pokemon Fighting Dreamers

Stow-on-side, 10 years ago.

''Saito? Do you have a moment?'' A woman asked opening the door of her daughter's room.

''Mom! Sure, what do you need?''

''I have to talk with you.'' The woman sat on the bed of the room and told her daughter to do the same with a sign.

''What do you have to say?'' The little girl asked with a smile.

''Saito...'' She took a deep breath and sighed. ''Mommy will have to go soon.''

''Really?'' That smile started to disappear quickly and that was exactly what her mother feared. ''And when are you coming back?''

''...I won't come back, Saito.''

''You won't?'' Saito's smile finally died down. ''...Can I go with you then?''

''No...you can't.'' All those negations were starting to hurt her.

''Why not?''

''Mommy is going to a place where you won't be able to follow her...that's why I would like to give you something.'' The woman showed the little girl a grey box and then she opened it, letting her daughter see what was inside.

''A hairband?''

''A very special hairband.'' She started to explain as she put it on her daughter's head. ''I asked auntie Kyoko to make it for you, even after I'm gone, as long as you have this hairband, mommy will always be with you, so promise me you'll take care of it.''

''Thanks, Mom...I'll protect it with my life.''

''I wouldn't expect less from you, my little Saito.''

Back in present time, Bea head already woke up, she was looking up at nothingness still inside the tent she decided to set up indoors for some reason.

''I hadn't dreamed of mom in a while.'' Bea took the hairband in her hands, she turned it around several times trying to spot something that looked even in the slightest unusual, but everything seemed normal, she then searched for her Rotom Phone and quickly scanned Cinderace who was sleeping next to her, again, nothing out of the ordinary. ''Special, uh? Maybe I should ask Aunt Kyoko...'' Bea then facepalmed herself. ''Sigh, but I don't remember where she lives, she hasn't visited the stadium in ages, I wonder if she knows I escaped.'' Bea finally got out of the tent and looked around noticing there was no one in the room.

''Flannery is up already?'' Bea looked outside the window, the sun was barely starting to rise, she simply changed herself and got out of the room, following a hunch she had, Bea walked until she made it to the front of the ship where Ash and Flannery were watching the dawn of the new day together, with Litleo lying on Ash's head.

''Good morning, guys.'' Bea called them getting close.

''Good morning, Bea.'' Ash was the first one to reply. ''How is it going?''

''I'm fine, what about you, Ash? You don't tend to wake up this early, you had nightmares again?''

''Thankfully no, I wanted to be awake before we arrived so I could see the region, Flannery was already here.''

''It's an habit Uncle Kabu gave me.'' Flannery began to say. ''We like to watch the sun rise and feel the first rays of light, Litleo likes to see it too, he's also grown fond of Ash.'' Flannery then dodged the usual Flamethrower. ''Now that I think about it, Ash is the one person he hasn't thrown a Flamethrower at.'' Another Flamethrower ''Oh, come on!''

''I think Litleo's nice too.'' Ash said. ''Look at this.'' Ash then took Litleo on his hands, lifting the cub up high to look at the sun as various Water-Types looked at him from the surface of the ocean. ''It's the circle of life! -African gibberish- And it moves us all!''

''Litleo!'' The cub said as Flannery and Ash laughed.

''Hey, Bea, if you're in the mood, can you tell me about your thing with Cinderace?'' Flannery asked once Ash put Litleo down. ''Since you mentioned last night I got quite interested.''

''Sure, well, this is the thing, you see this hairband here, right? It acts as some kind of translator, as long as I wear it, I can understand Cinderace, but that's kinda the catch, I can't understand any other Pokemon, and if someone else wears the hairband they won't be able to understand any Pokemon, not even my Cinderace.''

''Wow, where did you get something like that?'' Flannery continued to ask.

''It was a gift from my mother, she gave it to me when I was little.''

''And did she know how it worked?'' Ash asked since Bea never told him that part of the story.

''I'm not sure, she mentioned it was special, but nothing else...she died before I met Cinderace as a Scorbunny so I could never ask her.''

''Your mother died?'' Ash asked slightly confused, since Bea mentioned her Parents when they were going to Postwick.

''Yes, my...my biological mother, that is.'' Bea quickly answered, remembering the exact same thing.

''I see, sorry.''

''My condolences too.'' Flannery said.

''Don't worry about it.''

''Good morning passengers.'' The voice of the captain was heard on the speakers. ''We'll be arriving in Canalave in 10 minutes, everyone prepare yourselves.''

''That's our cue.'' Ash said. ''It's been so long since I've been in Sinnoh...You see those islands there, right?'' Ash pointed at a chain of islands that could be seen in the distance. ''The biggest one it's Canalave city, we'll be arriving there.''

''I'm really excited!'' Flannery squealed. ''I've never been in Sinnoh before!''

''I haven't been here either.'' Bea added. ''I wonder what kind of things will happen in this region.''

Meanwhile on Prof. Oak's lab.

''You got everything, ready?'' Torterra asked.

''Yup!'' Infernape answered. ''I'll show Ash how strong I've become!''

''Good, you have the item he asked to bring with you, right?''

''Item?''

...

''Thanks, Infernape, I'll be waiting for you.'' Ash said through a Video Call to Professor Oak's lab. ''I'll tell you when I arrive to Canalave, there's no PC in this cruise so I can't receive you now.''

''I'll have him ready for you, Ash.'' Prof. Oak said.

''Infernape, one last thing, there's something really important I need you to bring. It's in my room, a golden medal with a pink ribbon cut in half, can you remember that?''

''Nape!'' The fire starter assured him with a thumbs up.

''Thanks you, go get it when you get the time.''

...

''I totally forgot!'' Infernape shouted.

''We have to go to his house!''

''I know! I know!'' Infernape quickly ran to the Ketchum house leaving Torterra behind.

''Hey, wait for me! You know 56 Speed ain't easy to deal with!''

''Just tell Boldore to teach you Rock Polish! Move! move!''

...

''Here it is!'' Infernape said jumping from the window of Ash's room, showing the ribbon to Torterra. ''This is the one, right?''

''Yes, that's it.'' Torterra assured him. ''Sceptile had showed it to me a couple times.''

''Well, I'll be going with Professor Oak, wish me luck.'' Infernape said running away.

''Tell him to call me soon! I want a chance to redeem myself!''

''Fricking Aipom had a bigger winrate than you!'' Totodile said coming out of Torterra's tree. ''HAHAHAHA!''

Back with Ash and co. the ship finally arrived at the Canalave port, the gang was now officially in Sinnoh.

''Hey there, Ash!''

''It's been a while!'' Two people called from the port.

''Byron! Roark!'' Ash responded as he got down of the boat being followed by Bea and Flannery. ''Nice to see you, guys.''

''Same goes to you.'' Byron said. ''We were waiting to greet you here.''

''Wait, how did you know I was coming to Canalave?''

''Someone published this.'' Roark showed Ash a tablet with a picture of him entering the cruise and the captions 'Seems like Ash is going to Sinnoh'. Also, in the corner of the picture there was a little Woobat sticker.

''Who could have took that photo?'' Bea asked.

''Dunno, it was an anonymous post.'' Roark said.

''I could swear I've seen that Woobat sticker somewhere else.'' Ash said.''

''Look at you, Mr. Popular.'' Roark said. ''You have paparazzi already, what happened to that kid who couldn't defeat my Cranidos?''

''I'm sure you'll give an interesting performance in the Galar League.'' Byron said. ''I'm planning on doing the same.''

''You were invited too?'' Ash asked.

''Of course! Both of us!'' Byron said giving Roark a sideway hug ''And guess what? I LOVE TOURNAMENTS!'' As Byron shouted an explosion occured behind them.

''...uh, nice.'' Ash said.

''I LOVE BATTLES!'' Another explosion.

''AND I LOVE EXPLOSIONS!'' You get the point.

''Is this guy a Power Ranger or something?'' Bea asked.

''I'm honestly not sure.'' Roark whispered.

''Alright, I have to go the Pokemon Center.'' Ash said. ''Wait here, guys, I'll be back in a second.''

Definitely more than a second later.

''Alright, come on out!'' After coming back from the center, Ash tossed the ball to the skies and Infernape fell to the ground with a three-point landing. ''Bea, Flannery, this is Infernape.''

''Wow...'' Flannery trailed off.

''I've never seen an Infernape in person.'' Bea said. ''What do you think, Cinderace? Maybe he could be your sparring partner?''

''Meh, I'm not impressed.'' Cinderace said rolling her eyes.

''I met Infernape here in Sinnoh, he was abandoned by another trainer and then I took care of him.''

''That definitely sounds like something you'd do.'' Bea said.

''Infernape, you have what I asked you right?''

''Infe!'' The Pokemon nodded and opened his fist, showing Ash the ribbon.

''Thank you.'' Ash said taking the ribbon on his hands. ''This is very important.''

''And what is that?'' Bea asked as Flannery and her took a closer look.

''This is the Terracotta medal.'' Ash started to explain. ''I won it during a Contest battle in Kanto, that battle was a draw with my friend May...she has the other half.'' Ash set his gaze on the ribbon again and at the same moment this happened, somewhere not far, another person was doing exactly the same.

''May! May! Are you listening?''

''What's wrong Max?'' She asked once she stopped gazing at her half of the ribbon.

''Look! We're almost there!'' Max pointed at the window of the plane they were in, where Sinnoh could be seen in the distance.

''Oh...that's great.'' May trailed off.

''Him again?'' Max asked.

''Yes.'' May answered with a sigh.

''You've been thinking about Ash a lot lately...I mean, more than you usually do.''

''Well, I think it's normal, Sinnoh was the last place where we were together...and then he forgot about me.'' A theater light came down from the roof, spotting on May.

''Why are such a drama queen? Like, sure, he never called you, but you never called him either.''

''Boys are meant to do the first step, Max.''

''That's a very bad stereotype.''

''...Do you think he knows about the contest?''

''Most likely, this is a worldwide thing after all.''

''You're right, I hope to see him again soon.''

''What are you two talking about?'' Caroline asked from the sit behind theirs.

''Oh, you know, we're wondering about Ash.'' Max answered.

''I'm still surprised by how much he's grown in a couple of years.'' Norman said, sat next to Caroline. ''You know, May? Even if you lose the contest, being the spouse of a champion would still be a very good position.''

''DAD!''

''NORMAN!''

''I'm just stating facts.''

''Yeah, dad's got a point, of course I have faith in you and all, May. But Lisia has been the world contest champion for more than 5 years and her game gets way too high in the finals, no one has gotten even close to defeating her.''

''Then I'll be the first one! Not only I'll get close I will defeat her!'' May then cleared her throat and started to sing with her 'Idol' voice. ''Just wait and see! How strong I'll be! No one is invincible for me! Cause May is on stage! Just tell your Mons I'm blowing them away!''

''We believe in you, May!'' Caroline said while clapping the little act.

''Of course...but just in case-''

''NORMAN!''

Back in Canalave.

''Hey, May told me about this one.'' Flannery said. ''She is always carrying the other half with her.''

''Really?'' Ash asked. ''Well, I hope to meet her again soon.''

Ash's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by an abrupt explosion that caused the ground to shake.

''Uh-''

''What the-

''Nanda?''

''Uh, that wasn't mine...'' Byron said noticing everyone was looking at him.

''That island there!'' Flannery pointed at one of the nearby grounds seeing smoke coming from it.

''Byron, that's Iron island, right?'' Ash asked.

''Yes, it is.'' Byron answered. ''I wonder what's going on.''

''It...? It couldn't be Team Galactic again, could it?'' Ash started to remember that nightmare of his and that time Team Galactic caused trouble on that same island. ''I have to go there!''

''You have?'' Both Flannery and Bea asked.

''Byron, is there a ship to Iron island?''

''Yes, my old friend Alfred, he'll take you there no problem, I'll get you with him.''

Byron led the teens to the port, where an old bald man with a white spiky beard was sitting on a wooden boat, he was wearing a green coat and was carrying a coffin on his back along with a shovel on his hand, similar to Byron's. Accompanying the man was a creature with the shape of an obelisk, it had four ghostly purple arms and a single purple eye in the middle of its 'face'.

''Hey...uhm...Sir?'' Ash tried to call him.

''...What do you want with Alfred, the Gravekeeper of this cursed town?!'' The man screamed.

''C-Cursed?'' Flannery stuttered scared hiding behind Ash.

''Alfred, cut it down.'' Byron said annoyed.

''Ha! Sorry. My name is my Alfred and this fella is Monolix.'' The man presented himself as Monolix saluted the trainers.

''Rotom?'' Ash asked and the phone came from his pocket to scan the creature.

'No data available'

''How weird.'' Ash said.

''You don't look like you belong here.'' Flannery asked.

''Why is he carrying a coffin?'' Bea asked.

''I have to be prepared, my dear.'' Alfred answered.

''Alfred, can you take me to Iron island?'' Ash asked.

''Why yes.'' Alfred replied as Ash nodded and jumped aboard along with Infernape.

''Wait Ash, you're going alone?'' Flannery asked.

''Bea, Flannery...Whatever happens in that island could be really dangerous, I can't ask you to come with me.''

''You're an idiot if you think I would you let you go there alone!'' Bea shouted.

''You said that's Iron Island, right?'' Flannery stopped for a second before taking a deep breath. ''Well, some Fire power could help you, I'm going too!''

''Ah, the classic Tsundere/Deredere combo.'' Roark said with a grin as his glasses shine.

''What did you just called me?!'' Bea shouted and then blinked. ''...No, seriously, I don't know what those thing means.''

''Right then, Alfred, we're all going!'' Ash said.

''You're just like that kid that wanted to get through Hilda's maze, I wonder if ended up with the green-haired explorer girl, they were quite cute together.''

''What are you talking about?'' Bea asked.

''The wise ones shall now.'' Alfred replied looking at the horizon.

''What do-''

''GET IN THE BOAT!'' Alfred finally shouted and Bea and Flannery got inside the wooden boat along their Pokemon.

''Ash, we're staying here.'' Byron said. ''If whatever that caused the explosion decides to come to Canalave, Roark and I will be here to stop it, you guys take care.''

''Of course, thanks Byron.''

''Everything set?'' Alfred asked.

''Yes, Alfred, we're all ready.'' Ash said.

''Hold onto your hats!'' Alfred said as Monolix used its arms to propel the boat at high speed, after barely two minutes the crew was already on Iron Island, right before one of the entries to the cave.

''Here we are.'' Alfred said as the trio abandoned the ship. ''I'll be waiting here for when you want to come back.''

''Thanks, Alfred.'' Ash said running to the cave being followed by the girls. ''Fine, now we just need to-''

''Halt right there!'' A teen wearing a red beret hat and a blue coat called them before they could enter the cave. ''Who might you be?''

''Why should we tell you?'' Bea asked taking a step forward the group.

''I mean no harm to you.'' The teen said. ''I just wanted to warn you, this place is very dangerous right now.''

''We know that.'' Ash said. ''My name is Ash Ketchum, these are Bea and Flannery.''

''Ash Ketchum, Uh?'' The teen looked at Ash from head to toe, recognizing him. ''I see, but what are you doing here?''

''We came to see what caused that explosion.'' Ash replied. ''We heard it from Canalave.''

''The explosion was caused by the Legendary Pokemon Registeel.'' Lucas answered.

''Registeel?'' Bea asked.

''...Let me explain, my names is Lucas, Lucas Diareta, nice to meet you, I was sent here by Professor Rowan, I am one of his assistants, my partner and I were assigned a mission, something has been going on with the Sinnoh Regis, they were going rampage, so our mission was to contain and catch them, we have already caught Regirock and Regice, only Registeel is left.''

''But what's happening to them?'' Ash asked.

''Let me put it like this, the Regis are like computers, something or someone has put a virus on them, but I'm afraid we are not sure what has caused the virus.''

''And where is your partner?'' Flannery asked.

''We got separated during an earthquake caused by the explosion a few minutes ago, she send me a message saying she's alright and that she'll catch up to me any moment.''

''Well, would it be okay if we help you until she appears?'' Ash asked.

''Of course, some extra hands would really help me.'' Lucas said. ''I'll lead the way if you don't mind.''

''We'll be right behind you.'' Ash said.

The team entered the cave with Lucas leading the way using a lantern as they kept going the cave turned darker and darker. The team finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel as another earthquake occured and multiple explosions were heard deep inside.

''A-A-Ash, maybe this wasn't the best idea.'' Flannery stuttered getting closer to him.

''Don't worry Flannery, we got your back.''

''It sounds like there's a fight in there.'' Lucas said.

''And I think I know who's the one fighting.'' Ash replied.

''Lucario, Aura Sphere!''

''Riley!'' Ash called once the team reached the chamber where Riley and his Lucario were fighting a Registeel. ''I expected to see you here.''

''Well, if it isn't Ash.'' Riley said as Lucario tossed the orb and Registeel was put down on the ground temporarily. ''It's good to see you again, Lucario and I have been trying to contain Registeel but he's growing stronger every second.''

''We're gonna help you, Infernape, Pikachu?''

''Nape!''

''Ka-pi!''

''Let's go, Cinderace!''

''Alright!''

''I-I-'' Flannery shivered looking at the legendary.

''Flannery, we need your help too.'' Ash said.

''R-Right, Ninetales, Torkoal!'' Flannery called her Pokemon who stood next to Litleo.

''IIII'M...THEEEEE...KING!'' Registeel said in a robotic voice getting up.

''Did he just talk?!'' Flannery exclaimed.

''You get just used to it.'' Ash said.

''Here it comes!'' Lucas shouted releasing a Rhyperior.

''KNEEEEL...TOOOO...ME!''

''Oh, great, he's rhyming now.'' Cinderace and Infernape said at the same time looking at each other awkwardly.

''Observation...'' Registeel looked around at the trainers. ''This is a great opportunity for-''

''Come, on man.'' Cinderace interrupted. ''That's just lazy.''

''Ash, you already fought a Regi, right?'' Flannery asked.

''I did, but-''

''This is different.'' Lucas interrupted. ''The Regi you fought was a trained one, this one is wild and as I mentioned the virus is a problem.''

''Virus?'' Riley asked. ''I can definitely tell its aura is corrupt.''

''That must be it.'' Lucas assured him.

''Whatever it is, he is stronger than he usually is, however he's lost of control too, Lucario and I haven't been doing much honestly.''

''Lucas, how did you caught the other too.'' Ash asked.

''...I used Master Balls.''

''Where is your honor, dirtbag?!'' Flannery shouted.

''Don't you have more Master Balls then?'' Bea asked.

''I'm afraid I don't, Prof. Rowan gave me three but-''

''But what?'' Ash asked.

''A Ratatta pressed it when I was distracted and he got himself caught...''

''Well, that's kinda sad.'' Riley admitted.

''Alright, we'll need everyone's effort to put him down.'' Ash said.

''Like a raid battle? Flannery asked.

''Ember, Spark, Ember, Spark!'' The pattern on Registeel's face turned silver as he shot a massive Steel Beam to the team of heroes.

''Rhyperior, take the hit!'' Lucas ordered and the Rock Type stood infront of the other Pokemon protecting them, Rhyperior was very damaged by the hit but then his body started to glow green.

''You fell for it, fool!'' Rhyperior shouted in his language. ''Weakness Policy Horn Attack!'' Using the cannons on his arms as rockets Rhyperior impulsed himself, stabbing Registeel with his horn.

''Cinderace, High Jump Kick!''

''Here we go!'' Cinderace jumped in the air aiming at Registeel.

''I refuse.'' The pattern on Regice's face glowed blue as a barrier appeared infront of him, blocking the kick and causing Cinderace to fall down in pain.

''ARGH! MY LEG!'' The rabbit shouted while holding her right leg. ''Stupid crash damage!''

Registeel then raised his arm covered by a red energy.

''AH!'' Cinderace shouted unable to get up.

''Cinderace!'' Bea exclaimed.

''Infernape, take her out of there with Acrobatics!'' Ash ordered as Infernape nodded and his body was surrounded by a blue light, he then jumped into the air, zipping around until he was infront of Cinderace, Infernape quickly carried her on his arms and used Acrobatics again to take her back to Bea.

''You okay?'' Infernape asked.

''PUT ME DOWN!'' Cinderace shouted blushing.

''A thanks would suffice, you know?''

''Cinderace, are you okay?'' Bea asked getting close as she released Quilladin to help in the fight.

''TELL HIM TO PUT ME DOWN!''

Back in Canalave.

''Uh, excuse me young lady.'' A maid was trying to wake up Dawn who was still sleeping in her room of the cruise.

''Uh?...Ash?'' The girl asked as she woke up dizzy.

''No, my lady, my name is Tammy.''

''Ah, that's okay, is there something wrong, Tammy?''

''Well, aside from the fact that the cruise arrived in Sinnoh more than an hour ago-''

''AH HOUR?! PIPLUP! I TOLD YOU TO WAKE ME UP!'' Dawn screamed at her partner who was playing with her phone.

''Piplup!''

''ARGH! Come on, we have to move!'' Dawn quickly changed herself and ran outside of the cruise and directly to the blimp station, completely ignoring all the commotion that was occurring on Iron Island.

''Isn't this great, Piplup?'' Dawn asked on the run, with her partner on top of her head. ''We're back in Sinnoh! I can't wait to get to Twinleaf and see mom again! We have to see May's performance too!'' The excitement distracted Dawn for a moment and she ended up running into someone, causing her to fall down to the ground.

''Ouch, excuse me...sir?'' Dawn tried to talk to whom she ran into, she flinched a moment noticing that it was a tall humanoid shadowy figure with deep red eyes.

''What...is that thing?'' Dawn asked as she tried to search for her Pokedex, but before she could, the shadowy figure jumped over her and ran away.

''PIPLUP!'' Angry at the shadow, the little penguin jumped form his trainer's head, gliding along the air while using Aerial Ace chasing after the figure.

''Piplup, wait!'' Dawn called following him as well, without noticing she let her Pokedex fell to the ground.

After a bit of running, the shadowy figure had still not noticed that Piplup and Dawn were following it and it entered in an abandoned mansion.

''The Old Chateau?'' Dawn asked. ''Not this place again...'' Before the girl could say something else, her Pokemon entered the mansion to follow the shadowy figure. ''PIPLUP! Are you serious?!'' Before entering as well, Dawn noticed a small sign nailed in the door.

'Sorry, but the Old Chateau will be abandoned from now on, why? Because is a creepy old mansion in the middle of the forest! What were we thinking?! Oh, well, enter at your own risk and all that.'

''Great! This is GREAT!'' Dawn simply sighed and entered the mansion.

Meanwhile, inside the mansion, after seeing some of its ghost friends, the shadowy figure entered the main room of the mansion, where another shadowy figure was sitting alone in the middle of the room, however, this second shadowy figure was a lot shorter than the one Dawn and Piplup met.

''Back already?'' The small shadow asked.

''Sorry, Mr. Marsh, something caught my attention.'' The tall shadow said as it opened the window of the room and pointed at a nearby island. ''It appears there's trouble in Iron Island.'' It said pointing at the smoke coming from the island.

''The small shadow jumped to the taller's elbow, seeing the smoke, said shadow tripped and fell to the ground.

''Are you okay, Mr. Marsh?'' The tall shadow tried to help him get up, but the latter told him not to with its hand.

''I'm fine, it's just...that sight gave me bad memories.''

''This is what humans call Vietnam flashbacks? ...Your home in Alola, something like this happened?''

''That's hard to tell since we can't see what's happening form here.''

''Why don't you ever tell me about what happened back then?''

''Because you don't need to know.''

''Mr. Marsh-''

Both Pokemon then heard the front door shriek.

''Intruders...''

''My apologies, I saw a human in my way back here, it seems like she followed me here, should I take care of her?''

''...No, go to Iron island and see what's going on, we might need to evacuate the mansion if whatever caused it decides to come here, I'll take care of the intruders.''

''As you command...uh, Mr. Marsh, please don't do anything exaggerated.''

''GO!''

''Right here! Right now!'' The taller shadow made a soldier salute and jumped outside of the window, onward to Iron island.

''Piplup, where are you?'' Dawn asked as she entered the chateau. ''This isn't- ARGH!'' Dawn screamed again as the doors slammed behind her. ''No, no no!'' She tried to open the doors again with no success. ''ARGH! PIPLUP! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! I'M SO MAD! AAAARGH!'' Dawn eventually gave in and released her Togekiss and her Buneary to help her look for her partner.

Back to Iron Island.

''Bow Down to the king!'' Registeel jumped in the air outlined by a silver light.

''Here comes a Heavy Slam!'' Lucas shouted. ''Rhyperior, use-''

''Purugly, Hyper Beam!''

A charged yellow-white beam came from behind, stopping Registeel's attack, a Purugly then appeared next to the trainers with a red-haired woman wearing a sleeveless green shirt and black jeans following her.

''Finally Mars, where have you been?'' Lucas asked.

''Sorry, the earthquake fucked up my compass and I lost myself.''

''I'm glad you're here, everyone, this is Mars, she's my partner.'' Lucas presented her to the trainers.

''You...'' Ash trailed off both angry and worried quickly recognizing the woman.

''Me?'' Mars looked at Ash until her memory snapped. ''EEK!'' She squealed as she hid behind Lucas.

''You two know each other?'' Lucas asked.

''Weeell-''

''Its gonna use explosion!'' Bea shouted as Registeel was building up energy.

''No, he's not!'' Mars said showing a Net Ball. ''Jellicent, Damp!''

A male Jellicent came out of the Poke Ball, creating a blue dome that surrounded the whole place, stopping Registeel's explosion. The Iron Pokemon then jumped in the air, going past the Pokemon and landing infront of the trainers.

''Defiant statement, there is nothing you can do to me! DO. YOUR. WORST.''

''As you say!'' Bea raised her first in anger and landed a strong blow on Registeel, but the latter didn't feel anything, Bea on the other side. ''ARGH! That hurt!'' Bea shouted holding her wrist. ''That really, really hurt!''

''...Revolting.''

Registeel was about to shot another Steel Beam, however, right infront of him the shadowy figure rose from the ground, the figure quickly did a Low Sweep, knocking Registeel to the ground and causing the Steel Beam to be shot to the roof of the chamber.

''What in the iron hell is going on there?!'' Byron shouted seeing the beam being shot to the skies.

''I'm detecting a quick escalation in Steel-Type energy.'' Roark said looking at a tablet.

Meanwhile in the Canalave Library, Lucian, the strongest member of the Sinnoh Elite Four was reading a book.

''Do you all hear something?'' He asked to his Pokemon and they all shook their heads, not wanting to disturb his concentration.

Back in Iron island, the shadow was looking steadily at Bea, who quickly got on a fighting stance again thinking it was a threat while the shadowy figure simply tilted its head.

''KNEEEEL!'' Registeel jumped over them, again the shadowy figure almost instantly turned around and tossed a green Aura Sphere, exploding on Registeel's face and sending it back again.

''Looks likes it's in our side.'' Flannery said. ''Alright, everyone, give me some heat!'' She ordered as all her Pokemon used Flamethrower cornering Registeel to the wall.

''Let's follow Flannery.'' Riley said. ''Keep him where he is with distanced attacks, Aura Sphere!''

''Thunderbolt and Flamethrower!''

''Quilladin, Seed Bomb!''

''Pugurly, Shadow Ball!''

''Rhyperior, Rock Wrecker!''

All the attacks hit Registeel at the same time causing an explosion, the dust then cleared and Registeel was kneeling but still capable of battling.

''He's almost done!'' Lucas shouted.

''Infernape, Flare Wheelz!'' Infernape spun the flame of his head around as it extended until he was fully surrounded by fire, he then somersaulted as the flames turned blue and he rolled towards Registeel exploding in a sea of flames.

''bkwqoiijoei9segjwhjowjwjogwoeg.'' Registeel walked away from the explosion finally falling down as Infernape stood victorious between the dust. ''Я буду бить тебя до смерти.'' Registeel tried to talk as the lights on its pattern went off.

''Wow...'' Cinderace trailed off still on the ground. ''That was pretty hot.''

''It sure was.'' Bea replied. ''Infernape is really...wait, Cinderace are you-''

''N-No! I didn't mean it l-like that!'' Cinderace started to blush and Bea laughed almost maniacally.

''Ho ho ho, how the table tuns.'' Bea rubbed her hands with a devilish smile.

''SHUT UP!''

''It's down!'' Mars shouted. ''Lucas!''

''On it!'' Lucas tossed an Ultra Ball and Registeel was absorbed, the ball dropped to the ground and started to wag, one...two...three...click!

''Huff-'' Lucas sighed relieved as Mars hugged him.

''Great job, everyone!'' Mars said.

''Finally...Uh...thanks for the help.'' Bea said looking at the shadowy figure who raised its fist and tried to punch her, Bea quickly reacted to avoid the hit and responded with one of her own but the shadowy figure dodged as well. Bea then made a low sweep but the shadow jumped just in time to avoid, however, right before it landed, Bea jumped forward and landed a punch, launching the figure to a wall, the shadow quickly got back up and looked at Bea for a few seconds, the figure simply nodded and jumped in the air, exiting the place in a wavy motion, not without looking back at Bea one last time.

''What was all that?'' Ash asked.

''I...I'm not sure.'' Bea answered.

''Thanks for your help, guys.'' Lucas said as he walked to the Ultra ball and he put it on his backpack.

''That was a close call, uh?'' Mars asked. ''I honestly don't think you and I could have made it alone.''

''Hmm...Mars, can I talk with you...in private?'' Ash asked.

''I...'' Mars looked at Lucas for moment before answering. ''Of course.''

Ash and Mars stayed in the chamber while the rest exited the place, Ash's look was not exactly friendly and of course Mars already knew what the conversation what going for.

''Mars...is Team Galactic...''

''No.'' Mars interrupted perfectly knowing what Ash was going to ask. ''Team Galactic was disbanded 3 years ago when Cyrus disappeared...''

''So, did you escape from prison?''

''No, I didn't, I've been under probation for a few months now, Professor Rowan is my supervisor.'' As Mars explained she noticed Ash was giving her an untrustful glare. ''Look, I don't care if you don't trust me, but I'm trying to remake my life, I'm really trying! I got an honest work and everything...there's also Lucas...'' Mars blushed at the last statement and Ash felt obligated to keep asking.

''Does he knows?''

''Yes...I told him a few days ago, He said he didn't mind as long as I never do something like that again.''

''I see...what about the other commanders?''

''Jupiter is under probation too, she's in Hearthome with her sister, Saturn is still in jail and we never got a word of Charon, it seems like he escaped during the Spear Pillar event.''

''...Well, I'll take your word there, if Rowan trust you then I guess it's fine.''

''Thanks.''

''You okay, Mars?'' Lucas asked once Ash and her got back to the group.

''Yes, I'm fine...I'll be preparing our boat, alright?'' Mars then left the place and Lucas stood there with a worried look.

''Ash, where do you know that girl from?'' Bea asked.

''You remember what I told you about Team Galactic, right?''

''Team Galactic...'' Bea relisted on her head the stories Ash told him, they were so many that it was usual that she forgot about one in specific. ''Wait...Mars...Galactic Commander Mars?!''

''Yes, that's her.'' Ash replied.

''But she's a criminal!'' Bea exclaimed.

''I know, but from what she told me she served her time in prison and-''

''And how much time was she in prison?! She tried to destroy reality!''

''I know, but it seems like she's trying to fix her life and redeem herself, I might still call Prof. Rowan to confirm it, but I think she is saying the truth.''

''She is saying the truth.'' Lucas joined the conversation. ''...Sorry, I didn't mean to overhear you.''

''I'm sorry, Lucas.'' Bea apologized. ''I don't have anything against Mars, but-''

''I understand.'' Lucas interrupted.'' And I'm sure Mars understands too, after all, 'Former Member of an organization that tried to rewrite time and space' is not something you can get out of your curriculum that easy...I know what you might think, but Mars has gotten a lot of time to re-think and I can assure you that now she is a model citizen, she has become a great person.''

''You mentioned she was your work partner.'' Flannery said. ''But you two seemed rather close.'' This statement caused Lucas to blush.

''Uh... well, we actually started dating a few days ago.''

''A few days?'' Ash asked. ''Wouldn't that be?''

''Exactly when she told me about her past...we had been working for a while, I kinda knew something was up, but I supposed she wasn't ready to talk about it, I'm just glad that she finally understood that she could rely on me, she couldn't keep the secret anymore and of course I accepted her.''

''She's lucky to have someone like you.'' Flannery said.

''That's what she's always saying, but honestly, I'm lucky to have her too, we've both been through some heavy weather.''

''So Mars was scared of telling the truth of her past to the person she was in love with.'' Cinderace talked to her trainer. ''Does that reminds you of something, Bea?''

''Hmm...''

''Thanks for all the help.'' Lucas talked again. ''I hope to see you three again.''

''Me too.'' Ash said. ''We'll be staying in Sinnoh for a few days, so if you have trouble don't doubt calling me.''

''I'll surely will, thanks again.'' Lucas started to walk away, but Ash called him again.

''Lucas, one last thing...have you guys told Brandon about this?''

''We have.'' Lucas answered. ''He said that his Regis are functioning normal but that he'll be alert in case something happens.''

''Alright then, you and Mars take care, give my regards to Prof. Rowan.''

''I will, I'm sure Prof. Rowan would be happy to know you're back in Sinnoh, pay a visit to the lab if you can.''

''See ya.'' Ash and co. waved goodbye as Lucas left the place. ''Hey, wait a second, where did Riley go?''

''I'm right here.'' Riley called exiting the cave along his Lucario. ''I needed checking the chamber, I was trying to find what or who corrupted Registeel.''

''Did you find anything?'' Ash asked.

''I'm afraid not.'' Riley answered with a sigh.

As Ash and Riley were talking, Lucario noticed something and talked through Aura with Riley.

''Hmm, are you sure?'' Riley asked looking at his partner.

''What's wrong?'' Ash asked.

''He was too agitated to notice during the fight, but it seems like there's something in your pocket that drew Lucario's attention.''

''Could it be?'' Ash searched for Riolu's Poke Ball and released the canine right infront of Lucario, Riolu got scared a little, he then looked back to Ash and to Lucario again, bowing down in respect.

''Wait...Your Lucario is-?

''Yes.'' Riley looked back at his partner who nodded. ''Seems like your Riolu is his son, how have you been, little one?'' Riley asked to Riolu ''It's been a while.''

''Wow...'' Ash said amazed. ''Wait, what would that make you and me?''

''I...I honestly don't know.'' Riley had a dead look for second until his Lucario made him snap back. ''Lucario says he wants to fight to see Riolu's growth, what do you say?''

''We're on! Right, Riolu?''

''OL!''

''Don't disappoint me.'' Lucario said.

''Of course not...'' Riolu said shivering.

'There's something going on there.' Bea thought seeing Riolu's expression.

''Let us start, Aura Sphere!'' Riley ordered as Lucario put his hand together and shot the orb towards Riolu.

''Dodge with Quick Attack!'' Ripley nodded and ran to the sides avoiding the hit.

''Guide the sphere to him!'' Lucario raised his paw it on Ripley's direction causing the orb to follow him

''Riolu, do that as well!'' At first Riolu didn't understand, he then blinked in realization and ran towards Lucario, jumping up just in time and clinging to Lucario's back, the Aura Sphere kept going following its target and then it exploded on Lucario's chest.

''He's quite intelligent.'' Riley admitted.

''We're just getting started! Sky Uppercut!''

Riolu jumped off Lucario's back and charged the move to hit him.

''Meteor Mash!'' Lucario raised his palm as a silver star appeared on it, Lucario then closed his fist with force, shattering the star into dust as his whole arm was covered by a silver shining light, clashing with the uppercut and outpowering the small Riolu to the ground.

"Aura Sphere!"

''Use Quick Attack and jump back!'' Riolu did as told and jumped back as the sphere exploded on the ground. "now go for him!"

''Counter with Extreme Speed!'' Lucario howled and charged against Riolu at high speed pushing him to the ground with the impact.

''Metal Claw!'' Riolu quickly got up charged the move, but he called back the claws soon afterwards.

''Riolu, what's wrong?'' The small canine took a deep breath and put his hand together forming the famous blue orb of energy.

''An Aura Sphere?'' Riley stuttered impressive as his Lucario looked extremely proud, however that pride died soon as Riolu's Aura Sphere vanished into the thin air before he could launch it.

''Ash, that was-''

''Yes, Riolu can use Aura Sphere, but he hasn't mastered it yet.''

''How interesting, I could count with my fingers the number of Riolus that can use Aura Sphere.''

''Hmm...'' Lucario thought looking at his son.

''gh, gh.'' Riolu shivered again.

''Well, let's keep the battle going.'' Riley said.

''Right, Riolu, let's show them our Style, Aura Claws!'' Rookie charged an Aura Sphere again, quickly slashing it before it disappeared as the metal claws flared with Aura.

''I see..." Riley talked again. "Passing the Aura you can't handle to the metal so it bears it for you.''

"...What is this heresy?" Lucario asked with an angry look.

"I...Sorry." Riolu trailed off cancelling his attack.

''Riolu, what's happening?'' Ash asked.

Riolu then tried to form an Aura Sphere, he tried several times, failing each one of them, Lucario eventually got tired and launched an Aura Sphere of his own exploding onto Riolu.

''Hmm...Aura Sphere again!''

''Dodg-" Ash was about to say but an idea crossed his mind. "NO! Wait, that's it! Use Copycat!''

Riolu looked at the move and he repeated his usual motion to use it himself, but this time the Aura didn't disperse, Riolu looked at it speechless for a moment and then launched it with all his force, to everyone's surprise, Riolu's sphere was bigger than Lucario's and it kept going absorbing it and exploding onto Lucario.

''It worked! Riolu, you did it!'' Ash celebrated as Riolu jumped in excitement

''Very well, Lucario, another Aura Sphere!''

''Copycat again!'' Riolu was about to imitate the move again, but Lucario's glare stopped him from doing so, Riolu sighed and lowered his arms, taking the hit.

''Riolu?!'' Ash exclaimed.

''Meteor Mash!'' Lucario punched Riolu who took the hit willingly

''Blaze Kick!'' Lucario stomped the ground as his foot was covered with flames.

''Dodge it!'' Ash tried to talk but Riolu once again stood still and took the hit.

''Riolu listen to me!'' Ash called to no avail.

''Aura Sphere!'' Lucario jumped and landed infront of Riolu, charging the move right on his face.

''Copycat, Riolu!'' Ash called again but his Pokemon simply lowered his head. "Riolu, please, you have to listen!"

''Rio...lu!'' The small canine finally got back to reality and charged the copycat, stopping right before Lucario's. Lucario's attack was stronger this time, but Riolu Aura started to flow back to him as his whole body shine blue, Riolu began to grew until his body was the same size as Lucario, both Aura Sphere's exploded as Riley's Lucario was sent flying back, the dust cleared and another Lucario could be seen as it made a powerful howl to the skies and the aura flared from him.

"... Congrats." Ash simply said scanning him with his Pokedex. "Lucario, the aura Pokemon, It can tell what people are thinking. Only Trainers who have justice in their hearts can earn this Pokémon's trust...Side note: Lucario has forgotten Quick Attack and has learned Bone Rush.

''Alright, Lucario, let's try a Bone Rush!'' Lucario shook his head and looked at Ash, who easily got the message.

''...Fine then...Aura Sphere!'' Ash's Lucario joined his hands, the Aura that was emerging from his whole body combined in one single spot, he was about to launch it, but...the energy dispersed...nothing changed at all...

''It...it still doesn't works?'' Ash asked.

''Hmm...Blaze Kick!''

"Bone Rush!" Ash ordered but his Lucario ran toward Riley's while charging another Aura Sphere.

''Lucario, wait!'' The energy dispersed again and Lucario received the Blaze Kick on his face.

''Meteor Mash!'' Lucario then shot an Aura Sphere ignoring Riley's command, effectively knocking Ash's Lucario to the ground fainted.

''Lucario, are you okay?'' Ash asked kneeling close to him.

The Pokemon got up, he then looked at his father, who looked away, Ash's Lucario simply sighed and pressed his Poke Ball, getting back on his own.

''Lucario, you're being too Harsh.'' Riley said to his Pokemon, who simply walked away to continue training.

''I'm sorry, Ash, my Lucario always had big expectations...though I'll admit that this is curious...Aura Sphere is much like a Lucario's trademark, the fact that he can't use it is odd.''

''Do you know why?''

''I don't, but you should keep training him, I'm sure he'll be able of mastering eventually.''

''We'll do so...Riley, do you know anything about some StatDust Trainers?''

''HA! HA! HA! HA!'' Riley cut his usual calm expression and laughed out loud. ''That name really sounded better in their minds.'' This sentence caused Ash to shiver for a moment.

''You...why did you said that?!" Ash exclaimed surprisingly angry.

''Uh? Well, I mean, it's not that bad, Stardust is an item in the games so-''

''No, I'm not talking about that.'' Ash interrupted him. ''I had this weird dream where you and I were part of a team named like that and you said that exact same thing about the name there.''

''How curious...Well, I'll tell you what I know, the StatDust trainers were a group of six heroes that protected Sinnoh since ancient times, they had an alliance with the Aura Guardians, five of the members specialized each in one stat, while the sixth, who was the leader and an aura guardian, managed to find a balance between all the stats.''

''And what happened to them?''

''Normally, a place in the team was passed down form generation to generation, at some point they simply disappeared for unknown reasons, much like the Aura guardians. May I know who were the other members of the team in that dream of yours?''

''They were Cheryl, Mira, Marley and Buck.''

''I'm afraid I don't know any of them.''

''They are all people I met here in Sinnoh.''

''And what are you gonna do now? You'll look for them as well?''

''I don't think so, finding you here was just a coincidence.''

''I understand, but if it wasn't that dream, what brought you back to Sinnoh?''

''I just came to see a friend, that's all.''

''Of course, I tend to forgot you're a most relaxed person, I'd like to have a rest too, but it won't be just now, I'll stay here trying to discover what happened to Registeel, I wish you and Lucario the best.''

''Thanks, Riley, take care.''

The crew got back with Alfred, who took them back to Canalave, on the center Ash was presenting Infernape to rest of the team, of course Pikachu already knew him well enough, he didn't know Oshawott that well, but Buizel spent a lot of time with him so he was glad to see that he evolved, the all-time serious Rookidee reminded him of Staraptor and Lucario...he was still on his ball, Ash had been trying to talk with him with no success so far.

''Lucario, would you like to come out now?'' Ash asked but the ball stood completely still. ''Hmm...''

''He still doesn't want to get out?'' Bea asked after leaving Cinderace with Nurse Joy.

''No, he doesn't, how's your hand by the way?''

''I'm alright, but I seriously need to start thinking twice before punching legendary Pokemon... You know? Maybe I could talk with Lucario.''

''You sure?''

''Yeah, but...leave us alone for a moment, okay?''

''Of course, I'll trust him to you, Bea.'' Ash returned the rest of his Pokemon and walked away to his room handing Lucario's ball to Bea.

Meanwhile, somewhere else in the center.

"Uncle Kabu...we need to talk." Flannery said to the man through a video call.

"Of course, but first tell me, how did you pass the night?" Kabu's smile said it all.

"I passed the night with Bea."

"What? But I gave you the perfect chance!"

"How could you do something like that?!"

"Uh, well, I went to buy the tickets and then-"

"That's not what I mean! You did that without asking me about it!"

"So...you don't like Ash?"

"Of course I like him!" Flannery shouted out loud and then looked around hoping Ash wasn't close to hear that. "Still, that was not how I wanted things to be."

"Well, do it your style then, this travel in Sinnoh seems like a great opportunity for you two to get closer."

"...I suppose you're right."

"Of course I am! Now go and live while you're young! Your Uncle Kabu will be here if you ever need help! I'm Mr. Red Wingman! I'm Mr. Sun! I'm Mr. Heat Blister! I'm M-"

Flannery cut the call and sighed before Kabu could continue and decided to go to her room.

Ash went to his room in the center and left the door half open in case Bea made any progress, however, after a few minutes Flannery was the one that came through the door.

''Bea, you here already?'' Flannery asked while opening the door, she then noticed she was on Ash's room. ''AH! S-Sorry, our room is next door, my mistake.''

''Flannery, wait a second.'' Ash called before she closed the door. ''Actually, I wanted to talk with you.''

''With me? T-Talk about what?''

''Uh, well, are you okay?''

''Okay? ...Sure, why do you ask?''

''I'm talking about what happened in Iron island, Bea and I already kinda used to it, but I think it's the first time you've been through something like that, right?''

''Yes, it was...and let me tell you something...'' Flannery walked back in to the room and sat on the bed next to Ash. ''THAT WAS SUPER SCARY!''

''Really?''

''Yeah! L-Like, why was it talking?! That was so creepy! And you didn't even flinch a second!''

''As I already told you I'm kinda used to it, but believe me when I say that was far from the scariest Regi I've seen.''

-REGIIIIIIICEEEEEEEE- The memory made Ash shiver.

''Well, that's great and all, but honestly, I'm just glad all that's over, but I have to admit that it was really exciting, if something like that happens again while I'm here you can count on me!''

''I'm glad to hear that.''

''So you deal with things like this everyday?'' Flannery asked. ''I guess May wasn't exaggerating.''

''Not everyday, but definitely pretty often.''

''I see...Ash, hmm... I actually wanted to talk with you too, it's kinda personal, j-just something that crossed my minds but...how do you like girls?''

''What do you mean?'' Ash tried to play dumb since his interactions with Nessa woke up some kind of sense on his brain.

''I mean if you were to have a girlfriend or a wife, how would you like her to be?''

''Well, I don't think I'm sure, that's kinda a big question.''

''Big question...'' With a quick movement Flannery placed her hands on Ash's shoulders, she then pushed him down leaving his back on the bed, Flannery then sat on his lap and hold both of Ash's wrists down, completely stopping him from moving, all of this happened in less than two seconds before Ash had any time to react.

"Well, that escalated quickly." Pikachu said from his side as he left the room.

''Uh...Flannery?''

''Hmm...''

Back in the lobby, Bea had been looking at Lucario's Poke Ball for a while now, she wasn't totally sure about what to say, but after building up some courage she began to talk.

''Lucario, you're listening, right?'' Bea asked but the ball still didn't move.

''Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine...believe when I say I know what is like to have a disappointed parent...I have one myself...but you have to understand, you can't be exactly what he wants you to be, you're not him and you'll never be, you're just you and that's perfectly fine, you have nothing to prove to him but you still have to keep doing you best, not for him but for you; And of course for Ash too, got that?''

Still with no response, Bea decided to leave the place and return the ball to Ash, but before she got up from the couch, Lucario came out and after a moment of silence, he simply offered his hand and Bea returned the gesture.

''Glad I could get to you, now come, Ash is really worried.''

''Ash, do you...do you think I'm pretty?'' Flannery asked still on the same position.

Ash looked up at her for a few seconds before answering. ''...Yes, you're beautiful.'' The answer caused Flannery to blush but she tried to keep her focus.

"..."

"..."

''...But?'' Flannery asked as if she was waiting for something else.

''But?''

''Where's the but?! There's always a but! You're beautiful but that's all you are! You're beautiful but you're stupid! You're beautiful but...I love someone else...''

''I...I don't see a but, you asked me if I thought you were pretty and well.'' Ash looked at Flannery up and down, blushing a little. ''I'd be lying if I said you're not.''

''Oh, well...'' Flannery blushed noticing that Ash looked at her. ''Still, that was not what my question for.''

''Yeah, I know.'' Ash admitted.

''You do? ...Hmm, Ash, would you like to be my boyfriend?''

''W-W-What?!''

''AH! Sorry! I'm going too fast, aren't I?''

''I- Yeah, I'm pretty sure you are.''

''Gosh...'' Flannery let go Ash's wrists to cover her embarrassed face, still sitting on Ash's lap. ''S-Still, if I were to ask that with the right manner, what would you say?''

''Flannery, you- ...I'm not...sigh.'' Ash tried to sit down but he ended up dropping himself on the bed again.

''You're not what?''

''Sorry, is just that...I've been getting a lot of 'attention' lately.''

''And you don't like that 'attention'?''

''That not what I said... -Nessa's flashbacks- ''I-I-I mean, is just that all this is really weird, to say I'm confused would be a serious understatement.''

''I see...but don't you think you deserve that attention?''

''What do you mean?''

''What do you think?! You're not just another trainer of the bunch, you're Ash god blessed Ketchum! You've traveled half the world! You've saved it! You changed the life of so many people for the better! Why are you always acting as if that wasn't big deal?!''

''I...I don't know, mom always thought me to be humble-''

''Ash, there is a huge different between being humble and pretending you're a nobody.''

''I guess you're right, but I don't want to change...''

''...I don't want you to change either...I think that's a big part of what makes you special, the fact that you don't let those things change you, you're not greedy or cocky, you don't let those things define who you are...Uncle Kabu says that people don't have to change but they can always become more than what they already are...Fine, no more goofing around, Ash, you're a great person and I like you." Flannery finally said cleanly as her cheeks matched her hair.

"You..." Ash blushed again but someone opened the door before he could answer.

''Hey, Ash.'' Bea called entering the room. ''Lucario is already...''

''Uh, Bea!'' Flannery exclaimed realizing their position. ''This is...this is not what it looks like!"

''I see nothing! I have plausible deniability!'' Bea simply walked off the room.

''Uhm...Flannery, could you get off me?''

''Ah! Sorry, I don't know what happened to me!'' Flannery jumped off the bed finally letting Ash go.

''Don't worry, it's fine.''

''I...I think I should go to sleep.''

''Uh, yes...I'll see you tomorrow.''

''Tomorrow then...Ash, I really meant what I said, so keep your guards up." Flannery kissed her index finger and then she pressed it onto Ash's lips. "I ain't giving up without at least trying.''

''...These girls are going to kill me.'' Ash said after Flannery left the room.

Back in Motostoke.

''You done good, Kabu.'' The man said to himself as he floated on a pool. ''You done good.''

''You okay, Lucario?'' Ash asked to his Pokemon who nodded. ''I'm sorry, our defeat today was my fault, but let's keep doing our best, I'm sure you'll be able to master that Aura Sphere soon.''

''...Thank you.''

''What?''

''Ca?''

''...You're welcome.''

After leaving Ash, Flannery went back to her room, where she found Bea who was already sleeping along with Cinderace, who had already been healed.

''Uh...Bea, are you awake?''

''Hmm...'' That was all she received as answer.

''Look, what happened with Ash...I just got carried away a little.''

''Hmm...''

''You...you like him too, right?'' This time Flannery received no response, but that actually answered her question. ''Sorry, Bea, I don't wanna fight with you...but I don't wanna give up either, so let's both do our best, alright?''

No response again.

''I'll take that as a yes.'' Flannery said going to her bed, after a few minutes Cinderace got up from bed to talk with Bea.

''Uh, what did I miss?'' The rabbit asked getting no response. ''I'm gonna suppose it was something with Ash, well, you didn't try to punch the girl so I guess that's a bit of progress.''

''Go to sleep, Cinderace."

''Oh, come on, just tell me about it.''

''...Why don't you tell me?''

''What?''

''What happened with Infernape?''

''N-Nothing, I just-''

''If I remember correctly you said he was...what was the word? Pretty hot?''

''T-T-That was just a compliment from Fire-Type to Fire-Type!''

''Yeah, keep telling yourself that.''

''You dare use my own spells again me, Shinka?!''

''Yes, I dare, that's some intertwined karma for you.''

''Listen, there's nothing going on between the chimp and me.''

''Really? Even though you looked so confortable with him.''

''Stop stealing my lines!'' After weeks of tease, it was finally turn for Bea to laugh as Cinderace blushed.

''Or else what? You're gonna sing 'I won't say I'm in love' while I do the muses part?''

''Argh! forget it, I'm going to sleep.'' Cinderace finally gave in and went to bed again.

''Hehe...finally, inner peace.''

Next day, front door of the Canalave center.

''Alright girls, I got everything done, ready to go?''

''Sure!'' Flannery answered. ''Lead us, you know the way to go after all.''

Just like Flannery requested, Ash led the way out of the city, while Bea and Flannery were a few steps behind him.

''Hey, Bea, are you still mad at me?''

''...''

''I see.''

''I...Flannery, is not that I'm mad at you, but you have to understand this is kinda frustrating.''

''Well, I'm afraid I can't apologize for liking what I see, can I?'' An embarrassed Flannery asked with a blush.

''Guess not...'' Bea replied rolling her eyes.

''What are you girls talking about?'' Ash asked looking back. Flannery was about to answer but Bea interrupted her.

''Nothing, just girly things.''

"Uh...yeah, girly things." Flannery said.

''Hmm...ok?''

''You still haven't told him, have you?'' Flannery asked her as Ash stopped looking back.

''No, I haven't and I can't understand how Nessa and you can just say it out loud like it's no big deal!''

''Nessa likes him too?'' Flankers asked surprised.

''It seems like half the girls in this world are into Ash!'' Bea screamed and whispered at the same time.

''Considering how things have been as of now, I would change that to two thirds.'' Cinderace said from her side.

''ARGH! And the worst part is that everytime I get close to tell him my feelings, something like this-'' Bea then gestured all over Flannery. ''Happens!''

''You just pointed to all of me.''

''Exactly.''

''...''

''You know? I think Lucario needs a teacher.'' Ash said to the girls getting their attention. ''Someone who can teach him about Aura, I could leave him with Riley but...No, he is my responsibility.''

''What about that shadow thing?'' Flannery asked starting to walk next to him while Bea did the same. ''The one who helped us against Registeel, it used an Aura Sphere, right?''

''Yes, it did.'' Ash said. ''I wonder where it is now, maybe he could help us.''

''I mean, it was a Pokemon, right?'' Flannery asked.

''It wasn't one I know.'' Ash said. ''What if it was some kind of illusion?''

''I doubt it." Bea differed. "I definitely touched him...I mean punched him, so it was at least 'real' in the vague sense of the word.''

''Yeah, about that-'' Ash began to say. ''What's with your urge to fight Pokemon, is that a Galar thing?''

''Just kinda my instinct.'' Bea answered raising her elbows.

''Hey, where are we going now?'' Flannery asked. ''Is Hearthome far from here?''

''Hmm, kinda, but we can take the blimp to the way the-'' Ash stopped as he saw a pink pokedex in the ground.

''What's wrong?'' Bea asked.

''Nothing, I think this is...Pikachu, can you?'' Ash took the Pokedex to Pikachu who smelled and quickly snapped. ''So, it's hers?'' Ash asked as Pikachu nodded. ''Maybe she's still close, can you find her?'' Pikachu smelled the air and then jumped off Ash's shoulder following the scent.

''Where is he going?'' Flannery asked.

''This Pokedex belongs to a friend of mine and Pikachu says she's close.''

Ash said running behind Pikachu as the girls followed him and they quickly ended up in front of the Old Chateau.

''Creepy old mansion...'' Flannery trailed off. ''Why is there always a creepy old mansion?!''

''...She could be in trouble.'' Ash said.

''Why do you keep referring to her as 'she' as if it was some big mystery?'' Bea asked before they all heard a scream.

''I'm going in!'' Ash shouted entering the place.

''Sigh, right behind you!'' Bea followed him.

''I-I'm going too!'' Flannery entered as well

Somewhere else in Sinnoh.

"How does the accused plead?"

"Innocent, your honor."

"Let me make this clear...you tried to destroy the world."

"Master Cyrus just wanted to give you all a new understanding of univ-VIOLENCE."

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

VIOLENCE.

"You have been found guilty."

''I can't let this happen, I need to hold it together."

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

HOLD IT TOGETHER.

...

...

...

...

...

Saturn woke up inside his prison cell, as always, but unlike other times, what woke him up wasn't the officer screaming but rather it was the red alarm that was going off.

''What's going on now?'' Saturn asked.

''Something that I'm sure you will be interested in.'' An old man that he instantly recognized called from the other side of the bars.

''Charon...what are you doing here?''

''I came for you.''

''...What do you want with me?''

''I want to bring Team Galactic back to its days of glory and you're going to help me.''

''...And what if I refuse?''

''Why would you? Wouldn't you like to finally complete Cyrus' plans?''

''Cyrus...he never cared about us.''

''That was always your problem, foolishness, Saturn, foolishness! Don't act like some spoiled brat, it wasn't his duty to care, he wanted to create his world and it was your duty to follow him, even now.''

''...Even so, you think I'll be willing to follow your orders?''

''Who said anything about following my orders?'' Charon asked finally getting Saturn's attention. ''You were the second in command after all, wouldn't you like to be the one who completes the mission? Mr. Galactic boss.''

''Galactic Boss...''

''I just need two word from you, Saturn.''

HARNESS

''What is that sound?'' Saturn acted as if he was looking for something.

''Why don't you tell me?'' Charon replied perfectly aware of Saturn's situation.

''Master Cyrus...Master Cyrus is calling me...''

''Saturn, can you see this? The red chain is finally complete.''

''It's wonderful, Master Cyrus.''

''Tell me Saturn, do you know what time and space are?''

''What are they, Master Cyrus?''

''Time and space are harnesses...I have harnessed the harnesses."

HARNESS

HARNESS

HARNESS

HARNESS

HARNESS

HOLD IT TOGETHER

VIOLENCE

HOLD IT TOGETHER

VIOLENCE

HOLD IT TOGETHER

HARNESS

HOLD IT-

VIOLENCE

VIOLENCE

VIOLENCE

VIOLENCE

VIOLENCE

''Charon...'' Saturn trailed coming back to reality as he could.

''Just two words...'' Charon offered his hand through the bars.

''...I'm in.''

If this is prison, are you fit for ripping down its bars?

I foresee chaos collapse a fragile house of cards.

So run around the ring

You're bound to drink from founts of dark.

You'll do your strongest

Just so long as you're not out of hearts.