minds, undoubtly the White Zygarde, "You've all proven yourselves."

With that, the White Zygarde dissasssembles into the earth, as Gibeon drops to his knees in devastation, Luicus walks over to his old friend.

"But how?" Gibeon squeaked out, "What made us so different? How could I lose against a group a children?"

"Quite simple, old friend." Lucius answered, "It was due to the strong bonds they carried alongside their Pokemon."

Gibeon scoffs, "Why, that's absurd. Something like that can't be explained with science."

"And yet Pokemon are strange creature who can make miracles." Lucius countered, chuckling, before pointing to Meowscarada and Quaquaval, "Take these two, for example. Only when their feelings were in sync of those of their trainers, did they evolve."

Amethio steps toward his grandfather, "He makes a good point, grandfather. I felt my feelings being in tune with Ceruledge during the battle."

"Not to mention me and Greninja's bind is so strong, we can become one!" Ash piped up, he and the Pokemon in question performing punching motions in sync.

Gibeon doesn't respond, only gazing at the Poke Ball that once held Zygarde. Perhaps starting to understand their point.

Suddenly, everyone is blinded by a bright shining light. Pagogo has Terastallized into his Stellar Form, then he shares his newfound energy with the six heroes. They tansform into Terastallize-like states, their skins gaining the ridges and shines of gemstones. The seven Pokemon then rise up towards Laqua's skies, while people and Pokemon on the ground below can only watch.

Notes:

Hey everyone! Thank you SO much for being paitent with me this week! I got busy on Saturday so I couldn't write, which caused an overall delay, I promise that won't be the case next chapter! I got some big ideas for how that chapter ends...

Also, two more things...

1. I know a ton of people thought JN retconned Ash-Greninja, but I personally donn't believe in that theory, plus it would make more sense for Greninja to transform for a fight with high stakes.

2. I've seen some people on both Wattpad and AO3 ask if this'll be Ash x Liko story. It's not. I made this story as a What-If senario, I don't plan to add ANY ships unless the anime itself implements ships.

Thanks for sticking with me, and I'll see you all next chapter!

Chapter 90: Where the Adventure Leads

The seven ancient hero Pokemon fly higher into the sky. The clusters of Laquium below them begin disappearing slowly. One shard at a time, the Laquium disappears comepletly. leaving Gibeon to stare at the ground in defeat.

"But, without Laquium... How can we reach the betterment of people and Pokemon?" He muttered weakly.

"Grandfather." Amethio stepped forawrd, "I've seen what you are capable of after standing by your side all my life. I know for a fact that Laquium is no needed to reach your goal. I shall fulfill your wishes without the need of Laquium."

Lucius steps alongside Amethio, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Your grandson is right, old friend. After all, Zygarde had chosen you as its partner because it understood your goals before you lost your way." Lucius then sighed, "But our time here is up, and we must entrust our goals to the next generation."

Gibeon stands up, looking between his old friend and his grandson, beforing nodding. Then, he and Lucius begin to glow a pink aura.

"Woah, what's going on?" Friede asked, appalled.

"Now with the Laquium gone, there's nothing around to keep us here." Gibeon observed, before looking to his grandson. "Amethio, keeping walking the path you believe in alongside Ceruledge."

Lucius then looks to Liko as Pagogo transforms back to normal and he and the Lucius' Pokemon float back onto the ground. Pagogo falling into Liko's arms, "Liko, I shall entrust Pagogo in your permanent care. I know you'll do wonders alongside him."

Liko and Amethio nod to their elders and the two friends fade away, joining Rystal in the afterlife. The six Ancient Poke Balls in Lucius's belt suddenly open and Roy picks one up in confusion.

"So, are the six heroes just wild Pokemon now?" The boy questions, a part of him hoping he can catch Rayquaza.

"Guess so," Tracey mused, rubbing his chin, "Now that Lucius has passed. His Pokemon have no trainer."

While the Rising Volt Tacklers and their allies sliently mourn the loss of Lucius, they hear the sound of someone scoffing. Turning around to see Spinel alongside the Explorers higher-ups.

"What a shame," Spinel began, "Seeing our leader go out in such a pathetic way."

"He left with peace." Ash gritted his teeth, "And that means, you've lost!"

"Yeah!" Jessie suddenly shouted, "Team Rocket can never be outdone!"

Spinel simply laughed, "I intend to surpass Gibeon and take over this paradise, World Monarch." Spinel pulls out a small remote and pushes a button, summoning triangle-shaped drones flying into the area from afar.

"What the heck are those?!" Dot backed away.

Amethio's eyes widened, "Those are the Laquium Spheres." Shocking the other kids and Friede.

"You mean there's still Laquium?!" Chloe asked, though her question is answered by pink smoke entering the air, causing the Six Heroes to go berserk. Everyone ducks and dodges to avoid the endless attacks.

Ash opens his backpack and places Pikachu and the two Zygarde cores inside to protect them from harm. As he looks up and sees the hero Pokemon attacking each other, he turns to his friends.

"Guys! We can't just sit here and let this happen! We gotta fight!" Ash pleads, all of his friends immediately gather their remaining Pokemon. Ash's Paldean team quickly rushes to his side, Ash-Greninja taking Pikachu's place.

"Guys," Friede started, "I agree that we should fight, but we're lacking power. We lost our strongest fighters, the only one who can stand a chance are Meowscarada, Quaquaval and Greninja, and they're already weakened from the last fight."

The kids stop, realizing Friede's got a point. The kids all recall their Pokemon back into their Poke Balls except Greninja and Meowth.

Liko sees that even Pagogo is too exhausted in her arms to do anything, so she recalls him and runs up to the feuding Arboliva and Moltres.

"Friends! Please stop fighting! You're supposed to be teammates!" She pleaded, but the two Pokemon only turn to her, eyes blazing, as they unleash their attacks onto the humans. Just then, Rayquaza appears between the Rising Volt Tacklers and the remaining heroes.

Rayquaza communicates to Ash-Greninja, who communicates to Ash. "Greninja says we need to leave!" The Monarch exclaimed, as Zirc and Onia rush onto the scene.

"Sire, we must escape before you get hurt!" Zirc encouraged Amethio, who nods and sends out his Corviknight as they send out their Skarmory.

"Farewell my friends, until we meet again." Amethio yells out as the three Ex-Explorers fly off from Laqua.

The Rising Volt Tacklers begin running away while Rayquaza keeps its friends distracted, while Ash-Greninja stands still, briefly deliberating on leaving with his trainer, or staying behind to help Rayquaza. Quickly running to catch up with Ash, while Team Rocket stay behind.

"You Explorers don't scare us!" Jessie exclaimed, "Team Rocket will always reign superior!"

Kleavor simply gives the trio one look, and axes the ground beneath them, sending them sky high.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!!!"

"DAT'S RIGHT!"

The Rising Volt Tacklers rush to exit the fromer paradise, seeing many Poekom who once called Laqua home escape as well. "I just don't get it..." Friede panted, "The Laquium's gone. Why would the Explorers still want to take over this place?"

Before anyone can respond, the very ground beneath them begins to shake, the earth cracking apart and creating a chasm. Liko loses her balance and nearly falls in, only for Ash-Greninja to grab her arm just before she drops. Though Lucius;s belt and notebook spill out of her backpack and drop into the chasm, lost forever.

"NO!" Liko screams, while Dot, Ash and Roy look on, devasated. While Tracey, Ash-Greninja and Chloe look on in worry.

"It's okay, guys!" Friede rushes to console, "Lucius's adventures will live on in our memories."

Ash is the first to cheer up, given the situation, "You're right, Friede! Besides, we gotta escape! But how?"

Friede stares up to the sky, "We could fly out, but Charizard's still weakened from the Laquium."

Ash groans "And I left Pidgeot back at Professor Oak's!

Roy offers up a Poke Ball, "I still have Kilowattrel!"

Tracey holds up a Poke Ball of his own, "And I've got Venomoth!"

Liko sends out Hattrem, "And Hattrem can heal Charizard!"

Friede nods and sends out his flying Pokemon. Hattrem heals Charizard with Heal Pulse, and they board off into three groups. Friede, Liko and Dot on Charizard, Roy, Ash and Greninja on Kilowattrel, Chloe and Tracey on Venomoth. They soon take the the skies, battling the high waves of wind. Reaching the edge of the Kumuri mountain crater with ease.

"Woah, how are we gonna escape? Kumuri Mountain is shaking too!" Dot eclaims, seeing the affect Laqua is having on said mountain.

Just then, the Brave Olivine comes into view "Don't worry, our cavalry has arrived!" Friede shouts above the winds.

The airship in question struggles to reach the group, "Are you sure it can make it? The ship can't seem to take the winds." Tracey observed.

"Don't worry!" Friede said confidently, "Orla's just gotta hit that emergency button."

The Brave Olivine suddenly transforms, gaining thrusters that ignite a purple flame. "Woah! Since when did we have that!" Ash said excitedly.

Friede chuckled, "Just a little upgrade we added when repairing the ship."

The second the airship is below the group, the three flying Pokemon land near Orla, much to her delight at their safety. The winds become stronger before anyone coul have the chance at getting inside. Everyone rushes to hold onto something, but Friede and his two Pokemon are nearly blown overboard. Charizard sinks his claws into the edge of the ship as Friede holds onto his Pokemon's back. Cap holding onto Friede's head, or rather his goggles. The others quickly rush to the edge of the ship to save them, but Friede grabs Cap, who accidently swipes Friede's goggles off his head.

"Take good care of them for me, bud." Friede said before placing Cap in Liko's arms.

"Friede, what are you saying?" Orla asked worriedly.

Friede simply gives them all a small smile, "Don't worry, gang. We'll meet again." With that, Chaizard loses his grip and they both fall overboard, disappering into the clouds below.

"FRIEDE!!!!"

In a lush forest filled with trees and bushes, a more mature and muscular Ash emerges, Pikachu on his shoulder, donning his original hat he won from the Indigo League, a new vest and shorts his mom made for him, the gloves containing his Key Stone and the same red and black shoes that he wore right before he first attended Indigo Academy.

He swipes through his Rotom Phone while using the flashlight to search for traces of the professor. It had been one year since Friede fell overboard, one year since the Rising Volt Tacklers split up, six months since he publicly announced he'd be taking a break from battling after winning this year's Alola League and World Coronation Series back-to-back. Six months since he began searching for where Friede could have gone.

The kid takes a quick break, looking through the news and messages. Seeing Tracey and Chloe happily back at their homes. Seeing Liko had texted a selfie of her and Ann back at Indigo Academy, as well as texting details of an assignment he missed. Seeing online wanted posters of Team Rocket, typical. Seeing Roy had sent a photo to show Ash his new Lucario and Mega Ring, though Ash had to admit, he was interested, Roy's Lucario was yellow.

Ash quickly texted back "That's awesome dude! Maybe someday we can have some Lucario-on-Lucario sparring!"

Ash then swipes back to the news, seeing an interview of Spinel, only catching Spinel's charming voice say "The Rising Volt Tacklers and Team Rocket may have done severe damage to Laqua, but thankfully, the World Monarch was there to help us-" before he swiped away.

Ash scoffed, "Guess he realized what he could gain by saying we were on the same side." Ash hated staying slient, Spinel had blamed the Rising Volt Tacklers and Team Rocket for everything. He knows he could speak out, make a public statement against Spinel right now. But he knows that would create controversy, and Liko and Roy don't need that.

Ash is brought out of his thoughts by rustling in the bushes, Mega Lucario and Ash-Greninja appearing before their trainer. "Find anything yet?" Ash asked, "Did Aura and Battle Bond help?"

The two Pokemon look down and shake their heads solemly, causing Ash to deflate, before looking up and see Pidegot land "No luck from the air?" Pidegot looks down, upset that she disappointed her trainer. Ash and his Pokemon rush to a nearby beach, where Lapras docks and Quaquaval emerges.

"No luck from the water either, huh?"

The two Water Pokemon shake their heads.

Ash sighs again, "Well, thanks for trying guys. I think we can break for tonight, let's camp out." WIth that, the four Pokemon rush off, besides Lapras, who Ash just recalls into her Poke Ball.

That night, Ash and Pikachu are lighting a fire when the Pokemon return, presenting Ash with a sort of makeshift cake, made from mashed berries, leaves and bent twigs.

"What's this?" Ash asks, before seeing two twigs mashed on top, making a lopsided eleven. "Oh my gosh, in all this searching I forgot my own birthday! Man, it feels like I've been ten forever!"

The Pokemon cheer at their trainer's memory, "Well, we all should celebrate together, right?" Ash sends Lapras back out, then opens his backpack, "Come on out!" Squishy and Z2 pop out of the backpack.

"Great thanks to you, Ash, for allowing us to stay with you." Z2 said telepathically

"Yes, but I do ask, could it be possible to see Bonnie again?" Squishy asked, making Ash think.

"Maybe. But after everything, the public doesn't really like Zygarde, so I think you two should just hide out with me for a little while longer, okay?"

Squishy nodded, "Alright, I understand."

Just then, Ash's Rotom Phone rings, Ash sees its Delia, so he picks up thinking she's just say-

"ASH KETCHUM! IT'S YOUR ELEVENTH BIRTHDAY AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER COMING HOME?! HOW DARE YOU!"

Ash jumps back, caught off gaurd, "I was searching, mom!"

Elsewhere, in Team Rocket headquarters. Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobuffet enter Giovanni's office, Matori and him staring them down as they kneel before him.

"So, when did you plan on informing me you lot went rouge, and that there was a paradise full of powerful Pokemon for me to conquer, and you let it slip between your fingers?" Giovanni said coldy, petting his Persian.

"We didn't mean to, sir!" James cried out, "We only wished to surprise you once we captured all of them!"

"And know Team Rocket's name is through a year's worth of mud." Giovanni spat. "Thanks to those Explorers."

Jessie stands up at this, "Don't listen to the news, boss! The Explorers are evil! Just not as evil as us! We only wanted to defeat them and get them out of the way so that you wouldn't need to worry about them!"

Giovanni hummed, "And yet your plan backfired almost immeditately. I should demote you all to lunch staff..."

Giovanni paused, causing anxiety in the four members, "But, I must admit, you've impressed me." Giovanni holds out his hand "Hand me the phone."

Meowth grabs the black Rotom Phone from James's pocket and hands it to the boss, who hands it to Matori.

"Download the Pokemon porting program onto the device."

"Yes sir." Matori nodded.

"Uh, what?" Meowth asked, making Giovanni chuckle.

"Why, I'm giving you a new assignment, and in order for you to do wonders. Jessie and James will need access to their older Pokemon."

The four members eyes sparkle with excitment at the offer. "Whaddya want us to boss?" Meowth asked.

"We'll follow your orders without question!" James added, taking the Rotom Phone back.

Giovanni chuckled, "That's what I like to hear. I want you to spy on these Explorers, if they're as bad as you say they are. Then I wish for retribution, for their name to be destroyed just as they've destroyed ours."

Giovanni then points to the door, "Now, head out to the lot. A new hot air balloon awaits you, the admins have added a few, upgrates."

"YES SIR!!!!!"

"WOBBUFFET!!!!"

Giovanni simply smirks as the four salute and run off. As the doors close, Giovanni turns to Matori, "Have you heard about the boy?"

Matori quickly opens up her laptop and begins typing, "Silver has been missing from the public eye for months now, most recently, grunts have spotted him watching the final match of this year's World Coronation Series, from the videos they've gathered. It seems the kid has interest in challenging the World Monarch himself.

Giovanni chuckled, "Then it'll be a Pokemon battle I'd be willing to watch. Both boys have a similar fire in their hearts, a strong passion for battling. After all..." Giovanni paused.

"They both got it from me."

Chapter 91: Once More, To the Skies: Part 1

"Carcadet's data has been added to your Pokedex!"

Ash stared down at the shiny Poke Ball, he never thought of catching another Pokemon for a while. Finding Friede was all he thought about. Yet, that little Pokemon brought out an old part of him, a more innocent part before last year's Laqua incient. One he hid away once the world was set against his friends.

"Alright, little guy." Ash said to the ball, "I'll train you up while I search."

Suddenly, Greninja pops out of his Poke Ball, sensing something in the distance.

"What's going on bud?" Ash asked, concern for his Pokemon's worries.

Greninja simply points off into the distance, causing Squishy and Z2 to pop out of Ash's backpack. Despite being cramped by the sleeping Rowlet they share the backpack with.

"It seems that Greninja's ability to detect the vines in Kalos have seemed to trigger." Squishy mused, "Perhaps he senses something similar in the distance.

"Pika!" Pikachu suddenly chipred, nudging Ash to look up, he does, and sees a Kilowattrel, soaring through .

"That's weird..." Ash muttered, "Kilowattrel isn't native to Kanto." Then, a revelation hits him. "No way... Is Roy around?"

"Well, since your friend may be around, and Greninja senses a potential danger. Perhaps they are connected and we shall investigate?" Z2 recommended.

Suddenly Ash feels something in the direction Greninja pointed, but not any danger. Aura. Another being wielding it. He sensed it, now this all seemed to connect. Roy had texted him showing off a Lucario he caught. Plus, Roy's Kilowattrel was patrolling above them. He feels Lucario's Poke Ball wiggle continuously within his belt, Ash isn't the only one sensing this. He's gotta investigate this sooner rather than later.

"Right." Ash nodded, "Lead the way Greninja." The Pokemon nods and begins to sprint, Ash quickly following behind.

Greninja leads Ash to a bundle of bushes. The trainer and Pokemon look over and see a Slaking whos exhales pink mist. The Pokemon acts incredibly hostile, attacking a shiny Mega Lucario, Pikachu and Mega Sableye.

"By the pink mist and berserk nature, this seems like the effects of Laquium." Squishy noted. Though Ash wasn't focusing much on the Slaking, rathering the Lucario and Pikachu it's battling. Then, he looks over and sees two trainers, one he recognizes.

"So Roy is here." Ash muttered, "But who's that kid with the Sableye." Squishy's words then settle into Ash's mind. "WHAT?! BUT PAGOGO DESTROYED IT ALL!"

The sudden shout interrupts the battle, Squishy and Z2 hide in Ash's backpack while the berserk Slaking quickly destroys the nearby bushes, roaring at the now exposed World Monarch. The two trainers who were once battling Slaking quickly recognize him.

"ASH?!" Roy quickly blurts out.

"Wait, you know the World Monarch?!" The boy beside Roy gawked.

The Laquium-infected Slaking begisn to thrash an attack onto Ash, but Greninja quickly stops the hit and holds Slaking in place by using Cut. The blade holding Slaking's hands in place, giving Pikachu an opening to finish it off with Thunderbolt.

Ash laughed in victory, the win sending a rush to his head that he hasn't felt in months. "I STILL GOT IT!" He shouts, giddy as if he were ten again.

Before Ash can celebrate further, he gets the wind kncoked out him by Roy tackling him into a hug. "Hey, Roy!" Ash chuckled, returning the hug.

"It is so good to see you again!" Roy exclaimed, Pikachu instantly jumped into Roy's arms, "Good to see you too, Pikachu!"

The boy with the Sableye quickly interrupted the reunion. Stepping towards Roy. "Since when did you know the World Monarch, Roy? And why didn't you tell me?!"

The boys seperated, Roy looks at the kid blankly "I didn't think it was important." He said flatly.

"Well it is!" The boy countered. Ash tries to intervene in the stand-off, only to be pummeled by Crocalor and Kilowattrel.

"Good to see you guys, too!" Ash strained, Kilowattrel perched right on his back. Pikachu hops down to converse in reunion with Cap. Lucario pops out of his Poke Ball, quickly coming face to face with Roy's own Lucario. The two Aura Pokemon exchange bows of respect as Ququaval also pops out of his ball to reunite with Crocalor.

Ash eventually gets Kilowattrel off him, turning back to the two glaring trainers. "Okay, what;s going on here and who's the kid with the Sableye?"

"I'm Uruto!" The boy replied eagerly, shaking Ash's had at such a rapid pace that Ash himself started shaking "And I definitely know who you are!"

"Stop shaking him, Uruto." Roy said absentmindedly, setting up his Rotom Phone for a video call. "Hey Dot, I found the Pokemon you detected, and you won't believe who we found!"

Ash and Quaquaval perk up, instantly rushing to Roy's side. "HI DOT!" Ash practically shouted, causing the girl on the phone to fall out of her chair.

"Hey Ash..." Dot groaned on her bedroom floor. "Good to see you..."

Dot's Quaxwell and Quaquaval exchange happy cries to each other. "The Slaking had these punk fumes coming out of its nose," Roy explained once Dot had gotten back up. "I think it was affected by Laquium.

"That makes sense." Dot agreed, "But didn't Pagogo get rid of it all last year?"

"Well, Spinel brought out those drones." Ash recounted "Those had Laquium inside them, right? Made almost all of Lucius Pokémon go berserk."

Dot taps her chin in thought, before her bedroom door suddenly opens and the voice of her mother is heard throughout the call. "Honey! I made you some hotcakes!" Franka said cheerfully. Dot, on the other hand, panics in embarrassment and ends up ending the call entirely. Leaving Ash and Roy to stare at a blank Rotom Phone.

"Well, now what?" Ash asked, "Do we look for more signs of Laquium, I wouldn't be surprised if Spinel's behind this! Probably make a ton of wild Pokemon go crazy in the name of science!" Ash ranted "I still think it's amazing, but that's too far!"

"I think we better tell Liko, let her know our adventures aren't over just yet." Roy mused.

Ash brightened up "Great idea! We can get the team back together!"

"I'm coming too!" Uruto suddenly shouted "There's no way I'm letting you out of my sight, Roy! You could catch the Black Rayquaza before me!"

Ash blinked "You wanna catch the Black Rayquaza? How'd he even know about it?" Ash turned to Roy in questioning.

"It's a long story, but, fine. Uruto, you can come. But it's getting dark soon, we should probably camp out and head out in the morning." Roy looked up the sky, seeing the sun beginning to set.

After a small campfire and a quick meal. The boys settle into deep slumber in their sleeping bags. Though Ash is suddenly shaken awake, opening his eyes to see Roy standing nearby, his Kilowattrel ready to take flight.

"C'mon Ash," Roy tossed Ash's backpack into the arms of the Pallet Town boy, awakening Pikachu. "Let's head a head start."

Ash looked over to Uruto, who was still fast asleep in his sleeping bag. "But, what about him?"

"He'll be fine." Roy brushed off, "We shoudl get to Indigo Academy as soon as possible."

Ash gave Uruto one last glance before he and Pikachu board Kilowattrel alongside Roy. Kilowattrel takes off, flying as night turned to day. The boys made small talk, catching up on where they've been, until Indigo Academy appears in the distance. The boys spot a familiar girl with a familiar yet broken hairclip standing on the rooftop, looking on wishfully. The boys instantly recognize her, and Kilowattrel drones in closer, preparing to land.

After one year, it was time for a reunion.

Notes:

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I mainly wanted to reintroduce Ash back into the plot and I figured it'd be better to do that through a reunion with Roy and Dot than a reunion with Liko. Don't worry! Liko and Ash will reunite next chapter. Team Rocket will be returning as well.

As for Ash's sudden Carcadet, I figured if Roy was able to obtain a shiny Mega Lucario off-screen. (Or in this case, off-book.) Than Ash getting a Carcadet is fair game.

As for why, I always thought Armarouge was a good fit for Ash, but I though Liko should have it instead as it counters perfectly with Amethio's Ceruledge, but since Amethio's reformed now I don't think that'll ever happen. (Still have hope tho.)

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you next time!

Chapter 92: Once More, To the Skies: Part 2

Liko stood on the rooftop of Indigo Academy, a year of laying low worked well for her. So why did she feel so empty? The trauma of Laqua lingers in her mind, losing Friede, everyone disbanding, yet, she felt a sense of longing, despite everything, she never felt so alive. But she can't go back to that life, the public hates the RVT now, if she were to-

"HEY LIKO!"

Liko shot up, her thoughts interrupted by a familiar voice in the distance. She spots a Kilowattrel flying closer, about to land. With Ash and Roy atop it. Tears instantly come to her eyes, she's shocked to see them, but at the same time, she's so glad they're here.

"Ash! Roy!" Liko exclaimed, running to them as soon as Kilowattrel landed. Embracing them in a tight grip, which causes the boys to chuckle. Letting their own tears shine, until Roy's sense of urgency takes over, causing him to break the embrace.

"Liko, we gotta tell you something-"

"OH MY GOSH! IT'S THE WORLD MONARCH!"

A group of students swarm the trio, mainly Ash, who is forced to sign autographs again. Serveral girls comment on how cute Pikachu and Cap are, causing the latter to start sneezing profusely. Liko and Roy try to push through the mob to get back to their friend, but the hype around Ash's arrival is too strong, plus rumors begin to spread about Roy, "The boy that came with the Monarch"

"Back up! Give him some air!"

Ann her strength to push the swarm apart, allowing Ash to reunite with Liko and Roy with ease, though Ann includes herself.

"Hey! Ann!" Ash lighted up upon seeing his old friend, "Long time to see!"

"Good to see you too, boys!" Ann chuckled, "But we should probably head someplace else, so we can talk."

The four reconvene in the school's cafeteria, sitting down at an available table. Ash sends out his Quaquaval, allowing for it to reunite with Mewoscarda and Samurott.

"Isn't that just sweet, ladies?" Ash asked to Liko and Ann, "Our Indigo Academy partners reuniting?"

Liko and Ann nod, Liko's Hattrem suddenly escapes its Poke Ball and jumps into Ash's arms, overjoyed to see an old friend.

"Good to see you too, Hattrem!" Ash laughed, "I should tell Misty, Brock and Cilan you said hi!"

Ann clapped her hands, gathering the attention of the other three trainers, "Alright, now that we're done with the reunion. What happened? Why did the Rising Volt Tacklers disband?"

The trio look between each other, unsure how to start, Roy eventually takes a deep breath, "Well, after Friede fell overboard, we tried searching around Kumuri Mountain to see where he and Charizard landed."

"Until Exceed sealed it off." Ash added in bitterly, "Then we saw Spinel's public speech and knew the RVT couldn't be seen in public, at least not without proof against Spinel."

"So we decided to disband." Liko concluded, "The Brave Olivine dropped us all home."

"Oh," Ann softened, "I'm sorry to hear that."

Roy shrugged it off, "We moved one. I've been training in Kalos!" Roy showed off his Mega Ring.

Ash beamed, Roy had filled him in on the flight on Kilowattrel, but he had wanted to ask... "Say Roy, did you meet anyone over there? Any gym leaders? Professors? Maybe you saw a Pokemon Showcase?"

Roy thought for a moment, "Nah. Nothing like that rings a bell."

Ash deflated, but before he could reply, two girls approched the table, eyeing Roy with suspision. "Excuse me, can we borrow Ann for a few minutes?" One girl asked.

Ann stood up, "I'll be right back, guys."

The trio watches Ann and her partner go, once she's out of sight, Roy drops his voice down to a whisper, "So, Liko, about what I wanted to tell you back on the rooftop."

Liko perked her head towards Roy, "Hmm?"

"Dot contacted me yesterday, she found a Slaking that went bersek because of Laquium!" Roy explained, "Ash just so happened to find me fighting it."

Liko gasped, "But, that's impossible! Pagogo destroyed it all last year!"

"And that's why we came to you." Roy responded, "Do you think you and Pagogo can help us out? Track down the Laquium?"

Liko seemed to shrink, "I'd love to, but, Pagogo's been inside his Poke Ball since we left Laqua."

"Ah, that's okay, we'll find another way." Roy seemed to brush off.

"If I may interject..." A voice entered the minds of the trainers. "I believe the solution has already been found."

Ash instantly opened his backpack, carefully extracting the sleeping Rowlet, who has Liko's eye, surprised Ash had a Pokemon of such small size for being the World Monarch. The two Zyguarde cores use the extra space to reveal themsleves.

"Hey, it's those Zyguarde cores from Laqua!" Roy exclaimed, "Squishy, right?"

"Right you are, young Roy!" Squishy replied.

"And you may call me, Z2." Z2 added in.

"Nice to meet you." Liko giggled, petting the Zyguarde core.

"Now, as I was saying, I believe I already have a solution." Squishy offered his idea, summoning Greninja from his Poke Ball, "Long ago, a man named Lysandre founded Team Flare, and aimmed to destroy the world and remaking it. He took control of both me and my friend, Zw there." Liko and Roy gasp at this news. "But then Ash Ketchum and his friends and allies across the region stepped in and stopped him! Though many dangerous vines were left behind, deep within Kalos's soil, so Greninja stayed behind as it was the only Pokemon with the ability to sense them, thankfully, he had destroyed the last one before our voyage to Laqua."

"So what are you trying to say?" Roy asked, wondering if the long story was worth it. A good story, but not the time.

"Well, today Greninja's abilites seemed to have evolved, he had sensed the Laquium effects, leading to Ash Ketchum running into you, young Roy." Squishy explined, "Perhaps he can be a good replacement since the Terapagos is in deep slumber."

Before Roy can respond, the group hear footsteps apporching, causing Squishy and Z2 to hide again within Ash's backpack as Ash returns Greninja to its Poke Ball and Rowlet into his backpack.

"Hey guys!" Ann skipped over, "I just had an amazing idea! Since we're all super sad, why not have a battle to cheer us up?"

"Oh, I'm in!" Roy declared.

"I'd love to battle!" Ash exclaimed.

"Me too!" Liko then noticed Meowscarda was missing, causing her to stand up, "Sorry guys, I gotta go find where Meowscarada went, C'mon Hattrem."

Ash stood up, "Why don't I come with you? Quaquaval could be a big help, plus, I'd like some time for us to catch up on our own."

Liko smiled, "Sounds good to me!"

Liko and Ash begin searching the schoolgrounds while Roy and Ann head to the battlefield. Ash and Liko talk about what they've been up to the last year, before finding Meowscarada on a rooftop. Watching Roy and Ann battle, Ash returns Quaquaval and he and Liko sit beside her and watch the battle.

"Did Roy catch another Pokemon?" Liko asked, almost as if it were bad news.

"Looks like it." Ash chuckled, "And he's not the only one."

Ash pops open a Poke Ball, revealing his new Carcadet. LIko seems to delate, but keeps a smile on her face, "Thats, great, I'm so happy for you both."

Ash senses the wavering in Liko's voice, "Hey, what's wrong, Liko? You seem kinda bummed out."

Liko sighed, "I can never get anything past you, can I?" Causing the two of them to laugh, "I just feel stuck. You and Roy moved on with your lives, caught new Pokemon. I'm just here, blending in and afraid again."

"Well, I won't lie, maybe you are." Ash replied, "But you can break free, you've got the power to go on your own journey, find yourself. But I get why you're scared, after everything Spinel's said. I think people are even gossiping about Roy right now."

Liko groaned, "I can't stand the school life sometimes."

Ash chuckled, "Tell me about it."

Suddenly, time seems to slow, Ash seems something take over him, the concerned voice of Liko gets drowned out as Lucario pops out of his ball. Ash watches as he, Pikachu and Lucario turn blue, the world around them slowly turning to void. Ash looks around the space, seeing nothing at first. Then, he spots Roy and his own Lucario, both bathed in a yellow light.

"They can use Aura too?!" Ash mutters...

"ASH!" Liko's cry snaps Ash out of his trance, "Are you okay?! Why'd you just zone out?! And why did your Lucario pop out of the Poke Ball?!"

"Oh, sorry, we sensed something during the battle." Ash explained, causing Liko to tense up, "Nothing dangerous, just kinda weird."

Ash and Liko watch as Roy's Lucario dodges Samurott's Drill Run and defeats it with Close Combat. Liko feels something rush over her and she and Meowscarada slide down from the rootop and run up to Roy.

"Hey Roy!" Liko panted, "Can we have a battle?"

Roy and Crocalor share one look before Roy says "You bet."

Ash watches as Meowscarada and Crocalor take the field, attacking and Dodging with passion. He feels a sense of nostalgia as Crocalor hits Meowscarada point blank with Flame Charge, remembering the battles with his own rivals. Seeing Meowscarada attempt an Acrobatics only for Crocalor to retailiate with Flamethrower, forcing Meowscarada to set up a smokescreen with one of her flowers. Most important of all? His friends. He sees how they act giving out commands, having so much fun. He misses the thrill he got from battling, he still stands by his decision to take a public break, he knows people would ask about Laqua if he remained in the public eye. Yet, battling could still be so much fun, even if he loses. Meowscarda faints, yet Liko still has a smile on her face, filling Ash with a sense of courage. He slides down the rooftop with his Pokemon, and strolls up to Roy filled with enthusiasm.

"Hey Roy! Mind if our flying buddies did some sparing?" Ash pulled Rowlet out of his bag, shaking him awake. Kilowattrel perks up at the chance of having a battle of its own.

"Of course! That'll be so fun-"

"Excuse me, Roy?"

Ash and Roy looked to the side, seeing one of the girls from the cafeteria. A group of students behind her. "Is it true you're part of the Rising Volt Tacklers?"

Roy blinked, "Of course I am."

The students gasp in horror, hateful phrases spat out like venom.

"You monster!"

"You guys destroyed Laqua!"

"Spinel was right!"

"He's friends with the Monarch?"

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" A new voice shot out.

All heads turned to Liko, who has a new stance, determined, furious even. The girl from before stands her own ground, looking Liko in the eye. "And why do you care, Liko?"

"Because, I'm a Rising Volt Tackler too!"

More gasps, the girl turns her head to the World Monarch, who seems to shrink at first, but regains a neutral stance he practiced.

"Mr. World Monarch, why in the world would you be associating yourself with these people after what they've done? Didn't you help The Explorers?"

Ash took a quick glance around, students whispering about him...

"Are they friends now?"

"Did Ash betray the Explorers?"

"Guess that's what happens when the strongest trainer in the world is only 11."

Ash took a deep breath, instantly creating a story where he's neutral. "All you've heard is Spinel's word, he has presented no evidence." Ash said blankly, confusing everyone, even his friends. "I don't know who was causing harm that day, I was exploring on my Pidgeot when I heard sounds of battling at Kumuri Mountain. I saw both the Explorers and Rising Volt Tacklers battling one another, and I simply stepped in to stop the fight. I don't know who did what, but from what I've known from these two here," Ash pointed to Liko and Roy, "It wouldn't be in their character to harm a paradise for Pokemon."

The students seem to take Ash's words well and slowly back off, returning to the stands. While Liko and Roy look at Ash with confliction, wondering why he didn't just tell the truth.

"Well, sorry for that interruption, Roy." Ash tried to return to his more upbeat attitude. "Shall we battle?"

"Yeah, sure." Roy replied.

And so, Kilowattrel and Rowlet soared into the air, exchanging blows with force. Though the battle lacked the spark Ash was looking for. Still, he and Roy tried to have fun, Rowlet even tanks an Electro-Ball and throws Kilowattrel off course with a Seed Bomb. Surpring Roy that Rowlet had an Everstone in its system. Ash can tell Roy isn't battling with his heart, and he blames himself and his response to the public about the RVT for it. He knows Roy, he knwos ROy would've wanted him to do what Liko did. Ash can't bring himself to crack a smile when he thinks of a way to counter Kilowattrel. He doesn't feel anything when Rowlet eventually crashes to the ground and faints. A battle of nothing makes you feel nothing.

That night, Ash, Roy and Ann wait at the bustop for Liko, the boys not having spoken since the battle. "I just don't get it." Roy eventually found his voice. "Why did you lie? Why didn't you say that you were a Rising Volt Tackler?"

Ash sighed in guilt, "I know, I should've. But, there's something you should understand, you haven't been in the public spotlight as long as I have. And I've been in the good side. If I were to speak out against Spinel now, people would be split. They wouldn't know who to trust. And people could get angry with me, so angry that they hurt the people I care about, like my mom... I can't risk that happening. So I wanna get some hard evidence against Spinel so that way, the public won't be so divided."

Roy seemed to soften, remembering that despite how strong and expericenced Ash was, he was still a kid his age. "I get it, man." Roy said softly, "I'd hate it if strangers went after my grandpa just cause they were angry with me."

Ann gave the boys a concerned look, wondering if she should interject, thankfully, she spots Liko and Meowscarada skipping over. A perfect change of subject.

"Hey, guys! There's Liko!" Ann shouted, diverting the boys attention to Liko's new outfit.

"Liko! You look awesome!" Ash exclaimed, giving her a high-five.

"Thanks!" Liko giggled, "I wanna go with you guys, I wanna show the world the truth about the Explorers!"

"Awesome." Roy grinned, "Then let's get to work, I think Dot found another sign of Laquium."

Ash pops open Greninja's Poke Ball, "Okay, buddy. Lead the way!"

Greninja responds by picking up a signal and sprinting off into the distance. Ash, Liko and Roy following at equal speeds, while Ann waves them off and shouts a quick "Goodbye! Good luck, guys!"

Notes:

I know I said Team Rocket would return here, but I changed my mind as the scene with Spinel in the episode is really short. Don't worry! Team Rocket will return next chapter!

Chapter 93: Follow the Laquium Signs

Greninja and Dot, who communciates with the group through Roy's Rotom Phone. Leads the trio of trainers to a Johto Canyon.

"Alright, you two see if you can find any sign of Laquium from above." Roy said to Kilowattrel, who took Crocalor and took flight.

"Oh, I think I've got a Pokemon that could help!" Ash suddenly said, pulling out a Poke Ball. "Swellow! Help search the area!" And just like that the graceful Hoenn bird joined Kilowattrel and Crocalor.

"Woah, Ash, you've got a Swellow?" Roy looked on in amazement.

"It's so pretty..." Liko observed dreamily.

Ash chuckled, feeling a sense of nostalgia. "Yeah. My friends and I were fighting over who got the last chocolate bar, when a mighty little Tailow swooped in a stole it right before our eyes!" Ash sighed, "Feels just like yesterday..."

Suddenly, Greninja perks up. "You sense something, Greninja?" Dot asked, Greninja nods and sprints off into the distance. The three trainers quickly follow, coming across a portion of the canyon littered with giant holes.

The three trainers get on their knees and insepct the holes, finding pink mist within them. "Looks like a Laquium Sign." Dot mused through the call. The ground begins the shake, throwing the kids off balance. The kids scramble out of the hole and see a mighty Steelix bursting through a faraway hole.

The Steelix locks eyes with the kids before burrowing into another hole, "Well, retreating's out the window." Dot sighed, "Be careful, Steelix's got a high Defense. So you should create an opening for Kilowattrel and Crocalor."

Ash suddenly gets a battle plan going hin his head. "You're right Dot. But Crocalor isn't the only Pokemon with a type advantage."

Ash opens another Poke Ball, releasing Cetoddle. Which recognizes Liko and Roy and gives them adorable hugs.

"Hey Cetoddle!" Liko giggled as Cetoddle hopped on her head, "Good to see you again!"

"Good choice Ash." Dot observed, "But how is Cetoddle gonna get a hit? It's pretty small."

Ash simply smiled at the Rotom Phone containing Dot's image before looking up to the sky. "Hey Swellow! Mind giving Cetoddle a ride?" And just like that, Swellow quickly lands to pick up Cetoddle with her talons and takes flight once more.

Ash then pulls out two more Poke Balls, "And for ground control..." One Poke Ball pops open to reveal Lucario, as expected. Then, from the other, out comes Infernape, which Liko and Roy think is super cool.

"Woah! Isn't that the Infernape you said you had back at Kabu's gym?" Liko asked.

"Yep!" Ash said proudly, "A rival of mine didn't want his Chimchar anymore, so I took him in."

Liko and Roy send out Hattrem and Roy's own Lucario while the two Pikachus sit on the side since their Electric moves wouldn't be effective. Both Lucarios bring their paws to the ground, using their Auras in unison to direct the others two the next hole Steelix will pop out of.

Meowscarda, Greninja and Infernape bolt as soon as the Lucarios give the direction. Being to trap the Steelix as soon as it comes out of the ground. Allowing Swellow and Kilowattrel to swoop down so that Crocalor and Cetoddle can use Flamethower and Powder Snow. Steelix spots them and tries to prepare a counterattack. Hattrem steps in and stops it, but the struggle causes the three starter Pokemon to lose their grip and Steelix burrows away once more.

"Alright, now I've got an idea." Roy said, "Ash, let's use Kilowattrel and Swellow to lure Steelix back out."

Ash nodded, "Right!"

Kiloawattrel and Crocalor use Uproar and Disarming Voice on the very hole Steelix had burrowed into. Swellow and Cetoddle hit the hole with Air Slash and Ice Shard. The combined efforts force Steelix out of hiding. Crocalor and Cetoddle try to attack, only for all four Pokemon to be hit by a Smack Down from a nearby hole to the side. Causing them to crash down further into the canyon, as another Steelix exhaling pink dust reveals itself.

"There's another one?!" Liko gasped.

The four knocked Pokemon gets surronded by giant dirt walls. Preventing any escape. "Ah, crap! The other one knows Sand Tomb!" Roy exclaimed.

"Alright, Pikachu! Cap! Go save them!" Ash commanded, "Infernape, charge in! See if we can remove the Laquium."

Pikachu and Cap move in, dodging attacks from both Steelix. Though the Laquium-infected beasts are distracted by Infernape's Fire Punches. His adrenaline growing with each blow to the Steelix. The other Pokemon try to help out, but Infernape always finishes the attacks they try to pull off, almost as if Infernape was angry, hungry for more action, more fight.

Meowscarada traps a Steelix with her vine, letting Infernape unleash a powerful Flare Blitz. Though the Steelix is focused more on Meowscarada. The second Steelix catches Infernape off-guard and bats it down with its tail, leaving Meowscarada vunerable to an attack. Just as one Steelix unleashes a blow, a Sableye jumps inbetween them and saves Meowscarada.

"Need a little help?" A voice called out from the hole. Roy snapped towards the direction of the voice. Finding Uruto in a hole.

"Uruto?! What are you doing here?!"

"No time to explain! We gotta Mega evolve!"

Liko blinked, "Mega-what?"

Roy ignored her, nodding to Uruto, "Right. Ash, you in?"

Ash grinned, "You know I am."

The three kids tap their Key Stones. The two Lucarios and Sableye Mega Evolve, Greninja transforms into Ash-Greninja as an extent.

"Woah! What Greninja can Mega Evolve?!" Uruto gasped.

"Not exactly Mega Evoultion," Ash chuckled, "It's called the Battle Bond, but Greninja and I like to call it 'Ash-Greninja'"

Infernape suddenly lets out a loud cry. Eyes turning red, flame on its head growing in size, gaining heat to rival the sun. Ash simply gets excited while the others draw concern.

"Oh heck yeah!" Ash shouted, "Looks like Blaze kicked in!"

"THAT'S BLAZE?!" Liko asked.

"No, that's what's Blaze could be!" Roy said, more excited than Liko seemed to be.

The five powered-up Pokemon unleash a barrage of attacks on the two Steelix. Working together to combine moves on pure improvisation. Fire Punch combining with Steel Beam. Flash Cannon combining with Power Gem. Aura Sphere combining with Aura Sphere. Pikachu and Cap return with the four trapped Pokemon and Infernape, Crocalor and Cetoddle unleash a combination of Flamethrower, Powder Snow and Flare Blitz onto the Steelix's. The fire and snow creating a layer of steam that blinds the trainers.

When the steam clears, the trainers see the Steelix, but they aren't focused on the kids. Rather, their heads collide, again and again. Ignoring everything except themselves.

"They're attacking each other?" Ash observed, confused. "But why?"

Dot viewed the footage through the call, "It looks the Laquium's infected them to the point they can't tell friend from foe."

Liko gasped, "That's horrible!" Without thinking, the memories of Laqua ringing through her mind, she ran toward them. Meowscarada and Hatterem following. "Stop fighting, please!"

"Liko don't!" Ash yelled, but soon a burning pain feels like it's splitting his head in two. Deja vu comes to his mind, but why? He recalls a memory from long ago, clad in his Kanto clothing. An event he doesn't recognize. Some island, clones of Pokemon? Two powerful Pokemon were fighting, and he ran between them demanding they stop, just like Liko did. But, what Pokemon were fighting, he can almost make them out... Were they Mew and Mewtwo?!

A bright light suddenly snaps Ash out of his thoughts. Seeing a bright barrier surronding Liko as a Poke Ball floats out of her bag. Out pops Pagogo, who transforms into his Terstal Form and purify both Steelix. Hattrem uses the chance to heal the calmed Pokemon.

"PAGOGO!" Liko cried, picking up the little Pokemon as he shifted back to normal and embacing him tightly.

Liko walks back over to the group and all five powered-up Pokemon go back to normal. "Well, I think I should introduce you." Roy said, "Liko, this is Uruto. Uruto, this is Liko."

The kids shake hands, "Nice to mee you, Uruto, and thanks for saving Meowscarada." Liko said gratefully.

"No prob-AH!" Uruto suddenly yelled, looking down to find Sableye trying to nibble on Pagogo's body. Causing Uruto to scoop him up. "Sorry! Sableye likes crystals!"

Liko giggled, "It's okay!" She then turns to Ash and Roy. "You guys used Mega Evolution, right? What is that?"

"Oh, It's when a certain Pokemon is already evolved, but then the bond they have with there trainer is so strong that- BAM! Suddenly they evolve further! But not all Pokemon can do it." Ash explained proudly.

Roy's Rotom Phone flies to Liko, "Y'know that isn't the best explaination." Dot chuckled, "I've got a whole Nidothing video on it. You should watch that."

Uruto then stepped toward Ash and Roy, "But I'm not done with you two! You guys just left me in that forest!"

"Sorry about that!" Ash apologized, "Roy just told me and said he'd tell me why later!"

"Typical..." Uruto scoffed, making Roy come to a realization.

"Wait, have you been following us?"

Uruto seemed to get flustered, "No way! I was just traveling, searching for the Black Rayquaza, which WILL be mine! And then I noticed this canyon..."

Roy sighed, taking Liko's hand. "Alright, let's go."

"Wait, again?!" Ash asked in astonishment. "Isn't he gonna get more mad?"

"He'll get over it." Roy and Liko were already walking away, Roy's rotom phone fluttering after them. Forcing Ash to return his Pokemon and run after them.

"Hey wait up!"

Elsewhere, Jessie, James and Meowth sneak through an office. Hiding in cubicles whenever employees walked by. A tip from the boss said this was the base of the Explorers, and low and behold they spot Hamber speaking to Zirc in Onia in a locked conference room.

"Look, there they are!" Meowth whispered.

"But the door's locked," Jessie commented, before pulling out another a tiny microphone and matching headset "How are we gonna get in there without being seen?"

James thought for a moment before pulling out a Poke Ball. "An old friend of mine can sneak into that vent." James pointed to a vent above them before revealing his Chimecho.

"Hey," Jessie recognized the little Pokemon, "That Chimecho of yours is all better."

"Ha-ha! Glad to see ya back in action!" Meowth chuckled, only to be shushed.

A Poke Ball on Jessie's belt suddenly opens, revealing Wobuffet. "WOBBUFFET-"

Jessie clamped his mouth shut, "Quiet you!" She whispered harshly.

James gave Chimecho the microphone and it sneaks into the vent and hides behind a plant while the trio cram into wearing the headphones at once.

"According to Spinel's report," Hamber's voice cracked through, "Amethio had betrayed Gibeon and perished alongside him in Laqua. Though neither I nor his father believe that for a second. Which is why I wish to gift you two something."

Team Rocket watch as Hamber pulls out a strange object adorned with hexagons with a slot on top. "This is a Zygarde cube, allow me to demonstrate how it works." Hamber's voice cracked through the headset.

The trio watch as Hamber takes out his Zygarde Cell and placing it inside the slot. "And now the cell is contained," Hamber explained, "I'm giving you both an assignment. Find the rest of the White Zygarde Cells and find Amethio, before Spinel finds out what we're doing."

Zirc and Onia bow, "Yes sir."

Chimecho sneaks out of the vent as Zirc and Onia leave.

"A Zygarde cube?" James asked to no one, returning Chimecho. "He said it was used to house the Zygarde cells..."

"Makes me wonder why that Lysandre guy didn't have one." Meowth commented. "But whaddaya we do now?"

Jessie thought for a moment, "We're in the boss's good graces. We should tell him, ask him what we should do."

James and Meowth nodded, "Right."

Wobuffet whispered, "Wobuffet."

Chapter 94: Super-Stans?! A Nidothing Fan Battle!!

Ash, Liko and Roy walk through the pathways of Chaba Town. Ash loving the atmosphere, from the farmland containing working farmers to the smell of the tea leaves. Still, with everything going on, seems a bit odd to take a detour. Greninja long since return to his Poke Ball since there was no Laquium to be sensed.

"So, some random subscriber commented that they saw a Black Rayquaza here?" Ash turned to the Rotom Phone displaying Dot.

"Yep. a user named Nyabiko commented on a Nidothing stream, I agrred to have you guys meet up here." Dot replied.

"Alright. Seems like we're in luck today." Ash smiled, heart filling with hope.

The trio spot a girl clad in a Nidothing hoodie and followed my two Litten. Her eyes lighting up upon seeing Ash.

"Oh my gosh!" Nyabiko eargly shakes Ash's hand, "It's such an honor to meet you, Mr. World Monarch!"

"Good to meet ya too..." Ash replied out of breath, causing Nyabiko to let him go.

Liko and Roy then step up.

"Hi, I'm Liko."

"And I'm Roy!"

"Well, it's very nice to meet you two! I'm Nyabiko, and I'm a Litten superfan!" Nuyabiko was buzzing with excitement, "It's so cool to actually meet people who work with Nidothing, Especially SprigatitoLover herself! And who knew Nidothing works with the World Monarch!"

Ash chuckled, "Say, you told Nidothing you saw a Black Rayquaza, right? Can you show us where?"

"I'd actually like to speak to Nidthing herself if you don't mind." Nyabiko asked.

Ash seemed to stiffen, "Well, we don't think Nidothing is gonna show up..."

Nyabiko shattered, she immediately turned to leave. "Well, if that's the case. I'm sorry, but I'm unable to help you until I speak to my idol!"

Suddenly, Roy's Rotom Phone flies to Nyabiko's eye level. Showing none other than Nidothing. "Hey there! I heard you wanted to talk to me!"

Nyabiko lit up immediately, "Oh my gosh, Nidothing!"

Nidothing chcukled, "Yep, that's me! If you want wanna talk through this call, we can! But you gotta show my friends where you saw that Rayquaza!"

"Okay then!" Nyabiko cheered, "Come on guys!"

Nyabiko leads the trio to a large clearing. "Okay, I saw the Rayquaza around here, you guys can look around while I talk with Nidothing!"

Ash, Liko and Roy searched the area while Nyabiko chatted away with Nidothing. The trio find no trace of Rayquaza, annoying Roy as Nyabiko continues to talk with her idol.

"Yo!" Roy snapped, trying to remain civil, "Do you mind helping us out? You're the one who saw the Black Rayquaza."

Nyabiko looked up to Roy, "Oh, I'm sorry. I must've gotten carried away." She apologized, "Why do you even wanna find that Rayquaza anyway?"

"Well, I wanna catch it." Roy answered, "That's been my dream since I joined the Rising Volt Tacklers."

Nyabiko's eyes widened "The Rising Volt Tacklers?!"

"Yeah, that's our group." Liko answered hesitantly, "Is that a problem?"

"Of course it is!" Nyabiko snapped, "After Exceed's report? There's no way I'm helping you guys now!"

Nyabiko then pointed to Nidothing and Ash. "How could you two associate yourselves with that group after everything they did at Laqua?!"

Ash tried to defuse the situation "Hey, when I got to Laqua, both the Explorers and Rising Volt Tacklers were fighting. I don't know who did what. Right now I'm working with Liko and Roy to cure the world of the Laquium leaking. And from what I've seen, they've got good hearts."

"If that's so, then I'm sure you wouldn't mind a quick battle then." Nyabiko proposed. "If I win, then you stop associating yourselves with that evil group! And don't ever collab with Nidothing again! Know your place as Monarch and stay that way!"

Ash chuckled, a touch of cockiness in his voice "Woah, harsh. That how you're gonna talk to the strongest trainer in the world? Fine then, I'll battle you! I've been waiting to kick in the afterburners!"

Nyabiko pulls out a Poke Ball and releases an Incineroar. Giving Ash a sense of nostalgia. "Hey; you've got an Incineroar, cool!" Ash then gabbed a Poke Ball of his own. "How 'bout a mirror match?" Ash throws out the Poke Ball to reveal an Incineroar of his own.

"Ash, you've got an Incineroar?!" Liko gasped.

"That is SO cool!" Roy exclaimed.

Ash chuckled, "Yep, this guy right here is actually one of the Pokemon that helped me win the league!"

The two Incineroar both clash with Darkest Lariat, canceling each other out. Nyabiko's Incineroar jumps high to land a Double Kick, which Ash's Incineroar counters with Flame Charge. Which easily overpowers Double Kick and sends Nyabiko's Incineroar crashing to the ground. Nyabiko's Incineroar attemps to attack from afar with Flamethower, which Ash's Incineroar owerpowers with Fire Blast, dealing very little damage due to the shared Fire typing.

"Wow, no wonder Ash won the Alola League with that beast!" Roy commented in awe.

"Yeah, but you gotta admit Nyabiko's Incineroar is plenty strong too! I mean it's holding it's own!" Liko added on.

Ash himself was panting despite having breaths to spare. The sheer thrill of the battle sending adrenaline through his veins. All these battles recently bringing back the joy he once felt before everything that happened at Laqua, he's gotta finish this battle with a bang, and he knows just how to do it. Ash turns his hat around, reaches into his backpack and pulls out his Z Power Ring. He puts it on, then fetches his Firium Z and places it inside the ring. Nyabiko and her Incineroar immediately recognize Ash's plan.

"Woah! Woah!" Nyabiko stammered, "Is using a Z move really necessary?" She seemed to beg, her Incineroar seemed to panic as well. "We don't have anything nearly that strong!"

"Trust me, this'll be fun!" Ash exclaimed, his Incineorar getting fired up alongside its trainer, the Z crystal begining to glow. "INCINEROAR, USE INFERNO-"

"EVERYBODY RUN!"

Everyone turned to look and saw Uruto running out from a few nearby trees, behind him and Sableye, a swarm of Dodrio.

"Uruto?!" Roy exclaimed in shock, "What are you doing here?!"

"Well, I heard you guys were hunting the Black Rayquaza, so I followed you, and might have stepped into the home of some Dodrio.." Uruto admitted as a flock of Fearow flew into view, "I may have angered them too.."

"Ugh, not more of these guys!" Ash gritted his teeth, he loved all Pokemon, but he had a distaste for the Spearow line ever since his first days as a trainer.

"Arcues-dammit Uruto..." Roy facepalmed. "Okay then, let's just work together to battle them."

"Wait guys!" Liko intruded, "None of this is the Pokemon's fault, we should calm them down instead."

Ash nodded, "Yeah, and I think I've got just the two Pokemon for the job!" Ash pulled out two Poke Balls, releasing a Bayleef and Palpitoad.

Bayleef immediately cuddled Ash, making the Pallet Town boy chuckled, Liko goes over and pets the Pokemon, though Bayleef is distrustful at first, a look from Ash has Liko won over.

"Aw, she's so sweet!" Liko chuckled as Bayleef nuzzled her.

"And that little Palpitoad looks strong!" Roy remarked, causing Palpitoad to smile confidently.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Ash asked to the group, "Send out your other Pokemon and let's calm them down!"

Ash, Liko and Roy send out the rest of their Pokemon. Pagogo shifts to its Terastal Form and blocks the wild Pokémon attacks with Protect, Palpitoad stops their running with a Mud Shot on the ground, Cap and Meowscarada distract them with Double Team and Flower Trick respectively, Kilowattrel, Crocalor and Roy all start singing to calm the Pokémon and Bayleef uses Sweet Scent to soothe them. Hattrem then restores all of them to full health with Heal Pulse and the Fearow and Dodrio then leave the area in peace. All while Uruto and Nyabiko watched, Nyabiko seeing how passionate Liko and Roy acted...

"Well, now that's settled," Ash turned back to Nyabiko and the two Incineroar. "Shall we continue?"

"No need, actually." Nyabiko confessed. "After seeing you all help those Pokemon, I know you aren't bad people."

"Oh, sweet!" Roy pumped his fist, "Now can you show us where you saw the Black Rayquaza?"

Nyabiko seemed to stiffen again, "Actually..." She whsipered, almost embarrased, "I sorta just.... commented that on a whim. I never saw anything like a Black Rayquaza."

Every trainer dropped their jaws, except Uruto, who simply mutters "Waste of time..." And leaves with Sableye.

Nyabiko rushes to the Rotom Phone displaying Nidothing and drops to her knees. "I'm so sorry! I just wanted you to notice me! I even took inspiration for my username from Liko since I though you two were friends!"

"No worries! Water under the bridge!" Nidothing replies, "I get it, but don't you worry! None of my friends here get special treatment!"

Ash, Liko and Roy finally recover from the revelation. "Well..." Ash began, "Since there's nothing here for us now, wanna go search someplace else? Or maybe find a Pokemon Center to crash at?"

Roy thought for a moment, "I could go for a rest."

"Me too." Said Liko.

"Great, then let's head out!"

With that, the trio returned their Pokemon and walked off into the distance, Nyabiko and her three Pokemon waving goodbye.

Chapter 95: The Pokémon Center Lady

The trio chow down on a complementary dinner. The bustling sounds of the hotel barely registering to their ears. Until the voice of a frantic woman enters the room, speaking to a concierge.

"And what seems to be the problem, Madame?"

"It's my Pokemon! They started feeling sick out of nowhere when I was venturing through the forest! They seem fine now, but I feel I shoud get them checked out, do you have a Pokemon Center nearby?"

Roy perked up at the coverstation, "A forest that sickens Pokemon?"

"Seems like something we should check out." Liko replied.

"We'll head out as soon as I'm done!" Ash muttered as he gobbled away. Causing Liko and Roy to stare at him in deadpan.

Much later, the trio of trainers arrive at the forst long after the sun as set. Thye begin to do some navigation, whilst making a bit of small talk.

"So, what should we be on the lookout for anyway?" Ash asked.

"Not sure." Replied Roy, "From reports Dot found online, No dangerous or strong Pokémon apparently live in the forest, and no Pokémon were attacked, just that their energy was gone."

The three kids hear sounds nearby, Pokemon chittering and what seemed to be someone speaking.

"What if it wasn't a Pokemon, but a person who stole the Pokemon's energy?" Liko whispered, fear getting the best of her.

"Like the Explorers?" Asked Roy.

"Or Team Rocket!" Added Ash.

The three push through some bushes emerging on the other side to find a woman in a Pokemon Center uniform, treating a poisoned Furret with her Pokemon.

"MOLLIE?!"

The woman looked up, her face alone enough for them to recognize. "Ash, Liko, Roy!" Mollie cried, joy filling her veins at seeing the kids again. The four of them collaspe in a group hug, Chansey and Maushold joining in as well.

"Good to see you too, Chansey!" Liko said.

"Maushold!" Ash hugged the small family. "So this is where you guys ended up after we split up!"

"Are you here because of the incidents going on around here?" Roy asked.

"Yep." Mollie replied, "There's a strong poison prevalent in the area, which is pretty unusual."

"Alright, alright. We can figure it out later." Ash sat everyone down, "Right now, let's just catch up! What've you been up to, Mollie?"

"Nothing much." Mollie shrugged, "I've just been working at my family's Pokemon Center."

"That's pretty cool!" Ash replied, "I've just been traveling, searching for Friede."

"And then Ash joined Liko and I in restarting the Rising Volt Tacklers!" Roy added on.

Mollie's eyes widened, "You did what?!"

"Yeah, is that wrong?" Liko asked with concern.

"Yes! You three shouldn't be associating yourselves with that name!" Mollie snapped, "We disbanded for a reason."

Roy sighed, "Yeah, yeah, we know. Explorers, the public hates us."

Mollie seemd to soften, "Look, I'm glad you three still wanna travel together. I'm grateful for the memories we made, but you really shouldn't stick with that name, after everything Spinel said, you'd only get attacked by the public."

"But I'm happy to have that name!" Roy countered, "We couldn't lose it even if we wanted to."

"Yeah! And the public doesn't have to hate us!" Liko added, "We won over a Nidothing superfan just yesterday!"

Before Mollie could respond, Greninja suddenly pops out of his Poke Ball. "Woah, what's up bud?" Ash asked, worried about his Pokemon. "Do you sense Laquium?"

Greninja nods and sprints off deeper into the forest, the others quickly follow. They come across dozens of poisoned Pokemon lying on the ground. Mollie and her Pokemon instantly begin treating them, before hearing a low growl from the shadows. Out comes a Vileplume with a glare that coul rival a Gengar, exhaling pink smoke.

"So that's the cause of all the poisoning." Ash observed.

"And it's because of Laquium, of course." Roy muttered.

Greninja, Meowscarada and Crocalor stand tall, ready to fight, but they could not avoid the Vileplume's strong poison pollen. The three Pokemon unleash Water Shuriken, Magical Leaf and Flamethrower only to be entirely blocked, leading to the children recalling their partners to avoid them from getting hurt further from the poison. Ash and Roy sends out their Lucarios due to their Poison immunity. The two unleash a Bullet Punch and Metal Claw combination which only leads to an even larger outpouring of the poison pollen. Vileplume's Effect Spore kicks in, leaving both Aura Pokemon paralyzed. Liko sends out Hattrem, who hits Vileplume with a supereffective Confusion, but it retaliates with Giga Drain, regaining its lost health.

Ash looks down to his Key Stone, considering Mega Evolution, then a new idea comes to mind. "Hey Lucario! We're gonna try something different this time!" He yells, pulling his Tera Orb out of his backpack. The orb is tossed above Lucario, and soon a, axe appears on his Lucario's head.

"Alright!" Ash celebrated, "Lucario's only Steel type now!"

Ash's Lucario manages to defend Hattrem from another Giga Drain, and the poison pollen is cleared up by Maushold's Tidy Up, Kilowattrel's wings, and Cap's Volt Tackle.

Liko senses the chance they;ve got to win, and pulls out her own Tera Orb. "Alright, Hattrem, let's follow in Ash's footsteps!" Liko tosses the orb, Terastallizing Hattrem into a Tera-Psychic type.

Maushold uses Follow Me to distract Vileplume, so a high-powered Confusion from Hattrem can finally knock it down. Hattrem readies a final attack, but before she can, she stops.

"Wait, why isn't she attacking?" Roy asked.

Ash and Liko see the look in Hattrem's eyes, "She doesn't want to, Roy." Ash replied.

"She can sense Vileplume's emotions." Liko added. "She wants to help, and I wanna help her!"

Hattrem uses Heal Pulse on Vileplume, but is unable to calm it, and gets poisoned in the process. Chansey begins preofmring some sort of act, which Hattrem mimics.

"What move is that?" Liko asked, wtaching Hattrem float up into the air.

"That's Healing Wish." answered Mollie.

Hattrem unleash Healing Wish with full force, which finally succeeds to calm Vileplume down. Hattrem floats back down into Liko's arms and faints.

"You did it, Hattrem." Liko returned Hattrem to her Poke Ball, "You can rest now." Liko then releases Pagogo and he removes the Laquium.

Mollie inspects Vileplume, "It's perfectly fine, but low on energy due to the Laquium. We should get it to a Pokemon center right away."

The four work together to lift Vileplume to the Pokemon Center, Mollie takes the Pokemon behind closed doors, leaving the kids in the waiting room. While they wait, they once again overhear strangers.

"Did you hear about the Strong Sphere?"

"Yeah, and I'm super excited! I heard Coral and Sidian are gonna demonstrate how they work before they hit the market!"

"Strong Spheres?" Asked Roy. "And Coral and Sidian?"

"If they're involved, it can't be good." Ash muttered, not noticing the figure approaching them.

"I figured you say something like that, it's why I was looking for you once I heard about them. It's good to see you again."

Ash looked up at the man, recognizing him instantly, he may be older, he may be donning an orange shirt and brown pants, but it's still him.

"BROCK!" Ash yelled, hugging the former Gym Leader.

"You know a Gym Leader?!" Roy asked in astonishment.

Brock broke the hug, "He sure does, the first one he battled, in fact. I'm Brock, the former Pewter City Gym Leader."

Mollie came out into the waiting room, "Did I miss something?"

"Long story! Ash replied, "How's Vileplume?"

"Just a little rest and we can return it to the forest." Mollie reported.

"Well, now that's settled, do you maybe wanna join us? Restore our public image?" Roy offered.

Mollie shook her head, "I'd rather stay here for now, I can still learn a few things from here." Mollie smiled to an elder Nurse Joy, "If you ever get the whole crew back, give me a call."

The next day, the children return Vileplume back to its home in the forest, Brock tagging along as he wishes to show them something he found.

"It's just past this clearing." Brock guided as they group past through some bushes. "Here it is, I found it while I was camping out."

The three trainers look down the hilside and see a large gray building looming below them.

"It's some sort of... Facility?" Ash observed.

Roy's eyes widened, filling with recognition as he spots a familiar logo on the side of the bulding.

"It's Exceed."

Chapter 96: The Strong Sphere

The four trainers eat breakfast in the hotel lobby. Having returned from seeing the Exceed facility and wait for Dot's report. Roy's Rotom Phone hovers to their level, Dot's voice coming through.

"You were right, it is a new Exceed facility. And I think those talks about the Strong Sphere are connected to it. There's a demonstration of it today." Dot reported.

"Well, then maybe the Vileplume going beserk yesterday is connected too." Ash suggested "I mean, we found it in the same forest."

"We should investigate it right away." Brock concluded, "Who knows what's going on there."

Ash looked at his old friend "Hey, what made you so on-edge about the Explorers, I never told you about them."

"Something just seemed off about that Spinel guy's report." Brock explained, "It's not like you to openly side with someone, and let the enemy get away. You would've told Officer Jenny." Brock tried not to swoon, "But the fact you went radio slient for the past few months, that's went I knew something was up."

"While you guys do that, I'll gather some more info." Dot said before ending the call.

The squad arrives at the Test Center just as a bus drops off some trainers. Roy looks over the trainers, spotting a boy he's familiar with.

"Hey look." Roy pointed, "Uruto's here too."

"Who?" Brock asked.

"We don't know him that well," Ash explained, "Roy knows him, but I wouldn't say their friends."

A security guard spots them and rushes in their direction. "My goodness! The World Monarch himself and Pewter's former Gym Leader are here for the demonstration! And you've brought guests!" The guard began to push them. "C'mon now! You're missing the best parts!"

The trainers enter the facility and take a seat in the stands, seeing a familiar girl battle an Exceed employee. "Hey it's Dash!" Liko pointed out.

"She's a friend from our Tera-Training." Ash filled Brock in.

Roy watches as Dash pulls out a sphere object. "Guess that's the Strong Sphere."

Dash pops it open, swallowing her Swana in a pink mist. Yet Swana emerges with a brute force and wins the battle with ease. Though Ash, Liko and Roy have their concerns.

"That mist was pink."

"And Swana acted just like Vileplume and all the other beserk Pokemon we fought!"

"We should've known." Ash delcared, "The Strong Sphere has Laquium inside of it. Ash looked to Brock, "Laquium is a pink mist that makes Pokemon goes crazy and hurt themselves and other Pokemon and people."

"And now for the final event." A voice boomed from the speakers.

"Hey, isn't that Chalce?" Roy asked.

"Sounds like it." Liko agreed.

"She's, like, an admin-person for the Explorers." Ash explained to Brock.

"Boy, I've missed a lot." The former Gym Leader responded.

"And now, performing an exibition match for you all, give it up for Coral and Sidian." Chalce announced as a door opened and the two members announced walk onstage. The crowd eyrupts while the four trainers glare.

Down onstage, Sidian watches as Coral entertains the crowd. The brute then spots the four trainers, quickly pulling Coral aside, "Look, they're here."

Coral gasped, "What are they doing here?! I oughta give that Roy a beating!"

"Coral and Sidian will now pick two members from the audience for a double battle featuring the Strong Spheres." Chalce announced.

Chalce's voice came in through an earpiece on Sidian's ear. "Choose the Monarch and the Gym Leader."

"Yes Ma'am." Sidian responded.

"WHAT?! But I wanted revenge!" Coral complained before Sidian clamped her mouth shut, the crowd laughing at the banter.

"We choose to challenge World Monarch Ash Kecthum and Former Pewter City Gym Leader Brock!"

Ash and Brock stand up instantly, "We accept!" They shout in unison.

Roy looks to the two. "You sure guys?"

Ash smiled down at Roy, "Believe me, I wanted some payback, we'll be fine. Bonus if we beat them, no one will buy the Strong Spheres cause they'll think it's a scam!"

The two make their way down to the stage, an Exceed employee offers them Strong Spheres, which they decline. Much to the confusion of the crowd. The duo stand opposite Sidian and Coral, letting some banter out.

"Glad to see Laqua's savior has returned! Hope you wont mind getting beaten."

"The pleasure was mine, didn't want wild Pokemon to get hurt. Please, you're up against the strongest trainer in the world."

"Heard you're retired, if that's so, it's be an easy win!"

"I may have retired from Gym Leading, but I can still fight with my Pokemon!"

Coral and Sidian send out Glalie and Garganacl. While Brock sends out his Steelix, putting Liko and Roy in awe.

"Hey, lets hope this Steelix won't attack us this time." Roy joked.

Ash pulls out a Poke Ball and sends out an old friend from Hoenn: Sceptile, complete with a twing in his mouth.

"Woah, since when did Ash have a Sceptile." Liko observed.

"At this point, he's proably got even more powerful Pokemon than we can even think!" Roy replied.

Glalie starts off with Blizzard, which Sceptile counters with Leaf Storm. Glalie then releases a combination of Blizzard and Ice Spinner, which Sceptile and Steelix evade. Garganacl uses Salt Cure, but Steelix dodges by going undergound with Dig, then striking after. Deling massive damage thanks to the type advantage.

"Alright, if these guys wanna go all out with those Spheres, we should too!" Brock powers up his Key Stone, Mega-Eolving his Steelix.

Ash nods, rummaging through his backpack, Squishy secretly handing him a stone he tosses to Sceptile. The past few months he spent searching for Friede weren't for nothing, he found a few treasures, including various Mega Stones.

Ash taps his Key Stone, transforming Sceptile into his Mega Evolution. Causing the crowd to cheer since they all believed Lucario was Ash's only Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution.

"Wow! More Pokemon that can Mega Evolve!" Liko said in awe, though Roy noticed something in the section above. A group in the shadows. "Hey, Roy, is something wrong?" Liko asked in concern.

"I think we've got more trouble, C'mon." Roy and Liko walked up the stairs, going off into an under section undertneath the stands. Finding a group of four, donned the same "R" and a Meowth and Wobuffet.

"Team Rocket?!" Roy exclaimed.

"Ah! It's da new twerps!" Meowth shouted.

"You two are trying to steal Ash's Pikachu, aren't you?" Liko said in anger.

Jessie scoffed, "If you must know, we're looking for dirt on the Explorers after they trashed our name!"

"And we hope to snag a few of those Spheres!" Added James.

"We won't let you do that!" Roy releases Crocalor, "As much as I hate the Explorers, we can't have two evil teams running around."

Liko sends out Mewoscarada while Jessie and James send out Morpeko and Woobat. Morpeko goes hangry and uses Aura Wheel, allowing Crocalor to hold it in place until Woobat uses Gust to seperate them. Meowscarada uses her flower bud to trap Woobat. While Crocalor and Morpeko use Stomping Tantrum at the same time, canceling each other out.

Meanwhile, Sceptile and Steelix hold their own. Coral eventually snaps, "Alright, that's it! TIme to show you two true power!" She and Sidian unveil their Strong Spheres and unleash them on their Pokemon. Glalie and Garganacl go beserk, attacking again and again. Causing damage to their bodies as a result.

"Have you two gone mad?!" Brock yelled, "These Pokemon are suffering!"

Coral laughed, "No need to be a sore loser! Just admit you got rusty!" The audience laughting with her.

Glalie and Garganacl unleash another set of powerful moves, defeating Sceptile and Steelix. Before Ash and Brock can return them, Coral commands they still attack, and the Pokemon obey.

"What are they doing!!" Brock panicked, "Our Pokemon could-"

"Don't even think about it! They'll be fine!" Ash thrusted Pikachu and his backpack into Ash's arms. The boy sprints in between the groups of Pokemon. Demanding the Explorers stop, ignoring the long forgotten memories burning into his brain.

"Ash, NO!"

Too late, The Laquium-boosted moves hit Ash, sending him flying into the wall, unconscious. The crowd gasps, Team Rocket end their battle with Liko and Roy and they reenter the stands just in time to hear the crowd's boos.

"He's just a kid!"

"I thought this battle was for fun!"

"Too far guys!"

"Coral, I love you, but that's just cruel!"

Sidian himeslef turned to Coral, "Coral, you impulsive idiot. Spinel said he was our ally, now what's the public gonna think?!" He whispered harshly.

Brock rushes to Ash's side, checking his pulse, while two Zygarde cores peek their little heads out in concern without being seen. Pikachu's cheeks spark with an intensity rivaling the Laquium itself, a love for his trainer sparking into one desire: Revenge.

Pikachu hits Glalie right on the head with a Iron Tail. Dealing supereffective damage, then trapping Garganacl in an Electro-Web. Liko and Roy watch as Brock gives his all to wake Ash up while Pikachu fights the Explorers off. Liko turns to Jessie and James, remembering their time in the cave long ago. Clasping her hands to plead, "Please, you care somewhat about Ash, right?" Liko teared up, "We share a common enemy too! Can't we truce for now?"

Team Rocket seemed to soften just for a moment, before Meowth twisted to a harden glare, "Sorry, Twerpette, Boss's orders." Before unleashing a single Fury Swipe right onto her face. Knocking her down.

"LIKO!" Roy cried, Meowscarda catching her trainer before she fell, the trainer holding her face in pain. Roy held back his tears, his own anger taking over, "Cap, Volt Tackle, now." Cap obeys, hiting the squad and sending them flying out of the ceiling. Creating a giant hole.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"

"WOBBUFFET!"

Pikachu finds himself cornered as his body feels drained. The poor Pokemon used up all of his strength. He weakly looks to the two beserk Pokemon, bracing for impact, until a boy enters the stadium.

"STOP IT!"

Everyone looks to see Uruto had hopped the fence. "You fiends want a true battle, I'll give you one!" He pulls out a strong Sphere, Roy and Liko hop the fence as well.

"Uruto, no!" Roy cried, only for Uruto to smash the Sphere on the ground.

"So distasteful." Uruto muttered, angering Coral.

Glalie and Garganacl charge at Uruto, but his Sableye is able get some attacks in before Coral snaps and has Glalie use Self-Destruct. A wall is brought up by Chalce "The demonstration is now over, thank you for choosing Exceed, we hope to see you again."

The trainers huddle up, Roy cradling Pikachu and holding Liko's hand while Brock puts on Ash's backpack and picking up his old friend.

"We need to get to the Pokemon center, now!" Brock said, leading everyone away, while Coral and Sidian watch them go.

Ringing, that's all the World Monarch heard as he came to. Seeing himself laying in a bed in the Pokemon Center. He groans as he puts a hand to his forehead, causing those around him to perk up.

"ASH!"

Pikachu tackles him first. "I'm okay, buddy."

Brock, Liko and Roy hug him next. Ash notcing a few bandages on Liko's face. "Woah, what happened there?"

Liko gave a soft smile, "Just a little run-in with Team Rocket."

Ash glared, "Why, those little-"

"Ash, what you did was completely reckless, you could've got seriously hurt!" Brock scolded. "You're luckly Nurse Joy only said you got a few bruises."

"Looks like he's set an example for Uruto." Roy glared at the boy in question.

"Hey!"

Roy's Rotom Phone floats to everyone, Dot's face filling the screen, "Hey, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but people still want the Strong Sphere. Spinel already made a statement apologizing for what Coral did."

The trainers all groan, all that effort and pain for nothing. "We have to do something!" Liko declared.

"Like what? No one would believe us." Roy replied.

Brock began to pack his things, "Well I should be going then. I gotta make sure my parents nor any of my siblings buy that junk. I'll tell as many people it's dangerous, I'm surprised you haven't said anything Ash."

Ash seemed to stiffen, though Brock only shrugged. "But I'm sure you've got a plan, see you around?" Brock offered a fist bump which Ash returned.

"Of course, man."

They watch as Brock leaves the room, Uruto then turns to the trio of trainers, "Well, I just wanted to say... After everything that happened, I wanted to ask if I could join you guys?"

The three look at each other before nodding, though Roy seems a bit reluctant.

"Alright then."

"Fine by me!"

"Sure!"

Notes:

Okay, this took a ton of time. I had a ton of ideas so I'm sorry if anyone feels like parts of this chapter was rushed. I'm also sorry that I've been radio slient on my profile, I'm finishing my last year of High School and am probably gonna be busy for the next 2 weeks. But this fic should still be updating as usual. Thanks again for all the continued support and I'll see yall next week!

Chapter 97: Clash! The Dragon Rampage Gang

The four trainers emerge from the Pokemon Center the next morning, trying to figure out what to do next. Pagogo pops out of his Poke Ball and begins crawling slowly toward a nearby mountain. Liko snatches him up before he can wonder off, but soon Roy's Rotom Phone floats out of his pocket toward them, Dot's voice filling the area.

"That mountain leads into Blackthorn City." Dot revealed. "Maybe someone found something up there and posted about it."

As Dot researches, Ash feels old memories of Blackthorn coming back to him, "Hey, that's where Clair lives! I actually earned my final Johto badge from her a while back!"

"No way! That's awesome!" Roy beamed, though Uruto had his own questions.

"Wait, isn't Clair the cousin of Lance, as in the Kanto and Johto champions?"

"She sure is!" Ash chuckled, "Lance and I go way back!"

The other three trainers stare at Ash in admiration, of course the World Monarch had so many connections. Before anyone could get a word in, Dot comes back with her info.

"You guys won't believe this, but I just saw a post from a year ago that said they saw a black Rayquaza near a mountain! The date even lines up! It's not too long after what happened at Laqua!"

The trainers gasp, this could be their chance to find the only piece of Lucius left. Uruto's system fills with excitement at the idea of capturing such a strong and powerful Pokemon. "Well, what are we waiting for?!" Roy asked, "Let's get going!" With that, he runs off, the others picking up the pace to catch up.

The trainers run and run up the mountina using all the strength in their legs. The mountain is higher than they thought, however, by nightfall they've only treked halfway up. So they rest near a stream and set up camp. Though Uruto is left confused as to why their stopping.

"C'mon! There's so much more we have to climb! A powerful Pokemon like Rayqauza waits for no one!"

"We've been sprinting all day Uruto," Ash said gently, chuckling to himself, "And Liko and I still have healing injuries, plus we need our sleep."

"Sure," Uruto scoffed, usinging his fingers to make quotes, "Sleep, you sure you aren't gonna ditch me once I shut my eyes?"

Ash rubbed thr back of his head in guilt, "Oh, right, Roy and I did do that, sorry."

Uruto just huffs, "Well, I won't fooled again! I'm going off on my own!"

"You just said you wanted to join us!" Roy yelled in exasperation. Uruto simply glares and stomps off with Sableye, the trio of trainers watches as the hot-head walks in circles, always returning to the campsite.

"Alright, buddy, you've had your little tantrum, now can you help us prepare dinner?" Roy said smoothly, almost smug.

Uruto huffs in defeat and walks over to the fireplace to assist Liko in making dinner: pancakes. Liko and Uruto work in an awkward silence, much to Liko's concern. "So, Uruto, why do you wanna catch the Black Rayquaza?" She asked, hoping for conversation.

"I wanna be the strongest trainer there is, and I'll do that by capturing every strong Pokemon there is, then defeating Mr. Ketchum himself." With that, he and Sableye climb onto a tree, looking away from everyone.

"Leave him." Roy said before Liko could even get a word out asking Uruto to come down. "He'll come down when he's ready."

Liko watches as Uruto stays in the tree, not coming down once. Not when the pancakes are done, despite his grumbling stomach. Not even when Sableye leaves him to feast with the other Pokemon. She's not the only one, Ash sneaks a glance to both boys, sensing tension ever since he first met up with them.

Ash and Liko wake up the next morning to see Roy and Uruto in another shouting match, which Ash quickly steps between them. "Woah, woah, woah! What's going on?"

"Uruto here ate all the leftover pancakes we were saving for breakfast!" Roy snapped.

"I was hungry!" Uruto bit back.

"Then you should've came down to eat last night!" Roy yelled.

"Guys, enough!" Liko yelled, wishing for peace, "It's okay! We can just pick some berries on the way up!"

The arguing boys huff and look away from each other. "That's a good idea Liko," Ash smiled, trying to ease the situation.

The group continue up the mountain, the tense so thick it can be cut with a knife. Until they find themselves surronded by three masked figures riding on Cyclizar.

"Halt!" The leader shouted, "You are in the territory of the Dragon Rampage Gang. Leave immediately!"

Ash recognized the outfits of the gang, how similar they were in design to the dragon-master champion. "Lance, is that you? You too, Clair? Who's the third guy?"

"We simply admire Sir Lance's skill and title, Mr. World Monarch." Another member said, "Now, we don't want no trouble, y'all are with the World Monarch, so we'll let you off with a warning if ya leave now."

"Can you at least help us find the Black Rayquaza?" Roy asked, causing the gang to recoil in shock. "It's okay though! Rayquaza and I are friends! We traveled to Laqua together!"

"You expect us to believe that?" The third member snapped, "Alright, we tried going easy since you've got the Monarch. But looks like we'll have to send y'all back to the Pokemon Center!"

The three Cyclizar begin to attack, causing the boys to send out Cetoddle, Sableye and the Yellow Lucario. The six Pokemon clash with moves and counters. Not long into the battle, a collision of Dragon Pulse and Power Gem causes a whirlwind, which blows off the Gang's masks. The trainers look to them once the wind settles to see three women. Causing Uruto to whimper.

"You okay, Uruto?" Liko asked, though that make Uruto's fear woresn.

"T-T-They're all girls!"

"You're afriad of girls? So that's why you didn't talk to Liko." Ash observed, "But why would you be afriad of girls?"

Roy deadpaned, "Even after a year you're still dense as ever."

"Oh, screw you, Roy." Ash rolled his eyes.

The gang leader, on the other hand, is angered by this loss of respect, "Alright, that's it! All three of you use Dragon Rush on that Sableye!"

The three Cyclizar fire off the move, Sableye dodges the first hit, but is knocked to the ground by the other two. The gang then put their masks back on and ride off. Though Pagogo pops out of his Poke Ball, nudging his little head towards the very path the gang had drove off on.

"You want us to keep going, Pagogo?" Liko asked.

The little Pokemon nodded, "Well, I doubt that Dragon Rampage Gang could cause any real trouble for us. Let's head up until Pagogo tells us to stop." Ash said.

The trainers continue treking the moutain, finding a hot air balloon with the face of a Meowth, a balloon Ash recognizes. "Oh, great." He mutters. The kids hide in some bushes, soon the familiar squad come to the balloon, laughing all the way.

"Can't believe we found all these Dratini eggs!"

"I know! They must be super rare!"

"Of course you know about rarity, James."

"Would ya two quit your whining? We've got presents for da boss!"

Ash is about to step in, but Uruto beats him to it. The hot-headed boy jumps out of the bush. "Hey!" He yells, "You can't just steal those innocent eggs!"

"Well, someone doesn't get the idea of who we are." Jessie scoffed, "Prepare for trouble-"

"Oh, I know who you are. You battled against Liko and Roy last night."

Jessie growled, "Why does every twerp have to ruin our motto nowadays?!"

The other three trainers reveal themselves, "Alright, more twerps. Let's just get this over with." James said defeatedly.

The duo send out Carnivine and Chewtle. "Woah, you grabbed that Chewtle out of the Prize Master, Jess?" Meowth asked upon seeing the small turtle Pokemon.

Jessie scoffed, "Well, I remembered I had a perfectly good Pokemon sitting away in the Prize Master, wasting its life away, I simply blessed him with my training." Then she whispered, "Besides, I may have missed it."

Ash chuckled, "Yeah, and I kinda miss that prize master. Made you guys unpredictable, almost competent."

"OH, THAT'S IT!" Jessie yelled, though before she can order an attack, both Pokemon bite their respective trainer, making the kids laugh.

Ash steps forward, but is stopped by Uruto. "No, I can handle them alone, World Monarch."

Sableye takes on both Pokemon, but is immediately trapped by Carnivine's Vine Whip. Causing Team Rocket to laugh at Uruto's expense. Though the tall Pokemon is hit by a Draco Meteor, forcing it back towards Team Rocket. Sableye looks to his side and sees a Gible standing there, belonging to Ash.

"You, saved me?" Uruto looked to the Monarch.

"Of course I did, we're a team."

"Uruto, if you wanna grow stronger we gotta work together!" Liko piped up, "Let Ash help you."

Uruto looks to the three, and nods. Sableye and Gible clash against Cewtle and Carnivine. Meowscarada uses her vine to hold Wobuffet still to prevent using Counter. While Crocalor keeps Meowth busy, Gible is struck by Carnvine repeatedly, the small Pokemon seeming like an easy taregt. Gible uses Dig to fight back and then Sableye uses Shadow Sneak on Chewtle, knocking it back, Carnivine traps Sableye in Vine Whip again, holding it in place with Bind. Gible uses Draco Meteor to save Sableye, only for Carinvine to coutner with multiple Energy Balls. Gible pushes himself, increasing the power and speed of the move. Gible suddenly glows a sparking light and grows taller, gaining longer arms donning claws and blades.

"Woah, who's that Pokemon?" Roy scanned the Pokemon with his Rotom Phone.

"Gabite, the Cave Pokémon and the evolved form of Gible. A Ground and Dragon type. It habitually digs up and hoards gems in its nest. Its loot is constantly targeted by thieves."

Gabite uses it's new strength to blast a powerful Dragon Pulse at all the Rocket-Pokemon, grouping them together. Giving Pikachu and Cap the opening to blast them off using Thunderbolt and Volt Tackle.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"

"WOBBUFFET!"

Ash brings his Gabite into a tight embrace. "Congrats on evolving, Gabite!" Gabite responds by biting down on its trainer, hard. "Guess you're really living up to your name." Ash joked through the pain, only for it to be worsened when Cetoddle pops out and bites down too, making his friends laugh.

The trainers see another glow, this one much brighter. Witnessing the many eggs Team Rocket stole hatch before their eyes, newborn Dratini emerge and hop off into the wilderness. The trains soak in such a beautiful moment, when clapping is heard behind them, they turn around to find the Dragon Rampage Gang, though they no longer seem hostile.

"I must say, you've earned my respect." The leader praised, "Saving all those innocent eggs."

"Does this mean you'll help us?" Liko asked, "Tell us what you know about the Black Rayquaza?"

The ladies hop on their Cyclizar "Even better," The leader offered, "We can take you to it."

The kids excitedly get on a Cyclizar, though since there are only three, Roy and Uruto need to share one with a gang member, which was a cramped experience. The Cyclizar park in a cavern beneath the moutain, the gang lead the kids through a clearing where the Black Rayquaza slumbers. Pagogo pops oit of his Poke Ball again, letting out a cray that opens Rayquaza's eyes.

The leader gasped, "Rayquaza hasn't awoken in ages!"

"What even is this place?" Roy asked.

"It's a shrine," answered one of the members, "A place where Dragon-type Pokemon can regain their energy, Rayquaza's been resting ehre for about a year now."

"We knew we needed to protect Rayquaza from any trainer that may wanna capture it." Another member added in, " So we spread rumours, nasty ones, hoping we'd drive trainers away from the mountain."

Uruto takes one good look at the Pokemon and scoffs, "Not strong enough. If I'm going to complete my goal, Rayquaza needs to regain its strength first."

Uruto walks out of the cavern. Roy pets Rayquaza on the head, "Rest up, Rayquaza, we'll meet again once you can fly again." Roy runs after Uruto, as does Ash and Liko, wishing the Dragon Rampage Gang well on their mission.

"So, Rayquza's just been resting in a cave under that moutain?" Dot asked for clarification through the screen.

"Yep." Roy answered, 'So, what do we do now?"

"We could meet up." Dot shurgged, "Uncle Murdock and I have been living in Cortondo since he started working with Katy."

"Sounds like a plan then!" Liko replied, Dot nodded and ended the call.

Ash popped open a Poke Ball and released his Pidgeot, "So? Shall we fly?" Though Roy and Uruto weren't happy.

"You, had a flying Pokemon, this WHOLE TIME?!" Uruto shouted.

"Yeah? Is something wrong?"

"So, you could've rode Pidgeot to the cave, and then me and Uruto wouldn't have to be squished on that Cyclizar?!" Roy added.

Ash rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, yeah, I forgot, sorry."

Roy groaned into his hands, "You're just like Friede..." Though he immediately regretted saying those words as soon as they left his mouth.

Ash's eyes widened, a vunerably no one had evern seen before, Liko looked like she was going to cry. Uruto look at the three in confusion, "Sorry, that was too far." Roy said quietly.

"It's fine." Ash replied quickly, putting on a brave face as they all gathered atop Pidgeot's back. "C'mon! Let's ride!"

With that, Pidgeot soared off into the sky.

Chapter 98: The Mischievous Stunfisk's Great Smile?

The sounds of buzzing tools ring overhead as Clemont screws in a bolt on Clem-Bot's arm. "There you go, all fixed up!" Clemont said proudly.

"Thank you, Clemont." Clem-Bot said as he walked off.

The Gym Leader hears a loud groan, turning to see his little sister sitting on a nearby bench. "Finally! That took so long!" Bonnie whined.

Clemont chuckled, "Well, when you're finally brave enough to go on your own journey, then you can make the rules."

Bonnie groaned as Clemont's Rotom Phone raised to Clemont's eye level.

"You have a call from: Iono"

Clemont raised an eyebrow, "The Gym Leader in Paldea? What could she need?"

Clemont answered the call, Bonnie hiding away acting as if Clemont couldn't see her. "Yo yo! What is up Electric Gym Leader of Kalos!"

"Hello Iono," Clemont said shakily, off-put by Iono's upbeat tone. "How can I help you?"

"So, I got this huge drama going on in Levincia, a random force is hitting people and Pokemon and making them super angry! Check out this clip."

Clemont watched as Iono inserted a video into the call, seeing people walking down a Levincia street with their Pokemon, when a sudden shadow strikes them, leaving behind a faint pink mist and hurting the attacked Pokemon, badly, like they faint on the spot badly.

"Woah, that is peculiar." Clemont commented.

"Right?" Iono replied, "And my friend Dot noticed something." The video rewinds to the figure attacking and zooms in. Revealing the attacker to be a Stunfisk.

"So, why do you need my help?"

"Well, Dot says Stunfisk is probably under total Laquium control! And from what Dot tells me, these Explorer guys seem just as bad as those Team Flare guys!"

Clemont's eyes widened, "Just as bad as Team Flare?!"

"Duh! Which is why i wanna get a hero who svaed Kalos from them to help out! And who better than a fellow Electric lover!"

Clemont regained his composure. "So, then, I guess I'll be seeing you two at Levincia?"

"Oh..." Iono winced, "I can't be there, the schedule of Iono is always a packed one. So you and Dot get to tag team!" With that, she ended the call.

Clemon turned back, coming face to face with his sister, who was attempting to perfect her baby doll eyes.

"You wanna come, dont you?"

"Please..." Bonnie scooted up to her brother.

Clemont chuckled, "Alright, alright. But we better leave now, we got a long flight ahead of us."

The sibling duo were walking the Levincia streets a few hours later, finding a girl with purple hair alongside a Quaxwell who notices them.

"You Clemont?"

Yes." Clemont nodded, "And this is my little sister, Bonnie. Are you Dot?"

"Yep, nice to meet you." The two shook hands, lowering to their knees when Bonnie complained about being excluded.

"So, what's the plan?" Clemont asked.

"We're gonna wait around for someone to get hit and-" Dot began to explain, only for a figure to hit Quaxwell hard and dart off into a nearby alleyway.

"THERE IT WAS! GO! GO! GO!" Dot commanded, dashing into the alleyway herself, the others following close behind.

The group come to a quick halt, finding the Stunfisk they've seen go to... A bigger Stunfisk? Though they spot a human head, so a big Stunfisk costume, the trainer holds his phone with a childish excitement.

"Stunfisk, that shot was amazing, we're sure to go viral now!"

"You!" Dot growled, "You've been hurting all these people and Pokemon, for VIEWS?!"

"Yeah, what about it?" The trainer shrugged, "If you wanna be as famous as Iono, you gotta be willing to do anything. They're just jokes anyway."

"Those didn't seem like jokes." Clemont rebuttaled, "Everyone I saw was seriously hurt!"

"Who are you anyway?" Bonnie asked.

"I'm Magyorō!" Magyorō declared, eyes set on Dot, "And aren't you the girl who battled Iono? You've got some connection, right? I wanna battle!"

Dot sighed, "If it'll make you stop, then fine." And Quaxwell stepped forward.

"Wow, you're just asking me to win." Magyorō taunted, "Stunfisk, get in there!"

Stunfisk immediately dashes in, firing off an attack, only for Quaxwell to dodge and send out an Aqua Cutter to sent it flying back. Quaxwell fires off a second Aqua Cutter, hitting Stunfisk hard, causing tears to come to the eyes of the flat Pokemon.

"Oh no, hold on buddy!" Magyorō pulled out a Strong Sphere, "Let's get stronger!"

"Oh no.." Dot whispered in horror.

"What is that thing?" Clemont asked, he had to admit, he was interested.

"It's a Strong Sphere." Dot explained, as the sphere opened and covered Stunfisk in a pink mist, tears of sorrow turned to tears of rage.

"That mist, is that?" Clemont asked, recognizing the very color.

"Iono showed you the video, huh?" Dot asked and Clemont nodded, "Yep, it's Laquium."

Stunfisk releases a strange Electro-web colored pink, hitting Quaxwell directly and sending him crashing to the ground and back into Dot's Poke Ball.

"Better help out." Clemont muttered as he sends out Diggersby. Only for another pink colored Electro-web to strike him too, cuasing pain to the Pokemon, much to Clemont's surprise.

"That's impossible! Groud typers should be immune to ELectric type attacks!" Clemont cried, his mind scrambling for an explaination he couldn't find.

"It must've been the Laquium..." Dot deduced.

"Hey! Stay out of this, tourist!" Magyorō shouted, "This is our fight!"

"He's right, Clemont." Dot turned to the Kalos Gym Leader, "I can handle this."

Clemont nodded and recalled Diggersby as Dot sent out Tinkatuff. The Hammer Pokémon wishes to avenge the Pokemon she views as an older brother. Yet Stunfisk has the advatage in speed, hitting her many times before Tinkatuff can land a single hit. Yet she keeps persisting, until another pink Electro-web is created by Stunfisk, but Tinkatuff defects it with Brutal Swing, hitting Stunfisk hard as a result.

Dot and Tinkatuff share a look, coming to a mutual understanding. Dot pulls out her Tera Orb and Terastallizes Tinkatuff into a pure Steel type. Tinkatuff strikes Stunfisk with her hammer, leaving behind three slash marks.

"Woah, did Tinkatuff just learn a new move?" Dot thought out loud.

"That looks like Metal Claw!" Clemont deduced.

Stunfisk isn't one to give up, especially not with the Laquium boost, the flat Pokemon strikes again and again, looking worse for wear each time, yet it pushes through the pain. Though every trainer can see the stress and pain on the Pokemon's face, even Magyorō, who doesn't seem to eager to win now. Tinkatuff jumps up and strikes one last Metal Claw, sending Stunfisk flying into its trainer's arms, fainted.

"Y'know that battle was pretty rad, would've gone totally viral if you guys were recording!"

The trainers look to see Dot's Rotom Phone floating, the screen showing Iono's face. "Y'know you've totally got what it takes to make it out there on the web! Just, maybe don't be hurting people for clout, kay? That'll just make everyone mad at ya. Y'know, as long as you don't use that Strong Sphere, I'll let you do one last epic prank on me, how's that sound?"

Magyorō and Stunfisk brightened up "You got a deal!" The trainer smashes his Strong Sphere on the ground and runs off.

Iono ends the call, only for Dot's phone to begin ringing once more.

"You have a call from: Ash."

Clemont and Bonnie's eyes widened, "Is that who I think it is?"

Dot answered, "Hey Ash, how's it going?"

"Pretty good!" Ash answered, "Pidgeot's almost at Cortondo. You waiting for us there?"

"I'm at Levincia right now, but I'll start heading over, should be there around the same time you are." Dot explained.

"Alright, sounds good!" Ash hung up.

"Was that, Ash, as in, Ash Ketchum?" Bonnie asked.

"Yeah," Dot said nonchalantly, "You know him? Another person he traveled with?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Clemont asked.

"You guys weren't the first I've seen." Dot answered, remembering friends of the Monarch she'd met, "You guys wanna come with?"

"Of course we do!" Bonnie jumped up and down.

Dot chuckled, "Alright, well I'll call for a Flying Taxi, C'mon." Dot walked out of the alleyway, the siblings following behind her.

Chapter 99: Reunion in Cortondo!

The flying taxi lands in Corotndo, though Dot has no time to take in the sight before she hears the sound of thundering footsteps. She turns to see Murdock rushing toward her, though Clemont and Bonnie are freaked out.

"Who the heck is that?!" Clemont asked.

Dot sighed, "That's my uncle." she muttered before being tackled down in a hug.

"Oh Dot! I was so worried!"

Dot struggled to break free, "Yeah, yeah, old man, this is totes embarrasing, so can you get off me?"

Katy arrived soon after, "Now, now, Murdock, shouldn't we give your niece a chance to breathe?"

Murdock eventually stood up, "Right, sorry about that, Dot."

As Murdock helped Dot up, Katy shifts her focus on Clemont, "Well now, It's not everyday a Gym Leader from the Kalos region. Let alone one who played a kay role in saving all of Kalos." Katy offered her hand, "A pleasure to finally meet you, Clemont."

Clemont shook her hand, "The pleasure is all mine, Katy." He had heard about her among other Gym Leaders from various regions, but he never had been able to meet them in person.

"Wow, she's so pretty!" Bonnie exclaimed. Kneeling before the Gym leader, "Please take care of my brother!"

"BONNIE!" Clemont blushed, Aipom Arm pulling her back, "Even after a whole year, you're still doing this?!" All while Bonnie giggled.

Just then, the group sees a figure in the sky: a Pidgeot, and she lands as four trainers step onto the grounds of Cortondo: Ash, Liko, Roy and Uruto. Ash takes on look at the group and his eyes fill with shock.

"Clemont? Bonnie?"

"ASH!"

The three Kalos friends tackle each other in a group hug, while Liko and Roy eagerly run up to Murdock. As everyone catches up on their adventures, they hear loud slow footsteps, causing everyone to perk up as a chubby Midday-Form Lycanroc sprints with all its speed towards them.

"Murock, is that your Rockruff?" Roy asked.

Murdock rubbed the back of his head in embarrasment. "Yeah... Rockruff was my taste tester, and one day he evolved into Lycanroc. Though as you can see he's..."

"So cute!" Liko interrupted, going over to give the Lycanroc a bunch of belly-rubs. "He's so squishy now!"

Bonnie seems to flinch at the name, as a Poke Ball on Ash's belt pops open, revealing his own Dusk-Form Lycanroc.

"Oh my." commented Murdock, "Is this the very form of Lycanroc Friede was raving about?"

"Yep!" Ash chuckled, "Meet the very Pokemon that won me the Alola League!"

The two Lycanroc eye each other before getting a sniff at the other. Before the two smile and begin playing around. Much to everyone's adoration. The Lycanroc weren't the only ones moving, as Ash felt two small bodies squirming around in his backpack, one more than the other, though Ash already figured this would happen from the moment he uttered Bonnie's name.

"Shh," Ash whispered to the backpack when no one was looking. "I have a plan, but you need to stay hidden for a little while for me to do it, okay?"

With that, the backpack stood still.

"Well, now that everyone's settled, why don't I whip up a meal for you all? You must be hungry after such a long jounery." Katy offered.

"DEAL!" Said the young trainers.

As night falls, everyone gathers around tables near the Cortondo Gym. Eating away with quickness that could put a blue hedgehog to shame. Both people and Pokemon chow down with gusto.

"So, what excatly have you four been up to?" Murdock asked, expecting something simple, just kids being kids.

"Oh, we're traveling the world finding Pokemon infected by Laquium!" Said Roy.

"And we're gonna take down the Explorers!" Uruto added.

"And Team Rocket!" Ash added.

Liko then concluded, "And we'll bring back the Rising Volt Tacklers!"

"WHAT?!" Murdock spat out his meal.

"Woah, that's so cool!" Bonnie exclaimed.

"No it is not!" Murdock quickly interrupted, "Kiddos, after everything Spinel did. Trying to interfere while the public likes them is super dangerous!"

"Don't I know it..." Ash muttered, though only he heard himself.

"Murdock, I get it, Mollie told us the same thing." Liko countered, "But we're not the same trainers from a year ago, we can beat them!"

"Plus, we got the World Monarch." Uruto added rather bluntly, avoid eye contact with any of the girls, even Bonnie.

"If I may," Katy interrupted, "Perhaps the trainers can demonstrate how much they;ve improved, why not Liko and I have a rematch?"

"Sounds good to me." Murdock nodded.

"Let's do it!" Liko said.

"On one condition," Katy continued, "I get to choose what Pokemon I go up against, and I chose that one!" Katy pointed at none other that... Pagogo.

"WHAT?!"

"I insist." Katy doubled down.

"Alright, I accept." Liko said with a sigh, knowng Katy meant well and it'll all be worth it in the end.

Liko and Katy take the battlefield, Pagogo shifting into his Terastal Form. Katy pops open a Poke Ball to reveal an Ursaring, which Liko recognizes.

"Woah, is that Teddy?" Liko asked, remembering the little Teddiursa she battled for her Tera Test.

"Yup," Katy giggled, "Now, Teddy, let's begin with High Horsepower!"

"Block it with Protect Pagogo!"

Pagogo creates a shield to block the High Horsepower. "Now use Ancient Power!" Liko yelled. Pagogo sends a fury of small rocks Teddy's way.

"Not if I can help it! Teddy, use Hammer Arm!" Katy called out.

Teddy smacks every rock away with his powered-up arm. "Now use Fury Cutter!" Teddy slash Pagogo with green-glowing claws. Sending Pagogo flying to Liko's side, but he stands back up.

Ash watches from the stands, getting invested in the battle by the minute. Though he's brought out of the battle once the wriggling in his backpack returns. "Alright, don't think Squishy can wait any longer." He thought.

Ash tapped Bonnie on the shoulder, "Hey Bonnie? Can we talk somewhere?"

"Aw, but the battle's getting good!" Bonnie whined.

"It'll be quick, don't worry!" Ash reassured her, "I wanna see how the battle ends too!"

The two sneak off into a nearby clearing between some bushes. "I think I've got a few friends of yours." Ash said, unzipping his backpack. Bonnie's face lights up almost instantly as two familiar faces pop out of the bag.

"SQUISHY!" Bonnie yelled, the Zygarde Core tackling itself into her arms, "I missed you so much!" Dedenne also pops out of Bonnie bag for a quick hug.

"Why, I've missed you too!" Squishy said telepathically.

"So, shall I just be the odd one out then?" Z2 remarked.

Bonnie simply responded by opening her arms again, allowing Z2 to fall into her embrace. "But, I don't get it. Weren't you two helping Greninja destroy all the vines?"

"That's all done now,"Squishy explained, "We've been staying with Ash ever since what happened at Laqua."

Bonnie's eyes widened in realization, "You mean the stuff that mean Spinel guy said? You were there?"

"Yep, that's why people don't really like Zygarde now, especially with Spinel talking about the duel between these guys and the White Zygarde." Ash explained.

Bonnie perked up in confusion, "A white Zygarde?"

"Long story," Ash answered, "Listen, I need you to do me a favor, since I'm World Monarch, I;ve got a huge target on my back thanks to all this Explorer drama." Ash sighed, "So I need you to hold onto these two for me, I think you're more fit to be their trainer than I am." Ash chuckled.

Bonnie nodded, "I promise I'll take good care of them!"

"Good," Ash smiled, "Now let's hurry, maybe we can catch the very end of the battle!"

The two hurry back as Bonnie places the Zygarde cores in her bag next to Dedenne. They return to the stands to see Teddy terastallized into a Bug type and Pagogo unleashing another Ancient Power to leave Teddy vunerable to a Tera Starstorm, hitting Teddy directly and forcing him to the ground, defeated.

The other surrond Liko and Pagogo, words of congratulations are repeated. "Now that's what I expected from a Rising Volt Tackler!" Murdock laughed, "You've convinced me!"

"Well, now that we got Murdock back on our side, I think it's time for the RVT to have an actual reunion." Ash purposed his idea, "Which means, we need the Brave Olivine!"

Murdock seemed to deflated, "About that..." He began, "Orla dismantled the ship after he parted ways. Said it brought back too many memories."

Liko and Dot seemed to deflate as well, though Roy perked up, "Well, didn't Friede ask her to make the Brave Olivine from scratch?"

Murdock nodded, "So then, can't we just ask her to make another?" Roy concluded.

"Hey, that's not a bad idea, I mean, we already convinced Mollie and Murdock." Ash recounted, "So we can convince her too!"

"Let's do it!" Liko exclaimed.

"But, where did Orla even go?" Dot asked.

"Last I heard she's in Galar." Murdock explained, "That'd be your best bet."

Ash turned to Clemont and Bonnie. A Flying Taxi having landed near them. "You guys are leaving already? You sure you don't wanna tag along? Orla could use some help, and no one makes greater gadgets like you Clemont!"

"Even if they're prone to exploding?" Bonnie jabbed, causing Liko, Roy and Dot to burst out laughing, remembering when Ash brought Clemont up back in Kitakami.

"Actually," Clemont interjected, glaring at Bonnie, "I think we should head back to Lumiose. Spread the word about the Strong Spheres, who better to do that than the person who invents things, right?"

Ash stiffened, just like how Brock explained speaking out. His mind rethinking his choise to stay slient for a year. "Yeah, I get it man." Ash and Clemont fist bumped. "Take care, you guys." Ash winked to Bonnie, including the Pokemon inside her bag.

The grounded trainers wave as the Flying Taxi soared off into the sunset. The five reamining young trainers packed their backpacks and began walking out of Cortondo. Heading to a nearby train station to Galar. Hopes high to reunite with the one person who can bring them all back together again.

Chapter 100: With a Flightless Orla

Summary:

CHAPTER 100 LETS GOOOOO

The train reaches its stop in Galar and the five trainers step out. Dot sees that Murdock had texted an address to her, she leads her friends to a familiar Poke Ball factory.

"Guess Orla took Karna's offer after all." Ash observed the building, remembering the day they first met Karna.

"You've been here before?" Asked Uruto.

"Yeah, it's a bit of a long story." Liko repiled while Uruto stiffened.

Roy knocks on the door, it slowly opens. Once Uruto sees the silhouette of a woman, he bolts behind a nearby bush, making Roy roll his eyes. Orla sets her eyes on the four kids she once knew and her face brightens up.

"Hey, long time to see, kiddos!" Orla exclaimed, "What brings you here?"

"Hi Orla!" Ash matched her joy, "We just wanted to come see you, we're trying to get the Rising Volt Tacklers back together!"

Orla seemed to stiffen at that, "Well, that's nice, but I'm not interested. I think my time in the air has ended, plus, I had the Brave Olivine dismantled a while ago."

"Well, can't you just make us a new one?" Roy asked.

"Yeah, please Orla?" Ash added.

Orla struggled to even meet their eyes, painful memories filling her mind. The boys reminding her so much of her old friend, it doesn't help that they both have a Pikachu on their shoulders. Orla shuts her eyes to hold back her tears. "Sorry, but I'm not interested, my time in the air is up." With that, she shut the door as Uruto comes out of the bush.

"So, now what do we do?" Ash asked, Cap suddenly jumps off Roy's shoulder and runs into the forest.

"Wait, Cap, where are you going?" Roy chased after alongside his friends. They eventually find a large clearing holding down none other than the Brave Olivine.

"Wait, what?" Liko observed, confused to her core.

"So, Orla lied?" Dot wondered.

Cap opens the ship door, coming face to face with every Pokemon that made a home on the airship. The Pokemon embrace the familiar humans, the Alolan Muk embracing Ash.

"Oh hey, bud..." Ash tried not to grimace. "Good to see you again." Ash sank into the Muk's goop. His own Muk popping out of his Poke Ball to embrace Ash in jealousy. Causing his friends to marvel at the differences between regional variants.

"So, you found it." A voice is heard, casting the kids to perk up. Seeing Karna standing before them.

"You knew about this?" Liko asked.

Karna nodded "Orla came to me around a year ago. Told me everything that happened in Laqua, swore to never fly again. But, I know she still cares, that's why she still visits the ship. Feeds the Pokémon. I hope you kiddos can help her see that." Karna was near tears by the end of her tangent.

"Well try our best." Ash placed a hand on her shoulder. Just as more footsteps are heard and Orla stumbles onto the scene. Her eyes filling with horror upon seeing the kids near the old ship.

"Perhaps we should give them some space." Karna suggested to Uruto, who nodded as they both left the clearing, Uruto keeping his distance.

"So, now you know." Orla whispered, not meeting their eyes.

"Yeah, but Karna told us how much you still care!" Ash tried to seem enthusiastic. "How often you cleaned the ship, or feed the Pokémon! Orla, you still care and you know it, I mean, you built this whole thing-"

"That means nothing!" Orla snapped, "Friede was the one who asked me to build the ship, I only joined the group because Friede convinced me!" Orla paused to breathe, "Now that he's gone, what's the point..."

The group stare in slience for a while, unsure how to respond and tears slowly fall from Orla's cheeks.

"So what?!"

Heads snap to the source of the voice, seeing Liko of all people glaring, "Yes, Friede's gone. But he'd want us to keep going. He'd want us to clear our name, he'd want us to take down the Explorers, he'd want us to get rid of every last piece of Laquium..." Liko covers her own eyes as tears begin to fall. "I know Friede's gone, but journeying with all of you made it feel like he's still here."

The kids envelop the girl in a group hug while Orla can only stare in shock. Liko's words making her reconsider her choice to never travel again, perhaps she only buried herself into her work to ignore the pain of losing a dear friend. Before she can ponder more on it, the group hears loud blasts coming from the direction of the Poke Ball factory.

The group rush back to the factory to see Uruto's Sableye fainting to a duo of Paldean Tauros, a Blaze and Aqua breed. their trainers wearing grey suits dawning accents of the respective colors of their Tauros. Behind them are two men in suits, while Uruto and Karna are guarding a tall box.

"What is going on here?" Orla asked.

"These guys are with the Explorers." Uruto spat, "They're here for the Strong Spheres."

The four kids lean over the box's top to find tons of Strong Spheres, enough to fill the box all the way to the top. "We were simply following orderings, "Karna explained on Orla's behalf, "Uruto here told me the truth about them."

"What's wrong with Strong Spheres?" Orla seemed genuinely confused.

"They're made with Laquium!" Ash whispered to her, making Orla gasp.

The Explorer with Red accents looked to the World Monarch "I assure you, Mr. Monarch, we simply wish to obtain what we ordered."

The blue accented one added, "Though, Director Spinel wishes to have a word with you. He's very regretful about what happened during the demonstration. He's hoping to arrange a meeting with you, to reenfore the alliance. We can take you to him if you wish."

Ash stiffened, having his own relfection on how much Spinel was able to accomplish since he stayed slient. He pulls out two Poke Balls. "If you want me to meet with your leader, you're gonna have to beat me!" He pops open both balls and sends out one of his Kantonian Tauros and his Paldean Tauros in the Combat breed.

"That won't be necesary."

Ash turns head to see a boy with red hair donning all black clothes walk out from some nearby trees. "Who are you, and what do you want?" Ash asked.

"The name's Silver." The boy said, calm, almost cold, a chilling tone that sends chills down Ash's spine. "And I challenge you, World Monarch."

"I hate to tell you this bud, but I'm kinda busy."

Silver's face seemed to contort, "You don't understand." Silver releases his Feraligatr. "I'm not asking."

Ash gives the Explorers one last look before recalling both Tauros and then releasing his Quilava to face off against Feraligatr. He looks back to his friends. "You can handle them, right?"

Roy simply smirked. He and the girls preparing their Pokemon. "Without a doubt."

Chapter 101: We Are the Rising Volt Tacklers!

"Let's begin with Crunch!"

"Cut him off with Flamethrower, Quilava!"

Feraligatr tries to chomp down on the little Pokemon, but Quilava launches a Flamethrower powerful enough to hold it back. Feraligatr simply shakes off the flames once Quilava gets tired.

Ash quickly forms a plan, he can't let Feraligatr connect with a Water type move. "Close in with Aerial Ace!"

Quilava rushes in with the wind as its ally. Hitting Feraligatr straight in the chest, dealing some damage.

"Get it off with Slash." Silver commanded.

Feraligatr raises a paw and swats Quilava away. "Now use Aqua Tail." Feraligatr's tail glows a bright blue and closes in on the falling Quilava.

"Block it with Flame Wheel!" Ash panicked.

Quilava runs towards the tail surronded by the flames. The two moves hold each other in place before eventually Aqua Tail extinguishs the wheel of flames and smacks Quilava to the ground, weakened greatly.

Ash stared on as Quilava can barely muster the energy to meet Feraligatr's gaze. Though he quickly sees that Silver's not making a final command, reveling in Ash's loss. Though the Monarch takes this as the perfect opening. "Eruption, now Quilava!"

Quilava lets out one last cry and opens up the ground beneath Feraligatr, dealing consistent yet not very effective damage to the bigger Pokemon. Quilava keeps screaming, soon glowing in a bright light. Emerging at Feraligatr's size and donning a collar with ember-colored flames. Which Ash quickly scans with his Rotom Phone.

"Typhlosion, the Volcano Pokémon and the evolved form of Quilava. A Fire type, It attacks using blasts of fire. It creates heat shimmers with intense fire to hide itself."

"Awesome! You evolved!" Typhlosion smiled to Ash, while his friends also can't contain their excitement while battling the Explorers, especially after figuring out how to adapt to Strong Spheres.

"Let's finish this, Feraligatr. Slash now!"

Feraligatr lauches a paw at Typhlosion, but the Flame Pokemon catches it in its own paw.

"Now, let's finish this with a powered-up Flamethrower!" Ash called out.

Typhlosion exhaled, but no flame emerged. Instead a dark purple ball, which hits Feraligatr with enough force to send it flying back.

"What the heck was that?" Silver questioned as Feraligatr got back up.

"That was Shadow Ball!" Ash exclaimed. "Now do it again!"

Typhlosion unleashes another Shadow Ball, only for Feraligatr to catch it in its mouth with Crunch. Though Ash just has Typhlosion strike it in the chest again with Aerial Ace. Knocking Feraligatr back and making it drop the Shadow Ball on his head. Feraligatr faints soon after, falling to the ground. Ash turns just in time to see the two Paldean Tauros fall to the ground and the newbie-Explorers run off after recalling their Pokemon.

Silver recalls Feraligatr, his face seems angry, rageful even, yet he takes a breath and calms down. Showing a smile, almost proud. "Makes sense the World Monarch could win the battle despite at a type disadvantage." He remarked, pulling out another Poke Ball to reveal a Crobat, which he prompt gets on.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" Ash asked, clearly wondering where this dude came from and why he wanted to battle him so suddenly.

"Nowhere you need to know, we'll meet again." Silver responded, with that Crobat flew off into the sky.

The trainers regroup inside the Poke Ball Factory, Karna dumping the box of Strong Spheres in the trash.

"I'm glad you told me how harmful these could be." Karna said in relief, "Though so many people put in orders, they're just gonna take their business elsewhere."

"We'll just have to keep trying." Roy responded. "Make sure everyone knows how dangerous those things are."

"And take down the Explorers," Ash added.

"Along as we're together, we got this!" Liko exclaimed.

"Let me help too!"

The kids turn in the direction in which the voice came from. Seeing Orla having stood up from her seat.

"That battle with the Explorers made it clear just how dangerous Strong Spheres can be. It doesn't help Pokemon or their trainers, I was lost without Friede, but then I remembered that he never stopped moving forward and we've got unfinished business. Seeing you all battle today relit a fire I though burned out, and I wanna be someone who can make a difference, as a Rising Volt Tackler! "

The kids stare at Orla in shock, before Liko suddenly jumps up and hugs Orla. Soon the other trainers follow, except Uruto. Once the hug ends, Roy asks "So, does this mean we're getting everyone back together?"

"Not yet." Orla wiped her eyes as a few tears had begun to fall, "The Brave Olivine still needs a few repairs."

"We'll help out!" Ash offered, "The sooner we're back in the sky, the better! Right guys?"

"Right!" Liko, Roy and Dot chimed in.

"Uh, sure..." Uruto remarked, earning him an elbow from Roy.

The kids spend the next few weeks fixing up the Brave Olivine. Working together to get it back in the sky as soon as possible. Eventually, after days of hard work, the group stand outside the Brave Olivine, feeling very proud.

"She's good as new." Orla remarked.

"So, can we get back into the air now?" Roy asked excitedly.

"Not yet, we're missing a few people." Orla responded.

"Who?" Liko asked, none of the former members apart from them are in Galar, she thought.

Two figures stand up from the bushes behind them, the kids turn around to see none other than Mollie and Murdock.

"No way," Dot commented, "You two came all this way? Don't you have jobs?"

"It took a while to convince Katy." Murdock rubbed the beack of his neck, Mollie sharing a smiliar expression. "But we got the green light. Can we join back?"

"Your asking us?" Ash asked.

"Yeah." Mollie replied, "You five were the ones to bring us back together, this is your Rising Vot Tacklers now."

Roy thought for a moment, "Well we're gonna need a new leader since Friede's not around." He turned to the very World Monarch himself, "How about you, Ash?"

Ash's eyes widened, "Me? You guys want me to lead?"

LIko, Roy and Dot just smile, Cap gives a little nod of approval. "Well okay then." Ash chuckled, "As the newly-elected leader of the RVT, you two may rejoin." Ash then turns to Uruto, "And I grant Uruto into the team."

Uruto seemed grateful, though he spotted something from the corner of his eye. "Uh, there's an old man on the ship." He pointed to the ship's dock. There sitting was none other than Ludlow.

"Ludlow?!" Ash exclaimed, "Have you been here this whole time?"

"Perhaps I was, perhaps I was not." Ludlow replied, "What matters is that I'm here now."

"Well, I grant you reentry into the RVT too." Ash chuckled.

The reformed RVT walk into the ship, Orla lingering outside for just a moment once she spots Karna walking her way.

"It's sad to see you go, but I'm glad you're doing what you love." Karna said.

Orla handed her a special Poke Ball she made herself. "It's not goodbye forever, we'll meet again."

"I hope so." Karna said as Orla walked into the Brave Olivine.

Orla steps into the meeting room to find everyone gathered around Dot's now expanded Rotom Phone. A audio file qued. "Okay, what'd I miss?" Orla asked.

"I was updating the RVT app," Dot explained, "Then I found a random audio file, it came out of nowhere, looks like it was uploaded a month ago."

Dot pressed play, "Hey, It's Friede." A familiar voice said.

"WHAT?!"

Gasps echo from the adults at such volumes that Dot has to pause the recording. Cap tries calming everyone down so they can hear the rest, to no avail. Cap shares a pleading look with Ash's Pikachu, who knows what to do.

"PIKACHU!!!!"

Thunderbolt strikes everyone, freezing them in place and charring them.

"Sorry buddy." Ash said weakly, "We should proably listen to the rest."

"Pikachu!" Cap and Pikachu nodded and chirped happily as Dot pressed play again.

"Hey, it's Friede, Charizard's with me too." A familair roar was faintly heard in the recording, "Sorry for worrying you guys, I had to hide out for the while with the Explorers watching my every move, I'm still trying to find a way to get rid of Laquium for good. I'm sure we'll meet again, until then, keep pressing forward without me!"

The room sat in slience as the recording ended. Until Orla hunched over and began to cry again, Mollie going over to comfort her. "I knew it, Friede was never one to give up easily. And it took us coming together to even find that recording." She said through tears.

"Hey, Hey, now we know he's okay." Mollie comforted.

"Now this call for a celebration!" Murdock exclaimed, "In the sky!"

"Yeah!" Uruto shouted.

Ash watched as everyone shared party ideas, using the noise to sneak away. Brock and Clemont's plans ringing through his mind, even Friede is fighting for their cause despite hiding away, now it's his turn. He steps into his and Liko's shared room, placing Pikachu down on the floor with a few toys. He pulls out his Rotom Phone, letting it fly up to his eye level.

"Rotom, record a video."

Ash's Rotom Phone expands its screen, focussing on the Pallet Town trainer.

"Hi, everyone. I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, but you may know me as the World Monarch. And I need you share something I've kept secret for a long time, something I should've shared sooner."

Elsewhere at Exceed headquarters, Spinel sits at his desk while Indy and Rubella report their failure.

"I see, and you say they were with a craftsman?" Spinel asked.

"The Monarch was battling another trainer, but he seemed to be allies with those villaims from the Rising Volt Tacklers, sir." Iny explained.

"Were they with a craftsman?" Spinel repeated, more forceful in tone. "Perhaps one with orange in her hair?"

"Yes, sir." Rubella answered, "We're sorry for loosing the package, it won't happen again."

"All is forgiven." Spinel answered, "Run along now."

Indy and Rubella excited the room. "Are they reforming now?" Spinel asked himself, "No matter, if they get in my way, I'll dispose of them again."

Spinel booted up his computer, searching the web for public opinion of Strong Spheres and the Explorers, expecting devoted positivity, only to see headlines that made his blood run cold.

"WORLD MONARCH SPEAKS OUT AGAINST EXPLORERS"

"CONTROVERSY ARISES AS WORLD MONARCH ASH KETCHUM SPEAKS OUT IN DEFENSE OF THE RISING VOLT TACKLERS"

"POPULARITY IN STRONG SPHERES REACHES DECLINE DUE TO ACCUSATIONS FROM WORLD MONARCH"

"No, no, no, no, NO!" Spinel slammed his fist on the desk, ignoring the pain. "He was slient for a year, now he suddenly decides to speak up?!"

Before Spinel could destroy his workspace, he gets a video call on his computer from an unkown number. A call he answers hesitantly, being greeted with pure darkness.

"Ah, Mister Spinel, I've seen the name of your little group in the headlines today, quite a few times." A dark yet calm voice spilled through the speakers like a soothing wind.

"Who is this?" Spinel asked.

"I'm sure your familiar with the Team Rocket organization." The voice replied, "After all, you did frame us the same way you framed the Rising Volt Tacklers."

Spinel's eyes widened in realization, "Your the head of it. The man behind it all."

"Why yes," The voice chuckled, "But you may call me Giovanni."

"What do you wnat from me?!" Spinel growled, "I'm in enough hot water now as it is!"

"Well, I simply figured since your previous alliance just ended with the Monarch speaking out, why not form a new one? I'm sure you'll need it to regain you beloved popularity."

"And why should I work with you?" Spinel spat. "The Explorers thrive off good PR, PR you don't bring! Everyone knows you, how vile you are, how evil you are! I simply added to the pile."

"And yet, the public believes you despite the Explorers doing the immoral." Giovanni countered, "I saw that Strong Sphere demonstration. Everyone was cheering for your employees even when they were attacking fainted pokemon, they only disliked it once the Monarch got injured."

"What are you saying?" Spinel asked.

"The plan is simple." Giovanni offered, "Announce to the public that I've 'seen Arcues's light' We shake hands, and Team Rocket and the Explorers are offically allies. You tell the public we had nothing to do with Laqua, just some grunts gone rogue. And in return, you'll get my finest services."

"That's not a bad plan." Spinel noted.

"Do we have a deal?"

"Alright, I'll do it."

Chapter 102: Fight! Terastallization VS Mega Evolution!

The rising sun nearly blinds the eyes of the World Monarch. He grips the wheel of the Brave Olivine with a tight grip whilst Pikachu sits atop it. Steering the Brave Olivine was a new challenge, but he was managing, though the ship sometimes braked abruptly.

"Seems like you're fitting into being the new leader pretty well." Roy said as he walked into the Captain's deck.

"Yeah." Ash chuckled, "It's not easy, pretty used to just having my Pokemon fly me around."

"I know how that feels." Roy replied.

"So how was the meeting?" Ash asked, "Did you guys figure you where we're going next?"

Roy nodded, "We're gonna head back to Naranja Academy. We need more support since the Explorers still blame us for Laqua, even after that video you made."

Ash stiffened, "You saw that?"

"Oh, everyone saw it, it went viral." Roy recounted, "It was awesome!"

Ash was quick to change the subject. "So, what's the plan?"

"I was thinking it'd be the five of us. The adults are gonna stay with the ship." Roy planned out, "We meet up with Director Clavell and Geeta and show them how dangerous the Strong Spheres are! Dot's even got a whole presentation, then they'll ban the Strong Spheres for sure!"

"I like the sound of that." Ash smiled.

The five kids were entering into the Director's office a few hours later. Clavell seemed to brighten once he spots the kids entering.

"Well, no time no see!" Clavell smiled, "It seems like you four have grown up, and you broight a new friend."

"This is Uruto." Roy pointed half-heartedly.

"Well, it's very nice to see meet you, Uruto." Geeta smiled, flustering Uruto.

"Y'know the news has been using the RVT's name a lot this past year." Clavell commented.

The kids quieted, before Roy stepped forward, "The news is wrong! The Explorers framaed us for destroying Laqua, but it was them! You have to believe us, they have the whole world fooled!"

"Well, some people actually started supporting us after Ash made a video last night. Though I'd say The Explorers still have around two-thirds of public approval." Dot fact-checked.

The two authority figures simply smiled, "We figured so." Geeta said.

"So, what brings you here?" Clavell asked.

Dot stepped forward, exhaling shakily due to her own anxiety, but she broadcasts her phone onto the nearby TV. Show a photo of the large cluster of Laquium within Laqua.

"On our journey, we found a crystal called Laquium. Laquium makes a Pokemon stronger, but they cloud out common sense, including their own trainers." The TV showd the various encounters with Laquium-infected Pokemon, the Slaking, the two Steelixes. The Vileplume, even Magyorō's Stunfisk and the two Tauros's beloning to Indy and Rubella. "They act on pure instinct, which can be very dangerous." Dot zooms in on the two Steelixes attacking one another. Before the video switches to public clips of the Strong Sphere demonstration, zooming in on the monent Ash got hit. "Exceed has created the Strong Spheres, something that rivals Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax and Terastallization."

The TV shuts off, "But letting them into public use could cause many problems for both Pokemon and their trainers, and we want them banned."

Ash jumped, a new idea coming to his mind, "I should talk to Leon..." He thought to himself.

Geeta and Clavell sat in slience for a moment, before Geeta spoke up, "This is reseached very well. and we know none of you have no bad intent, but we need more evidence before making an offical report."

The kids deflated, "But I have an idea on who can help you." Clavell offered, "Head over to Jacq's room."

The kids do just that, explaining everything to Jacq and showing him all the video evidence they had gathered.

"It looks like the Laquium make Pokemon go berserk," Jacq noted, "But I'm not sure what the connection is between the two for that to happen."

The kids deflated again, "But don't worry! Jacq quickly added, "I'll keep researching, I'll find something sooner or later!"

Roy perked up. "Hey, where's Uruto?"

"I thought he was right behind me." Liko commented.

Roy groaned, "He probably got lost somewhere in the school, let's go."

The three trainers wander the halls of the academy, hearing commotion coming from the battlefields. They arrive on at the area and see Dendra and Nemona looking up at Dendra's Hariyama, who holds Uruto and his Sableye in each of its hands.

Nemona turns around "Ash! Roy!" She ran toward them. "You've grown up so much! Wait, are those..." She held up Roy's wrist, "You've got Ket Stones?!"

"Yep!" Roy replied, "Got Pokemon to Mega Evolve too!"

"So, what's going on here?" Dot asked, gestering to Uruto.

"We found this one trying to grab food meant for the students." Dendra explained.

"I'm telling you! I just got lost!" Uruto exclaimed, "I got hungry! Plus, I'm with them!" He tried to point at Dot and the others.

"He's telling the truth." Liko perked up, "I'm sure he didn't mean to steal or anything, maybe you can let him go?"

Dendra brightened up "Well, if that's the case." Hariyama dropped the two to the ground.

"Say Ash, since we never got to battle, mind if we have one now?" Nemona asked.

"Are you kidding? I'd never turn down a battle!" Ash replied.

"I'll direct this battle." Dendra was already moving to the nearest battlefield, "Let's keep this interesting. A double battle, each side only uses two Pokemon, first trainer to knock out both Pokemon on the opposite side wins."

Ash and Nemona take their places on the field whilst everyone else stands nearby to watch. Nemon sends out her Pawmot and Ribombee and Ash sends out his Lucario and Krookodile.

"Wow, I get to battle one of the Pokemon that helped you beat Leon!" Nemona remarked. "Alright, Pawmot, start things off with Mach Punch!

"Bullet Punch, Lucario!"

Lucario and Pawmot exchange blows with Bullet Punch and Mach Punch. Holding each other still before pushing each other back.

"Ribombee, give Pawmot a Pollen Puff!"

"A what?!"

Ribombee creates a bright green orb, it floats into Pawmot's mouth and heals it up.

"What kind of move is that?!" Ash asked.

"Oh, you wanna see?" Nemona taunted, "Ribombee, give Krookodile one."

Ribombee creates a darker green orb and floats it to Krookodile's mouth. Only for it to deal damage.

"What?! How?!" Ash was stunned.

Nemona chuckled, "Well, Mr. Monarch, Pollen Puff chages depending on who it's targeted by! If I target an ally, it'll heal them, If I target an enemy, it'll hurt them! Now, Pawmot charge up!"

"Not if I can help it, charge in!"

Lucario and Krookodile run toward Pawmot as it charges up a big attack. Only for Ribombee to put up a Light Screen to block their attacks.

"Now, an strong Focus Punch!"

Pawmot strikes Ash's Pokemon hard, dealing heavy damage, yet both stay standing. Not willing to give up.

"I think you forgot how I became the World Monarch, I only had Pikachu left standing, and I'm noit done yet!

"We'll see about that! Charge up again Pawmot!"

Pawmot does so, and Ash's Pokemon charges in again so Ribombee unleashes a Sticky Web to slow them down. "Not this time! Lucario use Aura Sphere!" Lucario unleashes the blue sphere and disintergrates the web below them.

"Now charge in with Dragon Claw, Krookodile!"

Kroodile tackles Pawmot to the ground. striking claw after claw onto her skin. Dealing massive damage over time.

"Oh no, heal Pawmot with Pollen Puff!"

Ribombee sends another puff Pawmot's way. "Nope! Eat it Krookodile!" Ash commanded, Krookodile opens his mouth and devours the puff, healing it instead.

Lucario and Ash share a look, "Alright, now it's time to go all out!" Ash tapped his Key Stone, transforming Lucario into Mega Lucario.

"Alright, if that's how you wanna play..." Nemona pulls out her Tera Orb, Terastallizing Pawmot into a pure Fighting type.

The two transformed beasts clash with Bullet Punch and Mach Punch once again, though the extra power allows Lucario to win ovet the clash and trike Pawmot.

"Ribombee, use Energy Ball and get Lucario away from Pawmot!"

"Stop her with Stone Edge, Krookodile!"

Krookodile unleashes many rock shards as Ribombee releases an Energy Ball. The ball is quickly destroyed by Stone Edge and even strikes Ribombee multiple times.

"Now hide away with Dig!"

Krookodile burrows underground out of sight. "Alright, Pawmot, one last Mach Punch!" Nemona yelled.

"Lucario, use Aura Sphere!"

Lucario begins powering up the iconic move, but it gorws bigger and bigger. Roy looks on in shock as Lucario creates an Aura Sphere larger than itself, and hurls it right at Pawmot. Who tries to hold it back with Mach Punch, but is overpowered. The Aura Sphere hits Pawmot with full force, Pawmot's Terastallization comes undone as it falls to the ground.

Dendra raised a hand "Pawmot is unable to battle!"

"We're not done yet! Double Team!" Ash commanded, "Then Aura Sphere again!"

Lucario muliples itself and each copy unleashes many Aura Spheres, thankfully normal sized ones. Ribombee is left unable to see over the layers of dust, until it feels paws wrap around her. The dust clears and Ribombee looks up to see Lucario forcing it in his grip. No space to fight or fly.

"Now, Krookodile!"

Krookodile pops out of the ground, striking Ribombee with its claws that glow with white energy. Ribombee faints right after.

"What kind of move was that?" Uruto asked.

"That was Aerial Ace!" Liko shouted with glee. Before noticing Roy and Uruto staring at her weirdly. "Nobody else knew about that?"

"Ribombee is unable to battle!" Dendra announced, "Which means the winner is Ash!"

Nemona returns both her Pokemon. "Well, I figured I'd lose to the Monarch." She laughed.

"I'm guessing Ash won." Dot says, entering the area with Penny.

"Wait, you left?" Roy asked.

"Yep. Penny wanted to show me something." Dot explained, "Let's just say I know how we can find more info on Laquium."

"Since we missed that fight, why not have our own?" Penny suddenly said, sending out her Flareon and Slyveon.

"WHAT?!" Shouted Dot.

Elsewhere, Zirc and Onia search the seas surronding their boat.

"Anything?" Onia asked.

"Nothing." Zirc repiled, "But searching is all we can do."

Onia clutches the Zygarde Cube. "Oh Zygarde, please help us."

"Hello, hello!" A voice came from above.

The two look up to see a Meowth hot-air balloon lowering toward them. Containing four members of Team Rocket they're familair with.

"What do you want? We're busy." Zirc stiffened.

"Relax, buffy." Meowth mocked, "We wanna help you lot."

"Us? But why?" Onia asked, "Last I heard, you hated us, Explorers or not."

"Yes, well, we may have stumbled upon something." James admitted, "Meowth here heard our boss talking to yours-"

"Spinel is not our boss." Zirc cut him off, "Amethio is."

"Anyway," Jessie continued, "We think the boss threw his dignity out the window, cause he's teaming up with that Spinel-twerp."

Zirc's eyes widened, "What?"

"Yeah, we ain't too sure." Meowth explained, "Point is, if the boss wants to make shady deals, we want in."

"Basically, we don't like what our boss is doing." Jessie explained after shutting Meowth's mouth. "We should be destroying the Explorers for ruining our name!"

"I mean, there wasn't anything good left to ruin." Onia muttered.

"What was that?" Jessie scowled.

"Nothing!" Onia quickly repiled.

"Look, we know you don't like that Spinel guy." James said straight, "We don't like that our boss is working with him. So why not team up?"

"We;ve also got experience with Zygarde!" Meowth offered up to sweeten the deal.

Zirc and Onia shared a look "What to have to lose?" Onia asked.

"Alright, but just you two. We're not joining Team Rocket." Zirc answered.

"With how things are over there, we'll fix em and then win ya over." Meowth said cockily.

A rope falls down from the hot-air balloon and Zirc and Onia climb up. The balloon soars into the sky not long afterwards.

Chapter 103: The Knight Encountered in the Ruins

Four Pokemon stand on the battlefield. Quaxwell and Tinkatuff on one side, Flareon and Sylveon on the other. Dendra stands in the center while Penny and Dot stand on opposite ends.

"Since Dot isn't as an expericened trainer, let's change up the rules." Dendra declared. "First person to lose a Pokemon loses."

"Sylveon, start things off with Moonblast!"

Sylveon powers up, charging up a powerful Moonblast which is soon blasted toward her opponents.

"Tinkatuff, block it with Brutal Swing!"

Tinkatuff jumps high, hitting the Moonblast like it's a game of baseball. And blasts it right back toward Slyveon, dealing damage and stunning her in place.

"Now Quaxwell, strike with Liquidation!"

Quaxwell is quick on his feet. Striking Sylveon with ease. Right afterward, he starts francially combing his hair. Confusing everyone while Penny smiles.

"Now, Flamethrower and Moonblast on Tinkatuff!"

Both Eeveelutions strike, though Tinkatuff does her best to hold them back. Dot looks over to Quaxwell and still sees him combing his hair.

"What's with Quaxwell?" Roy asked from the stands.

"He reminds me of a Togekiss a friend of mine has." Ash commented.

"Maybe it's Attract?' Nemona theorized.

Back on the field, Sylveon winks to Quaxwell and the opposing Pokemon swoons. Causing Dot to realize the truth. "I got it, Sylveon's ability. Cute Charm! Quaxwell's infatuated!"

"Infatu-what?" Ash asked from the stands.

Tinkatuff shrugs off both moves once the Eeveelutions tire out, looking as Quaxwell is still combing his hair. Rage fills the veins of the little Pokemon, and she strikes Quaxwell hard from the back of the head. Quaxwell looks up, confused.

"I think it wore off!" Dot exclaimed, "Thanks, Tinkatuff!"

Dot pulls out her Tera Orb. "Now, Quaxwell, go viral and sparkle!" She tosses the orb over Quaxwell, Terastallizing it.

Penny pulls out her own Tera Orb. "Slyveon, shine like the fairy you are!" Terastalliing her Sylveon. "Now, Moonblast, full power!"

"Quaxwell, get Tinkatuff in the air!"

Quaxwell grabs Tinkatuff and spins around, tossing Tinkatuff into the air as Moonblast hits the Practicing Pokémon.

"Now, use Slam on the ground!"

Tinkatuff aims her hammer toward the field below. Once she lands, the entire field sakes, throwing both of Penny's Pokemon off-balance.

"Now Liquidation!"

Quaxwell rushes in, Slyveon braces for impact, only for Quaxwell ti turn at the last second and hit Flareon for supereffective damage. Flareon collaspes instantly, fainting right then and there.

"Flareon is unable to battle! Which means the winner is Dot!" Dendra declared.

Dot watches asll her friends approched her, shouting words of praise. Penny and her shake hands before the bell rings. The RVT kids share goodbyes with Nemona, Penny and Dendra as they head back inside while the RVT head back to the Brave Olivine.

Later that afternoon, everyone is gathered in the meeting room. Dot presenting a map of Paldea, with various red spots mapped out. They should be starting, but their new leader isn't here yet.

"Sorry I'm late guys!" Ash delcared as he entered the room, "I was making a new team of Pokemon, so what's going on? And what's that on the wall?"

"This is what Penny gave me while you were battling Nemona." Dot explained. "It has all the Laquium citings across the region, we're just figuring out where to start."

"What about that spot over there?" Ash pointed, "Aren't those the ruins we explored with Raifort?"

"Yeah, they are." Liko commented.

"Why not start off somehwere we already know?" Ash offered.

"Sounds good to me." Roy replied.

Uruto shurgged, "As long as we get to battle strong Pokemon."

The kids arrive at the ruins, setting up a quick picnic before they search.

"Y'know, I just realized," Dot said as everyone was eating, "We're gonna need money."

"Oh yeah." Ash replied, "Now that Friede's gone, we can't just do odd jobs."

"Can't you just pay, Ash?" Roy asked with his mouth full.

"I could, but I doubt Orla and the others would even accept payment from me." Ash said, "Tehy'd probably try to play humble."

Sableye walks over to them, holding a coin. "Well, here's a bit of money." Uruto picked up the coin, "What regional currency is this?"

The others recognized the coin's symbol immediately. "That's just a Gimmighoul coin, pretty much useless." Dot answered.

"Reminds me of the day Roy got controlled by one." Liko chuckled, giving Roy a look.

Uruto burst out laughing as Roy blushed hard. "It's not gonna happen again." He said quickly.

"Yeah, sure..." Uruto replied.

Ash and Liko continue to chow down. Not noticing the others have wandered off, Liko looks to her Pokemon and only sees Meowscarada and Hattrem, Pagogo nowhere in sight.

Liko quickly swallowed the remains of her sandwich. "Pagogo's gone!"

Ash quickly stood up, "He couldn't hgave gotten far! I'll help you find him."

The two trainers search the nearby ruins for the little Pokemon, they aren't searching for long before Greninja suddenly releases itself from a Poke Ball on Ash's belt.

"What's wrong Greninja?" Ash asked.

Greninja pointed to the ground, the two spot many footprints emiting pink smoke. Ash and Liko follow them, coming across a section of Paldean Ruins under attack. Seeing a wild Bonsly, Nacli and Happiny run from a Scovillian exhaling puffs of Laquium. Though Liko spots Scovillain battling a Pokemon that looks similar to Pikachu.

"Who's that Pokemon?" Liko pulled out her Rotom Phone.

"Mimikyu, the Disguise Pokémon. A Ghost and Fairy type, Mimikyu lives in dark places untouched by sunlight. When it appears before humans, it hides itself under a cloth that resembles a Pikachu."

"Wait..." Ash said, he knew people who owned both Pokemon, and there's a large rock big enough to hide four people behind it. "Pikachu, use Iron Tail on that rock."

Pikachu jumps up and destroys the rock, revealing none other than Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobuffet.

"Of course you guys are behind this..." Ash facepalmed.

"Don't you blame us, twerp!" Jessie snapped.. "We just wanted to steal some Pokemon, but then James just had to get into a battle with a trainer with a Strong Sphere! The stupid Laquium-stuff infected Scovillain." She recalled Mimikyu back into its ball with a huff.

James himself seemed weak, "Please, save Scovillain. " He seemed to beg.

"Alright, Greninja and Pikachu, distract Scovillain!"

"Help out too, Meowscarada!"

The three Pokemon keep Scovillain at bay, though the Pokemon is smart. Having each head attack the Pokemon they have a type advantage over. Hattrem uses Heal Pulse on the injuried Pokemon. The Pokemon start to tire out after a while, until a small figure of fire strikes Scovillain right on the head.

"Where did that come from?" Liko asked as Pagogo suddenly walked up to her to nuzzle her leg, "Pagogo? Where'd you come from?"

The fire fades, revealing a small Charcadet with calming blue eyes. "Isn't that the Charcadet from last year?" Liko realized.

The four Pokemon work together and hold Scovillain down. Allowing Pagogo to remove the Laquium's influence.

James recalled Scovillain to its Poke Ball, "Much appreciated, Twerp."

The Meowth Hot-Air balloon flies from the skies above. Everyone sees it from afar, Meowth suddenly gets nervous. "We oughta get outta here. Don't want the Twerps finding out about the others!"

Ash's eyes widened "Others?"

Without another word, Team Rocket ran off. yelling "WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!!!" Behind them.

Ash and Liko see Charcadet reunite with Pagogo alonside various other wild Pokemon. Ash's Charcadet pops out of its ball, the two Charcadet bow in respect of one another. Though Ash realizes there's a difference in eye color.

"Woah, Liko, look." Ash pointed, "That Charcadet's got different eyes."

"Oh yeah, but it's nothing special right?" Liko replied, "You and I have different eyes."

"Yeah, but it's different for Pokemon. Let me show you." Ash pops open a Poke Ball, releasing his Noctowl, bathed in a dim yellow."

"Woah, that Noctowl looks nothing like the one on the Brave Olivine." Liko noted.

"Yeah, some Pokemon are different colors. Professor Elm calls them 'Shiny Pokemon'" Noctowl lands on Ash's arm and nuzzles into him. "Remember the White Zygarde? Or the Black Rayquaza? I think those are Shiny Pokemon too."

"So, you're saying Pagogo is friends with a Shiny Charcadet?" Liko asked.

"Looks like it." Ash smiled, "Shiny Pokemon are pretry rare. Not a lot of people have them, but I did meet someone who only catches Shiny Pokemon! Remember my friend Goh? He's got a blue Voltorb. oh, and Lance has a red Gyraados!"

Liko rolled her eyes affectionately as Ash rambles on "Thanks for helping us, Charcadet. We're gonna head out now."

The Shiny Charcadet seemed to let out a sad noise, before its friends gave it a nudge and even Pagogo lets out a cry of encouragement.

Charcadet suddenly steps foward and kneels to Liko. "What are you doing?" Liko asked.

"That's chivalry." Ash answered. Recalling his Noctowl and sending out his Sirfetch'd "Like Sirfetch'd here. He swore an oath to always be by my side. Charcadet's doing that for you now."

Liko pulls out a Poke Ball from her backpack, "Then, I'd be happy to have you." Liko holds out the Poke Ball and Charcadet tocuhes the center button, capturing itself.

Ash and Liko head back to the picnic grounds, searching the nearby area for their friends. They eventually spot them giving dozens of coins to a chest, containing a Gimmighoul.

"Oh no..." Ash muttered, "That Gimmighoul got Dot and Uruto too."

The three trainers snap out of their trance as Gimmighoul runs off after getting every coin.

"Did it happen again?!" Roy asked once he saw Ash and Liko staring at them.

"Yep," Liko replied, giggling, "But you weren't alone."

Roy looked behind him and sees that Dot and Uruto had blushes on their faces.

The trainers regrouped at the Brave Olivine. Ash and Liko promised not to say anything to the adults. Dot's Rotom Phone suddenly floats to her eye level.

"You have a call from: Iono"

"What does she want?" Dot wondered as she accepted the call.

"Heyyy bestie!" Iono chirped, "I was thinking maybe Nidothing could appear at my handshake event? I could make it worth your while! Plus, I'm sure it'll go, like, mega-viral."

Dot thought for a moment, Nidothing wasn't really meant for public events, but they need the money. "Alright, I'll do it." Dot said reluctantly.

"Awesome! I'll see ya there!" Iono cheered.

Notes:

Hey Everyone! Sorry that this chapter came out late, I was busy over the past two days. I mainly wanted to explain why I made Liko's Charcadet shiny. I wanted a way to tell it apart from Ash's Charcadet. I gave Liko the shiny since I figured the colors fit Liko more. Alright, that's about it, I'll see y'all next chapter!

Chapter 104: Burn, Nidothing Love!

The Brave Olivine lays port in Levincia, Ash, Liko, Roy and Dot depart while Uruto stays on the ship's deck.

"You sure you don't wanna come?" Ash asked, turning back to the green-haired trainer. "It could be fun!"

"Nah, I'm okay here." Uruto replied, "Besides, a meet-&-greet sounds kinda boring."

"Suit yourself," Roy shrugged.

The three trainers walk through the familiar streets, Liko practically skipping with every step. "I can't believe I'm going to an actual Nidothing meet-&-greet!"

Roy gave her a look, "Y'know you're friends with Nidothing, right?"

Ash chuckled, "Hey, I get it. I'd still get excited to meet the Masked Royal."

Dot suddenly spots something, someone she recognizes. "Guys, look over there."

The trio walk over to where Dot was pointing. They see a grey-haired man sitting down, looking at the ground in sheer sadness. A woman with grey hair looks on in worry. While a woman with pink hair scowls at him with impatience, as a man with blue hair, a Meowth and a Wobbuffet try to calm her down. The kids insantly recognize them, their faces forming to glares.

"Zirc and Onia!" Roy exclaimed, "From the Explorers!"

Onia perks up while Zirc ignores them. The other four immediately look away from the kids, trying not to look suspicious.

"I know it's you, Team Rocket." Ash grit his teeth, "I'm not the same kid that falls for those stupid disguises."

The four tensed up, "So, ya think you're smart now?" Meowth taunted.

The two groups stare at each other for what feels like hours. Almost as if a Pokemon battle is about to occur, before Dot suddenly steps between the two groups.

"Now hold on, guys. They helped us back in Laqua, remember?" Dot said, reminding everyone. "They can't be all bad, what's going on?"

Zirc finally spoke, "I was looking forward for the meet-&-greet with Nidothing and Iono, but I dropped my ticket down a sewer drain."

"Aw man, I'm sorry to hear that." Dot walked over to sit beside Zirc and handing him her ticket. "Here, you can take mine, I'm not that big of a Nidothing fan anyways."

Zirc looks up at her, then eyes her Quaxwell and Tinkatuff. "No way, you've even got the same Pokemon as Nidothing, you're a bigger fan than me, you deserve to go."

"Oh c'mon Zirc!" Jessie snapped. "The Twerpette just handed you a free ticket! Just take it and be done with this!"

"Well, maybe we can help you get your ticket back." Liko offered, hoping to calm everyone down. "I mean, we've got some time before the event."

"Wha?!" Meowth gaped, "We gotta work with the twerps?!"

"I mean, I could just have Pikachu blast you off." Ash offered, Pikachu was already sparking up electrity out of his cheeks.

"NO!" The four stepped back, "Don't!" James begged, "We'll help, we swear!"

Ash smirked, "Good."

"So, where'd you los it?" Dot asked.

Zirc pointed to a nearby sewer drain, "The wind blew the ticket right out of my hand and it fell in there."

Ash observed the drain then lifts it up. "Then, I guess we're going in!"

Jessie gawked, "There is no way I'm climbing into a dirty sewer!"

"I can always blast you off."

Jessie deflated immediately, "Alright, you win, twerp."

The group search the sewers in all areas but the water. "Hey Onia? Maybe you can have Golduck search the water." Liko suggested.

"Golduck can't really swim." Onia admitted, "She's got sensitive skin."

Jessie snapped her gaze toward the Explorer girl, "I had to climb into this sewer filled with Grimers! Your Golduck is getting in that water!"

Ash quickly stepped between them "Golduck doesn't have to swim if she doesn't want too. Plus, the ticket would be floating by now."

"Ash's right." Roy added on, "We'll see the ticket from here."

The group eventually end the search as they see no sign of the lost ticket. By the time they climb out, the sun has begun to set over the horizon.

"Oh shoot, it's almost time." Dot muttered, "Uh, I gotta go somehwere, I'll save you guys a spot in line!" She quickly lied before running off.

"She's right," Zirc sighed, "You kids deserve to meet Nidothing, just go on without me."

"No way!" Liko replied, "I know you wanna see Niodthing just as much as I do! We're not giving up now!"

Zirc perked up with a small smile. "Alright, if you're not giving up, then neither am I."

Jessie scoffed, "Oh, good grief!" Ash glared at her as a result.

Crocalor seems especially eager to help. Running off into the distance. "Wait up, Crocalor!" Roy called out as everyone gave chase. Crocalor ran straight into a rock, one that seemed unatural. Three heads sprout out from the rock, surprising everyone.

"What kind of Pokemon is that?" James exclaimed, "It looks like a Dugtrio..."

Ash quickly scanned it with his Rotom Phone. "Wugtrio, the Garden Eel Pokémon and the evolved form of Wiglett. A Water type, It has a vicious temperament, contrary to what its appearance may suggest. It wraps its long bodies around prey, then drags the prey into its den."

Zirc spots a sheet of paper atop one of the heads, "Hey! That's my ticket!"

Zirc's RHydon pops out of its Poke Ball at the revelation. Charging at Wugtrio, the Garden Eel Pokémon responds by attacking with a point blank Triple Dive.

"Okay, I'll take care of this." Ash pulled out a Poke Ball and threw it up, "Snivy! Use Leaf Blade!"

Snivy comes out of the ball and strikes Wugtrio right on the head, knocking it out instantly. Meowth walked over and plucked the ticket off the Garden Eel Pokémon.

"I think we'll be taking that." He taunted.

Meowth handed the ticket back to Zirc. "I can't thank you all enough, now I can-"

Liko quickly cut him off. "Okay, this is really sweet. But THERES NO TIME!"

The group quickly rush to central plaza, arriving just in the nick of time. Seeing Iono and Nidothing banter live onstage, lighting up Zirc and Liko.

Nidothing suddenly takes the microphone. "And now, I wanna invite a legendary fan onto the stage! Zirc!

Zirc's jaw drops. The others, even Team Rocket, help Zirc onto the stage. The delighted fan happily dances alongside the two streamers. Rhydon suddenly releases itself and starts chasing Nidothing around, believing her to be an actual Nidorina. Sparking laughter from the audience.

Ash, Liko and Roy meet up with Dot backstage once the event ends and Liko and Zirc got the handshakes they wanted.

"You did great out there, Dot!" Roy praised, "I don't think I've ever seen you with that much energy in person!"

"Hey!" Dot exclaimed playfully as she peels off the Nidothing suit.

Before anyone can say more, they hear Zirc voice echoing down the hall. "Hey kiddos, I never got to say thank you for-" Zirc stopped in his tracks, coming face to face with the real Nidothing. He and Rhydon simply stare with their mouths agape.

"There you are!" Jessie huffed as she, Onia and the rest of Team Rockt catch up. "What made you think running off was-" The others join Zirc in staring ogg in surprise at the revelation.

"I can explain..." Dot said weakly.

Onia quickly cleared her throat. "Um, World Monarch, Liko, could you join us for a private discussion?"

Ash and Liko shared a look before shurgging. "Sure, why not?"

Ash and Liko follow them to a secluded area. "If I must say, it is an honor to have worked with you, World Monarch." Onia beamed. "I watched some of your past battles over the past years. I must say, you have growth so much since the Indigo League."

Liko perked up. "Oh, I watched some of his battles too!"

Ash turned to her, "You did?"

"How else did I know about Krookodile's Aerial Ace?" Liko said cheekily.

"This is so not the time to walk down memory lane." Jessie rolled her eyes.

Zirc stiffened, "Jessie's right, we must inform you of our mission. For the past year, we have been tasked with locating Amethio, but we've had no luck."

"We made a truce with them to help them out." James added, "But the case has gone cold."

"So, we're asking you, to please help us." Onia asked, clasping her hands. Ash and Liko stare at them in utter shock.

"I don't get it." Ash replied, pointing at Team Rocket. "Why do you wanna help them?"

Meowth sighed, "Da truth is, twerp. We think da boss has made some, questionable calls."

"Questionable calls?" Ash repeated, "Like what?"

"We don't know for sure, but right now Zirc and Onia want us to find Amethio. I know we may of had our differences in the past, but we've worked together before, right?" James offered.

Ash thought for a moment, they had made truces before. But they could betray them at any point.

Meowth added, "Look, we won't try to steal Pikachu until after the Explorers are done for."

Ash finally nodded, "Alright, we'll help."

Chapter 105: Charcadet's Wish

A hot air balloon shaped like the head of a Meowth lands near the porch of a familar mansion. Team Rocket step out, followed by Zirc, Onia, Liko and Ash.

"Woah, this place is nice." Ash commented.

"It's master Amethio's home." Zirc said, "He grew up here."

The group enters the mansion, "Didn't Amethio leave Laqua with you?" Liko recalled, "How's he missing now?"

"He split off from us as soon as we landed somewhere safe." Onia recounted, "Said he knew Spinel would be hunting him down and didn't want us to be targetted as well. He wanted us to stay in the Explorers."

Ash notices a large painting of a woman with grey hair. "I'm guessing that;s Amethio's mom?"

"Yep." Meowth replied, "Passed on while Amethio was young. The kid had only a Charcadet and that Hamber guy."

Ash turned his head toward Meowth. "How'd you know that?" He asked suspiciously.

"We've been here before." Jessie replied rather bluntly.

Ash rasied an eyebrow, "When the heck did you have the time to come here?"

James rubbed the back of his head, "We came here just before departing for Laqua." He confessed sheepishly.

Liko spots some framed photos on a desk. She looks through them, seeing a younger Amethio and a Charcadet. Before spotting one photo that sticks out, a younger Amethio, with a Charcadet and his mother on a beach seemingly located on an island, though it's an island she's never seen before.

"What about here?" Liko asked, pointing to the photo, cauing the others to gather close to her. "Maybe he's hiding out in a place familiar to him."

James took a closer look at the photo. "That looks like a family vacation, perhaps his father would know the location?"

Zirc pulled out his Rotom Phone and Cervantes picked up quickly. "Zirc? Do you need something?"

"Yes sir," Zirc began, "You went on a vacation with Amethio and your wife, where excatly did you go? We believe we have a lead of where Amethio could be."

Cervantes sighed from the other end, "Y'know I'm not sure I should be even talking to you, let alone give you information about Amethio. Spinel would kill me."

Jessie quickly grabbed the phone "Spinel lied to the world and told you that your son died!" Surprising Ash and Liko.

"Wow, how low can Spinel go?" Ash whispered to Liko.

Ash quickly took the phone from Jessie's hands before she go exploder further. "Sir, I assure you we are on the same side."

Cervantes gasped, "Mr. Ketchum?!"

Ash chuckled, "Yes, it's me, it's an honor. But please, we need your help to find your son."

"He's still out there and even you know it!" Jessie barked as Meowth and James tried to restrain her.

"Point is, we have a lead to where he is, we just need your help." Ash said, "So, will you help us?"

Cervantes sighed, "Alright, I'll text Zirc the location."

The trainers hop aboard Zirc and Onia's boat once Cervantes sends the location. They dock on the island by nightfall, Liko only takes one peek out of her window and sees someone sitting by a campfire alongside a Ceruledge. His hair is disheveled, he's taller now, but it's still him.

"Amethio!" Liko called out from the ship. The boy looked up, seeing the group exit the boat. His eyes widen in surprise for just a moment, before a smile dawns his face. The others join Amethio and Ceruledge by the campfire. The two Charcadet belonging to Ash and Liko excape from their Poke Balls and try to bond with Ceruledge, only for it to shrug them off. Though the humans can sense something isn't right about Amethio either.

"Looks like you two have caught some Charcadet." Amethio commented, "Never seen one with blue eyes before, still, it reminds me of when Ceruledge and I were younger. So, what's happened while I was gone?"

"Sir," Zirc begain, "Spinel's taken over the Explorers and exposed them to the public as the heroes of Laqua and framed the Rising Volt Tacklers, he also clamined you betrayed Gibeon and had passed on alongside him once Laqua was destroyed."

"Not surprised." Amethio scoffed, "Spinel always knew how to fool people."

"It's not just that." Liko added, "He's made Strong Spheres, and they contain Laquium!"

"What?!" Amethio's eyes burned with rage, that dangerous substance is still around despite everything he did to stop it.

"But that's why we came to get you."Onia said, "We need your help to take him down."

Amethio couldn't meet her eyes, "I wouldn't be much help." He whispered, "Without my grandfather, I'm pretty much useless."

Liko focussed her gaze onto the broken boy, "Amethio, do you remember what you told me when I lost to Grusha? You tole me not to give up after one setback, so why should you?

Ash spots the two Charcadets nudging Ceruledge, "Looks like those two wanna battle, maybe that'll bring your fire back."

"What's the point?" Amethio sighed, "I've got nothing left to give."

"Yes you do!" Liko insisted, "And we can prove it! Just one battle!"

Amethio looked up, "Alright fine."

The trainers and Pokemon get into position, and both Charcadet hardly stand a chance, every move Ceruledge either avoids or destroys, Ceruledge's speed stops either of them from dodging. Liko's Charcadet suddenly unleashes a cloud of smoke into Ceruledge's vision.

"What move was that?" Asked Liko.

"That was Clear Smog!" Ash exclaimed, "Now Cerluedge can't see us coming! Now Charcadet, use Night Shade!"

Ceruledge slahses away the CLear Smog and strikes down both Charcadets with Phantom Fore, Amethio didn't even bother to command it. Still neither Charcadet refuse to give up. And they dodge another Phantom Force by working together, Amethio can sense Ash and Liko are in sync with their Pokemon, the two trainers can see it too.

"Use Ember!"

"Fire Spin, Charcadet!"

Both Charcadet strike Ceruledge with full force, causing Amethio to smile. "Arlight Ceruledge, stop holding back, Shadow Claw!"

Ceruledge strikes down Liko's Charcadet, but Ash's Charcadent jumps up to dodge the attack. "Hit Cerulegde with a Night Shade!" Ash commanded. The move strikes Ceruledge, doing some damage, but not enough to knock it out.

"Alright, I think that's enough battling for now." James stepped in, Ash and Liko recall their Pokemon.

"So does this mean your passion has been reignited?" Zirc asked, "Will you be rejoining us?"

"No," Amethio answered, causing Zirc and Onia to deflate. "We need to stay separated for now, Spinel doesn't want me back, and you two need to act as spies within the Explorers." Amethio paused for a moment, "But, I am ready to move foraward on my own path."

Zirc pulled the Zygarde Cube from his pocket. "Perhaps you can use this on your journey. Hamber gifted it to us."

Ash and Liko looked stunned, "What is that?" Ash asked.

"A Zygarde Cude," Onia answered, "Meant for holding Zygarde Cells."

Ash's eyes widened in shock, wondering why he never saw Lysandre use one.

"Very well," Amethio said, "I'll collect every Zygarde Cell and bring back my grandfather's Zygarde." Amethio sent out his Corviknight and flew off.

Ash and Liko return to the Brave Olivine the next day, finding Dot, Roy and Uruto waiting for them.

"Where the heck ahve you guys been?" Dot asked.

"It's a long story." Ash said before his stomach grumbled, "And right now, I need some breakfast!"

Meanwhile, Hamber sits along in his office doing some paperwork. Zirc, Onia and Team Rocket enter.

"Sir, we have news, Amethio is alive." Onia announced.

Hamber suddenly stopped in his tracks, "Why, that's wonderful." he choked out, tears quickly falling. The others gave him his space, not knowing that Chalace was watching it all from her office, spying on them from a hidden camera.

"Traitors." She whispered to herself, "Just wait until Spinel and that Team Rocket Boss hear about this."

Chapter 106: Surfing Gholdengo After the Storm

The Rising Volt Tacklers soaked in the sun. They maybe a pitstop at a nearby beach, everyone was having fun surfing on the waves of the ocean. They see a golden surfer riding the waves and gaining the attention of many bystanders. The surfer didn't look human, most likely a wild Pokemon.

"Woah, who's that Pokemon?" Ash scanned the surfer with his Rotom Phone.

"Gholdengo, the Coin Entity Pokémon and the evolved form of Gimmighoul. A Steel and Ghost type. Its body seems to be made up of 1,000 coins. Gholdengo gets along well with others and is quick to make friends with anybody."

Ash was about to go up to the Gholdengo, only to hear Roy's voice behind him. "C'mon Dot! It's the perfect day for surfing!"

Ash looked back to see Liko, Roy and Uruto surronding Dot, who was laying on a beach chair.

"What's going on?" Ash asked.

"Dot doesn't wanna do anything!" Roy complained, "She just wants to sit in the shade."

What? Why?" Ash asked, "It's so nice out today! Don't you wanna feel the waves, or let the water cool you down?"

"Not really," Dot shurgged. "I'm just not into that kinda stuff."

Uruto suddenly tapped Roy's shoulder in a rapid fashion. "What is it, Uruto?" Roy asked, annoyed.

Uruto pointed towards an area closer to the waters. A Gimmighoul stared at the Gholdengo with admiration. The group quickly realized that it was the same Gimmighoul that had tricked them before.

Ash noticed how scared the others seemed, "You guys go on ahead. Pikachu and I will stay here with Dot so she doesn't get lonely."

"Pika?!" Pikachu looked at his trainer in betrayal.

The other three quickly rushed off, not wanting to be hypnotized by Gimmighoul again. "So, why'd you stay?" Dot asked.

"You deserve to have fun too!" Ash replied, "Anything can be fun when you're with a friend!"

"Thanks." Dot smiled, before something shiny caught her eye, she lunged into a nearby bush and pulled out a Gimmighoul coin. "Alright, found another one!" Dot exclaimed uncharacteristically.

Ash picked up another coin from the ground. "I found one too!" He exclaimed.

Pikachu hops off Ash's shoulder and digs up another coin. "Pika! Pika!"

Gimmighoul simply watched the three of them, smirking.

By the afternoon, Ash and Dot arrive at Gimmighoul with their arms full of coins. They dump them into the chest, snapping them out of the trance.

"Darn it, that Gimmighoul got me again!" Dot groaned.

"Woah, so that's how being in the trance feels like, freaky." Ash commented.

Dot then saw Gimmighoul once again staring off at Gholdengo. "Hey Ash, didn't the Rotom Phone say that Gholdengo's body is made up of 1,00 coins?"

"Yeah, why?" Ash answered.

"Maybe, Gimmighoul is making us collect coins, so it can evolve." Dot suggested.

"Oh, yeah, maybe the little guy just wants to grow stronger." Ash replied.

Dot then saw Quaxwell looking out to the sea longingly, seeaing Liko, Roy and Uruto having fun. "Hey, Quaxwell, you wanna go out there?"

"He's a water Pokemon, but he stayed here for you." Ash commented densely.

Dot looked at Quaxwell with realization, she walks over and grabs a nearby surfboard, "Well, then let's hit some waves."

"You're heading into the water? Awesome!" Ash grabbed another surfboard and pulls out a Dive Ball, "We'll join you!" Ash pops open the Dive Ball and reveals a Totodile.

The two trainers smile as Quaxwell and Totodile easy introduce themsleves and get along easily. The trainers get on their respective boards. They begin riding the waves as Liko, Roy and Uruto watch and cheer them on, Liko and Roy cheer at least. Dot quickly sees that Gimmighoul had stowed away on her board. That startles Dot enough for the board to veer slightly off-course, causing Gimmighoul to fall into the water.

"No!" Dot shouted, sudden compassion for Gimmighoul shining through. She dives into the water and pulls out the large chest and places it back onto her board. "You're okay, I gotcha." Gimmighoul smiles up at the girl gratefully.

By nightfall, the RVT are packing up their beach gear. Dot sees Gimmighoul watcing as Gholdengo surfs off into the sunset, out of sight. Dot approches the little Pokemon.

"Hey, little guy. You really wanna be like Gholdengo, don't you?" She asked, "That's why you always trick people into finding coins for you."

Gimmighoul nodded, seeming to be ashamed of itself.

"Well, you don't have to trick people anymore, I'll collect coins for you whever you want." She pulls out a Poke Ball, and Gimmighoul hits the center button, capturing itself.

Dot's friends cheered. "Congrats, Dot!" Liko exclaimed.

"But, doesn't that mean Gimmighoul can just trick you whenever it wants?" Uruto asked, and Roy firmly elbowed him.

Notes:

Short chapter this week, I liked how simple the episode was and I wanted to capture a similar vibe. Hope you guys still like the chapter, I'll see y'all next week!

Chapter 107: Mega Awesome!? The Unopenable Dusk Ball

"Ember!"

"Fire Spin!"

Ash and Liko called out the attacks as both Charcadets clash with flames. Ash's Charcadet seems to gain the upper hand before being hit in the face with Clear Smog.

"Now use Ember again!" Liko called out with passion.

Liko's Charcadet hits Ash's Charcadet right in the face with fiery hot flames, Ash is about to command for a Night Shade....

"SERIOUSLY, URUTO?!"

Roy's booming voice interupts the battle, Ash and Liko look to where they heard the voice. Looks like the main lounge, Uruto's room.

"Oh, boy. Better check it out." Ash said, recalling his Charcadet back into its Poke Ball. Pikachu climbs back onto his shoulder.

Liko nods, recalling her own Charcadet. The two run into the lounge and see Uruto and Roy in a stand-off, the couch Uruto sleeps on being littered with rocks of various sizes, the surronding floor too.

"What is going on here?" Ash asked.

"Look at this place!" Roy exclaimed, spreading his arms out to gesture about the entire room, "Uruto's made a huge mess with all this junk!"

"It's not junk!" Uruto snapped, "I've been saying that for the past ten minutes, you aren't listening!"

"Well, it sure looks like junk to me!" Roy spat, "It's just a bunch of rocks!"

Uruto suddenly stopped his stance, he seemed hurt, he suddenly runs off, out of the airship and into a nearby town. The others stand in slient shock over that just occured, "Okay, LIko, you stay here and help Roy cool off, I'm gonnga go after Uruto." Ash said, already running after Uruto before he gets too far.

Ash searched the city, finding Uruto simply walking around, ignoring the world around him. "Uruto, hey man!" Ash exclaimed, getting his attention, "You scared us back there, everything okay?"

Uruto didn't meet his gaze, "Do those like to collect rocks?" Ash asked, "Cause if you do, I think that's pretty cool! Sure, Roy may not understand right now, but-"

"I'm not into rocks." Uruto answered, "I have all those rocks because they're from all the places I've been to."

Ash softened, "Oh, that makes more sense, I like to keep things from my travels too!"

Uruto seemed to smile, before his stomach grumbled. "Maybe let's grab a snack and talk things over." Ash chuckled.

Uruto reached for a nearby berry bush, only for his hand to almost meet with that of another boy his age.

"Hey! I was reaching for those first!" Uruto barked, already beeing ticked off from the argument with Roy.

"No way! I was reaching for 'em first!" The boy fumed.

Ash stepped in immediately, "Woah, there's tons of berries on this bush, we can share!" Ash picked all the berries off, handing them off to both boys. Uruto munches on them while the other boy feeds it to his Pokemon.

Ash gets out his Rotom Phone, "Who's that Pokemon?"

"Grafaiai, the Toxic Monkey Pokémon and the evolved form of Shroodle. A Poison and Normal type. The color of the poisonous saliva depends on what the Pokémon eats. Grafaiai covers its fingers in its saliva and draws patterns on trees in forests."

Grafaiai eats the berry and creates a painting of Uruto's Sableye and shows it off, easing the tension.

"So, that's why you wanted the berries." Ash observed.

The boy nervously nodded, unsure how to act around the World Monarch. "Yeah, I wanna show the world how great Grafaiai can paint, but I haven't sold any paintings"

"What's your name?" Ash asked.

"Rayu, sir."

"Well, Rayu, how about Uruto and I help you out. We can find more berries together." Ash offered.

Rayu shot up, "Yes, that would be awesome!"

Uruto shurgged, "FIne."

The three boys explore the town and neabry forests, finding many berries to feed Grafaiai. Ash watched from afar as Rayu and Uruto seem to form a bond, not exactly friends, but a mutual trust. Ash drops a couple berries into a basket filled with them as the sun goes down.

"Think that'll be enough?" Ash asked.

"More that enough!" Rayu exclaimed, "Thank you, Mr. World Monarch."

Rayu took a look at the time on his Rotom Phone. "It'll be night soon, do you guys wanna stay the night with me? I don't have much, but I'm willing to share."

Uruto turned to Ash, "Shouldn't we get back to the airship?"

Ash thought for a moment, then shrugged, "I'm sure the others won't mind one night away from them."

The three settle into Rayu's place. It's nothing grand, just a small garage with a few sleeping bags, but it's cozy. Rayu sets up a small fire to cook dinner, while Uruto is looking through his bag. A Dusk Ball rolls out and Ash picks it up.

"Hey Uruto, I've been meaning to ask, why do you have a Dusk Ball?" Ash asked.

"It has a strong Pokemon inside, but I can't get it to open." Uruto explained, though Ash could spot Rayu eavesdropping while he was cooking. Ash tried not to think about, Rayu seemed like a nice kid. Ash was sure Rayu had good intentions, he hadn't done anything to them all day.

Ash felt himself being shaken, he opened his eyes tiredly, rubbing his eyes. Uruto fills his vision, a panicked looked on his face. "What's wrong, Uruto?" Ash asked.

"It's gone!" Uruto exclaimed, "The Dusk Ball is gone!"

Ash looked to the empty sleeping bag beside him, "Rayu's gone too." He observed.

"That thief!" Uruto ran out of the garage, Ash quickly ran after. Pikachu and Sableye rushing to catch up to their trainers. The boys find Rayu at an Explorers store, handing the Dusk Ball into the hands of Indy.

"Of course, it's these guys again." Ash gritted his teeth.

"Give that Dusk Ball back, it's mine!" Uruto barked, "Rayu you Arcues-damn thief!"

Rayu looked guilty, while Indy and Rueblla remained composed, "This young man handed us this ball willingly, as far as we're concerned, this Pokemon is ours now." Rubella said, "We're very interested in what Pokemon lies inside."

Indy looked to Rubella, "Shall we obtain Mr. Ketchum for a meeting with Master Spinel?"

Rueblla shook his head, "Not needed, Master Spinel has already made an agreement with a new ally."

Ash's eyes widened, "A new ally?" He whispered under his breath.

Uruto simply sent out his Sableye into battle as Indy and Rubella send out two Darmanitan, one Unovan and the other Galarian. "I've never seen a Darmanitan like that before..." Ash pulled out his Rotom Phone again.

"Darmanitan, Galarian form, the Zen Charm Pokémon and the evolved form of Darumaka, Galarian form. An Ice Type, Though it has a gentle disposition, it’s also very strong. It will quickly freeze the snowball on its head before going for a headbutt."

Ash sends out his Typhlosion, "Flamethrower, now!"

Typhlosion hits the Galarian Darmanitan square in the face with a burst of flames. The Galarian Darmanitan fall,s but stands itself up. "I'm not taking risks with the World Monarch." Indy pulled out his Strong Sphere and powered up the Galarian Darmanitan. Rubella did the same with his own Darmanitan.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for all this to happen!" Rayu yelled over all the noise of the battle. Ash looked over, feeling sympathy fill his mind. "Typhlosion, keep it up! You're your own boss for a bit!"

Ash skipped over and kneeled down to Rayu's level, "So, why'd you do it?"

"I just wanted a Strong Sphere." Rayu confessed, "I thought that if I had a Strong Sphere, Grafaiai could make better art. But I couldn't afford one, so I figured the Explorers would be willing to trade."

Ash shook his head, "I get it, you just wanted people to see Grafaiai's art, but you still stole from someone. That Dusk Ball wasn't yours, it was Uruto's."

Rayu looked down, ashamed to disappoint the World Monarch, Ash continued on, "Plus, a Strong Sphere would only hurt Grafaiai. You saw the video I made, right?"

Rayu nodded, "I just thought that Pokemon only got hurt in battles."

"Nope," Ash popped the "p", "The Strong Spheres make all Pokemon react on instinct, if Grafaiai was hit by one, he'd just tear the portrait into pieces."

"Will you ever forgive me?" Rayu asked.

"I'm not the one you should be asking that." Ash tilted his head towards Uruto, "He's the one one you stole from."

Ash heard a sudden boom from behind him, he looked back to see Typhlosion standing over the Galarian Darmanitan. "Great job, Typhlosion!" Ash turned back to Rayu, "But you can start making it up to him by helping him fight!"

Rayu nodded, "Grafaiai, attack!"

Grafaiai charged in, only to get knocked out by a single Fire Punch.

"Well, you tried!" Ash said sheepishly.

Sableye tanks hit after hit from the remaining Unovan Darmanitan. Just as Typhlosion is about to step in and help, the Dusk Ball floats out of Indy's pocket and pops open. The Pokemon swoops in and saves Sableye from another attack. Everyone looks up and sees a Dragonite land and place Sableye next to it.

Uruto looks on in awe, the Unovan Darmanitan charges towards them, only for the Draonite to knock it out with a singe Hyper Beam.

"Amazing," Uruto uttered, but as soon as the Dragonite came out, it returned back to the Dusk Ball. Leaving Uruto to hold the ball in his pawn and look at in question.

"Gee, I'm sorry Uruto." Ash put an arm around Uruto, before holding out a Poke Ball of his own, "Wanna hug my Dragonite instead? It'll make you feel better!"

Before Uruto can respond, the Poke Ball pops open and Ash's Dragonite hugs Uruto tight. Uruto shifts his body enough to see Indy and Rubella hopping into the back of the truck and driving off. "Hey! They're getting away!" Uruto broke himself free from the hug and began running after the truck.

"Hey, wait up!" Ash recalled Typhlosion and hopped on Dragonite's back, "Follow him, Dragonite!" Dragonite nodded and she flew off, following after Uruto.

Chapter 108: Two People, As Friends

Ash's Dragonite blasts through the Explorers base. Ash and Uruto riding atop her. Having followed Indy and Rubella all the way here, the two Explorers in question look back after running to a sealed door, their eyes almost showing fear.

Spinel enters through the door behind them, spotting the two intruders quickly. Spinel's Beheeyem flies out from behind its trainer, Ash realizes they just ran into Spinel's path, and there's no way of getting out. Ash acts fast and recalls Dragonite and stands in front of Urito as Beheeyem hypnotizes him, Pikachu does the same for Sableye.

"Uruto, find us help!" Ash uttered before staring emotionlessly at Beheeyem. Uruto and Sableye run off out of the base as Spinel smirks.

"Leave them," Spinel commanded, "We have something of true value."

Ash eventually found himself in a cell, he looks around the area for Pikachu, but there's no sign of him. He feels around his belt and searches his backpack, finding nothing. He looks up and sees four glass cases above him. Containing the gloves that holds his Key Stone, his Z Power Ring, his Dynamax Band and his Tera Orb. He looks to the cell door and finds another glass case containing six Poke Balls, one of them dawning a small lightning bolt.

"No...." Ash whispered in horror, Pikachu hated getting in his Poke Ball, and yet Spinel forced him into it.

"Greetings Mr. Monarch." Spinel's voice rang from a voice overhead. "I hope you don't mind, I didn't want you escaping just yet, so I kept all your belongings out of reach."

"Where am I?" Ash demanded to know.

"Why, for a special guest I had to give you the best!" Spinel exclaimed, "It was originally meant to house the sixth hero, but you'll do just fine."

Ash looked out the glass door of his cell, sure enough, the remaining five heroes that once belonged to Lucius in their own cells, all of them unconscious.

"So that's what happened to them after Laqua..." Ash whispered."

"Enjoy your stay."

Uruto ran out into the nearby forest, trying his best to recall where the Brave Olivine was docked. He hears someone coming and hides in a bush.

"Uruto! Ash! Where are you guys?" Roy called out into the wind.

Uruto jumped out of the bush immediately "ROY!"

Roy jumped back in response, "Dude, you can't just pop out at people like that!"

"That's not important! Ash got captured by the Explorers!" Uruto panted.

Roy gasped, "We gotta rescue him! Where did they take him?"

Uruto began to lead Roy back to the Explorers base. Not noticing Spinel and Chalace watching from a faraway camera.

"What shall we do, sir?" Chalace asked.

"Let them come." Giovanni's voice came in from Spinel's computer. "We shouldn't waste resources on a bunch of rookies. Send those new recruits after them, I'll send over my best member."

"Whatever you say." Spinel replied.

Chalace stood shocked at Spinel's sudden obedience. "But sir-"

Spinel cut her off by putting his hand up, "Calm now, Chalace. He's got more experience, I'm sure he knows best."

Ash punched at the walls of his cell. Injuring only his fists and leaving his attempts in vain. Until his cell door is busted down by a yellow Lucario. Roy peeked into Ash's cell, alongside Uruto.

"Ash, you okay?!" Roy asked.

"I'm fine," Ash answered quickly, "But I can't get to my stuff or my Pokemon!"

Roy's Lucario busted the glass to pieces, Ash put his gloves back on and stuffed the other accessories into his backpack. He attached five Poke Balls back into his belt and popped open Pikachu's.

"Pika?!" Pikachu looked around, frightened beyond belief at being trapped in that ball.

"Easy buddy," Ash petted his partner, "You're free now, we gotta get outta here."

The boys ran throughout the base, using maps on the walls to find locate the exit. Until Indy and Rubella blocked the final hallway, standing between them and the exit.

"Unfortunately, we cannot allow you to exit, you're all at risk of staining the image of the Explorers." Indy said.

The two of them send out their Darmanitan, though they had swapped Pokémon after the last battle. Both Darmanitan enter zen mode, matching the colors of their new trainers.

"We can deal with 'em." Roy said as Lucario and Sableye stood against the Darmanitan.

An Alolan Persian jumps down from above, joining the Darmanitan's sides. "Not this time, for they have a new ally." A woman dressed in black stepped out of the shadows.

"Matori?" Ash said in surprise, remembering when Indy and Rubella mentioned a new ally, "The Explorers are working with Team Rocket!"

Ash sends out his Sceptile, "Well that stops right now!"

The Darmanitans are powered up by the Strong Spheres of their trainers, while Persian takes in the scent, turning feral as well. Sceptile, Lucario and Sableye are able hold their own.

Uruto holds out his Dusk Ball, "Dragonite, I need your help! Assist me in taking down the Explorers!"

"There's a Dragonite in there?!" Roy exclaimed.

The Dusk Ball didn't move, "Alright, I'll do this without you!" Uruto groaned.

Just as those words leave Uruto's mouth, Sableye faints to an attack from an Darmanitan.

"How?!" Uruto whispered, how wa she going to be the strongest if he can't even win a battle against the Explorers?

"Ash, Galarian Darmanitan three-o clock!"

Dodge it Sceptile! Thanks Roy! Look out, Persian at five-o clock!"

Those words snapped Uruto out of his thoughts, seeing Roy and Ash battle side-by-side sparked something within him, "That's it!" Uruto thought, "In order to be the strongest, I can't just do everything myself, I have to have trust in my friends!"

Uruto holds up the Dusk Ball again "Dragonite, I beg of you. Assist me so I can protect my friends!"

The Dusk Ball pops open and Dragonite assists Sceptile and Lucario. Though a mystical energy surrounds the Pokémon and their trainers.

Uruto's Key Stone glowed alongside Dragonite. The light dies down after a short while, though Dragonite now dawned smaller wings on its arms and legs and large wings atop its head.

"Dragonite has a Mega Evolution?!" Ash exclaimed, he had to know where to get THAT Mega Stone.

"Think it's time we join in!" Roy tapped his own Key Stone, Mega Lucario rejoined the battlefield instantly.

"Right!" Ash tapped his Key Stone, giving Mega Sceptile a second chance to defeat the Explorers.

"Sceptile, use Leaf Blade!"

"Lucario, Flash Cannon!"

"Dragonite, Hyper Beam!"

The three moves hit their opponents whilst clashing with each other, creating an explosion. The rook is covered with dust and debris, once the dust settles, both Darmanitan and Persian are fainted. The boys immediately recall their Pokemon and make a run for it.

The boys ran fast into the forest, heading where Roy remembered the Brave Olivine was docked. They eventually shifted from running to walking to restore their energy.

"We should definitely let the others know the Explorers and Team Rocket are working together!" Ash exclaimed after miles of walking in silence.

"Speaking of them, what about the people you and Lilo went with? The people you found Amethio with?" Roy asked.

"Believe it or not, I don't think Jessie or James know. They told me their boss was acting weird, maybe they're like Zirc and Onia. I mean, they're going against the Explorers, so maybe Jessie and James are finally going against their boss." Ash said hopefully, maybe the worries his Pikachu would get kidnapped can finally rest.

Roy hummed in agreement, "I meant to say it before, but I'm sorry Uruto."

Uruto perked up, "For what?"

"For our fight." Roy answered, "I didn't realize all those rocks were from all your adventures."

Uruto actually smiled a little, "Thank you," he looked down at the Dusk Ball, once again sealed. "I hope that one day, I'll be the strongest so I can help protect everyone, and then Dragonite will finally see me as worthy."

Roy smiled, "I hope so too, that Dragonite is super cool." Roy looked to Ash, "No offense."

Ash shrugged, "None taken, plus I gotta know how Mega Evolve my Dragonite!"

The boys chatted and laughed, continuing on the path back to the Brave Olivine, where they know they have to fill everyone in on the discoveries they found.

Chapter 109: Diana Comes Back!

Ash, Liko, Roy, Dot and Uruto wait outside the Brave Olivine, "So, when's she gonna be here?" Roy asked.

"She said she'd be here soon." Liko replied, checking the time on her Rotom Phone.

"Who are we waiting for anyway?" Uruto asked.

Before anyone could respond, the sound of a roaring engine getting louder by the second. The kids look out to the horizon and spot a car with the face of a Pokemon on the front. The car stops right in front of the kids, Diana steps out with her Arcanine.

"Grandma!" Liko ran to give her grandmother a hug.

"That's who." Ash whispered to Uruto before pulling out his Rotom Phone. "Now who's that Pokemon?"

"Revavroom, the Multi-Cyl Pokémon and the evoled form of Varoom. A Steel and Poison type, It creates a gas out of poison and minerals from rocks. It then detonates the gas in its cylinders—now numbering eight—to generate energy."

The group went inside, sitting down in the RVT meeting room with the other adults.

"So, who's the new guy?" Diana asked, pointing to Uruto with a knowing smile.

"That's Uruto," Roy repiled, "I met him when I went to Lumiose City last year."

"Nice to meet ya!" Uruto fist bumped Diana with a surprising amount of enthusiasm.

"Does he seem, happier to you?" Murdock whispered to Orla.

"It's a long story." Ash whispered, having overheard the conversation.

"So, a lot has been going on in the news." Diana brought up, "The Rising Volt Tacklers destroying Laqua, the Explorers making those Strong Sphere-things, the online drama when Ash spoke out about them, and I think I have a solution."

The others in the room gasped, "You do, how?' Mollie asked.

"Well, I made up with an old friend. You remember Hamber, right?" Diana smirked.

"Isn't he with the Explorers?" Dot asked.

"Yes, but he's not a fan of how the Explorers are now." Diana explained as she pulled out a copy of the Scarlet Book. "He filled me in with what really happened in Laqua I did some research on why Pagogo didn't get rid of all the Laquium, and it may hav been because of the Stellar Form."

Diana laid the book on the table, showing a page of Terapagos's Stellar Form. "See all those gems surronding Terapagos? There's one for each Pokemon type, I was thinking, maybe the six heroes weren't enough, maybe in order to get rid of the Laquium for good, we need a Pokemon of each type. That'll get Pagogo to full power."

"Oh yeah," Dot whispered in thought, " We can use the Six Heroes, plus all of our Pokemon."

"Don't forget all the Pokemon Ash has!" Roy added.

"Speaking of the Six Heroes, Hamber said-"

"We know. Spinel's got five of 'em." Ash cut off Diana. "I was in Rayquaza's cell."

"We found Rayquaza resting in Johto." Dot added, "So we know where all six heroes are."

Diana chuckled, "Seems like you kiddos have been doing more research than I have!"

"It's not just the Explorers we have to worry about though." Ash suddenly said, "Jessie and James, some people from Team Rocket that always try to steal Pikachu, said their boss was acting werid. And then just yestrerday I saw a Team Rocket member work with the Explorers. I think Spinel and Team Rocket's boss teamed up, and only Jessie and James are against it, plus Hamber, Zirc and Onia."

The group sits in silence, almost like hope has vanished, until Diana notices something outside, seeing the Pokemon of the ship training together, there's an intense sparring match between a blue Lucario and a yellow Lucario. There's a more tame training battle between two Charcadet just nearby.

"Say, who's the trainer of that blue eyed Charcadet?" Diana asked, "Never seen a Charcadet like that."

"Oh, that's my Pokemon." Liko answered. "I caught him recently."

"Looks like hes got a lot of spirit." Diana observed, "How about a battle?"

"A battle?!" Ash immediately jumped up, "Can I join?"

"Sure! It'd be good to battle against the World Monarch." Diana chuckled.

Everyone moves to the battlefield, Liko's Charcadet stands eagerly, ready to fight. Ash's Charcadet begins running over to stand beside Liko's only for Ash to stand in the way.

"Sorry buddy, I'm gonna use someone else for this fight." Ash kneeled down to Charcadet's level. "I want you to watch and learn, alright?"

Ash's Charcadet sighed but nodded, walking over to the sidelines and taking a seat beside Pikachu and Lucario.

Ash takes his place beside Liko and holds out a Poke Ball, "C'mon out!"

A gaint blue colored Pokemon dawning a gaint horn and wings comes out, standing beside Liko's Charcadet. Roy scans the new Pokemon with his Rotom Phone.

"Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon. A Bug and Fighting type, It loves sweet nectar. To keep all the nectar to itself, it hurls rivals away with its prized horn."

Diana sends out her Arcanine and a Rotom in its Wash form, reminding Ash of a Rotom he knows back in Alola.

"Charcadet, use Ember!"

"Megahorn, now!"

Both Pokemon charge towards Arcanine, but Rotom Wash stands in the way, "Use Discharge!" Diana commanded, Rotom Wash does so, providing a strong enough shield to stop each move from striking.

"Now Arcanine use Flamethrower!"

Arcanine fires off Flamethrower aimmed right at Heracross, but Liko's Charcadet jumos in the way and takes the hit, absorbing the move with Flash Fire.

"Seems like that Charcadet's got a protective spirit, but it can't deal with a Water type move!" Diana exclaimed, "Rotom, use Hydro Pump!"

Rotom sprays a strong Hydro Pump right at Charcadet' but Heracross picks it up and flies into the air, avoiding the move entirely.

"Thanks for that Ash." Liko said.

Ash and Liko fist bumped, "Of course, Charcadet's a protecter, but he can't do everything alone, and now let's get 'em from the air!"

"Yeah!" Liko cheered, "Charcadet, use Clear Smog on Arcanine!"

Charcadet blinds Arcanine with a puff of clear smoke, "That won't be enough, Hydro Pump again!"

"Heracross, stop Rotom with Hyper Beam!"

Heracross strikes Rotom with a powerful Hyper Beam before a single drop of water was fired.

"Now drap onto the nozzle, Charcadet!"

Ash turned to Liko, "Wait, what?"

Charcadet drops down and draps onto Rotom Wash's nozzle just as the Hyper Beam stops. "Now spin it around!" Liko yelled. Charcadet obeys, spinning Rotom Wash around and around until the Pokemon is dizzy.

"Arcanine, Flare Blitz!" Diana commanded.

Arcanine sprints towards the spinning duo with growing energy of fire. Until Ash calls out "Stop Arcanine with Megahorn!" And Arcanine is tackled down by Heracross's glowing green horn.

Charcadet then drops Rotom onto the battle field with a massive force, fainting Rotom Wash in an instant.

"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!"

Arcanine arms its mouth towards Charcadet and fires out a fury of flames that Charcadet absorbs. Charcadet spews out the flames in a spinning motion, leaving Arcanine trapped in a circle of flames.

"Was that a new move?" Liko asked in astonishment.

"Yep!" Ash exclaimed, recognizing the move from his own Charcadet, "That's Fire Spin!"

Ash's Charcadet is heard cheering from the sidelines.

"A Fire type move won't be enough, Extreme Speed!" Diana called out.

Arcanine sprints towards Charcadet, as does Heracross. Arcanine headbutts Charcadet with full force before Heracross was able to step in. Charcadet faints, and Ash's Charcadet rushes to its side and helps him up.

"Alright, Heracross, looks like we need to reach our full power!" Ash exclaimed, Heracross cried out in agreement. Ash tapped his Key Stone and Heracross glows in a bright light, transforming into Mega Heracross.

"Woah!" Roy exclaimed, Uruto beaming beside him.

"Hyper Beam!"

"Flamethrower!"

The two beams clash at the center, the two Pokemon give all their strength into their respective move, but Hyper Beam eventually overpowers Flamethrower, knocking Arcanine down and giving Ash an opening for one final move.

"Finish this with Megahorn!"

Mega Heracross flew in, striking Arcanine with its horn once again, the move now powered up by Mega Evolution. Arcanine slumps onto the ground and faints as Heracross reverts back to normal.

Roy and Uruto run up to Ash, "Dude, that was AWESOME!"

"They're right." Diana chuckled, "Makes sense I lost to the World Monarch.

"Well I couldn't of done it without Liko's amazing strategy!" Ash praised, "Seriously, I did not see that coming!"

"Well I learned from the best." Liko teased, "With all those plans you made in all those Pokemon Leagues, you're like, the king of unpredictability!"

Everyone burst out laughing at Liko's words, everyone goes back side where Murdock cooks up a huge feast for dinner.

"I've been wondering, whatever happened to Friede?" Diana asked as everyone was eating.

"He fell off the ship last year when we tried to leave Laqua," Dot explained, "We thought he was gone, but turns out he's hiding cause the Explorers are watching him."

"Well, I hope I see him again soon." Diana simply responded.

Diana's Rotom Phine began to rang and she piccked up and put the call on speaker. "Hello Hamber! I was just filling in the Rising Volt Tacklers."

"I'm glad to hear that." Hamber;s voice was heard, "I do have unfortunate news, it seems that Chalace has been keeping an closer eye on me than usual, so for now, I do not think I'll be able to provide much assistance."

"I understand." Diana ended the call.

"Well, if Hamber can't help, why not try Amethio's dad?" Liko suggested, "He was the one who helped Ash and me find Amethio."

"Oh yeah!" Ash recounted, "He didn't want to, but he eventually did."

"Maybe with his help, we can free the other five heroes!" Roy exclaimed.

Everyone murmured noises of agreement, their next step in taking down both the Explorers and Team Rocket already in motion.

Chapter 110: How Tinkatuff Makes the Ultimate Hammer

The kids wave goodbye as Diana's car disappears into the distance. Liko's phone buzzes with a notification just as they step back inside.

"Oh, it's Amethio's dad!" Liko pulled out her Rotom Phone, "He wants to meet up at an Explorers Base in Galar, he says he knows how to help us get the other Heroes back!"

"Doesn't that sound, I dunno, too good to be true?" Dot asked.

"Maybe," Roy answered, "But we've got nowhere else to go."

"He's got a point," Orla added, "I'll set a course for Galar then."

The Brave Olivine took to the sky for a couple hours, landing in Galar by the afternoon. Ash, Liko, Roy and Uruto get ready to head out when Dot suddenly rushes in, her face filled with panic.

"Hey, has anyone seen Tinkatuff? She's been gone since we landed."

The others shake their heads, "Well we should find her quickly, we shouldn't keep Amethio's dad waiting." Roy brought up, "If he waits for us, Spinel could catch him."

"I'll stay with Dot and look around." Ash offered, "We'll regroup asap!"

"You sure?" Roy asked, "You got a Pokemon that flies?"

Ash held up a Poke Ball, "Yup!"

The five kids split off outside the ship, Ash and Dot search the forest for Tinkatuff and hear some commotion nearby. They follow the noise and find Tinkatuff added some metals to her hammer, next to a terrified Coral and Sidian. Some metals looked odd, something never never seen before, donning a similar shape to a feather.

"It's you!" Ash exclaimed.

"Maybe it is a trap..." Dot couldn't help but mutter.

"Oh great, haven't you already gave us enough trouble?" Coral groaned, recalling the endless questioning they got once Ash's video released.

Coral and Sidian immediately sent out Glalie and Garganacl. "We gotta keep 'em busy so Tinkatuff can finish!" Dot told Ash.

"Got it!" Ash responded.

Dot sent out her Quaxwell and Ash sends out his own Glalie, "Hey! You copying me?!" Coral growled.

"Maybe, but mine's better!" Ash bantered back, tapping his Key Stone and allowing his Glalie to Mega Evolve.

Coral gasped in horror and offense, "Oh, I'll show you!"

The two Glalies go head to head, "Ice Beam!" "Ice Spinner!" Their trainers called out repeatedly.

Quaxwell keeps Garganacl at bay with his dance moves, though Garganacl hits him with Heavy Slam and Salt Cure. Quaxwell eventually faints, unable to handle Garganacl on his own.

Coral's Glalie rushes into another clone of Ash's Glalie, an effect of Double Team, enraging Coral further. Dot sends out Gimmighoul to protect Tinkatuff's production. The little Pokemon is able to hold its own with Astonish. Though Sidian simply chuckles, "That little Pokemon? Stone Edge, now."

Garganacl easily knocks the chest over, causing some coins to fall out. Gimmighoul instinctively reaches for the lost coins. Before it can, Gimmighoul sees that Tinkatuff is almost done with her new hammer, she just needs one last piece. Gimmighoul spots a metallic feather near it, and uses its strength to hand the feather over. Tinkatuff finishes her work, but struggles to lift the hammer. Dot, Gimmighoul and even Quaxwell breifly recovers to help lift the enlarged hammer. Tinkatuff starts to glow in evolution, gaining the strength to hold the hammer on her own. Once the glow dims, Tinkatiff has a larger body and longer hair.

"Woah," Ash's eyes widened, "Who's that Pokemon-"

"Don't you get distracted!" Coral grit her teeth, "Sheer Cold!"

"Stop it with Ice Beam!"

"Don't worry Ash, I'll find out!" Dot pulled out her Rotom Phone.

"Tinkaton, the Hammer Pokémon and the evolved form of Tinkatuff. A Fairy and Steel type, This intelligent Pokémon has a very daring disposition. It knocks rocks into the sky with its hammer, aiming for flying Corviknight."

"Corviknight?" Ash realized, remebering the dark coats of the Corviknight he saw, and the odd pieces of metal Tinkatuff used, it all made sense now."

"Stop getting distracted!" Coral screamed, causing Sidian to cover his ears in annoyance. "That's it! Self Destruct!"

Coral's Glalie begins to pull off the move, but Tinkaton hits it with Brutal Swing, causing it to fly high and away out of the forest like a homerun. Sidian grabs Coral by the arm and they run off after Glalie. Ash's Glalie reverts back to normal as Ash and Dot recall their Pokemon.

Dot tries to call Liko, but the call is blocked, "Crap, I can't get a hold of 'em."

"Well, we know where they are." Ash popped open another Pokemon, revealing a mighty Charizard. Ash hopped on and helped Dot get onboard, "Alright buddy, we gotta move, and fast!"

Ash's Charizard took off to the skies in search of the Explorers Base, they needed to find their friends before the Explorers could spring their trap.

What Charizard doesn't notice is a familar group of four grinning as Coral and Sidian chase after the flying Glalie. Jessie snickers as she sneakily trips Coral with her foot.

"Looks like those Explorer-Twerps aren't so smug now!" Jessie cackled.

"Uh, Jess? Shouldn't we be following da actual twerps?" Meowth asked, "Seems like those Explorers have some sorta plan we gotta stop."

"Wobuffet!"

"Well, I've already got the balloon in the air." James held onto a rope.

Jessie briefly looked back, tempted to mock Coral some more, but she sighed, "Alright, fine."

James heard something from afar, he handed the rope to Jessie. "I'll be right back."

James entered a large forest clearing, finding two Victreebel sleeping in peace whilst cuddling. One of them wakes up and spots James, it launches towards him and forces the Team Rocket member into its mouth. To some, this could scare a trainer away, but to James? He recognized the sign instantly.

"It's you..." He muttered, remembering the little Weepinbell he caught a year ago. "It's you!"

James pried himself out of the Flycatcher Pokémon's mouth smelling something sweet coming from the other Victreebel, a scent he recognized.

"Is that, the one with Sweet Scent?" He asked, the original Victreebel seemed to nod, before presenting its old trainer with a Poke Ball. "I thought that salesman had that, are you saying yoiu two wanna come back with me?"

The Victreebel bit down on James's head again, "Okay! Okay! Welcome back!"

James recalled his Victreebel and pulled out the Poke Ball belonging to the Sweet Scent Victreebel and recalls it as well. "Just wait until the others hear about this!" He whispered as he walked back to the balloon.

Notes:

Hey everyone, sorry if this chapter seemed a bit rushed. I didn't have a ton of ideas after watching the episode. I just wanted to point out some stuff before anyone gets confused.

1. Ash and Team Rocket know about all the Mega Evolutions that were introduced in XY and ORAS, expect for one, but that'll be revelvant to the story. As for the new Megas in ZA, they aren't aware of them yet, I figured this'll be a nice balance.

2. While I haven't been asked this yet, I don't think I'm gonna adapt the Mega Evolution Specials to this continuity. I want to, but I can't find a way for it to make sense. In an earlier chapter Roy told Ash he didn't meet anyone Ash was asking about, so I can't just insert someone from XY into those episodes. Maybe I can find another way to adapt them, but for right now, I think I'll only reference the events of those episodes in later chapters after they release.

Okay, that's all! I'll see you guys next week! Take care!

Notes:

I know it sounds stupid but I wanted to write this so yeah.