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Chapter Text

Ash snaps his eyes open and feels himself floating in a strange place. He spots Pikachu in a similar position just feet away. 

Everywhere around them was black, but not the type of black where it was dark. More empty. Illuminated yet empty. 

How'd he even get here? He was asleep just minutes ago. He looks down at his clothes to find that he is still wearing his pajamas. His yellow Pikachu shirt was in quite a contrast to the bleak all around them. 

Then there was light. Yellow orbs start to illuminate the empty space, shooting past ash and sending him flipping forward in the anti gravity space. 

Ash grabs Pikachu to get the small Pokemon closer so they can't float away from each other. Pikachu shifted so its claws dug into Ash's shoulder, but they were together. 

Ash twists to see where the light is coming from, only to see Arceus standing in all its glory. 

"Arceus?" Ash asks, his voice quiet among the nothingness. 

"Chosen one. The world needs your help." Arceus says through its psychic powers, seemingly filling the space around them. Ash stifles a groan. 

Really? The world needed him? Again!?

Ash nearly sighs. He guesses if the world really needs him, he should help. 

"Against what?" Ash asks, and Pikachu digs its claws in deeper. 

"All will be revealed in due time." Arceus frustratingly says, making Ash frown and Pikachu roll its eyes. 

"Why? What's going to happen? Why'd you bring me here? To warn me, or something else?" Ash questions and Arceus tilts its head upwards. 

"You are to complete the Pokedex. That is your mission." Arceus orders, not answering any of Ash's questions. 

"Why me? Wouldn't it be better for someone like Goh to do that? Heck, he's already mostly finished." Ash asks. This isn't making any sense. He has so many questions rolling through his head. He can't seem to get them out at all. 

"No. It must be you, chosen one." Arceus says before more light appears below Ash, seemingly sucking him in. 

"Hey!" Ash shouts as he's sucked in, Pikachu nearly falling off his shoulder with a "Pika pika!"

"Good luck you two. The world is in your hands." Arceus says before they fall through, both blacking out as they fall. 

"Wake up!" Ash hears as he blinks his eyes open. How'd he get onto the sand? Wasn't he in a forest when he went to bed? 

"Oh... do wake up, won't you?" He hears the same voice call, and he groans, lifting his head up to look at the voice, freaking out. 

"Pikachu.." he hears Pikachu groan next to him, slowly climbing up his arm like an inchworm. 

"Oh good you're alive!" The man says as he makes eye contact, his three Pokemon next to him. Ash smiles at the familiar Pokemon, a Rowlet, an Oshawott, and a Cyndaquil. Reminds him of his own. 

Ash slowly stands up, stifling a groan as he feels his bones creak in protest. Maybe he's getting too old for death-defying stunts. 

Wait, he's only fifteen. 

Eh, still too old. 

Pikachu jumps up his back to rest on his shoulder, the man stepping back slightly as he does. 

"Most people wouldn't feel comfortable approaching a dangerous Pokemon like a Pikachu, much less let one rest on their shoulders." The man says, and Ash gets a good look at him. 

"Yeah, well, me and Pikachu are close," Ash says as he looks at the man. He has a large purple hat with a big puff ball on the back and brown semi-formal clothes with a lab coat. Ash looks closely at the chest pocket and sees a symbol he's never seen before but feels familiar for some reason. 

"You gave me quite the shock falling from the sky like that." The man says, smiling and crossing his arms. Ash blinks. 

"We did what?" Ash asks, bewildered, and the man laughs, pointing to a rift in the sky atop a mountain. 

That's new. 

"Yes, you fell from the sky! But thank goodness you seem unharmed." The man says, and Ash feels himself relaxing slightly. He still has no clue where he is, but at least he can get answers from this guy and not have to seek out everything alone. 

"Where are we?" Ash asks, looking around. He seems to be on some sort of beach. 

"Why this is Prelude Beach, of course. Did the fall take your memory?" The man asks, looking genuinely concerned. 

"No, my memory is fine. You can just say I'm not from around here." Ash rocks onto his heels, Pikachu shifting with the movement. 

"Pichupi?" Pikachu makes a confused sound, and Ash shares a smile with it. 

"I have no idea, buddy," Ash tells the mouse Pokemon. 

"I must say, your clothing is unusual. I've never seen such designs before. You don't happen to have an acquaintance in these parts, would you?" The man asks, and Ash shakes his head. Not that he could think of. 

He wasn't in any of the regions he traveled, and he's definitely far from home. 

"You seem to be a bit of a pickle." The man says, lifting a hand to his chin to scratch at as he thinks. 

The wind whistles around them as the man seems to come to some sort of conclusion. 

"Well, no gentleman would abandon a person in need!" He says brightly, and Ash smiles.

The Pokemon beside him starts making a fuss as he seems to remember they were there.

"Oh my. I had completely forgotten. I had just caught up to these three runaway Pokemon when you tumbled out of the sky. It's almost as if they knew you'd appear here!" Oh, they definitely did. Ash thinks as he looks at the three cheeky Pokemon. Troublemakers, he can already tell. Pikachu jumps off his shoulder to greet the three Pokemon brightly. 

"Are they yours?" Ash asks as Pikachu dances around with the Oshawott. 

"They are indeed, but- er.. what might your name be?" He says slightly awkwardly, and Ash blinks before giving him a smile and sticking his hand out. 

"Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. And that's my partner Pikachu." Ash says, his usual trademarc expression. Pikachu looks up to give the man a fist. 

"Pallet town?" The man echos, confused. "I've never heard of that settlement." 

Ash raises an eyebrow. Settlement? They must not have cities or towns here. Just where did he land?

"Oh! But I do apologize. I haven't introduced myself yet!" The man grins before shaking Ash's hand, "My name is Laventonn. I'm something of a Pokemon Professor." 

Really, he could have guessed with that coat. The only Pokemon Professor he hasn't seen wearing a lab coat is Professor Burnet. And he knows the reason for that is because Professor Kukui would steal her lab coats as a joke between them. But given in that house, he lived with two Pokemon Professor's. They had nearly three dozen lab coats in the house, and Ash can admit he would sometimes steal a lab coat or two from them. 

What? It's comfortable. 

"I'm a scholar searching to deepen our understanding of Pokemon." Professor Laventonn explains the concept of Pokemon Professor's. 

"I'm familiar." Ash nods. He's grown up with Professor Oak and has met plenty of Professor's along his journey. 

"The current specimen I'm researching are these the-" the man cuts off as the three run down the path. Ah, right, these were runaway Pokemon. 

"Oh, blast and bother!" The man yells in worry before turning back to him. 

"I'm terribly sorry, but do you mind helping me round these Pokemon back up? I beg you!" The man runs off, nearly trampling over Pikachu in the process. 

"Pichu!" Pikachu complains, jumping onto Ash's shoulder. Ash gives it a sympathetic smile. 

"We should probably follow after him before he gets too far," Ash says to Pikachu before he sprints after the Professor. 

He trips and falls on his face almost immediately. 

Ash groans as he stands back up, spotting the thing that has tripped him. 

It was a strange phone-like object. But with almost Arceus marcings with its white and gold details. It says one thing. 

Mission: finish the pokedex.

The conversation with Arceus resurfaces in his mind as the puzzles start to click into place. Wherever he is, Arceus brought him here to complete the mission. 

Arceus, why couldn't it have been goh this time. He would thrive here. 

He hears the Professor scream. 

"Please come back here, my darlings!" Ash runs towards the sound pocketing the weird phone. Ash skids to a stop as he gets to a clearing with the Pokemon all around. 

"Oh, please help me catch them!" The man begs. They don't seem to be running far. He could probably just catch them. 

"Sure, we'll help!" Ash says with a smile, and the man thanks him. Ash heads towards the Cyndaquil first. 

Ash sits down a few feet from it. It seems wary of him but calms slightly as Pikachu starts to chitter with it. 

"Hey there!" Ash greets the Pokemon. He can practically feel the Professor's eyes bear into the back of his head. 

As Cyndaquil gains an aggressive stance, he puts his hands up. 

"Hey, we're not gonna hurt you! We're just here to talk." Ash reassures Pikachu, quickly jumping in to express how Ash was telling the truth. 

The Cyndaquil seems to calm at that, its fire turning less hot. 

Ash calmly talks to the Pokemon, learning the way things are at the place he's in. Apparently, the humans are all too afraid to get close to the Cyndaquil with its fore on its back, so it barely gets played with. It ran away because it wanted to have some fun if the humans weren't gonna take good care of it. 

Ash frowns as this is explained before he brightens up. 

"Why don't we play fetch?" Ash asks, and Pikachu perks up. 

"Ka! Chupi!" Pikachu grins as Ash stands up and grabs a small branch. Cyndaquil tilts its head, and Ash just smiles at the Pokemon. 

Ash demonstrates how he throws the stick as Pikachu runs after it before Pikachu grabs it and brings it back. The Cyndaquil perks up, seemingly interested in the game. 

With a smile on its face, the three play fetch, with Pikachu and Cyndaquil racing to get to the stick first. Ash knows Pikachu doesn't like playing fetch. Still, the mouse Pokemon is willing to play if it means helping another Pokemon have fun. Eventually, Cyndaquil collapses against his leg, and Ash smiles. Seems like the little guy was worn out. Ash pets the Cyndaquil, not even blinking at the warmth the fire on its back gave. It must be pleased if its fire isn't burning him. 

"I think the Professor is worried about you. Maybe you should go back to him." Ash gently suggests, and Cyndaquil frowns. 

"I know he doesn't play with you, but I can visit frequently. And I can teach you all sorts of games for you and the Professor to play!" Ash grins, and Cyndaquil perks up. It seems to consider this momentarily before nodding and heading back to the Professor willingly. 

"My! I've never seen anyone as comfortable with a Pokemon as you, young man." The Professor exclaims. Ash nearly Raises an eyebrow. Apparently, these people are terrified of Pokemon. All Ash did was play a bit. 

"You might want to play with Cyndaquil more. It's just a baby. It needs play time." Ash says instead of addressing the Professor's comment. 

"Huh?" The Professor asks, looking down at Cyndaquil, who had taken to resting on the ground. 

"Yeah, you can tell due to Cyndaquil's fire," Ash says as he picks up Cyndaquil in his arms showing off the fire on its back. 

"As Cyndaquil and other members of the Cyndaquil family age, their fire gets darker, less yellowish blue. This one is only a few months old." Ash explains to the Professor, who is looking at him in wonder. 

"Usually, Cyndaquil aren't separated from their mothers until they're about a year old. You must have caught it when the mother was on the hunt for food." Ash says, scratching beneath the Cyndaquils chin, making it purr. 

"But anyways, you need to play with it often, or else it'll get bored. That's why it ran away from you." Ash tells the Professor, who nods quietly. He seems thoughtful. 

"Are you not getting burnt by holding it?" Professor Laventonn asks, looking at the open flames. Ash shakes his head no. 

"Nope! If Cyndaquil are happy and content, their fire is not painful, more like a warm cup of hot chocolate." Ash demonstrates this by giving the Cyndaquil to the Professor, showing him how to hold it in his arms. The Professor is tense as he holds it. Seems like he really is afraid of it. How can he be a Professor if he can't hold a baby Pokemon?

But as the Professor holds the baby Pokemon, he blinks. 

"It really isn't painful." He notes his hand twitching. Ash has seen that twitch a few times, with Goh whenever he finds a new Pokemon, with Professor Kukui whenever he sees a Pokemon battle with rarely used moves, Gary when he's talking about fossils he wants to revive one day, with Professor Oak when Ash tells him about another legendary encounter. He knows it's the twitch of a scientist itching to take notes. 

"Well, I should get to the other Pokemon," Ash says before jogging off, spotting the Rowlet in a tree and the Oshawott near the water. 

"Which one Pikachu?" Ash asks, and Pikachu points to the Rowlet. Alrighty then. 

Ash hops up the tree, resting next to where the Rowlet was chowing down on a berry. It didn't even seem to notice Ash with how much it was eating. 

"Hey there!" Ash cheerfully greets the Rowlet, barely looking up from its berry to chirp at him before returning to it. 

"Good berry huh?" Ash smiles, grabbing one from the tree and sniffing it to ensure it's ripe. 

The Rowlet chirps again, finishing the berry and looking at the one Ash held like it was starving. Ash laughs softly and hands it to the bird Pokemon. Ash notices the berry it was feeding on an Aspear berry. It's strange for a Pokemon to seek out that berry, not a sweeter one. Ash shudders as he feels a cold breeze come through the tree. The Rowlet puffs up its feathers, which Rowlet usually does when it's cold. 

Ash frowns. Professor Kukui had taught him that Rowlet usually stay in warmer climates year long, so they don't have to migrate. This Rowlet should be somewhere more hospitable. Ash's eyes widen as he realizes what must be happening. 

"Cold huh?" Ash prompts, noticing how the Rowlet is shivering. 

The Rowlet chirps, its feathers overtaking most of its face. 

The Rowlet keeps eating the Aspear berry before it jumps off the branch to fly and pull at another berry. 

The Rowlet struggles to get the berry off the tree, its stem not breaking off. 

"Why don't we help him Pikachu!" Ash grins, and Pikachu perks up. 

"Use quick attack, then hit the stem with an iron tail." Ash orders and Pikachu does just that quickly, jumping from branch to branch before hitting the stem cleanly. The berry falls off into the Rowlet's claws, and it rests on a nearby branch to eat at it. 

"Let's grab some more Pikachu!" Ash grins, grabbing as many berries as he can hold. Pikachu cuts a line of berries using his shirt like a basket, making them fall into Ash's Pikachu shirt. 

The Rowlet looks curious as the two do this, eventually going to the ground where Ash puts the berries down. 

"Eat up!" Ash tells the confused Pokemon, who brightens and immediately starts eating. The Professor carefully approaches, still scared of what Rowlet could do. 

"What are you doing?" The Professor asks, and Ash smiles at him. 

"Rowlet is cold. Usually, they prefer warmer climates, or they migrate throughout the year. Since this is your Pokemon, it doesn't migrate but gets cold. So it seeks out Aspear berries." Ash explains, picking up two for the Professor and him to eat. 

"Aspear berries are usually used to help heat people and Pokemon back up, like when they're going on trips up cold mountains. Rowlet is probably eating these berries so much that it can stay warm!" Ash explains, and the Professor nods, his cheeks gaining a flush to it as he eats the berry, no doubt heating his face up. 

"How do you know so much about berries?" The Professor asks, and Ash's smile gains a nostalgia. 

"I have a friend who wants to be able to make food that both Pokemon and humans can enjoy! You could point to any berry or plant, and she could tell you if it was edible, what it tasted like through different stages of cooking, and what kind of effects they had." Ash smiles, remembering his friend. He should visit alola when this is done. 

"You should start mixing some of these berries into Rowlet's food through the winter. It'll help with its temperature. You could also keep it close to warmth." Ash informs the Professor as Rowlet seems to be finished eating. It flaps onto Ash's shoulder to nuzzle against him. 

Ash smiles, it's still cold, but it seems better now. 

"Why don't you stay with Cyndaquil? I'm sure it won't mind helping you stay warm," Ash tells the bird Pokemon who nods and cuddles up to the Cyndaquil. 

"Quill!" The Cyndaquil says as it curls around the Rowlet, still kinda sleepy. 

"Now for the Oshawott!" Ash smiles and bounces away towards the Oshawott near the pond. 

As Ash approaches, he sees the Oshawott looking into the water like a mirror. It seemed to be fixing up its little scruffs near its neck. 

"Hey there." Ash greets, making the Oshawott jump and nearly flee. 

"Hey, there's no need to run. I'm not gonna hurt you!" Ash quickly reassures Pikachu jumping off his shoulder to insist. 

The Oshawott calms only slightly, letting Ash sit down near it. 

"Want a berry?" Ash asks, holding out an Aspear berry, and the Oshawott perks up, grabbing it. 

The Oshawott takes great care to eat the berry without letting any juice onto it. It must like to stay clean. 

"Oshawott!" The Pokemon cries out In happiness before returning to the pond, wiping dirt off its face. 

Ash talks with the Oshawott more. It's apparently not getting the right amount of grooming time it should be getting. 

"Why don't you let us help you?" Ash asks, and the Oshawott looks up with gratitude in its eyes. Ash sits closer to the pond using his shirt to wipe off dirt and fully clean the Oshawott. It cheers as Ash helps it. 

Once Ash finishes, the Pokemon cheers and returns to the other Pokemon. Professor Laventonn looking at Ash like he's a genius. 

"You should groom Oshawott more." Ash comments as Oshawott joins the pile of content Pokemon, Pikachu diving in next. 

"I keep it as clean as the other Pokemon." Professor Laventonn reassures, and Ash shakes his head. 

"Oshawott are very big on their appearance. Usually, they travel in packs, and they groom each other. But as long as you're making sure to at least brush it every day, then you should be good." Ash instructs, smiling at the pile of happy Pokemon. 

"How do you know so much about these Pokemon? I've been researching them for months and haven't got as much information as you do off the top of your head." Professor Laventonn asks, and Ash smiles. 

“I have my own Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet. And I've traveled with a lot of smart people who taught me a bunch." Ash smiles, remembering his old friends, of course Cyndaquil is a Quilava now, but he still remembers taking care of it back when it was a Cyndaquil. 

Ash glances up at the sky noticing how the sun has started to go down. He just woke up though. He must have fallen mid-afternoon if it's already starting to get dark. He needs to find a place to stay before it gets too dark. 

"We could use your help with the galaxy team." Professor Laventonn says, and Ash can't help but narrow his eyes, Pikachu jumps onto his shoulder to do the same. Galaxy team? Like team galactic? He hopes not. 

"Not many people would be able to approach a Pokemon, much less be able to befriend them like you've done here." He says, walking along the path and prompting Ash to follow. He'll follow, but only to keep an eye on this team galaxy. And if it's anything like team galactic, he will have to shut it down. 

Rowlet 

Pokedex number 1

Grass flying type

Rowlet is an excellent silent flier, even if it's slightly clumsy while flying. It can stalk even the most aware pokemon for miles, before its prey can even notice it itll be pelting them with viscous kicks. 

Rowlet likes dark enclosed places, often found burrowed next to Zubat in dark caves. These pokemon have unusual sleep schedules as they can be seen often at night and day. However, they are mostly nocturnal, using the daytime to photosynthesize through its grassy feathers and build energy. Their feathers fluff up when happy and content.  

They are thought to migrate through the colder seasons, however, some have been seen staying in warmer climates year long. Rowlet have the preferred climate of warm and humid, with warm bodies of water. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Cyndaquil 

Pokedex number 4

Fire type

Cyndaquil is not very good at controlling the fire on its back. When startled or angry the flames will flare up quickly. But if kept happy and content its fire won't burn.

When young their fire will be more blue tinted, their fire burns hotter as a protective measure when its parents have to leave the nest to hunt. As they age their flames grow cooler, the oldest Cyndaquil will have flames more red. 

This pokemon is quite timid, and hunches in to show its back when threatened. If it shows its belly to you, you know you've gained its total trust. 

Findings by survey corps members of Akari and Ash. 

Oshawott 

Pokedex number 7

Water type

Oshawott are prideful creatures, they must be kept groomed to top shape or else they get very anxious. 

The shell on its belly is used for many different day to day activities, to fight, to retrieve and open berries and nuts, some Oshawott even use the shell as a pillow. The shell is very important to Oshawott, however if broken or lost, the Oshawott can simply grow a new one.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

The kid that just fell from the rift is strange, Professor Laventonn decided. 

He can't be more than eleven years of age, yet he can approach Pokemon the likes of even the highest members of the Galaxy team couldn't. He just walked up to his Pokemon and figured out why they ran away. 

Professor Laventonn was going to give the boy pokeballs so he could catch them. He wasn't expecting him to charm them so easily. 

He knows so much about Pokemon, even facts Professor Laventonn didn't know, and he was the researcher of said Pokemon. He had no clue that Rowlet migrate, that his Qyndaquil was just a baby Pokemon or that oshawott needed constant grooming. He seems to see these facts as common knowledge; he could be a great asset to the Galaxy team. 

 Except for that strange Pikachu on his shoulder. It hasn't attacked once; even Galaxy members who have caught their own Pikachu will get attacked by them. He knows Akari was just on the painful end of a thundershock. 

But the boy doesn't seem to be at all afraid of it. Even mildly. 

The boy adjusts his weight naturally as his Pikachu occasionally jumps off to look at something before climbing up his back to rest on his shoulder again. 

The boy walks with confidence, yet he's prepared to fight at any moment. 

It's off-putting, to say the least. 

He wants to ask questions about the Pikachu, where he came from, how Ash fell out of the rift, and how he knows so much. But with how both the Pikachu and him look ready for a fight, he figures now won't be a good time. 

Instead, he greets the watchmen outside Jubilife village. 

"Thank you for your tireless work keeping us safe, my good guardsmen!" Professor Laventonn greets, stopping in front of the gate. He sees how the guardsmen focus on Ash—most especially his Pikachu. People here don't tend to let their Pokemon out unless outside the village or on the training grounds. 

Professor Laventonn hands the boy a pokeball, and he and the Pikachu look at it curiously. 

"Here, why don't you catch your Pikachu? People here don't tend to enjoy a rampaging Pikachu in the village." Professor Laventonn says the boy frowns. He suspects the frown is one of confusion. That's right, pokeballs have only just been invented; he has probably never seen one before and had no clue how to catch a Pokemon. 

"Ah, let me explain first." He says, making the boy look at him and not the pokeball.

"This item here is a pokeball; we use it to catch Pokemon, shrinking them to tiny sizes so they can fit inside. It's quite comfortable for them. Tap the Pokemon with a pokeball, and you'll see it work it's witchcraft." Professor Laventon explains, and the boy doesn't waver in his frown. 

"They were, of course, just invented, so we're still working out some kinks, like making sure Pokemon actually stay inside for the long term; some Pokemon can break out. But it seems to work best after a battle." The boy's frown lightens, and he examines the ball closely. He raises an eyebrow the more he explains, however. 

"Pikachu already has a pokeball. It just doesn't like to stay inside." Ash shakes his head, surprising the Professor. He already knows about pokeballs. Professor Laventonn shouldn't be surprised, considering how much Ash knows about Pokemon already. He has no doubt the boy is probably one of the top researchers wherever he's from, despite only being around ten. 

"May I examine this pokeball you speak of?" He asks, and the boy shrugs, reaching into the back pocket of his shorts and pulling out a small ball. It's about an eighth the size of the regular pokeball and didn't have a lock, confusing Professor Laventonn. How does the Pokemon stay inside, then? Is that the real reason the Pokemon is out of the pokeball? Nonetheless, no sane person would have a dangerous Pokemon out and about and allow it to stray too close. 

The poy pressed the small button with a click, and the Pokeball grew to the size of the regular pokeball. The one Ash had was smoother, sleeker like it had years to perfect its design. 

He was bursting with questions. But for now, he needed to introduce Ash to the Captain. They had to recruit him to team galaxy. They just had to. His help could be invaluable; they may even complete the Pokedex with his help!

He turns back to the guardsmen, who are still way behind with wary eyes. 

"This young boy was a great assistance to me and my Pokemon, so I hope you'll forgive my bringing him into the village for a bit." Professor Laventonn hopes they'll let him into the village, even with a loose Pikachu. The way the boy explained his Pikachu's resistance to pokeball booked no argument, and they seemed like a package deal. But he needs to have him explain his knowledge. 

The watchmen seem a little less wary, and he knows he has them wavering. 

"Pikachu won't hurt anyone." Ash clarifies, and the Pikachu chirps in agreement. 

The guards let them in, with the promise that Professor Laventonn takes the boy to the Captain first, and he agrees. He was planning on getting the Captain to make him a member anyway. 

The boy looks around as he walks with his Pikachu. The Pikachu seems content with staying on his shoulder as it looks around, which Professor Laventonn is grateful for. It wouldn't be good if the Pikachu went off and ran into the village. 

Everyone in the town stares in fear, especially towards the boy and the Pikachu. He's noticed the looks, considering how he has drawn himself into a protective posture, and his Pikachu has moved to put its paws on the front of his chest, ready to hop off and attack something at any second. 

Professor Laventonn tenses, the Pikachu turns its beady eyes onto him. 

They were almost to headquarters. It'll be fine. Professor Laventonn decides to do what he knows best to keep everyone calm. Educate.

"The road we're on is known to locals as Canala Avenue. The village was built just over two years ago. There's much to do, yet not many to do it." He tells the boy, and he snaps his attention away from the locals and over to the Professor. 

"And since we know so little of the local Pokemon, people hesitate to step outside it." Professor Laventonn hears a whisper from one of the townspeople, "What manner of dress is that?" 

He assumes they're talking about Ash's strange clothing. 

Professor Laventonn points ahead towards the headquarters. 

"That impressive building up ahead is known as Galaxy hall, our headquarters!" Usually, when people see the size of the building, they are at least a little impressed; instead, Ash seems like this was almost mundane to him. Such a weird kid. 

Professor Laventonn pauses in his steps with all the doozy that had gone on in the past, but he had forgotten he needed to report to the Captain about the escaped Pokemon. 

The bog looks at him curiously. 

"Oh, botheration, I had almost forgotten. I need to report the status of the escaped Pokemon. Might I ask you to wait at the canteen?" The Professor asks, and Ash nods. 

"What's the canteen?" He asks, and Professor Laventonn pauses. He was so used to the boy knowing everything, like a high-ranking team member, that he had forgotten he was still new to the village. 

"Just around that bend over there. The wallflower is what it's called." He says, and Ash smiles, nodding. They make it past the bridge and part ways. But before Professor Laventonn makes it into galaxy hall, he hears the boy mutter something to his Pokemon. 

"Guess we're in the past, Pikachu." He mutters, and the Professor stops dead in his tracks, the door closing behind him as he enters the hall fully. 

Just what does that mean?

Chapter Text

Akari huffs as she leaves the infirmary, her arm lathered in some paralysis healing salve. It's mixed with mashed Cheri berries and some healing potions. She had left the village to gather more information on Bidoof to finish their pokedex page, only to get ambushed by a group of Shinx. She had gotten away relatively unscathed until she was hit by an electroball from a distance. She hadn't even seen it coming, so she couldn't have dodged. Of course, her Pikachu was no help at all. 

This all to say, Akari is annoyed. Of course, her Pikachu takes delight in that. Even if it was not out of its pokeball, she could tell the little electric rat was gleeful she was having an awful day. 

As Akari grumbles to herself, walking down the stairs of Galaxy Hall, she spots Professor Laventonn. He was standing at the entranceway about to enter the Captain's office. 

"Oh, Akari!" He greets her when he spots her, she nods to him. 

"Have you wrangled your Pokemon yet?" She asks. It's not uncommon for Professor Laventonn to be gone days at a time, all because he can't recapture his Pokemon after they break out of their pokeballs. He has terrible hand-eye coordination.

"Oh yes, I got help from a quite curious boy. Right after he fell from the rift, that is." Professor says, holding his chin as he recounts what happened. 

Akari reels back in shock. 

"Fell from the rift?!" She gasps, and the Professor nods. 

"Yes, he's quite strange. Nevertheless, I need to report my findings to the Captain." The Professor says, heading into the Captain's office and closing the door behind him, leaving Akari blinking dumbly at the empty space. She shakes her head, not her circus, not her aipom. 

She exits the hall, quickly making her way over to the general store nearby. When she ran, she had dropped some of her supplies, so she needed to trade for some new pokeball ingredients. 

She notices the townsfolk seem more anxious than usual; she chalks it up to a few Pokemon breaking in. They nearly had a Ponyta break through the barrier recently. As she barters with the clerk, she notices plenty of people are talking about the strange boy. She figures it was the same odd boy Professor Laventonn was talking about. But one thing that caught her ear was the whispers about his Pikachu. The Pikachu who rode on his shoulder, the boy never being attacked. It made her curious: what could the boy have done to tame such a beast. 

And to keep it out of a pokeball, she assumes he's a part of the Pearl clan or possibly the Diamond clan. What could one of them be doing in Jubilife village? Especially after just falling through the rift. 

This is why she's now making her way to the Wallflower; she was supposed to meet the Professor for dinner anyway. As one of the newest and youngest recruits, he tries to make sure she's at least getting some human company whenever she's back in the village. 

When she gets there, she sees the boy; he is talking with Beni. But the most surprising thing was how different he seemed to be. 

He wore flimsy clothes. They ruffled in the wind; he had messy black hair that seemed to shift with every movement. His clothes were a bright color, very uncommon for most people to have. The only people she's really seen with as bright as colors he has were wardens. 

He seemed to be leaning back with his hands held up in a placating gesture. 

"Get lost!" Beni yells as the grump of an old man he is, "The wallflowers for galaxy team folk only! We don't have seats for outsiders." 

The boy awkwardly laughs, his Pikachu jumping onto his head to sniff at Beni. Beni flinches back at the movement. 

Akari decides to step in before Beni yells more, drawing attention from outside pokemon. 

"Who are you?" She asks, her voice dripping with accusation, "I've never seen anyone dressed the way you are." 

Akari approaches, ready to run if the Pikachu decides to attack. She gets shocked enough by her own Pikachu, thank you very much. 

"What if you were attacked by a Pokemon? You would be minced meat in those flimsy clothes." The boy looks over at her, his Pikachu drawing his attention away from Beni allowing the old man to breathe a sigh of relief. 

"Dawn?" He blurts out, and Akari tilts her head. Dawn? It's not even sunset yet. Why would he possibly bring it up? 

She brushes past it. 

"If the guard lets you through, you must have ties with someone in the village. And they must be pretty high up if they let you keep your Pokemon out on full display. After all, what if it attacks someone." Akari scoffs; she already figures Professor Laventonn was the one who vouched for him to come into the village. He has sway, but not enough to allow a stray Pikachu inside. He must have done something. 

"Pikachu won't hurt anyone." He tries to cut in, petting his Pikachu's chin.

"I'm assuming you've met Professor Laventonn; he's a scholar from a faraway land." She steamrolls past him. She brings a hand to her hip as she talks, still keeping wary eyes on the Pikachu and ready to throw out her own Pikachu. Even if she and her Pikachu don't get along, she knows her Pikachu loves to do one thing. Shock stuff. And if she gives it a target, it will gladly go after it. Even if it makes getting the Pokemon back in the pokeball hard. 

"I have. He seems nice. His Pokemon are certainly a lively bunch." The boy says, and Akari narrows slightly. She's still suspicious of the newcomer, but at least he seems nice, and his Pikachu does seem well-behaved. 

"Yeah, his Pokemon do seem to get away from him a bit at times." She pauses, unsure if she wants to continue talking. She's uncertain if he's trustworthy, but she doesn't see harm in telling him. 

"It makes me kinda worried for him sometimes." She murmurs as she scratches her cheek. The boy nods in understanding. 

"Yeah, I can understand. I've certainly had some trouble with a few of my Pokemon at times." He grins, sharing a smile with his Pikachu. The little Pokemon laughs. 

"I as well." She nods, finding herself relaxing fully; she takes her hand out of her pocket where she keeps her Pikachu. It doesn't seem like he has an ill intent. 

"I was hit with a move called thundershock recently and had to take bed rest for a few days." She tells him, and the boy laughs, nodding his head. 

"Yeah, we've definitely done that quite a bit. Haven't we bud." He says with a grin, his Pikachu looking all too smug. She wonders if he has the same troubles as she does with her Pikachu. If he does, why does he let it ride on his shoulder? That seems like trouble. 

"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet- er from far away. And this is my partner, Pikachu." Ash sticks his hand out, and Akari takes it to shake. 

"I'm Akari; I'm a member of the galaxy team." She says, noting how his hand seems to have that standard tingly feeling of electricity. It's like you were about to get hit by a thundershock. She braces it to come, only for nothing to happen. The Pikachu makes no move to attack at all. 

Weird. 

"Oh good! The two of you seem to be acquainted." Akari blinks, hearing the Professor's friendly voice. 

"Professor!" She shouts, slightly startled by his sudden appearance; she notes that the Pikachu doesn't get startled by her loud noise, just simply tilting its head towards the Professor. 

"Ash here has agreed to help us create the Pokedex." Professor Laventonn cheerfully says Ash blinks. 

"I did what?" He asks only for the Professor to ignore him. 

"You plan to appoint him to survey corps?" She asks curiously. Given that he has a Pikachu on his shoulder, she can guess he's probably brave enough to become one, but he is just a kid. Ignoring, of course, that he looks the same age as her. 

"You can't just slap a badge on someone without Captain Cyllene's permission, you know." Akari rolls her eyes. The boy and the Pikachu just tilt their heads, almost in sync. 

"I'll allow it." Akari hears from behind them, and she turns around to see the Captain. She's held upright as she always is unless she's filing paperwork. Which she almost always is. 

"Captain Cyllene?!" She startles, turning to the Captain. 

She notices the boy narrowing his eyes at Captain Cyllene. Like he's seen her before. His Pikachu adjusts his position on the shoulder, putting its front paws on the front of the boy, ready to jump off and fight at a moment's notice. 

"Assuming he can contribute to the survey corps, that is." She continues, not even glaring at the Pikachu or Akari. She has her eyes set on Ash's; somehow, it seems more like a battle of wills between the two. 

"I am the Captain of the Galaxy Team's survey corps. You may call me Cyllene." She introduces, and Ash only narrows his eyes even more. He seemed so friendly a moment ago. Why had he suddenly gotten so on edge?

"Professor Laventonn told me how you helped secure his Pokemon when they were out of control. And without even pokeballs, how strange." Even though Akari has heard of this feat, she still blinks involuntarily. Without pokeballs?

"And now it seems he would like to feed and house you in exchange for your ongoing labor." Ash tilts his head. 

"I'm not even sure if I'm going to stay here. It would be much appreciated if you guys were kind enough to let me stay the night, however." He says brightly, suddenly losing the strange demeanor he picked up. He still seemed a little tense. And that Pikachu still looks like it's about to attack; Akari sticks her hand in her pocket where Pikachu's pokeball is, just in case. 

"I see. Nevertheless, should you stay, you will need to work to earn your keep. We can't simply let in any stranger that wanders in here, especially not ones as..." Captain Cyllene glances at Pikachu, "Interesting as you." 

"Tomorrow, we shall see if you are worthy to join our ranks." She says, folding her hands behind her back. 

"A most reasonable decision, Captain!" Professor Laventonn says, and Akari finds herself nodding along. After all, she was practically raised here and was expected to do a trial as well. She had to capture a Starly. It took her almost a week to sneak up on one enough to catch it. She had to transfer it over to the Professor, however. 

"Would you care to join us for a meal? I'm sure you've got plenty of questions for our visitor." Professor Laventonn asks, and the Captain quickly rejects the offer; she prefers to eat her meals alone. 

The Captain enters the shop as Akari and Professor Laventonn sit on the bench outside, where they usually eat. Ash sits across from the two. 

Akari wanted to ask questions; she wanted to ask how he got here, what he remembered, and why he was so weird with the Captain. But it was hard to focus when he was shoveling food into his mouth like he last ate a week ago. She was distracted by how he could inhale food like he did while also breathing; his Pikachu was only slightly slower. 

"This is really good!" Ash chirps, turning to Beni, who is still staring at Ash with hatred. 

"Indeed, his potato mochi is amazing as always!" Professor Laventonn also chirps, ignoring how much Beni is glaring at Ash. It unnerved Akari slightly, but she shrugged it off as Beni being Beni. 

She was distracted, so she could barely hear Ash mumble. "I wonder if Cilan or Mallow would like this recipe." 

Akari frowns, wondering who those people are, but the Professor is already talking again. 

"You already know our job in the survey corps is to find as many Pokemon as possible, be it water, grass, sky, or wherever they like!" The Professor says to Akari, and she blinks before nodding. 

"Well, we know this much. Pokemon are terrifying creatures." Professor Laventonn says, looking up into the sky. 

"That's stupid." Ash blurts out, making Akari and the Professor turn to him. 

"You don't agree?" The Professor asks, and Ash shakes his head. 

"Pokémon are sentient beings; they have minds and wants and needs like humans do. They have empathy; they have emotions. Just because Pokemon are something you don't understand doesn't mean they're scary. You just need to get to know them better!" Ash says with a smile. His Pikachu jumps onto the table, "It's like meeting a friend. Besides, I've seen humans do way more destruction to the world than any Pokemon." 

Akari and Professor Laventonn stare at Ash. How can any human think this way? Pokemon are terrifying! They can bite, and claw, and burn, and shock, and drown. People can die from Pokemon, and it's not uncommon for people to go out of the camp only to never return Alive. 

Akari tries to protest this, and Ash shrugs. 

"Pokémon can be some of the best friends you will ever meet. I've met dozens of Pokemon, and I've been hurt by hundreds. That doesn't mean Pokemon are some vicious monsters we need to kill." Ash says, lifting his hand to pet Pikachu. 

Akari is about to argue again, but the Professor beats him to it. 

"What do you mean you've seen humans do worse in the world?" The Professor asks, his face serious in a way he's never seen. 

"You'd be surprised by the amount of people who have tried to destroy the world for selfish greed," Ash says quietly. The two survey corps members fall quiet, unsure what to say to this foreigner. 

Professor Laventonn decides to brush past the conversation. 

"Weird opinions or not, Ash here will still be invaluable to helping us complete the Pokedex. Being able to woo three Pokemon without fear of if they would attack you or not. Much less your knowledge of what was wrong with them was above your years!" Professor Laventonn says, and Ash raises an eyebrow. 

"Not really; I just picked up on stuff on the road. Besides, I have a Rowlet, oshawott, and a Quilava." Ash says, and Pikachu steals a mochi off the Professor's plate. He doesn't notice, but Ash shoots the Pokemon a stern look. Pikachu gives him a cheeky look back. 

"Still, not many people would be able to do it." Professor Laventonn says, and Akari nods. 

"We have enough trouble with one wild Pokemon, much less three with no pokeball," Akari says, shaking her head. 

"Well, regardless, if you make it into the galaxy team, you won't ever have to think of a meal again!" Professor Kaventon says brightly, and Ash stares blankly at him. 

"The team provides for all its member's needs, even those who fall out of the sky!" The Professor says, and Akari huffs out a laugh. 

Once they finished the meal, Akari takes Ash to where he'll sleep for the night, a newly opened free house after one of the members got maimed by an alpha parasect. 

"You'll sleep here for the night. Make sure to get some rest. You'll need it for the trail tomorrow." Akari says, and Ash gives her a bright grin before heading inside. 

Akari heads to her living quarters. 

Nice and unusual as Ash is aside, an outsider is always trouble.

She just hopes he won't die on the field tomorrow. 

Chapter Text

Ash huffs as his hand doesn't catch on his cap. He came here in nothing but his pajamas. He doesn't even have his hat. And the Hisuian people haven't exactly created those yet. Ash is unbelievably annoyed at his hat's absence. 

Damn it, Arceus, Ash is doing you a favor here. Why couldn't Arceus at least send him back with all his supplies?

Although Ash can admit that having many items way beyond what the Hisuian people have developed so far might make them a bit suspicious. 

Okay, a lot suspicious. 

But that doesn't mean Ash can't be mad at that!

Ash sighs, letting the annoyance seep out of him. After all, he's got to meet up with Akari and take his trial. 

Ash isn't sure what to make of Akari. 

She looks just like Dawn. Maybe a distant relative? Ash figured he was somewhere in Sinnoh. Champion Cynthia once told him Sinnoh used to be called Hisui, far, far back into the past. 

Ash thought distant relatives, like those spanning thousands upon thousands of years, were supposed to look very different? Something Professor Kukui taught him about jeans? What do jeans have anything to do with family lines? Ash has no clue, but Professor Kukui is usually right. 

Akari seems nice, if a bit standoffish. She seems to believe any Pokemon at any second would kill her unless she fought back. But still nice. 

She seems wary of Ash but so does everyone in this village. At least she doesn't glare at Pikachu. Instead, choosing to stand as far away from Pikachu as she can. 

How have these people gotten so far if they can't work with Pokemon? 

Ash jolts as the door is knocked on, speak of the devil. 

"Ash? It's time to start your trial." Akari's voice fills the room. 

"Got it!" Ash shouts as he bounces up and down to release some extra energy. Pikachu smiles and jumps on his shoulder. 

They leave, and Akari leads him to the galaxy hall, where Ash, Akari, and Professor Laventonn stand before Captain Cyllene. 

Captain Cyllene puts Ash on edge. He can't help it. She just looks crazy similar to Cyrus. It doesn't help that she helps run Team Galactic. Or the Galaxy team, whatever. 

Ash tries not to let this hesitancy show. After all, he won't judge someone for being related to someone evil. Heck, the evil person in question isn't even alive yet. 

But he will keep a close eye on Captain Cyllene, just in case. 

Captain Cyllene stands up from her desk, standing right in front of Ash. 

"Your trial will be to collect data from three Pokemon. A Starly, a Bidoof, and a Shinx." She says. Ash blinks. That's it?

From how Akari was talking about the trial, he thought he would have to, like, battle a legendary Pokemon. 

He was fully prepared to set out on his own if that was the trial. At least this will be easy. 

His other acquaintances seem to not share his sentiment. 

"Really?! Isn't that a little hard for a beginner Captain? Even some of our higher ranking members have trouble with Shinx." Professor Laventonn protests and Akari nods beside him, looking greatly concerned. 

"It took me a week just to be able to pass my trial of gathering information on Starly. Do you really think he could do it?" Akari says worriedly. Ash tries not to sweatdrop. 

"If this outsider wants to become a galaxy member, he'll have to prove himself. Doubly so if we allow his Pikachu out and about." Captain Cyllene closes her eyes. Ash thinks she might look slightly stressed, "this trial is harder than all others we've given. Which is why I'm having Akari join you, Professor. Make sure he doesn't die on the field." 

Akari blanches. She looks like she was just given a death sentence. 

Captain Cyllene turns to Ash. "Should you choose to accept your trial, you will begin immediately. Professor Laventonn will escort you to your trial location. Should you choose to deny your trial, you will leave our village immediately and never come back." 

"I accept," Ash says without a second of hesitation. Professor Laventonn and Akari look at him like he's grown a second head. Not too uncommon, so far from them, Ash is realizing. 

They leave quickly after that, with nothing more needed to be said. Akari and Ash follow behind Professor Laventonn as he brings them to the large gate. Akari looks to Ash. 

"This is gonna be one of the toughest missions you've ever done," Akari tells Ash seriously. Ash seriously doubts that. 

"Starly are incredibly flighty. You'll have to sneak through the grass to even hope to get a good look at them." Akari tells him, and Ash nods. He's not gonna tell her that this probably won't be as tough as she thinks it will be. He doesn't have the heart. 

"Bidoof are much less flighty and don't put up much of a fight. Those will be the easiest part of your trial. I suggest you start with them first, just to get the hang of things." Akari frowns. Ash seems so much calmer than he should be. 

"And Shinx... Shinx will be your worst nightmare." Akari shudders, "They attack on sight. You need to have quick reflexes and be able to dodge anything with Shinx. Best bet is to hide and pray they don't spot you while you gather information." 

Ash smiles. He's pretty sure he and Pikachu can handle a Shinx or four. 

The three spot a figure by the gate. 

"Volo?" Akari blinks, "what are you doing over here?" 

Volo smiles, "I heard about the newcomer coming to face his trial. I just had to meet him." 

Volo turns his attention to Ash. Ash smiles at him. 

"Quite a curious get-up you have there. I can already tell you are quite the character." Volo smiles at Ash, and Ash snorts. Well, you tend to stand out a bit when you come from the future. 

Akari hums, "he's been tasked to gather information about Starly, Bidoof, and Shinx for his trial." 

Volo grins, "He must be pretty strong if Captain Cyllene believes him capable of such a trial." 

"Well, Captain Cyllene wouldn't try and send a child out on a death mission." Professor Laventonn agrees, and Akari slowly nods. She may not like it, but she does know Captain Cyllene tries to send her on easier missions than those older than her, even if they're on the same level in the Galaxy team. She takes the safety of her members seriously. 

Akari still looks nervous at the idea of Ash doing such a trial. 

"I know! Why don't we battle! See how strong he truly is!" Volo suggests, and Ash perks up. A battle!

"Sure!" Ash immediately agrees. 

"Pika chupi!" His Pikachu grins with electric sparks that connect to Ash's cheeks. 

Akari winces, doesn't that hurt? 

Ash, however, is ready to battle. He hasn't gotten a good battle in forever. And he misses the thrill. He knows Pikachu does, too, based on the excited flicking of Pikachu's tail. 

Heck, Ash is bouncing in excitement. 

Ash finds himself standing across from Volo, Pikachu alert and ready for a battle on his shoulder. 

"Let's battle togepi." Volo smiles and throws out his old timey pokeball. Ash pauses. Something about Volo feels familiar, if a bit off. Ash shrugs it off.

"Let's go Pikachu!" Ash shouts as he extends his arm, Pikachu runs down his arm with grace. Pikachu lands on the ground with a slight grunt but has a giant grin on its face. Pikachu raises its tail, ready for a battle, as the togepi bounces from leg to leg. 

"Togepi! Use tackle." Volo orders, and Ash tilts his head ever so slightly. 

"Quick attack Pikachu." Ash orders, and Pikachu quickly speeds up before Togepi even has a chance to take a step forward. With a headbutt, Pikachu sends Togepi flailing backward as it gets sent into Volo's legs. It wobbly stands back up and steps a few steps towards Pikachu. 

Volo keeps his smile up as he orders another tackle. Still, a quick thunderbolt from Pikachu quickly finishes his Togepi off. 

Ash feels slightly disappointed at such a short battle, and judging by Pikachu's annoyed look, it feels the same. This is the main reason Ash usually puts more time and energy into a new region on his other Pokemon. Pikachu is perfectly capable, and Ash will always rely on Pikachu. But they both tend to get frustrated with such easy battles. 

But Ash forces a smile as he beams up at Volo. Ash swears he looks familiar. Maybe he's like Akari and Captain Cyllene? Maybe? 

Volo simply smiles. "Well, the rumors seem to be true. If you can handle a Togepi, I'm sure you can handle whatever Captain Cyllene throws at you!" 

Akari looks between the two, a weird look of surprise and slight awe at the battle. It really wasn't anything special. Heck, Pikachu barely even needed his thunderbolt! 

"Well, in any case, you could use potions." As he hands Ash a few potions for winning, Volo says, "I run a trading post by the galaxy hall. Anything you could need with research, I probably have. Stop by sometime!" 

"If I pass the trial, I will!" Ash grins. He seems nice. And it's good to know where to gather supplies. Ash figures, if they're settlements, they're probably few and far between. So knowing what and how much to pack will be absolutely necessary, especially for longer trips.... and with Ash's tendency to get lost. 

"Well, no time like the present. We must get on with our journey." Professor Laventonn claps, and Ash grins as he and Akari wave goodbye to Volo. They follow the Professor and a few guards. 

"We're heading to the obsidian field lands right now," Akari says before introducing Ash to what it means to be a galaxy member. 

"Each galaxy member has a rank. I'm rank one right now, and you will be if you pass." Akari says with a flick of her wrist. 

"With each level, you are allowed to take harder missions, which pay better and means you get better privileges in the village. But it also means you're more likely to be given a task that could kill you." Ash hums as Akari tells him this. 

"Every one of the guards you see around the village is at least rank three. You can move up ranks by assisting the Professor with research or completing the tasks assigned." If Akari is being honest, she's worried about Ash for this trial. She may have been tasked to keep him alive, and she's seen how he and Pikachu could effortlessly defeat Volo in a battle, but Shinx are vicious. Her arm is a testament to that, still being wrapped from yesterday's electric burns. 

Akari huffs. She shouldn't be this worried for an outsider of the village. If Ash survives, he survives. If he doesn't, then he would have been outcasted from the village for failing his trial anyway. 

But in any case, she'll be on standby. Just in case he needs backup. 

"And here's where we'll set up camp!" Professor Laventonn cheers. They're right on the cusp of the obsidian fieldlands. They don't have many maps right now, but they have at least one semi-decent one. They'll figure it out. 

And besides, Shinx, Bidoof, and Starly can be found anywhere around the obsidian field lands. They don't have to venture far. 

"Well, no use wasting daylight." Akari huffs, gesturing for Ash to follow her. 

"Are you not coming with Professor?" Ash asks, and Professor Laventonn laughs. 

"Oh dear, no! I'll be finding my own research in the meantime. But I shouldn't be far from the camp if you have data to share!" Professor Laventonn cheerfully says before handing Ash a small notebook, "Any observations you have in this. Akari will be there to show you how to collect data." 

Akari nods from next to Ash. Depending on what he can do, she'll either teach him how to dodge attacks, how to collect valuable data for the Professor, or how to sneak up on Pokemon close enough. 

And with that, the two set out, waving goodbye as the two kids are on their own for the rest of the day. 

They reach a small area just southwest of the campsite, a good place with plenty of trees, grass, and Pokemon. Akari ducks into a bit of tall grass, gesturing for Ash to do the same. 

"What are we doing?" Ash asks, and Akari tries not to sigh. 

"We are waiting for Pokemon to land here. we scared most of them off already, but eventually, they'll come back- where did you go?" Akari cuts herself off, looking for where Ash has run off to. He was right next to her? How could he have already gotten lost? 

Akari carefully looks above the grass, finding Ash and his strange Pikachu up in a tree already. With a bunch of Starly next to him as a couple sit on his shoulder or nestled in his hair. He's petting a small Bidoof on his lap, and he talks brightly to the Pokemon. Pikachu is chasing a Bidoof around the tree trunk, and both the Bidoof and Pikachu laugh as they play. 

How? 

She took her eyes off Ash for one second. And he's already got a gaggle of Pokemon all around him, not scared or attacking him. 

How? 

Akari quickly whips out her notepad, taking a sketch of the scene. This is the closest she's gotten to a Starly. She's not letting this opportunity go to waste. 

"Psst!" She whispers, hoping to not scare off the Pokemon. When Ash doesn't hear her, she hisses louder. 

"Pssst!" Ash blinks, looking down from the tree branch he was on with the Pokemon. 

"Akari?" He asks, tilting his head as if this is a totally normal experience. 

"How did you get all the Pokemon around you?" She hisses from her bush. The Pokemon around Ash are getting nervous with the new voice. 

"Starly are only jumpy and skittish if you show that you're a threat or sneak up on them. If you let them come to you first, they don't freak. And Bidoof tend to be a bit unaware at times. They get so focused on their work they won't even notice something near them." Ash says, jumping down from the branch and shifting the Bidoof from his lap to his arms. The little Bidoof was gnawing on a small piece of wood, entirely focused on its work. 

"Really?" Akari blinks, slowly standing from her place in the grass. 

A couple Starly startle at her, standing. A couple quickly fly off, but a couple, still attached to Ash, stay put but watch her warily. 

"Hold out your arms," Ash tells her. Akari hesitantly does so. Ash unceremoniously dumps the Bidoof in her arm, and Akari yelps, scaring off a few more Starly. There's only two on each of Ash's shoulders now, and there's still one nestled in his mess of a hair, but Akari is focused on not freaking out. There's a Bidoof in her arms, and her instincts are telling her to drop it and run, but the Pokemon isn't attacking, and it's actually kind of cute, but she's freaking out and- 

"Woah!" Ash cuts her out of her panic, "It's just a Bidoof, as long as you don't put your fingers close to its mouth-"

It's too late. In Akari's indecisiveness about whether to drop the Bidoof and run or freeze, she's wrapped her arms around the Bidoof, putting her fingers right in front of its face. She yelps and drops the bidoof as it chomps on her fingers. The Bidoof hangs from her fingers as she shrieks. Blood starts to run down her arm from the sharp teeth. Ash grabs the Bidoof with one arm and hooks a couple fingers under the Bidoof's jaw. With a single tug, the Bidoof opens its mouth again, freeing the bloody mess of Akari's fingers. 

Akari grunts, flicking her hand and leaving a splatter of blood on the ground. 

"I thought you said those things were harmless!" Akari yells. Ash juts his head out towards her. 

"I said they're docile. If they're in work mode, they will bite on anything you put in front of them." Ash grunts and Akari gives the Bidoof in his arms a furious look before she digs through her bag and grabs some bandages. She thought she would be patching up Ash today, not herself. 

With a grunt, she glances back towards Ash, who is placing the Bidoof back towards a bunch of logs by the river. 

"That Starly seems to be really comfortable in your hair." Akari raises an eyebrow as she quickly jots down notes about the Bidoof. She may not think it's all that cute anymore, but she did learn something new about Bidoof. Never ever put your fingers near their mouths. 

"Huh?" Ash mutters, looking up before he grimaces. 

"Yeah, I don't have my hat on me, which makes it hard to keep wild Pokemon from nesting in my hair." Ash winces, carefully pulling the Starly out from his hair. It tweets from the spot on his finger. 

"It's pretty young. I'm surprised it even knows how to fly yet." Ash mumbles but smiles as he softly rubs the chest of the Starly, careful to keep all his strokes in the direction of the feathers. 

Ash frowns, looking around. 

"What are you looking for?" Akari asks, still sketching the sight of the Starly on Ash's finger. 

"It's strange for a Starly to be alone. They usually travel in flocks. It's probably missing its mother." Ash tells Akari. Akari huffs. 

"So what? We should go back and get this information back to the Professor, and I need to get my hand looked at by the Medic Joy." Akari tries to reason. Why should she care if some Pokemon is lost? It's a Pokemon. A terrifying creature humans can barely hope to understand. 

She groans when she realizes Ash has already run off. Quickly joining him in running off further from the campsite. 

"Why are we doing this, Ash? It's just a Pokemon?" Akari demands as she catches up with him. 

"Because all living things deserve kindness, Akari," Ash tells her sternly. 

"You would help a lost child find their parents, wouldn't you? Well, we need to do the same for this Starly." Ash says with a slight glare. The Starly has bustled up in his hair again. 

"That's not the same Ash! Pokemon are dangerous. They're wild animals! They could kill you." Akari tries to reason, but Ash just scoffs. 

"Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean you can't have empathy. This Starly won't survive on its own. I'll bet it doesn't even know how to hunt." Ash stops and turns to face Akari, face set with steel determination that has even Akari backing down. 

"Look, just trust me on this. Once you see that Pokemon aren't some vicious monsters that will kill any humans, you'll see how amazing Pokemon truly are." Ash says as he sighs. Akari can't help but want to trust him despite years of training telling her not to. 

She pauses for a second, weighing the pros and the cons. She won't be able to stop Ash, but she might be able to prevent him from getting hurt. She follows as they look for the Starly's flock. 

"It shouldn't be too far. The Starly can't fly very far." Ash mumbles the Starly in question, thrilling in agreement. 

The two walk along the river, through the trees, and suddenly, they hear a loud flapping sound. Akari ducks as a large shadow flies above them. The Starly starts tweeting, having found its flock. 

"That way!" Ash shouts, and he follows the Starly through the thick of the forest. 

"Woah!" Akari yelps as she dodges branches and stray Pokemon as she struggles to keep pace with Ash. She may have been training for years to be in top shape to be in the survey corps, but Sinnoh above this kid can run. 

She's panting by the time they make it to a clearing. They both duck into some grass as a large flock of Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor. The Pokemon chirp loudly to each other as they flock around the open field. Akari quickly starts taking notes. 

They must flock together to avoid predator's safety in numbers. She sketches the scene, watching Ash pick himself off the ground, peeling the Starly from his hair and carefully cupping it in his hands. 

"Go on, little one." Ash gently says. Akari watches as he ever so gently places the baby Starly on the ground, letting it hop out of his hand at its own pace. A pair of staraptor come, and for a second, Akari thinks they're about to peck Ash to death. Instead, they crowd around the little Starly, ensuring it's alright as the Starly hops out of Ash's hold. Tweeting up to its parents. Akari feels like that scene is familiar somehow. 

Akari is lost, and she's scared. She acts tough in front of the other kids as they proclaim their fear of Pokemon. Akari isn't that scared of Pokemon. Why should she be? She's got the survey corps to protect her. But she accidentally wandered out of the village, and it's dark. She doesn't know what to do or where to go. 

She shrieks as a Drifloon grabs at her arm with its string-like tentacle. Another Drifloon grabs at her legs, and she finds herself getting swept off her feet by the Drifloon. 

To her relief, someone found her. A rank-five survey corps member managed to fight the pack of Drifloon with his Ponyta. He smiled at her when they left. 

"Let's get you back home, little one." He said. 

That was the day Akari swore to become a survey corps member, to seek to learn about the Pokemon before they could harm anyone else. But as she watches over the staraptor as they coo over their baby, she remembers when the survey corps member led her home. Her parents worried sick over her disappearance. 

"Akari!?" Her mother yelled as they came through the gate, her hands cupped over her mouth to give her louder shouting. 

"Akari, where are you!?" That was the most panicked she ever heard of her father. 

They both tended to never leave the village, so Akari never did either. 

The survey Corp member pushed her forward. 

"Go on, little one," he said, with just as much gentleness as Ash did with the Starly. Akari ran to her parents, burying her face in her mother's skirt. 

"I- I was so- so sc-cared!" She cries, and her parents look her over for any injury. 

"Akari! Are you okay? What happened? Where were you?" Her father had asked. 

Her parents checked and doted over her like the Staraptor do now. 

Akari watches as they glance at Ash, who has a soft smile on their face. The Starly jumps onto his shoulder, giving him a small nuzzle before jumping off and joining the rest of the flock. 

Akari feels the breath rush out of her as she realizes why the scene is so familiar. 

Akari glances up at the man who saved her. She darts out from her parent's grasp and hugs the man's leg, startling him. He softly reciprocates the gesture before she runs back to her family. 

Akari stifles the hitch of her breath as she sees Ash's smile, the exact same as the man who saved her all those years ago. He died after he drowned in the river in the obsidian fieldlands years ago.

She was once that Starly. 

She thinks she understands what Ash means by empathy now. Those Pokemon may not feel like humans or act like humans do. But they do care for their young, just like humans. They deserve a certain amount of kindness because, to that Starly, Ash was the survey corps member that saved her all those years ago. And to that Starly, every other human was like the Drifloon who attacked her all those years ago. 

Maybe humans and Pokemon have some things in common, after all. 

Akari notes everything in her notepad. She does have a job, after all. 

She stands when the Starly pack gets far enough away. She gives Ash a smile. 

"Come on, let's go report our findings." She tells Ash. 

"What about the Shinx?" He asks. Akari shakes her head.

"It's almost sundown. We need to get back to the campsite. We'll finish your trial in the morning." She tells him. Ash nods happily. 

Bidoof

Pokedex number 10

Normal type

This Pokemon becomes focused on its work, chewing wood and creating small dams. When focused, this Pokemon will not realize its surroundings. Not even when moved or touched. Extremely docile.

By hooking your fingers under its jaw, you'll force it to open its grip of teeth. 

It has Enormous and sharp front teeth for biting into logs and wood. It can easily bite into human flesh if wanted. 

Do not put something by its mouth you do not want to be chewed. Much less your own body parts. 

Findings by Survey Corps members Akari and Ash. 

Starly 

Pokedex number 12

Normal flying type. 

These Pokemon will run if approached either sneak up on it (not recommended; the birds are very perceptive and will spot you very easily unless the human is trained in stealth.) Or allow the Starly to approach you. This gives the Starly a level of trust in the human and could even decide to use the human as a perch. 

Baby Starly can have difficulty flying and will use anything it can find as a nest, including human hair. Hats are recommended. 

Starly fly in flocks of Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor. The hypothesized reason is to appear intimidating to predators. If the group size is too large, the Pokemon will start to bicker amongst themselves until broken into smaller groups. Flocks tend to be protective of their members. Gaining the trust of a few flock members' gives you the whole flock's faith. 

Findings by survey Corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

Ash grins as Akari packs her bag. Ash isn't allowed a bag until he proves himself in his trial. But hey, there's less to pack and heft around. 

Akari hefts the bag onto her shoulders. 

"We're making good time. By the end of this week, you should be finished with your trial." Akari says and Ash nods. 

"Yes, it's truly remarkable how much progress the two of you have made in just an afternoon!" Professor laventon cheers, and the two smile. 

"Now, Shinx are dangerous. They attack on sight. You'll need to know how to dodge if something attacks." Akari tells Ash, and Ash nods again, bouncing from toe to toe. 

Well, worse comes to worse; Ash figures he'll get shocked. But honestly, Pikachu has shocked him harder than any wild Pokemon could hope. 

"Don't tell me you've got some secret information on Shinx too?" Akari asks. Akari swears she might have a heart attack if he ends up crowded around Shinx just because he looks nice, like he did with the Pokemon yesterday. 

Shinx may not be the strongest Pokemon ever encountered. Still, they are tiny, come in large numbers, and are very vicious for being so cute-looking. 

Those little demons act cute but are anything but when you get hit by a stray electroball. 

So they set out, avoiding any bidoof they find and making the starly sprinkled around to fly off. 

Akari wonders why Ash is so knowledgeable about Pokemon already. He's so strange, approaching Pokemon with no fear in the world. 

Even the highest-ranking Servey Corp members have a healthy fear of Pokemon. It's what keeps them alive. Ash will end up dead if he keeps approaching every Pokemon like it'd an old friend. 

They duck into the bushes as they spot a small pack of Shinx. 

"That must be a pretty young pack." Ash mumbles, "Shinx tend to set out on their own after a few months." 

Akari nods. The severy corps noticed that, too. Luxray or a few Luxio will breed and lay a litter of Shinx every few years or so. Around three to ten, on the drastic scale. 

From the looks of it, there are around six Shinx pups, including one Luxio and the Luxray mother. It's too far to actually make many observations, but it's good practice for Ash. 

The mom, Luxray, returns to the pack and brings a bunch of berries with her. She drops one by the smallest of the pack before moving on to the rest. 

"That must be the runt of the pack. Strangely, the mother hasn't thrown it out yet." Akari mumbles. Ash looks at her questionly. 

"When Luxray give birth to a runt, usually they throw it out to give its other pups a better advantage. Usually, the runts don't make it alive." Akari says, and Ash frowns next to her. She only hopes he doesn't develop another bleeding heart like he did that starly and decides to adopt every runt thrown out during hatching season. The village could not handle such a large amount of Shinx. 

They watch as the Luxio grabs the berry from the small Shinx and throws the Shinx to the ground. Ash purses his lips. 

"That Luxio is a bully," Ash grumbles, starting to stand. Akari grabs him by the arm and shoves him back down. They can't be seen right now. 

"We've got to help it." Ash hisses, and Akari rolls her eyes. 

"By running into a den full of Shinx and a mama Luxray? Do you have a death wish?" Akari deadpans, and Ash frowns, looking back over to the Shinx. It seems to have spotted something before it bounds away. 

"Where are you going?" Akari asks as Ash shifts again. 

"I'm going to follow that Shinx. It won't survive on its own." Ash says with an air of finality that has Akari scrambling to catch up to him. 

"Ash! It's nature. You can't go and help any Pokemon that's in need." Akari grumbles as she catches up to Ash. "It may have worked with starly, but Shinx are dangerous! You'll get hurt if you try to help it!" 

"Watch me." Ash challenges, and Akari stumbles to a stop at the steel determination in his voice. 

She's not going to be able to stop him. 

Shinx yelps as its brother steals its berry. Shinx growls, raising its tail, but it was too small to intimidate the larger Shinx. The large Shinx simply nips at the small one, and the smaller one huffs, message received. It won't be able to fight for its berry back. 

Shinx knows it's smaller than the rest of its pack. It's Mama barely cares for it. It's the runt of the pack, after all. Shinx won't survive long out in the wild. 

Shinx doesn't care. One day, it'll get out there. It'll be larger and stronger than all the rest. It swears to it. 

Shinx pounces on one of its sisters. The other Shinx huffs and kicks its back leg, causing the smaller Shinx to sprawl backward. 

The Shinx pounces again, leaping towards the pile of food. It gets quickly grabbed by the scruff and gets a bite from its other sibling for trying to steal food. 

Shinx lets out a bolt of electricity. It doesn't even faze its pack. It's too weak. 

The Shinx pouts, having to wait for its siblings to finish before the tiny Shinx chomps on the leftovers. By the time Shinx got food, it was already gone, and Shinx was left hungry for another day. 

With a pout, the Shinx watches its siblings run around and play. Being bigger and stronger, they don't have to worry about hurting each other. But the nicer of his siblings won't let him play so they don't accidentally hurt him. The less nice... aren't very fun to play with. 

And as they start to surround the Shinx, it knows what's about to happen. Their biggest sibling, a Luxio who evolved recently, is the meanest of the bunch. Shinx dodges as one of its brother's nips at its paws. It whines as another digs its teeth into its back. They circle around the Shinx, biting, shocking, and nipping at the outcast of the pack. Shinx whines as it lands on the ground. 

Why does its siblings hate it? It didn't ask to be little. 

It wants to be strong! Strong like it's Mama, strong like it's siblings! Who says being little means it can't fight? 

It's siblings do. The Luxio swears down at him. It just wants to be part of the pack. 

Shinx limps back over to its den. Everyone was preparing to sleep now. It should be safe. Shinx tries to nab a sleeping spot by Mama's head, but its brother takes that spot. Shinx whines softly before trying to curl up by her legs. Nope, it's sister took that spot. 

Shinx finally finds a spot by its Mama's belly. It curls up, basking in its mother's warmth. Before, Luxio grabbed it by the scruff and threw it away from the pack. 

Shinx grunts as it rolls away. It jerks its head up to find the Luxio grinning at it from its cozy spot by Mama. 

Shinx whines loudly, but it falls on deaf ears. It's forced to curl in on itself, and instead of having its Mama block out the wind, it has to face the cold by itself. It was a rough night. 

It was cold, it was shaking like a leaf, and every time it moved, its injuries from its siblings ache. 

By the time morning comes around, Shinx is dead tired and hungry. 

Mama places a berry she found right in front of the little Shinx. The Shinx lights up, and it chomps on the berry, only for Luxio to grab one end of the berry. 

The Shinx squeaks. That's his berry!

The two get locked into a tug of war that ends with Shinx being thrown several feet into the nearby tree. 

Luxio devours the berry right in front of Shinx. 

There goes its breakfast. 

Shinx tries to go to Mama for another berry, but she just looks away. Shinx sits back roughly on its hind legs as its stomach rumbles. 

It just wants food! Why won't Mama give any? 

Shinx lowers its head and looks over to the field, where there's a berry tree not too far from the pack. 

If Mama won't hunt for it, then Shinx will just have to be strong and do it himself! 

Shinx will show his pack that he can be helpful! Way better than the Luxio! Shinx bounds away from the pack, ready to hunt for its own berries. It may be tiny, but it can still fight!

Shinx bounds past the field. In its naivety, it forgets it's out in the open, where predators might want to eat it. But it only has eyes for the berry tree as it gets closer and closer. 

Shinx pounces on the tree. The berries are up there. It just has to reach the berries. It'll bring back a whole bunch of berries! And it'll show Mama it's also big and strong. Even bigger than Luxio!

They'll decide he's strong enough to play with! And strong enough to sleep next to! And he won't be an outcast anymore. 

But the sky is getting dark, and it's getting cold. Shinx needs to grab these berries!

With a shout, the Shinx runs head first into the tree, just barely shaking free a berry. 

It cheers immediately, biting into its prize and basking in the juice. 

It doesn't realize that the smell of the berry will attract even more predators, and they'll want a bite. 

It doesn't get much food from its family, stunting its already small growth. It eats whenever it can. 

Rain starts to pour down, starting with just a few drops before it quickly starts pouring down. Soaking Shinx. 

Shinx will usually be in its den when it rains or with its Mama being shielded from the rain. It shudders as its fur soaks through. It's cold. 

But Shinx can deal with the cold. 

It's strong.

Shinx puts its front paws on the tree. It extends its claws to latch onto the bark. With a bit of a struggle, it manages to push itself off the ground and latch its back paws onto the tree as well. With a small grunt of effort, it shoots its front paws up and grabs onto the bark higher up. The Shinx does the little half crawl up the tree as it struggles to reach the berries. 

It's strong!

As it finally makes it to the berries, it claws at the stem of one, dropping it to the ground below. 

The little Shinx darts around the tree, taking a break from the rain as it breaks up between the leaves. 

Once it gets a decently large pile, the Shinx thrills. It can't wait to show its family. 

It's so strong-!

The Shinx is cut off as it realizes it is surrounded on all sides. A group of Zubat found the Shinx as it was searching for berries, and they found it via the scent of the berry. 

One of the Zubat swoop in and try to bite at the Shinx while another flaps its wings at the Shinx, throwing it off balance. 

No, no, no, no, it's strong! It can handle the Zubat. 

The Shinx lets out an electric shock, only for the Zubat to barely notice it. 

No! It can fight! It's strong! 

But as a Zubat sinks its teeth into the Shinx's tail, the Shinx screeches. It realizes that its family might have been right. 

The Shinx falls off the tree, landing on the ground with a large thump. The Zubat Continue surrounding the Shinx as they attack and steal its berries. 

The Shinx tries to stand back on its feet, but it can't help but remember when its siblings would surround it, hurting it as they laugh. Just like these Zubat are doing. 

Their siblings and their Mama were right. It was weak. It was useless. It was the runt of the pack. 

Shinx's consciousness is fading as it realizes that its family will be better off without it. 

It's weak. 

"Hey! Leave it alone!" A voice shouts. Shinx opens its eyes ever so slightly to see a human run up, sliding in front of the Shinx and spreading its arms out in front of the Shinx, protecting it. 

Shinx fades into the blessing of unconsciousness. 

"Ash!" Akari tries to stop Ash before he runs out to interfere. It's sad how the Shinx was being attacked, but what could they do. 

She watches Ash break out of her grip, bolting towards the Shinx and kicking a rock up, hitting one of the Zubat. 

He slides past the Zubat, kicking up mud as he stands in the pouring rain. He stands protecting the Shinx, ready to take any attack the Zubat tries to throw. 

"What is that idiot doing? He's gonna get killed!" Akari yelps. Why is he protecting that Pokemon? It left the nest, it made poor decisions. It's on its own. It's called the circle of life. 

"Hey! Leave it alone!" Ash shouts, like the brave idiot he was. Akari winces, prepared to watch a young, not quite servey Corp member get mutilated by Zubat. 

As the Zubat swoops in, the Pikachu on his shoulder grins, jumping off his shoulder and shooting off one of the largest thunderbolts Akari has ever seen. The storm clouds above them seem to sense the little Pikachu as the sky opens up and shoots down a thunderbolt to help the Pikachu with its power. The Zubat dart off when they get shocked, leaving Ash kneeling by the Shinx. 

Akari darts down to where Ash is, stealth be damned. When she gets to Ash, he's holding the Shinx delicately in his arms, shielding the little thing from the onslaught of rain. It's knocked out and very hurt. 

"We need to get it help," Ash says. Akari doesn't even try to protest. At least if they help the Shinx, Ash will pass his trial. 

They head back to the village with a guard leading the way through the rain. Ash's Pikachu bundles into his shirt, which leaves him shuddering from the wetness. He's probably being affected most by the rain, considering Akari, the professor, and the guard all have protective clothing provided by the Galaxy team. 

But Ash is in those flimsy clothes he first came to the village in, which are now soaking wet. 

Akari glances at the Shinx in Ash's arms. She doesn't understand why Ash is so insistent on helping Pokemon. 

'All living beings deserve kindness.' He had said, but would you say that if said living thing would kill people without a second thought? Would he say that if the living being destroys and hurts everything around it? They're wild. Humans can barely train Pokemon. They don't deserve kindness. 

But still, Ash is let into the medical wing as the medic joy tends to the Shinx. Medic Joy doesn't always tend to Pokemon. She usually does it with people who get attacked by Pokemon. But that doesn't mean she doesn't know how to fix up a Pokemon. After all, many survey Corp have their own Pokemon. 

Instead of following and demanding why Ash was so insistent on helping Pokemon, Akari goes to Captain Cyllene with professor laventon. Ash passed his trial. 

She tells Akari to gather the supplies for Ash. After all, he's a survey corps member now. He gets the benefits of dry clothes and a place to stay Via the Galaxy team. 

Eventually, Ash is kicked out for the day, and he leaves Pikachu there to watch over the Shinx. 

Ash joins her outside the Galaxy headquarters, and the two fall into uneasy silence. 

Akari feels like something terrible is about to happen. 

And she was right. As the sun lowers, a large flock of Zubat descends among the settlement. 

There's a scream echoing through the village, and everyone rushes into the nearest building as the Zubat starts chasing after the people of the town. 

Akari dodges as a Zubat tries to wingslash at her, hitting her ankle roughly. 

She looks over at Ash, who has his eyes narrowed at the destruction the Zubat are causing. Akari feels venom build up on her tongue. 

"This is why we don't give those creatures kindness!" Akari snaps, glaring at Ash, who doesn't seem to even blink at her fury, "They'll just come back to haunt you." 

"Pikachu!" Ash shouts. Akari spots the window on the second-floor nudge open. Ash's Pikachu pops its head out to assess everything. 

To Akari's surprise, so did the Shinx, although it looked much more hesitant than Pikachu. 

"Pikachu, electroweb!" Ash orders, and Akari ducks as Pikachu dives from the window, landing on Ash's shoulder before jumping off again. 

The Pikachu builds up electricity on its tail before it swings the tail, releasing its web and capturing a few Zubat who were terrorizing some of the villagers. The Zubat shrieks as they get electrocuted by the net, but before Akari can dwell on it, Pikachu is moving again. 

"Iron tail Pikachu!" Ash swiftly orders, Pikachu jumps on his arm before getting boosted up by Ash to put more power as it iron tails a Zubat into four others. 

Akari realizes what Ash is doing. He's protecting the village by battling with his Pikachu. Akari draws up her shoulders. She may not understand Ash or why he does the things he does, but she's a survey corps member. She can protect the village, too. 

"Pikachu, come on out!" Akari pulls out her pokeball, and her Pikachu blinks lazily up at her when it comes out. 

Akari's veins feel electric as she looks around at the under-attack village. She's going to protect her village! She's a survey corps member. 

"Pikachu! Thundershock!" Akari orders, expecting her Pikachu to jump around attacking like Ash's was doing. They were in the middle of it all, Pikachu diving around as Ash ordered attacks swiftly and firmly. They work as a well-oiled machine as they move, Pikachu jumps onto Ash to get some momentum, or Ash will throw his arm out like he's attacking too. Ash dodges attacks by the Zubat like it's nothing, not taking his eyes off of where Pikachu is attacking. 

Pikachu turns its head away. And Akari deflates. 

Well, that was underwhelming. Her Pikachu ignores her before it hops away to sit on a ledge, watching the destruction with some sick sense of pleasure. 

Akari is sure there's not a thought of empathy in its mind. How Ash thinks those creatures deserve sympathy is beyond her when her Pikachu would rather see her die than lift a paw to help. 

"Little demon." Akari hisses, and her Pikachu scoffs. 

Akari turned her attention back to the village, watching as Ash and Pikachu fought. Her Pikachu seems to gain interest in how fluidly they fight. 

Pikachu quick attack!

Thunderbolt!

Hit it with an iron tail!

Electroweb Pikachu!

With every order, more and more of the Zubat are scared off. More and more, Ash and Pikachu fight off, making sure to keep all the people out of the way from Pikachu's attacks and keeping them safe. 

Akari gasps when she spots another Pokemon start to sneak up on Ash. Much larger than a Zubat, with a mouth none of the others have. 

A Golbat is right behind Ash, gearing up a leach seed. An attack that size on a human-like Ash would kill him. Akari feels her breath catch in her throat. 

"Ash! Look out!" Ash looks at Akari, finally noticing the giant Pokemon looming over him. The Golbat starts diving down, about to sink its fangs Into Ash. Pikachu is too far away to protect Ash, and Akari knows her Pikachu won't. Akari winces, turning her eyes away from the inevitable. 

A large and loud thundershock echoes through the street. 

Shinx blinks its eyes awake. Why is its limbs so heavy?

"Shinx..." Shinx groans as it softly moves its paw. This grass is really soft. Or did it fall asleep on Mama? 

It hasn't been allowed to sleep near Mama in a long time. 

Shinx yelps when it spots a Pikachu sitting and watching it. The Shinx jerks away and flops roughly on the ground. 

How did it fall so far? Where is it? Where's its family? 

Would its family help Shinx? 

The Pikachu pokes its head above the ledge, looking down at it curiously. The Shinx backs away, tucking its tail beneath its legs. The Shinx bumps into something, finding that it was backed into a corner. 

"Hello." The Pikachu greets, blinking down at it, "I won't hurt you." 

The Pikachu jumps off the ledge, landing in front of the Shinx before sitting on its hind legs. 

"No! Pikachu are bad! Pikachu are competitors!" Shinx hisses, that's what Mama always said. And Mama was right. 

The Pikachu huffs. "Well, I don't think I'm all that bad." 

"That's what mama said, Pikachu steal food from Shinx!" Shinx shouts, its tail sparking as its fur starts to glow. 

"I don't need to steal food. I get all the food I could want from my trainer." Pikachu rolls its eyes, and Shinx growls. 

So it's one of those traitors. 

Those wanna-be Pokemon who run to the humans for safety, who fight against their own kind because their human said so, those who get captured in those balls and only taken out when they are needed. 

Shinx expresses as much to the Pikachu. That ruffles its fur. 

"My human's not like that." The Pikachu glares and the Shinx puffs out its chest. 

"All humans are like that. Cruel, angry, they'll throw you out as soon as you're not strong enough." The Shinx snaps, and the Pikachu's fur puffs out, a symbol of aggression. Shinx's fur glows. It's standing its ground. When Mama finds out Shinx managed to fight off against a traitorous Pikachu, she'll be so proud. 

"As far as I'm concerned, so is your so-called family." The Pikachu turns up its nose. "Pikapi doesn't make me go into my pokeball, ever. And At least Pikapi makes sure I'm fed at night. At least Pikapi gives me somewhere warm to sleep. At least Pikapi loves me." 

Shinx lowers its ears, "that's not true! That's not true!" 

Shinx sparks. It keeps chanting that it's not true. It can't be! It's just not strong enough yet! When it gets stronger, Mama will love it! Luxio will see it and won't boss it around when it gets stronger! When it gets stronger... 

Why does it need to get stronger to win their love? Isn't that what a mama is supposed to do? Isn't that what Mama gives all of Shinx's other siblings? 

The Shinx feels its fight drain out of it as it slumps on the ground. The Pikachu gives it a look of pity. 

Shinx feels the Pikachu nudge it with its snout. 

"Hey, it's okay." The Pikachu says before switching topics.

"What do you remember before you passed out?" Shinx frowns. It had tried to get berries, but then those Zubat attacked. 

"How did those Zubat go away?" Shinx asks. It would've gotten killed if those Zubats had continued attacking. And obviously, Shinx wasn't dead, so something must have happened. 

"My human and I fought them off." Shinx blinks. 

"All of them? With just you and a human?" The Pikachu nods, and the Shinx sits roughly. 

It must have been powerful to take on that many Zubat simultaneously. 

It must be powerful. 

"How'd you get so strong." The Shinx blurts out. It's gotta know how. It wants to be strong. 

"My human helped me. Pikapi helps make me stronger, and in exchange, I make him stronger." The Pikachu puffs out its chest, Shinx frowns, letting its ears drop. 

Warm bed, food, love, strength. 

That's all Shinx has wanted. And that's all this Pikachu has because of that human. 

"And this human saved me?" Shinx softly asks, and Pikachu nods. 

"He drew the Zubat's attention and brought you back to this settlement to heal your injuries." The Pikachu nods, and Shinx realizes that it's got a few bandages wrapped around its torso. 

Shinx looks down. Would Mama have done the same? Had she been there? 

Shinx doesn't think she would. 

"Pikachu!" A human's voice breaks the two out from their conversation, and Pikachu jumps up to the window and nudges it open with his head. Shinx crawls up the wall, leaving claw indents. It gets up to the window and looks down. The town is under attack by Zubat. Shinx recognizes a few that attacked Shinx. And now the humans were being attacked because of Shinx. 

The Pikachu next to Shinx tenses, "Looks like they're a bit salty for losing." 

Shinx lowers its body and creeps away from the window, trying to hide from the Zubat attacking. 

The Pikachu raises its tail and lowers its ears, scanning the area. 

"Pikachu electroweb!" One of the humans orders, and Pikachu immediately dives out the window, jumping on the human's arms before diving forward and effortlessly taking out a couple Zubat. Then it dives forward, and the human ducks, letting Pikachu dive over him and iron tail a couple more Zubat. Shinx watches how marvelously the two fight together, how effortlessly strong the two were. 

"My human makes me stronger, so I make him stronger in return." 

Was everything Mama taught wrong? Was Mama not good? Were humans better Mama than Mama? 

Would Mama save it? Would the human? 

Is the Pikachu right? 

Love, safety, home, food, strength. 

All things Shinx has always wanted from Mama. 

All things Shinx never got from Mama. 

But everything this human could give. 

Shinx doesn't know what to do.

Especially as a giant Golbat sneaks up on the Pikachu's human. 

Shinx shakes, unsure of what to do. 

Humans are bad. That's what Mama always told it. 

But Mama was wrong, too. 

If Mama was wrong, and she said humans were bad, does that make humans good?

"Ash! Watch out!" The Golbat is about to hurt the human. The Pikachu's human. 

Shinx growls. It's not sure if humans are okay. But if the Pikachu says it's human is okay, and they're keeping Shinx safe. Then Shinx will do everything to keep the human safe. 

Shinx dives from the window, landing roughly on the ground between the human and the Golbat. Its fur glows brightly as it releases the largest thundershock it has ever had. 

With a war cry, the Shinx shocks everything around it, sending the human it was saving sprawling backward, and the Golbat screeches. A loud, ugly scream echoes through the settlement as the Shinx continues its shock. 

The Pikachu joins the Shinx with its shocks, letting out a thunderbolt equal in power. Shinx feels electric; its power stronger than it has seen before. 

When Shinx finally ceases its attack, the Golbat flees, hurt by the twos combined power. 

Shinx pants as all of the Zubat flee after their leaders, all shocked in some way. 

"That was a powerful thundershock!" The human grins down at the Shinx. Shinx can't tell if he's angry or happy due to his barring teeth. 

The Pikachu looks over at the Shinx smugly, like it proved a point. The Pikachu jumps onto the human's shoulder and nuzzles his cheek. 

"Come on, let's get you guys some food." The human says. Shinx follows him as the humans sit, hopping onto the table like the Pikachu. 

While the humans exchange brief conversations, the Shinx looks around wary. He's never been this close to humans before. But it's got a sense of warmth to it. Something it's only been able to see from the outside with its family. 

The Pikachu's human scrapes off some of his plate for Pikachu and Shinx. Shinx growls at Pikachu when it comes too close to Shinx's food. 

It gobbles down its food quickly and realizes that the human and Pikachu did the same. 

Shinx is fuller than it thinks it has ever been; its movement is sluggish as its torso aches slightly.

Soon, the humans started leaving to go to sleep. Shinx looks around for a warm place to sleep. 

"Come on, you'll stay with us for the night before we get you back to your family tomorrow." The human says. Shinx feels its heart sink slightly. It's going back to Mama? Shinx doesn't know if it should be happy or sad. 

Shinx follows the human into the weird den. The human bundles into a small cot as the Pikachu nuzzles onto the human's arm. Soaking up the warmth. 

The Shinx curls up away from the human, but secretly it wishes it could be there too. But it can't let its guard down with humans. If Mama wasn't good, then how can Shinx trust humans. 

So Shinx stayed pointedly away, at least until it knew that both the human and the Pikachu were asleep. When it was sure that the evening out breath of both of them was them sleeping, the Shinx slowly creeps forward. Resting its body curled up by the human's body, soaking in the warmth. 

The Shinx was asleep before it could realize the Pikachu cracked one eye open, smugly looking at the Shinx. 

The next day the two survey corps members take the Shinx back to the den. 

"Go on," the human says, urging Shinx to head to their family. 

Shinx lowers its tail. 

After everything that happened yesterday, it doesn't think it wants to. 

But it has to. 

The Shinx creeps towards its family den, the humans sitting in a bush watching as Shinx reintegrates with its family. 

Shinx lowers its head, making eye contact with the Pikachu one last time before heading toward its Mama. 

Shinx thinks back on the times it spent with its family. The cold nights shunned from Mama's warmth. The starving mornings while its food was stolen by family that could've sought their own food. The rough afternoon after they got attacked by their own family. 

Shinx realizes how much it could've gotten if it was surrounded by better Pokemon. If it didn't have a wrong family. 

Family is supposed to protect you. Not hurt you.

So why did the one thing Mama told it to stay away from giving Shinx more kindness than Mama? Why did the human come to its rescue and not Mama? Why did the human feed it and not Mama? Why did the human let it cuddle next to him, not Mama? 

Why did the human give Shinx more safety and security than Mama ever did?

Shinx wants to be stronger. It always does. 

But maybe Shinx was going about getting stronger the wrong way. 

Maybe the Pikachu was right. 

As Shinx enters the den again, raising its head up high and looking Luxio in the eye. 

It won't back down this time. 

This time, when Luxio tries to bite at Shinx's torso, the one still wrapped in bandages by the human, Shinx bites back. It digs its fangs into Luxio's neck as Luxio tries to kick it off. Shinx raises its tail and lets out a thundershock, one close to the strength it used on Golbat. Luxio gets knocked unbalanced and wobbles slightly. 

But the battle wasn't over yet. Luxio flicks its head back, sending Shinx flying into a tree. Shinx grunts as it gets hurt but stands back up. 

It's strong. 

It'll prove it's strong. 

Shinx dashes forward, tucking its ears down low so it can't be grabbed. Luxio simply knocks Shinx away with its tail. Shinx rolls away before Luxio can bite at it again. 

Shinx lets out another thundershock, hitting right by Luxio's paws before dashing forward, now having an opening. It dives on Luxio and takes it down with a large bite. It finishes the battle with a thundershock. 

Shinx holds its head up high, staring Luxray in the eye. 

It's strong. 

And it just showed its past family how strong it was. 

But Shinx wants to be stronger, and it's not going to do that alone. 

Shinx turns away from the den, spotting the human and its Pikachu, nearly dots as they walk away. 

Shinx sprints out of the den towards its human. 

Ash smiles softly when it sees Shinx took down the Luxio. 

Ash won't deny he was a little worried about letting it return to its family due to how they treated it. 

But now he knows that was the right choice, and Shinx will be fine. 

"Come on." Ash whispers to Akari, nudging her, "You said Captain Cyllene wanted to talk with me?" 

"Right," Akari whispers before the two sneak away from the Luxray den. 

It's a little bittersweet seeing the Shinx go, but it needed to. 

It'll do great in the wild, especially with the way it helped take down that Golbat. 

Pikachu coos slightly as it places a paw on Ash's cheek. Ash softly laughs. 

"You know, I never did get to ask how you and your Pikachu can fight so well. My Pikachu won't even listen to me." Akari sights, and Ash shrugs. 

"Pikachu used to be like that too, but we learned to trust each other over time," Ash says, and Akari frowns. That doesn't feel like much of an answer. Ash doesn't feel like giving a better answer, so the two continue walking back to the campsite in silence. 

That was until they heard the barking of a Shinx. 

"Huh?" Ash blinks as he feels his pants getting tugged on. It's the new uniform for the survey corps. Ash hates how stiff the clothes are, and he decided not to wear the hat on principle. If it's not his ball cap, he doesn't want it. 

Ash looks down and spots the Shinx they had just left with its family. 

"What are you doing back here? You should be with your family." Ash gently says as he squats down to the Shinx. Shinx blinks up at him before roughly shoving its head into Ash's hand, like a cat or like Pikachu. 

"You wanna come with us?" Ash tilts his head, and the Shinx nods, a determined fire in its eyes. 

Ash knows that look. 

He sees it in the mirror every day. 

It's the look of someone who wants nothing more in the world but to get stronger. 

Ash can do that. 

"Then welcome to the team." Ash smiles, and Shinx thrills, jumping into Ash's arms. 

They return to the village quickly after that, where Ash meets with Captain Cyllene. 

It would be unlucky for Ash to be in trouble so soon after becoming a corps member. 

"Ash." Captain Cyllene greets and Ash can't help but tense slightly. Pikachu does as well. She just looks way too familiar for the two to let it go. 

Shinx looks confused at all the different human things but sticks close to Ash. 

"I heard you and your Pokemon fought off a Zubat invasion. Excellent job." Cyllene nodded toward Ash, and he smiled. 

"It wasn't much for me and Pikachu," Ash says, and the captain nods. 

"Well, with your stunt with the Golbat, our leader has been very interested in meeting you." Ash frowns. This will be the leader of the potentially evil team. He has to be ready not to make snap judgments but also to be prepared for a world-ending plot. 

At least he'll know who the potential villain is. 

"Head up those stairs, and you'll meet with Commander Kamando. See to it that you make a good impression." Captain Cyllene says before sitting back at her desk and dismissing Ash. 

Ash meets with Akari and the Professor outside her office. 

"What did Captain Cyllene want?" Akari asks, and Ash shrugs. 

"She said the commander was interested in meeting me." Akari blinks. Was that something weird? Should he be nervous? 

"Wow, most new members don't get to meet with the commander until they're at least star 2." Professor laventon says, and Akari nods. 

"The only reason I got to meet him so early was because of how young I was when I started." Akari tilts her head before glancing at the stairs. 

"Well, you better not keep the commander waiting. We'll be outside when you're done." Professor laventon nods, and Ash smiles, waving as he walks up the steps. 

He stands outside Commander Kamado's office. Ash takes a deep breath before bringing up his hand to knock.

Shinx

Pokedex number 15

Electric type

These Pokemon tend to be born in hatch groups, anywhere from three to ten eggs. But the more eggs in a group, the greater the chance of a runt. When a runt is born, some will leave it to die, while others will care little for it. Most runts don't make it by the time Shinx leave the nest at six months. 

When Shinx sense danger, their fur glows. 

They use their tails as conductors for their electricity. Some say you can sense if a thunderstorm is coming by seeing which way a Shinx tail is pointed. 

Shinx's main predators are Zubat, Drifloon, and Luxray from other packs. But they are known to butt heads frequently with Pikachu. 

Findings by survey Corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

Ash takes a deep breath as he raises his hand to knock on Commander Kamado's door. 

If he's anything like Cyrus, Ash will have to deal with him. 

Ash doesn't quite know what to make of this Galaxy Team so far. Akari seems nice, if a little odd. Professor Laventon seems genuinely curious and wants to better their community. And Captain Cyllene has given Ash no reason to mistrust her. But Ash still finds himself a little on guard around Captain Cyllene. 

These all seem like genuinely nice people, genuinely nice people who truly want to discover more about Pokemon to help their settlement. (Even if they want to know more about Pokemon because they are scared of Pokemon.) 

But Ash has been fooled before, and an old settlement named the Galaxy Team? This could be the beginning of Team Galactic, and they could very quickly delve into evil. 

But usually, an evil team is only as evil as their leader. 

Team Skull was simply a punk gang because all of Guzma was a punk gang member. They were pretty harmless because for as annoying as Guzma was, and as much of a thorn in Professor Kukui's side as he was, he wasn't evil. 

Team Flare was an actual terrorist organization. They did true damage to Kalos that's still being felt years later. Because Lysandre was truly an evil man. He simply wanted what he wanted and did not care who got in the way. Only using people and Pokemon as pawns in the greater scheme of things. Team Flare was dangerous because Lysandre was dangerous. 

And Ash is about to meet the supposed leader of this Galaxy Team. This is what will make or break his decision to join the team. (Despite everyone thinking he's already joined.) 

Now, Ash has never thought he was a good judge of character. He has a tendency to be too trusting, too naive, taking words at face value and not seeing them for the thinly veiled threat they were. Ash has always been better at judging people through actions. 

All this to say, Ash isn't feeling too confident about this meeting. 

Ash does not want to become a pawn for another evil team; even if he wasn't a Team Flare member, he still became a pawn. 

However, Ash has Pikachu. 

Ash and Pikachu have always been together. Ash has Pikachu, and Pikachu has Ash. Always. 

And they tend to balance out the worst in each other. Where Ash is too trusting, too naive, too kind. Pikachu is too mistrusting, too jaded, too mean. 

They take the worst in each other and balance it out. 

Like a team. 

Ash isn't going in there alone. He has Pikachu. And their decision on whether this team leader is good or not is a joint effort. They will figure it out.

Pikachu reminds him of this when it shoves its head into Ash's jaw. 

Ash grins at his buddy before knocking on the door. 

"Enter." A gruff voice commands, and Ash opens the door. 

Ash does a double take at the Commander's appearance. 

Why does he look so much like Professor Rowan? 

Ash shakes his head, no matter. Just like how Captain Cyllene shouldn't be automatically assumed to be evil because she looks like Cyrus, Commander Kamado shouldn't be judged automatically good because he looks like Professor Rowan. 

It does make this conversation much easier, though. 

"You must be the new recruit, Ashton, was it?" Commander Kamado says. Ash shakes his head. 

"It's Ash." He corrects, still watching out for every twitch of movement, figuring out every emotion in every glance. 

Ash has always been better at figuring out a person's motivations. At least emotionally. 

Pikachu was always better at figuring out the hidden meaning behind their words. 

"I've been briefed on your situation, how you fell from the sky." Commander Kamado narrows his eyes, looking for a reaction from Ash. Ash gives him none. 

Suddenly the Commander grins, throwing out his arms. 

"Now then, let's see what you're made of!" Ash nearly balks, and Pikachu nearly falls off Ash's shoulder in shock, "face me in combat!"

"Huh!?" Ash yelps. He was expecting anything but this. He was expecting to be threatened. He was expecting to be buttered up. 

Not told to attack him. 

But Ash does it anyway. He darts forward, narrowly dodging as the Commander throws out his arm to try to throw Ash. Ash ducks and slides under the Commander's legs, grabbing one of his legs and, with his momentum, making the Commander off balance slightly. But before he could right himself again, the Commander grabbed him by his arm and threw him, even as he fell over. 

Ash tumbles, hitting the wall with a groan. 

He's dizzy. 

"Hm." The Commander hums as he stands back, "You've got some fight in you!" 

Ash looks up, confused, still collapsed on the floor. 

"Your form needs work, but I do see potential." The Commander brings a hand up to his beard. 

Ash stands back up, and the Commander regards him for a second. 

"I wouldn't expect a warm welcome from everyone in the village. Naturally, people will be wary of the boy who fell from the sky. Much less one with a feral Pikachu." Ash's brow ticks. 

Pikachu is anything but feral. 

"You'll have to work hard to prove people wrong, prove you're worthy of being in the Survey Corps." Ash frowns harder. 

"I'm unsure if I'll stay in the Survey Corps." Ash points out, crossing his arms as Pikachu flicks its tail. 

The Commander pauses like he is sizing Ash up. 

"You passed the trial we set for you, and you passed a much harder trial than most could handle right out of the blue." The Commander turns away. 

"You don't have to trust us. Just like how we don't trust you. But as long as you stay, I feel as if the galaxy team can help you, just as you can help the galaxy team." He walks back to his desk, looking at a file of something. 

"We Galaxy Team have sought out to learn as much as we can about Pokemon. Be it for a unification between humans and Pokemon or a war." Ash feels himself growing wary, but at least he's lying it out now. 

"You decide what to take from that." Kamado looks at Ash straight in the eyes, conveying a message. 

Save humans and Pokemon by showing them the good In each other. 

Or let humans and Pokemon forever fight against each other. 

Ash guesses he'll stay. Just so he can help. 

"If you plan to stay, you'll have to take pretty much any request or research that Professor Laventon or any other villager requests of you. To prove your worth." Kamado orders, and Ash tries not to deflate. 

So he's the errand boy. 

Great. 

"That is all I have to speak with you about. You are dismissed." He gestures to the door with his head, and Ash spins on his heel and leaves, not giving the Commander much of a response. 

He walks down the stairs, frowning when he spots two people arguing loudly with each other. They certainly don't look much like the villagers in this settlement, with their bright clothes and flimsy clothes. Like Ash's clothes, he first came in. 

The girl had bright red and white clothes, cloth around her waist looking like a belt with two large pieces trailing after her. She has shorts and a low shirt. Ash figures she's from somewhere warm. 

The man has much bluer clothes, wild hair, and is much more bulky. He's probably from somewhere cold, unlike the girl. 

They walk past Ash like he doesn't exist, so he simply heads back down and meets Akari and Professor Laventon back in Captain Cyllene's office. 

He relays what happened, leaving out the small detail basically threatening Ash with all of humanity and pokemanity. 

"I see, so the Commander has also accepted you." Cyllene nods silently, "But know this: you will start as a no-star recruit. You will have to fight tooth and nail to rise in the ranks." She says sternly. 

Ash nods. He had expected as such. 

"Akari." Cyllene turns to the girl. 

"You are a one-star recruit. You are low in the ranks, but here is your chance to rise." Akari perks up at that. 

"You shall take Ash under your wing, and once Ash rises to a one-star rank, you can go off on your own again. But until then, Ash will be there for every mission you do. Every mission Ash is expected to do, you will be there. How well Ash does missions reflects perfectly on you." Cyllene says sternly; Akari wilts slightly at her new orders. 

"Yes Captain Cyllene." Akari grimaces; she does not look happy she has to train some lowly recruit. 

Professor Laventon seems overjoyed, however. 

"Excellent! I'm sure the two of you will make quite a team!" Professor Laventon claps his hands, and Captain Cyllene nods in agreement. 

"If that is all we have to discuss, you shall be dismissed." Captain Cyllene dismissed, and the three left her office. 

"Well, great." Akari huffs under her breath. 

"What, you sick of me already." Ash snorts, jabbing her in the side. Akari gives him a surly look before it softens. 

"Sorry." She sighs, "It's not you, it's just..." 

"No one in the corps wants to train the new recruits. You can only take on missions at the recruits level, so we collectively can only take zero-star missions. The errands." She explains and Ash gives her a wry smile. 

"Yeah, considering how Commander Kamado told me that I needed to take every single request I get I figured I'd be getting mostly errands." Ash snorts, and Akari sighs. 

"Most of our missions will probably be finding and observing a specific Pokemon." Akari raises her eyes to the sky as she walks out of the building. 

"Well, none of that, you two." Professor Laventon scolds, "You'll find that those missions are the most important for research. After all, the more data we have, the better we know about Pokemon." 

Ash nods with a smile. Akari still looks slightly annoyed. 

"I've found that you can find an adventure no matter where you look. Even if you're supposed to be doing mundane tasks." Ash adds. He wonders if this will be like what he and Goh were doing for Professor Cerise. They had a lot of fun even with the most basic of errands. 

Akari still sighs next to him, and Ash nearly snickers. 

"Shinx!" Shinx perks up, pouncing over to Ash. It hadn't been allowed inside, and it didn't have a Pokeball yet. 

Akari hums. 

"We should probably get you some Pokeballs; I'll teach you how to craft some." Akari nods, already stepping into the mentor role. 

Before Ash and Akari could run off, however, they were stopped by the guard. 

"Professor Laventon!" The guard grabs the Professor by his arm. 

"Hm?" The Professor blinks. 

"Beauregard! What can I do for you?" He beams, and the guard shifts on his feet. 

"I was thinking of what you were telling me about the evolution?" Beauregard says, and the Professor nods. 

"Ah, yes!" The Professor turns to the kids, "We've found that sometimes Pokemon can change forms into a better, stronger form through evolution!" 

As Professor Laventon explains this, Ash has to sweat drop. 

Look, he's been called stupid many times in his life. He's not exactly the smartest person around. 

But how dumb do these people think Ash is? Of course, he knows about evolution. 

Ash decides not to comment on it; at least Professor Laventon was trying to be helpful. 

"Yes, and I wanted to know more about it! I heard Wurmple could evolve into a Beautifly! Can you show me the research you have on it?" Beauregard asks hopefully, Professor Laventon frowns. 

"Unfortunately, we don't know much about Wurmple or how they evolve." He breaks the news, and Beauregard deflates. 

"But we have two Survey Corps members here who can go out and collect information on it!" Akari blanches next to Ash, and Ash simply chuckles awkwardly. 

Well, Ash was told to accept every request. 

"Why don't you teach Ash how to make pokeballs while I set up the request with Beauregard here." Professor Laventon nods at Akari. Akari raises her eyes to the sky but agrees anyway. 

The two walk away as Professor Laventon leads Beauregard to his study. 

"Well. I guess we're doing this." Akari huffs before she turns to Ash. 

"Pokeballs are tricky to make. You'll have to watch what I do closely, and you probably won't be able to make it the first few tries." Akari holds up a finger. 

"I won't give up!" Ash nods with a determination. 

"Everyone can make a Pokeball; I'm sure you'll get it quickly." Akari nods. 

It took 268 failed tries before they gave up and decided that, no, Ash could not make Pokeballs. 

"I've never seen someone make a pokeball this badly." Akari shakes her head, baffled. 

Ash pouts, looking at the half-destroyed Pokeball while Shinx and Pikachu play with the failed attempts. 

Ash groans, giving up. 

"Ash! Akari! Time to get briefed!" Professor Laventon calls, and the two get up. 

"I'll make you Pokeballs while we're working together; after that, you'll have to buy them." Akari says, and Ash thanks her, "But you'll have to collect any ingredients before I'll make them for you." 

"But here. You wanted to catch that Shinx that's been following you around." Akari hands Ash a pokeball. 

"Thanks!" Ash chirps, looking down at Shinx, who's pouncing on Pikachu and gnawing on Pikachu's ear like the pup it was. 

"Hey Shinx." Ash squats down. 

"You don't have to, but if you want to, I can catch you in this pokeball," Ash says holding out the pokeball to Shinx. 

"When you get hurt, it'll help me bring you back to get hurt, and it'll mean you can go into places that you're not allowed now, and-" Before Ash can finish explaining, Shinx boops its head against the Pokeball, catching itself. 

"Huh." Ash blinks before grinning.

"Come on out, Shinx!" Ash calls the Pokemon back out. Shinx pounces on Ash's foot. 

"Guess you're with us now!" Ash grins and scoops Shinx up. Shinx's tail wags as it smiles. 

Ash glances over at Akari to find her smiling softly at the two. She snaps back to a frown when Ash looks at her. 

"Come on, let's go get briefed," Akari says, walking forward. 

"Right!" Ash nods. 

The mission was pretty simple: find Wurmple and study it as it evolves. The only problem is really the evolution part. Pokemon don't tend to evolve just because people want them to. It's usually because they want to. 

Ash shrugs. 

Well, no harm in looking. 

So Ash and Akari set out of the settlement, waving goodbye to the Professor as they set out for Floaro Gardens.

"This should be easy. Just find a Wurmple that'll evolve." Akari scoffs, and Ash gives a smile. 

"It can be a bit hard to find one. You'll never know when one decides to evolve." Ash shakes his head, and Akari sighs. 

"Well, let's finish this quickly so we can get back and take on other missions," Akari says, and Ash grins, nodding. 

They come to a field of flowers, a single large tree in the middle. 

There were a bunch of Wurmple scattered among the field with a couple Beautifly scattered around. 

"Wurmple evolve into Beautifly." Akari points out, but Ash shakes his head. 

Ash hums. 

It's strange that they don't seem to realize that Wurmple can evolve into two different Pokemon. 

"Well, we might as well gather information on Wurmple while we're at it." Ash nods, and he and Akari stand up as they carefully approach the Wurmple. Akari warily approaches the Wurmple; when she looks over, she spots Ash holding a couple Wurmple in his arms. 

Akari huffs and rolls her eyes, looking down at the Wurmple she was sneaking up on. She reaches down and plucks it off the ground. 

"There, that's not too difficult." Akari huffs. 

"Uh, Akari?" Ash winces, leaning away from her. 

"What-!" Akari is cut off with a yelp as the Wurmple raises its head and starts emitting its string, hitting Akari straight in the face. 

Akari yelps, trying to peel the string out of her face; it's too sticky. 

"Looks like you got hit with a string shot!" Ash snorts, and Akari growls. 

"Why can't I get it off me!?" She yelps, falling over. 

"Sting shot is super sticky! It's how they keep predators away!" Ash chirps, and Akari groans loudly before she gets hit with another string shot wrapping around her arms and legs and effectively immobilizing her. 

"Hey!" Akari shouts, trying to wiggle out from the string shot. Half of her face was covered with the string, and she could do little more than roll from side to side. 

Ash tries to help free her, but she's completely covered in the sticky string. 

"You knew what move this was. How do you get out!?" Akari shouts, and Ash pauses. 

"I mean, my friend Brock was able to make this salve that would make the string less sticky, but-" Ash says before Akari cuts him off. 

"Then go make it!" Akari shouts at him. Ash pulls his hands off of the string in surrender before running off. 

"I'll be back soon!" Ash shouts, waving as if Akari could see him. 

Akari groans, leaning her head back to look at the sky. 

Why did she need to do these stupid errands? They don't even really learn anything, just proving stuff they already know. Everyone knows Wurmple evolve into Beautifly. They just have to watch it happen. 

"Wurr?" A Wurmple looks over Akari, leaning over to look at her singular eye. 

Akari glares. 

"This is your fault, you know." She huffs. 

"Wurr!" The Wurmple coos happily, and Akari groans. 

"How was I supposed to know you had a super sticky string?" Akari grumbles, and the Wurmple starts walking on her stomach. 

Akari yelps as another Wurmple comes and tackles her to her stomach. The Wurmple that stuck her up simply sits on her back instead. 

"Hey!" Akari shouts. Wurmple walks up her back to lean over her head again. 

Akari huffs, "What do you want? I don't have any berries." 

The Wurmple perks up when she says that, inching away from her. Good. She's not particularly fond of it right now. 

But she does kinda want company; it's too quiet, and she can't move. Maybe Pikachu will help her-

No. Bad idea. Pikachu will laugh at her. 

Akari goes through many different plans in case Ash can't get her out. She'll be damned if she lets a weak little Wurmple defeat her. 

Akari blinks when something new enters her line of vision. 

It was Wurmple holding out a berry for Akari. 

"Huh?" Akari blinks before she deflates, grumbling to herself, "Came here to gloat, huh?" 

The Wurmple nudges the berry forward, gesturing to her to eat. Akari is taken aback by the gesture of kindness. 

Most Pokemon wouldn't do such a thing. Heck, her Pokemon wouldn't do that. 

Why would it do that for her? 

But as a gesture of gratitude, Akari slowly reaches her neck out and bites into the Cheri berry. It wasn't a bad flavor, and the Wurmple coos in joy at seeing her enjoy it. 

"What are you getting at?" Akari narrows her eyes, the Wurmple seems genuinely happy to see her enjoy the berry. But why? What could be its motive?

No one is that nice. 

Even back in the village, everyone has a hidden motive, something they want out of you. At least Pokemon are pretty good at keeping their emotions known. She knows Pikachu hates her. But she can never tell who in the village hates her. 

Akari huffs. The Wurmple decides that it wants to sit right by her face, nuzzling right next to her. 

It kind of reminds her of the nuzzles she's spotted Ash's Pikachu give him. 

Ash is weird. Akari decides. 

He just seems so openly genuine. He genuinely believes that all Pokemon have kindness in them. Like all Pokemon can be good. 

He has a Pikachu that doesn't seem to shock him and rides on his shoulder like that's a totally normal thing to do. 

But they seem to innately trust each other. 

During the Zubat attack, Ash and Pikachu worked as a team. Ash trusted Pikachu to listen to his orders, and Pikachu trusted Ash to give good orders. 

It's weird. 

No one in the Survey Corps has that level of trust in their Pokemon. The only person she's ever seen that keeps their Pokemon out of their pokeball is Captain Cyllene with her Abra. But Abra stays in the corner and barely wakes up. 

A Pikachu? Staying out of its pokeball? Unheard-of. 

He keeps trying to convince people that Pokemon are good and that they can be friends. And whenever Akari or the Professor bring up their danger he just states that everything has a potential for danger, even humans. 

So yeah, Ash is weird. 

Akari glances at the Wurmple that's still bundled up next to her face. 

"What does Ash see that's so special about you critters?" Akari grumbles. 

But she kinda enjoys the way the Wurmple is bundled next to her, like the way that starly was bundled in Ash's hair a few days ago. 

Akari huffs. Looking forward, Akari watches the other Wurmple as they wander around. 

"What do you guys even eat out here? The berries are so high you can barely reach them," Akari asks, glancing around; the Wurmple nuzzled next to her perks up and worms down towards the tree. 

"Huh?" Akari frowned as the Wurmple made it to the tree. "How are you gonna-?"

The Wurmple tilts upward, sticking its feet on the tree before starting to worm up the tree like it has never heard of gravity. 

"How are you..." Akari frowns. The Wurmple reaches up and grabs onto the bark of the tree. The Wurmple reaches up and peels back some bark, revealing some nectar under the bark. 

It rushes back to Akari and proudly presents the bark with the nectar. 

"That's... pretty cool." Akari blinks, and the Wurmple coos at the praise. 

"How do you climb that tree like that?" Akari furrows her brows; nothing in Wurmple's notes has anything about tree climbing. They supposed that Wurmple ate flowers or low-hanging berries. But the nectar behind the bark wasn't even thought of. 

Maybe there were more things to learn about Wurmple. 

The Wurmple coos, sticking its feet onto Akari's face before pulling it off. Suction cups for feet. 

Huh. 

"Why are you sticking around so much?" Akari asks, raising an eyebrow at the happy Wurmple that got her into this situation in the first place. 

"Wurr!" The Wurmple coos happily. Akari can't understand it, but she thinks it says that it likes her. 

Akari sighs. 

"Well, thanks... I don't wanna be alone right now." Akari admits; the Wurmple bounces from side to side, cooing happily. 

Maybe this Wurmple isn't too bad. 

But it's still a Pokemon. 

It's still wild.

It's still dangerous. 

The fact that Akari is a sitting duck out here tied up because of it is evident of that. 

Akari has had enough. Maybe Pikachu will take pity on her. 

She barely manages to reach into her bag to grab the pokeball. Pikachu comes out in a glow and looks around curiously. 

It spots Akari, and Akari can count on one of her hands the seconds it takes for Pikachu to realize, process, and start to laugh at her. 

"Pi-pi-pi-ka!" Pikachu laughs, collapsing on itself as it laughs. 

"Help me!" Akari shouts her order, but Pikachu simply ignores her and laughs harder. 

Akari huffs, and Pikachu decides to rub its freedom in Akari's face by going off and playing with the other Wurmple. The nice Wurmple sticks stubbornly to Akari's side. 

Akari huffs. 

"This is why I don't trust you creatures. Selfish beings who barely care for each other, much less humans." Akari growls and Wurmple makes a confused and kinda sad sound. 

It looks upset at Akari's declaration, but Akari can't muster up care. It wouldn't care for her. Why should she care for it?

The time passes by slowly, with Akari occasionally speaking with the Wurmple as Pikachu tries to mess with her. It isn't long before the sun starts to set, causing Akari to grumble. 

"When's Ash gonna get back with that salve?" She wonders out loud. She hates having to sit so still for so long. 

Why's it taking him so long anyway?

Akari is cut off from her grievances as she spots a flock of Staravia dive into the field. 

"What the?" Akari is cut off as she watches a Staravia ruthlessly dive and pluck up a small Wurmple, carrying it off as the Wurmple cries for help. The nice Wurmple tries to hide by wiggling itself under Akari. 

What's happening? Akari blinks, looking around as best she could as the Wurmple get attacked. The Beautifly rushes off, leaving the vulnerable Wurmple. 

"Hey! What kinda strong Pokemon are you!" Akari yells at the fleeing Beautifly. Some cowards. 

See, this is precisely what she meant. Selfish creatures. 

Akari watches as a couple more Wurmple are dragged off by the Staravia looking for a meal. 

The Professor hypothesized that Pokemon evolve to become stronger and protect those of their kind. Well, if these Beautifly are willing to abandon their Wurmple, then obviously not. 

The Wurmple that wormed under Akari is shaking in fear as more Wurmple get dragged away for a feast. 

Pokemon or not, these are Wurmple's family. And unfortunately, this little Wurmple has wormed its way into Akari's heart. 

"Hey! Leave them alone!" Akari shouts, wiggling but not being able to do much but yell at the Staravia. 

Akari can't do much but get to her knees, leaning over to shield the Wurmple with her body. 

Unfortunately, a nearby Staravia is attracted to the movement and rushes for the Wurmple. 

"Hey!" Akari shouts as the Staravia pecks at the Wurmple, shifting to protect it. 

Akari winces when the Staravia pecks at her instead. 

Why is she doing this? 

This Wurmple doesn't care about her. 

Pokemon don't care about humans. 

But she finds herself thinking of the starly Ash and her had met recently. She finds herself thinking of Ash and his Pikachu's friendship. She finds herself thinking of the little Shinx. 

Are all Pokemon bad? 

Can Pokemon be friendly, and have empathy? 

Is everything the corps taught her wrong? 

Akari looks under herself, looking at the scared Wurmple. 

Maybe not everything is wrong. But maybe Pokemon can be kind. Maybe Pokemon can be good friends, like Ash and his Pikachu demonstrate. 

Maybe a select few Pokemon can be good. 

And those select few are worth protecting, like how Ash saved that Shinx. 

Ash protected that Shinx, so in turn, it protected Ash. 

Maybe this Wurmple will do the same. It kept her company, and she will protect it. 

Even as she feels blood start to trickle down the back of her neck from the Staravia's talons.

"Wurr!" The Wurmple cries, spotting the blood. 

"No, don't-!" Akari tries to shout as the Wurmple dives out from her protection. The Staravia launches off her neck, diving for the Wurmple. The Wurmple turns around as if it were giving up. But as the Staravia tries to descend towards it, it raises the spikes on its back. The Staravia tries to peck at the Wurmple, but the spikes on its back poke at it and won't let the Staravia attack it. Before the Staravia can regain its senses, it turns around suddenly. It sprays its string, hitting one of its wings and causing the Staravia to veer off its flight path and crash nearby. The Staravia thrills angrily, and the Wurmple backs up to Akari, protecting her, just like how she protected it. 

The Staravia grunts angrily and flares its wings in a threatening manner. The Wurmple simply glares before it starts to glow. 

"Huh?" Akari grunts, looking at the Wurmple as its entire body lights up, shifting and changing in front of her very eyes. 

"It's evolving!" Akari realizes it's gonna turn into a Beautifly!

She watches, taking note of everything that happens. When it stops glowing, however, it looks weird. 

It's not a Beautifly. It's a weird purple cocoon-like creature. Spikes perking up to shoot out towards the Staravia. 

Wurmple don't evolve straight into Beautifly! 

They were wrong this entire time!

Maybe the Professor was right. Always something new to learn. 

"Cascoon!" The Pokemon yells, and the Staravia is intimidated enough to leave it alone. Cascoon must be its name. 

"Woah..." Akari blinks, looking at the Cascoon. The Cascoon turns back and looks at Akari expectantly. 

"Thanks for that. That was really brave of you." Akari nods at it, and the Cascoon perks up, nuzzling against Akari's cheek like it did as a Wurmple. 

"You're not so bad." Akari smiles at the small Pokemon. 

Maybe not all Pokemon are too bad. Perhaps not all Pokemon are scary. 

"Hey Akari!" Akari perks up when she hears Ash's voice. 

So he's finally back. 

"What took you so long?" Akari grumbles, and Ash pouts. 

"Well, excuse me, I haven't traveled with Brock for years; it took me a bit to remember the recipe." Ash grumbles, "And that was just remembering, then I had to track down the ingredients." 

"Well, get me unstuck already!" Akari shouts. 

"Okay, okay!" Ash agrees, slipping out of her vision to rub a bit of salve on her back by the string. 

"What happened? Why are you bleeding?" Ash asks, concern dripping in his voice. 

"Long story, but apparently, Wurmple doesn't evolve straight into Beautifly!" Akari says the string around her back starts to loosen, and she can wiggle her arms again. 

"Oh really?" Ash sounds decidedly unwowed. 

"You knew!?" She gasps, frustrated. Just how? How does he know all this?

"One of my friends had a Wurmple. It evolved Into a Silcoon and then a Beautifly. One of my... other friends... had a Wurmple, but it evolved into a Cascoon, then a Dustox." Ash says like it's common knowledge. 

"So Wurmple actually has two evolutionary paths! We knew Eevee could evolve into different forms, but we never even thought about other Pokemon doing it!" Akari realizes the string snaps open, and she can move her arms again. Ash shifts to work on her legs while Akari lifts up her arm to gently pat the Cascoon's head. The Cascoon coos at the touch. 

"You're pretty amazing, aren't you." Akari smiles, and the Cascoon rocks happily. 

"Wow, I'm shocked; not totally sure all Pokemon are evil, huh?" Ash teases, and Akari rolls her eyes. 

"...Maybe not all Pokemon are bad." She admits. She hears her Pikachu's grumble. 

"But Pikachu still is." She grumbles, and Ash laughs. 

Her legs are freed, and she relaxes; Ash shifts to take it out of her hair and eyes, carefully avoiding rubbing the salve in her eye. 

"Wait, what's happening over there?" Akari asks, pushing Ash's arms from her line of vision. Over by the field, there are dozens of Wurmple as they gather together. 

Akari and Ash watch in fascination as they start to glow, shifting and changing before they all come out different. Only about half are Cascoon, like the Cascoon by Akari. The other half are weird white creatures with spikes as well. Those must be the Silcoon that Ash mentioned. 

"Wow." Akari and Ash speak simultaneously. A magnificent sight. 

"Cas!" The Cascoon coos, rocking from side to side. 

Akari quickly whips out her sketchbook, quickly drawing the scene as Beautifly and strange moth pokemon join the Cascoon, Silcoon, and Wurmple.

"Are those moths Dustox?" Akari asks. Ash grins and nods. 

Akari and Ash watch as the Pokemon gather together, doing a ritual of such as a couple Silcoon evolve into the Beautifly and a couple Cascoon evolve into Dustox. 

"So it's true. They really do evolve into two different Pokemon." Akari grins, writing down as many notes as she can while Ash and his Pikachu watch. Akari's Pikachu is pouting at Akari's new freedom. 

"I think this Cascoon likes you," Ash says as he elbows Akari, gesturing to the Cascoon, who has wiggled its way under Akari's arm. 

Akari grins, pulling out a pokeball. 

"Yeah, I guess so. Well, I might as well catch it!" Akari says, standing up and throwing the pokeball. The Cascoon jumps up and bonks its head against the pokeball, practically catching itself. 

It's nice to have a pokemon that actually wants to stay by Akari's side, and not wishing on her downfall like a certain Pikachu. 

The two teens return to the camp much more content then when they left the camp. 

An adventure with every moment. 

Maybe Ash is right. 

Wurmple

Pokedex number 18

Bug type

These Pokemon mostly eat sap they harvest by peeling back bark from trees. Humans first learned how to tap trees for water through Wurmple. 

The spines on Wurmple's back are their primary defense mechanism; they raise their backs to ward off and intimidate predators. Mainly starly. 

They climb trees using tiny suction cup-like feet; these suction cup feet can hold up multiple pounds worth of weight before they unstick. By tickling the spines on their back, you can make Wurmple release their feet. 

Wurmple has two evolution branches. See Silcoon and Cascoon notes. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Staravia

Pokedex number 13

Normal flying type

These Pokemon mainly feast on Wurmple. Their beaks can split through even the toughest of shells due to Cascoon and Silcoon. Cascoon and Silcoon evolved to develop spikes to ward off Staravia. 

They live in forests and fields, hunting for Wurmple. They often have squabbles over prey, often letting their prey escape. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

"Ah, Akari!" Akari blinks when she hears her name being called. She stops, looking over to where she heard her name. One of the village's guards was waving, approaching Akari. 

Akari was supposed to be heading to Professor Laventon's study to meet up with Ash to see if they had any tasks for the day. But Ash doesn't seem to wake up very easily; she figures if she stops to talk, it won't affect much. 

"Clarissa, what do you need?" Akari asks, crossing her arms. The guards of the village do a lot, especially for the survey corps. They tend to be the people who couldn't quite stomach it out in the wild but were strong enough to keep the village safe. Guards are very respected in the village, and it's an honor to even be one. 

Not as much of a high-ranking Survey Corp member, but still quite revered. 

Technically, Akari is below the guards, but she's sure Clarissa won't bring it up. 

"I would like to make a request with the professor," Clarissa says, Akari cocks her head. 

"Then go to the Professor?" Akari puts one of her hands on her hips as she raises an eyebrow. 

"I did, but he told me that you and that strange boy were taking any request, so would you take mine?" Clarrisa asks. Akari could nearly sigh. She still kinda hates having to take every request under the commander's orders; it's infrequent for a corps member to do so. Many requests are dangerous as the people asking don't honestly know the danger of the outside village. Or they are needlessly tedious. 

She pities the poor corps member who got tasked with counting the amount of leaves on a Wormadam a few years back. 

But she knows Clarissa wouldn't do such a thing to Akari. Clarrisa used to do her own missions before she became a guard. She wouldn't request something dangerous or tedious.

"Yes, I suppose we will," Akari nods, gesturing for Clarrisa to give her request. 

"You see, with the attack with the Zubat recently, it had me thinking," Clarrisa says, "how do Zubat see in the dark so well? I mean, during night patrols, I can barely see five feet in front of me! Yet the Zubat could attack and see everything during that attack." 

Akari nods. She guesses they'll be sneaking up on some Zubat soon. 

When Clarissa leaves, Akari heads to the study, finding that Ash is there playing with the Professor's Cyndaquil. 

"I hear we have a new request," Akari says, stepping into the study and looking at the blackboard, spotting the new request. 

"Ah, Akari! Come in, come in," Professor Laventon beams; Ash coos down at the little Cyndaquil. 

"Yes, Clarrisa has stopped by recently!" Professor Laventon beams. He hands Akari the mission debrief and she reads it over quickly. An exciting mission, that's for sure, and slightly above Ash's level as a zero-star recruit level, but nothing she was confident the two of them couldn't handle. 

Although it seems like an extended mission. 

Well, a better reason to not waste daylight.

"You ready to go, Ash?" Akari asks, finding Ash lying down on his back as he holds the Cyndaquil up with his arms. His Shinx is on his chest, barking as Pikachu watches the three with a bemused smile. 

Ash looks over at her before smiling and nodding. He puts the Cyndaquil down, patting its head and saying goodbye before following Akari out of the village. 

"We know Zubat are nocturnal, but we don't really know much about them besides the fact that they are very aggressive at night," Akari says, walking along the path as they leave the campsite behind. 

"Unless you happen to know some secret knowledge about it?" Akari raises an eyebrow; Ash chuckles, scratching his cheek. 

"Not that I can think of, but I know they like caves," Ash shrugs, and Akari frowns; well, it looks like they're starting from scratch. 

"Well, first things first, we need to find one. We know they're nocturnal, which means we just have to find one sleeping. shouldn't be hard, right?" Akari says, shrugging. 

Hours later, the sun in the sky shows it's about late afternoon, and they haven't seen a single Zubat. 

Akari was getting frustrated. 

"Ugh!" Akari flops down onto the grass, landing her back onto a tree. 

Ash flops down onto the grass, enjoying the feeling of the sun on his skin. 

"We should probably start finding berries for lunch," Ash hums, and Akari pouts. She had hoped to get somewhere by the time they stopped for lunch, which is why she forced Ash to solder on despite being time to eat. 

"We should." Akari sighs; now that she's not forcing herself to go forward, she can feel how her stomach grumbles in protest. 

"Pikachu, thunderbolt the tree!" Ash says. Akari squawks before being electrocuted by Ash's Pikachu. 

When the Pikachu ceases its attack Akari flops to the ground, thoroughly electrocuted. 

"What was that for!?" Akari shouts when she regains her bearings. 

Ash just shrugs and gestures for her to watch.

A second passes, then another. 

Then dozens of berries start falling from the tree, along with many of the trees leaves. Akari sighs. She supposes that was a good idea. But-

"Give me a warning next tim-" Akari tries to snap, but she gets cut off as something lands directly on her face, flapping and smacking her. 

"Gah!" Akari shouts, grabbing the writhing thing on her face and throwing it to the ground, "what was that!?" 

Ash frowns, looking down at the object she just threw. Akari gets a better look at it. 

It was a Zubat. The creature was flopping all over the ground in no particular order. 

"Why isn't it just flying away." Akari frowns, but she opens her sketchbook to document it anyway. 

Ash frowns harder, squatting down to look at the Zubat closer. 

"It's skin," Ash realizes, "It's too red." 

Akari looks closer, the skin does look more red than most other Zubat they've found. Akari frowns trying to think of a reason. It could be natural, like a natural deviant. Or, Akari suspects as the Zubat grows redder, it could be due to the sun, it's too bright out as Zubat are nocturnal. 

"The sun is burning its skin," Akari says. Ash has a furrow in his eyebrows. He grabs his hat and holds it above the writhing Zubat, shielding the Zubat from the sun with his hat and his body. 

"Do you have a potion on you?" Ash asks, softly holding the Zubat as it rushes for the coolness of Ash's hand. "Or a burn heal?"

"Only a potion," Akari says, handing Ash the potion. They really shouldn't be wasting their resources on a wild Pokemon, but she knows by now that it's a lost cost against Ash. 

Ash holds the Zubat gently as Pikachu holds the hat above it; Ash feeds the Zubat the potion, and the Zubat relaxes in Ash's grip. 

"There we go," Ash softly says, letting the Zubat lie in his arms. 

Akari leans down to take a closer look at the Zubat as it calms down. Its eyes were small, too small to be functional. Their pupils were almost nonexistent. It's a wonder that it has eyes at all. It's completely blind. Akari looks at the tree. Ash is just shocked; it seems that the Zubat was sleeping under the leaves before it was woken by Ash and Pikachu. The tree now had no cover for the nocturnal bat. 

"Zubat must not be able to handle the sun because they are nocturnal," Akari hums, jotting down her observations in her notebook. 

But how do they see? That is the question. 

"Let's get you somewhere dark." Ash coos softly, holding the Zubat in his arms and shielding the sun's rays from hitting it. 

Akari looks around for a dark place to dump the Zubat where they could still investigate it. 

"There's a cave nearby, right?" Ash asks, looking towards Akari. Akari hums, thinking about her map. There should be a cave not too far from here, but it was home to dozens of Zubat and very dangerous for survey corps members. If they put the Zubat there, they wouldn't be able to research the Zubat further. Akari says as much to Ash. 

Ash gives her a deadpan face; Akari doesn't understand what is wrong with her line of thinking. Their primary mission is to research Pokemon. Ash can't take in every Pokemon that gets hurt; they'll waste resources and won't be able to stay out in the wilderness as long. 

Besides, it's a Zubat. 

Zubat are some of the nastiest creatures any survey corp member has to deal with. If you had an unfortunate encounter with a Golbat, It's over. Golbat are constantly looking for blood, and it won't stop draining blood until it's full. So if a Golbat decides you'll be a good meal? You're dead. 

Zubat are a little bit better, but not by much. They don't have quite as strong fangs, and they tend to break easily. That's why people in Jubilife village wear such strong and stiff clothes. Zubat can puncture through it. But Zubat are also numerous. There are constantly a few in Jubilife village that decided to make their home in now abandoned houses. If you step outside the village at night, you are almost sure to be swarmed by Zubat looking for a quick meal. Every night shift guard has at least one story of being overrun and nearly killed by Zubat. 

Akari is starting to open up to the idea of Pokemon not being entirely evil creatures, thanks to Ash and her Cascoon. But Cascoon is mostly harmless, and it mostly wanted a friend. And Ash is… well, Ash. He's an outsider who has very little idea of how the real world works. He's an outsider with a bleeding heart. He's an outsider and someone Akari should always be on guard with.  

Or that's what she was taught, anyway. 

Nonetheless, Zubat is an evil little demon. Maybe not all Pokemon are cruel, but she would rather jump off a cliff than trust one of those bloodsucking vampires. 

Ash, of course, doesn't seem to share these sentiments as he heads towards the direction of the cave. None of Akari's protests seem to get through to Ash, and Akari has no choice but to follow. 

Because, of course, Ash has to help any creature he comes across; nooo, he can't decide that that's how nature works. The weak are killed, and the strong succeed. It's how the world operates. 

Akari lets out a sigh, letting out her Cascoon, just for a little moral boost. Cascoon coos, immediately jumping for Akari's arms. Akari lets out a small chuckle and holds the Cascoon even as it rumbles and vibrates. 

Eventually, they make it to the cave, and Ash steps inside to let the Zubat free. The Zubat starts flying and trills as Ash opens his arms. 

"Pika pika.." Ash's Pikachu says, mildly guilty as it scratches the back of its neck. 

"Yeah, sorry for shocking you!" Ash says like he knows what his Pikachu is saying. Akari steps closer to the group, Cascoon still in her arms. She can't see very well inside the dark cave while outside in the sunlight. 

The Zubat floats over to Ash, rubbing its cheek with Ash's cheek. It seems that Zubat doesn't hold a grudge. But Akari isn't buying it. Those Zubat are little demons. She doesn't think it's actually forgiven anyone. They'll have to be more on guard for the next few nights, that Zubat could come for revenge. 

There's a rumble that breaks through the floor. It increases in power, and Ash and Akari suddenly scramble to try to stay on their feet. Ash falls over, and Akari wobbles on her feet at the earthquake's strength. Akari freezes when she hears rocks start to dislodge near the mouth of the cave. Akari backs up from the mouth, falling over as she tries to back away. Rocks start to collapse inside the cave; Akari winces and curls up, holding her arms over her head to hide from the rocks. Light gradually starts to be blacked out, and by the time the rumbling stops, there is no light in the cave. Akari peels one of her eyes open after a second of no rumbling. It was completely dark. She could barely see her hand in front of her face. Once the dust completely clears, Akari stumbles to her feet. She yelps when she feels something bump into her legs.

"Coon!" Akari lets out a sigh, it was just Cascoon. 

"Ash?" Akari shouts. It would do no good to be separated right now. 

"I'm here!" Ash shouts back, along with a 'Pikachu!'

"Wher-" Akari tries to ask, only to yelp as she feels a hand on her shoulder. 

"Zuu!" Akari hears; the thrill gets quieter as it gets farther away. Well, that Zubat certainly got its revenge. 

"Well, great. This is exactly what I warned would happen if we brought this Zubat to this cave. Now we're stuck in this cave facing who knows what." Akari scoffs. She can practically hear Ash's eye roll. 

"Well, there's really only one thing we can do." Ash says, "go forward." 

"Yeah, while we are practically blind. That's an amazing idea." Akari scowls, crossing her arms in what she hopes is Ash's direction. 

"Well, I don't hear you suggesting anything!" Ash chirps farther down the cave. Akari growls as she realizes Ash is leaving her. She quickly follows down the dark cave, holding one of her hands out to run along the wall. She yelps when she falls over, hitting something with her foot. 

"You okay?" she hears Ash ask, only to feel a foot get kicked into her ribs and fall over on top of her. 

Akari groans. 

This is going to be a long day. 

"Sorry." Ash coughs, getting up. He holds out a hand to Akari. Or at least, she's pretty sure he did; that's just what Ash seems to do. She swipes her hand through the air a couple times before she finds Ash's hand, and he helps her stand steadily. 

"How do Zubat see in this darkness?" Akari huffs. She's pretty sure Ash shrugs. 

"Well, if we get anything out of this, we'll hopefully figure that mystery out," Ash says with a slight chuckle. The sound echoes through the cave. 

"Maybe they just have really good intuition." Akari shrugs; Ash and Akari decide to hold hands as they wander through the darkness of the cave. 

"Intu-what?" Ash asks bemused. Akari shakes her head with a sigh. 

"Like guessing," Akari explains. She feels exceptionally vulnerable right now. Ash and Akari can't see more than a foot in front of them, and they are inside a well-known Zubat-infected cave. 

Ash suddenly stops, realizing something. 

"Shinx!" Ash snaps, letting go of Akari's hand. 

"There's a Shinx?" Akari asks, grabbing Pikachu's pokeball out of habit. 

"no, Shinx. Shinx's fur lights up!" Ash says, and Akari gasps; how could she have forgotten such a thing?

Ash releases Shinx, the little Pokemon letting out a yawn and lighting up the cave around them. It wasn't much, but it was something. At least they could see the rocks that hide along the cave floor. 

Shinx sniffs the air, perking up towards the part of the cave that Ash and Akari haven't gone to yet.

"What's there, Shinx? Ash asks, Shinx makes a shrugging gesture, and they decide to continue forward through the cave. It was much easier navigating the maze of this cave now that they could actually see where they were stepping, and it wasn't too long before Ash and Akari stopped by a cave wall, markings on the side. 

Akari frowns, looking at the markings. 

"Gather the plates." she translates. It's a very old language, one Akari can barely read. And it doesn't help that time has obviously eroded the markings, making it hard to decipher. There are 18 small carvings, almost indents. Like something was taken from it. Weird. She'll have to ask the professor about it later and see if he knows anything. 

 Akari shakes her head in the meantime, gesturing for Ash and Shinx to move forward. "We need to keep moving; the longer we are in here, the more vulnerable we are." 

It took a bit more walking before Ash and Akari found a small opening in the cave. It had a small lake, and dozens of Zubat flitted around the space; one Akari picked out as the Zubat they brought here. Ash yelps as the rumbling starts up again. Akari has to clamp a hand over Ash's mouth before he alerts the Zubat's attention, and they get swarmed. 

The rumbling starts again, and the kids fall over again, rolling out of the way closer to the wall. Akari forces her eyes open. She can't afford to have her eyes closed with all those Zubat so close. She gets to watch as a very large Golbat comes thundering down the path. Behind the Golbat are two paths; one has to lead to an exit somewhere. But the Golbat complicates things. It's not quite an alpha, far from it. But it's still quite large, and Akari doesn't think it'll be content to let two blood bags walk past it to the opening behind it. This'll be tough. 

"How do we get past it?" Ash whispers to Akari. Akari frowns. 

"We'll have to make a break for it, but which path is the right one?" Akari frowns; if they choose the wrong one, they could end up doubling back and circling around in the same spot, or worse, they could be trapped in a dead end. 

"I'll battle it, giving you an opening to run down the path?" Ash suggests. Akari shakes her head. 

"It could take hours before one of those paths leads to an exit," Akari shoots down; Ash frowns. 

"We could wait until sunfall, then all of the Zubat and the Golbat will leave the cave. We'll follow them out." Akari says. Ash frowns but nods. It's really the only choice they have. 

But then another problem perks its head up. Shinx. Shinx is bringing light into the cave, and the Zubat will undoubtedly notice it, being as sensitive to light as they are. So, back into the Pokeball, it goes. And so does most of their sight. But at least they've been in the dark for long enough that they can make out shapes in the darkness. They can see the Zubat and the Golbat, but there are barely any details.  

Well, they've got one thing going for them, Akari guesses. 

Akari and Ash watch as the Zubat flutter around, chittering to each other, occasionally leaving the small cave and going towards one of the tunnels. But enough leave through both that they can't quite figure out which is the exit. 

"Zubat are such odd creatures." Akari frowns; they seem so docile in this cave but so vicious outside it. And why were they all awake? They are nocturnal. They should be asleep during the day. 

And yet, all of them were awake. 

Akari ducks behind a rock as a Zubat catches sight of them, dragging Ash down as well. 

"Zubat!" Ash whisper yells, looking closer Akari can see that it was the Zubat they brought to the cave. Zubat greets Ash by nuzzling against Ash's cheek. 

"Why isn't it attacking you?" Akari whispers to Ash, and Ash shrugs. 

"Usually, when you show someone kindness first, they tend to be nice to you as well," Ash says like it's common knowledge. 

"I'd like to see you try that on that Golbat over there." Akari deadpans, and Ash chuckles. 

"Zuuu!" the Zubat thrills, loud enough for it to echo through the cave. Suddenly, all of the Zubat in the cave turned, looking towards the survey corps member. 

"And our cover is busted," Ash mutters. Akari scowls towards him, watching as all the Zubat start to fly closer. 

"No, really?" Akari asks sarcastically. 

Ash lets out a snort before letting out Shinx.

"Shinx!" Shinx yells when it is let out of its pokeball.

"But I don't understand. How did they all see us, all at the same time?" Akari wonders out loud as Ash starts to battle the dozens of Zubat. 

"Thundershock Shinx!" Ash orders. The Shinx lifts its tail before pouncing forward, hitting a couple Zubat enough for them to stun them.

"Strings shot!" Akari orders, Cascoon lets out its sticky string and captures the Zubat's in its string.  

The Zubat Ash saved squeaks, it jumps forward and flaps its wings between Ash, Akari, and the attacking Zubat. It chirps a few times, it looks like it was pleading for the Zubat not to attack, and it looks like the Zubat were wavering. 

But it didn't last for long as the rumbling starts up again. The Golbat's thundering steps echo through the cave. It breaks through the group of Zubat, talking with the kind Zubat. Then, suddenly, the Golbat uses its wing to slap the Zubat away. The Zubat falls into the cave wall with a cry, the Golbat raises its fangs, and Ash quickly orders for a quick attack from his Pikachu. Pikachu darts forward, colliding with the Golbat and knocking it off balance. 

Akari uses that time to wander over to the Zubat, one eye on the battle at all times. She softly touches the still whining Zubat. The Zubat coos, leaning into her touch. 

"Were you… trying to help us?" she asks; the Zubat weakly nods, and Akari purses her lips. 

"But why?" the Zubat coos in response. Akari may not be able to speak Pokemon, but she thinks she has a good idea of what it is saying. Ash helped it, so it helped Ash. And Akari by proxy. 

All this time, she figured all Pokemon were evil. Then she met Cascoon. All this time, she thought Pokemon couldn't comprehend the thought of niceness. Then she met this Zubat. 

How much was she wrong about? How much have they missed out on because humans were terrified of Pokemon? 

How much could they learn if they start greeting the world with open arms like Ash does?

Akari doesn't know, but maybe she wants to start learning. If even Zubat, the little devils, the little vampires taken straight out of fairy tails of evil, can show empathy. Who knows what the limit is?

But Akari was ready to start finding out, after all, she joined the survey corp to help learn about Pokemon. And this is her best chance. 

"Well then, if you'd help me battle?" Akari asks. The Zubat perks up, getting back up roughly. 

"Zubat! Supersonic!" She calls; the Zubat lets out a high-pitched whine, making the Golbat unstable. 

"Tackle!" Akari shouts again; the Zubat darts forward, hitting the Golbat straight in the face and knocking it backward off of Ash, which the Golbat had steadily crept up on. Ash takes the chance to back off, away from the Golbat. 

"Wing slash!" Akari orders swiftly; the Zubat pulls backward before letting out the attack; the attack hits dead on, and with the attack, it strikes the Golbat straight in the mouth, knocking one of its fangs loose. The Golbat freezes when its fang falls out, shattering against the cave floor. 

“Gol… gol… BAT!" the Golbat bursts into tears at the destruction of its fang, and it darts away from the group down one of the tunnels. Ash and Akari let out a breath as the Zubat dissipated in the absence of their leader. 

"Thanks Zubat." Akari smiles, and Zubat darts forward to nuzzle against Akari's cheek. Then, it does the same to Ash. 

Ash and Akari step forward towards the two twin tunnels. They still have no clue which one they should take. 

"Zubat?" Akari looks at the bat, "do you know which one leads out?" 

The bat pauses, like it was thinking. 

It moves to one of the tunnels before letting out a screech. The sound echoes through the tunnel before the Zubat shakes its head. Then Zubat moves to the other tunnel, doing the same thing. 

Akari's eyes widen as she realizes how Zubat sees in the dark. 

"They use their sound to hear what is in their way. That's how they see in the dark!" Akari beams. They release a sound and wait until they hear it bounce back; that's how they see in the dark! That's why the Zubat saw them as soon as Zubat shouted loud enough to echo!

Fascinating! 

Akari looks to Zubat, “thanks Zubat.”

The Zubat leads Ash and Akari through the tunnel, helping them dodge any misplaced rocks along the bottom of the cave. Eventually, Ash and Akari spot a light coming from the end of the tunnel. That's when they say goodbye to Zubat. 

"You were a big help today, Zubat," Ash says, the Zubat nuzzling against his cheek. 

"Pikaaa!" Pikachu shouts, waving goodbye to the Zubat. 

"Thank you, Zubat, you helped more than you know." Akari nods at the little bat, and Zubat nods back before darting back down the path. Ash and Akari wave as they watch it leave. 

This was a very successful mission. 

"Can we eat lunch now?" Ash asks. 

Oh yeah, they never did get to eat. 

Zubat

Pokedex number 34

Flying and poison-type

These Pokemon are nocturnal creatures; as such, their eyes have atrophied away; many researchers conclude that should this behavior continue, Zubat will evolve to have no eyes. 

Because their eyes are quite weak, Zubat instead relies on echolocation to get around. They release a sharp sound from their mouth and listen for it to bounce back. 

They mostly live in colonies in dark caves; however, should they venture out at night but not make it back to their cave before sunrise, they will find the closest dark place to sleep for the day. Due to being nocturnal, their skin is quite weak to the sun's rays and will develop nasty burns after just seconds of being out in the sunlight. 

Findings by survey corp members Akari and Ash. 

Golbat 

Pokedex number 35 

Flying and poison type. 

These nasty creatures tend to be very angry and will fight any Zubat that tries to go against it. 

Their jaws are quite strong, and once they find a prey to drink blood from, they won't let go until they are full. 

Their fangs, however, are very brittle and can easily snap mid-meal. When this happens, the Golbat becomes quite embarrassed and won't surface until their fangs are grown back, even if they starve. 

Findings by survey corp members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

Ash yawns as he stumbles out of the little hut he was given when he became a survey corps member. It's not his- in fact, many other people use it between when he's out in the wild- but it's comfortable enough that Ash doesn't mind it. It's got a tiny little cot, and that's all Ash really needs. Ash has spent years traveling from town to town, and he's gotten quite comfortable with sleeping on the forest floor. He hasn't done it quite as often for the past few years, though. With Goh, Ash usually slept in a Pokemon center since they were doing less foot traveling. And in Alola, Ash had a comfortable couch to rest on in the loft. 

The cot that Ash was given in Hisui is definitely different from most cots he's seen. Whatever was in the mattress was pointy and constantly poked into Ash's back, but not too different from the rocks that would poke into his back when sleeping on the forest floor. Pikachu doesn't seem to mind the cot, but Pikachu also mainly sleeps on Ash instead of the cot. 

Honestly, the cot reminds Ash of when he was traveling with his friends. 

It doesn't help that Akari looks so much like Dawn; Ash can't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia whenever he sees her. It disappears as soon as Akari opens her mouth. 

Akari acts much differently than Dawn. And Ash is honestly thankful for that. It serves as a slight reminder to Ash. 

Akari isn't Dawn. 

Hisui isn't Sinnoh. 

Ash isn't on a regular journey through a regular region. 

He was brought here thousands of years in the past on a mission. 

When the mission is over, Ash will return to his own time, and he won't see any of these people again, except maybe in the history books. 

Ash takes a deep breath, breathing in the air of Hisui. 

But no matter how long Ash stays here, he's gonna make the most of it. Sure, he's not here in the most usual way, but he can still try. 

And it seems the best way for him to live out here is to stay in the Galaxy team. If Ash can help these people learn to start trusting Pokemon, then he has to try. 

It may be a long shot, but he has the time, energy, and willpower. 

He's already seen that the people of Hisui can change; Akari is the best example of it. 

She doesn't really like Pokemon very much, that much Ash can tell. She's curious about them, sure. She goes out and collects any data she can. But that doesn't mean she enjoys their presence. 

But that seems to be starting to turn around with Cascoon. Cascoon seems to be Akari's favorite Pokemon, her partner Pokemon. And she appears to be opening up to the idea of other wild Pokemon, like the Zubat. 

But she still doesn't seem to trust Pokemon unless they prove they are helpful and worthy or are too weak and, therefore, no threat. 

But it's still progress, and Akari is doing the work to try to open her mind away from what everyone in town thinks of Pokemon and is slowly opening the door to her heart. 

And that's all Ash needs; he'll shove his foot in the door before she has a chance to close it again. 

And if he can do it with Akari, maybe he can do the same for the rest of the people in Jubilife village. 

And that's all Ash can hope for. 

"Ah, Ash, you're awake," Akari says, crossing her arms with the tick of her eyebrow. She looked like she was about to enter galaxy hall. 

Ash gives a sheepish smile, and Akari rolls her eyes. 

"Well, no point in wasting daylight." Akari huffs and Ash gives a wry smile; Akari pushes the door to the galaxy hall open. 

Ash trails after Akari, heading to the Professor's study to see if there are any new requests. They have to check for requests daily as ordered by commander Komado. Usually, this early in the morning, Ash is playing with the Professor's Cyndaquil, as he promised on the day he landed in Hisui. At the same time, Akari and Professor Laventon discussed the latest breakthrough research. Ash doesn't really get what they say most of the time, and the time he does understand, it's something he already knew from his past travels. But Ash doesn't really mind Akari and Professor Laventon sharing their research with him; it helps him figure out what they understand and what Ash should probably keep to himself. 

However, today, it seems they would be breaking that little routine. 

Akari hums when they enter the Professor's study; the Professor and his Pokemon are nowhere to be found. 

"I guess the Professor must be out with another Survey Corp member. We'll just check the request board." Akari shrugs, and she steps forward towards the blackboard. It doesn't seem to have anything new on it. Akari shrugs when she sees nothing there. 

Guess that means they were free for the day. 

"Well, we've got no requests or new missions to do," Akari shrugs, "come on, I'll teach you how to make some potions yourself." 

Akari steps out of the study, Ash following before he stops. Ash blinks as he hears shouting coming from the floors above them. Ash looks over at Akari, confused, but she seems just as baffled. 

Ash heads towards the stairs, only to be grabbed by Akari. 

"It's none of our business; let's get going," she says, tugging Ash towards the door. Ash frowns, what if someone needed something up there?

Ash frees himself from Akari's grasp, heading towards the stairs before Akari can grab him again. He heads up the stairs, finding the shouting coming from the third story. 

Ash pokes his head over the stairs, looking at the people arguing above; Akari pops up next to him, looking annoyed that they were poking their heads where they don't belong. 

Jokes on Akari; that's all Ash does.  

"Please save my son!" Ash frowns when she hears a woman shout. The woman was in front of Commander Komado's office. Professor Laventon, Captain Cyllene, and Commander Komado are lined up across from the woman. Professor Laventon shifts on his feet like he wants to move forward and calm the woman. Cyllene was frowning, with slight pity in her eyes as she stares at the yelling woman. Commander Komado had no sympathy on his face, gazing at the woman almost disdainfully. The woman had tears rolling down her face; she was practically hysterical as she pleaded for the three Galaxy team leaders to save her son. 

"What's happening?" Ash asks, walking further up the stairs. Akari ducks to hide her involvement. He figures it's probably not great for a no-star member to be sneaking around and eavesdropping. Still, Ash doesn't really care about being a Survey Corps member. Akari does, however, so it makes sense why she would hide. 

All of the attention suddenly shifts to Ash. He keeps his head straight, not acknowledging Commander Komado's glare or the warning glance Captain Cyllene gives, instead focusing on the glimmer of hope that appears in the frantic woman's eyes. 

"A-ah! Young Ash, Ms Marie here was just asking about a potential request." Laventon explains, glancing at the commander worriedly. 

"There is no request; we can not accept such a request as you are asking." commander Komado shuts down quickly, and the woman sobs. 

"What's the request? Why can't we accept it?" Ash asks, frowning. 

"It's dangerous," is all captain Cyllene says. 

"I know it's dangerous! Isn't that what the survey corps is for!? To study the danger to keep us safe!?" Ms Marie yells at the leaders, her tears not stopping for a second.

"Yes, but we also have a duty for our researchers; we won't send our researchers on a request they don't wish to do, and I don't think anyone would accept your request." Professor Laventon says apologetically, the woman hiccups, her sobs not stopping. 

"I'll do it." The words come out before Ash can even comprehend what he is saying, but Ash agrees with the words anyway. 

Four heads whip around to him; the woman looks like she could sob in relief, and Commander Komado is glaring at Ash. 

"WHAT!?" Ash hears Akari shout from the floor below them. Whoops. 

Ash simply smiles at the commander, "Take on every request, right?" 

The commander does not cease in his glaring before he turns around, steps into his office, and slams the door shut. 

"Th-then I guess we need to set up a request," Laventon says, looking at the door nervously. Captain Cyllene is frowning deeply before she sighs. 

"Stay safe." is all Captain Cyllene says before she heads back down the stairs to her office. 

Then, the three left to head Professor Laventon's study to set the request up. There, Ash finally learns what she was asking for them to do. 

"M-my son, he disappeared a few days back. Please, he's all I have." Marie says, her lip and voice wobbly as she explains. 

"Where was he when you last saw him?' Akari asks, leaning forward and quirking an eyebrow. 

"That boy of mine, he always loved going to Prelude Beach, but he would get swept away by time and forget to come home before dark," she says, so the boy was at Prelude Beach before he disappeared. 

"Prelude Beach is riddled with Drifloon at night." Akari shakes her head, and the Professor looks at Marie mournfully. 

"Yes, and Drifloon is known to steal children away. I'm sorry, but he is probably dead now." The Professor breaks the news. 

"Won't you please look!?" Marie begs. Ash feels a twinge of pity for her; that's the least they could do.  

"We will," Ash nods, and the woman nods, her tears still falling. 

It took a few more minutes to hash out the details, but soon enough, it was time for Ash and Akari to leave for Prelude Beach. Their mission: To investigate the mystery of the missing boy. 

"This should be an easy mission," Akari says, "we just need evidence that the boy was taken by Drifloon." 

Ash frowns; Akari seems way too calm for this mission; there's a boy's life on the line. 

Ash says as much to Akari as Akari scowls. 

"That's what Drifloon do. They abduct kids. Kids in Jubilife village are constantly warned against leaving the village or even their homes at night. It's the kid's fault if he got grabbed by a Pokemon." Akari says, scoffing. Ash scowls. 

Akari sees the look on Ash's face, and she sighs, "Look, I'm not saying it to be mean. But it's bite or be bit out here; the second you let your guard down is the exact second something will attack."

When Ash's face doesn't budge, Akari sighs again.

"You know, I used to be a lot like you when I was younger," Akari says, balling her fists and looking away as the two walk past the gate from Jubilife village. 

"I used to head to Prelude Beach to play with the random Pokemon there… and one day, I stayed out too late and started playing with a group of Drifloon. I barely made it out alive." Akari admits, and Ash softens slightly. It's still not a very good excuse for not caring about a potentially lost life. Still, it does explain a lot of Akari's hesitance around Pokemon. Growing up in a village that's terrified of them and having a bad experience is enough to make anyone scared of Pokemon. 

Ash opens his mouth to say something, only to stop as his hat nearly gets blown away from the wind. 

"Woah!" Ash yelps, nearly getting blown away by the wind. 

The wind blows roughly at Ash from the side. Akari seems mostly used to the wind. 

When the wind dies down, Akari turns to him. 

"I had forgotten to tell you, Prelude Beach tends to get quite windy, so be prepared," Akari says, apologizing for not warning Ash. Ash nods back, accepting it. 

"Strong winds." Ash whistles before he shrugs, Pikachu bouncing with the movement. It had nearly gotten blown off Ash's shoulder with how strong the winds were. 

"Yes, these winds are going to make it hard to look for footprints," Akari says, bringing up a hand to her chin. They make it to the sands where Ash had originally fallen into this world. 

"Guess we look around for any signs of the boy," Ash says, putting his hands on his hips as he looks at the beach. Akari nods, and she goes to do just that. Ash heads to the small beach shack. First, the door is stuck closed, but it opens creakily when Ash jams his shoulder into the door. Ash sneezes when dust is kicked up from the door. It seems that this shack hasn't seen the light of day in years. 

Ash steps into the shack, gazing around curiously. It's a tiny shack and very old; there's a very musty smell with the distinct smell of mold. There's just a tiny storage space and a little desk. Ash runs his finger along the desk, dust collecting on his finger. 

Ash frowns when he sees a small picture frame. One of the few things untouched by the leaky roof. 

Ash picks up the picture frame. It's an old black and white photo, old and grainy. It was of an old man and a couple Drifloon as their strings were held onto his outstretched arm; they looked like they were being blown from the wind. 

Weird. But there's no evidence of the boy, so Ash places the frame back down and steps out of the shack. Ash looks around, finding Akari bent down, glancing at something in the sand. Ash quickly joins her; a lot of the sand was displaced, and there was a long trail of sand that was dug down to its dirt underneath before trailing off near the rock walls surrounding the walls of the beach. 

"So either something crash landed here and got dragged through that sand…" Akari hypothesizes. 

"Or something got dragged up into the sky," Ash says, crossing his arms. The sun was starting to go down at this point, and some nocturnal Pokemon were beginning to wake up. 

That was as good as evidence as they could find, and it was all they probably needed to quell the woman. But something didn't feel right to Ash. Something was missing. And not just the boy. 

"Let's stay here for a bit, observe the Drifloon," Ash says, looking around at the rapidly darkening landscape. 

"Why, we've got all the evidence we need?" Akari raises an eyebrow. 

"Just a hunch," Ash shrugs, and Akari looks conflicted for a second before she seems to think that staying for a bit longer was no harm. 

They climb to the top of the rock, lying down as they observe the Drifloon starting to drift into the beach. Ash just has a niggling feeling that there was something more to this story, something missing. 

The wind picks up again; Ash holds his hat as it nearly gets blown away in the wind. Pikachu huffs, keeping its claws digging into Ash's survey uniform. It's nice that these clothes are pretty much scratch-protected. 

Ash keeps his eyes open despite the wind blowing into them; he needs to watch the Drifloon. And Ash spots something curious. As soon as the wind started to pick up, the Drifloon all grab onto the nearest thing with their string. The ones who were unlucky enough to not catch something sturdy blow past Ash and Akari, making a slight screeching sound as they get blown away in the wind. 

"Look, all the Drifloon grab onto something as soon as the wind starts up." Ash points out, observing how there are dozens of Drifloon grabbing onto a long metal pole sticking up from the beach shack. 

"The Drifloon are so light that they'll get dragged away by the wind, so they grab onto whatever is close enough with their string to not get blown away," Akari realizes, her eyes widening. 

"But that doesn't explain why they abduct children," Akari says, snapping her finger. Ash squints down at the Drifloon as the wind starts to die down. 

"I've got an idea," Ash says, stepping out from the hiding spot. 

"Pikachu?" Pikachu blinks when Ash puts it off his shoulder and onto the ground. 

"Just trust me, buddy," Ash says, winking. Pikachu immediately understands what Ash is doing. Its ears droop as it looks at Ash in annoyance. 

"Don't give me that look. We gotta test it somehow." Ash deadpans, Pikachu crosses its arms and sits on its rear, looking like a pouting toddler. 

"I'll give you an entire bottle of ketchup when we next find one," Ash bargains. Pikachu perks up and nods begrudgingly. 

"Why'd you leave Pikachu out there?" Akari asks when Ash gets back in their hiding spot.

"Just testing a hypothesis." Ash winks, and Akari huffs.

Some curious Drifloon crowd around Pikachu, but Pikachu puts up with it, not without a few annoyed glances at Ash. 

The wind picks up again, and Pikachu digs its claws into the sand to avoid getting dragged away; the Drifloon that crowded around Pikachu immediately wrap their string around Pikachu, the closest object around them. Unfortunately, even with Pikachu alone, it's having trouble not getting blown away by the wind. Still, with the added force of the Drifloon getting dragged away, Pikachu quickly gets towed away, flying past Akari and Ash. 

"What just happened?" Akari asks as Ash quickly gets to his feet and races to catch up with the Drifloon and Pikachu. 

"Isn't it obvious?" Ash asks, a wild grin on his face. It feels great to be right for once! Is this what Misty feels when she wins an argument with Ash? Pikachu is still in sight; it's still pouting at Ash, and the Drifloon are screeching as they get blown away. 

"The Drifloon grab onto whatever it can to not get blown away, but Pikachu is too light, like-" Ash says, and Akari gasps. 

"Like young children! Drifloon, don't abduct children because they are evil, but by accident!" Akari shouts behind Ash. Her words are slightly soft compared to the harsh wind, but Ash can still hear her loudly and clearly. 

Ash and Akari continue running after Pikachu, the mouse looking very grumpy at being the bait. Ash will have to figure out how to make it up to Pikachu, even if Ash and Pikachu both know Pikachu will be over it by the end of the day. Ash skids to a stop when the Drifloon and Pikachu hit the wall of a mountain; the wind pushes them to the wall, the Drifloon being too light to do much else than just wait for the wind to stop. The Drifloon lets go of Pikachu, and Pikachu tumbles down. Ash dives and manages to catch Pikachu before it hits the ground roughly. 

The few Drifloon squeal as they struggle to move away from the mountain wall they were being roughly shoved in. 

The wind dies down, and the Drifloon are finally free to move away. 

"Drifloon drags children away by pure accident," Akari says, putting a hand on her hip as she stares incredulously at the Drifloon. 

"We always thought they dragged children away because they were ghost Pokemon, harbingers of tragedy and evil," Akari says, catching her breath from their run. 

"I think whoever owned that beach shack knew." Ash says, putting together the pieces, "The picture he had had Drifloon cling to him as they got blown away, and the shack had a metal pole attached to it, where the Drifloon grabbed onto." Ash snaps his fingers as he realizes it. Akari seems to be following his thought process. 

"Prelude Beach was shut down to the general public due to too many Drifloons being around. If we put more of those poles around, we could reopen the beach and not worry about any children being swept away again!" Akari beams, and Pikachu clambers back onto Ash's shoulder. This seemed to be a much more successful mission than anyone could have hoped for.  

The wind fully dies down, letting Akari and Ash stand and breathe in the air as they catch their breath. But now that the wind wasn't roughly whistling into their ears, Ash and Akari could faintly hear the sounds of something crying. 

"Is that…? Akari blinks. Ash is already heading towards the sound. Nearby the mountain all the Drifloon blew into is a sharp decline into a forest, where the crying was coming from. 

Ash steadily makes his way down the forest, grabbing onto roots here and there to keep from sliding down wildly. Akari seems to be right behind him. The forest appears to steady out, leveling near a river. 

"I miss my mommy!" they hear a distinctly sore voice wail. Ash catches sight of a young boy; there is a Drifloon close by, and one of its strings is a small rattle. It seems to be trying to calm the child. 

"Hello?" Ash calls; the boy immediately looks over, and the Drifloon seems to sag with relief. 

"He-hello," the boy waves, rubbing at his very red and muddy face, "are you here to bring me home?"

"We are. Your mom is very worried about you." Ash nods, and the boy sags with relief; he immediately runs to Ash, hugging his leg. Ash simply pucks the boy up and rests him against his hip as he gently shushes the boy. 

When the boy's sobs quiet down again, Ash lets the boy rub his face into Ash's clothes even as they grow damp. 

"I wanna go home," the boy hiccups, Ash nods in sympathy. 

"We'll go home," Akari says, patting the boy's shoulder. 

"Can you tell us how you got here?" Ash asks, starting to climb out of the steep forest. 

"I-I was at Prelude Beach playing with some Drifloon I found when it got really windy, and the Drifloon suddenly attacked, grabbing me and dragging me away. They left me here, b-but one led me to water and-and kept giving me berries." the boy hiccups out before adding, "I want my mommy."

 "We'll get you to your mom." Ash nods gently, rocking the boy before his breathing evened out about half of the way back to Prelude Beach. 

"He's had a rough couple of days," Akari comments, and Ash shakes his head. 

"Don't be mean." he chides, but it holds no heat. 

Akari raises her hands like she is innocent, "just an observation." 

Ash lets out a chuckle before he catches sight of the boy in his arms again, and he frowns. 

"Why didn't Commander Komado want to approve this request?" Ash wonders, and Akari shrugs. 

"There have been dozens of cases of children disappearing at night by Prelude Beach; most members won't take the requests anymore. They all come back saying the same thing: Drifloon dragged the children off. Eventually, if a child disappeared at Prelude Beach at night, everybody just shrugged it off, saying that the child shouldn't have been out that late." Akari shrugs, but she still frowns. 

"How many children could have been saved if survey corps members investigated just a little bit further?" she wonders out loud, looking off into the distance. 

"Well, we know now, and we have a solution." Ash reminds, and Akari gives Ash a small smile. 

"You're right. We won't let anyone be carted off accidentally anymore." Akari agrees, and the two survey corp members smile at each other. 

It doesn't take much longer for Akari and Ash to make it back to the village. The guards gasp when they see the boy asleep in Ash's arms. They had obviously thought him dead by now. 

Ash shakes the boy awake; he blinks owlishly at Ash before perking up when he sees the town. Akari opens the door for Ash, Ash's arms being kinda full. They find the boy's mother inside Captain Cyllene's office, arguing with the captain as the Professor tries to defuse the situation. 

"Mommy!" the boy shouts, wiggling to be let out of Ash's arms to run for his mom. Marie turns around, looking at the boy who was running to her in wonder and, amazement and relief. 

The mother lets out a cry as she scoops up her boy, peppering his face with kisses as she thanks Sinnoh above for bringing her boy to her. Ash can already hear Pikachu grumbling about it not being Sinnoh above who brought the boy back, but Ash, Pikachu, and Akari.

The mother looks up at Ash and Akari. She won't stop thanking them, tears and sobs making her almost indecipherable. Ash gets what she was trying to say anyway. 

Akari has a smile on her face; it's rare. For Akari, at least. 

Eventually, the mother and son are whisked away, being told to head home and get a good night's sleep; they both need it, Laventon says. 

When she finally leaves, Ash and Akari stand in front of an impressed-looking captain, Cyllene. 

"I'm surprised," really? Ash really has to wonder. She was utterly deadpan," no one who has investigated the Drifloon kidnappings has actually come back with one of the children alive."

The captain pauses before looking at Akari meaningfully, "Well, except for one."

"I have to ask, how? What did you do differently that even the highest level survey corps members failed?" the captain asks. 

Akari steps forward to explain everything they found about the Drifloon. Ash finds himself focusing on the reactions of the two in front of him. Professor Laventon seems wholly hooked on what Akari is saying, practical stars in his eyes. Captain Cyllene appears to be observing him right back. There's something mixed with distrust in her eyes, distrust Ash has seen on every single person's face in this village. From the Professor when he first came to this region, to Akari almost every day (even as that distrust seems to be wavering), to commander Komado. Commander Komado appears to harbor the most suspicion in Ash since he first entered his office. 

But that was okay. Ash can earn their trust, eventually. 

He'll try to help the people of Jubilife village, anyway he can. And if that means breaking down countless walls of guard and distrust these people have, then so be it. 

He'll achieve his mission. 

Drifloon 

Pokedex number 37

Ghost and flying type

These tricky ghost Pokemon are very light balloon-like creatures. When the wind blows powerfully, they tend to get blown away, which is why they are found in many places in the world. When the wind starts to blow Drifloon grab onto whatever they can with their strings leading to many broken branches or blown away objects. They have a reputation for abducting kids for this exact reason. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

Akari yawns as she steps out of her small house. Her parents had already left for work at the farm. Her mother tends to the plants while her father is a guard who monitors the crops, ensuring no Pokemon get into it. Akari is following in her father's footsteps, but she's also hoping to go much further than her father went in life. Her father used to be a great researcher. She doesn't remember much from that time. Still, she does remember getting dropped at Galaxy Hall before her father left on missions and her mother was busy farming. She would spend days being basically babysat by Professor Laventon before he started putting her to work by sorting files, organizing data, and observing any detail she could about the Pokemon he would have in his study. Professor Laventonn taught her basically everything she needed to know about the study side of being a survey corps member. 

But Akari's father taught her the physical portion and the mindset of a survey corps member. 

She still remembers the panic she felt when she heard her father was in the healing ward, having gotten attacked by a vicious skorupi. He'd gotten poisoned and barely survived. The poison left its mark, giving her father a nasty scar from his chest to his chin. The poison left her father with much more limited mobility than he had before. He is now one of the guards; Akari knows he became a guard so he wouldn't have to retire. 

But since that day, her father has been home a lot more than she was used to, and when Akari decided she wanted to join the Galaxy team, her father made sure she was prepared. Teaching her everything from how to sneak up on a Pokemon, how to battle a Pokemon, and how to dodge attacks with ease. All the training she did with her father led her to become one of the youngest survey corps members allowed outside the village. And she's going to make the most of it. 

Akari's father hasn't fought against Pokemon in over a year. And yet Akari can hear the telltale sounds of countless guards battling. Akari whips her head around, looking for the threat, and she finds it quickly. There are dozens of Kricketot scampering around the village. A couple were gnawing on the roof of a few houses. There were way too many being chased away by different guards with brooms. It was not very effective. 

Akari immediately heads to Galaxy Hall to figure out what is going on. 

Akari rushes over to see Ash, Captain Cyllene, and Professor Laventon already outside Galaxy Hall, along with a very sheepish survey Corp member. If her memory doesn't fail her, Akari suspects it's a fellow one-star recruit. 

"Captain Cyllene!" Akari calls out, "What's happening?"

Captain Cyllene turns to Akari. She has an angry frown on her face, but it's not directed towards her, thankfully. 

"One of our survey members messed with a pack of Kricketot," Cyllene sighs, she gestures around, "the Kricketot did not take kindly to it." 

Cyllene turned to glare at the poor Survey Corp member. Oh, he is never going to live it down. Akari almost feels bad for the man. 

Akari turns towards Ash and Professor Laventon. Professor Laventon looks anxious at all of the destruction around them. 

Ash looks strangely amused. 

"Those Kricketot are certainly a feisty bunch." Ash comments, his mouth quirking up with a grin. 

Cyllene sighs, bringing up a hand to massage her nose. 

"Deal with it," Cyllene orders before she drags the other survey Corp member away. 

The poor lad. 

Professor Laventon sweatdrops. 

"We've called back a few other survey members to see if they know anything to drive them away. However, we can't get these little guys to go away." 

Yeah, Akari noticed. 

"Well, then, I guess it's up to us for now." Akari sighs; Ash still looks greatly amused, watching the chaos around them. 

"I kinda want to see how far they make it." Ash comments, a slow grin on his face. 

Akari rolls her eyes and drags Ash off. 

"I don't suppose you have some hidden knowledge of Kricketot?" Akari asks; she corrects herself after Ash opens his mouth with a shit-eating grin, "That will be helpful at this moment?"

Ash pouts but shakes his head. 

Akari sighs, looking out into the slowly destroyed town. Guess they are going to have to battle their way out. 

"Cascoon!" Akari shouts, throwing her pokeball up as she lets out her Pokemon. Cascoon is much more reliable than her pikachu. 

Her Cascoon appears out of the pokeball, cooing happily. 

"Cascoon! Use your sticky string attack!" Akari shouts. Cascoon pulls back and shoots off its string, but the nearby Kricketot she was trying to attack runs off. A large group of Kricketot ran by, tripping Akari and Cascoon. 

The Kricketot make loud noises as they run by, even as Akari falls over. 

"We might need a different approach," Ash says, putting his hands on his hips. 

"You don't say." Akari glares at Ash, gritting out her response as she struggles to stand up as more Kricketot runs through. 

Akari dusts herself off, frustration evident on her face. "Any brilliant ideas, Ash?"

Ash grins, "Maybe we should lure them away; these Pokemon don't seem exactly organized enough to just battle them away. But if we collectively lure them out, we could get them all out at once."

Ash points to a nearby berry tree, "Kricketot love berries. They might follow if we gather some and create a trail leading away from the village."

Akari nods, appreciating the simplicity of the plan. "Let's give it a try. We need to get these Kricketot out of here before they destroy our farms."

As they start collecting berries and setting up the trail, Akari can't help but shake her head at the situation's absurdity. Right now, the survey corps actually do have quite a bit of information on Kricketot. They knew their mating seasons, their favorite berries, and even their preferred nesting place. 

Kricketot is a highly clumsy Pokemon, basically the toddlers of the Pokemon world. They don't tend to stray from their nesting places. 

Whatever that survey corps member did, he must have royally fucked up. 

Once Ash and Akari have placed plump beans throughout the village to encourage the Kricketot to hobble outside of the town, Ash and Akari duck behind a few crates to watch the Kricketot. 

It seems to be working as there's a group of Kricketot running past as they hobble down the path to eat the beans. 

Akari grins as she watches the clumsy Kricketot stumble further and further to the exit. 

Then there was an explosion. 

"Huh?" Akari and Ash frown, and the Kricketot scatter throughout the village yet again. Did someone really get in the way of their plan? It was working. Who in their right mind would do that?

The explosion died down and across from the walkway stood her father, his staraptor out and attacking the Kricketot as the Kricketot ran from it. One of the Kricketot straightens, its antenna making a chirping melody. Suddenly the Kricketot become an united front and run off in the same direction, her fathers staraptor chasing them. 

Akari blinks. Her father?

"Dad!" Akari shouts, coming out of her hiding spot to approach her father. 

"Akari." her father nods in the stiff, cold way he always does. 

"Why would you do that? The Kricketot were leaving!" Akari asks, frowning at her father. 

Her father frowns deeply, mirroring Akari's face. 

"Those creatures won't leave easily. They Are invading our village to destroy us. So well destroy them back." her father says, a cold look in his eyes as he explains. 

"Our plan was working! They were running after the berries!" Akari stomps, annoyed at the plan failing for such a stupid reason. 

"Those creatures would have run right back into the village after your trail ended. Those demons would love to see humans die." Akari's father says, and Akari looks down at the ground. 

That's precisely what she has been taught all her life. That's exactly what she believed all her life. 

And yet she's been wavering. She's been starting to see the good in Pokemon. 

Shinx, Cascoon, Zubat, the Drifloon. 

They all proved that they didn't mean to harm humans or didn't want to unless humans did so first. They proved humans, and Pokemon could get along. And if they got along, who knows how much more humans could accomplish. 

"You're doubting." Akari snaps her head back to her father, he looks angry that Akari could even even consider Pokemon could be good. 

"Pokemon may seem like they are all friendly, but they're just trying to lure you into a false sense of security. They'll lure you in, only to hurt you." her father hisses, reminding her as he traces his hand against his chest, where Akari knows lies the scar given to him by a Pokemon. 

She knows. She knows goddamn it. She's been reminded to never let her guard down around Pokemon every day of her life. 

And yet, she's still doubting what she's been taught. 

"I know I taught you better than this," her father hisses. Akari folds her arms together, shrinking under her father's scolding. 

"I just don't get why you're suddenly so trusting." her father raises a hand to massage his nose. 

Akari frowns, still keeping her eyes on the ground. 

"Was it the outsider?" Akari nearly flinches, but she stifles it. She snaps her head up to look at her father. Her father is glaring past her shoulder. She looks behind her to see Ash scowling behind her. Ash was glaring at her father and wasn't that quite surprising. Usually, Ash is pretty nice to everyone around. So, to see Ash glare at someone is weird. 

Much less towards her father. Ash steps forward, looking annoyed.

"It's not about being trusting or not. It's about understanding. I've seen people hurt people worse than any Pokemon ever could." Ash challenges Akari's father. 

Akari looks between the two, conflicted about what she should do. But Akari finds relief in Ash's words. Someone was in her corner, even if he was an outsider. 

Ash wasn't just an outsider, Akari decided. 

Ash is her friend. 

And with that, Akari gathers herself, about to do something she never thought she would ever do. 

"Dad, I saw things while I was out surveying. Wurmple have feelings! Zubat aren't some evil, bloodsucking creatures. Drifloon, don't drag children away on purpose! It's not as black and white as we think. It's not as black and white as anyone thinks!" Akari stands up to her father, squaring her shoulders. 

"Sure, maybe Pokemon are dangerous, but maybe if we learn more about them, they won't be so dangerous. Maybe we could actually befriend the-" Akari is cut off.

"That's enough, Akari." Akari closes her mouth so hard her teeth clink together. 

"Banish that thought, it's naive. It'll only get you killed." Akari winces at the harshness of her father's voice. 

"You're treading a dangerous path, Akari. Don't let your guard down. I won't be around to protect you forever." Akari's father turns away. Akari can't help but feel like she let him down somehow. 

"Now I have a village to protect." he hisses like he is daring Akari to choose Pokemon or the village. Akari lets out a shaky breath when her father leaves to go continue tormenting the Kricketot. 

She doesn't know what got into her. She shouldn't have done that. 

Her father was right, those Kricketot would stay and continue to torment the village no matter what she did. 

She couldn't have helped the village with peaceful methods. 

Ash places a hand on Akari's shoulder, she had forgotten Ash was there. Ash's hand provides a reassuring warmth on Akari's shoulder, a silent gesture of understanding.

"Looks like we're back to the drawing board with the Kricketot," Ash says, removing his hand to place it on his hip. 

"Out of beans?" Akari dryly asks. She has no time to dwell on what just happened. The village is still being attacked.

Ash nods, "out of beans," 

"Dang," Akari sighs. 

"Well, let's think of what we know about Kricketot." Akari goes over the list of things she knows about Kricketot. 

Then she remembers how the Kricketot ran away from her father. Akari whips her head over, gesturing to Ash to follow her. 

Akari watches as her father's staraptor chases the Kricketot away, the Kricketot darting in all different directions. But if you listened to it closely you could hear rhythmic chirping, right before all the Kricketot change directions. 

"They use music to communicate!" Akari realizes, "If we get the right tune…"

"We could lead the Kricketot away!" Ash grins. 

Ash and Akari glance at each other, the idea growing in their brain. 

"What could we use to make the sound?" Ash asks, Akari frowns. 

"Maybe if we hum?" Akari suggests. 

"But would it be loud enough-" that last bit of the sentence is joined by Akari as she comes to the same problem as Ash, "-to reach all of the Kricketot." 

Akari frowns, glancing off. 

"Perhaps I could be of assistance." the two jump at hearing another voice behind them. 

They turn around to see Captain Cyllene behind them. 

"Captain!" Both Ash and Akari shout, and Cyllene nods. She looks frustrated. 

"Here." Cyllene hands Ash something; Ash opens his hand to find a flute in his hand, "it's what the survey corp member who caused this mess was messing with before the Kricketot swarmed."

"It still won't be loud enough to sound through the entire village…" Akari frowns, and Cyllene nods. 

"Perhaps not, but it's better to figure out what the Kricketot responds to, then amplify it," Cyllene says before turning back and heading back inside Galaxy Hall. 

"I'll go figure out how to increase the volume. You experiment to see what the Kricketot responds to," Akari says, turning to Ash. Ash nods; he blows a note into the flute, and the Kricketot perks up before they continue running around. 

Akari somehow knows that giving Ash the flute was a mistake. Future annoyances aside, Akari needs to figure something out quickly. 

She runs through the village, scanning around for any ideas. She has no clue what to do, and instead of focusing on the task at hand, Akari finds herself drifting back to the discussion she had with her father. 

Why doesn't he see what they could do? Pokemon can destroy stuff, but they can also create stuff. Who knows what the Galaxy team could do with more information on Pokemon. 

And yet her father refuses to see what Pokemon could do. 

Is blindingly following what Akari has been taught right? Is she making a mistake trusting Pokemon? Is she making a mistake trusting Ash?

Akari doesn't know. 

But she weighs the consequences against each other. Pokemon and Ash, by proxy, could destroy the village if they were evil. But Pokemon, and Ash by proxy, could make Jubilife village so much greater than it is now. 

Akari doesn't know. 

Her father is still attacking the Kricketot; why can't he see that it's not working? Why is he so insistent on sticking to old ways? 

Akari doesn't know. 

Why is everyone here so insistent about their grudges? She's seen how much Zubat Clarissa has recently caught, which has helped her with her night patrols. She's seen how the village glares at Ash, even if he's done nothing but help. She's seen how strong the bond between Ash and his pikachu is. They were proof Pokemon could connect with humans. Why can't anyone see that?

Akari doesn't know.

What is that sound?

Akari doesn't know. 

Akari pauses, listening to what she was hearing, it was a whistle. They used the whistle for the farmers; different notes meant different things. High-pitched means it's time to work. Low means it's time to leave. There are a whole bunch of meanings to various sounds and different timing. Still, Akari didn't pay much attention when her mother was lecturing her about it. 

That was the solution. 

Akari races towards the fields, bumping into running villagers and stray Kricketot. 

Akari falls over after she runs full speed at someone. She gets back up, ready to continue running, before Akari realizes it was her mother who she knocked down. 

"Mom!" Akari blinks, helping her mom up. Her mother was holding a broom, which Akari just knew she was swinging wildly at the Kricketot. 

"I need your whistle!" Akari shouts, and her mom rubs the ear that Akari was shouting into. 

"What for? Her mom tries to question even as she pulls the whistle out. Akari quickly snatches it out of her mom's hands. 

"THANKSLOVEYOUBYE" Akari shouts before running off to where she left Ash. 

Akari runs off before her mother can say anything; she finds Ash by the entrance of the galaxy hall. He blows a note into the flute, and suddenly, the Kricketot are swinging side to side. As does it again, and the Kricketot starts dancing around Ash. 

Akari resists the urge to face-palm at how much fun Ash is having with the Kricketot.  

"Ash!" Akari calls out as she rushes over to Ash, tightly holding her mother's whistle. 

"So what'd you find?" Akari asks; Ash blows another tune, and the Kricketot dances, chirping in response to the melody. 

"Different notes make the Kricketot do different dances," Akari concludes. Ash nods as he blows another note. Sinnoh above, she hopes that doesn't get annoying.  

"Dance party!" Ash snickers, blowing a minor tune. 

"That's actually a pretty tune. What song is it?" Akari blinks at the tune. Are they getting off-topic?

"Cotton Eye Joe." Ash sheepishly admits. 

"I'm not familiar with that song. Is it a classic from your home village?" Akari asks; she's never heard of the song 'Cotton Eye Joe.' It must be very traditional from wherever Ash is from. 

It's quite a pretty tune. 

Ash looks off to the side like he's trying not to laugh before straightening up, and Akari gets back into the business. 

"Try using the notes you learned on this whistle. It's not the same as the flute, but they generally have the same notes." Akari says, handing Ash her mother's whistle as she takes the flute. 

Ash blows into the whistle, Akari presses her hands onto her ears, Sinnoh above that's loud. 

The Kricketot perk up, and Akari hears responding chirps from all around the village. 

Ash blows another loud note, and the Kricketot all turn towards him and Akari. 

For a hesitant, brief second, Akari fears the Kricketot are about to start attacking. Ash blows another note, and the Kricketot begin to gather, all standing in a clumsy crowd in front of the two. 

Ash slowly starts to walk backward, the Kricketot following clumsily as Ash blows a long note. Akari walks alongside Ash, facing towards where Ash is going so he doesn't bump into anything on his way out of the village. The villagers stop and watch. Akari and Ash share a grin at the plan working. 

There's a crowd following the Kricketot now. A large number of villagers watch the two teens in awe and fear. 

Akari hopes this doesn't make their fear worse. 

Akari leads Ash as he walks backward outside of the village; the Kricketot follows Ash like a puppy follows its owner. 

Eventually they make it far enough outside the village that Ash blows a large, off tune note and the Kricketot run in all different directions, thankfully not back towards the town. 

Akari and Ash share a triumphant grin, it worked!

They quickly head back to the village; just before Akari and Ash step over the entrance threshold, Akari spots something that makes her freeze in place. 

Her father was glaring viciously as he stomped forward towards Ash and Akari. 

Her father looked pissed . 

And Akari doesn't know what to do. 

But to her surprise, her father stomps right past her; she watches in slight horror as her father roughly grabs Ash's arm. Ash lets out a yelp as he's being dragged by her father through the village. 

"Dad!" Akari shouts, racing to keep up with her father's march as Ash struggles in his grip. 

"Dad, stop!" Akari shouts, grabbing her father's arm to try and get him to stop. 

"Witchcraft!" she hears one of the villagers shout, their angry glare focused on Ash. Everyone was staring at Ash. 

Pikachu runs after the two, having been knocked off of Ash's shoulder, when Akari's father grabbed and dragged Ash. Its cheeks spark, and Akari looks away from Pikachu towards her dad. 

"Pikachu no!" Akari shouts, and Pikachu freezes at the order, looking between Akari and Ash, panicking. Ash lets out a yelp when Akari's father strengthens his grip on Ash's arm. 

"Burn the outsider! The witch!" Ash struggles against Akari's father's grip; Akari tries to tug on her father's arm again. Did they all think Ash was a witch? For leading the Pokemon away? 

Her father continues the march towards Galaxy Hall, the villagers crowding them, chanting for different punishments: banishment, jail, execution.  

Why do they want to punish Ash? Couldn't they see that Ash helped them? They got rid of the Kricketot, and if they were punishing Ash for doing so, does that mean Akari was next?

Akari doesn't want to know if her father would advocate for her next if he thought she committed witchcraft. 

The doors to the galaxy hall fling open, and her father storms in; Akari quickly follows and closes the door before any of the other villagers can join and protest against Ash. 

Pikachu looks just as pissed at her dad as her father looks at Ash. 

Her father storms into Captain Cyllene's office and throws Ash; Ash yelps as he skids across the floor before he struggles to get back up. Akari wants to go help Ash up, but she can't help but think if she did she would get accused of the same crimes as Ash. 

"He's a witch!" her father yells as Professor Laventon rushes into the office. Captain Cyllene stands looking angry.

That doesn't spell good for Ash. 

"He's not a witch!" Akari protests, feeling relieved when Ash stands back up, his Pikachu jumping onto his shoulder to glare at Akari's father, "The Kricketot communicate through music; that's how we lured them out!" 

"We just played the right notes to get them to follow us!" Ash says, holding his arms up, partly to make a peace gesture and partly to press his fingers into Pikachu's scruff, not letting the mouse jump off to shock everyone in this room to protect its trainer. 

"It's suspicious. This outsider storms in and suddenly starts making breakthroughs about Pokemon; he must be a witch." her father sneers. Akari wonders when he changed from the man she used to look up to now someone she feared, "either a witch or a zoroark." 

"Maybe because I watch and understand Pokemon, I thought that was what survey members were supposed to do!" Ash shouts. Akari's father clenches his fist. For a second, Akari fears he might reach out to strike Ash. But he seems to resist the urge after looking at the snarling pikachu on his shoulder. 

"Survey member's duty is to protect the village, not whatever you are doing, letting a feral Pikachu run around." Akari looks between her father and Ash; Ash looks like he's about two seconds away from trying to fight her father, but that would not work out for anyone. 

Ash is about to shout something before Captain Cyllene slaps her hand on her desk, shaking the paper and creating a loud slapping sound. 

"Enough!" Captain Cyllene shouts, and everyone falls quiet, looking towards Captain Cyllene. Her father puffs out his chest like he knew Captain Cyllene would be on his side. Ash surprisingly doesn't cower. She knows even the strongest recruits will cower at Captain Cyllene's anger like Akari wanted to do right now. Akari feels like she's watching a slow-motion train wreck, waiting for Ash to be scolded, thrown out of the village, or worse.  

"You are out of line, Yokio!"

What? 

Her father's name is Yokio. 

Is Captain Cyllene scolding her father? 

Akari snaps her eyes upwards to see Captain Cyllene glaring at her father; her father seems taken aback by this change in events. 

"You have no right to accuse survey members like that! Ash has done nothing but help this village." Cyllene scowls at Akari's father, Akari lets out a small, almost undetectable sigh. If Captain Cyllene is backing them, then they won't get punished. 

"Ash and Akari have discovered many different facts about Pokemon that help us learn more about those creatures. They are doing what survey members do: their research. And their research is going to be invaluable to secure the security of Jubilife village." Captain Cyllene closes her eyes, a scowl still on her face. 

"Yes, survey members are meant to protect the village, and these two fine members have been doing that by researching Pokemon much deeper than just how to fight them off. You have no right to scold our members when they've done nothing but help." the Captain scoffs. 

"We still don't know if he's a Pokemon! Or if the outsider is trustworthy-" Akari's father is cut off by a large thunk sound. Ash yelps in pain. Everyone looks over to see Ash massage his head as a pokeball falls to the ground. 

"Welp, he's not a Zoroark!" Professor Laventon chirps, and Ash sends him a surly look. 

"Yes, that is all the confirmation we need." Cyllene nods before returning to Akari's father, "It's time for you to leave; I don't want to hear anything about this again."

Akari's father tries to come up with a response only to scowl, hissing out his final words, "he'll betray us; anyone who's friends with those beasts will only bring us harm."

Akari's father then turns on his heel and storms out, face flushed red in embarrassment and anger. 

The slamming of the door to Galaxy Hall has Akari wincing. She's not sure she wants to head back home tonight. At least not until her father cools down. 

"Well, he was just lovely." Ash sarcastically comments, rubbing his arm where Akari's father grabbed. 

Akari lets out a sigh, relief flooding her veins. 

Ash places a hand on her shoulder, "you okay?" 

"I should be asking you that," Akari smiles slightly, but it falls flat quickly. 

Ash grins, his cheerful self returning as the threat retreats. 

"Don't worry about me; he couldn't do any worse than Pikachu shocking me after taking a swim!" Ash jokes. Akari appreciates the attempt to lighten the mood. She looks around the room, noticing the stillness that follows her father's departure. Professor Laventonn seemed to be checking his notes, and Captain Cyllene was back behind her desk, deep in thought.

"Captain, Professor, thank you for standing up for us," Akari expresses her gratitude.

Captain Cyllene nods, "Our duty is to protect the village, and if that means defending those who are contributing positively, then so be it."

Professor Laventonn chuckles, "Besides, we need every hand we can get in understanding Pokémon better. Your discoveries could be the key to peaceful coexistence."

"Pokemon are some of the most amazing creatures I've met; I can't imagine hating them," Ash says, his Pikachu curling off his shoulder so he can hug it. Now that Akari's father is gone, Pikachu seems much more relaxed. 

"Maybe we need to let our guard down a little; maybe we need to understand Pokemon, not just fight them." Akari says, "Maybe we need more people thinking like you, Ash." 

"Careful, I think you're about to call me a friend." Ash snorts, a grin on his face. 

"If the shoe fits," Akari nods, smiling with Ash. 

"Well, it's getting late. And we've all had quite a busy day. I think it's time the two of you turn in for the night." Captain Cyllene says, "We have a lot of paperwork to finish to account for all the damage done by the Kricketot and panicking villagers." 

"About that…" Akari winces, scratching the back of her neck, "I was wondering if I could stay here for the night. Dad seemed pretty heated…" Akari trails off.

Captain Cyllene looks at her, understanding in her eyes, "You may." she nods, and Akari sighs. 

Ash heads off after that, leaving Akari to make herself comfortable in Captain Cyllene's office. The day's exhaustion crashes down at her all at once; for once, she doesn't even have the energy to think. She falls asleep quicker than she ever had in her life. 

Unbeknownst to Akari, two adults gaze sadly at her curled-up form, just like she used to do back when she was a kid after late nights when her mom couldn't pick her up, and her father was off surveying. Professor Laventon and Captain Cyllene look at each other sadly, pity and worry in their eyes. They turn back to their work quickly, making sure to be quiet so as to not disturb the young girl. 

Kricketot

Pokedex number 39

Bug type

Kricketot are very social creatures and often gather in large packs. 

Kricketot communicates via melody. They rub their antennae together to create beautiful melodies. When Kricketot gathers together, they make a gorgeous orchestra that can be heard from miles away. When Kricketot falls over, their antenna crashes together, creating a weird sound. Kricketot attracts mates by their melodies. The loudest and best sounds win. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Staraptor 

Pokedex number 14 

Normal and flying type

These creatures are excellent fliers. They can swoop down and catch prey from miles away in seconds. Their strong wings aid this Pokemon in carrying away large and bulky prey. Kricketot and Wurmple are their primary prey. 

Upon evolution, these Pokemon leave their flock to live in solitary. Staraptor never stops attacking, even if injured.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

Ash smiles at the feeling of the sun on his skin, and he hears Akari grumbling nearby. Something about being exposed and unable to tell or quickly run if they got attacked. 

Ash ignores her pointedly. Sometimes, Akari can be so strung up. 

They were out surveying a group of Combee that were making their nest near the campsite. Well, they were supposed to, Ash has decided he would be unhelpful today. 

It's not like it's malicious, it's not. Ash just isn't good at the study side of being a researcher. He never has been. 

He tried. Once, the Professor thought he was drawing a Luxray.

He was drawing Pikachu. 

He didn't stop pouting for an entire day after that.

Nevertheless, Akari was sketching a picture of Combee, noting their flight patterns as they zip around. 

There was a rumbling on the ground that has Ash frowning. He sits up, attracting Akari's attention, who has noticed Ash's frown. 

"Do you feel that?" Ash asks. He stands up as the rumbling gets louder. It takes a second for the rumbling to get loud enough to reach Akari, but when it does, she stumbles up, looking around for the cause. 

"What is that?" Akari points in the distance, and Ash has to squint to see that far in the distance. There's a glowing thing that is very quickly approaching their location. 

"Ponyta!" Ash and Akari shout simultaneously as the Ponyta continue to run straight towards them. And they are only getting closer and bigger every second. 

The ground beneath them vibrates more intensely as the stampede of Ponyta draws nearer. They need to do something, and they need to do it now. Akari stuffs her sketchbook into her bag before she widens her stance. 

"You remember how to dodge like I taught you?" Akari asks. Ash nearly snorts.

"I've been doing it since I started my journey." he jokes. Akari rolls her eyes. 

"They dodge!" Akari shouts, rolling out of the path of the Ponyta, and does the same the opposite way; Ash holds onto the grass below him as the ground rumbles intensely as the Ponyta runs past. 

Ash rolls onto his knees, watching as the herd of Ponyta were running towards the campsite, Akari seems to realize this with a shout. 

"They're gonna run over the campsite!" Akari shouts she looks panicked, "They'll overrun the Professor and the guards!"

Ash glances back at the now rapidly running away Ponyta herd. They have to do something. 

"Pikachu, quick attack!" Ash says. Pikachu jumps off his shoulder and catches up to the Ponyta. Ash starts running after, Akari squawks before joining him in running after the herd. 

"Pikachu, get to the front and aim an iron tail!" Ash yells, projecting his voice so Pikachu could hear him. 

"Pik!" Pikachu shouts as it aims the iron tail in front of the herd. The Ponyta doesn't stop running, but they do split from the group, breaking into two groups that branch around Pikachu before joining back up. An idea starts forming in Ash's mind. 

"Shinx, come on out!" Ash shouts, throwing up its pokeball to let it out. Shinx perks up, looking around curiously before bouncing on its paws, ready to fight. 

"Shinx, use quick attack to catch up with the Ponyta!" Ash orders, the Ponyta were getting dangerously close to the camp. Shinx barks, its fur glowing before it speeds up, running along with the Ponyta. 

Now both of Ash's Pokemon were running along with the Ponyta, Pikachu starts to let out small sparks, startling the Ponyta on one side into condensing the herd into a streamlined group. 

"Pikachu, use electroweb!" Ash orders, Pikachu immediately starts to jump up and build up an electroweb on its tail. Ash turns his attention to Shinx. 

"Shinx! Fall back and use thundershock!" Ash says, he's a little worried they wouldn't be able to hear him considering how far away they were now, but they were way too close to the camp. Ash could see the startled faces of the merchant and the Professor, along with both of the guards' startled faces. 

Shinx slows down, falling to the back of the herd and letting out a thundershock from its tail. Meanwhile, Pikachu throws out the electroweb, which it catches on two trees in front of the herd. The Ponyta skid as they turn, avoiding the web and turning their path 45 degrees over, narrowly missing the campsite. Ash catches up to Shinx and Pikachu. He stops huffing to try and catch his breath. It is not easy trying to keep pace with a herd of Ponyta. 

Akari seems to be in the same spot as she skids to a stop next to Ash, red in the face as she pants. Ash knows he's probably no better. 

Professor Laventon makes his way over to the two, looking concerned and startled. 

"What happened?" Laventon asks. Ash holds up a hand to gesture for him to wait until they catch their breath. 

Akari catches her breath first. Standing from her crouch, she places her hands on her hips. 

"We don't know. We just saw a bunch of Ponyta running by towards the camp." Akari says, and Professor Laventon frowns. 

"Ponyta usually sticks close to where their herd stays; it's strange to find them straying from horseshoe plains." the Professor says. Ash frowns. 

Usually, when Pokemon behave differently, Ash has found over his years traveling, it usually means Team Rocket was messing with something they shouldn't have. 

But Team Rocket isn't in the past, but that doesn't mean this couldn't be due to human interference. 

"Then let's go investigate," Ash suggests, and Akari nods. Professor Laventon seems slightly hesitant but eventually agrees. 

"Just be careful, you two; here's an alpha Rapidash that lives there," Laventon says. Ash raises an eyebrow. Alpha Rapidash? Like the strongest of the herd?

Ash shrugs. He figures he'll figure it out. 

Akari grabs more supplies. She says that they are approaching dangerous territory and need to be prepared. 

While they were walking along the field, with Shinx prancing along with Ash, trying to look grown while Pikachu and Akari's Cascoon play while making sure to keep up with the human's pace, Ash brings up the alpha Rapidash. 

"So what is an alpha Rapidash?" Ash prompts. Akari raises an eyebrow. 

"I know you're new to the galaxy team, but I didn't think you were born yesterday; you really haven't seen an alpha Pokemon before?" Akari says with a joking tone. Ash shoves at her shoulder, making Akari stumble a bit before she rights herself.

"Oh ha ha, no, I wasn't born yesterday; I'm just not from around here," Ash grumbles, and Akari laughs at his surly tone. 

Her face grows serious as she looks towards the distance, "you're lucky you've never seen those terrifying creatures." 

"You know, I swear I've heard you say the same thing about Wurmple." Ash jokes, and Akari rolls her eyes. 

"Alpha Pokemon are different. They are much bigger and stronger than normal Pokemon. They attack on sight, and you would be lucky to escape if they find you." Akari shakes her head. 

Hm. Ash thinks. He's learned to take most things from Akari and Professor Laventon with a grain of salt. He wonders if this was the true story. 

Ash yelps as he falls over. He huffs as he sits up, looking at what he had fallen over. 

Akari frowns as she pokes at the item. 

It was one of the galaxy team bag.

"Do you think someone lost it?" Ash asks, Akari frowns, looking troubled. 

She opens the bag, digging through the items. She pulls out a notepad, reading over a mission brief that Ash has learned they write into their pads along with a paper held inside the Galaxy team office. 

"I knew this member." Akari murmurs, "Professor Laventon said he was researching Ponyta." 

"You knew them?" Ash asks, tilting his head. 

Akari nods, "yeah, he was one of the best crafters in the village. He taught me how to make smoke bombs." 

Akari stands, hefting the bag over her shoulder. 

"Come on, let's go find Ezra. he'll know why Ponyta was running." Akari says, gesturing for Ash to follow. Ash could see the tension in her shoulders. She looked worried about something. He wonders what. 

Ash looks up, spotting the sun start to reach noon, it was a nice day. 

As they continue their trek through the field, Ash can feel Akari's unease grow. However, she smiles as Pikachu and her Cascoon run forward, playing with each other. Ash could see Shinx looking like it wanted to join them, but was caught between acting strong and grown, and playing like the pup it was. Pikachu playfully swats at Shinx, looking smug when Shinx joins them to play. 

Ash huffs, resting his arms behind his head. The sun felt nice against his skin as Ash listened to the squeals and playful growling coming from Shinx and Cascoon. 

Akari scans the area, but narrows her eyes as she spots something. 

Akari pats Ash's side. He pauses in his stride. Pikachu seems to notice, too, its ears perking up. Pikachu sniffs at the air, and its tail lowers quickly, its ears going flat as it seems to recognize the smell. 

"What's that?" Akari asks, quickly walking forward to look at what she spotted. It was a patch of grass that was miscolored; Ash realizes why when he reaches out to touch the grass, finding that it was covered in a liquid, Ash pulls away, noticing the distinct red color of the liquid. 

No doubt about it, it was blood. 

Akari has barely hidden dispare in her eyes as she purses her lips, obviously trying to not panic. 

Ash does have to admit, the fact that there was an abandoned bag, with a bloody spot in the grass doesn't really bore well for the human behind it. 

Akari's eyes widen as she spots a small few smoke bombs and scatterbangs that had already been set off. 

Whoever was hurt here had put up a fight. 

Against what, well Ash figures Akari may know due to her squatting down nearby a set of prints. There were a few front hoof prints dug deep into the dirt like the hooved Pokemon was jumping up and stomping down roughly. There was also a trail of hoofprints walking away, a couple mixed with blood. 

This hooved Pokemon hurt the person. 

Their most likely suspect was a Ponyta, maybe one who was running away and trampled over the person in the process. However, given the size of the hooves, which were nearly twice as big as Ash's hand, almost as big as Ash's head, does not give the image of a normal Ponyta. 

"An alpha Rapidash, it has to be." Akari says, "No creature makes those hoof prints other than it." 

Ash whistles, "Must be a pretty big Rapidash."

"Like I said, alpha Pokemon are big," Akari says, raising an annoyed eyebrow. 

Pikachu jumps onto Ash's shoulder, and they share a concerned glance when Akari looks away. 

"There's a trail of blood. We should follow it." Akari says, heading forward before Ash could protest, not that he would. But he does notice how tense Akari is, the look of fear in her eyes. She was worried they were about to find a dead survey member. 

Not just a dead survey member but a dead friend. 

"So this Ezra guy, what's he like?" Ash asks curiously. Akari's shoulders jolt at the question. Cascoon notices its trainer's mood and coos as it crawls beside Akari. 

"Ezra was a nice guy, he used to train all of the new survey members," Akari says, she seems content to leave it there but she takes one glance at Ash's face and seems to realize he wasn't going to let her drop him. 

"He was brilliant and created nearly all of the crafting recipes we know. Including helping the Professor design the pokeball." Akari says, looking down only to catch sight of a patch of blood, and she quickly looks back up. 

Akari takes a deep breath, "As one of the youngest survey corp members, I was taken under a few wings, including Ezra." 

Yes, Ash had noticed that. While Akari had told him how her father taught her how to survive outside of the village, it seemed that the Professor taught Akari how to collect data on the field and in the village. 

It seems they weren't the only ones to help make Akari to be the person she was now. 

"He was a good friend. Always so curious." After that Akari doesn't say much, she doesn't seem to want to talk anymore, and Ash was content to let the matter drop. 

And because they fall quiet, Akari and Ash were able to hear the rough, labored breaths. It sounds like someone desperately trying to stay calm. Pikachu's ears perk up before its head swivels around to their right. Pikachu jumps off Ash's shoulder and leads Ash through the bush. 

They find hidden inside a little cove, behind a few bushes was a boy. A few years older than Akari and Ash, with wild gray hair and a very messed up-looking leg. 

Akari's eyes light up when they spot the boy, "Ezra!" 

Akari rushes forward, catching the boy's attention. 

"Akari?" Ezra blinks, Akari hugs him tightly and he tries to return the hug as best he could. 

"What are you doing here?" Ezra asks. Akari frowns. 

"I should be asking why you were here with a mangled leg!" Akari shouts with a scolding tone. Ezra laughs awkwardly. 

"I swear it was an accident," he says, and Akari pulls away, folding her arms and lifting an eyebrow. 

"I wanted to test how smoke bombs work against Ponyta when one of my scatterbangs accidentally shot its fuse, which attracted the alpha Rapidash's attention," Ezra explains, trying to sit up but finding that his mangled leg was making it complicated. 

"Stay down." Akari orders, pulling out healing supplies. 

Ezra seems to notice Ash. 

"Pikachu, huh?" he says, trying to give a smile, but it comes out more as a grimace. 

"Yeah, Pikachu is my buddy," Ash says, Pikachu nuzzles into Ash's chin. 

"You know most people wouldn't let a Pokemon be so close to them." Ezra raises an eyebrow as Akari wraps a bandage over his leg. 

"You know, I get that a lot." Ash shares a grin with Ezra. 

"We don't have any fresh water, I'll go grab some from the river." Akari says as she stands up and looks at Ash, "Stay here. I'll be right back." 

"Stay safe, there's a group of Buizel nearby," Ezra says, when Akari walks off Ezra gestures for Ash to sit down. 

"So you're the outsider I've heard so much about," Ezra says, coughing slightly. He seems to be in a lot of pain but seems to be trying to power through it by thinking about anything else. 

"You could say that." Ash nods, and Shinx sniffs at Ezra's leg. 

"Gotta say, you've got the village quite round up," he says, a gleam of teasing in his eyes. 

Ash huffs out a laugh, "Yeah, when you notice, when everyone avoids me or when they dragged me through the village to declare witchcraft?" 

Ezra laughs. 

"Yes, our village can jump to conclusions quite fast. I'm sure you've experienced it." Ezra says, and Ash nods; he finds himself relaxing. Ash was ready to face someone who hated him before even knowing or someone who would quickly start to hate him. He was glad Ezra didn't seem to be like that. 

"I have," Ash nods. 

"In my opinion, it's quite nearsighted." Ezra says, resting his head back, "We are trying to learn all we can about Pokemon, and yet we don't care much for collecting data and coming to the most logical conclusion." 

Ash tilts his head. This was new. 

"Maybe it's time for someone new to come in and shake things up." Ezra says, opening his eyes to look up at the sky, "Maybe it's time for us to start looking at things in a different way." 

Ezra looks at Ash, as if searching his eyes for something.

"How do you think?" he asks, Ash tilts his head in confusion. 

"Obviously, you are here in our village for a reason; not many people who have been surviving on their own perfectly well as I assume you had been doing would stay in the village very long given how we treat outsiders." Ezra says thoughtfully, "so why are you apart of the survey corps? Why are you here? " 

Ash hums, leaning back to rest on his arms as he looks up at the sky. He knows Pikachu is staring warily at Ezra, obviously not trusting of him.

Should he tell Ezra why he was here, with Arceus and such? Or should he lie? 

"This is where I can help the most." Ash decides to say.

"Pokemon are amazing creatures, and some of the best bonds are between a human and a Pokemon." Ash explains, patting Pikachu's head, "I'm aware it's not a very popular opinion, but I'm willing to be patient. And I'm willing to help where I'm wanted, no matter how dangerous."

He seems to have told Ezra what he wanted to hear because Ezra smiles, approval in his eyes. 

"I'm glad. Sometimes people can get so used to how things should be that they don't think about how things could be." Ezra gestures with his hand. 

"So many people refuse to think of new ideas, new crafting recipes, new Pokemon behavior explanations, that they often blind themselves to what's in front of them." Ezra turns his gaze back to Ash. 

"It's time we stop letting ourselves turn a blind eye to what we see, and I believe you'll be the one to guide us through this new development." Ezra grins, resting his hand on the ground. 

"Don't you think that's a lot of expectation to put on one person?" Ash raises an eyebrow. 

"You've already proven you could do so." Ezra says with a ghost of a grin, "I've known Akari since she was young. Back when she first started declaring she would be a survey member at eight. She's a lot like most of the village." 

Ezra looks off to the side, a nostalgic grin on his face, "stubborn, closed-minded, and quite stuck in the ways she's been taught. I've tried my best to get her to open her mind to new ideas while teaching her how to craft; she's like my little sister; I didn't want her to be like the rest of the village; I wanted her to be better."

Ezra shakes his head, "yet I've never been able to get her to think beyond what was taught to her." Ezra looks Ash in the eye, "Until you came."

Ezra still has a smile on his face as he continues to talk, "Suddenly, she's so much more open to trying new things. I've heard what the two of you found when researching Drifloon. The Akari I knew wouldn't have even taken the assignment." 

"I'm excited to see what the two of you do, and I'm ready for our village to start being forced to change." Ezra laughs, "Maybe I could even force that Yokio to learn to use an ounce of creativity." 

"I'll try my best." Ash nods, and Ezra grins at Ash. 

"That's all I ask," Ezra says. 

A second passes with comfortable silence. 

"Say, has Akari taught you to make pokeballs yet?" Ezra asks, and Ash nods with a chuckle. 

"I'm not very good with my hands," Ash says, Ezra scoffs. 

"You can't be that bad," he says, trying to sit up. It was a bit awkward with his leg, but Ash shuffled closer so he could watch as he dug through his now not-so-abandoned bag, "but a pokeball would probably be a bit hard for a beginner." 

"Potions are probably more your style. I heard about that salve you made to weaken a Wurmples string shot. A recipe from your home village?" Ezra looks up from where he was pawing through his bag. 

Ash shakes his head, "No, my friend is great at medicine, and one of my friends had a Wurmple. So, he developed that recipe. We used it enough that I picked up on it." 

"The best solutions do tend to come out of necessity." Ezra nods, "But you should come around my shop sometime; I figure I'll probably be off duty for a bit while my leg heals. Perfect time for me to develop new crafts."

Ezra looks at Ash, "You give me a few recipes you learned from this healer of yours, and I'll teach you how to make a few things."

Ash nods with a grin, "sounds like a deal!" 

A Pokemon's squeal breaks the two out of their conversation, and Cascoon breaks through the bush, followed by Akari. 

"I've got that fresh water," Akari says as she gives Ezra the canteen. Who knows how long Ezra was stranded here with limited supplies. 

Ezra drinks readily, and Akari shakes her head. 

"I'm surprised all that came out from that attack was a bad leg." Akari shakes her head incredulously. Ezra stops drinking long enough to give her a wry grin. 

"I'm lucky to be alive right now." Ezra says, "Now I've had long enough being cramped in one spot; help me up."

Ezra was already trying to stand before either of the kids could help him up. Honestly, after hours, possibly days of being stuck in the same spot, Ash could see himself doing the same. 

They limp along the field, with both Ash and Akari helping Ezra limp along. Suddenly, Ezra staggers, and Akari and Ash have to keep him up. 

"My research!" Ezra gasps, "I dropped my crafting notepad while running from the Ponyta!" 

"We can remake your crafting book." Akari says firmly, "You are in no condition to go on a chase for it." 

"We have to! It has recipes that took me years to figure out!" Ezra says just as stubbornly. Ash feels himself considering. But he's not exactly the one who gets to decide right now. 

"You can't do the trip," Akari says firmly. 

"Akari, if you don't let me go, I will limp my way to the book," Ezra says entirely seriously. Akari looks, her worry and concern fighting with the fact she knows he'll go off on his own and possibly nearly die again. 

Akari glances at Ash; seeing that he isn't going to help her, she sighs. 

"I'll lead you to where I dropped it," Ezra says; he turns, and Akari and Ash help him walk as he tells them where the book was dropped. 

Akari blanches as she spots something; she grabs Ezra roughly and shoves him into nearby bushes; she covers his mouth to muffle his yelp as it hurts his leg. She then grabs Ash's shoulder and drags him into the bushes. 

Ash and Ezra give Akari matching deadpan questioning faces, and Akari gestures for them to look ahead. 

"Woah," Ash says as he spots it. It was a gigantic Rapidash, much bigger than average. It reminds Ash a little of the totem Pokemon in alola. Not like the dynamaxing in Galar, it doesn't change its features, and it was much too small, even if this Rapidash was giant. 

It had glowing red eyes, it kept stomping over the ground as sparks and bangs echo through the field. 

"It must have found my scatterbang collection," Ezra says as the Rapidash continues to stomp on its bag. 

"That must be why the Ponyta fled." Ash snaps; Akari and Ezra look over at him, confused. 

"The scatterbangs scared them off, and that Rapidash seems to be trying to protect the herd," Ash says, Akari purses her lips, looking like she wants to correct Ash. 

"Hey, that's my book!" Ezra whisper-yells. Ash has to squint to find it. 

A little behind the Rapidash was an innocently sitting book. 

"It's too out in the open to sneak and grab it." Akari frowns, "Our best bet is to wait until it loses interest in those scatterbangs and leave. 

"But that could take hours. My book could be destroyed by then!" Ezra protests and Ash glances at Ezra's leg. 

"And your leg could get infected." Ash reminds. 

"Yeah, and that, but more importantly, my book! " Ash snorts at Ezra's cry. 

Priorities. 

"Well, what do you suggest." Akari exasperatedly asks the two, Ezra doesn't seem to have an answer. 

But Ash has an idea. In alola, you needed to battle alpha Pokemon to get them to help, like that totem gumshoos that drove the rattata away after Ash battled it. 

Maybe they need to battle that Rapidash to get it to run from the items. 

"We battle it." and by we, Ash means him, Pikachu, and Shinx. 

It'll be good to get Shinx a bit of battling experience anyway. 

"You can't be serious. Alpha Pokemon are too strong to battle." Akari protests, and Ash shrugs, already moving to stand. 

"Is it? Or is that what people decided with improper evidence." Ash points out that Ezra looks like he wants to nod but seems to at least partially agree with Akari. 

Ash leaves before the two could respond. 

"You ready, buddy?" Ash asks Pikachu. Pikachu waves a paw at him, a determined look on its face.

Ash looks down at Shinx, "what about you?" he asks. Shinx barks up at him, looking thrilled at the chance to get stronger. 

"Then Pikachu use quick attack, attract its attention!" Ash orders. Pikachu leaves from his side in a glow of white, running in front of the Rapidash's line of sight, gaining its attention. 

The Rapidash roars, throwing down its front hooves and flinging the soft dirt from how hard it stomps. 

"Shinx, use thundershock!" Ash orders, Shinx barks, running up towards the Rapidash and releasing a thundershock near the Rapidash's hooves. Ash orders for an iron tail to the Rapidash's side. It hits, and the Rapidash stumbles, but its mane and tail grow in power, exploding out from the Rapidash to hurt Pikachu. 

"Pika pika!" Pikachu shouts as it falls onto the ground. Ash can see a spot that was definitely burned. The Rapidash stomps again, sending Shinx flying and nearly trampling over Pikachu. 

Shinx barks as it falls, dirt flying as it gets roughly thrown into the dirt. 

Rapidash stops stomping, just long enough before its mane's fire expands sending a blast of fire right nearby Pikachu was. Pikachu manages to run out from the blast, but Shinx couldn't in time. It yelps as the fire licks at its fur. 

"Shinx!" Ash shouts. Shinx runs from the fire, looking burned. Shinx lets out a thundershock out of panic. The Rapidash roars as it feels the thundershock hit it. 

"Get out of there, Shinx!" Ash yells. Shinx barely manages to dodge a double hit from the Rapidash's hooves. 

"Quick attack, Shinx, get out from under it!" Ash throws his arm out, as long as they were under the Rapidash's hooves, they would be at a disadvantage. 

Shinx runs from the Rapidash, and Pikachu aims a thunderbolt to direct its attention back to Pikachu. 

The Rapidash's fire grows again, and it lets out a blast around all of its body, Pikachu yelps as it gets consumed by the flames. 

"Shinx! Use quick attack to get up that tree!" Ash shouts, they were at the disadvantage being out in the open field. Pikachu dives forward, grabbing the book and quickly running from the Rapidash's hooves to place it a safe distance away. They need to limit the Rapidash's movement. 

"Pikachu, use electroweb!" Ash shouts, and Pikachu does so, building a web that stops Rapidash from hitting Shinx with a flame. It hits the Rapidash on the face, wrapping around its head and causing the Rapidash to whip its head around. 

Ash has Pikachu continue using electroweb, trapping the Rapidash from running or stomping as freely. The Rapidash grows frustrated and angry, it starts trying to hit anything with its back hooves, causing the electrowebs to rip from the nearby structures it had been set on to collapse onto the Rapidash’s hooves. The Rapidash squeals in pain at being electrocuted by the electroweb. 

“Pikachu, iron tail!” Ash shouts, Pikachu builds up its power and hits the Rapidash on the side, the Rapidash doesn't have much strength left, seems like it's time to finish it off.  

"Shinx, use thundershock!" Ash orders; Shinx whips its tail around as it generates the thundershock, the Rapidash stumbles, and Ash orders Pikachu to use an iron tail.

The iron tail lands, hitting the Rapidash on the side and causing it to fall over. 

"Now Pikachu, Shinx, thunder attack!" Ash orders. They use their finishing move, a thunderbolt for Pikachu and a thundershock for Shinx. It's enough to cause Rapidash to fall over, its head lying against the dirt. 

Shinx wags its tail but soon falls over, exhausted after fighting a battle, even if Pikachu did most of the damage. But Ash was glad he included Shinx in the battle, Pikachu could have handled it alone, but right now Shinx needs to start building its confidence in battling. Build confidence in itself. 

Pikachu jumps onto Ash's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek. 

Ash grins, scratching Pikachu's chin. 

"Good job, buddy," Ash grins at his partner Pokemon, then he turns to Shinx, who has collapsed and is barely awake. 

"You too, Shinx, good job. Now, take a good rest." Ash smiles at the pup. Shinx's tail wags ever so softly against the ground before Ash returns it. 

It's going to need a lot of burn salve and a couple potions. Pikachu needs the same, but it's more used to dealing with that stuff. 

Ash looks over at the Rapidash; it is starting to regain its bearings and trying to sit up from its side. 

"Hey." Ash says, holding out a hand towards the Rapidash, "Sorry we had to battle you, but we needed to calm you down."

The Rapidash looks at Ash mistrustfully, but there was a glimmer of respect in its eyes. 

Ash slowly reaches out to place his hand on the Rapidash's snout. The Rapidash closes its eyes, deciding to place its respect with Ash. Its mistrust of humans starting to fall away. 

"You're so aggressive because you're trying to protect your territory, and your herd, am I right?" Ash asks. The Rapidash opens its eyes again, a new emotion in its eyes. Ash thinks it might be finally being understood. Ash wonders how many humans have decided it was some evil creature for protecting its own. 

The Rapidash stands, towering over Ash. Ash stands as well. The Rapidash leans down its head, pressing its snout to Ash's back. 

Ash looks over to his friends. Ezra is grinning widely, while Akari looks like she's gone through seven different crises since Ash was gone. 

"Say, I've got a friend who needs help getting back to our campsite. And we need to get your herd back to this field." Ash prompts, and the Rapidash nods, agreeing to Ash's plan. 

Ash heads over to his friends as Pikachu grabs the book. 

Pikachu gives the book to Ezra as Ash explains his plan to bring the Ponyta back to their home. 

Akari just looks stunned, and too shocked to make any protest as Ash helps Ezra onto the Rapidash. 

"It's not burning?" Ezra asks, confused. 

Ash shakes his head, "If Ponyta or Rapidash trusts you, their fire won't hurt you." 

"Ash." Akari says, looking like she was frustrated, "How long have you known this?"

"A few years, why?" Akari's eyes twitch, and Ash thinks he might have fucked up. 

She grabs him by the shoulders, "You need to start telling me these things." She says Ash feels like it might be more of a threat.

"I'll try?" Ash squeaks out. Akari sighs, letting Ash go. 

"I guess that's all I can ask for," Akari says.

Ash jumps onto the Rapidash's back, with help from Ezra, before they help Akari up. 

Ash hugs onto the Rapidash's neck tightly before it starts to run towards the camp. 

Akari screams as she struggles to hold onto the Rapidash, Ezra tries not to, but he does let out a few yelps as they jump over a few rocks. 

The campsite comes into view quickly; it seems that the Ponyta made a new roaming area close to the campsite, causing the guards and the Professor to have to hunker down. That means that as the Rapidash quickly approached the campsite, Ash got to watch as the three faces suddenly turned very pale as they got closer. The Rapidash skids to a stop before it can trample over the tents, turning to its side so the guards and Professor Laventon can see its three passengers. 

"Hi, Professor!" Ash chirps. Akari falls off the Rapidash and hits the ground with a grunt. Ezra just offers a bright grin. 

"Can someone help me down?" Ezra asks, and Akari stands to help him down. Ezra grunts when he lands on the ground. Ash jumps off next to him and rolls to cushion his fall. Ash turns back to Rapidash. The Rapidash lowers its head, bumping its snout with Ash's head. Ash laughs softly. 

"Thanks for the help, Rapidash!" Ash says before stepping backward, giving the Rapidash enough space to roar, shaking the ground from under them as all of the Ponyta look towards it. The Rapidash gallops away, the Ponyta running as a herd behind it. 

"So… care to explain?" Professor Laventon prompts Ash as Akari stumbles up.

"Ash battled an alpha Pokemon and then proceeded to befriend it," Akari says, aiming a frustrated glance at Ash. Ash simply beams at the Professor, rocking on his heel. 

"You got any potions I could give to my Pokemon?" Ash asks. The Professor sighs, promising to get the full story out of them later. 

The Professor gives Ash the potions, and he lets out Shinx long enough to give it to it. Shinx looked less in pain afterwards, it'll get a burn heal at the settlement. 

In that time Ezra had been helped up by a guard, Akari looks like she wants to go help Ezra, but knows she would be better not considering the guard has it. 

"Ready to head back to the village?" Ash asks Ezra as he falls into step beside the guard who has hefted Ezra onto his back. 

"I think I've had enough research for now." Ezra nods before glancing curiously at Ash. Ash tilts his head at the glance, and Ezra just smiles before looking away. 

"Done with research?" Akari raises an eyebrow, "then how will you get your supplies for crafting recipes?" 

Ash figures Akari is teasing Ezra. Sometimes, it's hard to tell with Akari. 

Ezra laughs, "Well, I heard two survey members were taking any request they could!" Ezra winks at the two kids. Ash laughs, and Akari just groans. 

It was a bit slower to get back to the settlement than usual due to Ezra's determination to walk instead of being carried, but they were back before nightfall. 

Ash and Akari help get Ezra to the medical bay before Akari leaves to brief the Professor on everything they learned that day. 

Ash is about to leave the medical bay to give Ezra time to rest before Ezra speaks up, "Take care of each other."

Ash glances back at Ezra, a content smile on his face. 

"The two of you make a good team," Ezra says, glancing away as medic joy helps him onto the bed, "keep at it, and always keep an open mind." 

Ash smiles at Ezra, "I'll try." 

Ash leaves the medical bay, slipping out of the galaxy hall before Professor Laventon, Captain Cyllene, or Akari can drag him into another conversation. He sits on the steps of the hall, not saying a word to guard Beauregard, who was talking with his newly caught Wurmple. Ash watches as guard Clarissa walks her patrol with a lantern and her newly caught Zubat. Ash looks around at the new poles set up around the village and its territories outside of it for the Drifloon to grab onto while it's windy. Pikachu curls into a ball beside Ash's leg, pressing comfortably into him. 

After being accused of witchcraft, Ash was growing hesitant to help the village. He started to question if he could help at all. After all, they all seem to be set in their ways. 

But maybe Ash can continue to help. Ezra is right; he's already proven he could do it. 

With Beauregard, with Clarissa, with the Drifloon. With Akari. 

He'll continue to help. He'll continue trying to improve this village, one adventure at a time. 

Ash closes his eyes, feeling the losing warmth of the sun as it starts to set. 

He hears Professor Laventon and Akari talk brightly about the findings inside Galaxy Hall. 

He'll continue to help this village; he'll continue to help Pokemon. 

And as long as he knows he's making a difference, he'll continue to help open these people's minds. He'll continue to make them think beyond their black-and-white, us vs. them thinking. 

That's all he can hope to do. 

Ponyta

Pokedex number 23

Fire type

These Pokemon are herd animals. If one does something, the whole herd does so. 

They often roam around field lands; it's crucial for a Ponyta to have a large amount of space to gallop. 

Unfortunately, they are also very easily startled. A single noise can set the entire herd running, trampling anything in its way. 

Their hooves are harder than more rock and can flatten anything they stomp on. 

Ponyta is raised inside packs; often, the calves are trained by games of tag. If your Ponyta is growing restless, try playing a game of tag with it, or get it a fast-moving buddy. 

Surprisingly, these Pokemon mane and tail fires only burn if they see you as a threat or if they distrust you.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Rapidash 

Pokedex number 24

Fire type

These Pokemon tend to be at the top of their herd, often leading and protecting their herd. They are very protective Pokemon; if they feel their herd is in danger, nothing will stop them from eliminating the threat. 

On the other hand, Rapidash is also in charge of mapping where the herd runs. Should they get startled, the Rapidash quickly takes over the run and guides the Ponyta to a safe space. 

If you try to sneak up on them, they will stomp roughly, often killing or injuring anything that is trapped beneath their hooves. 

This Pokemon loves to run; if given a chance, they will run until their hearts die out. 

Surprisingly, these Pokemon's mane and tail fire only burns if they see you as a threat or if they distrust you. Surprisingly docile once you gain the herd's trust. Once they see you as one of their Ponyta, they'll protect you till the ends of the earth. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

These are days Akari greatly appreciates. 

She's sitting in her family's home, eating breakfast around the table. 

It's rare Akari gets to do this. 

Usually, her mom is up early in the morning to tend to the farmlands, while her father is out late guarding the fieldlands. And Akari is usually out for possibly days at a time on missions. 

Which usually means it's just Akari and her father for breakfast and Akari and her mother for dinner. If that. 

So, days with both of them are a treasure Akari tends to hold dear to herself. 

Even if it can grow slightly awkward with the argument she and her father got into a few days ago. 

They've both talked little about the fact her father grabbed her friend and accused him of witchcraft in front of the entire village. At least now that he's calmed down slightly, Akari is pretty sure he won't try it again... For now. 

She's pretty sure it was the stress from the Kricketot invasion that had her father jump to conclusions like that. But she's still not convinced that if the situation happened again her father wouldn't do it again. It's still obvious her father doesn't approve of the outsider, but he seems at least content to leave his disproval to mutterings and complaints to Captain Cyllene, which get quickly dismissed. 

For now, Akari wasn't thinking of that; instead, she was letting her father's and her mother's conversation wash over her. She may not be a little kid anymore, but it is still nice to have both of them simultaneously. 

"So Akari, have any missions you are going on today?" Evelyn asks, a pleasant smile on her face. 

"I'm not sure yet, but I think Ezra wants Ash and me to go collect a few ingredients out in the obsidian fieldlands," Akari says, scratching her cheek. 

Her father nods, "a perfectly reasonable mission." 

"I've heard Ezra recently had a bad encounter with an alpha Pokemon; how was his leg?" Yokio asks. Akari notices how her father softly rubs a spot over his chest, where she knows his scar from the Pokemon attack was from. 

"His leg was pretty badly mangled. He might not be able to walk again without crutches." Akari shakes her head. It wasn't an easy pill to swallow for Ezra or Akari. Ezra has always valued his independence, much like Akari's father had before he was hurt. 

Yokio grimaces, he lowers his hand, and Evelyn places a hand on his. 

"I'm sure it won't be easy for him." Yokio shakes his head, and Akari shakes her head. 

"It hasn't been great for him, but I think he's a little happy he has more time to fiddle with his crafts," Akari says, taking a sip from her tea. It was bitter, like her mother had always liked it. 

Evelyn laughs, "That's Ezra, always seeing the best in a situation." 

Yokio huffs, "It's a bit naive, but I do admit it's better for him to make the best of his situation." 

"Ezra has done plenty of good for our village. He'll be taken care of." Yokio nods, and Akari smiles. 

Ezra has done a lot for them. He has helped make plenty of items that are now used throughout houses in the village. She's never understood how he was able to do it. She's learned plenty of recipes and how to make them. Thanks to Ezra, who has taught her everything she knows about crafting, but she's never been good at creating new solutions and ideas. 

She can collect data and come to a conclusion from that, she can follow a recipe to a T, and she can learn from almost anyone around. And yet she just can't create something new for the life of her. 

"Yes, especially if he can still craft." Evelyn nods before taking a bite from her food. 

"How have the farms been doing?" Akari asks, tilting her head. Her mother frowns.

"The dirt has been growing coarse. The soil isn't good this year." Evelyn shakes her head, and Akari frowns. That's not good for their village. When winter comes, they may not have enough food, and there may be a limit of supplies to make supplies for Galaxy Hall, like pokeballs with Apricorn. Without proper supplies, they could be blindsided entirely, and with even a single Pokemon getting past, the guards could destroy the village. 

"What we really need is some of that dirt from Deertrack Path. I've never seen a year where that soil was anything but rich." Yokio says gruffly. This catches Akari's attention, and she grows curious. 

"Really? Not even after a cold flash?" Akari asks. Yokio shakes his head. 

"Never. If it wasn't so far from our village, I'm sure we would have used the entirety of the space as farmland by now. We would only have a luscious harvest after." Yokio bites into his food before swallowing. Akari's mother smiles. 

"Maybe I could take you to work today. I'm sure our farm leader would love to put in a request to learn about why that soil is so rich." Evelyn smiles at Akari. Akari tilts her head. That's not a bad idea; they could possibly find how to enrich the soil best. 

"That sounds like a good idea." Akari perks up. She'll have to go and quickly grab Ash, and they could set off researching by noon. 

Akari's mother smiles and nods. Akari quickly finished her breakfast before running out the door to meet up with Ash by Galaxy Hall. 

Akari finds Ash speaking to Ezra, seemingly finishing up their conversation. 

"Hey, Ash!" Akari greets, skidding to a stop in front of her two friends. 

 "morning, Akari!" Ash beams. Pikachu greets her as well in a way she's grown accustomed to. It's strange; sometimes Pikachu almost seems like an extra arm to Ash, or like a part of him. The two are incredibly close. 

"You're up later than usual," Ezra says with a teasing grin. Akari rolls her eyes. He knows full well why she's up so late. 

"Sorry, but we won't be able to take your request today. Mom wants to set up a request." Akari says, and Ezra pouts at not being able to get the materials he wants from them. 

"Well, then, I guess I'll be off." Ezra pouts before hobbling over to his small crafting shop with his crutches. 

"So your mom is setting up a request?" Ash asks as he follows Akari through the village to the farmlands. 

"Sort of, she's filing one on behalf of her boss." Akari can see the slight hesitancy in Ash's eyes. He's probably worried he's about to be pushed into an interaction similar to her father, accusing him of witchcraft. 

As they approach the farmlands, Akari's mother, Evelyn, is already there, speaking with the farm leader. She waves them over as they approach.

"Akari," Evelyn greets her warmly. "I've discussed with our farm leader, and he's agreed to send a team to Deertrack Path with us to gather soil samples and study the area."

Akari's mother looks at Ash curiously.

"So you must be the outsider." Evelyn smiles at Ash, and Ash relaxes slightly at the lack of criticism. 

"Ash," Ash says as he holds a hand out. He seems like he's holding words in, but he doesn't say it. 

"I'm Evelyn, Akari's mother." her mother says pleasantly, shaking Ash's hand. 

"So what does the request entail?" Akari asks, looking between her mother and the farm leader, Colza.

"You'll head to Deertrack Path and see what makes that soil so rich. If you find anything, bring it back, and we'll test it on our farms." Colza says, nodding at the two kids. Ash bounces on his toes. Akari wonders why he does that. 

"Sounds good," Akari nods. Her mother smiles proudly at her. 

She brings her daughter in for a hug, and Akari returns it easily. 

"Stay safe out there." Akari's mother says as she pats Akari's head. 

"I will, Mom," Akari says before pulling away from the hug. 

"Come on, if we walk fast, we can get to Deertrack Path before noon," Akari says, putting her hands on her hips and looking at Ash. Ash nods easily. 

They make it to Deertrack Path quickly; Akari briefs Ash on what to expect there because as much as Ash could hold his own and knows plenty about Pokemon, he does tend to be quite clueless. 

"We need to stick close to the path," Akari says, "if we stray too far, we'll meet an alpha Floatzel or an alpha Kricketune." 

They pass the bridge, finding a slightly forested area. "Geodude tend to make their home along the path, so we'll have to watch out for them."

Akari hears Ash make an oohing sound; she glances over to see Ash crouching over by a bed of flowers. 

"Deertrack Path has always had the best flowers." Akari comments, "I suppose it might be due to the soil." 

"Maybe, but what is Cascoon doing?" Ash says. Akari frowns, looking towards her Pokemon. It was burying itself into the dirt, wiggling to get more dirt on itself. Ash's Pikachu perks up and starts to pick up dirt with its front paws and help bury Cascoon. 

Ash frowns, he places his hand in the dirt, and starts wiggling it around; Akari is about to ask what he is doing before Cascoon pops out of the dirt, dragging a rock-shaped object with it. 

Ash retracts his hand from the dirt, also finding one of those objects in the dirt. 

Akari raises an eyebrow, "a rock?"

Ash moves the rock upwards to look at it in the light. Akari doesn't really see anything about it. 

Akari takes the rock from Ash, turning it over in her hand. It's smooth and slightly warm from the sun. She examines it closely, trying to discern any distinguishing features.

"It looks like an ordinary rock," she says, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"But look at the flower roots." Ash points out, showing Akari the hole he had made to grab the rock. All of the roots were all pointed to the spot where the rock was from. Like they were gaining nutrients from the rock. 

Akari blinks, "that's weird." 

Ash squeezes on the rock, and it breaks apart, not like a regular rock. 

Ash and Akari share a confused glance. That's when the ground starts to rumble. 

Ash yelps as he struggles to stay standing. Akari drags him off to the nearby tall grass to duck and hide to see what was causing the rumbling. Was it like the Ponyta?

Ash and Akari watch as the dust starts picking up coming from the mountain; something is quickly falling down the mountain. A large thud crashes along the path, rocks flinging off of the large rock-like boulder that collapses at the bottom of the path. 

"What was that?" Akari blinks. Ash pats her arm, gesturing for her to look. 

The dust settled, and it was clear to Akari that it was a Golem that had been flung down the mountain. 

"A Golem!" Ash realizes next to her, the ground beneath them shakes as the Golem stomps from one foot to the other. Akari yelps, but Ash just narrows his eyes; Akari watches where Ash is looking. Bits of the Golem's shell were cracking off with every stomp. 

Before Akari could notice anything else, the Golem stomps its feet down; an explosion rings out that lets the Golem jump extraordinarily high, and Akari watches as it jumps from ledge to ledge on the mountain, climbing back up. 

"Why would it roll all the way down only to climb back up?" Ash asks, tilting his head. Akari frowns, she approaches the spot where the Golem was stomping.

"Look, these rocks are like the ones we found in the dirt," Akari says as she squats by the rocks in question. They were hard and coarse, but when Akari presses on them they crush into dust again. 

The moist dirt from under the rock dust seems to absorb it. 

"Didn't that Golem look a little weird?" Ash asks, putting a finger on his cheek.

Akari raises an eyebrow and asks for him to explain. 

"Well, most Golem's don't have moss growing on their shell, right?" Ash says, now that Akari was thinking about it, that Golem did have green moss growing between its shell's ridges. No other Golem she knows about has that. 

"That is strange." Akari hums, bringing her hand to her face as she thinks it all over. 

"Let's look around some more, see if we can find any more rocks," Akari says, standing up and placing her hands on her hips. 

Akari and Ash nod at each other, splitting up to search the area. 

Akari watches as Cascoon rocks around, occasionally burying into the dirt and pulling out a rock. Akari watches the Pokemon with a smile; such a helpful Pokemon. So, unlike a particular yellow-furred electric rat, she knows. 

Akari squats down so she can pat Cascoon's head; it coos before continuing to lead Akari through the area. 

Akari yelps as her foot catches on something, and she falls face-first into the dirt. 

Akari huffs as she stands back up, looking at what her foot has caught on. 

It was one of the rocks, but this one was much bigger than the ones they had first found. It looked like a Golem's shell, completely hollow, which made it easier for Akari to pick it up. 

She compares one of the rocks that Cascoon found to the shell. The rock looked like it was broken off from the shell. Moss and grass were growing on top of the shell, thriving much more than you would think, considering how firm the rock was. Much different from the moist soil most crops thrive in. Akari looks around, quickly finding that many of the patches of flowers were all growing from these abandoned Golem shells. 

Akari hums. Pieces of the puzzle are starting to be put together. 

She thinks she knows how to help the farm. 

But one thing she didn't know was why there were so many Golem shells all around. Isn't that the Pokemon's protection? Why would they all be abandoned? 

And there doesn't seem to be any bones left around either, so it's not like this was a Golem graveyard after they decompose. 

Well, first things first, explain her findings to Ash.  

She walks over to where she knows Ash head off to, she finds him crouched down by a small stream, carefully examining something in the water. His brows are furrowed in concentration as he reaches out to touch the surface.

"Ash, I think I've found something," Akari says as she approaches, catching his attention. He looks up, his eyes brightening at her words.

"What did you find?" he asks eagerly, his curiosity piqued.

Akari holds up the large Golem shell she found, explaining how she stumbled upon it and noticed the moss and grass thriving on its surface. She points out how the flowers in the area seem to be growing from similar abandoned shells.

"It's like the shells are providing some sort of nourishment for the plants," she muses, thinking aloud. "But why are there so many abandoned Golem shells here? And where are the Golem's themselves?"

Ash tilts his head, looking at the Golem shell thoughtfully. 

Pikachu perks up, it jumps up into the shell, climbing from one of the leg holes only to stick its head out from the biggest hole, where the Golem's head used to lie. 

"Pik!" Pikachu says, and Ash laughs, reaching into the shell to pluck Pikachu out of it. 

Before Ash or Akari could develop theories, they hear the rumbling again, ducking into the grass. The two kids find the same Golem rolling down the mountain. 

Now that Akari really looks at it, she can see the Golem looks uncomfortable and that its arms keep scratching at its shell, which has holes from rocks that had broken off. 

The Golem starts stomping again, its face screwed up like it was frustrated and uncomfortable. It looks like a toddler forced to wear shoes. 

"Maybe Golem shed their shells." Ash comments, gesturing at the shell Akari found, "Like clothes you've grown out of, the Golem shed the shells they've grown out of."

"That makes sense, and it explains why Deertrack Path has so many shells," Akari says, snapping her fingers together. 

The ground starts rumbling again, not from the mossy-shelled Golem they were just watching but from a different Golem. It falls down the mountain much rougher, and when it hits the ground, the Golem's shell splits in two, allowing the Golem to leave its shell easily. The Golem walks off, and the first Golem watches it longingly. 

"That's why the Golem was rolling down the mountain. That's how they shed their shells!" Akari realizes, "and their shells provide nourishment to the soil, making a thriving ecosystem!" 

"But why isn't that happening for that Golem?" Ash asks, looking worried for the Pokemon. 

Akari looks over at the Golem. It truly looks uncomfortable. 

It's not really something she would have thought of before. Before she would have moved on and taken the shell she grabbed from the Golem and left. 

But now she pauses, thinking it over. 

"Maybe it can't get the shell off. Maybe it needs help." Akari suggests. Ash looks proud that she even suggested such a thing. 

Ash stands from the grass, attracting the Golem's attention. Akari observes Ash as the Golem growls, its stance growing aggressive. Ash just keeps his posture loose and open. The Golem looks at Ash mistrustfully, and he raises his hand. 

"You're having trouble getting your shell off, right?" Ash asks. The Golem blinks but doesn't loosen up. It starts tucking its head into its shell, only for there not to be enough room and having to keep it out. 

Ash continues approaching the Golem, and it doesn't seem to know what to do with Ash.  

"Do you mind if we help get the shell off?" Ash asks, holding out a hand. The Golem seems to think for a second before it glances off, turning its head so Ash has a better view of the shell. 

Akari takes that as her chance to approach as well. She examines the Golem, noting its paler skin under the shell. It seems that the body isn't as well protected. 

The Golem looks at her warily, but Ash calms it down. Ash places his hands on the Golem's shell, peels off a bit of the shell, and the Golem shudders at the feeling. 

Akari frowns, it'll take hours to peel rock by rock off. 

Akari glances at the nearby stream. She pulls out her canteen and leaves to fill it up. 

When it's full, she brings it back to the Golem and pours it onto the Golem's back. It loosens a few of the rocks, letting Ash peel it off quicker and easier, but it sets Golem off.

The Golem roars at the feeling of water on its back. Ash rushes to the front of the Golem, holding out his hands to try and calm down the Golem. 

"Hey, hey, it's okay!" Ash tries to say, but he gets flung away by the Golem. Ash yelps as he gets flung across the field into a tree. Ash groans, dazed. Pikachu rushes over to Ash, making sure he is okay. 

The Golem turns to Akari, aiming an attack but she manages to dive out of the way just in time. 

The Golem starts aiming another attack only to get knocked off balance by a string shot shooting across the field and attaching it to Golem's face. 

Golem shakes its head, trying to get the string off from its face. 

Akari blinks, surprised at what had just happened. 

She looks down at her Cascoon that was glaring at the Golem, its spikes protruding as it stands guard in front of Akari. 

This wasn't something Akari expected. She didn't expect for any pokemon to come to her aid, but Cascoon did. She knows that had it been Pikachu out of its pokeball, she would've been hit by a rock by now while Pikachu laughed.

Akari smiles at Cascoon, looking up at the Golem that had managed to pry the string from its face. 

"Let's do this Cascoon!" Akari beams at her Pokemon, shifting into a strong stance. Cascoon locks eyes with her, and she thinks it might be smiling with how its spikes retract and it coos. 

It turns back to the Golem, and Akari remembers how Ash fought that alpha Rapidash, bravely and like he and Pikachu were one being, even if Shinx was battling too. 

Akari could do that, right?

"Cascoon, use acid spray!" Akari shouts, she has a nagging feeling in her head that Cascoon was going to ignore her, and do nothing but let her battle alone. But it doesn't. Its spikes explode outward, a purple ooze spraying out from it, landing all on the Golem and causing it to hiss and back away. 

The Golem reaches down into the dirt, grabbing a giant chunk of dirt and flinging it right towards Akari and Cascoon. Akari dodges, but she forgot she wasn't fighting alone, and she realizes such a fact when she hears her Cascoon squeal as it gets hit dead on by the rock. 

"Cascoon!" Akari shouts, running towards where her Pokemon was flung; it looked damaged but not knocked out yet. 

She spots the Golem aiming another rock at her and Cascoon again; she scoops Cascoon up, ignoring the spikes that dig into her arms, before diving out of the way as another rock flings into the spot she just was. Akari rolls to fall back into a crouch, her Cascoon still in her arms. 

"Cas!" Cascoon shouts, wiggling out of her arms and standing back in front of her. 

This battle wasn't done yet. 

"Use string shot, by its arms!" Akari shouts. Cascoon builds up the string in one of its spikes before releasing it, causing the Golem's arm to get stuck to its shell. 

The Golem roars, its arm unable to escape its sticky prison. 

The Golem growls, its angry face looking at her and Cascoon. It tucks its head, arms, and legs into its shell as best it could to start rolling in front of them. 

Thankfully, due to its shell being too small, the Golem isn't able to roll as fast as others its size. Giving Akari enough time to dodge its bulldoze, and shout for Cascoon to dive out of the way. 

Cascoon manages to barely sneak out of the way of the Golem's path, with Akari diving to the other side of the Golem's path. 

The Golem keeps rolling in its path before crashing as a rock is in its path. The rock shatters with the Golem's force, and the Golem stands back up. Part of the Golem's shell falls off due to the force it hits the rock with, and Akari perks up. 

"While it's down, use acid spray!" Akari says, throwing an arm out to point at the Golem. Cascoon coos before its spikes explode with acid, all shouting straight towards the Golem. It doesn't seem to do much damage to the Golem, but the sticky string on its arm manages to drag up dirt. 

"String shot!" Akari orders, only to yelp as the Golem starts heading straight towards her and Cascoon. Akari dodges, but Cascoon does not manage to make it out this time. It squeals as it gets knocked away by the Golem. Akari bites at her lip so hard it might bleed. 

They might have gotten a little over their heads. 

"Cascoon!?" Akari calls. The little Pokemon squeaks, opening its eyes. It looks badly damaged, but it's not going to last too much longer. 

Akari feels her heart sink. It's just great. In the first battle she actually tries, she manages to fail completely. She shouldn't have battled; she should have grabbed Ash and booked it, forgot helping the Golem, and went back home with a solution for rich soil.

But no, she thinks Ash might be rubbing off on her a bit too much. 

Akari was so fixated on beating herself up for how this battle was going that she wasn't paying enough attention to her surroundings. She blinks, freezing up as she watches a rock being flung by the Golem getting closer and closer to her. 

Cascoon squeals. Akari braces for an attack, but she feels nothing. 

Akari blinks, looking at the rock that was currently being held back by a string shot like a web protecting her. 

Akari freezes in place. She needs to get her head in the game. Cascoon was relying on her to make the best decisions. She has to try. She can't give up. 

If Cascoon was willing to save her after getting it beat up, she was going to help it in any way she could. 

Akari looks at the Golem, which is gearing up for another attack. 

"Cascoon, use string shot by its feet," Akari says, pointing at the Golem's feet. Cascoon does so immediately, its spikes shooting out the string and wrapping it around the Golem's feet. The Golem stumbles, being unable to retract to roll anymore. It tries to dig into the ground with its other arm, but Akari shouts for another sting shot. 

The string wraps around its entire body, stopping the Golem from moving around easily. 

"Now Cascoon! Use pin missile!" Akari orders. Cascoon squeals, its spikes shooting out pins that attack the Golem's shell, hitting in between the rocks and wedging deep into the shell. 

A second passes. 

Then another. 

And then the Golem's shell came crumbling off, all of the rocks previously stuck to the Golem being set loose with the pin missile. Akari grins triumphantly as the Golem stands, the sticky string peeling off and allowing it to move. 

The Golem looks confused for a second before it seems to realize what Akari has done. 

The Golem steps towards Akari. Akari freezes, ready to dodge if it tries to attack. 

Instead, the Golem lowers its head; Akari pauses before reaching out to touch the Golem's head. 

It was like the Golem was thanking her for freeing it from its shell. 

Akari smiles; the Golem lifts its head before walking off, beading back up the path toward the top of the mountain. 

Akari grins at Cascoon, and it dives into her arms. Akari laughs at the wiggling Pokemon but lets it snuggle its way into Akari's arms. 

Cascoon was a good Pokemon. 

"That was a good battle!" 

"Gah!" Akari shouts, startled. She whips her head around to see Ash blinking curiously at her, Pikachu mirroring his expression. 

"You know, you could have helped," Akari says, annoyed. 

Ash shrugs, "I could have, but you and Cascoon had it handled." 

Akari huffs, frustrated. But she lets the tension bleed from her shoulders as she basks in the victory she and her Pokemon shared. 

Akari gives Cascoon another squeeze before letting it back onto the ground. 

"Let's grab a shell or two to take back to the village," Akari says to Ash. Ash agrees readily and plucks up one of the shells Akari has left behind. Akari grabs a different one, and the two return to the village, the village's problem now having a solution. 

Once they return to the village, Akari meets with the farm leader, presenting him the shells. 

"What's this?" Colza asks, furrowing his brows furrowing. 

"It's Golem shells," Ash explains. 

Akari nods, "Golem shells are, apparently, great fertilizers," 

 Colza blinks, plucking the shells up, "We'll test it, ground up the shells, and sprinkle it through a part of our farm. 

Akari nods, it didn't take long for their solution to prove fruitful, as Akari notices the next day, where the spot they planted the Golem shell was already sprouting plants. 

Akari's mother stands next to Akari, looking at their plants proudly as the rest of the farm workers ground up new shells to plant on the other part of the fields. 

Akari's mother brings Akari in for a half hug; Akari leans into it, placing her head on her mother's shoulder. 

"I'm proud of you, Akari." her mother says with a proud smile; Akari flushes at the obvious pride in her mother's voice. 

"Thanks, Mom," Akari says quietly, glancing over at Ash, where he was watching as Pikachu, Shinx, and Cascoon play with each other on the outskirts of where everyone else was. 

Akari looks at Cascoon, the first Pokemon she thinks she might be able to place her trust in to protect her. 

These were the days Akari greatly appreciates. 

Golem

Pokedex number 48

Rock ground type

Golem are sturdy Pokemon, often hard to get around. 

Once a year, Golem shed their shells to grow larger; these shells turn hard and brittle once fallen off. They provide excellent fertilizer for the plants around it. A good farmer collects Golem's shells to spread around their farm. 

When Golem start to grow out of their shell, they get it to break off by flinging themselves down a mountain to crack open their shells. They climb mountains by letting out explosions that let them jump extraordinarily high. 

Golem can retract its head and limbs into its shell so that it could roll at fast and dangerous speeds. Unfortunately, they don't have much control over how fast or where they roll. They often roll until they hit something. 

Golem who can't shed their skin -like old Golem or Golem that aren't able to pick up enough speed to crack open their shells- tend to grow moss on their shells. Golem who have trouble cracking open their shells tend to have powerful defensive abilities, however it hinders them long term and can even hurt them should they not be able to escape their shell. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

Shinx tries to focus as its trainer explains what it needs to do. It keeps wiggling from its sitting position, excited to finally get up and start battling. 

Except, apparently, that wasn't what they were going to do. 

"You see that pole, Shinx?" Its trainer, apparently named Ash as Pikachu, keeps correcting it, says. Shinx picks its paws up before pushing them back down into the sand, ready to just get on with it. 

They were in a place Ash said was Prelude Beach, just outside the village. It didn't understand why they needed to be outside the village to do this battling, apparently called training Pikachu said. It's to make us stronger, Pikachu said. 

It wants to get stronger, so even if it doesn't quite understand what they are doing, it is going to try its best!

"You're going to focus your thundershock into one place so you can aim better." Ash says, gesturing toward the pole, "That pole will attract your thundershock, so it's easier for you to get the handle of it."

Shinx tilts its head, confused at what it's supposed to do, but its tail wags regardless. 

Ash seems to notice its confusion and has Pikachu demonstrate. 

Pikachu hops off Ash's shoulder elegantly, landing by the marker Ash put out to mark where to stand behind. Pikachu sits on all fours, its tail raised as Ash rears up to order which pole where. The Drifloon, who haven't left as the sun starts rising, gather around them curiously. 

There are roughly 8 rods, numbered 1-8, going from left to right, scattered throughout the field area Ash marked out, ensuring all the wild Pokemon were safely out of the area. 

Shinx watches curiously as Ash starts calling out a number. 

"Three!" Ash calls. Pikachu's tail raises like a lightning rod as its cheeks spark, a thunderbolt crashing down onto the metal pole. 

"Seven and two!" Ash calls again. This time, Pikachu has to shift on its paws to aim at the two far-apart poles nearly simultaneously. Shinx's tail crashes onto the sand because of how hard it wags. 

"One!" Pikachu shifts in its paws, its tail flicking to connect with its ears to create a faster thunderbolt. 

"Five and six," Ash orders again. Pikachu snaps out two thunderbolts in quick succession. 

"Four!" Pikachu's cheeks were redder now, like it was starting to struggle slightly with the continuous thunderbolts but was strong enough to power through. 

"Now, hit eight with everything you've got!" Ash orders. Pikachu pats its cheek, gathering its electricity as its tail leans forward and its ears flick back before letting out a giant thunderbolt straight down onto the eighth pole. Sand picks up from how strong the Thunderbolt was, and the pole flies into some rocks before clattering down onto the sand. 

Pikachu pants, its cheeks sparking as it regains the electricity it lost. Shinx barks, excited to start its training. 

"Now you're not quite at that level for quick succession thunderbolts, so we'll just be working on condensing your thundershock and hitting the pole," Ash says, holding up a finger to wag; Shinx nearly pounces on the finger but sticks to batting at it with its paws. 

"Got it?" Ash asks; Shinx barks, ready to finally get started. 

"Alright, let's do this!" Ash says, throwing out an arm towards the sixth pole, the one that was closest and centered. 

Shinx barks, pouncing on its paws as it raises its tail like it saw Pikachu do. Shinx whips its tail around to gather the electricity before releasing it as soon as it gathers. 

Shinx closes its eyes to release it but quickly reopens them to see where the shocks go. 

To Shinx's annoyance, the electricity doesn't go anywhere in direction. 

It tries again, only for the same thing to happen. 

Shinx huffs annoyed it can't do the same as Pikachu yet. 

"Try again, Shinx." Ash gently says. Shinx huffs, widening its stance to try again. Its tail whips around, shocks growing from its tail. As soon as Shinx feels the thunder grow, it releases it, only for it to go in every direction, only a few bits of electricity connecting with the pole. 

Shinx huffs again, and Ash opens his mouth to suggest something before a person coming down the path cuts them off. 

"Ash!" The three look over to see the other trainer as she waves her arm. Apparently, that's how humans greet each other, Pikachu had told Shinx. 

"Hey Akari!" Ash grins. Apparently, when humans bare their teeth, it means they are happy. 

"The guards said I would find you out here," the other trainer, Akari, its trainer, had said; Shinx assumes it's the trainer's name, says. 

"What are you doing out here?" She asks, crossing her arms and cocking her head. 

"We're training!" Ash says, bouncing on his feet like Shinx pitter patters on its paws when it's excited. 

Shinx is distracted from the human's conversation as Pikachu and Cascoon start playing. Pikachu places its paws outwards to signal play, and the Cascoon coos and rocks back and forth. 

Shinx tries to ignore the two playing Pokemon, puffing out its chest and turning up its nose. It was too big to play!

But when Pikachu hops over, batting with its paw with a smug and mischievous grin, Shinx gasps. It can't hold in the urge to play anymore, and it pounces, aiming for Pikachu's tail, only for the tail to get swept away at the last second. 

Shinx gets swept away by the game, only partially paying attention to the people talking above them. 

Pikachu snickers as Shinx crashes onto the sand after failing to catch its tail. Cascoon coos, running after the two electric types. It struggles to keep up with the two energetic Pokemon. Still, it tries, and Pikachu helps by slowing down slightly for Cascoon. 

Shinx bats at Cascoon, skittering away as spikes protrude from Cascoon. 

The three Pokemon play like that until the humans start to head back to the village, and Pikachu hops from the ground to leap back onto the human's shoulder. 

Shinx prances next to the human, keeping its chest puffed out and its head held up high. It's going to be a strong Pokemon, so it should act like one. 

When they approach the gate towards the village, Cascoon is put back in its pokeball. Shinx feels too excited and hyped up to return to its pokeball today. 

When Shinx first went into its pokeball, it wasn't sure what to think about it, so it spent more time out of it than in it. But it's actually not that bad. It's pretty decent to sleep in—not as good as curling up next to a heat source, but still decent. And it feels like time moves faster in there. 

But it can be tedious when Shinx wants to pounce around and play. 

Thankfully, Shinx's trainer isn't like the ones it heard about. And even isn't like the trainer it's trainer likes to travel with. 

Shinx still finds the village odd. Its humans constantly glare at Shinx, but they also glare at Shinx's humans. This strikes Shinx as odd, but maybe if baring their teeth is the way humans express joy, then maybe glaring is another term of endearment. 

Shinx asks about it as the humans stop to talk as they find the man with the white coat. 

" The professor. " Pikachu corrects mildly, " And no, it's not something humans do to those they like. " 

Pikachu looks off, its ears twitching and a look of annoyance building. 

" The humans here don't really like pikapi. They think he's an omen of bad things to come. " Pikachu explains, looking frustrated about the other humans.

Shinx cocks its head. Why? Was the only question it had. 

Pikachu doesn't answer. Instead, it turns around and starts to play with the Cyndaquil. Shinx pouts at its question not being answered. 

"What's wrong with Captain Cyllene's Abra?" Akari asks, crossing her arms. Shinx listens in on the humans' conversation, even if it doesn't really understand it. 

"I've been hit by a bad case of insomnia. You see, Abra needs to sleep at least 18 hours a day to be healthy and strong," the professor says to the other two humans. 

Sleeping? For 18 hours a day? Sounds incredibly dull to Shinx. 

But soon enough, the humans were heading upstairs to the health area it stayed in after the zubat. 

When they head in there, there are two big trainers, bigger than Ash and his friend. Shinx assumes that's their evolution. 

"Captain Cyllene, Medic Joy." Akari nods at the two. That must be their names. 

"Akari, Ash." Captain Cyllene nods at the two. Shinx perks up and spots a Pokemon on the bed. Shinx ducks down before pushing off with its hind legs to try and reach the bed. It doesn't make it, falling back on the floor. Pikachu huffs next to it before shoving Shinx upwards with its head, throwing Shinx on the bed before gracefully leaping up to join it. 

Shinx sniffs at the Pokemon; it is an Abra. Its eyes were red, and it was clutching at its head. Shinx almost thought it was like that one Psyduck its mama fought off once. 

Shinx asks what's wrong with it, looking towards Pikachu. 

Pikachu's tail flicks, " It can't get any sleep, so it's hurting. " Pikachu tells it. 

" Why does not getting sleep hurt it? " Shinx asks Pikachu, who looks amused by the question. 

" Not getting sleep hurts most creatures, including you and me. But Abra needs more sleep so they can grow stronger. " Pikachu says, Shinx perks up. 

" So if I got a lot of sleep, I would grow stronger? " Shinx asks. Pikachu looks amused by the question. 

" Are you an Abra? " Pikachu asks with a smirk. Shinx's tail sinks as it pouts. 

" No... " Shinx whines. Pikachu rolls its eyes. 

" Getting enough sleep is useful, but your best bet will probably be to stick with pikapi and train, " Pikachu says, turning its head to look at Abra. 

Shinx pouts, but it wants to get stronger now!

Pikachu seems to sense its thoughts and reminds it, " Everything takes time. " 

Shinx thumps its tail against the bed. But Pikachu steps forward to include Abra in the conversation. 

" You okay? " Pikachu asks Abra. Abra whines, still clutching its head. 

" Hurts, hurts, hurts, " The Abra chants, occasionally letting out psychic waves that shake the bed and make Shinx wince. 

Pikachu grimaces, patting Abra with one of its front paws. 

Pikachu's ears twitch, and it looks over at the humans, obviously listening in on the conversation, so Shinx does as well. 

"-we help it?" Shinx hears its trainer ask. The Medic Joy looks sadly at the Abra. 

"Nothing to make Abra go back to sleep, but we do have some medicine that can treat the symptoms of insomnia, and hopefully, with those gone, Abra will be able to fall back asleep again." Medic Joys says as she plays with her half ponytail, "But that's medicine for humans; there's no telling if it'll work for Pokemon." 

Pikachu flicks its tail, its ears drooping. Shinx looks at the humans, all of the humans look sad, but on Captain Cyllene's face is something else. She looks angry, sad, and fearful. Everything at once. Shinx doesn't understand what that means. 

" She's worried for her Pokemon, " Pikachu explains to Shinx. “ She wants it to get better. " 

" I thought most humans didn't care about Pokemon? " Shinx says as it tilts its head. 

" Most, at least here, don't. But I think there are some good ones in the village. " Pikachu says, looking at Ash with a nostalgic smile. 

Shinx tilts its head, confused at Pikachu's sudden nostalgia, before it looks away. 

"Yeah, we can go gather the ingredients," Ash says, and Akari nods. Pikachu leaps from the bed to land on Ash's shoulder, its tail flicking back and forth. Shinx follows the tails movement, it crouches aiming an attack towards the tail. It stalks the moving limb, slowly creeping forward to attack. At the perfect time, Shinx pounces, only to fall to the floor as it has miscalculated the jump. Pikachu looks down at Shinx, entertained. 

One day, Shinx vows, one day. 

Apparently, they are leaving now as the humans make for the exit. Medic Joy keeps busy while Captain Cyllene sits vigil over her Pokemon's medic bed. 

" What are we doing? " Shinx asks Pikachu, its tail whipping around as it prances. 

" We're going to find ingredients for medicine that might help the Abra, " Pikachu says, slightly exasperated. 

Shinx nods as it understands what they were doing. But wait-

" Why are we helping Abra again? " Shinx asks. Pikachu rolls its eyes and doesn't answer. Shinx pouts but continues to prance along. 

Their open field path starts to turn forestry as they delve deeper into the obsidian fieldlands. 

Shinx looks around the forest path, the moist ground sinking slightly beneath its paws. Then Shinx spots a Starly. 

Shinx's tail wags as it spots the Starly up ahead in the path. It runs forward to try and pounce on it like it tried Pikachu's tail, but it notices and flies away quickly. 

Shinx huffs digs its paws into the ground, and swings its tail from side to side, looking for a different target. 

It finds another Starly, puffed up with feathers, by a bush. Shinx runs into the bush and pauses for a second before popping out, only to find that the Starly has flown off like the other one. 

Shinx huffs again, its tail drooping as it looks around for another potential Starly. 

When it spots another one, it's about to chase it again, only for Pikachu to leap off Ash's shoulder and land in Shinx's path.

" You're doing that wrong, " Pikachu says, looking at Shinx as Shinx skids to a stop, falling over and face-planting in the dirt in the process. 

" Doing what wrong? " Shinx asks, a bit frustrated. Pikachu tilts its head towards the Starly. 

" Terrorizing the Starly, you're doing it wrong, " Pikachu says, turning towards the Starly and letting Shinx step to sit next to it. 

" You're supposed to keep your body low to the ground, " Pikachu says as it crouches to lie as flat as possible on the ground. Shinx mimics it, crouching down as its tail whips back and forth. 

" You should keep your tail still. Wagging it will attract attention and scare the Starly off, " Pikachu says, showing that its tail should be flat and straight, not attracting any movement or attention. Shinx does the same, trying to lower its ears like Pikachu, but its ears aren't as flexible as Pikachu's and won't lie flat against its head like Pikachu's. 

" Keep your eyes on the Starly and slowly approach; if you move too fast, it'll get startled. " Pikachu teaches as it slowly creeps toward the unsuspecting Starly. Shinx tries to, too, but it gets bored after about 15 seconds and just bursts forward to try and catch the Starly with speed. 

Pikachu's tail thumps against the ground as Shinx disrupts all of their progress. 

Pikachu looks at Shinx with a sort of disappointed and annoyed look.

Shinx shrugs. 

" It was slow! I got bored! " Shinx protests and Pikachu rolls its eyes. 

" You need to learn patience, " Pikachu grumbles before darting up the path to catch up with the humans who were making pleasant conversation. 

" But patience is boring! " Shinx complains, and Pikachu scoffs. 

" Patience is important. " Pikachu insists. Shinx grumbles as it finally catches up to the bigger Pokemon. 

" How would you even know how to catch a Starly, " Shinx grumbles, and Pikachu rolls its eyes as it hears that. 

" I used to be wild too, you know, " Pikachu informs, this takes Shinx by surprise. 

It doesn't know why, but it just assumed Pikachu was always a caught Pokemon. It doesn't act like any of the other Pikachu Shinx has seen, so it assumed it was always with Ash. 

" Really? " Shinx asks, eyes blown wide as it bounds next to Pikachu. Pikachu glances at Shinx weirdly. 

" What, did you think I was always a trainers pokemon? " Pikachu asks. Shinx nods. 

" Yeah! You don't act anything like other Pikachu, I know! " Shinx says Pikachu snorts. 

" And how many Pikachu do you know? " Pikachu asks, amused. Shinx pauses; it's got a point. 

" But still! " Shinx insists, " What's a pack of Pikachu like? " 

" I'm not sure; I've never really stayed in one for long, " Pikachu says, and Shinx tilts its head. 

" What about your family? " Shinx asks. Pikachu glances off, a bit sad and a bit nostalgic on its face. 

" I was raised by a group of Kangaskhan ," Pikachu says. Shinx tilts its head again. 

" What's a Kangaskhan? " It's never heard of that before, not even from stories it's mama told. 

" A Kangaskhan is a type of Pokemon that doesn't live in this region. A very mothering type, they took in pretty much however stumbled in their pack. " Pikachu says fondness in its voice. 

" Why'd you leave? " Shinx asks, its tail wagging back and forth. 

" I didn't leave willingly. I was caught. By a different trainer. " Pikachu's eyes turn angry as it thinks about the trainer that caught it. Shinx's tail wag slows. 

" You... didn't want to be a trained Pokemon? " Shinx asks. It makes no sense. Pikachu always seemed to enjoy being with Ash, so did it really not like being trained? 

" Not at first. I didn't have very good trainers at the start. " Pikachu says, obviously not wanting to talk about it. 

" What were they like? " Shinx asks, wondering if what Pikachu said really was true. If Shinx just got lucky and found one of the only good trainers in the world. 

" I don't remember most of 'em. Most gave me up after a few days. " Pikachu shrugs. Shinx frowns and waits for Pikachu to continue. 

" But the first one, the first one I'll always remember, " Pikachu says, its eyes darkening and its face becoming angry. 

" They only cared about being stronger, and if you weren't strong enough, you were discarded like trash, " Pikachu says bitterly, but it pauses and takes a second to calm down. 

" But that's in the past, and now I have one of the best trainers in the world, " Pikachu says simply. Shinx watches Pikachu, its words washing over it. 

Shinx looks ahead towards the forest path. 

Pikachu's first trainer sounds a little bit like its mama, but Shinx holds its head up high. It'll show everyone how strong it is!

Pikachu leaps back up onto Ash's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek slightly. Ash reaches up and scratches Pikachu's chin while continuing down the forest path. Shinx continues to bound forward, spotting a moving tail in the bushes. Shinx pounces on it, surprisingly catching it. This catches the humans' attention. 

Shinx opens its mouth to bite down on the tail, only for the humans to shout out in alarm. 

"An Abra!" Ash shouts, his surprise turning to happiness. The tail beneath Shinx pops away from existence, and Shinx looks around, confused. 

" Where'd it go!? " Shinx whines. Pikachu hops down from Ash's shoulder. 

" It teleported, " Pikachu says, " but we seem to be getting closer to knowing where the ingredient is, " Pikachu mutters.

" What ingredient again? " Shinx asks, tilting its head. 

" The ingredient for the sick Abra is a Magost berry. Apparently, some Abra will carry them around. " Pikachu fills Shinx in. Shinx hums, still confused about what they are doing. 

" So we need to fight Abra? " Shinx asks. Pikachu shakes its head. 

" No, we need to sneak up on one. Abra will teleport away if they hear us or if we try to attack. But if we startle them, they'll drop the berry. " Pikachu says as it looks around for another Abra. 

The humans do as well, and Shinx joins them, its tail thumping against the ground as it wags. 

Shinx spots a yellow clump, and it perks up. Pikachu notices, but it is a little too slow to stop Shinx from darting towards Abra.

" Wait-! " Pikachu rushes after Shinx, but it's too late. Abra knows they're coming and teleports away. However, Shinx and Pikachu are a bit too close to Abra and are teleported away with it. 

Shinx yelps as it lands roughly on the ground. It hears Pikachu land not far away, and Pikachu quickly scampers up to look around. 

Shinx gets up less quickly; it glances around from where it was laid, only to see a large group of Abra all scattered around the field. Pikachu's ears are upright as its head looks back and forth, probably listening for its trainer. Shinx gets to its paws, looking around worriedly. 

Its tail starts to tuck as it slowly shifts to be closer to Pikachu. 

Shinx glances around at all the Abra, all who could decide to attack should they realize they outnumbered the two electric types of Pokemon twenty to one. 

Pikachu stops looking around for Ash, instead sitting back on its hind legs as it frowns. It doesn't look nearly as scared as Shinx feels. 

" It looks like we got teleported by that Abra. " Pikachu hums. It looks around again, this time absorbing the Abra spread around them.

" It looks like we'll have to go find our trainer, " Pikachu says as it turns and starts walking in one direction. 

" How will we know we're walking in the right direction? " Shinx asks, quickly catching up with Pikachu. 

" We don't, we walk, " Pikachu says rather shortly. Shinx frowns. 

" But what if one of the Abra attacks? " Shinx asks. Pikachu seems annoyed with Shinx. 

" We'll deal with it if it happens." Pikachu snaps slightly, and Shinx tucks its tail at the tone. 

Shinx continues glancing at the asleep Abra around them, feeling as if it had stumbled inside a Usraluna den, " but what if- " Shinx is cut off by Pikachu's patience snapping. 

" Enough! " Pikachu snaps, frustration evident in its voice. " Enough with the what-ifs! We wouldn't have been in this mess if you had not charged after that Abra like a wild Taurus! Now I'm trying to get us out of this mess that you got us in ." 

Shinx inches away from Pikachu, its tail tucked as it tries to make itself smaller after Pikachu's outburst, whining softly. 

Pikachu looks at Shinx and softens, looking away as its annoyance seeps away. 

" Sorry, I didn't mean to snap, " Pikachu says. Shinx stops whining and untucks its tail slightly. But it doesn't get closer to Pikachu. 

"I'm sorry I got us into this mess ," Shinx says meekly. Pikachu sighs. 

" It's fine. You're still a pup. I should've expected it. " Pikachu apologizes, still not looking at Shinx. 

Shinx slowly nods, and Pikachu gestures for them to start moving. 

" Come on, the sooner we get out of this den, the sooner we'll find Pikapi, " Pikachu says. Shinx follows. It stays quiet as it follows Pikachu, still slightly down from Pikachu's yelling. 

It follows Pikachu uneasily as they walk until the sun in the sky reaches its peak, and Shinx starts slowing down, its stomach rumbling. 

" You hungry? " Pikachu asks, slowing in its pace to match with Shinx's. 

Shinx's tail sinks. It doesn't want to slow down Pikachu, especially not after getting them in this mess. 

" No. " Shinx shakes its head, Pikachu gives it a doubtful look, and Shinx doubles down: " Really! I'm not !" 

Pikachu huffs, " Well, I am, so let's go find a berry tree. " 

Shinx follows Pikachu, raising its tail. It is hungry, but it is glad Pikachu is, too, and Shinx isn't slowing it down. 

They walk to the nearest tree they can find. The area is still infested with Abra, so the two have to watch their steps to reach the tree. 

There didn't seem to be any berries in the tree, but Pikachu didn't seem to mind. Pikachu hops up the branches to look around the tree and at the nearby landscape. 

Shinx watches from the bottom of the tree, unable to climb like Pikachu can.

Pikachu jumps off the tree, gesturing with its head. 

" There's a berry pile nearby. I think they might be Magost berries, " Pikachu says, and Shinx perks up. 

" That's the berry we were looking for, right? " Shinx asks. Pikachu nods, and Shinx bounces on its paws. 

Pikachu heads towards the berries. Shinx also tries to, but it trips and falls on its face. 

"Ab-abra," Shinx freezes when it hears the disgruntled grumbling of an Abra being woken up. It freezes even more when it realizes that the Abra has spotted it and is very grumpy at being woken up. 

Shinx yelps as its paws leave the ground, being picked up with psychic powers. Shinx lets out a thundershock, but it doesn't hit the Abra; it is too spread out and does not have enough aim. 

Shinx continues to let out shocks, but none hit. Abra gears up an attack for Shinx. 

Shinx winces, preparing for the hit. Only for nothing to come. Abra yelps, dropping its psychic hold as a thunderbolt crashes next to it. 

Shinx is dropped to the ground, quickly scrambling away from the now very angry Abra. 

A shadow passes over Shinx. Shinx stops running, looking at the shadow. 

Pikachu was standing a few paces ahead of Shinx, staring the Abra down. 

Shinx yelps as the Abra tries to use its psychic powers to attack Pikachu, but Pikachu uses a thunderbolt, cutting the Abra off and knocking it away. 

Shinx watches in awe as Pikachu continues to use Thunderbolt to stop the Abra from moving towards them. The Abra glares at Pikachu but floats away a few feet. Pikachu puffs out its chest, and the Abra takes a glance at Pikachu before turning, taking its defeat. 

" Woah… " Shinx says, its eyes wide and its tail wagging furiously. Pikachu didn't even need to hit the Abra directly for it to leave! It just needed to be hit in the right spot!

" How do you do your thunderbolts like that? " Shinx immediately asks, darting forward to be beside Pikachu instead of behind it. Pikachu seems taken aback for a second. 

" Uh, what? " Pikachu asks, obviously still on guard for any other threats. But in Shinx's puppy-like excitement, it doesn't register. 

" Your Thunderbolt! When I try to attack, it goes everywhere. " Shinx says. It knows Pikachu knows. It was there this morning when Shinx failed at the training. 

Pikachu blinks, catching up in the conversation that the excitable electric type barrels through. 

" I just kind of do it, " Pikachu says, narrowing its eyes before looking away from Shinx. Shinx hasn't spent a lot of time with Pikachu, at least not as much as it has with its siblings since birth, but Shinx is starting to pick up on the fact that when Pikachu does that, it means it's thinking, not ignoring Shinx. 

Pikachu thinks about many things Shinx has started to pick up on. 

It thinks about the village, it thinks about the Pokemon around them, it thinks about itself. But by far, the most Pikachu thinks about, is its trainer. Ash, or as Pikachu likes to call him, Pikapi. 

Pikachu worries about Ash a lot. It fusses over him sometimes like a mama Luxray. It glares right back at the people who glare at its trainer. It sits vigil on Ash's shoulder, ready to attack if anything happens. 

Despite all that, Pikachu trusts Ash more than anything else in the world. It knows that Ash will always be there for it, just as it will always be there for Ash. That's why Pikachu pushes itself so hard to be the best partner it can be for its trainer.

Shinx watches Pikachu with curiosity. It wonders what having such a strong bond with a trainer would be like. It's still getting used to the idea of being a trained Pokémon itself, but seeing Pikachu's loyalty and dedication makes it feel a little less uncertain.

Pikachu seems to have reached a conclusion and looks back at Shinx, posing its own question. 

" How do you feel when you use thundershock? " Pikachu asks, tilting its head. It takes a second for Shinx to process the question, and before it can answer, Pikachu gestures for the two to continue walking. Shinx hops to keep pace with Pikachu as it tries to answer. 

" I dunno, I feel the electricity building and then release it. " Shinx shrugs, Pikachu nods, like it had expected that answer. 

" I thought so. I used to have the same problem when I was in the middle of learning Thunderbolt. Sometimes, it would completely go everywhere, and other times, it would go exactly where I wanted it to go. " Pikachu says, and Shinx wags its tail. 

" Next time you try to use your electricity, try holding it in for a second before letting go. If you hold it in, you'll be able to think where you want it to go and aim better. " Shinx is about to complain, but it bites its tongue. It doesn't want to have to wait to attack, but then it remembers why they were in an Abra-infested field—because Shinx couldn't wait. 

Besides, if that was what got Pikachu so strong, maybe it should try that. 

Shinx prances next to Pikachu, and Pikachu leads Shinx towards the berry pile. 

Shinx's stomach grumbles, and Shinx pouts. " I'm hungry! " Shinx complains. 

Pikachu huffs out a laugh, " I thought you weren't hungry? " Pikachu teases. 

Shinx looks away, embarrassed at being called out. 

It doesn't take long before the berry pile starts being visible. Shinx perks up when it spots them and immediately starts running towards it. It gets a few yards ahead of Pikachu before it slows, realizing it is rushing in again. It was about to turn around and head back to Pikachu, only to realize that in the time it had slowed, and Pikachu had run past it. Shinx watches as Pikachu races past it, Pikachu stops abruptly, turning around to give Shinx a daring look, challenging it to a race. Shinx perks up, its tail wagging furiously. 

Shinx starts running after Pikachu, occasionally letting out barks and yips as it chases the electric mouse. 

Shinx nearly catches up to Pikachu, only for Pikachu to suddenly veer right and Shinx to suddenly run head-first into the berry pile. 

"Shinx!" Shinx yelps, poking its head from the pile. Pikachu grins at Shinx from outside the pile. Shinx pouts, and Pikachu responds by grabbing a berry and biting into it. 

Shinx follows Pikachu's lead and grabs its own berry, eating it as its tail wags. 

The Magost berry tastes good, if a bit bitter. Soon enough, after about three berries, Shinx was full and looking around again for where they were going to go next as Pikachu finished its berry. 

Once Pikachu finishes, it grabs a berry, holding it in its front paws. Shinx realizes Pikachu is grabbing a berry for their trainer when they find him. Shinx grabs a berry with its mouth; it goes to ask Pikachu what they are going to do next, only to realize that it can't speak with the berry in its mouth. Shinx's tail flicks as it thinks over how to carry the berry so it can talk and carry it. It notices Pikachu walking on its hind legs and tries to mimic it. Spitting the berry out as it tries to stand on its hind legs. It wobbles around before falling back onto its back after failing at standing on its hind legs. 

Pikachu snorts, " Maybe it's better to stay on four legs ." Pikachu says with a teasing glint in its eyes. Shinx pouts and is about to respond before Pikachu suddenly freezes.

Suddenly, Pikachu's ears go rigid, and Pikachu swivels its head around. 

Shinx watches the movement curiously, its ears perking up as it tries to hear the same thing Pikachu does. Pikachu is looking at a particular spot in the nearby forest canopy, so Shinx looks that way, its tail straight as it raises a paw. 

Shinx spots something yellow suddenly surge from the canopy; it doesn't get to see anything else before Pikachu grabs the scruff of its neck and drags it to a nearby bush. 

Shinx makes a confused sound before it spots the creature that has surged from the canopy. 

It was an Alakazam, its eyes red as its body towered over the sleeping Abra. A pile of Magost berries is dropped via telekinesis by the Alakazam. An alpha alakazam if its eyes were anything to go off of. 

Shinx watches as it closes its eyes, and Pikachu stiffens next to it. But they were hidden, so it should be fine, right?

It was not, Shinx realizes as the Alakazam turns, like it saw them. Shinx freezes, its tail tucking beneath its legs. 

" Can we battle it? " Shinx asks Pikachu, unsure if it would be able to. 

" It's best not, " Pikachu says before tilting its head as the Alakazam starts floating towards them. “ I'll distract it. You go grab a few Magost berries and prepare to run. "

Shinx freezes, its tail tucking further. It tries to protest, but Pikachu is already darting out from their hiding spot. Attracting the Alakazam's attention. Shinx watches as Pikachu darts around the field, dodging the psychic attacks the Alakazam throws at it. The commotion starts waking a few Abra, who are upset at being awoken, and start directing their attention to Pikachu as well. The Alakazam holds up one of its spoons, a psychic blast shooting straight towards Pikachu, but Pikachu jumps before it hits. It twists in the air to dodge an Abra's attack. Mid-twist Pikachu makes eye contact with Shinx, gesturing for it to start moving. Shinx looks to the berries, realizing Pikachu won't be able to keep their attention for long. Shinx thinks back to what Pikachu said earlier, tail straight, lean down, slow and steady. Shinx slowly creeps out from the bush, trying its best not to attract attention. It freezes when an Abra glances over it, but the fact that Shinx was moving so slowly meant that the Abra quickly turned back to the disturbance. 

Shinx slowly manages to make it to the berries, much more successfully than it was with the Starly. When it reaches the berry pile, it grabs one with its mouth and, for good measure, grabs one with its tail. Shinx looks for Pikachu, who is still distracting the herd of Abra and Alakazam. It seems a few Kadabra have joined after the Alakazam let out a cry that attracted attention. 

Shinx looked over at the perfect time to see the Alakazam let out two psychic blasts, one that made Pikachu dive over it. Still, the second landed right by where Pikachu was landing, sending Pikachu tumbling away. A Kadabra takes the chance to charge up a blast, a blast Pikachu wouldn't be able to dodge should it hit. Shinx freezes, its tail tucking as it realizes that Pikachu couldn't avoid it. The explosion was still charging up, and Shinx didn't know what to do. It couldn't dodge like Pikachu could, and it was too far away to use thundershock and be effective. A thunderbolt like what Pikachu did earlier would be effective. It would make the Kadabra misaim and Pikachu would be up to running. But Pikachu can't attack right now, so Shinx feels helpless as it watches the Kadabra build up energy. 

But Shinx's tail shocks against its legs without meaning to. 

It's an electric type, too. It should be able to use Thunderbolt. 

Pikachu needed one, and Shinx had to. 

Shinx raises its tail, remembering what Pikachu said about Thunderbolt. It builds up electricity in its tail. It takes a second to imagine where it wants the Thunderbolt's path to be. Then, it releases it, the thunder crackling through the air. 

Shinx watches as the thunder it releases combines into a single entity. The thunder dances across the field before crashing down right in front of the Kadabra. A half-second later, the psychic blast fires out, making the blast fire back onto the Kadabra. The Kadabra shoots across the field from the blast. Shinx watches in awe—it worked!

Unfortunately, Shinx may have forgotten that it was supposed to be sneaky, and now the Alakazam and Abra have turned to Shinx. Shinx freezes, its tail extending and back raising at its claws protruding. Thankfully, Pikachu had recovered before the Alakazam could start to attack. It darts past the Abra, grabbing Shinx by the scruff of its neck as it races away. 

Shinx hears a terrifying yell from the Alakazam, but Pikachu continues running. Trees in the distance crackle and pop as the Alakazam tries to chase after them. However, their size makes it challenging to maneuver through the brush like the two electric types. Pikachu eventually lets go of Shinx's scruff, allowing Shinx to run independently. The two berries are still held tightly by Shinx, except one is a little charred from being wrapped around its tail while firing off an attack. 

When they get far enough away that the crackling of distant trees being snapped like twigs by the Alakazam stops, Pikachu slows, and Shinx copies it. Shinx was panting, trying to breathe past the berry before Pikachu grabbed the berry to allow Shinx more breathing room. 

Shinx breathes deeply as it tries to catch its breath. Pikachu is in a similar state but not as severe. 

" You learned thunderbolt ," Pikachu says. Shinx blinks, still trying to breathe. Shinx's tail starts wagging as it perks up. 

" I did learn thunderbolt ." Shinx realizes with awe in its voice. Its tail is the only movement in its body as it realizes it learned Thunderbolt, its earlier actions crashing down on it suddenly. 

" I did learn thunderbolt! " Shinx beams, suddenly exploding with movement and startling Pikachu as Shinx bounces around. Its tail wagging so fast that Shinx is surprised it can even be seen. Shinx pounces around as it prances around Pikachu, ecstatic with its victory. 

It learned Thunderbolt! 

It got stronger!

Shinx is so happy! It feels like it could take on anything. 

Pikachu huffs, a grin widening on its face as Shinx's excitement rubs off on it. 

Shinx grins, spreading its paws and raising its tail to start firing off thunderbolts in no particular spot. Pikachu stops it before it can begin using Thunderbolt. 

" Okay, let's not start using that now, " Pikachu says, waving a paw in front of Shinx and moving the Magost berry to the other paw to do so. 

Shinx pouts, leaning back to sit on the ground, its berry still wrapped around its tail. 

" We still gotta find Pikapi, remember? " Pikachu reminds, and Shinx blinks. 

Oh yeah. It had forgotten. 

Pikachu gestures with its head, " Let's get walking. " 

Shinx nods, following Pikachu. It didn't take long before Pikachu's ears straighten. 

Shinx watches as Pikachu moves its head around, listening for something. Pikachu suddenly beams, its head turning towards a specific direction. 

" It's Pikapi! " Pikachu beams, running off. Shinx laughs as it follows Pikachu through the trees and fieldlands. After about a minute of running, Shinx starts to hear faint yelling. 

The voice was calling Pikachu and Shinx; Shinx realized it was Ash quickly. 

Shinx perks up when it spots Ash through a clearing. It barks, attracting Ash's attention. The other human is next to him, looking concerned as Ash calls out for the two. 

"Pikapi!" Pikachu yells, jumping off from the ground to land in their trainer's arms. Ash grins, baring all of his teeth as he hugs Pikachu. 

"Pikachu! Shinx!" Ash shouts, scooping Shinx up in his arm as Pikachu shifts to his shoulder. Shinx is wiggling so much, as its tail wacks against Ash happily, that it makes it difficult for Ash to hold it. Shinx barks happily, and Ash laughs as he struggles to hold Shinx. Pikachu nuzzles its cheek against Ash's, sharing shocks between the two. 

"Where did you guys go?" Ash asks, a happy smile on his face. Pikachu shows the Magost berry it was holding while Shinx raises its tail. 

“Magost berries!” Akari blinks. 

Ash huffs, "Guess you two had your own adventure." 

Pikachu and Shinx share grins with each other. 

"Well, at least we can go make that medicine for Abra," Akari says. Ash nods, letting Shinx go. They start to walk back to the village, and the girl takes the berries from Pikachu and Shinx. Shinx feels proud as it prances from next to Ash, occasionally veering off to try and sneak up on Starly it finds. Soon enough, the four make it back to the village, immediately heading towards the med bay, where the humans continue to talk as Medic Joy works to make the medicine. The Abra they met earlier is still holding its head, the psychic blasts growing weaker with time as it continues to chant the same word repeatedly, occasionally with a short sentence thrown in. 

" Hurts, hurts, hurts. Can't sleep. Hurts, hurts, hurts. " the Abra cries, obviously in pain. Shinx winces at the Abra's discomfort, staying next to Pikachu. 

Once Medic Joy finishes the medicine, Captain Cyllene gently feeds the Abra, patting the Abra softly as she feeds it the mixture. 

The Abra relaxes after a few minutes as Captain Cyllene gently holds the Abra, the medicine taking effect. Captain Cyllene lets out a sigh of relief as the Abra slowly falls asleep, the medicine relaxing Abra enough to allow it to sleep again. 

Ash and the other human girl are shooed out of the medical bay under the orders to let Abra sleep. 

"Captain Cyllene seemed really worried about Abra." Ash comments and Akari nods. 

"Captain Cyllene had Abra before I even started training. She caught it during her own survey days." Akari says to Ash as the two walk outside the door. Pikachu hops off Ash's shoulder as the two go to rest at the wallflower, as Pikachu calls it. 

Shinx watches Pikachu's tail as it flicks, and the two humans continue to talk about the Abra. It seems that the Abra will get better now that its brief bout of insomnia has been cured. 

Shinx lowers its body, its tail going flat as it slowly approaches Pikachu's tail. It gets just close enough to pounce before Shinx dives towards the tail. Before Shinx can pounce on the tail, it is suddenly moved out of the way. Shinx grunts as it dives into the bench roughly, its mark being missed. 

It looks up to see Pikachu as it flicks its tail, a grin on its face. 

" Not quite, " Pikachu says, a teasing glint in its eyes. Shinx pouts as it lies on the table. 

One day, it vows, one day. 

Abra 

Pokedex number 58

Psychic type

Abra is the beginning stage of a powerful psychic type pokemon family. Abra must sleep for at least 18 hours a day, or their psychic powers start to grow weak. 

However, despite being asleep for the majority of the day, these Pokemon are still powerful opponents. If they sense danger telepathically, they will teleport away. The deeper they sleep, the farther they teleport. Sometimes Abra will panic themselves by waking in strange places they teleported to in their sleep. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Kadabra

Pokedex number 59

Psychic type

Kadabra is a powerful evolution to Abra. Its psychic powers are much stronger than its baby counterpart. Being able to induce headaches, mess with clocks, and destroy machinery. Should a Kadabra make its way inside the village it becomes quite a nuisance. 

Kadabra holds a silver spoon in its hand, which is used to amplify its psychic waves. Without said spoon, its psychic powers are limited to half its strength. Kadabra will not accept any other spoon besides its own, and you will not find any gold spoon a Kadabra holds. 

Because of their increased strength, Kadabra does not need to sleep as long as they did before evolution, reducing their daily sleeping habits to only 12 hours. When they sleep, they use their psychic powers to levitate and rest on their springy tail. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Alakazam 

Pokedex number 60

Psychic type

Alakazam is the last Pokemon in its family line. A slightly humanoid figure with strong psychic abilities. 

Alakazam can use all forms of psychic abilities. After countless hours watching Alakazam, we suspect that their heads are too heavy for their body, leading to them holding their head up using psychic abilities. With their weak muscles, they prefer psychic abilities and attacks over physical ones. 

An overflow of psychic abilities can cause headaches or minor disturbances to those around the Alakazam.

It's thought that its brain increases in size continuously until it dies. It's unknown if that limits their lifespans. But it does show that they have excellent memories due to this. 

By closing its eyes, the Alakazam can heighten all of its other senses, allowing it to hear even the faintest of noises. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

Akari huffs as she walks through the village, glancing around as she looks for Ash. He's grown a habit of exploring the village in the morning before he and Akari get their assignments for the day. Unfortunately, Ash is not great at showing up on time. Lately she's had to fetch him from prelude beach where she'll find Ash training with Shinx, or he'll just be relaxing with the Drifloon. Other times Akari has to fetch him from the farming lands. The field hands have grown quite fond of Ash after the two helped fertilize the farm. And he's always happy to lend a few hands, no matter the task. So they love him, unfortunately the guards of the fieldlands do not. Always hovering over him whenever too close to the fieldlands, or outright banning him away from the fields. 

Maybe she should show Ash the training grounds, that way she doesnt have to walk all the way to Prelude Beach to find him. 

Akari spots Ash by the gate, talking with Dorian, one of the gate guards. She hones in on the conversation, it at least seems friendly. Many of those in the security corps dont like Ash, but there are a select few who are friendly enough. 

She wonders how Zisu will react to Ash. Akari hums as she continues walking to the gate before nodding once. Yeah, she'll show Ash the training grounds. 

“-have a Buizel?” Dorian asks, sounding surprised.

“Yup! Although my friend was the one who originally caught it.” Ash nods, Dorian seemed impressed. 

“I thought Buizel attacked on sight. How'd your friend catch it?” Dorian asks, still keeping an eye on the space behind Ash as the gate guard is supposed to do. 

“Well it took Buizel knocking out three pokemon and my friend proving her strength to it before it let itself be captured after a battle.” Ash explains, Pikachu nods from Ash's shoulder. Ash and Pikachu share a grin, like they were remembering something fond. 

Akari is about to make herself known as the conversation continues only for the other gate guard to snap at the two. 

“You really shouldn't distract the guards from their jobs.” Kew, the other gate guard, snaps. Ash and dorian turn to him, both looking confused. But Ash's shoulder droops a little when he sees Kew's glare. 

“It was just a small conversation on Buizel, I wasn't distracted.'' Dorian says, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow at his coworker. 

Ash looks awkward as he scratches the back on his neck. Pikachu glares straight back at Kew. 

Akari steps forward again, stepping into view as she crosses her arms with a frown. 

“I just think we should be focusing on guarding the gate, not talking with outsiders.” Kew says, Dorian frowns deeper and Ash looks down right uncomfortable at the scrutiny. 

“Are you saying i'm not guarding the gate well enough?'' Dorian asks, now downright scowling at Kew. 

“Were supposed to be guarding the gate from threats, and yet were letting one barge right into the galaxy corps team.” Kew rolls his eyes, still glaring daggers at Ash. 

Akari scoffs and Ash just looks anywhere but kew. 

“Come on Ash, we've got to go get our assignments.” Akari says pointedly, reminding Kew that Ash was a part of the survey team. 

Akari walks off, waving at Dorian as he waves goodbye at the two severy corps. 

“So, any idea what we're doing today?” Ash asks, Akari shrugs. 

“The professor’s got nothing for us, we're free to do whatever today.” Akari says, Ash raises an eyebrow. No doubt questioning why she lied to Kew about the two needing to get their assignments if they didn't have any assignments. Akari shrugs, and doesn't answer the glance. 

“Anyways, I was thinking of showing you the training grounds.” Akari says, Ash tilts his head, Pikachu mirroring his movement. 

“Jubilife village has a training ground?” Ash asks, sounding surprised. 

Akari looks at him weird, “of course we have training grounds, how would we train to become survey or security corps otherwise?”

“I just thought with how much everyone seemed to hate pokemon…” Ash trails off and Akari shrugs slightly, fair enough. 

Akari takes Ash through the undeveloped part of the village, there's plans to build new buildings there, but the construction corps were short a few hands after a few were hurt from the panic after the Kricketot fiasco. 

Less people, less glares aimed at her friend. But soon enough people will start to realize that Ash is helping, and that he won't bring some catastrophic danger onto them. 

Ash would prove himself to the village in time, like he already has for Akari, Professor Laventon, and Captain Cyllene. 

Akari leads Ash up the hill to the training grounds, pointedly not acknowledging Lady Lucille who glares viciously at Ash. She's been one of the most vocal about her hate towards the outsider, she's one of the closest people they have to a pastor as she often cares for the shrine to Sinnoh Above. And if you wish to be blessed with safety Lady Lucille will give charms to help. But she says Sinnoh Above was growing angry with them, for housing such a suspicious outsider. 

Akari finds it absurd. 

Thankfully Ash doesn't seem to see the glare, instead looks around the training area. He seems excited at the idea of the training grounds, ignoring the people who glare at Ash or flee from the place as the outsider steps inside. 

Akari rolls her eyes as she sees a couple of the security corps flee, some security they were, scared of a teenager. 

Although that might not be giving Ash enough credit, considering he managed to defeat an alpha pokemon just an hour after learning what an alpha pokemon was. 

Eh, still cowardly to Akari. The survey corps are much better than the security corps anyway, in Akari's opinion. 

Ash looks around happily as Pikachu jumps off Ash's shoulder to look around as well. 

“No need to head to prelude beach to train anymore, we have a perfectly functional training grounds instead.” Akari says, now she won't have to go searching for Ash in the mornings. Well, she probably will still have to, but now she won't have to walk all the way to Prelude Beach. 

“Hey Akari!” Akari looks over as she hears Ash shout, she finds him on the opposite side of the field, “how about a battle?” 

Akari hums, she's still not very confident about battling, so a practice battle is not a bad idea, however-

“Cascoon is pretty worn out, I don't wanna wear it out more.'' After the long day they had yesterday, Akari doesn't want to push it. 

“What about your Pikachu?” Ash asks curiously, “I haven't seen you battle with it yet.” 

Akari huffs, placing her hands on her hips. 

“That Pikachu cares for nothing except itself,” Akari huffs, “it would rather shock me than any opponent.” 

Akari peers at Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, “though I would like to grow closer with it, but not unless that rat stops being so obnoxious.” 

Ash snorts, Pikachu rolls its eyes. 

“I find that the best way to gain common ground with a pokemon is to battle, why don't you give it a shot?” Ash suggests and Akari frowns. She supposes the only way to be able to improve her and Pikachu's relation is to work at it, if only it wasn't so stubborn and refuse to follow any order. 

Still, she concedes, and she pulls out Pikachu's pokeball, already knowing it was a lost cause. She lets the little demon out of its pokeball, and it appears before her quickly. Pikachu looks around lazily, Akari almost scoffs, knowing that should it have been a battle or an emergency she brought Pikachu out into, it would have done the same. 

Pikachu looks down at the training field, then up at Akari. Before it smirks, and crosses its arms, looking away and sitting down, facing away from Akari. 

“Biga!” Pikachu says, and Akari groans, knowing it was a mistake. 

She glares at Ash, who doesn't look sheepish in the slightest. 

“We're battling.” Akari says sternly. She wants to be as good at battling as Ash, to help complete the pokedex. And this is the first step. 

“Bigaa!” Pikachu refuses, and Akari groans. 

“Look, i'm giving you a target to shock, do you want to shock something or not?” Akari says plainly, Pikachu looks over at her. Mischief coats its eyes and Akari immediately regrets it when shocks start to pour from Pikachu's cheeks, connecting with the closest object. Akari. 

Akari yelps as she gets shocked by Pikachu, falling over as her muscles clench and spasm. 

The shocks recede but it takes a few seconds for Akari to stop twitching. 

“Not me!” Akari shouts at Pikachu when she regains control of her body. 

She glances over at Ash, who had put a hand over his mouth (probably to hide a smile, she knows.) as he watches the two partners. 

Ash seems to take his cue as he lets out Shinx. The electric pokemon barks as it is free from its pokeball, prancing in a circle before sitting as its tail wag. 

See, that's a good, loyal, pokemon. Not the lazy, obnoxious, arrogant rat she has the unpleasantness of being partnered with.   

Sinnoh above, when Professor Laventon offered her a pokemon, she should have chosen rowlet. 

Pikachu looks over at Shinx, its mischief draining away to glare at the pup. Pikachu stands on its paws again, suddenly ready to battle now that its target has been revealed. 

Akari perks up, surprised at Pikachu's change of pace. 

Ash grins brightly, encouraging Akari. She tenses to ready to battle. 

“Alright Pikachu lets- hey!” Akari tries to order only to shout when Pikachu bursts forward before she could even finish. Pikachu tries to attack Shinx, only for Ash to quickly bark out his order. 

“Shinx dodge it!” Ash shouts and Shinx barely manages to dodge Pikachu as it jumps to the side. 

“Quick attack-” Akari starts to say, only for Pikachu to raise its tail and let out a thunderbolt that Shinx dodges again. 

Akari huffs, of course it wouldn't listen to her. 

“Thunderbolt Shinx!” Ash says as Pikachu starts to prepare for another thunderbolt. Pikachu yelps as the thunder crashes down by its front paws, forcing it backwards. Pikachu's heart shaped tail flicks in annoyance as it tries to regain its bearings. But Ash was already building up his and Shinx's next attack. 

“Thunderbolt again, force it back!” Ash says, throwing out an arm. 

“Dodge it!” Akari says, but Pikachu looks at her annoyed before pointedly letting out its own thunderbolt, but Shinx was quicker and Pikachu's thunderbolt veers off towards Ash instead. Ash jumps back a few steps to avoid it before shouts out the next attack, a tackle. 

Pikachu yelps as it gets thrown, if only it would listen to Akari-!

Pikachu suddenly jumps up before Shinx can aim another tackle, jumping out of Shinx’s way and sending a thunderbolt crashing down onto Shinx. 

“Shinx!” Ash calls as Shinx cries out, being hit by the shock. Pikachu grins, looking very pleased with itself. 

Shinx barks as it stands back up, shakily. Pikachu growls at it, and quickly bursts forward using quick attack before Akari could order it. 

“Dodge it Shinx!” Ash shouts, but it was too late, Shinx was getting hit by the quick attack, and followed up with a thunderbolt. Shinx whines as it gets thrown and hit roughly against the ground.

Shinx barely manages to stand up, before it falls back to the ground. Pikachu looks smug. Ash smiles, stepping forward to pick up Shinx, who was barely awake. 

“That was a good battle, we've got a lot to learn.” Ash says to Shinx, Shinx seems to pout as it lets out a whine, but it quickly gets comfortable in Ash's arms. 

Akari huffs, crossing her arms. She didn't even battle, Pikachu just did what it wanted. 

Pikachu seems to take annoyance with Ash picking Shinx up, and growls. It bursts forward, swiping at Ash's feet. 

“Woah!” Ash says as he dodges Pikachu's claws.Ash'sPikachu growls, diving off Ash's shoulder to land in front of Akari's Pikachu to stop it from taking another swipe at Ash. Ash puts Shinx back in its pokeball as Akari's Pikachu tries to move around Ash's Pikachu to swipe at Ash again. But Ash's Pikachu moves to block its path again. 

“Bigaaa!” Pikachu says, Ash's Pikachu flicks its tail in front of Akari's Pikachu's face. 

Ash's Pikachu sparks its cheeks and Akari's Pikachu slowly backs away, still looking angry. 

Akari's Pikachu turns away, crossing its front paws like a toddler told no. 

Ash's Pikachu lifts its head, glaring at Akari's sulking Pikachu. 

Ash squats down to scratch under his Pikachu's chin with a smile. 

“You see what I mean about it? It never listens!” Akari grunts, rolling her eyes. 

Ash gives her a sympathetic smile, “yeah, I used to have that problem with my charizard.” 

“Charizard?” Akari quirks a brow, she's never heard of that pokemon. 

“Pokemon from my home region,” Ash waves off as Akari makes her way across the field, “when it evolved it wouldn't listen to anything I would say, not when battling, not during day to day traveling. Seemed to enjoy using flamethrower on my face rather than doing anything else.” Ash huffs out a laugh and Pikachu grins. 

Akari squats to join Ash on his level. 

“I'm guessing you didnt get rid of it like most people would,” Akari has the passing thought that maybe she should leave Pikachu out in the wild, but something makes her hesitate. 

Ash scowls at the idea of him doing that. 

“Of course not!” Ash shouts, and Akari raises her hands in surrender. 

“Then what did you do?” Akari asks pointedly, could she and Pikachu ever get along? 

“Me and Charizard didn't understand each other,” Ash smiles, putting a hand on the ground to steady his squat, “it took a while, but we eventually started to understand one another.”

Akari frowns, she turns to Pikachu, who was still sat cross pawed on the ground. She doesn't think she could even start to understand why that rat does what it does. 

Akari rolls her eyes, knowing she'll never be able to get into the mind of that vindictive demon.  

“That was a great battle you two!” Akari jumps slightly at the loud voice. She notices Ash doesn't do the same, instead just turning around with curious eyes. Akari meets the eyes of the security corps captain, Captain Zisu. 

“Captain Zisu” Akari nods respectfully. Zisu grins at Akari before turning to Ash who stood from his crouch. 

“So you're the newcomer that's got the village wound up!” Captain Zisu says with a friendly smile. Ash easily matches the captains energy. 

“Yup,” Ash smiles and sticks out a hand to shake. A good move, Captain Zisu likes a person with a firm handshake. “I'm Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu!” 

“Pikachu!” Pikachu greets and Zisu’s smile grows as she takes Ash's hand, giving it a firm shake. 

“I'm Captain Zisu, the captain of the security corps.” Ash tilts his head, looking momentarily confused. 

“Security corps?” Ash asks. Ooh, Akari forgot to explain the different branches of the galaxy team. 

Whoops. 

“The security corps are a branch from the galaxy team, like the survey corps are a branch. While we go out to collect data about pokemon, the security team is to protect the village or protect campsites.” Ash nods as Akari explains, understanding coming to his eyes. 

“We make it our goal to keep the village as safe as can be!” Captain Zisu says as she places her hands on her hips. 

Ash nods, Pikachu curling around his neck. 

“I've heard you and your Pikachu make quite the team.” Captain Zisu says as she watches the movement, no doubt wondering why Ash was so comfortable with his pokemon. Only the best trained pokemon are even remotely trusted by galaxy members, and even then they don't allow their pokemon to climb over them like Ash does. It took Akari's father years to even remotely, begrudgingly, tolerate his staraptor. Even still his staraptor’s pokeball is left outside the house, just incase it got out in the middle of the night. 

“Yeah, I would say so.” Ash says as Pikachu nuzzles into Ash's cheek. 

“How about a battle? I'd like to see it for myself.” Zisu says, tilting her head. 

Ash and Pikachu both perk up at the sound of a battle. Akari is starting to realize how much the two like battling.

“Sure!” Ash beams and Akari huffs, stepping off the field. Her Pikachu is still sulking away from the field. 

“Let's go Pikachu!” Ash grins, throwing his arm out towards the practice field as Pikachu runs down his arm. 

“Come on out, Ambipom.” Captain Zisu lets her pokemon out of its pokeball. 

The Ambipom jumps out of the pokeball, bouncing from foot to foot as its tail hands clap together happily. 

Captain Zisu is one of their best battlers, but Ash is definitely a wild card. Akari wonders how this battle will go. 

“Let's make this an exciting battle!” Captain Zisu says, encouraging. 

“Right!” Ash throws a fist in the air. 

“I like that enthusiasm!” Captain Zisu shouts across the field. Akari huffs, amused. Seems like they get along well. 

“Pikachu, quick attack!” Ash says as he starts the battle. 

“Iron tail Ambipom!” Captain Zisu throws out an arm. Ambipom flicks its arm around to hit Pikachu, but with the quick attack Pikachu manages to dodge easily. 

“Iron tail!” Ash counters as Pikachu skids past Ambipom. Pikachu quickly flicks its tail, its tail growing white hot.

“Catch it Ambipom,” Captain Zisu orders, Ambipom quickly slaps its hands together, catching Pikachu's tail between its tail. 

“Throw it, before following up with a fire punch,” Captain Zisu quickly powers through, and the Ambipom takes its orders quickly. Slamming Pikachu into the ground with a loud yelp, before it's tails wrap together to create one fist. The fist starts to burn with fire before punching down towards Pikachu. Pikachu manages to get up after being thrown and tries to dodge out of the way when Ash orders it to, but the fire from the punch manages to hit Pikachu's hind legs. Pikachu yelps, flipping forward as it dives away from the Ambipom, before quickly flipping back to its paws in time to dodge a swipe from Ambipom’s paw. 

“Thunderbolt Pikachu!” Ash swipes an arm through the air, a sweeping gesture. 

Pikachu lifts its tail quickly before throwing out a thunderbolt, but Ambipom flips backwards, dodging it. Pikachu is jumping away from its spot before Ambipom can start building up its quick attack. 

As soon as Ambipom punches the ground where Pikachu just was, Ash orders an iron tail, and Pikachu darts forward before Ambipom can counter. Pikachu swipes its tail, knocking Ambipom away. But as Ambipom gets thrown away, one of its tail shoots out, slapping Pikachu away. The other tail reaches forward to grab at the ground to stop itself from hitting the ground too roughly. 

Akari spots Ash perk up slightly at Ambipoms movement, as if an idea was growing in his head. Akari leans back, folding her arms over her chest. Lets see what the wild card has planned now.

Unbeknownst to her, her Pikachu glances up at her, then at the battle. It suddenly scowls and turns away from the battle moodily. 

“Thunderbolt Pikachu!” Ash swiftly calls, Pikachu executes it just as quickly. The thunder crackles through the air before slamming down on the Ambipoms tail. The Ambipom lets go of the ground with a yelp, landing harshly on the dirt beneath them. 

“Iron tail Ambipom!” Captain Zisu calls, Ambipom is a bit slower to get up, but it does jump forward with its tail curled together into a fist, white hot energy. 

“Dodge it Pikachu!” Ash swipes his hand again, Pikachu dives forward ducking under Ambipom as it slams its tail into the ground. 

Ambipom grips the dirt it had slammed into to allow it to fling itself around towards Pikachu. 

“Fire punch Ambipom!” Captain Zisu orders, and Ambipom uses its other hand to ball into a fist to build up the punch. Ash waits for a second as the punch powers up. 

“Dodge it Pikachu!” Ash calls as the punch starts hurtling towards Pikachu. Pikachu jumps straight up, using Ambipoms tail as a path to run up the tail. Ambipom growls, pulling up its tail to punch towards Pikachu, but Pikachu dodges left at the last second, sending the tail whipping past it with the force. 

“Just like that Pikachu!” Ash shouts, encouraging. 

Akari watches curiously, wondering what Ash was planning. 

Another tail whips around Ambipom, towards Pikachu at Captain Zisu’s call. Pikachu simply dodges again, dancing around the Ambipom. 

Another iron tail from Ambipom, another dodge from Pikachu. 

Another thunder punch from Ambipom, another dodge from Pikachu. 

Another fire punch from Ambipom, another dodge from Pikachu. 

“We won't let you dodge this!” Captain Zisu shouts towards Ash from across the battlefield. Ash grins, as if he was challenging Captain Zisu to try. 

“Thunder punch, and fire punch agility style!” Captain Zisu calls, Akari leans forward in interest. Captain Zisu’s agility style moves are some of the toughest to dodge, what will Ash do?

Ambipom grows the two attacks in its tail hands as it bounces from paw to paw. Then Akari notices it, it seems like its tail was getting tangled, it was wrapped around the other, with its arm being stuck to it. Akari's eyes light up as she realizes Ash's strategy. 

Suddenly, the two hands shoot forward to punch Pikachu, but Ambipom yelps as it gets jerked forward by its own movement, its tails getting in the way and not letting it extend them to full length. Just out of reach of Pikachu. 

“Alright Pikachu, quick attack!” Ash shouts, and Pikachu darts forward, dodging the two straining tails as it reaches out to punch Pikachu with the two different attacks. The tails follow Pikachu, only to flip Ambipom forward as Pikachu darts under Ambipom, causing the Ambipom to grow off balance. 

Ambipom yelps, struggling to stand back up, but hops up either way. Akari was excited to see how Captain Zisu was planning on getting out of this-

“That's enough Ambipom.” Captain Zisu suddenly says. Akari blinks surprise as Captain Zisu returns her pokemon. 

“Magnificent job Ambipom.” Captain Zisu says with a smile. Pikachu's ears droop, no longer being on alert and it climbs up to Ash's shoulder. 

“Well you certainly are a competent battler!” Captain Zisu says as she turns her attention to Ash. Ash beams brightly. 

“Thanks, that was a great battle!” Ash says enthusiastically and Captain Zisu laughs at Ash's excited nature. They seem to get along well, Akari notes again. 

“I never thought about someone dodging Ambipoms attacks to tangle it together!” Captain Zisu compliments before she crosses her arms and leans back, “youd make an excellent addition to the survey corps.”

Akari frowns, huffing indignantly, “you can't poach our survey team!” She reminds Captain Zisu. 

Captain Zisu laughs good naturally at Akari. Akari huffs again. 

“Ah it's all good Akari, I'm not poaching anyone.” Captain Zisu says before bringing up a hand to cover her mouth from Akari, winking at Ash, “although if you'd rather join the better team-”

“Hey!” Akari shouts, and Zisu laughs again, Ash joining her this time. 

Akari huffs, but allows a smile to tug at her lips of her superiors' antics. 

"I'll have you know, Captain Zisu, the Survey Corps is the backbone of this village!" Akari retorted, a proud grin on her face. Captain Zisu was always very lively, and one of their best battlers in the village. Akari hasn't spent much time around her, but she's been nothing but friendly around Akari, and now Ash. Plus she's given Akari some very helpful tips on how to battle better, even when her Pikachu refuses to listen to her. 

Captain Zisu grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "Oh, I don't doubt that for a second, Akari. But a little healthy competition never hurts anyone, right?"

Ash grins at the conversation, clearly having fun. 

Akari rolls her eyes but doesn't wipe the smile off her face. 

"Fine, fine. Just don't go stealing our members, Captain. You already have the biggest team in the village," Akari says with mock scolding. 

Captain Zisu raises her hands in a mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it! But seriously, Ash, if you ever decide to switch teams, you've got a spot waiting for you in the Security Corps."

Ash grins but turns down the offer, "Thanks, Captain. I'll keep it in mind."

With the battle concluded and the friendly banter winding down, Akari glances at the sky, noticing the sun reaching its peak. "Well, I guess it's time to head back. We should check in with Professor Laventon before the day ends."

Ash nods in agreement. "Yeah, let's go. Thanks for the battle, Captain Zisu!"

Captain Zisu waves them off with a smile. "Anytime! And don't be a stranger, Ash. You're always welcome here."

“Thanks!” Ash says gratefully. 

Akari turns to her Pikachu, already dreading the fight that was about to happen. 

“Time to get back in the pokeball.” Akari says sternly, already expecting Pikachu to put up a stink. 

Pikachu glares at her, raising its tail and back, readying a thundershock. Akari braces for impact and quickly gets shocked by it. She yelps and Pikachu runs off, causing her to groan in annoyance. 

“Maybe you should let Pikachu stay out of its pokeball.” Ash suggests, his Pikachu on his shoulder like the model Pikachu hers should be, “some pokemon just don't like their pokeballs.”

Akari glares at the ground, Captain Zisu is called away, leaving the two alone.

“I would if it would bother to stop shocking me, or anyone else. It's too dangerous to be left out and about.” Akari says before gesturing to Ash's Pikachu, “your pokemon doesnt shock anyone, that's the only reason anyone remotely tolerates it out and about inside the village. 

Ash frowns, looking stubborn on this. 

“Sometimes you've gotta make compromises, Pikachu obviously hates its pokeball, it'll just make you and Pikachu frustrated.” Ash's Pikachu nods from his shoulder, agreeing with him. 

Akari sighs,  but stays firm in her decision. she would, but Pikachu is a danger right now. Until she can get it under control she needs to keep it inside its pokeball. She says as much to Ash, who opens his mouth to counter, but Pikachu was already running off to cause trouble, so she runs after it with her pokeball, trying to catch it. 

“Wait up-!” Ash calls from behind her, but Akari is already racing through the village as Pikachu runs away. Pikachu turns a corner of the village, and Akari skids as she turns, throwing its pokeball and managing to hit Pikachu from the back of its head. Pikachu disappears in a light before the pokeball falls to the ground. Shaking once, shaking twice. Akari lets out a breath when the pokeball clicks closed. Seems like Pikachu didn't have a lot of fight in it today. At least it didn't shock anyone or cause trouble.  

She strides forward, plucking the pokeball from the ground and clicking the latch closed. Ash looks at her unimpressed, but she just gives him a pointed look, telling him to not say anything.  

“Come on, we still need to check with professor laven-!” Akari is cut off as she runs straight into a wall. 

At least it feels like a wall, but all there is is an empty space in front of her. 

“What happen-!” The same thing happened to Ash as he face plants into an invisible wall. 

Akari frowns, stepping away before reaching out an arm, her hand presses flat on the invisible wall. As tries to step through it again only to face plant again. Akari thinks through all of the notes she's read in Professor Laventons research, trying to figure out if this was a pokemon or not. 

Akari snaps her fingers as she recognizes the invisible wall. “Mr. Mime!” 

Ash looks over at her, looking confused at her exclamation before his eyes widen, suddenly recognizing the wall as well. 

“A Mr. Mime must have gotten into the village,” Akari says and Ash hums, agreeing. 

“Let's find the professor,” Akari says, stepping forward and forgetting the wall. She grunts as the wall collides with her. 

“Maybe we should find a different path to galaxy hall.” Ash comments, nicely hiding his snorts. Akari gives him a glare but nods, and they go the long way around the village, through the construction zone.  

Akari glances at the fence that's being set up on the east side of the village. She's heard that Marie has been trying to get approval for a pasture for pokemon caught by anyone in the village. It hasn't been successful yet, too many fearing that the pokemon will easily escape a pasture and break into the village. Knowing if she left Pikachu in a pasture it would have been gone within the hour, she doesn't blame their hesitancy. But knowing her Cascoon would like a place to run around with other pokemon without having to leave the village, she also might want a pasture to let her pokemon run around. 

Akari steps carefully through the village, trying to not run into any more invisible walls. Ash parades around like he wants to face plant again. 

They make it through the construction area and head down Floaro main street to get to galaxy hall. Surprisingly, the professor was out of galaxy hall instead of studying like usual. Standing next to Captain Zisu and Captain Cyllene. They were on the bridge connecting to Canala avenue as a couple security corps members banged on an invisible wall. 

“Professor!” Ash calls, waving his arm as a greeting. 

The professor and Captain Cyllene turn, looking at the two survey members. 

“Ah, Akari, Ash! Good morning!” the professor greets with a smile, before glancing back at the invisible wall, his smile growing strained. 

“Mr. Mime?” Akari asks, and Captain Cyllene nods, gesturing to the wall. Akari and Ash step forward to look past the security corps to see a Mr. Mime laughing at them trying to break through its walls. 

“It put up invisible barriers around the entirety of Canala avenue. No one can get in or out.” Professor Laventon says. 

“And we're sure there's nobody from security corps in there to try and battle it?” Captain Zisu asks, and Captain Cyllene shakes her head. 

“Only civilians.” Captain Cyllene says. Akari frowns, she looks over to Ash who seems to enjoy seeing Mr. Mime. 

Akari raises an unamused eyebrow towards Ash when they make eye contact. Ash laughs, looking slightly sheepish. Not skeepish enough considering his Pikachu still looks amused. 

“We can't find a way inside, and that Mr. Mime doesn't seem to want to let anyone in or out.” Captain Cyllene says and Professor Laventon frowns before snapping. 

“Why don't you two go out and research Mr. Mime in the wild, see if you can figure out how to get past Mr. Mime’s barriers.” Professor Laventon suggests and Captain Cyllene nods, agreeing that that would be the best course of action. 

“Alright!” Ash chirps rocking on his heels. Akari nods along. 

“We should heal up our pokemon first if we are heading out though.” Akari says, knowing Shinx needs a refresher, and Cascoon, despite not having battled today.

“Right now Mr. Mime doesn't seem to want to cause any harm, just to mess with us. For now.” Captain Cyllene says, and Akari nods, understanding the underlying message. To hurry up. 

“Let's go,” Akari says, gesturing with her head. They stop near the front gates where Ress was standing. 

Akari lets out Cascoon that coos sleepily. Akari pats it, and Cascoon coos again. Akari brings out a potion pouring it onto Cascoon as the potion soaks through its spikes. Akari glances back up to Ress, Ash feeding Shinx a potion as Shinx lies like a baby in Ash's arms.

“We're heading to the Obsidian Fieldlands again today.” Akari informs Ress, and he nods. 

“Stay safe,” Ress tells them, and Akari nods in agreement. A few seconds pass as Akari and Ash gain their  

“You know, Mr. Mime would be great for gate guarding” Ash says off handedly, “it could keep whatever out” 

Ress’s eyes widen, “it really would be a great guard.”

“If only we could get around it.” Akari points out and Ash snorts, nodding. 

The two set out, walking down the path towards the obsidian fieldlands. 

As they walk down the path, heading towards a known spot Mr. Mime gather, Akari glances over at Ash. 

“Don't suppose you know any secret tricks for Mr. Mime?” Akari prompts, knowing if she didn't she’d probably not get it out of him. 

“Not really?” Ash laughs, scratching his cheek, “my mom has a Mr. Mime, but I don't know anything beyond how good it is at cooking and cleaning.”

Akari huffs, “maybe we can make a mess and get Mr. Mime to let the barriers down.”

Ash laughs and Akari cracks a smile. 

They find the clearing where Mr. Mime are gathered. A whole pack of them as they mill about. Mime Jr. scattered clinging to their parent or playing with the other Mr. Mime. 

Akari and Ash duck into a nearby bush watching the Mr. Mime. Akari watching intently while Ash constantly gets distracted. 

After a while of waiting, nothing sticks out to Akari. Nothing to note in the pokedex, no notable moves or behaviors. Absolutely nothing. 

Ash has moved to lie flat on the grass as Pikachu lies on his chest. Akari glares pointedly at Ash, Ash doesn't even look sheepish. 

Akari feels frustration creeping in as nothing happens. 

She huffs as she leans back on her hands.

“Nothings happening.” Akari says with a frown. 

Ash hums, “maybe we should do something first, or maybe battle a few.” 

“You just want to battle.” Akari grumbles, looking to the side. 

“But let's try and sneak up on one anyway.” Akari says before standing from the bush, crouched low as she starts to approach a Mr. Mime. 

She gets a few steps forward before she bumps into an invisible barrier, the Mr. Mime having noticed her and bringing up a barrier. She frowns, knocking her hand against the wall as Mr. Mime turns around, giving her a smirk. 

Its hands raise and the Mr. Mime makes a series of gestures, supposedly bringing up more barriers. 

Akari knocks against the barrier again, nothing happening. Ash joins her, not bothering to crouch as he walks up to the Mr. Mime with his hands in his pockets. 

He puts his foot out, kicking the invisible wall.

“We're not gonna be able to get through these barriers with force.” Ash comments offhandedly. Akari nods, having come to that conclusion when she saw the security corps. 

“Mr. Mime are psychic pokemon, they can probably sense us coming like abra.” Akari says, the Mr. Mime thats set up a barrier stopping the two from getting closer laughing at them. 

“Maybe it'd let us through if we talked with it.” Ash says, Akari deadpans to the space in front of her, guess Ash is going to befriend yet another pokemon.

At least this one isn't an alpha pokemon. 

Ash leans down, getting onto the Mr. Mimes level, so he didn't have to lean down too far.

"Hey there, Mr. Mime," Ash called out in a friendly tone, his posture relaxed as he addressed the Pokémon. "We're not here to cause any trouble."

Ash taps against the barrier, “we just wanna figure out how to get through these barriers, you know anything?” Ash asks. 

The Mr. Mime regarded them for a moment before responding with a series of playful gestures, its hands moving gracefully in the air. Akari watched closely, trying to decipher the meaning behind its movements. The Mr. Mime laughs again 

"It's laughing at us," she deadpans, frustration creeping back into her voice as the Mr. Mime continues smirking at her and Ash 

Akari rolls her eyes at the Mr. Mime, who laughs harder at her attitude. 

Ash’s Pikachu perks up from his shoulder, its ears twitching as it turns in a different direction from the Mr. Mime. Ash looks in the same direction as Pikachu, listening in for something. 

“Do you hear that?” Ash asks, Akari glances at Ash, before turning in the direction Ash was focused on. 

Akari tries to listen in on the noise, but all she hears is that Mr. Mime teasing them. 

“No…?” Akari says, watching Ash and the direction Ash was looking in carefully. 

“It sounds like a pokemon call.” Ash says, walking off in that direction. Akari squawks before scrambling to catch up with Ash. 

“Pokemon make calls all of the time.” Akari says as she walks quickly to catch up with Ash. 

“It sounds like a hurt pokemon call.” Ash says, and that's all Akari needs to hear to know that she won't be able to convince Ash to stick with the Mr. Mime pack. 

Akari mulls it over for a second before shrugging, they were not getting anywhere with the Mr. Mime anyway. And following Ash's hunches have gotten them pretty far so far.

It wasn't very long of a walk before Akari could hear the pokemons cries as well. It doesn't sound too familiar to Akari, but she can't deny the hurt the call portrayed. The call was more like a cry, a call for help. 

They really should be documenting different pokemon cries in different situations, she wonders if the mother pokemon could hear it or not. 

She hopes they weren't about to get mauled by a mother pokemon for its baby being hurt and them being in the area. 

Ash she and Ash break through the brush they spot the injured pokemon, a Mime Jr., which explains why it was so close to the Mr. Mime pack, with its hat end trapped under a large rock. The tiny pokemon like Mime Jr. doesn't have a chance to move it, even with its psychic powers. 

Ash tsks, rushing forward to remove the rock from off the Mime Jr. With the rock gone the Mime Jr. softens its cries, Ash reaches down and softly pets the Mime Jr. helping calm it. The spot that was trapped under the rock on the Mime Jr. looks scratch raw and red. Akari reaches into her pack and passes a potion to Ash, already expecting what he was going to ask for. Ash gently pets the Mime Jr. until it stops crying, before raising the potion and helping the baby pokemon drink from the bottle. The spot immediately turns back to its muted blue color, looking better after just seconds. The Mime Jr. seems to relax in Ash's arms too. 

“There you go.” Ash says softly to the Mime Jr. as Pikachu grabs its face and stretches it out in funny shapes to make the Mime Jr. laugh. 

Akari watches Pikachu curiously. It didnt know Pikachu could do that, or was that just another oddity of Ash's Pikachu. 

The Mime Jr. calms, lightening up at its wound being healed and Pikachu's faces. Mime Jr. rocks onto its feet, still leaning into Ash's soft pats. 

“You doing better little one?” Ash asks gently, Akari watches, not saying anything as Ash interacts with the baby pokemon. 

“Mime!” the Mime Jr. coos, nuzzling its head into Ash's hand before stepping away, looking around. 

“Let's get you back to your pack.” Ash says as he stands up, Pikachu staying on the ground to help lead the Mime Jr. back to the Mr. Mime pack. 

The Mime Jr. looks around nervously before looking at Ash, who has one of his arms on his hip as he smiles down at the Mime Jr.. 

“Mime!” Mime Jr. says, putting one of its arms on its fluff around its waist. 

“Pika- Pikachu!” Pikachu says, waving its paw around, the Mime Jr. looks back at Pikachu, before starting to wave its arm around again. 

“It's like it's mimicking you two.” Akari notices, leaning down to look at the Mime Jr.. 

“Huh?” Ash questions tilting his head, the Mime Jr. watches Ash carefully and does the same with its head. 

Ash notices the little movement and smiles. Holding up his hands and shaking them in a jazz hands gesture. The Mime Jr. watches before mimicking the movement. 

“I wonder why its mimicking you,” Akari wonders out loud, “it might be how they learn moves from Mr. Mime, by mimicking their movements.”

“Or it could be how they socialize and play.” Akari continues as Ash leans down the Mime Jr. holding out its arms and it and Ash move their arms up and down like they were dancing. Mime Jr. coos and laughs as the two play, mimicking Ash's movements throughout. 

Akari watches the scene as a smile starts to blossom on her face, she lets out Cascoon to join the playing pokemon and Ash. Cascoon coos happily, wiggling its way onto Akari's lap. 

“Cas!” Cascoon squeaks as it wiggles in Akari's lap. Akari laughs softly wrapping her arms around her buddy as she watches Ash, Mime Jr., and Pikachu play around.  

Eventually though, Akari decides that they need to go back to figuring out how to get past Mr. Mime’s invisible barriers, Captain Cyllenes message to hurry up on her mind. 

Ash hums when she tells him this, putting his hands on his knees as he puts his full attention on the Mime Jr.. 

“Time to get you back to your family,” Ash says to the Mime Jr., who had mimicked Ash's movements and put its arms on its stubby legs trying to mimic Ash's pose. 

Mime Jr. perks up when it hears that, rocking from leg to leg as it babbles happily. They lead the Mime Jr. through the brush until they find the pack of Mr. Mime again, Mime Jr. perking up and letting out a call. Ash leads the Mime Jr. all the way to the pack, only for the mischievous Mr. Mime from before to appear before Ash again, and stop them from getting closer by putting up another invisible barrier. 

Mime Jr. rocks from foot to foot, its arms swaying with the movement as Ash frowns. 

“Hey come on, I just want to get this little one back to its parent.” Ash tries to reason with the Mr. Mime, but it wont Ash or the Mime Jr. by association to get close. Akari steps forward arms crossed as she frowns at the smirking Mr. Mime. 

Mime Jr. hops forward, grabbing the Mr. Mime’s attention. The Mr. Mime grins wider, posing in several different gestures. Mime Jr. watches carefully, then, when the Mr. Mime is done, it starts replicating the poses. Ash and Akari watch curiously as the Mime Jr. poses. 

Once the series of poses concludes, the Mr. Mime grins impossibly wide, Akari shudders slightly. Mr. Mime smiles just a little too wide to look human like despite looking mostly human. It creeps her out. 

The Mime Jr. hops forward, the invisible wall being dropped, letting Ash through as well as Mime Jr. runs forward to find its parent. Mime Jr. hops forward, before turning around, wrapping its arms around Ash's leg. Ash smiles down at the baby pokemon, sitting down to give Mime Jr. a proper goodbye hug before watching it leave. 

Akari steps forward again, about to stand next to Ash, only to bump into yet another invisible wall. She huffs frustrated as she glares at the Mr. Mime, who was laughing again. 

Ash snaps his fingers together as his eyes widen. “That's why Mime Jr. was mimicking me!” Ash realizes.

Akari raises an eyebrow, waiting for Ash to catch her up from over the shoulder of the annoying Mr. Mime. 

“It's how they communicate with Mr. Mime, and how they get Mr. Mime to lower their walls.” Ash says and Akari's eyes widen as she starts putting the pieces together. 

“They mimic Mr. Mime to communicate, which could be how we lower their barriers!” Akari snaps, looking back at the Mr. Mime. Making eye contact, the Mr. Mimes eyes glitter in mischief. It puts its hands up, showing off its fingers. Akari brings up her hands to do the same. The Mr. Mimes smile falters slightly, and its eyes narrow. It brings its hands above its head, Akari following the movement closely. It tilts its body to the side, lowering one arm with it. Akari does the same, realizing she probably looks weird, but whatever, it's for the village. 

They go through a couple different poses, Akari following until the Mr. Mime straightens, its smile growing before dropping its arms. Akari holds an arm out, meeting only air. The barrier is gone. Akari steps past the Mr. Mime, joining as in looking at the Mr. Mime, spotting the Mime Jr. Ash helped mimicking the poses of a new Mr. Mime, probably its parent. 

Ash smiles brightly at the scene, he takes a second as the Mime Jr. looks away towards Ash, waving one of its arms. Ash waves it goodbye as well, before turning away at the same time as the Mime Jr.. 

“Let's get back to the village.” Ash says, Akari nods joining Ash in the walk back as Cascoon follows by her feet. 

Akari glances at Ash from the corner of her eye. “Why do you always help pokemon? you didn't know that Mime Jr. was gonna help us figure out how to bypass Mr. Mimes barriers.” 

Ash frowns, scratching under Pikachu's chin, “because it's the nice thing to do. I dont help pokemon or people because I think they might be of use to me in the future.” Ash empathizes the people bit, like he would help a pokemon the exact same way he would a person. Knowing Ash, even for as little as Akari has so far, she's fairly certain that's true.

“Pokemon deserve kindness, just like people. Afterall, isnt being a survey member about helping people and pokemon?” Ash asks and Akari shrugs. He's got a point, survey corps are to investigate the world around them, learn and innovate to help anything that resides in the village. Including the pokemon, despite how scared everyone is of them. 

Ash fits right in on that aspect. 

The village is not far away, and they spot Ress guarding the gate. He waves at them when they get closer. 

“You two find a solution for the Mr. Mime?” Ress asks and Akari nods, Ash nods as well, bouncing on his toes. 

“Yeah!” Ash chirps, heading inside the village to find the professor. Akari is a few steps behind him. 

“I wanna see this,” Ress says behind Akari, “Tsumugi! Mind watching the gate for a few minutes?” 

Tsumugi must have agreed, because as she approaches professor leventon and the two captains, Ress runs up next to her. Ash is already mimicking the poses of the Mr. Mime, grinning brightly as he does. 

“What is Ash doing?” Professor Laventon questions Akari.

Akari shrugs, “turns out Mr. Mime and Mime Jr. communicate through mimicking each other, so by mimicking the Mr. Mime, Ash is getting it to lower the invisible barriers.” Akari explains. 

“Huh! Fascinating!” Professor Laventon says as he smacks his fist against his open palm. 

The Mr. Mime must have let down the barriers thanks to Ash, because Ash steps through the invisible line just seconds later. Ress walks forward before any other security corps could jump into action to get the Mr. Mime away from the village. 

“Hey there!” Ress greets the Mr. Mime, “those were some great barriers.”

The Mr. Mime relishes in the praise, puffing out its chest with pride. 

“We could use your help with guarding the gate from outsiders,” Ress says and Akari smiles, it seems Ress is gaining another pokemon. 

Ash joins Akari as Captain Cyllene leaves to head back to the galaxy hall.

“You two make quite the team!” Captain Zisu compliments, Akari smiles and Ash beams. 

“Although,” Captain Zisu grins, bringing up a hand to whisper to Ash, “you'd be great as a security corps member.”

Akari deadpans at Captain Zisu and Captain Zisu laughs. 

Akari rolls her eyes, but smiles anyway as Ash laughs brightly. 

Akari glances back at Ress, who was holding a pokeball with an absent Mr. Mime. It seems they've got a new gate guard. 

The sun was setting, along with clouds blowing over them, their fluff being tall and gray. It seems it should storm tonight. Means they probably won't have as many guards patrolling the village, but most pokemon won't try and break in during a storm anyway. 

Seems like the night patrol guards get a break. Akari and Ash head back to galaxy hall to fill more notes about their observations with the professor. 

Akari glances at Ress again, who had retreated back to the gate with Mr. Mime, Mr. Mime settling in next to Ress for gate watch. 

She heads into galaxy hall with a smile, Cascoon cooing happily next to her. 

Ash smiles from where he was sitting right outside his quarters. It was raining, but Ash was sitting under the little overhang on the building. Pikachu and Shinx were playing out in the rain, it was a thunderstorm, so the two electric types were enjoying the storm. 

Rain pours down, causing the ground to grow muddy and puddles to form that Pikachu and Shinx prance through. 

Ash knows he’ll have to brush both Pikachu and Shinx out and dry them once they grow tired. 

Ash leans back on his hands, looking down the street. Almost no one is up right now, since it was the middle of the night and stormy. Distant cracks of thunder echo across the lands. Since it was so empty Ash figured no one would get mad if he let Shinx and pikachu play in the middle of the street, knowing that if he would have let them do that midday, he would have been glared at and had muttered curses aimed at him. 

He knew there would be a storm for most of the day, Pikachu's fur was on edge for almost the entire day. A sure sign there would be thunder or at least a lot of static electricity in the air. And Shinx’s tail started pointing in the direction the thunderclouds came from. The great thing about having an electric type pokemon is that Ash can almost always tell when a storm is coming, even if it's not a thunderstorm. If it's just rain Pikachu's fur gets less fluffy almost like Pikachu was soaked despite being dry. 

For now Pikachu and Shinx were soaking in the static electricity from the storm above. Wind blows and sends a few drops under the overhang to hit Ash. He really needs to head to the clothier soon, get more than just one set of clothes for sleep. The survey uniform is way too stiff and thick to sleep in. 

“Pika!” Pikachu says before raising its tail, Shinx misses its pounce onto Pikachu's tail. Suddenly Pikachu's fur and Shinx's tail stick straight up. Ash is expecting a thunderbolt to crash down nearby, but to his surprise none comes. 

A loud, boom-like ripping noise echoes through the village, lightning quickly smashing down just outside the village. Ash frowns at the noise, stepping outside the overhang to look up at the sky. There was a rip in the sky, like an ultra wormhole but much larger. Blue, purple, and white mix in the sky, cracks breaking up the clouds. Suddenly, a large, yellow thunderbolt crackles through the sky from the rip, it was far away from Jubilife village, but so large it hurt Ash's eyes just to look at it. Ash blinks his eyes, trying to clear the white dots from his vision. He manages to watch as yellow sparks float up from where the gigantic thunderbolt hit. A loud, screaming pokemon call from a large distance away echoing throughout the lands like the thunder has been doing. 

Ash stares, Pikachu doing the same as Shinx barks playfully, Trying to get Pikachu back into the game. 

Just what was that?

Mime Jr. 

Pokedex number 76

Psychic fairy type

Mime Jr. spends most of its life mimicking anything it sees. This has an evolutionary value as it confuses predators and lets it be easily accepted into packs by copying their habits. Mime Jr. can often be found in packs and groups of different pokemon, having been adopted into those groups after mimicking their group. 

Mime Jr. are curious pokemon, often wandering away from their packs at an early age to see new things. They often wander into settlements and mimic the people wandering by like a small child would, this helps the pokemon empathize and understand the feelings of others. It enjoys watching how its mimicking is reacted to, so give a smile so it feels confident to continue mimicking even if it's quite clumsy with it. 

When left in a pack with Mr. Mime, Mime Jr. tend to evolve very fast. It's thought that due to this pokemons mimicking ability, it can learn a wide range of moves, but it will only learn them by seeing another pokemon doing it first. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Mr. Mime 

Pokedex number 77

Psychic fairy type

Mr. Mime is a mischievous pokemon, often having quite a mean sense of humor. Should you find yourself tripping on nothing, it may be the doing of a tricky Mr. Mime. 

Mr. Mime creates solid walls through miming gestures, these walls and barriers are invisible and hard to get around or break through. They often create invisible mazes that are tough to get through, and by the time you get through, the Mr. Mime has fled.

But be warned, should it be interrupted while miming it will slap the offender around with its broad hands. They are very adept at conning people and pokemon alike. 

However, these pokemon are very prideful creatures, they enjoy being mimicked and praised. The best way to get a Mr. Mime to drop its guard is to praise or mimic their unique gestures.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

Ash yawns as he stretches from in front of his quarters. He needs to stretch right when he wakes up or else he’ll feel all stiff all day. The weird hisuian mattresses don’t exactly help much. 

Pikachu does the same from next to him. All of the villagers who pass either glare, smile, or shy away from Ash. 

Hisui is weird, he kinda wishes everyone would stop glaring at him all of the time, but he knows he'll have to win over their trust first. 

Ash can do that. 

He looks up at the bright sky, much of a contrast to the stormy weather last night. He smiles as he feels the warmth of the sun on him, that's something he can enjoy no matter where he is. 

Although his smile slips slightly, as he remembers that rift in the sky and that weird thunder from last night. 

Could it have been like an ultra wormhole? It looked close to one, if it was condensed into a circle. But the rip in the sky didn't seem to lead anywhere, or did it? Ash can't tell. 

And what was that lightning, and that pokemon cry? Did the lightning hit a pokemon? Did that pokemon summon the thunder? And what were those gold orbs that floated up from there? What could have happened last night? 

Did it have any connection to why Ash was here? And how he could go home?

“Must be an interesting cloud.” Ash hears a voice next to him, he jumps slightly, turning to the voice. 

Akari was next to him, looking up at the sky unimpressed. Ash blinks, surprised. Before looking up at the sky again. 

He wonders if he should tell Akari what he saw, and he goes to do so, but something makes him pause. Ash wants to believe that the people in the Galaxy team would believe him. That they would trust Ash and take his words with truth. 

But he's pretty sure that's not going to happen. At least not yet. 

If he told them what he saw he would probably start a panic, scaring the village into thinking he was a bad omen for being welcomed in. He wants to help this village, and he's going to try. But that doesnt mean Ash doesn't know how he's perceived right now. Ash isn't one to be careful, or let others opinions weigh him down. But he kinda has to, especially if he wants to help this village. He knows he's seen through suspicion, every one of his actions are being analyzed and criticized. Many people in this village hate him. 

But Ash is determined to help this village trust pokemon. Like Commander Komado implied, this village is on a split path currently, either to become friends with pokemon or to go to war with pokemon. And Ash is determined to shove this village onto the former path, whether they like it or not. 

So Ash doesn't tell Akari what he saw, he'll let himself gain some trust in the village first, then he'll tell them. He's already made a few friends in the village. Akari, Professor Laventon, Captain Cyllene, Captain Zisu, and many farm hands. He’ll be welcomed to the village soon, he knows it. 

He points at a cloud that sorta looks like a Pikachu if you squint and tilt your head. 

“That one looks like a Pikachu!” Ash grins, Akari looks at the cloud, analyzing. 

She tilts her head before sighing, “I see nothing,” 

“It totally does! I don't see how you don't see it.” Ash says cheekily, Akari shakes her head, folding her arms and squinting at the cloud. 

“Still dont.” Akari shakes her head. 

“It's totally there! You just gotta use your imagination a bit, Akari!” Ash bumps Akari's shoulder with his own. Akari rolls her eyes. 

“I am!” she insists, Ash laughs. 

Akari huffs, Ash has been around her enough to know that she's not that frustrated. 

“Well, enough cloud watching, Captain Cyllene has called us for a mission.” Akari says, Ash nods and joins Akari to galaxy hall. 

“We usually get our missions from Professor Laventon, why do you think Captain Cyllene is giving us one?” Ash asks, looking over at Akari curiously. 

Akari shrugs, “usually higher up team members report directly to Captain Cyllene instead of Professor Laventon. She gives out the more important missions, so maybe we've got one of those.” 

“Wonder what it could be,” Ash hums.

Ash waves at Beauregard smiling, he waves back, his Wurmple cooing at his feet. 

They enter galaxy hall, stepping into Captain Cyllenes office. Akari stands at ready, while Ash stands more relaxed, Pikachu's tail flicking from his shoulder. 

Captain Cyllene looks up, noticing the two members. She puts her pen to the side and folds her hands on her desk. 

“Akari, Ash, so far the two of you have made quite a few breakthroughs in our research.” Captain Cyllene says,”you've climbed through the ranks quickly,” 

“I'm giving the two of you one last mission together, if you succeed Ash will rise to a one star rank, and Akari, you will rise to two stars.” Akari perks up, looking excited. 

“We've gotten a request from a member from the Diamond Clan. You'll help her and set up a camp at the top of Deertrack Path” Akari tilts her head, Ash does the same, although probably not for the same reason. What is the Diamond Clan? Is it like another branch in the Galaxy team? Or maybe another village. 

Eh, he figures he'll either figure it out or Akari will tell him. 

“It's unusual for the Diamond Clan to seek out help from the Galaxy team.” Akari says confused. Captain Cyllene nods. 

“So you know the importance of succeeding in this mission.” Akari nods, looking determined. 

“The Diamond Clan member is waiting just outside the village, go to her for more information about the mission. You are dismissed.” and with that, Captain Cyllene picks up her pen and goes back to her paperwork. Akari nods, turning around to leave, Ash following behind her. 

As Ash follows Akari as they leave the village he looks over to her. She looks determined to finish this mission and not let Captain Cyllene down. 

“So, what is the Diamond Clan?” Ash asks, scratching his cheek. This breaks Akari from her thoughts as she blinks. 

“You know, you act so knowledgeable about Pokemon that sometimes I forget that you aren't from here.” Akari mentions before she explains, Ash sweat drops. If only she knew. 

“The Diamond Clan is a tribe dedicated towards pokemon. They don't really agree with Galaxy teams methods of catching pokemon, they prefer to befriend and respect pokemon. Kinda like you.” Akari says, she continues walking towards the gate. “They worship Almighty Sinnoh and believe the god created time.” 

Ash hums, sounds like Dialga. 

“There's actually another clan that's like the Diamond Clan called the Pearl Clan, really the only difference is that they believe Almighty Sinnoh created space. So they don't get along very well.” Akari explains with a flick of her wrist. “The Galaxy team remains neutral and tries to settle any disagreements between them. If you see two strangely dressed people shouting at each other, they are probably from the Pearl and Diamond Clan.”

“Ah, I actually have seen people like that.” Ash recalls after he met Commander Kamado. 

“The alliances between pearl, diamond and the Galaxy team are shaky at best. Everyone tries their best to uphold them and keep the peace, which is why it's important we succeeded in this mission.” Akari says, explaining her determination to solve the mission. 

“Right!” Ash smiles, joining Akari's determination. 

Akari explains where they are going to the guard as Ash packs their supplies. Apparently it only takes a day and a half to make it up the mountain and Akari wanted to only pack four days worth of food for it. Ash, remembering how often he got lost in kanto and had to forage for food because they ran out, convinces Akari to pack some more, though she thinks it's a waste. 

Thank you, brock. He would've died ten times over if it wasn't for his guidance and foresight in his earlier adventures. 

Once Ash is done he hands a bag to Akari, which she puts on immediately. As soon as they leave the village, Ash quickly spots a figure in the distance. 

The figure was wearing a blue outfit with strange markings on it with a supply belt wrapped around her waist. Ash spots the markings of two pokemon on her clothing, a Stantler and a Ursaring. Her hair was partly tied up, with a large strand sticking out. She’s glaring at Akari and Ash as the two approach, Ash doesn't take any mind to the glare. But Akari frowns. 

“I assume if the two of you are here you are here to help.” the girl says as soon as the two come into ear shot. 

Ash nods, Akari speaks, “we were.” 

“I am one of the wardens of the Diamond Clan,” the girl crosses her arms, “you may call me Mai.”

“Akari, what's the mission you need help with?” Akari says, nodding politely. 

“I'm Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu!” Ash greets, he's getting better at not saying his hometown to not cause unnecessary confusion, years before pallet town even exists. Ash hates not saying it, Pallet Town has always been where he's from and is a part of him. Will always be his home. But they wouldn't understand that. 

“You're a new face to the Galaxy team, aren't you.” Mai narrows her eyes at Ash, Ash nods. 

“Then I suppose you wouldn't even know what a warden is.” Mai scoffs, shifting on her legs. 

“Not a clue!” Ash chirps. 

“Well, such explanations can wait. I'd rather we get straight to the point.” Mai rolls her eyes, Pikachu deadpans at her. 

“I need assistance with something at the top of the hill, your professor deemed it perfect to set up a camp up there, so win win for everyone.” she says, although she doesn't sound happy about needing assistance. 

“Will you help?” Mai asks the two, Akari nods. 

“It was what we were sent to do, so we will.” She agrees easily. 

“Good, but I have a caveat,” Mai says, holding up a hand. 

Ash and Akari tilt their heads. 

“While we travel together, your pokemon must be kept outside their pokeballs.” Mai says, Ash doesn't have much of a problem with that, he already keeps Pikachu outside of its pokeball all of the time. But Akari protests. 

“Why-!” She protests, and Mai interrupts. 

“This is my partner Munchlax, we were raised together as siblings.” Mai gestures towards the Munchlax by her feet. Ash smiles down at the Munchlax, waving. Munchlax perks up and waves back at Ash with a chirp. 

“He battles at my side by choice, without needing those silly balls like you galaxy folk. If you are to accompany me to the top of Deertrack Path, you'll follow my rules.” Mai says sternly. 

Ash shrugs, he lets Shinx out of its pokeball. “Sounds reasonable to me!” 

Shinx looks around at their surroundings curiously before stretching. 

“We are helping you, shouldn't you be a little more grateful?” Akari scoffs, rolling her eyes. 

“The only reason I'm getting help from the likes of you is because our clan leader told me to, if it was up to me I would have dealt with this myself.” Mai says, sticking her nose up in the air. 

Akari looks annoyed, she looks like she's about to protest again but she seems to remember the importance of the mission. She sighs, before pulling out her two pokeballs and letting out her Pikachu and Cascoon. 

Her Pikachu looks around, rolling its eyes. Cascoon coos, racing to Shinx who barks. The two race around Ash, Munchlax looks excited and joins the two running around. Ash laughs, trying to not fall off balance due to the pokemon. Mai is watching him closely, eyes scrutinizing. She abruptly turns around, and starts walking towards Deertrack Path. 

“Well, no use wasting daylight, let's get going.” Mai says, flicking her wrist. 

“Aren't you going to tell us what we are even helping you with once we get up there?” Akari asks rushing to catch up with the warden. 

“I see no reason to,” she says, Akari stops, allowing Ash to catch up with her. Akari growls slightly before catching up with Mai. 

The three of them venture over the bridge to start walking up the path of the hill. There's a tension between Akari and Mai that Ash can sense. Although it's not that hard considering Akari's frustrated look and Mai's indifference. Akari’s Pikachu is trailing far behind them, begrudgingly. Occasionally Ash's Pikachu will join the other Pikachu, it always ends with Ash's Pikachu being pounced at. But, at least it's willingly following them, back when Ash and Pikachu hated each other Pikachu wouldn't follow Ash, and Ash had to drag it kicking and screaming. Shinx and Cascoon seem to enjoy their new playmate with Munchlax. It's a very cheeky Munchlax, often hiding behind one of the humans to pounce out at the other two playful pokemon. 

Ash is glad they seem to be having fun. 

“So what's the Diamond Clan like?” Ash asks, ignoring the tension between Akari and Mai. 

“It's nice, everyone is close with each other, everyones a family, even the pokemon.” Mai says, Ash smiles. 

“Yeah, I don't know what I'd do without Pikachu by my side.” Ash grins, Pikachu jumps off the ground to land on Ash's shoulder, rubbing its electric sac into Ash's cheek. 

“I thought you galaxy folk hate being close to pokemon.” Mai regards curiously. 

“That's not true,” Akari scoffs, Mai grows disinterested. 

“Yes it is, every time I visit you lot have protocol after protocol to protect yourselves from pokemon, like they are some monsters that need to be studied and contained.” Mai says with disdain. 

“We don't think they're monsters, but they are powerful and could kill us if they so desired. Of course we are right to be a bit wary!” Akari defends. Ash glances between Mai and Akari. 

“That's only because you don't try to understand them-” Mai tries to dismiss. 

“Why do you think we're researching them if not to understand them!” Akari shouts, getting frustrated. 

“You're trying to figure out a way to control them, not understand them. Why else do you use those stupid balls to trap them.” Mai glares, Ash wonders if he should step in. 

“Cascoon likes its pokeball!” Akari points out. 

“Does it, or is it forced to.” Mai mocks, Akari growls about to shout something else before Mai turns to Ash. 

“You.” she points at Ash. “Do you force your pokemon into those tiny balls?” 

“No, I mean Pikachu doesnt like it, so I don't make it go inside. But Shinx enjoys going in occasionally.” Ash shrugs, Mai seems surprised by his answer but masks it easily. 

“So you admit that your Pikachu doesn't like being trapped.” she says, Ash nods. 

“Yeah, that's why I don't force it to do something it doesn't like.” Ash shrugs. Mai looks closely at Pikachu, seeing its healthy and shiny fur, and happy expression and seems to deem that Ash was okay. 

“Good. if only others could take your example.” she glares at Akari before walking ahead. Akari squawks and goes to protest but Ash steps in between Akari and Mai quickly to calm Akari down. 

“Hey come on…” Ash tries to calm her down. Mai has walked ahead and was out of earshot, but still within eyesight. 

“She acts like we're inferior, just because of the way we approach pokemon.” Akari scoffs angrily.

“Or maybe she just doesn't understand us, let's give her a fair shot.” Ash says, nudging Akari with his elbow, “it's hard not to judge after everything you've been taught.”

Akari sighs, letting her indignant anger subside. 

“Ffine, but I wont tolerate her insulting the Galaxy team for what she doesn't know. I won't tolerate her assuming things about me.” Akari huffs, storming ahead. Ash watches her go, letting out a sigh of his own. 

He shares a reluctant glance with Pikachu before running to catch up with Akari and Mai. 

The three walk for a long while as the dirt path they were walking on turns rocky and uphill. Once the sun reaches is peak the three take a break from walking to eat. There was a nearby berry tree, so Ash's Pikachu joins Akari in harvesting them. Meanwhile, Mai and Ash sit on nearby rocks, getting their pokemon to calm down from their game to rest for a bit. 

They eventually give up, seeing as Cascoon, Shinx, and Munchlax are way too hyperactive to slow down. 

“Theyll calm down once we have food, or at least, Munchlax will.” Mai says, crossing her arms. She smiles at the hyperactive Munchlax and Ash can tell she really cares for her Munchlax. 

Shinx barks as it presses its paws into Ash's thigh. Ash laughs at the baby pokemon, scratching behind its ears. Ash reaches into his bag and pulls out a piece of bread to split with Shinx. Munchlax perks up as soon as the bread is pulled out and rushes over, nearly trampling over Shinx in the process.

Ash laughs, splitting more of the bread to share with Munchlax. He can feel Mai's eyes boring into the back of his head but he doesn't pay it any mind as Ash, Shinx, and Munchlax eat. 

Shinx jumps onto the rock to eat on Ash's lap, Munchlax tugs on Ash's pant leg for more food. 

“Sorry, I don't have any more!” Ash lies, he knows from Professor Burnet’s Munchlax that they can get into quite a bit of trouble sneaking extra food. Munchlax frowns, and turns to beg food from Mai. 

“Don't look at me, I don't have any.” Mai crosses her arms like you would to a toddler begging for a treat. 

Munchlax stomps and cries out. Mai tries to keep a firm face with Munchlax, but when Munchlax gives her baby doll eyes she concedes and pulls out some plump beans. Munchlax thrills excitedly and snatches the beans from Mai's hand. 

Mai huffs, but still smiles at Munchlax. 

Ash watches curiously, “you and Munchlax are pretty close, huh?” Ash smiles at Mai. 

Mai nods, patting Munchlax as it eats the beans. 

“Munchlax had stumbled into our settlement when I was young, looking for scraps of food.” Mai says, a soft smile on her face, “it was hurt, and scared and begging for scraps. So we took Munchlax in.” 

“My parents took the most care of Munchlax, we grew up as practically siblings.” Munchlax grabs onto Mai's leg as she pats its head, “we have a bond I don't think I could ever replicate.”

Ash smiles, and nods. 

“I know how that feels, Pikachu is my best friend.” Ash says petting Shinx, it's moved on from eating the bread to gnawing on Ash's sleeve. 

“It took a while for Pikachu and I to understand each other, but we've been through a lot with each other.” Ash smiles, spotting Pikachu helping Akari cut berries down from the tree. 

“It's strange, you don't seem to be the Galaxy team type, you seem to actually understand your pokemon.” Mai glances at Ash curiously. 

Ash shrugs, unsure of what to say. 

“Why are you in the Galaxy team?” Mai abruptly asks Ash, Ash looks over curiously. 

Ash blinks, frowning. 

“Well, the Galaxy team took me in when I first fell into this place.” Ash shrugs, “and… I wanna help them understand pokemon, beyond just a hesitance alliance.”

“You seem like you would fit in better at the Diamond Clan.” Mai says, “the Galaxy team is so closed minded when it comes to pokemon.”

Ash huffs, amused. “Yeah, I guess they are” 

Ash leans back on his hands, gently prying Shinx's teeth from his sleeve. “But they aren't that bad.” 

Mai looks over, confused. 

“Team galaxy is trying, they may not understand pokemon yet, but I think with a little help they can learn to get along with pokemon.” Ash says, looking up at the sky. 

“You're naive.” Mai says. 

“Maybe, but I think they can change. A couple have already started to get along with pokemon. Including Akari.” Ash says, Mai huffs, obviously not believing Ash. 

“Just watch, and give us a chance. Maybe we'll surprise you.” Ash says. Mai rolls her eyes, but she nods nonetheless. 

Akari was making her way back with a basket full of berries, Pikachu walking by her feet. 

Ash waves, Mai huffs and ignores Akari. Akari ignores Mai right back. 

Akari places the berries between the three, before having to lift it back up as Munchlax tries to eat it all. Akari takes a few berries and hands them to Ash, he gives one to Shinx and one to Pikachu. He also gives one to Akari's Pikachu, who's slunched behind Ash's rock, sulking. 

Akari sits down onto a rock, still trying to keep the basket from Munchlax. Pikachu perks up from next to Ash, looking towards the rock Akari has sat on. The rock that suddenly grew arms and swung them at Akari. 

“Hey!” Akari shouts, falling off the rock and trying to guard against the punch. It was now obvious that it was a Geodude Akari sat on, and not just a rock. The Geodude punches Akari again, before rolling away from Akari. 

“That hurt!” Akari shouts at the fleeing Geodude. 

Ash hears Akari's Pikachu snickering from behind his rock, Ash rolls his eyes amused at the Pikachu. 

“Sorry!” He calls to the Geodude.

“Don't sit on Geodude, they get angry,” Mai says, Akari gies her a deadpan look. 

“Oh yeah, like I knew.” she groans, standing up and brushing off dust. The berries spilled on the ground and Munchlax eats them before they can eat any of them. Mai quickly plucks up a berry before Munchlax can steal one. Akari can't get one before Munchlax eats one. 

Akari huffs, crossing her arms annoyed at not being able to get the berries she collected. . 

Ash splits his berry and throws it to her, Akari quickly catches it. 

“Thanks.” she nods at Ash, Ash gives her a thumbs up. They eat their food, before getting ready to continue walking up the rocky hill. The path is so rocky they have to be careful as they walk, stepping over rocks and trying nor to twist their ankles. 

Ash yelps as he makes the wrong step, falling onto the rocks. He shouts in pain as he hears something hit his leg harshly. He looks to spot that he had tripped over a Geodude, one that was very upset at being stepped on. 

Ugh, that'll bruise. 

“Sorry.” he tries to say to the Geodude, the Geodude just tries to punch him again, but Pikachu hits it with an iron tail. The Geodude flees after. 

Ash huffs, Akari helps him up. 

“Jeez, these Geodude are hard to spot.” Ash huffs, Akari nods. 

“Not if you know what you're looking for.” Mai huffs, only to immediately trip on a different Geodude. Akari snorts as the Geodude lashes out at Mai. The disgruntled Geodude rolls down the hill, rocks flying up and breaking off of the Geodude. 

“Know what you're looking for, huh?” Akari mocks. Mai scowls at Akari. 

“I don't need to hear this from galaxy folk.” she hisses, standing up and continuing up the mountain. 

The three try to struggle up the mountain, often getting hit by a disgruntled Geodude they accidentally trip on or step on. With every Geodude encounter, Ash can feel the tension between Akari and Mai grow, their jabs and comments getting on eachothers nerves. 

Ash tries to keep the two from getting on each other's nerves, each time the girls grow more annoyed with each other. It comes to a head when Akari steps on a Geodude, yelping as it hits her hard. Ash winces at the punch, it was rough, he was glad her leg didnt get broken with how rough the Geodude was. 

“Try not to kick the Geodude.” Mai says, Ash gives her a withering look, Akari growls. 

“I'm not trying to kick the Geodude!” Akari shouts, kicking out her leg, accidently kicking a Geodude in the process. The Geodude pops up from the ground, Akari slumps, staring at the Geodude disappointedly. The Geodude stares at Akari for about three seconds, before it self-destructs and blows up Akari in the process. 

Akari coughs, trying to brush off the soot. 

“I'm sure.” Mai comments, Akari seems to have reached her limit. No matter how much Akari wants this mission to run smoothly, she seems to not be able to hold back her disdain anymore. 

“We're trying to help you! Why do you feel the need to constantly make comments!” Akari shouts, frustrated. 

“I've already told you, I don't care for you galaxy folk.” Mai glares, she crosses her arms, "I don't like how you treat pokemon like they are some evil creatures, use those balls to trap them and hold them hostage, not caring to build a connection with them.” 

“You don't know anything!” Akari shouts. Mai rolls her eyes. 

“I've often visited Jubilife Village in place of our clan leader. I've seen how you people treat pokemon.” Mai sticks up her nose, “and you're exactly the same way.” 

“How could you know that!?” Akari growls, Mai gives her a sharp glance. 

“You think I don't notice how you and your Pikachu interact? You've barely even glanced at the poor pokemon, and that Pikachu hates you. The only reason it sticks around is because of that stupid ball. That's the worst in my eyes.” Mai declares, Ash tries to step in between them, he's met with matching glares by both of the girls. Before he can open his mouth Akari shouts again. 

“You act so stuck up! Insulting everything about my village just because we dont believe in the same things as you. Maybe this is why the Diamond Clan doesn't get along with other tribes, they're too impertinent!” Akari huffs, balling her fists. The pokemon draw back, Shinx looking around confused as Pikachu perches on Ash's shoulder, prepared to get in the way if need be. Cascoon looks worried and shuffles closer to its trainer, while Akari's Pikachu looks bored. 

“I am not stuck up!” Mai says, angry. 

“You are!” Akari groans, she pulls back, scowling. “I'm leaving.”

“You can't leave, you have a mission!” Mai scowls, Akari turns away storming off. 

“You said it yourself, you could deal with it yourself!” Akari says storming off, Ash watches her go. 

Ash huffs, glancing at Mai, who was fuming. 

“That was unfair.” Ash says, breaking Mai from her glare. 

“I'm unfair! She-!” Mai tries to protest but Ash shakes his head. 

“I'm gonna go talk with Akari,” Ash says, walking after Akari and leaving Mai by the trail, “well catch up later.” he says, he knows once Akari cools down shell want to finish the mission. She cares too much about the Galaxy team to let something like this hinder her from succeeding. 

 He follows Akari through the forest, quickly catching up and walking next to her. He can feel the fury and indignant righteousness waving off of her in waves. Ash gets it, he can get just as fired up with misty, even if their arguments have cooled down quite a bit in the past years. And Mai wasn't exactly kind to Akari. 

“Why does she think she gets to just insult me and for me to not care.” Akari growls, Ash finds a nearby log and sits, watching as Akari paces back and forth. 

“She acts like we are lesser, just because we're different!” Akari shouts, frustrated. Ash leans back on his palms. Cascoon joins Ash on the log, watching its trainer with worry. Ash pats the bug type, helping soothe it while its trainer couldn't. Akari continues to shout her frustrations as Ash watches.  

“Ugh!” Akari kicks at a rock, thankfully not a Geodude this time, before she grumbles, seemingly having burnt out all of her anger by shouting and fighting earlier. 

“She didn't even give us a chance, she assumed we were awful before we even met.” Akari scowls, Ash hums. 

“Assumed we were awful just because we were different.” Akari crosses her arms, still scowling. 

“Yeah, I hate it when people do that.” Ash says, quietly. This seems to flare Akari's temper as she turns to him. 

“What would you know! You got on her good side!” Akari shouts, Ash gives her an unimpressed look and her temper cools slightly, she looks off to the side muttering a small apology. 

“I wasn't talking about Mai, I was talking about the Galaxy team.” Ash says, Akari scowls again, but Ash continues to speak before Akari can. 

“Since I got here the Galaxy team hasn't exactly been welcoming. If I make one wrong move I'll get exiled.” Ash says, Akari's shoulder drops, he knows she knows. He knows she doesn't like it. 

“The Galaxy team is stubborn, close minded, and judgemental.” Ash points out, Akari opens her mouth to refute it, but Ash doesn't let her, “Mai is stubborn, close minded, and judgmental.” 

Akaris deflates again, Ash knows she's listening now. 

“We need to work with Mai, Captain Cyllene said it was important to finish this mission. We just need to show Mai past her biases, break past her judgments and prove that team galaxy isn't as hopeless as she thinks it is.” Ash says, he smiles, Akari still doesn't look happy, “just as im showing team galaxy that I can be trusted, that just because i'm different doesn't mean i'll bring destruction.”

“We shouldn't have to do that.” Akari mutters, “you shouldn't have to fight to be trusted.” 

“Maybe not.” Ash concedes as Akari slumps onto the log next to him, Cascoon curls in her lap. 

“But it's really all we can do right now, we need to finish this mission, and I need some place I can stay in these foreign lands,” Ash nudges Akari's shoulder, “people can change, we've seen a few people in the village change and open their hearts to pokemon.”

“You've changed,” Ash says, smiling as he pats Pikachu, “Mai can change too. We just need to prove it to her.” 

Akari huffs, "I suppose.” 

“It's still annoying.” Akari says, Ash laughs, nodding. 

Ash is about to say that they should get back to Mai, to try and work out an agreement as they walk up the mountain, only to hear a pokemon cry. 

His head immediately snaps up towards the direction, and his interest is piqued. Akari seems interested too when she hears the commotion. 

“Let's go.” Akari says, walking towards the noise. 

Ash smiles, following Akari. She has certainly changed. When they first met Akari wouldn't have even entertained the thought of helping a wild pokemon. Now she's actively seeking out a hurt pokemon to help it. 

If Akari, the epitome of a team galaxy member, can change. Then so can Mai. So can the rest of the Galaxy team. 

They quickly find the hurt pokemon, well, it wasn't hurt per say. But it was alone, and for a baby pokemon that can be just as bad. 

Ash recognizes the pokemon from some of Dawn's performances, while Akari recognizes it from her research. It was a Shellos. The blue pokemons fins waving as it cries. 

“Hey, don't cry.” Ash says, bringing in the pokemon as he rocks it like a baby. 

“It's unusual for a Shellos to be away from its pack, they're usually pretty tight knit.” Akari frowns, tilting her head at the pokemon. Ash pulls out a bit of bread from his pack and feeds the rest of it to the pokemon. It was starving, cold, and scared. Which made Ash wonder where its pack was, where its mother was, all the more. 

“We must have really gone off track due to those Geodude, usually Shellos aren't seen this close to Deertrack Path.” Akari hums, crossing her arms. The blue Shellos starts to calm down, even cooing curiously as Pikachu makes different faces to cheer it up. 

“Lets try and find its pack, maybe they got separated.” Ash suggests, Akari nods. 

“Let's start by the beach, that's where most Shellos and Gastrodon stay.” Akari suggests and Ash agrees, Akari leads the way. Ash is glad, he would've gotten lost if she didn't. 

The Shellos nuzzles into Ash's arms as they walk, it doesn't seem hurt, just sad and lonely. Once they find its family he's sure it won't feel lonely again. 

“It's strange though, I've never seen any Shellos like that in Professor Laventon’s notes.” Akari notes, looking at the Shellos confused as it continues to cuddle up in Ash's arms. Ash tickles at its blue ear fins, they twitch at the feeling and the Shellos coos happily. 

“Well it's definitely a Shellos, I remember my friend had a rival with one, and I've seen a few during my earlier travels.” Ash says, waving mindlessly. He was a bit concerned how quickly the pokemon warmed up to them, but he figures it was just a friendly pokemon. That's how Akari's Cascoon was as a Wurmple. 

Once they got to the river's edge it was easy to find the pack of Shellos and Gastrodon. It was also obvious to see the difference between the one in Ash's arms, and the one in the pack. The Shellos perks up when it sees the pack, its ear fins poking up in interest, but then it starts whimpering, nearly bursting into tears again. 

Ash starts to rock the pokemon again, hushing it. 

“Maybe they show up in different forms, one of the higher level galaxy members is researching gender differences in pokemon, maybe it's like that.” Akari hums, noting the different appearances. Ash squats down, a good distance from the pack and opens up his arms for the Shellos to jump out. The Shellos doesn't, almost as if it's scared to leave Ash's arms. 

With a bit of reassuring the Shellos reluctantly leaves Ash's arms and waddles away from Ash, before looking back at the humans, before walking the rest of the way to the pack. 

“That's odd…” Akari frowns, watching as the blue Shellos trudges over to the pink Shellos, “wouldn't it be excited to see its family?” 

“Let's just watch.” Ash says, but he feels uneasy. That's not normal behavior. 

They watch as the blue Shellos trudges over to its pack, once it gets close enough to a crowd of the pink Shellos they all disperse, avoiding the blue Shellos. Ash frowns, watching as they all avoid the Shellos.

When the Shellos has the misfortune of attracting the attention of a Gastrodon it gets quickly knocked away with a thrown clump of mud, the Shellos cries out in pain as it gets flung away. 

“Hey!” Ash shouts, startling Akari as he runs forward towards the Shellos. He skids on his knees as he helps the Shellos up, Pikachu using an iron tail to knock the second wave of mud the Gastrodon tries to throw at the two. 

Akari runs up after, looking confused. 

“I just don't get it, Gastrodon packs are supposed to be welcoming to other Shellos!” Akari shakes her head, “they were noted to take in Shellos not from their pack if they found them.”

The Gastrodon digs one of its limbs into the sand, preparing for a battle. Ash is about to order an iron tail from Pikachu only for Shinx to jump forward and growl, its tail raised. 

Ash pauses, but he supposes it makes sense, Shinx wasn't treated well by its family either, it makes sense it wouldn't tolerate any of the Gastrodons aggression. 

Ash nods, deciding to battle with Shinx instead. 

“Shinx, use tackle!” Ash shouts, Shinx bursts forward, jumping as it avoids a mud clump thrown at it before it slams its head into the head of the Gastrodons. The Gastrodon cries out, angry. The Shellos stands up, cooing under Ash's arm. 

The Gastrodon slams its head forward, hitting its horns into Shinx and flinging it away. Shinx yelps, getting flung into the sand and flinging sand up. The Gastrodon starts to build up a water gun, but right as it fires Shinx dodges to the left and bursts forward again to tackle at Ash's command. The Gastrodon manages to avoid the tackle by moving its head and causing Shinx to soar over the Gastrodon and clumsily land on the sand. He needs to remember train Shinx on landing its leaps. Shinx yelps as it gets blasted by water gun, panically releasing a thundershock in response, but it does nothing to the Gastrodon. 

“Maybe the Gastrodon doesn't like the Shellos because it looks different, it's not unusual for some pokemon to abandon their offspring if they have deformities.” Akari mutters, Ash tunes her out, focusing on the battle. 

Shinx shakes out its fur, Ash is barely quick enough to tell it to dodge before it gets hit with a mud clump. The mud hits at Shinx's paws, blocking Shinx's line of vision. 

This gives Ash an idea. Shinx gets hit with another water gun, it gets the mud out of Shinx's face, but knocks it back. 

Shinx growls again, dodging another water gun. 

“Shinx, use thunderbolt, right in front of the Gastrodon!” Ash orders, swiping his arm in a large sweeping gesture. Shinx flicks its tail, generating the thunder before a thunderbolt strikes the sand right in front of the Gastrodon the Gastrodon gears up, shaking its head to try and rid its eyes from the sand. In that time Shinx bursts forward to land another tackle, Shinx manages to break off one of the Gastrodons horns and the Gastrodon cries out in anger. But the Gastrodon backs down, fleeing from the battle. 

Ash relaxes, patting the Shellos as it curls under Ash's arm. Shinx barks happily, pouncing over to Ash. 

“That was so good!” Ash praises, scratching Shinx under its chin, Shinx's tail is wagging so hard it hits Pikachu's face which makes Pikachu grumble. 

Shinx squeals, jumping around happily at winning the battle. Ash laughs, the Shellos slowly moving from its hiding place under Ash's arm. Shinx bursts forward, nuzzling the Shellos happily before pouncing away to try and bite Pikachu's tail.

“Maybe I should catch the Shellos, it's obvious its family doesn't care for it.” Ash mutters and Akari hums. 

“I'm not sure, Shellos need to stay by the water to keep its skin hydrated, I don't think we could carry enough water up for it to stay hydrated consistently.” Akari says, Ash frowns. He doesn't want to leave the Shellos with a family that won't care for it, and would even hurt it. Just because it was different. 

“Shee” the Shellos coos, waddling away from Ash. Ash watches curiously as the Shellos moves towards the broken off horn. Ash looks for the Gastrodon it came from to find it further away from the pack, its head on the sand as its eyes are closed. It looks upset. 

Shellos seems to make up its mind as it picks up the horn piece with its mouth and rushes towards the Gastrodon, it starts exuding a purple goo that collects on the horns piece. Ash and Akari watch curiously as the Shellos places the horn piece onto the broken off stump, the purple goo keeping it in place. The Gastrodons head shoots up when it feels it. Ash is prepared to jump back in if the Gastrodon tries to retaliate again. 

The Gastrodon doesn't however. It seems to recognize this act of kindness as it lowers its head in a motion of acceptance. 

Ash perks up, pleasantly surprised. Akari makes a noise of surprise as well. 

The little wing-like flaps on the Shellos’ back starts to flap and the Shellos squeals at the acceptance. Ash smiles, but he's still a little hesitant to leave the Shellos alone again. 

The Gastrodon moves back towards the pack, the Shellos hiding behind it even as it hesitantly approaches. Once the Gastrodon rejoins the pack a different Gastrodon tries to attack the Shellos again, Ash is about to step in again, but before he can the Gastrodon from before smacks the attack away. 

The Gastrodon lets out a cry, shaking its horns, purple ooze keeping on together. The attacking Gastrodon lowers its head and backs away. The pink Shellos start to surround the blue Shellos in a show of acceptance. That's all Ash needs to see for any thought of catching the Shellos to disappear. It'll be happy with its pack now, and Ash will gladly let it be. Maybe he'll visit one day, just to make sure. 

Ash smiles, and he can tell Akari is too, even with her crossed arms. 

“Hmpf, it seems they accept the Shellos now.” Akari says, sounding mildly frustrated with how they treated the Shellos earlier and a little happy its family accepted it. 

“Sometimes all it takes is one little act of kindness.” Ash says, Shinx worms its way into Ash's lap again, tail still wagging. 

“Sheeee!” Ash hears as he starts to stand up. He comes up with an armful of Shellos as the blue Shellos nuzzles into Ash's arms. Ash laughs, hugging the squirmin Shellos. With the hug there's a large amount of purple ooze gushing out of the Shellos and getting all over Ash's arms and clothes, but he doesn't mind. When Ash lets the Shellos out of the hug Shinx pounces forward, nuzzling the Shellos again, this time with a few shocks connecting between the two, although the Shellos doesnt feel it. The Shellos’ wing flaps flutter excitedly at Shinx’s attention, happily enjoying it. 

Once Shinx was done, Akari pats Shellos’ head. The Shellos coos at the touch and Akari smiles. 

“Stay safe.” Akari smiles at the Shellos, Shellos’ wing flaps flutter faster. Once Akari finishes saying goodbye the Shellos turns away, running back to its pack. Ash and Akari smile as the Shellos runs off, content with its happy ending. 

Ash stands back up, Akari stretches.

She sighs, obviously not looking forward to her next actions. 

“Lets go find Mai.” Akari sighs, Ash smiles, glad she's giving Mai another chance. 

To Ash's surprise it didn't take much time to find Mai, infact nearly as soon as they turned around they found Mai. She was awkwardly shuffling in the forest close to where they were standing with the Shellos. 

Akari raises an eyebrow, and glances off awkwardly. Cascoon nuzzles her leg, and Ash spots Akari's Pikachu slouching over by a tree with its paws crossed. 

“I… I saw what you did with the Shellos.” Mai mutters, glazing off as she fidgets with her hands. 

“And…?” Akari narrows her eyes, she scowls slightly, “are you gonna tell me how much I dont care for pokemon?”

“No!” Mai shouts, she looks like the next words she is going to try and say are very hard for her. 

“Im- im sorry.” Mai admits, Akari blinks, obviously surprised. Ash grins, it seems like Mai has come around. 

“I judged too soon. My clan leader always tells me I get too stubborn once I get an idea into my mind, not noticing what's right in front of me.” Mai says, shuffling her feet. 

“You do care for your pokemon, that's evident with you and your Cascoon. It obviously loves you, even if your Pikachu seems to despise you.” Mai sighs, her bang moving to cover her eye as she awkwardly apologies. 

“I was wrong about the Galaxy team.” Mai bites her lip and looks at Akari, "I was wrong about you.”

Mai lowers her head towards Akari, “I'm sorry.”

Akari smiles, “I'm sorry too.”

“I tend to get hot headed quickly, and escalate arguments quickly.” Akari says, nodding at Mai. 

“I'm sorry for what I said.” Akari says, before holding out her hand.

“How about we start over, and try this mission again.” she offers, Mai smiles and takes Akari's hand, giving it a firm shake. 

“Deal.” Mai smiles. Ash beams, happy at the resolution. 

“We should probably get walking to find someplace to stay for the night, it'll be nightfall soon and we are definitely far off of the trail.” Mai says, and Ash and Akari agree. 

“Sounds like a plan!” Ash chirps, following Mai. 

“You never answered before, but what exactly are we helping you with on top of the mountain?” Akari says, glancing over at Mai. 

“An alpha Kricketune has taken over our noble Wydeer’s sacred home, we need help scaring off the Kricketune. The noble Wydeer is letting us put a campsite there in return for the mission being done.” Mai explains and the two galaxy members make a nose of understanding. 

“Well, at least you already have some experience with alpha pokemon Ash.” Akari says, elbowing Ash. Ash laughs and nods. 

“That'll certainly be useful.” Mai nods, leading the two through the forest to find a place to sleep for the night. 

Ash was glad they were not arguing anymore. 

He was glad people, and pokemon he supposes, could change.  

Geodude 

Pokedex number 46

Rock ground type

These pokemon are very often mistaken as real rocks, many a hiker will accidentally step on them only to get a powerful punch back! Just be glad they didnt use self destruct instead. They tend to bury themselves deep in the dirt to rest, meaning often it's impossible to see the difference between them and normal rocks, so be careful. 

As Geodude age their rocky body is slowly whittled away at until they are smooth and shiny. The smoother a Geodude is, the older it often is. These Geodude also tend to be less hostile, having aged past the aggression. To get stronger Geodude will smash themselves against each other often breaking off chunks of themselves. 

Due to their physical appearance, Rhyperior often mistake them for rocks and fling them in place of actual boulders. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Shellos 

Pokedex number 82

Water type

Shellos has two different forms, divided based on where they are found in the sea. The west sea Shellos are pink and white influenced by the warm ocean waters. While the east sea are blue and green, influenced by the colder waters. Shellos live along the shore, while they can live inland they tend not to venture far from the water due to needing constant hydration due to its skin drying out. It's thought that the higher the quality of water they live by the more vibrant their colors are. 

When Shellos are squeezed, or feel like they are in imminent danger they will release a purple ooze that tends to be very sticky and hard to wash off. Acting almost as an adhesive. This is thought to be a defense mechanism, to stick predators to the ground before fleeing.  It seems like the east sea Shellos have been declining in population, while west sea Shellos are thriving. 

They live in closely knit packs of Gastrodon and Shellos, but if they find any Shellos of a different form they will be quickly shunned from the pack, even if they grew up with them their entire life. 

Shellos can be quite friendly and will crawl towards any human they see! 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Gastrodon 

Pokedex number 83

Water ground type

This pokemon has two forms, the evolution of the two forms of Shellos, west sea and east sea. The West Sea tends to have a very tough outer shell, this is the only part of the Gastrodon that cannot regenerate, as Gastrodon have a magnificent regenerative healing. Any part that gets torn off will grow back within a day, not including the shell. This makes west sea Gastrodon very upset when their shells are damaged or broken, often slinking away from their pack to never been seen from again. East sea Gastrodon do not have a shell, but have even better regenerative healing so they don't need one. 

These pokemon tend to be more active on land during rainy or cloudy days, due to its skin drying out faster on sunny days. 

The softness of a Gastrodons body is actually useful for its fighting, dispersing attacks throughout letting it absorb attacks easier. This makes them quite resilient, but for the west sea their shells can be a hindrance to this. 

These pokemon live in tight knit packs, often as the protectors of the Shellos. But be careful if you see a Gastrodon catch sight of a Gastrodon or Shellos of the different form, for it will immediately attack. No one knows why the two forms have such a hatred for each other, we may never know. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

It was an unfortunately good day. The sun was shining brightly, perfectly warm as it hits Tempest's yellow fur. A breeze blows through the trees that ruffles the leaves and creates a sharp whistling sound to Tempest's sharp hearing. The grass underneath Tempest's paws is cool and perfect to roll over in. 

It was the type of day Tempest used to look forward to. 

Now her days are ruined as she has to listen to the humans try to figure out where they were going and how to get there. Apparently they were lost. Like Tempest cared. 

She lazily watches the humans with disinterest, the fellow Pikachu owner was focused on keeping the munchlax from digging into the humans bags to grab all of the food. If it weren't for the fact that they gave food to Tempest from that backpack she would have shocked both the human and the munchlax for making so much noise. 

She didn't get very much sleep last night, Tempest doesn't get humans. They slept in the middle of a clearing, like that was the safest spot to sleep instead of a burrow. The clearing makes it so much easier for predators to sneak up on them, with all of the angles open. A burrow means there's only one area to attack from, and it's hidden. Because of the human's stupid choice of sleep, Tempest couldn't rest. Every Time she heard a faint noise she would burst awake, paranoid about a potential attack. At least the humans took shifts in sleeping, but Tempest wouldn't trust any of them with protecting her while she sleeps. In a way, she almost prefers to sleep in a pokeball, even if she hates being able to be removed or brought into the real world at another creature's whim. Sure, the pokeball is comfortable and gave her a certain feeling of safety, but it's ruined by the paranoia at being suddenly dragged into a fight at any time, which is why she hates going inside. 

Maybe she would like it more if the person who owned her (god she hates the fact a human owns her, she hates that anyone owns her, much less an insufferable human who gets angry constantly.) was a little nicer, a little kinder, maybe she would trust being in a pokeball, maybe she would even grow to like it. 

But she will never be friends with that insufferable human. 

No matter what that stupid Pikachu tries to convince her. 

In fact, that stupid Pikachu was sitting by the stupid human whos trapped her. It was watching as the diamond human and Tempest's kidnapper as they look over a map and tried to figure out the best way up the mountain. Tempest doesn't care why they have to go up that mountain, some human thing that she doesn't care about. 

To be honest, Tempest liked the diamond human at first. She made Tempest's kidnapper let Tempest out of the pokeball, and she made her mad. The best qualities in a human. 

But then they started to get along and Tempest quickly grew to despise the diamond human. Same with the fellow Pikachu owner, who Tempest has taken to calling the loud human. 

“ You know they have names, right? ” Tempest scowls as the other Pikachu joins her, having heard her grumbling. 

“ I'm aware, but as long as they refuse to use my name, I refuse to use theirs. ” Tempest huffs, sticking her nose into the air. 

“ Besides, don't you get annoyed with being called Pikachu all of the time? ” Tempest asks, and the Pikachu shakes his head. 

“ Not really, I was never raised among Pikachu, so I was always called Pikachu, long before I was caught. ” Pikachu shrugs. 

Tempest huffs, turning her head. 

Well she was raised among a pack of Pikachu, and she had a name. Those humans should use it. And if they refused to use her name, then Tempest refuses to use theirs. 

Humans are the worst beings Tempest has had the displeasure of meeting, they were vindictive, annoying, and downright evil. 

Her kidnapper being the best example. 

Tempest curls around herself, trying to get a bit more shut eye before the group starts to walk. Even when she walks on four paws it still takes a lot more walking to keep up with the humans, and there's no way she's ever gonna use the humans as a transporter like Pikachu does. So she's already tired, but after last night she can already feel her electric sacs starting to drain. 

If she wants to keep herself safe with these humans then she's gotta make sure she's not weakened. 

Her ear twitches as she hears the Pikachu walk away, back to its trainer. She doesn't care to listen to what it says further, she shuts her eyes tightly. 

But when she hears a familiar name her head shoots up.

“Tempest!” She hears from one of the humans, and her head shoots up to find the loud human with the smug Pikachu on his shoulder. The loud human smiles at her, not the baring teeth smile she's seen from other humans, but a gentle but no less bright one. 

Tempest scowls at the Pikachus smug look. Fine. She guesses she can call Ash by his name. If he would be decent enough to do the same for her. 

But that doesn't mean she likes him, or the other humans. And as she looks over she notices the two female humans still sitting by the map. 

If Ash was truly better than the other humans, he wouldn't be staying with Tempest's awful kidnapper, much less be friendly with her. 

Tempest huffs, curling back up and ignoring Ash's attempts to continuing a conversation. 

She shuts her eyes and tries to catch some sleep. She can hear the Shinx and Pikachu run around playfully, the Shinx trying to catch Pikachu's tail. She can also hear a specific annoying pokemon coo as it rocks by Tempest's kidnapper. She doesn't particularly like the Cascoon. 

She doesn't like any of the pokemon she's currently forced to spend time with. All of them are traitorous excuses for pokemon. 

When she first met Pikachu she thought she would enjoy the company of a fellow Pikachu, especially one in the same situation as her. 

She fought against the Shinx easily, needing to get the electricity that had nearly overflowed from the long stay inside that dreaded ball. The Shinx took orders from its captor, so it was obviously brainwashed. And Tempest doesn't particularly care for Shinx anyway, they tend to be annoying, and get in the way of Pikachu. But when she was going to hit her finishing blow on the Shinx the other Pikachu jumped down from its captors hold, getting in her way and stopping her. 

It was then did she realize that that Pikachu was also brainwashed. And seeing how it acted with its human only solidified this belief. The two are attached at the hip, one never leaving the sight of the other. The traitorous Pikachu even sits on the human's shoulder! 

It's bizarre, and something that infuriates Tempest. 

She refuses to become like that Pikachu. 

She growls as the Shinx runs a little too close, before crashing into her. She raises her tail, about to snap a thunderbolt at the now retreating Shinx. Its tail tucked as it steps away from Tempest. She starts to build the thunderbolt only to be thrown off balance as a different thunderbolt hits close to her paws. She jumps backward, her thunderbolt dissipating with shock. It doesn't help that with the rough night of sleep it takes more effort to summon electricity. 

When the dirt settles, Tempest saw the other Pikachu standing over the Shinx, tail raised to snap out an attack in order to protect it. Tempest scowls, but it knows that at its current state it couldn't beat the other Pikachu. 

It turns away, muttering something about traitorous Pikachu and brainwashing.

Pikachu deflates from a potential fight, instead watching her curiously. 

“ You know, humans can be nice, and helpful to pokemon. You don't have to be so bitter towards them .” the Pikachu says, stepping forwards towards Tempest. 

“ Says the Pikachu who abandoned the wild to what- play lap dog for a human? ” Tempest snarls, but the Pikachu rolls his eyes, obviously not intimidated by the show of teeth. 

“ I'm just saying, doesn't it get tiring to be so angry all of the time? ” the Pikachu cocks its head, and Tempest growls. 

The Shinx starts to creep out from behind the Pikachu, watching curiously. Tempest tries to scare it off, but it seems with the Pikachu protecting it isn't as scared of Tempest. 

“ It's the only way to survive out here with those humans. As soon as you let your guard down they'll capture you and keep you in those stupid balls. ” Tempest says, sticking her nose into the air. 

“ You're naive if you think they'll protect you from anything. ” Tempest says, the Pikachu sighs but the Shinx grows annoyed. 

“ That's not true! ” Shinx shouts, darting forward and pressing its paws out, “ our trainer protects us! He protected me from a flock of zubat! ” 

Tempest rolls her eyes, knowing there's no chance to help these brainwashed idiots. 

“ Humans aren't all evil you know. ” Pikachu says, turning its head to look at its trainer happily, the Shinx continues to bristle at Tempest's dismissal. 

“ Sure, and I'm sure the grass is blue and the sky is green. ” Tempest deadpans, “ humans are awful, they trap us into balls that hold us captive for weeks on end, rip us from our families and force us to fight for them. ”

“ They treat us terribly, so for all I could care, I will never care about them. ” Tempest scoffs. 

“ Well it seems Cascoon doesn't mind your trainer. ” Pikachu says, gesturing to the human and the Cascoon. The human was hugging Cascoon in her lap, even as spikes protrude from the bug pokemon and poke at her arms. 

Tempest scowls at the happy look on the human's face. How gentle she is with the stupid bug. Tempest is sure it's just a trick to lower the Cascoons guard, tricking it into fighting for her since Tempest wont. But Tempest doesn't care about warning the Cascoon. 

If it's dumb enough for a few kind words to trick it then Tempest can't save it. 

But something in Tempest makes her furious about the happy look that the human gives Cascoon, a look Tempest has never seen on her face before. And certainly never aimed at her. 

But Tempest doesn't care. If the human wants to replace Tempest with a stupid bug, then Tempest won't care as long as it's left alone. 

Better yet, let it leave and go back to the wild. Destroy the stupid ball. 

Tempest has tried a few times to destroy the ball, but no matter what she did the stupid ball wouldn't break or even crack. No matter how hard she shocked it, it wouldn't budge.

She needs to be released from it by the trainer, so she's stuck with the human for now. But she swears one day she'll break free from it. 

Which is why she whips back around to the Pikachu, growling sharply at him. 

“ I don't care! I don't care about that stupid human! ” Tempest raises her tail, her cheeks sparking viciously. 

The Pikachu seems a bit amused, but concedes, turning away. 

“ Maybe you should give Akari another shot. She's been changing, maybe the two of you can become friends. ” Pikachu says, turning away and returning to his trainer. The Shinx watches suspiciously as it follows the Pikachu. 

Tempest is so annoyed that a thunderbolt snaps out and hits a tree nearby. Causing the humans to yelp, and snap their heads up. Tempest watches as the human figures out what happens, her happy look she was aiming at the Cascoon a few seconds ago was quickly melted away, and an annoyed and disappointed look aimed at Tempest instead. Tempest turns away, pouting as she sits by a tree. 

It doesn't get to sleep by the time the humans start to walk, and Tempest grumbles as she's forced to keep up with the humans. Shinx seems to have a much easier time keeping up then her, despite running along with the humans like she was. 

“We need to walk along the side of the mountain until we find Tidewater Dam, and then start trekking our way up to deertrack heights. We are further off the path from that distraction yesterday than we realized.” Tempest kidnapper says to Ash, Ash nods along. Pikachu sitting on his shoulder relaxing while Tempest struggles to keep up. 

Tempest grows more annoyed as her kidnapper turns to Cascoon, leaning down as she spots that Cascoon was having a hard time keeping up with the legged creatures. 

“Here Cascoon, I'll carry you so you don't have to keep up.” aka- Tempest's kidnapper, Tempest quickly corrects, says. She picks up Cascoon in her arms making the bug coo happily and rock. She doesn't even spare a glimpse to Tempest, who was behind the group due to not being able to keep up. 

Tempest growls lowly, startling Shinx nearby and it quickly dives behind Ash to hide from Tempest. Pikachu's ears perk up as it hears the growl, looking down at Tempest curiously before diving off Ash's shoulder to walk along her side. 

“ You know you could sit on Ash's shoulder like I do, he won't mind. ” Pikachu says, walking along the path standing on its back paws as opposed to Tempest who walks on four paws.

“ I wouldn't trust those humans as far as I could shock them. ” Tempest sticks her nose up, “ I'm not gonna trust them enough to sit on one's shoulders .”

Pikachu shrugs, continuing to walk next to Tempest. After a few minutes Tempest looks over curiously. 

“ Why don't you walk on four paws? Isn't it faster to walk this way? ” Tempest asks as she walks forward the proper way, Pikachu tilts its head from how it was walking with two paws before shrugging. 

“ Like I said, I wasn't raised among Pikachu, so this was how I was taught to walk since I was an egg. ” Pikachu shrugs, “ besides I like to keep my front paws clean since I eat with them .” 

“ You are such a pet pokemon. ” Tempest deadpans. Pikachu rolls its eyes. 

“ You know, for someone who hates their trainer so much you sure sound quite like her. ” Pikachu cheekily says, and Tempest growls. 

“ I do not! ” Tempest shouts. 

“ You do! ” Pikachu smugly says, its tail flicking in amusement. 

“ I do not! ” Tempest digs her paws into the dirt only to get a tail to the face as Pikachu quickly runs off

“ Hey! ” Tempest shouts, quickly running after Pikachu. Pikachu laughs happily as it dodges and weaves around Tempest easily. 

Tempest tries to catch Pikachu, but it was already tired from the rough night and from trying to keep up with the humans, so she is always just one step behind. Even if she's technically faster with how she runs, Pikachu really reduces its mobility by walking on two paws. 

Pikachu runs around Ash's legs and Tempest quickly follows. It even follows as Pikachu clambers up Ash's leg onto his hip. Tempest jumps onto Ash's knee as he lifts it to walk forward before managing to latch onto Ash's chest. Pikachu is already up onto Ash's shoulder by the time she gets there so Tempest jumps up to finally catch Pikachu on Ash's shoulders. 

“ Admit it! I don't act like her! ” Tempest yells at Pikachu. 

Pikachu laughs and nods, “ fine, fine. I guess you don't act like your trainer. ”

Tempest huffs victoriously, and nods. She takes a small rest as she tired herself more to catch Pikachu. 

“ So, I guess riding on a human's shoulders isn't all that awful huh? ” Pikachu says as Tempest closes her eyes. She quickly snaps her eyes open and realizes she was lying on Ash's shoulder. She glares at Pikachu feeling indignant embarrassment rise in her as she sees Pikachu's smug face. 

She didn't even notice what that smug jerk did. She didn't even notice she was riding on a human's shoulders like that pet Pikachu. 

It doesn't help that it actually feels a bit nice, not having to move so much to keep up with the humans. 

Ash smiles at Tempest, scratching behind her ear. She would shock him if he didn't manage to get just the right spot that made her practically melt. 

She should shock him for simply having the audacity. She should shock him for having the most infuriating smug Pikachu. 

And she does, but it doesn't come out nearly as hard as she meant it to, electricity being hard to gather from her weak electric sacs. It doesn't hurt Ash more than making him falter in his steps. 

Tempest prepares for shouting, after all, her kidnapper always does after she shocks her. But instead Ash grins. 

“Gotta shock me a lot harder to hurt me, i've built up an immunity from Pikachu.” Ash snickers, Pikachu nods like he was being dead serious. Tempest huffs. 

She didn't mean to shock him so lightly, but it seems that Ash talking brings her kidnappers attention over to Tempest. Not like she noticed anything before, but she frowns when she spots Tempest on Ash's shoulder.

“Pikachu isn't shocking you, right? I know it loves to do that.” Tempest's kidnapper rolls her eyes and Tempest scowls. 

“Not at all!” Ash grins and Tempest's kidnapper shrugs and goes back into conversation with the diamond human. 

“You probably didn't mean to shock that lightly, you feeling okay Tempest?” Ash asks, plucking Tempest off his shoulder to take a look at her. 

Tempest growls, but Ash puts her back onto his shoulder. The only reason she's not jumping off of him is due to the fact she's so tired her eyes start to slip shut when they don't mean to even as she tries to keep balance on Ash's shoulder.

“I bet you're too tired, that's why you aren't shocking as hard.” Ash snaps, he cranes his neck to look at her and Tempest begrudgingly nods. 

Ash pulls off his back pack and makes enough room that Tempest could sit inside. 

“I know you probably don't trust me much, but if you want to you can sleep in my pack, or you're welcome to keep sitting on my shoulder so you don't have to try and keep up.” Ash says, he keeps his voice quiet, Tempest is a little glad her kidnapper isn't listening to this, she doesn't want to appear weak in front of her. 

Tempest eyes the backpack suspiciously. It'd be nice to finally get some sleep to recharge her electric sacs, and that backpack seems like the best place to do so, even with other stuff inside there. Then again, she would be trusting another human, and she hates doing that. But Tempest's eyes are slowly shutting and she feels so tired. And she can finally take a seat without worrying about keeping up. And she keeps swaying, nearly slipping off Ash's shoulders. 

She locks eyes with Pikachu, who nods at her, as if saying, “ fellow Pikachu to Pikachu, he'd never let someone hurt her while she was sleeping. ”

Tempest does something she swore she'd never do again, and that's trust another human. 

She crawls into the backpack and Ash smiles at her, patting her head before shutting the backpack carefully. Tempest appreciates that it's in such a way she could easily escape the pack if she wanted or needed to. 

“Sleep well, Tempest.” Ash says, muffled through the pack.

The darkness in the pack feels comfortable, as trickles of light head into the pack just enough the Tempest isn't reminded of the dreaded pokeball. 

Tempest's eyes shut quickly, finding herself drifting to sleep. She knows she shouldn't be trusting a human this much, that if she's shown as weak she could easily be killed. She knows she shouldn't trust a Pikachu that so easily trusts a human. 

But she does, she blames being too tired on this trust. 

She would never admit to trusting a human. 

As she drifts off the sleep she hears her kidnappers voice and her eyes snap back open and becomes alert for a few seconds. 

“Tempest? Why'd you call Pikachu Tempest?” Tempest's kidnapper questions. Tempest's eyes start to droop again and she starts to drift into sleep, the human’s voices being the only thing she clings to as she falls asleep. 

“I think it suits her! Like a name!” Tempest can practically hear the cheerful smile. Tempest deflates, so Ash thinks he came up with the name. But it's weird, how did he know? She knows he can't speak Pikachu. Maybe that other Pikachu had something to do with it. 

Whatever, Tempest didn't have the energy to think that over and figure out how he knew her name. She's just glad he knows it and uses it.

“It's a Pikachu, they don't need names.” her kidnapper says, and Tempest scoffs. 

Typical. 

As she closes her eyes, not hearing whatever Ash responds with, she thinks back to how she ended up in this position anyway. 

Tempest wasn't always a caught pokemon. In fact, through her hazy memories of a dream she remembers her pack, the pack she was raised from as soon as she hatched from an egg as a Pichu. She loved those days, back when things were simple and she could trust those around her. 

She loved her pack, and they loved her back. She doesn't remember what human had taken her from her home and ripped her away from her family, but she knows it's not her current kidnapper, and she remembers how she was caught. 

She was hurt, she had fallen off a rocky cliff where her pack was, hurting her leg quite badly which made it so she couldn't walk or run away. She remembers watching her pack leave, not having noticed her disappearance. She remembers being thirsty, tired, and in pain as she fought to get back to them for the next day or two. She was hurt by a group of paras at the time and barely sneaked away from a giant parasect before it found her and attacked. She wouldn't have survived if it caught sight of her. She remembers collapsing in a field when she just couldn't go on. At that point she figured she was dead, there was no saving her. Her leg was badly damaged and she couldn't walk, or hunt. Basically all she could do was shock anything that came close, but even her electric sacs were failing on her. 

She remembers that was her first time seeing a human, it approached her and hit her head with a weird ball. It hurt, it was heavy and painful as it hit her head, but she was already fading in and out of consciousness. But she remembers those cold eyes, that's almost the only thing she could see beyond the pain. Those cold eyes with the eyes of a predator closing in. 

Tempest wakes up, freeing herself from the hazy nightmare. 

She feels much better after the nap even as she tries to calm her rushing heart. 

The pack feels comfortable but she forces herself out of it, she feels much better to walk now and she doesn't want to trust a human any longer then she has to. 

She noses her way out of the pack, jumping down and startling the Shinx. 

She glares at the Shinx but it doesn't seem as scared of her as it used to this morning. Tempest scowls, just one moment of trust with a human and those pet pokemon already aren't as scared of her. This is why she doesn't let herself appear weak. 

She growls at the Shinx and it creeps away from her. She can feel Pikachus gaze on the back of her head, unimpressed. 

Tempest glares up at Pikachu, and it shrugs and shifts on Ash's shoulder. 

Tempest starts to walk with the group, instead of sleeping in the pack, she spots her kidnapper notice and looks over curiously. 

“Have a good nap Pikachu?” her kidnapper asks, Tempest doesn't care for the forced friendliness she gives, instead she turns her head away angrily and ignores her kidnapper. 

Tempest hears her sigh, but she doesn't budge. Instead she starts talking happily to the Cascoon in her arms. 

It's weird. 

Tempest has never seen her kidnapper so happy with a pokemon before that Cascoon. It's annoying how bright her smile is now, how gentle her eyes are. How Tempest hasn't seen the human raise her voice once at it! 

It's weird! Ever since Tempest has known the human she's been getting yelled at for whatever she does. Then this Cascoon rocks in and suddenly she's the gentlest person around!?
It's unfair! 

Why didn't Tempest ever get happy pats, or smiles, or gentle words? She's sure that the human must be bringing in the Cascoon for a trap. Opening its guard before tricking it into doing whatever she wants under the guise of “friendship”. It's bizarre watching the normally so angry human act all buddy buddy. 

Tempest hates the look on the human's face. Tempest huff, forcing her eyes away from the human. 

She doesn't care about the human. She doesn't look at the Pikachu, who definitely seems happy with its human, and healthy despite the years with its human and feel envy. The Pikachu who rides on its trainers shoulder when tired, with a human who lets Tempest, a pokemon that has shown nothing but aggression towards him and his pokemon since she's first been let out of her stupid pokeball. One that she hasn't seen raise his voice at the pokemon once, even when the Pikachu shocks him awake, and the Shinx gets too excited and bites onto his arm. Not even when they lose a battle. 

And she definitely doesn't look towards her kidnapper, and that stupid Cascoon and wonder why she can be so kind towards that Cascoon, a kindness she never offered to Tempest before she met it and feel anything other then rage and anger. 

When the group sits down by some rocks to eat their lunch and take a break, Tempest begrudging sits by the Pikachu. 

“Here you go buddy,” Ash says, scratching Pikachu behind the ear and handing Pikachu a berry. Pikachu bites into it easily and Tempest looks around for a berry tree she can scavenge from. 

She can't see any, and she figures the only berries she'll find is if she runs into the forest and grabs some from a berry tree she finds, or grab one from one of the humans. She briefly mulls over stealing that berry from Pikachu before deciding it wasn't worth the fight. 

She tries to think through the benefits of sneaking into the bags and if Ash will yell at her for grabbing some food from his bag before she hears a human squat down behind her. 

Tempest quickly whirls around, raising her tail towards the threat only to realize it was her kidnapper. 

Tempest begrudgingly lowers her tail, but at least her electric sacs are recharged better after her nap, so she feels more confident in her ability to snap out some electricity if she needs to. 

She glares, and the human holds out a berry, already wincing like she was expecting to be shocked. 

“Here Pikachu, eat up, we've got a long day ahead of us.” her kidnapper turns away her head, looking hesitant to even offer the berry. 

Tempest narrows her eyes, fangs flaring. She snatches the berry out of her hand before turning away and shocking her kidnapper anyway. 

“Hey!” the human shouts as she gets shocked. Tempest laughs, enjoying the sound of the human being hurt before she jumps back to where the Pikachu was and feasting on her meal. 

The Pikachu eyes her from the side, “ you didn't have to shock her so hard. She was trying to extend an olive branch. ”

Tempest scoffs, licking around her mouth as the berry juice sinks into her fur around her mouth. 

“ So what? No matter how much she may pretend to be nice I know she isn't being genuine. She may be trying to get on my good side now, but I'm sure it's a facade. ” Tempest bites into the berry again, sinking her fangs in deep.

“ I don't know… she seems pretty genuine with Cascoon. ” Pikachu says, looking over at her kidnapper. Tempest doesn't even need to lock to know that the Cascoon was in the human's lap as it eats its own berries, happily being pet by the human. 

“ Then you don't know her like I do. ” Tempest growls lowly, Pikachu glances over. 

“ I don't know, I've spent a few weeks watching her, she seems to get angry pretty quick and doesn't trust pokemon very much, but she seems to be learning that pokemon won't all hurt her. And she seems to really love that Cascoon .” Pikachu says, shrugging. 

Tempest flicks her tail, agitated. 

“ Well you didn't deal with her back then. humans may act all nice but as soon as you mess up they'll never forgive you. ” Tempest scowls, pikachu looks over curiously at her.

“ Well wanna tell me what it was like?” Pikachu asks and Tempest scowls, remembering. 

When she first opened her eyes again after being caught by that human with the cold eyes she was in pitch blackness. Her leg was still throbbing in pain and she barely kept herself from crying out. She doesn't want to attract attention from any predators that may try to finish her off. But she can't help but whine as she tries to find where she is. It's pitch black and she can't figure out what's happening. 

She fades in and out of conciseness for however long she was in that pitch blackness. 

But soon she was let out, the place she was let onto was weird, nothing like the dirt and grass she was used to. Her claws dug into the ground wherever she was. It was hard, and cold. But at least she was no longer in the pitch blackness. 

When she manages to break free of the pain to open her eyes and adjust her eyes to the brightness she wasn't allowed wherever that pitch blackness was, she spots two large creatures standing over her. 

She growls, raising her tail to try her best to fend them off as best as she can. She backs until she's in a corner and she tries to keep her eyes open to scan for the threats. Whatever these creatures are, they aren't very friendly looking. And when one reaches out to prod at her wound she turns her head and bites roughly into the weird furless skin. She tastes the metallic taste of blood as she bites in, and she doesn't let go even as she hears a threatening shout and the hand tries to be jerked away. She shocks after it tries to jerk away, tightening the hold its fangs have into the skin and she hears a pained shout. Only then does she let go, figuring she gave enough pain that the creature will back away. 

It doesn't, if anything they look angrier. She whines, trying to push herself farther into the corner or find a way to escape, but she can't, the creatures seem to surround her and the pain is overwhelming. She doesn't know what to do but to shock, so she does. She does what comes naturally to her and shocks anything and everything around her. 

The humans start to yell, but not in pain but in anger. Tempest hates the sound and she wrenches her eyes shut as she feels her sacs start to drain of electricity, knowing that this is her final stand. 

She hears the creatures talk, they talk strangely but Tempest is too pained to care. 

“Parasect, use sleep powder!” she hears, and the powder surrounds her as her shocks pitter out. She can't sleep. She can't. There's danger and if she sleeps she dies. She can't sleep! She can't. she cant…

She falls, letting out a cry as it hurts her already hurt leg. She tries to stand back up but she grows too drowsy, and her eyes start to slip shut. 

She can't sleep. If she sleeps she dies. 

She can't sleep. 

She falls asleep despite her valiantly trying not to. 

When she wakes back up she's back in the everlasting darkness. 

Her leg was fixed and she was back inside the costante darkness. 

After she realized her leg was fine she fought to find a way out of the ball, but she never found a way, as far as she knows she can only be let out if the human lets her out. 

The next time she's let out of the pokeball she was told to attack another pokemon. The small eevee looked scared, as scared as she was when her leg was hurt. She ends up not attacking, and the eevee takes the chance to quickly run away, she tries to chase after it, maybe play with it like she did her sibling Pikachu, only to yelp as she feels something hit her side. 

She wheezes, feeling the breath get knocked out of her. She looks at what hit her to find the human with the cold eyes staring down at her with a sneering expression, she figures it was his kick that kicked her to the side. 

“Why'd you let it get away?” the human shouted at her, Tempest tucked her tail and backed away, not understanding what was so wrong about not hurting a scared eevee that wasn't going to hurt her back. 

She tries to run off, only to find herself being drawn back into the weird ball and going back to the eternal darkness. 

She doesn't know how long she stays in that cycle of being thrown suddenly into the real world, sometimes not being quick enough to attack whatever she's supposed to attack and it gets away, sometimes not being strong enough to win the fight and ending up badly hurt by the end of it, sometime she was strong enough and won. She hated it because no matter the outcome she ended up hurt by the dreaded human, and whenever she wins the battle the pokemon she defeated ends up being caught just like she was. She would never want anything to feel the constant fight, pain, darkness cycle she does. 

So eventually, she figures the best way to not end up hurt in the end, is to inflict as much hurt onto the human before he gets a chance to. So as soon as she's let out of that darkness, she lets out her worst shock, shocking the human so thoroughly it takes a few seconds for him to stop spasming. 

It ends up working, as she's put back into the ball without any pain being inflicted on her. Soon enough she went out of her way to inflict as much pain on the human as he ever did on her, but ten times harder. 

Eventually when she's let out of the pokeball, she finds that it's no longer in the presence of the human. But she doesn't let her guard down. If one human is willing to attack her, all of them are capable if she messes up. 

The human she is in the presence of introduces himself as Professor Laventon. He has a Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and an Oshawatt with him. They don't seem to be in pain, but she certainly doesn't trust him enough to let her guard down. So she climbs up the tallest shelf and curls up there, glad to be free of that endless darkness. It was starting to drive her crazy. 

She spends the next few days with Professor Laventon, she doesn't know what happened to her old owner. But she doesn't care. In fact, she almost hopes he is dead, that would certainly make it easier for her. 

Professor Laventon is weird, he isn't like the humans she's met before, but she doesn't mind the change. She finds herself creeping away from the shelf and joining the other pokemon for meal time. Professor Laventon talks a lot, he talks a lot about other pokemon that Tempest doesn't understand, or, occasionally about other humans. 

It's how Tempest learns about other humans, she learns that Laventon is the outliner. The more she hears about the other trainers she realizes that they were exactly like her old one, and she's never going to trust another human than him. 

With the way they fight through pokemon, like they couldn't attack themselves, and instead force pokemon to attack for them. The way they talk about gathering information on pokemon as a way to better fight them. The dreaded pokeballs that all carry pokemon in that tense darkness. 

She won't ever do that again. 

And yet she does, one day, a small human barrels into the professor's lab. 

“Professor! Professor! I passed my trial! I'm part of the survey corps!” the girl, Tempest quickly deduces, must be a kit. She looks much smaller, weaker, younger than the rest of the humans she's met. Has the same energy about her as well. 

“That's excellent Akari! How about as a prize, you take a pokemon with you. That way you don't have to catch your first pokemon alone.” the professor says, and suddenly Tempest feels a sinking feeling in her stomach. 

“Yes! Thank you professor Laventon!” the kit says, looking over at the Rowlet, Oshawatt, Cyndaquil, and… and her.

No. no. she refuses. 

The kit's eyes lock onto Tempest. 

No, she refuses to become another battle bug for these humans. 

No. no. no. never again. 

If this human is a trainer she is going to hurt Tempest. Just like that other human. No. no. it can't be. 

She won't let it happen.

“The Pikachu!” the girl says confidently. 

Tempest couldn't feel more dread. 

She's brought back into the endless darkness, betrayed by the one human she thought was different. The one she thought was different but stands and gives Tempest straight to someone who will hurt her. 

She was naive for trusting that human, Professor Laventon. And she swears she wont let herself be hurt again. 

So when she's finally let out of that stupid dark prison and finds herself standing across a Shinx, the human she was given to like an object being sold, she shocks alright. 

She shocks the human, she may be a kit, but even kits can be dangerous in the wild. Even more dangerous if you think that they might have a parent nearby, a very angry parent. 

Tempest doesn't want to consider having the kit's parents attack her for attacking the human. So she shocks even harder. 

The human shouts, Tempest hates the sound. 

“Hey! What was that for!?” the girl asks, Tempest growls. 

“Hey, you're supposed to be my pokemon, attack what I ask you to attack, not me!” the girl says sternly, Tempest raises her tail again in warning. 

The girl tries to get Tempest to attack again, which Tempest sticks her nose up at. It's just in time for the Shinx to send an electroball towards the girl. And Tempest grins, happy that the human that will inflict pain on her if given the chance is instead getting her retribution. 

She finds out that the human doesn't hurt her if she doesn't attack first. But she certainly isn't dropping her guard enough to let her get the chance. 

Instead she starts to take a backseat, letting the human fight her own battles and watching her get hurt by the wild pokemon she was trying to get Tempest to fight. Everyday the girl’s annoyance with Tempest grows, and Tempest doesn't care. She doesn't make a step to hurt Tempest, but she certainly voices her displeasure. 

Tempest just laughs as she gets hit by yet another electroball. 

She is not letting that human get the chance to hurt her. So she wont let her guard down. 

“ It sounds like the two of you just got to a rough start, and now neither of you will give the other the chance to try and fix things. ” Pikachu says, eating another berry after the story Tempest had told. 

Tempest scowls, she almost wants to snap out a shock towards the other Pikachu. 

“ But I get how you feel. ” Pikachu sadly smiles, Tempest scowls.

“ And how do you know that? ” Tempest snaps, and Pikachu sighs.

“ I had a trainer a lot like your first one. He never hurt me himself, but he yelled a lot. And he wasn't very nice. I hated being with him. ” Pikachu says, looking away. Tempest deflates. Pikachu had a similar experience with humans? And yet he still parades around with one?

“ I used to have the same sentiment with humans actually. Scarily similar. ” Pikachu snorts, but it sounds sad. 

“ I thought all humans were evil. And I swore I would never trust one again. And then Ash came along. ” Pikachu says, he looks over to Ash, “ at first I thought Ash was the same. And we didn't get off on the right foot. I wasn't going to give Ash a chance, and Ash was growing annoyed with me. ”

“ It was only until Ash gave me a chance, and I gave Ash a chance, did we start to become friends. ” Pikachu bites into its berry again, Tempest gives the rest of hers to Pikachu, losing her appetite. 

“ In the end, friendship can only be achieved if you both let your guards down to let the other in. stop shocking Akari, and Akari won't feel the need to be so tense around you. Then the two of you can't start to be better friends. ” Pikachu says, finishing the berry but giving Tempest's abandoned berry to Shinx, who happily eats it. 

“ After all, Akari seems to have changed to start to trust pokemon. But she hasn't quite fully let her guard down. And you won't let your guard down enough to let Akari start to trust you. ” Pikachu curls to sit down, feeling full. 

Tempest growls, “ no. no. ” Tempest shakes her head.

“ I won't trust another human again. ” Tempest refuses, and Pikachu looks at her sadly.

“ Just… just watch Akari with Cascoon, watch how she cares for it and wouldn't hurt Cascoon. Watch Akari, genuinely without seeing the worst in her. Maybe she'll surprise you. ” Pikachu says, before bounding up to its trainer and curling around his neck. 

Tempest huffs. Fine. but she's only gonna do it for today. If the human doesn't surprise her today, then she won't trust her kidnapper ever. She swears. 

Once the group finishes eating lunch they start walking again, they haven't quite gotten to a clearing yet where they should find their path, so instead they walk through a forest with a lot of familiar holes. She can smell food inside some of the holes and she has a feeling what type of holes these are. 

She looks over to Pikachu who hasn't seemed to notice what the holes were, but Shinx was nosing around in one of them. Whatever Pikachu is living in that burrow is not going to be happy. Tempest looks away, uncaring about what the Shinx does.

She looks over at her trainer, a careful look as she walks along the path, the Cascoon right next to her. 

She doesn't get it, Tempest has seen the Cascoon poke her kidnapper multiple times with its spikes, creating red marks along her arms. And yet she doesn't yell at the Cascoon like she does Tempest, she hasn't once raised her voice at the little bug. 

Tempest growls, looking away from the two and over to Pikachu, who was sniffing at the same burrow as Shinx. Tempest stops, looking over at the two confused. 

She would think Pikachu at least had the sense to not stick its face into a fellow Pikachus burrow, but apparently not. Shinx she expected to not get, it's young, obviously still a kit, and not a Pikachu. 

But Pikachu? Doesn't it get how territorial Pikachu get? Especially after mating season and all of the parents are nursing their young? 

Tempest rolls her eyes and heads over to warn Pikachu. She should let it figure out its own mistakes, she doesn't get why she's helping Pikachu. It's only because it's a fellow Pikachu, definitely not because she thinks Pikachu is nice. Nice but definitely a bit naive. Despite the moments of wisdom the Pikachu shares with Tempest. 

Tempest approaches, staring the Pikachu and Shinx down. 

“ You know it's generally a bad idea to stick your faces into a territorial Pikachu burrow. ” Tempest says, unimpressed. The Pikachu and Shinx turn around, surprised. 

“ I smelt a berry inside! ” Shinx says, wagging its tail. Pikachu tilts its head, looking back at the Pikachu burrow like it was seeing it in a new light.

“ That's a Pikachu burrow? How can you tell? ” Pikachu asks, Tempest frowns. 

“ Because I've made dozens just like it, have you never made a burrow? ” Tempest questions, Pikachu shakes his head, flicking his straight edged tail.

“ No, I never needed to. ” Pikachu says, Tempest shrugs, turning away. Pikachu and Shinx join her. 

“ You never needed to make a burrow? What about before you were caught by a human, how did you sleep? ” Tempest questions, she can barely sleep unless she's in a burrow or the dreaded pokeball as much as she hates it. 

“ In my mama kangaskhan's pouch! ” Pikachu says, both Shinx and Tempest look at Pikachu weirdly.

“ What? I wasn't raised among Pikachu remember. ” Pikachu scoffs and Tempest snorts. 

“ You didn't know how to be a Pikachu even before you were caught by a trainer. ” Tempest grins, Pikachu pouts. 

“ I know how to be a Pikachu, I just do things a little differently .” Pikachu pouts and Tempest shakes her head amused. 

“ I suppose. You know how to make a nest right? ” Tempest teases and Pikachu shouts.

“ Why would I make nests when I never stay in one place for more than one night!? ” Pikachu squawks and Tempest laughs, flicking her heart shaped tail in amusement.

Shinx looks at the two back and forth, like it wasnt understanding something. 

Tempest hits the Shinx over the head with the back of her tail sharing a small electric shock as she would do with her siblings way back when. 

Shinx whines, before it notices Tempest's tail and tries to catch it. Tempest rolls her eyes bursting forward to catch up with the humans and leaving Pikachu and Shinx in the dust. 

She passes by the Cascoon as it curiously looks inside another Pikachu burrow, Tempest doesn't bother to warn it. 

And by the time she's fully caught up a startled Pikachu resting bursts out from the burrow to claw at Cascoon. Cascoon lets out a shrill cry that makes Tempest's kidnapper immediately whip her head around towards the attacked Cascoon. 

“Cascoon!” the human shouts, running to the Cascoon. The loud noise startles the Pikachu which scuttles off scared from seeing the human. Tempest stares as the Pikachu flees, it disappears from sight quickly. It must be pretty young. 

She hears Pikachu sit next to her, a good distance away from the Cascoon that was being rocked in the humans arms as she talks softly to it. Tempest growls, baring her teeth angrily as she spots it. 

That Cascoon was being dumb! It couldn't even protect itself! Tempest doesn't get why that Cascoon gets to be rocked, talked to gently as the human nurses it's injury, while a few months ago Tempest would have gotten yelled at by her first human for being too weak.

Pikachu looks over at her before softly patting her back. 

It's so… infuriating how a few months ago this human would scream and shout at Tempest for shocking her, then some weird bug comes and suddenly she's some innocent human. Who would never raise her voice or get annoyed with her pokemon. As long as that pokemons not Tempest. 

Tempest scoffs. 

Tempest feels fury fester inside of her, at seeing how delicately she acts with the bug. 

That delicacy Tempest would never be awarded with how often she shocks the human and refuses to battle for her. 

Tempest turns away and starts to walk away, Pikachu joining her. She can hear the human stand with the Cascoon in her arms.

Pikachu doesn't speak and Tempest is glad for it. 

The worst part about it is that Tempest would, somewhere, in a small little part of her she's long since buried away, would like to have a friendship with a trainer like Pikachu did his. Someone who encourages her, takes care of her, worries for her. 

She's long since given up the idea of going back into the wild back to her pack of Pikachu, she's at the age where she's expected to go off and live on her own, build her own pack. And the idea of being alone scares Tempest much more than she would staying in this situation. At least here, with her kidnapper she knows what's happening, she knows how to survive, she can deal with any situation she comes across. And sure she may get hurt but at least she's healed up by the next time she's expected to battle. 

But she doesn't want to just be some brute battler for whatever whims her human has. She wants to be cared for, spoken with soft words, healed whenever she makes a mistake with encouraging words. She wants something that Cascoon has. 

But there's absolutely no way that human will ever do that. And Tempest won't dare let her get close enough to open the possibility. 

She doesn't want to get hurt again, and if she opens her heart again, it's begging for a kick in the teeth. 

Tempest huffs, but her ears rise as she catches onto a sound. Pikachu notices it too and looks towards the sound. 

Tempest flicks her tail anxiously as she hears it. It sounds like baby Pichu that is hurt. 

It sounds like how she cried out as she was hurt. She shares a glance with Pikachu, they both know exactly what that cry sounds like.

Pikachu seems to notice her anxiousness and decides to run towards the sound, Tempest is glad for it because that means its trainer follows Pikachu and the rest of the humans follow Ash. This means Tempest can check on the Pichu without worry. 

She just… she doesn't want to see another Pichu or Pikachu in distress like she was,  that separated her from her pack and caused her to have the worst time in her life. 

She doesn't know when she started running side by side with Pikachu, but she skids to a stop quickly as she comes to a clutch of Pichu. 

Tempest sniffs, walking around the Pichu in a large circle. She can smell there's definitely a parent, either Raichu or Pikachu. She can't tell which, the parent is faint on the Pichu, so it must have been a while since the parent was back. 

nine or so Pichu were there, there might be more hiding around somewhere. But she quickly notices one of the Pichu was hurt, its paw had been punctured by a Wurmple spike. 

The Pichu must be young, very young, most Pichu learn not to cry out like this as they grow up to not attract predators. Tempest lifts her tail and sends out shocks, to learn of her environment more than what she's able to usually. She can't find a burrow nearby, so these Pichu are as good as dead if that parent doesn't come back soon. A pokemon that young just can't survive on its own. 

And given how closely that Dartrix was hovering by a nearby tree, Tempest thinks these Pichu need protection. 

Pikachu jumps forward, waving its front paw. The Pichu whine, hiding from Pikachu scared. Tempest gives Pikachu an unimpressed stare. 

“ They Are scared of you, you shouldnt approach baby Pichu that way. They cant tell we’re friendly yet .” Tempest says, dragging Pikachu away from the terrified Pichu. 

“Oh wow, a clutch of Pichu!” Ash says, catching up with Tempest and Pikachu. 

Tempest presses her ears against her tail and lies her tail flat, she lies down fully on the ground showing she's not a threat to the Pichu. 

“It's pretty rare to find Pichu, they're usually hidden by their parents until they evolve.” Tempest's human says, the Cascoon coos curiously. 

“Then where is their parent?” the diamond human asks worriedly.

The Pichu stare at Tempest and Tempest slowly creeps forward and the Pichu step away. Tempest stays in the spot where she's sitting and lets the Pichu approach her as she purrs, letting the Pichu know she's not unfriendly. 

Ash squats, offering a hand for the Pichu to come closer, but they skitter away from Ash scared. In doing so they hop closer to Tempest, close enough that Tempest can let out sparks from her cheeks, letting the Pichu feel the shock and be comforted. Soon enough the Pichu start approaching her curiously, once they figure out she's not a threat they start climbing all over Tempest as she continues to let out comforting purrs. 

“I don't think ive ever seen Pikachu so gentle.” Tempest's human says, blinking at how the Pichu climb over Tempest as Tempest starts to stand, making sure not to knock any Pichu to the ground. 

“ Huh, how'd you get those Pichu to trust you? ” Pikachu asks, hoping forward and making all of the Pichu scutter away scared. Tempest shoots him a small glare and Pikachu looks a little sheepish.

“ Pichu are scared when they are out of their burrow or away from their mother, haven't you ever felt the same way? ” Tempest asks, Pikachu takes a second to think before nodding.

“ Yeah I think so, when I was away from my kangaskhan mother I would grow very anxious. ” Pikachu nods, and Tempest nods in understanding.

“ Unless it's Pikachu from the same pack, Pikachu will often attack the clutches of Pichu. Which is why parents of Pichu will hide their Pichu away. ” Tempest explains, knowing Pikachu doesn't know much about Pikachu behavior in the wild. 

“ That's why these Pichu don't trust us, we don't smell like the pack, but by pressing your body down the Pichu can see you're not a threat, and the purring comforts Pichu in distress. ” Tempest flicks her tail and the Pichu approach again. 

Tempest lets out a purr, encouraging the Pichu to approach with Pikachu next to her. 

It doesn't take long for the Pichu to be all over Pikachu as well. They must be missing their mother a lot if they latch onto any Pikachu that comes around. 

Finally, the hurt Pichu approaches Tempest and Tempest takes a closer look at the wound, she licks the Pichus cheek softly as she stares at it. She wouldn't be able to heal it on her own. 

“Hey, that Pichu is hurt!” Tempest's human notices. Tempest perks up, the human can heal the Pichu. Tempest rubs her cheek against the Pichu, helping it over to the human.

“Biga!” Tempest says, glaring expectantly at the human. 

Her human tilts her head, confused. Tempest rolls her eyes, does she have to spell everything out for her?

“I think your Pikachu wants you to help the Pichu.” the diamond human says, Tempest nods. 

“Oh. okay.” her human smiles, almost hesitantly. She pulls those weird human healing items out of her bag and holds out her arms for the Pichu to hop to. It doesn't at first, but when both Tempest and Pikachu encourage it it hesitantly walks forward. 

When the Pichu finally reaches the human she plucks the pin out of the Pichus paw, causing the Pichu to shriek and let out a shock. 

Tempest scowls, preparing for a fight from the human. She knows by experience that if Tempest loses control of her electricity (or purposely shocks the human) she would get shouted at. That Pichu is scared and hurt, if that human decides to shout at the baby she would jump in the second she does she swears she wont let her yell at the Pichu. 

“Hey!” the human shouts as she gets shocked, Tempest prepares to dive in with her own shocks as soon as she starts-

The human mouths out a few words, like she was preparing to shout after the pain subsided. But before she actually voices those shouts the human bites her tongue, shutting her mouth roughly. When the pain subsides she keeps her mouth firmly shut, before she sighs. 

She gives a shaky smile to the Pichu, patting its head before going back to healing it by wrapping its paw and giving it one of those weird potions. 

Tempest falls back on her hindlegs roughly, blinking in shock and nearly dropping her jaw. 

Tempest closes her mouth roughly, staring in disbelief. 

She didn't shout at the Pichu. Even when it shocked her. She just… pat it and moved on. 

Tempest can't believe it. 

The Cascoon she could sort of understand, if the human wanted to keep Cascoon on her side maybe she would want to keep the Cascoon happy and ready to fight for her, because Tempest wouldn't. Or maybe she cares for the Cascoon, because it doesn't hurt her, unlike Tempest. Because Tempest hurts her, and refuses to battle it's fine if she shouts at Tempest. 

But suddenly things change with this Pichu. 

This Pichu shocked the human, it's not been caught by her, there's no reason to suck up and be nice to it for it to battle for her. She can't care for it like she does Cascoon, she's barely spent any time with it!

This isn't the human Tempest knows. This isn't the behavior Tempest remembers. 

She doesn't understand why though.

Tempest scowls flicking her tail. She just doesn't understand it. 

Pikachu looks over at her, his ears currently being tugged at by Pichu as they use him as their personal playground. 

“ Akari's changed. ” Pikachu says, seemingly reading her mind. 

Somehow, those two words scare Tempest. 

Because if that human changed, where does that leave Tempest? 

Has she changed enough? Will she hurt Tempest if she lets her guard down? Could the two of them get along if they tried? 

The unknowns scare Tempest, and she doesn't want to let herself hope. Hope that the human changed. That humans can be nice. That her first human was the outliner, not the norm. 

If the human really has changed, and the only thing keeping the two from being friends is Tempest, where does that leave Tempest?

What does she do? Does she give the human a chance, knowing that there's the potential to hurt her again. Or does she continue as she is, resolving to never let anyone in for the chance they could hurt her. 

She doesn't know, and that scares Tempest. 

Pikachu shares a shock with Tempest, helping ground her from staring in disbelief with how gently the human was acting around the hurt Pichu. 

“There you go, that feels better, doesn't it.” the human says, patting the Pichu on the head. The little Pichu purrs and loses control of its shocks and shocks the human again. 

And yet again the human doesn't yell, instead mouthing the words she wants to scream but never voicing them as the pain concedes. 

Tempest looks away, she can't bear to look again. 

Instead she looks at the other baby Pichu, two clinging onto Pikachu's tail, and two clinging onto each of Pikachu's ears as they shock happily. 

Tempest snorts, reminds her of her kit days, back when she would play with her older siblings in the pack and gnaw on their tails for a bit of electricity. 

“These fellas aren't very good at controlling their electricity.” Tempest's human says, Ash nods. 

“Yeah, I know even Pikachu can have a hard time controlling their electricity, so I guess it must be even harder for Pichu to control theirs.” Ash says, plucking one of the Pichu off Pikachu's ear, Pikachu whines in a bit of relief. 

“Pikachu have trouble controlling their electricity?” Tempest's human asks, Tempest takes mercy on Pikachu and pulls another Pichu off Pikachu's ear as it starts tugging too hard. She buries her snout on the Pichus neck and purr, causing the Pichu to giggle happily. 

“Oh yeah, Pikachu had a lot of trouble with that back when we were first traveling, didnt you bud.” Ash grins, Pikachu pouts.

“Huh…” Tempest's human says, she can feel her eyes boring into Tempest, Tempest doesn't dare look to confirm. She doesn't want to see those eyes. 

Instead Tempest starts to play with the Pichu, sharing small shocks as she encourages them to run around and play. The kits grow excited and start to rough house, Tempest wags her tail, making a few of the Pichu try to swat at it. 

Tempest laughs, the Pichu have climbed all over Pikachu, who's lying down hoping for this to all end. Shinx joins the playing happily, and pounces over Cascoon who also joins. 

Ash laughs, sitting down to play with the clutch of Pichu as well, and dragging Tempest's human along with him, despite the two being frequently shocked. 

“Shouldn't we start going back to traveling?” the diamond human asks, raising her eyebrow.

“Oh come on mai, can't we at least wait until these Pichu settle down a bit? Besides, I don't think Pikachu will be able to escape them anytime soon.” Ash grins at his Pikachu, who was covered in at least four Pichu who are gnawing on his tail and ears to collect electricity. After all, due to constantly losing control of their shocks, Pichu need to constantly be collecting their electricity from a variety of sources. The main source is of course their parents, they gnaw on their parents until the parent lets out shocks that the Pichu collect.

“And that dartrix is eyeing these Pichu too closely for my liking.” Ash says, watching the Pichu. 

“Huh? What dartrix?” the human females ask, before looking up at a tree and noticing the dartrix who's definitely waiting until these Pichu were alone. It's probably what made these Pichu flee from their home in the first place.  

The Pichu swatting at her tail manages to hit her tail and Tempest grins. She smacks her tail against the Pichu and lets out a shock. The Pichu giggles at the shock. 

Eventually when the Pichu start to grow tired they curl over Tempest and Pikachu and start to nap, preferring the company of the two Pikachu then any of the humans and Shinx or Cascoon. Cascoon comes close to Tempest and Tempest narrows her eyes at the bug, worried it might try to wake a few of the Pichu currently lying on Tempest's side or on her tail. Before it has the chance to get close enough to accidentally poke the Pichu Tempest's human plucks the Cascoon up, putting the bug in her lap she pats Cascoon, being careful to avoid the spikes. 

“The Pichu are tired, let's leave them alone Cascoon.” the human says, eventually the Pichu Ash was playing with curls by Tempest as well, Tempest licks the pokemon, it was the one that was hurt. So to comfort it Tempest grooms the Pichu, making it giggle and purr as she does so. 

“Tempest seems to really like these Pichu!” Ash grins, Tempest's human gives Ash a strange glance at calling Tempest Tempest, before she shrugs. 

“Guess so…” Tempest's human says as she furrows her brows, thinking. 

“Well, we should probably get going again, once we get Tempest and Pikachu out of their cuddle pile.” Ash beams, and the diamond human nods. 

Pikachu slowly peels itself away from the few Pichu that had curled around Pikachu. It brings the sleeping Pichu away from where it was sleeping so when Tempest manages to lift herself away from the baby Pichu, the Pichu can curl around each other. 

Pikachu helps Tempest free herself away from the baby pokemon, and they're almost free, just had to dislodge the hurt Pichu and one other from Tempest's tail and neck respectively. 

Unfortunately that was when we heard a sound that made everyone except the Pichu freeze. A large roar, accompanied by a large burst of electricity bursting from the forest nearby. 

Of course Pikachu and Tempest immediately knew what that sound was from. 

And as the Pichu perk up tiredly, calling out to their mother and alerting the Raichu to their appearance, they realize exactly what problem they have now. 

A Raichu. 

A very angry Raichu. 

A very angry mother Raichu. 

Tempest bursts up standing, no longer worried about not waking any of the Pichu now. Just worried about getting away before the Raichu catches sight of her close to her kits. 

The hurt little Pichu whines at Tempest leaving, trying to follow her as she runs up a tree when she realizes the humans weren't running yet. 

“What was that?” Tempest's human asks, and Tempest growls. Does she not get the trouble they were in now?

“Probably not something we want to stick around to find out.” the diamond human says, finally some sensibility!

But it was too late, the Pichu cries have alerted the mother and soon the mother jumps out of the forest, slamming its tail down into the ground as soon as it catches sight of the humans and the foreign Pikachu, near her babies. 

Oh no. 

The Raichu grows furious, letting out a cry as it lets out a giant shock. Tempest tucks her ears and tail as it comes close to hitting her, but thankfully it doesn't. 

This seems like a powerful Raichu, and there's no way these humans will be able to run from it without being hurt badly. They have to fight. 

Pikachu jumps in front of the humans, tail raised to protect them. The Raichu uses its tail and punctures the ground right in front of Pikachu. It jumps in front of its kids, except the hurt little Pichu that was still trying to get to Tempest. 

“Hey, we weren't going to hurt your kids.” Ash says, holding up his arms as he stands his ground, even as Tempest's human and the diamond human inch backwards. 

The dartrix sitting on a tree across from Tempest scoots forward a bit, probably going to try to use the battle that's about to begin to pluck off one of the Pichu. Tempest growls, prepared to dive down and attack as soon as the dartrix tries it. 

“Rai!” The Raichu roars, nearly hitting the humans with its tail if it weren't for Pikachu shocking it and making the Raichu falter with its steps. Tempest's human dives out of the way, backing up enough to not get attacked by a stray attack. The diamond human wasn't far behind. 

“I don't think we'll be able to run with the Raichu so angry like this, we'll have to fight.” Tempest's human says, Ash and Pikachu nod, “we should try to just stun it, we don't want to hurt the Raichu too badly she cant protect her kids.” 

“Pikachu, use quick attack!” Ash says, Pikachu bursts forward slamming its head straight into the Raichu's belly. The Raichu lets out a cry, stepping backward before lashing out with a harsh bout of electricity. 

“Pi-Pikachu!” Pikachu shouts, getting thrown away from the Raichu with the electricity and standing back up as soon as the shocks cease. 

Tempest scowls, she wants to help, she doesn't like seeing Pikachu get hurt. But she's not sure how to without diving down there and joining the fight, something she hasn't done in months. 

“Pikachu, iron tail!” Ash orders, Pikachu runs up, only to get smacked away harshly by the Raichu's tail, slapping Pikachu through the air and landing roughly onto a tree, which Pikachu falls from and lands on the ground. 

“Pikachu!” Ash shouts, running towards Pikachu and checking on it, “are you okay?”

“Pi-pika” Pikachu stands back up, albeit a little shakily but it stands up and continues to be ready to fight.

“Let's step in for a bit! Go Cascoon!” Tempest's human shouts, joining the battle so Pikachu could recover a bit. 

“Cascoon, use string shot!” Tempest's human says, and the Cascoon shoots sticky web from its spikes. It manages to wrap around the Raichu for a few moments. But the Raichu breaks out of the string, just in time for Pikachu to aim a counter attack with an irontail and knocking the Raichu off balance. 

“Just like that!” Ash grins, Tempest is so focused on the battle she doesn't see the dartrix creeping forward, spotting a lone Pichu away from the group. The lone Pichu trying to get to Tempest. 

“Chu!” the Raichu roars, letting out a shock that rips chunks of dirt from the ground. Pikachu manages to dodge it, but Cascoon doesn't, it gets thrown into a nearby tree and Tempest's human immediately runs towards it. Tempest's human cradles the Cascoon close, from the looks of it that Cascoon was out of the fight. 

“That's okay Cascoon, you did good.” Tempest's human smiles as Pikachu attacks again, knocking the Raichu off balance as its tail whips around, trying to hit Pikachu but Pikachu manages to dodge each attack. 

That's the voice, the gentleness again. Tempest's human is speaking with that tone again, when Tempest knew that if it was Tempest's first human speaking, there would be no gentleness. 

There was love in that voice, companionship. Something Tempest wants more than anything. She doesn't want to be alone again, injured and lost from her pack. 

Could… Could Tempest have that with this human?

Maybe, just maybe the human wants to be friendly with Tempest as well, trying to give Tempest a chance. A berry offered in kindness, a hand outstretched to help Tempest. 

Does the idea of companionship outway the potential hurt she could get if that human does act like her first? Does the idea of being alone, trapped in a forever cycle of hurting before she could be hurt first, outweigh the hurt she could be subjected to if she trusts the human?

She doesn't know, but maybe her human isn't like the one she saw. She had problems, and she's hurt Tempest before. But hasnt Tempest hurt her back? Haven't the two been trapped in a cycle of hurting each other back and forth so they didn't have to deal with the pain?

Hasn't the human slowly stopped hurting Tempest back. Since she was forced to take Tempest out of her pokeball hasn't the human begrudgingly trying to get along with Tempest?

Shouldn't Tempest at least try to begrudgingly tolerate the human, like she has Tempest. Should she give the human a chance, to potentially become like Ash and Pikachu, or even just like her human and the Cascoon. 

The Raichu bursts forward, smacking Pikachu away harshly with its tail as Pikachu is building up its iron tail. Pikachu is thrown roughly into the dirt and continues to try and stand, but before it recovers fully and is able to attack back the Raichu turns to Tempest's human and the Cascoon. Tempest's human has her back turned to the Raichu, a fatal mistake as the Raichu starts to whip its tail around, preparing to shoot its tail out towards the human and pokemon, puncturing through the intruders to protect her babies. 

Tempest's ears shoot up as she realizes what's about to happen. She doesn't know what to do. 

“Akari watch out!” the diamond human shouts as the tail starts flying towards the human and bug. 

Tempest acts on instinct. 

She dives down from her branch on the tree, landing on the Raichus head and making the Raichu lose concentration, just barely forcing the tail to change course and narrowly miss the human's body. Instead the tail strikes the tree just a few inches away from the human's face as she turns her head to look at what the diamond human was shouting about.

“Woah!” the human says, jerking her face away from the tail she narrowly avoided. 

Tempest bounces off the Raichus head to land in front of the human, who was now standing up with the Cascoon still in her arms out of commission. 

Tempest skids to a stop, turning back to the Raichu. Pikachu stands back up, ready to battle again. 

“You… you actually did something, instead of watching me get hurt…” the human says, Tempest can practically hear how her eyes are blown wide and the awe in her voice. 

Tempest raises her tail, ready to attack. 

“It looks like Tempest wants to join the fight!” Ash grins, before throwing out his arm, “thunderbolt Pikachu!”

“J-join them Tempest. Thunderbolt!” the human says, uncertainty as if unsure if Tempest was actually doing what she thought she was doing. Tempest jumps forward, patting her cheeks as she connects her tail to her ears, creating a circuit and adding to the electric power Pikachu was already hitting the Raichu with. 

“Rai… Raichu” the Raichu falls back, finally calming its anger. 

Tempest lands, panting. She doesn't remember the last time she's dealt that much electricity before, if ever. 

Tempest turns around to her human, noticing she was still staring at Tempest dumbly. Tempest nearly shocks the human to wipe that awed look off her face, even if that awe was directed at Tempest. 

“You battled with me…” the human mutters, amazed. The Raichu sits, shaking its head as it tries to heal its stunning.

The diamond human grabs onto the arm of Tempest's human, “we should run before that Raichu gets back up.”

“Right!” the human nods, turning to leave, Tempest is about to join when it suddenly hears a shrill pokemon call. 

“Trix!” The dartrix leaps from its position on the branch to dive, hooking its claws into its prey, the hurt Pichu that was still trying to reach Tempest. 

Tempest's ears shoot up, same with the Raichu even if she was still stunned. Tempest growls as she hears the baby Pichu cry out as the dartrix starts to fly away, Tempest bursts forward, running up a tree and flipping over until she slams into the dartrix, sending the three pokemon crashing to the ground. 

Tempest stands over the little Pichu, growling as the dartrix shakes its head once it gets up. The dartrix flares its feathers, angry at not getting its meal. The dartrix sends a barrage of feathers towards Tempest and Tempest braces for impact. But before they can hit Tempest the feathers are exploded with electricity. 

Tempest's head shoots up, seeing how the Raichu stands over the dartrix menacingly. 

The dartrix senses it's messed up, and lets out a scared squawk. 

After the Raichu was done with the dartrix for trying to eat one of her babies, the dartrix was a very charred bird. 

Tempest growls lowly as the Raichu turns to her once done, its tail flaring out to attack, Pikachu steps to her side, ready to help, but the Pichu Tempest defended runs up to its mother. 

“Pi! Pi! Pichu!” Pichu calls, bouncing excitedly in front of the Raichu, the Pichu suddenly runs back to Tempest and rubs its cheek against Tempest. 

Tempest returns the affection, albeit without taking her eye off the Raichu. The Raichu deflates, no longer posed to attack. Tempest relaxes a bit too.

“What's happening?” Tempest's human asks, Ash tilts his head.

“I think the Raichu has figured out Tempest saved the Pichu.” Ash says, approaching hesitantly. The Raichu steps forward towards Tempest and rubs her cheek against Tempest's in apology and thanks. 

Tempest purrs, accepting the apology easily. 

Pikachu steps forward, sniffing at the Pichu and noticing the new injuries on the Pichu from the sharp claws of a dartrix. Pikachu plucks the Pichu up and presents it to its human, Ash sits down, pulling out his own healing supplies to heal the Pichu. 

The mama Raichu grows anxious, flicking its tail and slamming against a tree. Ash isn't deterred and Tempest shares a comforting shock, helping the Raichu calm down. The mama Raichu seems to notice that Ash was helping it as Pichu purrs with the gel that Ash rubs on the injury and feeding the Pichu a potion. 

When done, Ash lets the Pichu free and the Pichu runs back to its siblings and mama happily. 

The Raichu nods to Ash, and Ash nods back. The mama Raichu does one last affectionate rub to Pikachu, then to Tempest, before turning back to her clutch and leading them away. 

The humans talk with each other for a few moments, Tempest smiles as she watches the mama Raichu leave. She looks over to see Pikachu giving her the smuggest smile. 

Oh no. 

“ So, decided to help Akari after all? ” Pikachu blinks innocently, well innocent if you don't look at his smug smile. 

“ Wipe that smug smile off your face before I make you .” Tempest growls, if anything the smile grows. 

“ You like Akari! ” Pikachu grins, pouncing into a playing position as he wags his tail. 

“ I don't! I'm just giving her a chance! A chance! ” Tempest shouts, rearing back.

Pikachu laughs, “ you do! ” 

“ I don't! ” Tempest glares and Pikachu laughs harder. 

Smug jerk.

“Pikachu.” Tempest jerks as a human appears behind her. 

Her human squats next to her, staring directly at Tempest. 

Tempest stares slightly distrustfully, unsure what her reaction will be.

“Thank you.” The human smiles at Tempest, Tempest feels a weird emotion rise in her chest that she can't name, but her tail wags slightly. 

“How about we give each other another chance. Let's try to get along.” the human says, holding out her hand for Tempest to shake.

Tempest nods, she takes the human’s hand with her paw and shakes it.

The human’s smile widens at her easy acceptance.

“Wow, it looks like you and Tempest are starting to get along!” Ash grins, the human turns to him.

“I still don't get why you keep calling Pikachu Tempest.” the human says. 

“Well in the diamond clan, some people call their pokemon nicknames to become closer to them, maybe you could do that with Pikachu.” the diamond human suggests, Ash beams and nods. 

“I guess… How do you feel about Tempest Pikachu?” the human asks, Tempest perks up.

“Bigaa!” Tempest says, agreeing excitedly. 

“Tempest it is!” Akari says, Tempest beams.

She may not be very close with Akari yet, but at least they were willing to give each other a chance. 

And maybe a chance is the start to a friendship. 

Tempest loses control of her electricity being so excited at finally being called by her name by Akari and ends up shocking Akari. 

Whoops. 

Force of habit. 

Dartrix 

Pokedex number 2

Grass flying type 

Dartrix can be found often on perches out in the open fields, they soak up energy from the sun. They do this by opening their wings to catch as much sun as possible and store as much energy as they can before winter time in Hisui. 

Dartrix tend to be quite self centered and will often abandon anything to preen, even missing out on prey or getting attacked by predators in the meantime. 

To attack, dartrix throw out their sharp feathers that are accurate even from across a field; these feathers are as sharp as swords and are often directed at an enemy's weak points. 

These birds are birds of prey and will often try and hunt anything that's smaller than them, but specifically any rodent pokemon they can sink their claws into. They often find packs of these rodents and will lure the pokemon away from their pack before swooping down from its hiding space and plucking whatever pokemon it's hunting with its claws to eat. They often are seen attacking Pikachu and Pichu along with bidoof. However, a dartrix’s main predator are Raichu. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Pichu

Pokedex number 55 

Electric type

Pichu are not very good at controlling electricity and often shock without meaning to, even if they startle themselves by doing so. Because their electric sac is so underdeveloped at this stage in the evolution Pichu often run out of electricity. They collect energy very easily and much faster than their evolutions however. They collect their electricity from outside sources rather than generating them like their evolutions, which is often why you won't find Pichu straying from their parent. The parent will release electricity to let the Pichu collect electricity. These shocks from parent to child are often comforting to the Pichu and allow the Pichu to feel relaxed. Pichu often collect their electricity more easily when on dry or thunderstorming days. 

Pichu are born in clutches under four if by a Pikachu mother, or in clutches over twelve if born to a Raichu mother. As soon as the parent feels their Pichu are grown enough to join the pack they introduce the Pichu to the pack and are quickly accepted. This allows Pichu more safety inside their pack and they often evolve not long after being introduced to the pack. 

Pichu will often use their tails to shock each other, playing with their siblings by smacking their tails against eachother and shocking eachother to see how they endure. They are very playful and mischievous inside their pack family structure, but if anything approaches they very quickly scatter and grow scared. 

Often a Pichus biggest enemy can be a territorial Pikachu whos spotted them.

Pichu rub their cheeks against members of their family, sharing electric shocks between the cheeks and comforting the young pokemon. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Pikachu

Pokedex number 56

Electric type

Pikachu are the evolution to Pichu, they still often have trouble controlling their electricity when feeling large emotions but other than that they can control their electricity pretty well. They collect their electricity through sleeping and resting, often burrowing themselves away to do so without fear of predators nearby. They get very territorial around their burrow and if they find any nearby pokemon poking around inside or nearby they quickly attack. Pikachu from different packs often clash because of their territorial nature. 

Pikachu often stay in packs until they are deemed old enough to go out, there Pikachu either venture to the mountains where they chip away at the rock with iron tail to increase their strength and finding thunderstones to evolve, or to go have a clutch of Pichu from another Pikachu or Raichu they mate with. Once the Pichu hatch and are old enough the Pikachu heads back to their pack for the Pichu to be raised amongst the group. However, while the Pichu may easily be accepted into the pack, Pikachu can often be rejected while trying to come back. Pikachu are needed to be protectors of the pack, so if they aren't strong enough they get rejected and they either go to evolve or have another clutch of kids and repeat the process until they are accepted back into the pack. 

Pikachu often sense when a thunderstorm is approaching as their fur poofs out and helps them collect static energy from the environment around them. 

By raising its tail Pikachu can check its surroundings easily, however their tails are sensitive to tugs and will shock or bite whatever is grabbing the tail. Pikachu have a gender difference between male and female depending on their tail, if its a heart shaped end the Pikachu is a girl, if straight edged its male. 

Pikachu communicate through shocks and tail gestures. Shocks are often used to soothe their young or to be soothed. But they are also used to play with each other, sending playful shocks back and forth.  Pikachu have to shoot out electricity because if they have too much electricity they get very sick, and if they have too little electricity stored they grow fatigued and tired. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Raichu

Pokedex number 57

Electric type

Raichu are the evolution of Pikachu, by this point they've perfected their ability to control electricity. They generate large amounts of electricity that are extremely powerful. Raichu need to let out electricity because if they store too much electricity they grow stressed and aggressive. They release this electricity by burying its tail in the ground and releasing electricity this leads to plenty of burn spots by its burrow and nest. 

A Raichu's tail is a very valuable tool to the Raichu, as it protects it from the high voltage electricity it releases and is often used as a blunt weapon or even a knife to its enemies. Raichu will plant their tails in the ground to release electricity or to search for electricity if they aren't gathering enough while they sleep. 

Raichu can often be found leaving the mountains, as they had just succeeded in finding the right stone for them to evolve. Other than that they are found rarely in packs of Pikachu as the main protector. 

These pokemon are very territorial especially if they aren't with a pack, coming across a lone Raichu is a signal that you should run. 

They often share electric shocks to soothe members of their pack or their children. They let out a purr to relax the younger pokemon and shares a shock. They communicate through shocks and tail gestures, but they also often let out vocalizations like purring and rumbling to soothe their young. By burying their face into a Pichus fur and purring the Pichu relaxes and giggles. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

Akari sighs as she flops onto the ground, exhausted from walking all day. It's not like she's unused to doing it, it's just usually she keeps a steady pace, but it seems everyday they stumble onto something that either quickens or slows their pace. She's not used to going from 0 to 100 back to 50 so quickly. Although it seems she's been doing that alot around Ash. 

At least she's not the only one tired, as it seems Mai is just as tired as her. And as tired as Mai and Akari seem to be, Munchlax seems exhausted, slumped over on Mai's legs. 

Actually, the only one who didn't seem at least a bit tired was Shinx, who looked like it was about to be mauled by Tempest if it bothered her one more time. 

Akari snorts, watching Tempest moody attitude towards Shinx, but only barely bothering to growl as Shinx gnaws on her tail. Cascoon coos, and Akari picks it up to put it on her lap, running her hand over the smooth shell. But Akari frowns as she feels cracks across its shell. 

She looks closer and sees spider web-like cracks across Cascoon’s shell, the spots where the cracks are most prominent warm feeling. 

“Is something wrong with Cascoon?” Akari asks her traveling companions. 

“Huh?” both Ash and Mai hum, leaning to look at Cascoon and noticing the cracks. 

“That's weird.” Mai frowns, running her hand along one of the cracks. 

“Cascoon doesn't seem to be in much pain.” Ash tilts his head, Cascoon is cooing happily, so at least the cracks aren't giving it pain. 

“But a Cascoon’s shells are for protection, if a Cascoon's shell is damaged, it might get hurt more often.” Mai says, pulling away her hand. 

“Maybe I should ask if the professor knows anything.” Akari hums, Cascoon isn't in pain, so she isn't going to worry much now. They'll meet up with the professor once they set up that camp ground, so it shouldn't take too long to figure out what's wrong with Cascoon. 

And as long as Cascoon is happy she won't worry too much. But she keeps a close eye on Cascoon through their dinner. 

Cascoon plays with the other pokemon. Shinx bouncing around as Ash throws a branch for shinx to chase after with Cascoon trying to keep up. Pikachu and Tempest watching from next to each other just next to Ash. 

When shinx finally seems to grow tired until it collapses next to Pikachu, nearly immediately falling asleep. Cascoon seems tired too, joining the pile. 

The sun was going down and the humans set up for the night. 

“Who's taking the first shift tonight?” Mai asks, Akari shrugs. 

“Ash did yesterday, so I can tonight.” Akari says with the flick of her wrist. Besides, she still needs to write down all of the observations she's made of pokemon today. 

“Whoo.” Ash yawns, falling onto his sleeping bag. Pikachu picks up the sleeping shinx by the back of its neck, dragging it over to curl by Ash's body. Tempest yawns as it joins by Pikachu, not directly touching Ash, but crossing tails with Pikachu. Akari pulls out her sketchbook as Cascoon falls asleep in her lap. She watches as her traveling companions slowly fall asleep, leaving her the only one awake. Well, except for Tempest, who occasionally twitches her ears and shifts to try and find a comfortable position. But everything was calm, and relaxed.  

That's when things got weird. 

Akari looks up as the shadows move out of the corner of her eye. Frowning as she looks at the shadows that block her view into the tree line. The only light around her being the moon above. She squints at the shadows, before going back to her sketchbook, figuring it was just her imagination. 

Akari gets a rough outline of a paras she saw earlier before she hears strange giggling from the forest. Akari's head snaps up, staring at the darkness with a confused expression. 

Tempests head rises, staring at the forest where the giggling was coming as well. 

The shadows move again, and Akari scrambles up in preparation for something to dive out at her with Cascoon, who had been sleeping in her lap, in her arms. . 

Tempest doesnt do the same, but keeps her eyes pinned on the shadows that seem to shift and emerge in tentacle like tendrils towards them. 

The area around Akari seems to grow darker, and she looks upward to find the sky changing from a deep blue to a bloody red. 

“What the…” Akari frowns, her heart beating in her chest. She never saw anything like it, why was the sky red?

“Ash, do you see that?” Akari questions, turning to Ash who was still asleep. He doesnt wake up to her talking, so she moves to shove at his shoulder, but no matter how hard she shakes him he doesnt wake up. Tempest growls, shocking Ash, but he doesn't even twitch at the jolt of electricity. 

Akari breaths in, trying not to panic as her friend doesn't wake up even after being shocked. She does the same for Mai, but gets the same results. For some reason, Ash and Mai, along with all of their pokemon, won't wake up. Not even Cascoon. 

Everyone besides Akari and Tempest were dead asleep, no matter how much she tries to wake them they wont. To her relief, they're still alive. Still breathing, their hearts are still beating. But for some reason they can't wake up. 

Akari tries to calm the trembling of her hands, but she can't help but feel unnerved as her friends won't wake up, the sky is blood red, and the shadows keep reaching out for her. Sometimes nearly wrapping around her ankles and trying to tug. 

Akari steps back from the shadows, but the giggles start up again and the shadows surge forward. 

“What's happening?” Akari questions, Tempest growls at the shadows. 

There's giggles, but this time it's from behind Akari, she doesn't get the chance to react before Akari feels tiny hands wrap around her and her clothes to drag Akari back into the darkness of the forest. 

Akari grunts as she falls into the tree line, shadows completely surrounding her. Tempest snarls, bounding into the shadows with her, cheeks sparking to attack anything nearby. 

Akari looks around the new surroundings, trying to find where those hands came from. But to her horror, she can no longer find her sleeping friends. And when she tries to walk towards where she came from she finds that she can't. No matter how long she walks, she never gets out of the forest. The darkness surrounding her making her double back, getting lost and going into circles. What is going on?

Why can't she find her friends?

The eerie giggling starts up again, close by and making both Akari and Tempest jerk. 

“Show yourself!” Akari shouts, her heart beating against her chest, “who are you?”

The giggles continue, but Akari spots a little girl, running through the shadows past her. 

“W-wait!” Akari shouts, chasing after the little girl. 

“Biga!” Tempest shouts, annoyed as Akari runs off. 

Akari chases the girl, unnerved as the shadows keep reaching out at her, tentacles trying to wind around her limbs and drag her into the shadows. 

But the little girl keeps giggling, running off. Akari is forced to skid to a stop as wind blasts into her face, making her bring up her arms to shield her face from the sudden whirlwind. 

Akari looks up to see the girl being dragged off by a Drifloon floating above her. Akari yelps, changing directions to desperately run after the girl, to save her or to figure out what's happening, she doesn't know. But that girl is basically the only familiarity she has right now, and if that little girl knows something about what's going on she needs to know. 

She sprints forward, stumbling or struggling as the dark shadows reach out for her. Tempest bounds forward, shocking anything it can and making the shadows back off from the light its sparks give off. 

She chases after the girl, the giggles never stopping from her, even as she's being carried off by a Drifloon. 

“Wait!” she shouts, “who are you? What's going on? Where are we!?” 

But she can't keep up with the Drifloon dragging the girl off by her arm. And the two disappear into the darkness. Akari still keeps forward, trying to shout out more questions. But as soon as the girl disappears Akari slips, losing her footing. The ground under her ending and leading into a river. Which Akari quickly falls into. 

Tempest skids to a stop clinging to the river bed as Akari falls in. she loses her breath, like a punch to the gut as she falls into the freezing water. 

As Akari sinks, she panics. She tries to flail her arms, but she has never learned how to swim. She flails, her head only briefly emerging from the water enough for her to get a desperate gasp of air before she goes under again. 

Her soaked clothes weigh her down, clothes mainly used for protection in case a pokemon attacks, but not made for swimming. She never learned how to swim, never thought she would need to. 

Her legs flail widely, despite the biting cold trying to slow her down. Her lungs burn as she tries not to swallow in water. She keeps panicking, not being able to think beyond it. She doesn't know what to do, beyond trying to get to the surface to try and breath. For the brief second she manages to surface she hears Tempests panicked shouting before she gets washed back under by the current. 

She can't get enough air in, and her lungs burn terribly. Darkness clouds her vision as her lungs finally burst, and she breathes in while she's under water. She chokes, salty water filling her mouth and throat. 

But she continues to gasp, trying to get air despite being trapped underwater. Her limbs grow tired, and she starts sinking faster. But she can't manage to bring herself to kick harder, her eyes growing fuzzy. 

She tries to reach out for the surface, but every time she blinks her eyes close for longer and longer. 

She can barely even think beyond, so this was it. 

She suddenly feels herself being dragged through the water, and she's just conscious enough to snap her eyes open. She clings to the wet fur that's around her, she doesn't know what's happening. But when she breaches the surface of the water, and is dragged to the river bank she has bigger things to worry about. Like throwing up all the water she swallowed. 

She heaves, her throat scratchy as she expels all of the water she swallowed, hearing Tempests concerned shouts. She hears thrilling behind her, but she's too worried about the water in her lungs to turn around. 

When she finally gets all of the water out, panting as she tries to catch her breath, does she finally turn around. 

She finds what saved her, a big Floatzel and its pack of Buizel. The Floatzel barks, clinging to the river bank as its tails twirl behind it. 

“Tha-thank you.” Akari coughs, reaching out to pat the Floatzel, still dizzy. 

 The Floatzel coos, a couple of the Buizel floating closer, their floatation sacs inflated. What Akari wouldn't give for one of those. 

She gives the water pokemon a shaky smile. And Tempest shifts closer, growling as she shadows reach closer. 

Akari tenses, staring at the shadows closely, only for a blast of water to blast out and hit the shadows. Akari blinks as the shadows retreat at the blast of water, looking back to find the Buizel blasting at it. Akari stands up, on shaky legs and damp clothes, to stare as the shadows don't come closer. She's glad for it. 

The Floatzel coos, and Akari gives it a pat. The Floatzel nods at her, before swimming away with its pack. 

Akari coughs, still feeling like she's breathing in water. But she needs to keep going forward, find Ash and Mai. 

She shivers, but walks forward, with Tempest giving her a wary look but following along. 

Akari walks back into the forest, away from the water, to try and find her way back to the campsite. 

The darkness continues to unnerve her, and she swears it's colder in the forest then it was in the river. She's exhausted, but that doesn't stop her surroundings from making her anxious. 

The darkness around her keeps shifting, and moving. Echoey sounds coming through the forest, branches scratching against her and the red sky above her. 

Akari shudders, breathing in heavily as she tries not to let the cold get to her. The sounds of the forest quiet for a second before Akari hears something behind her. 

Hissing and clicking starts, making Akari quickly whip around to look at the sound. 

She finds a Skorupi popping out of the dirt, snapping its pincers towards Akari. Akari yelps, jumping back. 

She stares at the Skorupi, keeping herself calm. It's just one, Tempest could easily defeat it. 

But she can't seem to open her mouth, staring at the tiny creature. 

She knows it's only a pokemon. And even though Skorupi are dangerous, as long as they haven't injected you with venom and you can see where they are, Skorupi aren't that scary. 

But some part of Akari can't stop chanting that this was the pokemon that put her father out of commission. The pokemon that ruined her fathers career. The one that pumped him so full of venom he still occasionally has days he can barely get out of bed. 

And it could do the exact same thing to Akari if she isn't careful. 

Akari backs up, hearing Tempest's low growling at the pokemon but blocking it out, too focused on the poison pokemon. She backs up all the way until she bumped into a rock, unable to go further. But the pokemon simply skitters forward, towards Akari. 

Akari's breathing quickens, and her arms tremble. 

She can't get the image of her father, back when she was young, poisoned and nearly dying on the infirmary bed, out of her bed. 

It had been years, and years, and years. And yet she can still conjure that image into her head like it was yesterday. She remembers her mom crying, she didn't understand why. She remembers being ushered into the infirmary room, her mother bursting in and Akari trying to keep up with her hand in her mothers. 

She remembers when she locked onto her father, his yellow-greenish skin, the black veins she could see thruming through her fathers veins, straight towards the point he was poisoned at, his chest. 

She remembered he looked dead. 

Her only solace was her fathers chest, moving up and down in uneven increments. The sweat on his face and the way he looked so pained. 

She doesn't quite remember what happened after that. She knows she burst into tears, thinking her dad was dead. It wasn't an unfair assumption to make, after all, being a survey member is dangerous. Many people don't survive. 

She had thought her father, for as strong and mighty as he seemed, was just the next on that list. 

She remembers crying until she was sick, having been taken out of the infirmary and into Captain Cyllene’s office. Her mother having to talk with Medic Joy, and being unable to deal with Akari at that point. 

She doesn't remember what Captain Cyllene did to try and get her to calm down, but she knows she tried many things. 

But the main thing Akari remembers?

Her fathers anger. 

It took months, nearly years for her father to even be able to stand again. The poison having been injected to his chest, deathly close to his heart. They were nearly unable to save him. They were able to, thankfully. But a poison that deadly was always going to have an impact.

But the months he was healing, and the years after that when he still had to deal with the lingering effects made her father furious. 

He hated having to rely on her mother, and Akari to help him. He hated not being able to go out and survey and help the village. He hated feeling weak. 

Outbursts were common back then, and while he almost never lashed out at Akari he always felt cold. It wasn't the father she had always known. The one who, while was away often, always came back with a smile and a story. Ones he would tell Akari, of amazing views, new heights, new ideas. Of adventure. 

The stories that made Akari want to go out and see what her father did, chart her own path. 

But after the accident he was cold, snapping at everyone around him and hating everything. And then he grew bitter. 

That bitterness festered, anger at the pokemon who hurt him, and all other pokemon. Hating anything new, anything new could hurt the village, Could hurt him, again. 

And, while Akari loves her father, always has, she can't help but miss that version of her father she can barely remember. The one that made her want to be a surveyor in the first place. 

Her father got better, and he joined the security corps, never being able to be a surveyor again. Akari started to see her fathers light again when she started training for the survey corps. The father she got when he was training her was the closest she ever got to getting her father, before the accident, back. And she loved it. She does like surveying, and it's grown to be a lot of fun traveling with Ash and seeing new pokemon. But she won't deny a large portion of her only became one to be like her father. 

And now, if she gets stung, she could follow down her fathers path, in a much darker light. 

Akari's legs tremble as the Skorupi comes closer, flicking its tail back and forth and hissing at her. 

She can't seem to breath, instead thinking about how quickly her career could end before it really began. Only a one star recruit. 

How angry would her father be? Knowing that despite all of his warnings, all of his training, Akari was too weak. Falling down the same path he did, knowing she could have done better. Should've done better. 

And she knows her father would use it as another stone against Ash, angry at the outsider for leading her to this path, like it was in any way Ash's fault. Knowing her father would use her pain to inflict more on others. Calling Ash a curse, and trying to drive him away from the village, for Akari's mistake. 

She can't let that happen. 

Akari snaps her head up as she hears more hissing, finding more, and more Skorupi pop themselves up out of the dirt. Akari can't get enough oxygen in, despite breathing in and out incredibly quickly. Tempest jumps onto the rock Akari was leaning as far as she could, growling at the Skorupi, but unsure if it could defeat two dozen of them at once. 

Akari takes Tempest's cue and scrambles onto the rock, sitting on the top and yanking her legs up just before a Skorupi could jump on it. 

Akari's chest beats strongly in her chest, making her clench her jaw almost painfully as the crowd of Skorupi surround the rock she was taking shelter on. 

“Back off!” Akari shouts, in panic and not as demanding as she would wish. 

Tempest snaps out a thundershock, narrowly missing three or four of the Skorupi. 

Akari wrenches her eyes closed only to immediately snap them back open as she realizes she lost sight of the pokemon creeping closer. 

She feels sick, sweat dripping down her face as she grows closer to throwing up. 

Akari shrieks when she feels one crawl up her foot and onto her ankle. She kicks her foot out, but the Skorupi manages to stick on. Akari heaves, terrified out of her mind. She can't stop from thinking about her on the infirmary bed, skill yellowish green, in agonizing pain. 

She can't let that happen. 

Tempest snarls, jumping on the rock and pouncing onto one of the Skorupi, only for the Skorupi to burst into mist. Akari blinks, her panic dwindling slightly. 

Why are Skorupi even here, in the Obsidian Fieldlands? They prefer dry, or marshy areas. Neither of which are in the Obsidian Felidlands. 

What are the odds of one here, much less two dozen?

Akari smacks the Skorupi on her ankle off, stomping on it and watching it burst into mist. 

She breathes a little easier. 

She should've realized it sooner, whatever is with the forest right now, is the same with these Skorupi. Akari stomps on two more Skorupi, and Tempest takes out the rest. 

With the Skorupi gone Akari breathes easier. She deflates, falling to the ground in relief. 

It takes a few moments for her breathing to grow normal again, and her limbs to become both lighter and heavier. 

Tempest stares, like she was unsure about Akari right now. Having never seen this side of her. But she's not shocking Akari now, so Akari doesn't pay it much mind. 

Akari stands back up, prepared to continue walking, and figure out what's happening. But she doesn't get far before she hears something behind her. 

She turns around to jerk in surprise when she spots a herd of Wyrdeer racing straight towards her. Tempest yelps, running off to escape them. Akari follows, but so do the Wyrdeer. 

Akari’s breath catches in her throat as she runs, her feet slipping on the damp ground. The sound of hooves pounding against the forest floor is deafening, and she forces herself to keep moving. She can barely see Tempest, the faint blue light of her sparks flickering erratically in the blood-red darkness. The shadows seem to weave and twist around the Wyrdeer, making the herd appear like a living wave of darkness crashing toward her.

She leaps over a fallen log, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. Akari stumbles, nearly tripping as she scrambles to her feet. She glances back, eyes widening at the sight of the Wyrdeer charging closer, their antlers glowing with an eerie, spectral light. Fear claws at her throat, and she pushes herself to go faster, the icy chill of the forest biting into her skin.

This feels like a nightmare to Akari, if it didn't already before. She feels like she's slowing down, like running through water. The Wyrdeer are catching up but Akari isn't sure how they still haven't caught up to her. Akari trips, falling flat on her face. 

Akari tries to stumble up, but the Wyrdeer trample over her. She braces for impact only to frown as she doesnt feel the rough hooves running over her. Akari picks her head up, seeing the Wyrdeer run over her, but not actually touch her. She sees the Wyrdeer ripple when their hooves touch her. Like they weren't actually real. 

Akari blinks in confusion. Tempest seems surprised as well. Akari stands, looking at the illusions of the Wyrdeer as they disappear. 

“What the…” Akari mumbles, confused. She stares before the dots click into place, whatever those Wyrdeer were, were just like the Skorupi. 

Illusions. All of them. 

Akari stands, just in time for that Wyrdeer group to come rushing back, but this time Akari doesn't run. She stands bravely, and wills herself not to move. Tempest squawks, hiding behind Akari. 

Akari doesnt let Tempest make her falter, she stares at the herd as they run straight towards her. 

Her chest is pounding, but she doesn't step down. Tempest runs to hide behind a nearby rock. 

Akari thinks about Ash, his strange determination and ability to look fear in the eyes and not run. Like when he jumped in the way of those Zubat attacking Shinx. Akari tries to summon half of that courage Ash has, and stands her ground. 

But as the seconds tick by, Akari falters, and at the last second she flinches back, trying to brace for a stampede. 

She can't get out of the way in time, but thankfully, as soon as the first Wyrdeer touches her the herd disappears into mist. 

Akari breathes out, relaxing. 

This whole thing is an illusion. 

“Tempest, thundershock, all around us!” Akari orders, and Tempest jumps onto the rocks, creating electricity to burst all around the two. 

Immediately, the darkness rescinds around them, and Akari can see a little easier. She looks up at the red sky, seeing the red flickering with the electricity, becoming blue again. 

Akari looks around as the electricity lights up around them, she finds a lone figure in the darkness. It's only after the crackling of the electricity stops can Akari hear the wailing. 

Akari steps towards the figure, only for the four legged creature to stumble back, falling to the ground. 

It then does Akari see that it was a baby, a baby Stantler. 

“Hey, hey, it's okay.” Akari says, holding up her arms as she approaches the baby. 

The Stantler cries out in pain, and the shadows morph around them with every cry. 

Akari squats by the pokemon, it can't get away, its leg having a nasty bump on its back leg. Black and blue bruise by the knee of its leg, a nasty scratch right under it. 

Akari clicks her tongue, trying to calm the Stantler. 

She knows Stantler usually roam in packs, never being seen without it. Those illusions must have been a defense mechanism, keeping predators away. 

She tries to calm the Stantler, but Tempest's growling makes it panic more. 

“Tempest, not helping.” Akari says, patting Tempest's head so that the Pikachu stops staring at the Stantler. 

Akari pulls out a small vial of potion she keeps in her pocket, she's lucky she had it, her bag was with Ash and Mai. 

“Calm down, calm down.” Akari says, trying to keep the Stantler calm so she can feed it the potion. But it was writhing around in pain and panic, too much for Akari to try and calm it. 

She tries anything she can, but she's never been half as good at calming pokemon as Ash was. She really wished he was here now, he could have fixed this a lot better then Akari can. 

Or at least Cascoon, its string shot could've been a lot of help now. 

Akari frowns, trying to figure out what to do. She looks over at Tempest, her mind mulling over what she should do. 

It's possible she could use Tempest to calm down the Stantler, but the question is if Tempest would listen. It just needs to be a light shock enough to stun it, not completely knock it out. 

But when has Tempest ever listened to Akari, or taken it easy. 

She could see Tempest completely ignoring her order, and shocking the Stantler out. 

She doesnt want that, she just wants it to calm down enough to drink it. 

But it's better than nothing. 

“Tempest, shock it, but keep it easy only enough to stun it.” she says, and Tempest looks at her confused and annoyed. She's worried Tempest is gonna ignore her order, or just shock her. 

But Tempest sighs, and does as she says, and Akari grins. 

The Stantler cries out, but it freezes enough for Akari to force it to drink the potion. The blue black bruise lightens up to the brown of the rest of the fur and the scratch on the leg patches together. 

Akari breathes a little better as the Stantler scrambles up, skittering away. Akari holds up her arms, trying to help it realize it's not a threat. But the Stantler simply lets out a cry, stomping to try and get Akari away. Akari stands up, backing away to help the Stantler feel better. 

But it doesn't, while the illusions despite the ball between the antlers of the calf Stantler starts to spin. Akari stares at it, trying to figure out what that ball does, only to start to sway and her legs start to tremble. 

“Huh?” Akari mumbles, stumbling as she tries to stay standing. 

The Stantler runs off, towards where Akari hopes is where its pack ran off to. Akari breaths a little better as the surroundings morph so that she can see the forest easier, and she can see through the tree line is her sleeping friends. 

Akari stumbles towards their campsite, she has no clue why it is so hard for her to stay upright suddenly. At least Tempest is having just as much trouble as her. 

When she finally gets to the campsite Akari flops to the ground, no longer able to keep herself standing. 

She groans, pressing her face into the dirt. 

Mai shifts, apparently able to be woken now. And she turns to Akari from where she was sleeping. 

“You good?” Mai asks, her voice sleepy.

Akari sneezes, shivering under the cold night, (the midnight swim also probably doesn't help.) but Akari just blinks tiredly.  She glances over at Ash, who is sprawled about, pokemon pressed around him, still fast asleep. She huffs, annoyed before turning back to Mai. 

“Ash takes first watch next time.” Akari deadpans, before groaning and pressing her face into the dirt as exhaustion takes over her. 

Buizel 

Pokedex number 41

Water type

These sea otter-like creatures tend to be very helpful, if not mischievous, pokemon. Often helping save other pokemon and humans from drowning when they find one. And when they find a creature nearby their body of water they often play tricks, like dousing them in water or splashing playfully. 

They swim in groups, keeping each other safe from bigger water types. However, they are often predators of many smaller fish pokemon. To track food they often flick the fish they found into the air before jumping out themselves to catch the disoriented fish. They are able to jump out of the water in high amounts with their tail, spinning it like a propeller to swim quickly through the water. They are great swimmers due to their tails, even being able to slice through seaweed with their tails. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Floatzel

Pokedex number 42

Water type

Floatzel floats with its floatation sacs, the yellow scarf-like thing around its neck. It often saves people from drowning, however they are often the protectors of the pack. When they're with packs, often they swim alone to build independence. However, when with a pack, they protect their pack with strong water type attacks. 

They are big enough to easily hold a human on their back, meaning if you befriend one it'll be easy to surf around without even needing to know how to swim. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Stantler 

Pokedex number 49

Normal type

Despite only being a normal type pokemon, Stantler are very psychic. So psychic that it's said if you look at their antlers for too long you will grow confused and quickly fall over disoriented. They travel in herds for safety, however they have a tendency to be spooked much more than Ponyta herds do. They can manipulate their surroundings by subtly changing the air, they can completely transform the area around them if scared enough. Though often they just make themselves look like a bigger herd, or scarier to potential predators. 

However, if a young Stantler gets lost and separated from the rest of its pack it will create terrifying illusions, scaring away anything that could try and eat a young, weak, Stantler. Oftentimes with an illusion of a herd of Stantler or Wyrdeer. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Skorupi

Pokedex number 148

Poison and bug type

This scorpion pokemon can pack a deadly punch. They burrow into the sand or soft ground and wait for prey to make the mistake of approaching, they can wait for up to a year for any prey before they start to starve. If you make the mistake of getting too close to one of these landmines they will jump out and latch onto whatever they can with its strong claw tail, before injecting you full of venom with its pincers. When the latch on it takes anything short of a miracle to get it off, they latch on tightly until they are sure their prey start to feel their effects. 

They generally live where the ground is soft enough to burrow into, like sand or marshy areas. Usually preferring dry climates like the desert, but you could also find them plentiful in sandy beaches. These pokemon hate cold temperatures, their venom growing weaker and diluted the colder it is. Often, the best way to counteract the venom is by cooling wherever it was infected, this can help stop the spread of venom into the bloodstream and help dilute it into less deadly poison. However, as scary as these pokemon may seem, these pokemon are great for defense, an early warning system to detect enemies trying to approach. Just try not to step on any yourself! 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

“Wow, she looks miserable.” Ash says, looking at Akari, who groans in misery. 

“Great observation Ash.” Mai deadpans staring down at Akari, who was definitely miserable. 

She was bundled into her sleeping bag, her cheeks bright pink as sweat drips down her face. She shakes like she seems cold, despite being bundled in both her sleeping bag and Ash's stolen blanket. She keeps sneezing, her nose running and yet constantly stuffed. 

“I know, I've been getting better since I joined the survey corps.” Ash grins. 

Akari groans, burying her face into her sleeping bag. 

“How'd she even get so sick in one night?” Mai huffs, crossing her arms. 

Ash shrugs, Cascoon coos unhappily. Cascoon nudges at Akaris face, only to get waved away by Akari. Cascoon looks upset, but backs away. 

“Well I guess we're sticking here until Akari gets better.” Ash frowns, “that could take a while, a week or so.” 

“We've gotta get up to deertrack heights soon, we've already lost so much time by wandering around lost.” Mai shoots down immediately. She needs to help the noble Wyrdeer soon, that Kricketune has got to go. 

“Well Akari cant walk, she won't be able to until she gets better.” Ash points out, and Mai groans. 

“Well,” Mai frowns, an idea building in her head, “what if we make medicine for her.”

“Like what?” Ash asks, looking over to Mai. 

“Well the diamond clan has a remedy for the common cold, and i think we have most of the ingredients in the obsidian fieldlands.” Mai turns to dig through her bag, plucking out supplies she could use for the medicine. She counts the medicine, finding she had all of it for diamond clans traditional medicine. 

Except for one. 

“I'm only missing one, a Paras’ mushrooms.” Mai realizes, “and were really close to nature's pantry, we could easily find a Paras.” 

“That's great!” Ash grins, “let's go find one!” 

Mai nods, standing up.

“But who's gonna watch over Akari while we're out?” Mai frowns, thinking. 

“Tempest and Cascoon can!” Ash grins, looking down at Akaris pokemon. 

Cascoon coos, questioningly. Tempest simply curls up tighter in a ball, ignoring everything, she seems tired. 

“Are you sure? I mean just a few days ago Tempest loved the chance to shock Akari.” Mai hums, tilting her head. 

“They got past that.” Ash shrugs.

“Besides,” Ash raises his voice to get Tempest's attention, “I'm sure whatever pokemon that stays back would need to shock anything that got close to Akari.”

Tempest perks up, suddenly interested at the idea of shocking things. 

Ash snorts, but hides his smile from Tempest. 

“Akari will be in good care with Tempest and Cascoon there.” Ash resolves, and Mai agrees. 

“Then let's not waste daylight, let's get going.” Mai says, turning and walking away, with Ash trailing behind her with an enthusiastic “right!”

The two almost get out of eye sight of Akari before they hear a frantic squealing, and the two look back to find Cascoon struggling to catch up. 

“Cascoon? Don't you wanna stay with Akari?” Cascoon usually loves spending time with Akari, why would it choose to leave her behind?

Cascoon shakes its entire body in an obvious no gesture. 

“I guess it wants to help find that medicine for Akari.” Mai concludes and Ash tilts his head. 

“Is that right Cascoon?” Ash asks, and Cascoon rocks in a yes gesture. Obviously wanting to go with them. 

“I'm sure Tempest can keep Akari safe herself.” Ash says, standing up. Mai nods, accepting Cascoon was coming with them. To be fair, the little bug seemed very determined to help Akari. 

“Just try to take it easy, we still don't know what's going on with your cracked shell.” Mai says sternly, Shinx barking happily by Ash's legs at Cascoon joining them. 

“Well, it shouldnt take too long to find a Paras, but at least Cascoons string shot could help us extract the mushrooms easier.” Mai says, turning to continue walking, Ash joins her quickly. 

Mai watches her Munchlax run ahead, being chased by Shinx as the young pokemon plays with it. She snorts as Munchlax manages to get the catch on Shinx by hiding behind a rock and jumping out at it. Before, of course, being distracted by a berry bush. 

Mai looks closely at the berry bush, looking out for any Paras that might jump out but finds none. She shrugs, Paras are a dime a dozen, they'll find one soon. 

She glances over at Ash, spotting him as he watches Munchlax and Shinx play. 

She watches Ash curiously, he doesn't seem like any of the people she's met in Jubilife village. He honestly seems more like a diamond clan member. And yet, not. He's just, not quite normal. She admires his bond with his pokemon, certainly. But something about him puts her on edge. Something just not normal about him that she's not used to. 

She can't pinpoint it, but she doesn't really feel the need to try. He's pleasant enough, and considering they were only traveling together until the whole Kricketune situation was worked out she didn't feel the need to worry about it too much. 

Actually, he reminds her a little of her younger brother. She's pretty sure Ash and Adaman would get along. Adaman would like Ash's eagerness to get working. 

But she was curious, about a couple things, but she'll stick with a few for now. 

“Why do you train your pokemon?” Mai asks, making Ash look over at her. 

“What do you mean?” Ash asks, tilting his head. 

“Well, most people in the diamond clan dont bother, mostly avoiding any pokemon they come across in the wild if their friends can't defeat it. And even then, most don't even battle wild pokemon, Munchlax rarely does.” Mai explains and Ash hums. 

“Well, I enjoy training, so do my pokemon.” Ash shrugs, “Pikachu and Shinx like getting stronger, like I do.” 

“Besides, like how you were raised alongside Munchlax and that's how you have a strong bond, battling, to me, helps connect a trainer and pokemon together.” Ash grins, sharing it with Pikachu on his shoulder, “there's nothing like a battle to get your heart pumping, putting your full trust into your pokemon and vice versa.” 

“Hm.” Mai hums, “you really aren't like the rest in the galaxy corps.” 

“Yeah, I don't really get how they can be so closed off to pokemon, I mean, Pikachu’s my best friend.” Pikachu nuzzles its cheek into Ash's, and he laughs. 

“And Munchlax is like my brother.” Mai nods, agreeing with Ash. She was glad her status in the diamond clan meant she didn't have to worry about bringing Munchlax into Jubilife village, she would hate being parted from it. 

“How'd you even get Pikachu to be allowed outside of a pokeball? From what I've heard, Jubilife village is pretty strict about keeping pokemon in pokeballs.” Mai questions and Ash shrugs. 

“Well, most people are still scared to approach me, but I did some extra stuff during my test to see if I could make it into the survey corps and that seems to be enough to not have open opposition.” Ash waves off, and Mai shrugs. 

The two keep walking, a much longer time than Mai thought they would, but there just seems to be no Paras out and about lately. Which is odd considering those bugs constantly pester her while she's trying to do her warden duties. 

Where did they all go?
Mai finds out quickly when Ash points out the giant cloud of spores above nature's pantry. Which is certainly odd, and something Mai has never seen before. 

“What's going on there?” Ash asks, and Mai shakes her head in disbelief, the cloud is almost taller than the small mountain itself, no ordinary Paras could make a mushroom cloud that big. 

“Let's go check it out.” Ash decides, walking off ahead of her, Mai almost scoffs at how easily Ash got distracted from their original mission. Before she realized nature's pantry was where they were going anyway, and that she was very curious on what was going on. And she quickly drops it. 

Her younger brother always did say her wandering spirit would be her downfall. 

She quickly catches up with Ash, Munchlax running behind with Cascoon struggling to keep up. 

Mai looks back at Cascoon questioningly, looking closely to see if she should help it, before she sees it rock side to side, and a few of the cracks on its shell get larger. She grimaces, but she's already caught up with Ash, who was crouching by bushes near the mouth of nature's pantry. 

She looks closely, trying to figure out what's going on and why there was a cloud of spores so large they couldn't get any closer for fear of inhaling it. 

Only to yelp and duck down as a rock nearly instantly almost hits her straight to the head. 

Mai keeps her head down, hiding behind another rock close enough to Ash to still be able to whisper yell to him. 

Though she doesnt think they need to worry much about being quiet considering how loud the commotion nearby was. 

Mai squints, trying to figure out what was going on inside the spores. 

From what she could barely see, the spores being so thick she can barely see five feet inside, it looks like an alpha Parasect was disturbed, producing a large amount of the spores currently wafting into the air, and the whole colony of Paras have bundled together to join in producing spores. If Mai looked really closely she could see a gray blob throwing rocks at the alpha Parasect. 

She quickly puts the pieces together, seeing the disturbed rocks making a trail down the mountain. 

“A Graveler must have rolled down the mountain and disturbed the Alpha Parasect. And now the two are battling, with all of the Paras trying to help.” Mai quickly deduces. 

“Oh is that what's going on.” Ash squints into the spores, “I can't see anything past this cloud of spores.”

Ash accidentally Breathes in a few, and starts coughing. 

“Wow those are bitter!” Ash sputters, trying not to breathe in anymore spores. 

“Be careful, I'm not sure if those are poison, stun, or sleep spores.” Mai says sternly.

“There's no way we'll be able to grab a Paras’ mushroom if they're so enclosed in that cloud.” Mai mutters, narrowing her eyes and trying to find a way to grab a Paras. 

“And there's no way Pikachu or Shinx will be able to run in there to break up the fight or grab a mushroom either.” Ash says, and Pikachu nods from his shoulder. Shinx is gnawing on Ash's galaxy team shirt happily. While Munchlax looks around aimlessly, probably looking for food. 

“Maybe if we dispersed the spores somehow? Or lure out a Paras away from the battle?” Ash suggests, tilting his head as he looks over at Mai. Mai hums, both seem like good ideas, but luring out a Paras is probably their best bet right now. 

Mai reaches into her pack and pulls out some dazzling honey, spreading it on a nearby rock and throwing it into the spores. But despite the strong smelling honey being just a few feet away, it's completely covered up by the strong scent of the spores. The Paras it was thrown next to doesn't even flinch, just continuing to pour purple spores into the air, with the one next to it pouring sparkly yellow spores into the air. 

Mai and Ash frown at the obvious ignoring of the honey. 

“That's weird, usually Paras can't resist dazzling honey, it attracts them in swarms.” Mai frowns, a little annoyed. 

“guess they must be really focused on that fight.” Ash shrugs. 

“But that means we can't reach them.” Mai hisses, growing frustrated. 

The alpha Parasect lets out a loud cry drawing up its claw and scratching at the Graveler. The Graveler is flung back from the force, but quickly withdraws into a ball and rolls straight into the Parasect, sending both of the large pokemon tumbling into the mountainside. Suddenly both Ash and Mai have to brace as rocks tumble down from the side of the mountain, having been dislodged by the rough impact from the Parasect and the Graveler. Mai grits her teeth, helping shield Munchlax from the rocks tumbling down, thankfully there weren't many large ones, but there were enough tiny ones that she's sure she'll be feeling those bruises for a while. 

Munchlax clings to her shirt, and she pats it as she straightens, the rocks having stopped. Ash looks up from where he was shielding Shinx and Cascoon, Pikachu not budging from his shoulder and trying to protect Ash's head. 

“That gives me an idea!” Ash hums, looking towards the rocky hillside where the rocks came from. 

“Pikachu, use quick attack to run up the hill without breathing in the spores, then use iron tail to break down some rocks.” Ash says, Pikachu nods, diving off Ash's shoulder and quickly disappearing into the spores with a white glow. 

Mai frowns, trying to figure out what Ash was doing, seeing Pikachu run through the spores and dodge the Paras quickly. Before jumping up the cliffside until it was out of the spores and it obviously takes a second to breath in before twisting to sharply drive its tail into the rock. Mai watches as part of the cliffside splinters off and sends a rock falling straight down by one of the closest Paras to them. Mai suddenly realizes Ash was trying to get the Paras to dodge the falling rock, which is why it narrowly misses the Paras. But it doesn't even flinch at the rock, bigger than the Paras, embeds itself into the ground in front of the Paras. It simply crawls forward, climbing on the rock to continue releasing spores towards the Graveler. 

Pikachu runs along the cliffside, using a few of the jagged edges to jump down safely and joining back up with Ash. 

“Well I guess we need to think of something else.” Ash frowns, “you think Cascoon’s string shot could reach one?” 

“Probably not, it could hit one, but i don't think it could drag a Paras back unless it was closer.” Mai waves off, making Cascoon sadly coo and look down upset. It suddenly shakes, making Ash look over to it, to see the spiderweb cracks grow larger. Ash and Mai frown at the bug type, but quickly go back to the situation at hand when they hear the Graveler cry and have to avoid rocks again from another attack. 

“Im outta ideas” Ash frowns, staring at the fight as the Paras avoids an attack and hits the Graveler with another slash.

“They could be at this for hours!” Mai groans, wondering what her younger brother would do. They cant use their blessed time given to them by sinnoh above on watching two pokemon fight with the possibility of getting hurt by a stray attack. 

Adaman would probably get frustrated too, but he would probably also have a plan. 

“And Akari would be stuck getting sicker.” Ash points out and Mai concedes, that too. 

Cascoon lets out a panicked whimper and Ash pats it half heartedly to try and get it to calm down. But it doesn't relax nearly as much as if Akari was doing the comfort, Mai has seen enough to know just how attached that little bug type was to her. 

“Well do we sit here waiting for them to figure it out, or do we go wait for Akari to get better on her own?” Mai questions, they could sit there, doing nothing but breathing in the spores, or go sit by a miserable Akari and hopefully she gets better within a few days. 

Both seem like time wasting situations Mai is going to hate. 

Mai groans, wondering what her noble Wyrdeer would do. What guidance it would have. This is the exact type of situation the noble Wyrdeer would intervene with, but since that stupid alpha Kricketune invaded Mai hasn't seen hide nor hair of her beloved noble. 

Then again, it isn't exactly surprising for the noble Wyrdeer to disappear for lengths of time, like Mai herself it tends to be a wandering spirit. Adventuring strange places for pokemon in need of guidance to their homes or safety. 

But Mai had gotten pretty good at figuring out where Wyrdeer was going, adventuring all over obsidian fieldlands to find it. 

And even if that failed, it hasn't been reacting to her flute, ignoring it. 

Mai is worried about the noble Wyrdeer, despite knowing it could keep itself safe. 

She hopes she sees it again soon. 

Mai huffs, crossing her arms as she glares at the two fighting pokemon. The way those two were fighting, it could even be days before they stop. That's time wasted that sinnoh above blessed them with, that should not happen. 

“I guess we should go check on Akari, and hope she doesn't get worse.” Ash says, frowning deeply, worried for Akari. 

Cascoon looks at Ash's worried face and rocks anxiously, turning to the fighting pokemon with a fearful squeak. 

Ash doesn't even bother trying to ease its anxieties knowing he couldn't do anything to sooth the little bug. 

“If only we had a pokemon that could go into those spores without getting hurt.” Ash mutters, standing up ready to try to head back to Akari. Only for Cascoon to perk up, determined. 

“Hm?” Ash hums, watching Cascoon rock frantically back and forth, like it was gathering its courage. 

“What's Cascoon doing?” Mai wonders outloud. 

“I'm not sure.” Ash answers back, before suddenly Cascoon wiggles its way into the cloud of spores. 

“Ah, wait Cascoon!” Ash nearly runs into the spores himself to keep Cascoon from going further in if Mai didn't grab his arm and force him back. 

“You're going to get sick if you keep breathing in those spores, we don't need two sick people.” Mai says sternly, but Ash doesn't seem to hear her, too worried about Cascoon who was fully encased by the spores. It shakes, like the spores were painful to it, like it was trying to cough but didn't have a mouth. 

“Cascoon, get back here! You're gonna get hurt!” Ash shouts, trying to convince the little bug to come back, but Cascoon was on a mission. Inching its way forward second after second, despite it seeming very painful, its spikes protruding everything it “coughs” letting out its own form of spores with its coughing. 

It's painful watching, that bug is on a mission, but that mission is hurting it. 

Mai feels pity watching it, and a little panic, because what are they supposed to do when Cascoon faints? They couldn't go in and save it, they'd have to just let it sit in misery until the alpha Parasect and Graveler stop fighting. And at that point, Mai doesnt think she could stop Ash from running in to help Cascoon. 

Mai hears something that makes her blink, a pokemon call she hasn't heard in quite a while. She looks up the cliff to see her noble standing on the edge, proud and all imposing like she remembers. Mai grins, hoping to see it deal with the situation. Ash was too worried about Cascoon, nearly shrugging out of Mai's grip to run in after it to see the noble. And it seems like that's the way her noble prefers it. 

It cries out, slamming its front hooves down and Mai sees its antlers start to spin, like it was cheering something on. Or guiding something down the right path. 

Mai scans her eyes along where her noble was looking, trying to figure out what it was looking at. Before catching her eyes on the Cascoon, still stubbornly moving forward towards the Parasect and Graveler, determined to help Akari. She looks closely to see the spiderweb cracks lighting up in a white glow. 

Mai rears back, blinking to try and see what's happening clearly. And when she sees that she's correct she points it out to Ash, making him finally slow down and get him to think about what's happening rather than boldly run into the spores. 

“What's happening to Cascoon?” Ash questions, and Mai grins as she sees the spiderweb cracks start to open up the shell, cracking it in two. 

“It's evolving!” Mai snaps, “right on time!” 

Ash gasps, seeing Cascoon’s body emerge from the shell, starting wings first before bursting out of its cocoon.

“Those cracks weren't Cascoon being hurt, it was Cascoon about to evolve!” Ash realizes, grinning brightly. 

“Cascoon evolved!” Mai smiles, staring at the bug type. 

“To help Akari!” Ash beams. 

Cascoon stops glowing white, fluttering its green wings, which contrast brightly against its purple body. 

Cascoon- no, Dustox- flies overhead, circling the cloud of spores. 

“I bet Dustox could go into the spore cloud without getting hurt now!” Mai realizes, eyes bright. She snaps her head over to the noble Wyrdeer to see it nodding in approval. Before turning around and galloping off. Mai breathes in deeply before letting it go. 

She's glad the noble Wyrdeer was still doing its duties, despite the major disrespect that alpha Kricketune was showing. 

It wasn't just mad at her for not doing her job quick enough. 

Mai turns away from the empty cliffside, watching as Dustox dives right in between the Graveler and the Alpha Parasect. It distracts the town enough to make them stop fighting, the problem now being Dustox is the one they were trying to fight. Dustox weaves around the rocks thrown by Graveler, and narrowly avoids the claw trying to swipe it out of the air. 

Mai narrows her eyes, great, so Dustox has gotten them to stop fighting each other . But that doesn't mean that the two very angry pokemon weren't still fighting something . Which meant that Alpha Parasect was still releasing spores, and that meant the ally Paras were as well. 

What is Dustox going to do? Mai is pretty sure only Akari could figure it out, and even then she might be a bit confused. 

“Go Dustox!” Ash cheers, maybe he has a clue on what Dustox's game plan is. 

Mai is distracted breathing in sharply as the Graveler manages to clip Dustox’s wing, nearly sending it crashing into the ground, but Dustox saves it at the last second and flies high above both the Parasect and Graveler. 

Dustox then dives again, causing the Graveler to roll into a ball and try to roll over Dustox as it flies low to the ground, using its agility to its advantage as the Graveler slams into the sides of the cliff. It narrowly dodges Gravelers attacks, Ash yelps, pushing Mai to the ground as Dustox flies past them quickly, before just a second later Graveler rolls over the spot the two of them were standing at before. 

The two watch from where they had fallen trying to get out of the way as Dustox weaves through trees, the Graveler simply running over them, before eventually flying out of sight. 

They hold their breath, hoping Dustox is okay only to breathe a little better as Dustox comes back into view, having lost the Graveler. 

“Guess we don't have to worry about the Graveler and the Parasect fighting anymore!” Ash grins, and Mai frowns, looking at the still intact spore cloud. 

“But those Paras and Parasect are still releasing spores.” Mai points out and Ash tilts his head. They watch the Parasect angrily claw at everything around it in lue of the Graveler. And the Paras look around confused, wondering where their target went. 

“Tox!” Dustox cries, flying upward just to the side of the spore cloud. Before starting to flap its wings. 

It takes a few seconds for Dustox to get its groove, but eventually it manages to flap its wings powerfully. It is not able to blow away a lot of the spores, especially the spores the alpha Parasect was giving off, but it's enough that they could see a couple Paras uncovered from the spores. Ash perks up, running forward, plucking a single mushroom from Paras’ back, and running back to safety to allow Dustox to stop its whirlwind. 

“Yes!” Ash cheers, proudly presenting the mushroom. 

Dustox cries in happiness, flying back down to them. 

“That was so great Dustox! Akari is gonna be so proud!” Ash praises, Dustox coos, almost bashfully. 

Mai nods, glad that they were finally on track to get back on track. They had a mission at stake. 

“Now we can go make that medicine for Akari.” Ash beams, and Mai nods smiling softly. 

“Let's not waste anymore daylight sitting here and talking, let's go!” Mai turns, heading back. 

“Right!” Ash pumps a fist into the air and follows after Mai. Dustox flies above them, leaving traces of pollen and dust over them, but none of it felt harmful like the spores from earlier. 

Dustox cries happily, doing tricks in the air. 

“Dustox seems really happy to evolve.” Mai observes, and Ash nods, bouncing up and down. 

“Well, Dustox wants to protect Akari, it'll be able to do that easier now.” Ash smiles, patting Pikachu's head. 

“I suppose even if you aren't raised together, pokemon and humans can build an unbreakable bond.” Mai muses, smiling up at the moth. 

“Definitely!” Ash agrees, sharing a glance with Pikachu. 

When they get back to Akari they find Akari sleeping soundly, sitting by Akaris side is Tempest. And naturally, all around Akari is charred grass, courtesy to one very proud looking shock happy Pikachu. There's so much burnt grass around that Mai is pretty sure there's no living grass within a five foot radius of Akari. 

Mai huffs a laugh, looking at Tempest's proud face and wagging tail. 

“That is one proud Pikachu.” Mai laughs, Ash grins and shrugs. Mai starts on the medicine.] 

“Well, I guess you like what you're good at.” Ash chuckles, Pikachu jumps off Ash's shoulder to deadpan at Tempest, before turning away and smacking Tempest in the face with his tail. Tempest gasps, affronted and immediately chases after Pikachu, which quickly turns into a game of chase with Tempest, Pikachu, Shinx, and Munchlax. The only pokemon not playing was Dustox, who had landed and was nudging at Akaris face. 

Distox coos as Akari opens her eyes, looking slightly delirious. 

“Have a fun time?” Akari questions, her words slurred in her sickness. 

Dustox coos happily and Akari nods, a small smile on her face. She pats Dustox rather clumsily, muttering a small, “that's nice Cascoon.”

Mai huffs a small smile, just wait until Akari can be delirious enough to realize what happened. Then she'll be ecstatic. 

And as Mai watches Dustox bundle into Akaris arms, careful of its wings as Akari starts to doze off again, she knows those two would do anything for eachother. Like Mai and Munchlax would.  

Mai turns to the ingredients for the medicine, starting to crush up the mushroom they found. 

She's glad the galaxy team isn't all bad like she used to think. 

Cascoon

Pokedex number 21

Bug type

Evolving from wurmple, this bug type has a thick outer shell. That despite being created from a Wurmple’s silk, quickly hardens into something tougher than diamond. The sign of an impending evolution is thin cracks starting to line the Cascoons shell. To avoid detection Cascoon hides among dead leaves, sticking them to its body with its sticky string. 

A Cascoon will never forget what happened to it while a Cascoon, seeking out to reward kindness given to it, or revenge to the pain inflicted on it. They are immensely loyal pokemon, despite being the “scarier” of Wurmple’s evolution. If you win over a Cascoons loyalty during its cocoon stage you have a friend for life. And the opposite, break a Cascoons loyalty, and you'll have an enemy for life.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Graveler 

Pokedex number 47

Rock and ground type

This sturdy rock type has a tendency to roll down mountains, crushing anything in their path, the more they do so the less jagged their rocky body becomes. The sign of an old Graveler is a completely smooth one, from years of rolling and chipping off rocks from its body. It's thought that the reason they roll is because they are quite slow walkers. 

It often stumped researchers on what exactly Graveler eat, before they've realized Graveler eats rocks. They particularly enjoy moss covered rocks. 

They tend to have quite a temper, and quickly jump into fights if they see something worth fighting. However, any other time they tend to be relaxed and calm, simply shrugging off any blow and moving on. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Paras

Pokedex number 53

Bug and grass type

Paras seem to be an example of symbiotic relationships. With the mushrooms, called Tochukaso, growing on its back helping aid the Paras in fighting, generating spores and other grass type moves. And the Tochukaso absorbs part of the nutrients from the Paras. It's hard to separate what's the actual animal or what's the mushroom part of Paras. As the two are so closely intertwined it's hard to separate the two. It seems like the Tochukaso can be plucked off a Paras’ back with no harm done to it, but the mushrooms quickly grow back. It seems the Tochukaso exert some control over a Paras, as a Paras will act completely differently with no Tochukaso on its back then it did with the Tochukaso. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Parasect

Pokedex number 54

Bug and grass type. 

Parasect seems to be a good example of a Parasitic relationship. It seems the symbiotic relationship developed in Paras has gone wrong. And the relationship is now tipped heavily in the tochukaso’s favor. The two are so closely intertwined that if you revoke the mushroom on its back, the Parasect will lie limply, not dead but unmoving. They will eventually starve without their mushrooms, like they don't know how to live without it, or like a puppet with cut strings. It's safe to say the Tochukaso completely controls the Parasect now. 

Swarms of Parasect will infest trees, draining it completely of nutrients until it dies. Which the swarm will then move on to the next tree. When ready to lay eggs, the Parasect will dig into a burrow by a tree root for nutrients, before the mushroom on its back will cover the eggs with spores. Believed to be the start of the mushrooms growing on a Paras’ back. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Chapter Text

It was a familiar scene the group is found in. the sun peeking through the clouds intermittently as clouds float above them. The trees rustle as wind blows through them, the calls of pokemon echoing through. Particularly one loud Cherrim that seems like it lives close to where they decided to settle for the night. Akari and Mai sit as they debate over which path they should take to finally make it to the top of Deertrack Path. Mai swears she knows a shortcut, as a veteran wanderer through Deertrack Path. While Akari has the map and thinks they should stick to the path. 

But both believe they should be there in a day or so should they start traveling soon. 

While Akari and Mai try to figure out the plan, Ash takes a list of supplies they currently have. Since this was originally only a day trip they only packed a little food that they couldn't get elsewhere, like bread, wheat, and jams. While they could survive on berries they find in the forest, it isn't exactly the healthiest for travelers that are burning a lot of energy in a single day. Not to mention the supplies like potions and healing items that keep being used on random pokemon in the forest. Cough, cough, Ash . So they need to ration their supplies. When they get set up on the top of Deertrack Path they'll be able to resupply with the Ginkgo guild member Professor Laventon was bringing with his expedition. But until then, rationing. 

“How much do we have Ash?” Mai asks, leaning back on her hands to look over at Ash, who had the hard task of both counting the food, and keeping Munchlax from eating it all. 

He was precariously balanced on a rock, his foot extended to prevent Munchlax from moving closer, the rest of his body leaning to count the supplies. 

Ash frowns as he tilts his head. 

“I think we have less than we did last night?” Ash says, unsure and counting again. Akari looks up concerned. 

“What? Shouldn't we have two loaves of bread, a dozen berries, and a container of rice?” Akari questions, roaming her eyes over the stash they had now. Only one and a half loaf of bread and nine berries. But the rice was left alone, thankfully. 

“Did you check all of our bags?” Mai questions, digging through her own bag to find that the food was all gone and laid out in front of them. 

“Yeah it's weird, for the past few mornings or so we've ended up with less food than when we fell asleep.” Ash shrugs, continuing to keep Munchlax from stealing the food. 

“So we have a thief among us.” Akari huffs, narrowing her eyes. 

“Huh?” Mai tilts her head looking over at Akari. 

“Well we aren't just misplacing food, one of us has to be eating the food without telling us.” Akari reasons. Mai has to admit that it is probably the most reasonable explanation. 

“So if we have a thief, who is it?” Mai roams her head among the group. Dustox, Tempest, Pikachu, Ash, Akari, and Shinx. Any of them could be the culprit.

“Well it's obvious, isn't it.” Akari says with an amused smile. 

“It is?” both Mai and Ash question. 

“It's obviously Munchlax who's been sneaking food when we aren't looking, it's still trying to get to the food even with Ash holding it back.” Akari looks at them like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

Mai gasps, affronted at the accusation. 

“Munchlax would never!” Mai shouts, making Akari lean back. 

“It's no big deal, it's just in Munchlax’s nature.” Akari shrugs. 

Mai huffs, “even if it is, Munchlax doesn't steal. He isn't a thief, it has to be someone else.” 

Akari raises an unimpressed eyebrow, obviously not convinced. 

“It may be raised by you, but it's still a pokemon. There's still some natural instinct inside Munchlax, it can't stop itself.” Akari reasons, Mai jumps to her feet.  

“Munchlax isn't a thief!” Mai defends her pokemon, Akari rolls her eyes. 

“Ash, you agree with me right?” Akari turns to Ash, who’s packing up the food at this point, while still keeping Munchlax from eating it all. 

“Well, if Mai believes Munchlax didn't do it, then I guess Munchlax didn't do it.” Ash shrugs, “Mai knows Munchlax better than anyone.” 

“Then who else could it be?” Akari questions, Ash shrugs. 

“Who knows.” Ash stands, ready to leave. 

“Well I still think it's Munchlax,” Akari shrugs, also getting ready to leave. 

“Whatever, we're almost to the top anyway.” Akari says, Mai huffs. 

“No.” Mai says stubbornly. Ash and Akari turn to her. 

“We're not leaving until we clear Munchlax’s name!” Mai nods with determination. 

“Mai it's really no big deal if Munchlax did it, we can just-” Akari tries to say but Mai shakes her head frustrated. 

“No! Because Munchlax didn't do it! And until we have definitive proof that Munchlax didn't do it we aren't leaving!” Even though Mai knows they are losing time doing this, they have to. It's not a waste of time if it's this important. She knows her Munchlax would never steal, it's learned not to since it was a baby. Even though it's eager for a meal, it wouldn't go behind their backs to steal. But Akari believes it would, believing Munchlax is a thief. That can't happen, it's not just Munchlax’s pride on the line, but also hers and her belief in Munchlax. 

She has to prove Munchlax’s innocence. 

Akari looks frustrated as she looks over at Ash, wanting him to help convince Mai to just move on, but Ash looks ecstatic. 

“Looks like we have another mystery on our hands gang!” Ash giggles as he says it, both Mai and Akari look at him confused at the reference. 

“But we've never had a mystery like this before?” Akari looks at him confused. 

“It's a reference you guys wouldn't get.” Ash shakes his head. Scooby Doo was a fun show when he was a kid, mostly because he loved the houndoom -scooby- and shaggy and their shenanigans.  

He doesnt think they would understand if he tried to explain the concept of cartoons to them. 

Akari sighs, guess they were doing this today. 

“Okay, well how exactly are we going to prove Munchlax’s innocence?” Akari questions, Mai hums, frowning. 

She hadn't thought that far. 

“Well, first things first in any good investigation, examine the crime scene!” Mai declares, grabbing the bags to arrange them like they placed them at night. All placed upright next to each other. 

“This is how we placed the bags holding the food last night, correct?” Mai asks her human friends.  

“Right.” Ash says, Akari nods. 

“But were the bags like this when you woke up Ash?” Mai questions, Ash hums for a second, thinking. Before he shakes his head. 

“No, they were like this,” Ash quickly arranged the bags so that two of them were fallen over, with the tops open. Like a pokemon rummaged through them. 

Mai nods, “that was like they were when I took my shift. 

“But not when I took mine.” Ash hums. 

“So it had to have happened during Akari’s shift!” Mai says, pointing at Akari. 

“So? What does this prove?” Akari frowns. 

“Well, it means you're the only one awake when the crime took place.” Mai nods, thinking it over. 

“Isn't it strange that the only person to be accusing Munchlax happens to be the only one awake while the crime takes place.” Mai accuses. Akari rolls her eyes. 

“Munchlax is literally digging through your bag to get to the food.” Akari points at Munchlax doing just that. 

“Munchlax!” Mai yelps. 

Mai scoops up Munchlax from her bag, “not helping your case Munchlax.” Mai whines. 

Akari stares at Mai unimpressed. 

“Whatever!” Mai shouts, “we still need to question the witnesses!” 

“But Akari was the only one awake?” Ash questions, tilting his head. 

“No matter!” Mai says, dragging her human friends away to start the interrogation. 

She sits Akari down and stands arms crossed in front of her. 

“Where were you the night of the crime?” Mai questions, narrow eyed at Akari. 

Akari just looks tired at this point. 

“I was taking watch, we knew this Mai.” Akari says, Mai huffs. 

“Likely story.” Mai glares. Ash snorts next to her. 

“You are being ridiculous.” Akari deadpans. 

Mai huffs, “well you were the only person awake at the time of the crime, what did you see?” Mai asks. 

“I saw trees, because I was watching the tree line for anything that might pop out at us.” Akari claims. “The bags were by Ash, so I didn't pay much attention to them.”

“That means whoever stole the food must have snuck up behind Akari and been quiet enough to not alert her.” Ash reasons, tilting his head. 

“Well, Munchlax isn't the most sneaky pokemon.” Mai says, Akari nods her head. 

“Right, but it's still the only suspect with an actual reputation for this sort of stuff.” Akari points out. Mai rolls her eyes frustrated. 

“Whatever, we still have more suspects to interrogate.” Mai huffs, turning to the group's pokemon. 

She switches to the two Pikachu, Tempest is a troublemaker, anyone can see that. And Pikachu can also be quite mischievous. Those two were quickly getting on as thick as thieves, even if Tempest likes to pretend she hates everyone around her. But would either actually be a thief is the question. 

“What were you doing during Akari’s shift last night?” Mai’s glare was as sharp as her tone, aimed at the two Pikachu in front of her both sitting innocently as she stood above them. 

Pikachu flops to the ground as it pretends to be asleep, while Tempest simply deadpans at Mai. 

“Sure, and you two totally wouldn't cover for each other if either was the actual thief, would you?” Mai questions, Tempest rolls her eyes while Pikachu remains flopped on the ground. Actually Mai thinks Pikachu might be snoring. 

Mai huffs, “suspicious reactions,” 

Tempest continues giving her an unamused look as if to say, ‘ Why do I deal with you people? ’ while Pikachu snuggles into the ground as its snores grow louder as if to mock Mai. 

“None of this actually gives us anything to go off of, Pikachu doesn't seem like the type to actually steal food.” Akari glances to Ash for confirmation, “Ash practically gives half of his rations to Pikachu anyway, Pikachu cant be hungry come nightfall.” 

Mai huffs, but knows Akari is right. Pikachu probably wouldn't. 

“And Tempest would only steal food to get a reaction out of us, it's not like her to quietly cause mischief and wait for us to notice.” Akari continues shattering more of Mai’s theories. 

“Fine,” Mai groans, “let's move on.” 

The two Pikachu hop off the stump Mai was using to interrogate, and Ash places Shinx onto the stump in replacement. Shinx looks up at Mai with wide, puppy dog eyes, its tail wagging and practically begging her to play with it. 

“Alright Shinx, did you steal the food?” Mai tries to glare, but Shinx’s puppy dog eyes remind her too much of Munchlax’s, it's hard. 

Shinx barks, batting a paw, having mistaken Mai’s stern tone for playfulness. Shinx has had several days to get used to Mai’s deadpan seriousness, so this is a new mood and therefore play time. 

Mai closes her eyes, trying hard not to react. 

“Oh come on Mai! You think a face this cute could steal?” Ash says, picking up Shinx to shove into Mai’s face. 

Mai refuses to open her eyes, “it's small enough that it could sneak past us. And I'm not old enough to understand that stealing is bad.” 

“I doubt Shinx has much in its mind besides battling and playing.” Akari drawls and Mai sighs. 

“Onto the next suspect.” Mai concedes. 

Dustox is next, sitting on the stump with a stare Mai can't decipher. 

“Did you-” Mai starts to question, but before she could Akari scoops Dustox up from the stump and holds it close. 

“Of course Dustox didn't do it! It's too sweet to even think about doing such a thing!” Akari shouts, Dustox coos in Akari's embrace. 

“Then why do you think Munchlax did it, it's also too sweet to ever think about doing it.” Mai shoots back. Akari rolls her eyes. 

“Well lets see, it has the appetite, it always tries to snatch food whenever food is in sight, and oh!” Akari snaps as she sarcastically lists off the reasons Munchlax could have done it, “it also has arms, which Dustox is lacking.”

Akari shoots a glare towards Mai, “Dustox doesn't have the ability to open the bags even if it tried.” 

Mai glares at the ground, frustrated she couldn't figure out anything to prove Munchlax’s innocence. 

“Well then what do we do now? Because it's not Munchlax.” Mai says stubbornly. 

“We haven't interrogated Munchlax yet,” Akari points out.

“Then we’ll interrogate Munchlax, I know that it'll prove its innocence.” Mai says, sticking her nose in the air. 

“I'll interrogate Munchlax, you're too biased.” Akari scoffs, Mai scowls but concedes. 

“Now Munchlax…” Akari starts, staring at Munchlax with an even gaze. Munchlax sits happily and innocently. Falsely accused, Mai swears. 

“Do you want a snack?” Akari asks, a smile suddenly appearing on her face. Mai freezes. 

“Munch!” Munchlax chirps, perking up happily. Obviously agreeing. 

“Great, all you have to do is get into the bag and grab it.” Akari says, Mai shakes her head quickly, nearly giving herself whiplash. Trying to get Munchlax to commit the crime in front of them was downright devious. 

Munchlax looks over to Mai, seeing her shaking her head, and deflates. Taking that as lack of permission. 

Akari blinks, surprised at Munchlax’s restraint. Mai doesnt bother containing her smugness towards Akari. 

Akari rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. 

“I'll just ask outright, were you the one to steal the food last night?” Akari pointedly asks. 

Munchlax blushes, putting a paw over its mouth and turning away slightly. 

Akari, of course, took that as guilt. 

“See? Just admit it was Munchlax and let us move on.” Akari sighs, at this point they probably wouldn't be walking today, the sun was already way past its peak. They spent all day dealing with this minor issue for no reason at all. 

“No! Because it wasn't Munchlax!” Mai shouts. 

“All of the evidence points towards Munchlax, it has the appetite, it has a history of doing this, it was behind me while we slept and dark enough i wouldn't have picked up on it very easily unless it made a lot of noise, and it was the only pokemon who looked guilty while we interrogated it.” Akari lists, Ash shrugs. 

“Akari’s got a point.” Ash says, Mai glares at him. 

“Well, I know Munchlax has to be innocent.” Mai huffs angrily. She just doesn't know how to prove it. It does look like Munchlax was the one who did it the longer it went on…

“Why don't we catch the thief in the act?” Ash suggests, making both Akari and Mai perk up. 

“A stake out! Of course! I'll stay up and watch the bags and keep an eye out to watch the thief!” Mai exclaims. 

“And I'll stay up to make sure you aren't covering for Munchlax.” Akari nods, Mai glares at her, but Akari doesn't mind the glare. 

“Oh, does that mean I don't have to have a shift tonight?” Ash asks, Akari sighs. 

“Well I suppose.” Akari rolls her eyes. 

“Nice!” Ash pumps a fist into the air. 

When night falls, the group having not moved an inch towards their actual goal of making it to the top of Deertrack Path, Ash settles down for sleep. The pokemon joining him. Akari settles for her long night shift, keeping an eye on Munchlax the entire time. Akari raises an eyebrow as Mai climbs up a nearby tree.

“What are you doing?” Akari questions, Mai shrugs, lifting herself up onto a higher branch. 

“I wanted to get a better vantage point, this way i could see whoever targeted the bags no matter where they came from.” Mai says, climbing high enough to not be seen by any wandering pokemon on the forest floor, but not too high to not be able to see the ground in the dark. 

Akari hums, tucking her knees to her chest as she prepares for a long night. 

It takes a while for anything to happen, Akari nearly fell asleep a couple times, but thankfully Munchlax never moved from its slumbering position, and the bags remained untouched. As the night wore on, Akari was confident Munchlax was the culprit, only having done anything tonight because it knew they were onto it. 

Mai struggles to stay on the tree, quickly growing uncomfortable, but she will do this. To prove Munchlax innocent!

Mai almost misses it. The little shadow ducking in and out from the tree line. Skirting around Akari to not be in her range of vision, before quietly diving into the bag and pulling out half of a loaf of bread, shoving it into its face. Mai squints, getting the basic shape of it, small body, petals coming around it. 

No doubt about it, it's a Cherrim. 

Mai quickly clambers down the tree, but the Cherrim notices and makes a break for it, stealing two more berries on the way. 

“Akari! Look!” Mai shouts, making Akari look over at the bags. Only for the Cherrim to disappear into the forest before Akari can get a good glimpse at it. But she does notice the broken into bags. 

“The food is taken!” Akari realizes. 

“I told you Munchlax didn't do it.” Mai crosses her arms with a glare. 

“Okay, I admit that Munchlax wasn't the one stealing food.” Akari raises her arms in admission. Mai beams proudly. 

“But what now?” Akari asks, Mai hums. She hadn't thought that far. 

“We have to go after it!” Mai surprises even herself with her conviction, Akari blinks. 

“I want to make sure it doesn't steal from us and therefore framing Munchlax!” Mai exclaims, Akari shrugs. They've gone this far, and maybe when Mai gets this out of her system they can get moving towards their actual goal again. 

As Mai packs up the campsite Akari takes on the impossible task of waking up Ash, which she actually manages to do, with the help of Pikachu and Tempest. 

When Akari explains the situation to a sleepy Ash, he's actually on board with tracking down the Cherrim. 

Akari was surprised, she thought he would be advocating to leave the Cherrim alone and to share their food, when asked, Ash shouts with a fire in his eyes “there's nothing worse than stealing food!” 

Akari blinks, before sighing and shrugging. Might as well. 

So the group sets out, the moon still high in the sky as they venture through the forest where the Cherrim was last seen. The only thing lighting their way was the occasional light from the moon, when it wasn't covered by clouds. But that didn't seem to bother the group, for one, Shinx’s fur could light their way, and two, Ash and Mai were on a mission. Mai, for justice, wanting to get back for her pokemon being falsely accused of thievery due to the Cherrims actions. And Ash for Ash reasons, Akari doesn't really know. 

“Come on!” Mai shouts, venturing forward. Ash laughs as he follows close behind, Akari shakes her head with an amused smile. 

The trio searches through the forest, but the dark clouds overhead makes it hard to see much, even with Shinx lighting the way with its glowing fur. It was only until the clouds overhead cleared way for the moon to shine down through the clouds for them to spot anything. On a tree branch not far away was a small pokemon watching them. Pink petals surrounding its yellow body with a berry in its hand. It giggles at them. 

“There! That's the one!” Mai realizes, pointing. The Cherrim hops off the branch disappearing from their vision. It doesn't help that the clouds cover the moonlight again darkening the area around them. 

Mai bursts forward but pauses to look around when she gets past the tree. 

“Where'd it go?” Mai questions, tilting her head. 

Ash and Akari catch up, only to pause as they see an open field with a single pokemon. It would've been nearly impossible for a pokemon to disappear so quickly without them seeing where it went. And the pokemon in the middle of the field, giggling as it walks away, was certainly not the same pokemon they saw earlier. For it was covered head to toe in two large purple petals, nowhere close to what the sunny, pink petaled pokemon looked like. 

“It must be quick,” Akari observes, pulling out her small journal to make a few notes on the pokemon. 

“Come on! We're wasting Sinnoh Above’s precious time!” Mai snaps, grabbing Akari by the hand to drag her along. She doesn't even know why they are searching so hard for it, she has no clue what she's gonna do when she finds it, but she's too wrapped up in proving Munchlax’s innocence once and for all. Despite everyone believing her already. 

“It couldn't have gotten that far,” Mai claims, despite knowing that it could definitely gotten that far since they don't know much of anything about it. 

Despite this, Mai moves forward to continue searching. Ash and Akari following her close behind. 

It takes much longer for them to find the Cherrim this time, searching through the dark forest as the moon continues to move through the sky.

But they could hear the giggling as the Cherrim dances around them in the shadows. They couldn't get more than a glance at any time, frustrating Mai further. 

Every time they get close they seem to lose it like it could seemingly teleport. The clouds cover the moon whenever they need to find it, darkening the area around them and making it hard to find what they were looking for. But Akari narrows her eyes at the same unknown pokemon they found when the Cherrim disappeared again. The purple petals surrounding it. It seems like everytime the Cherrim disappears, that pokemon appears where it left.

"Isn't that odd?" Akari says to Ash, when she brings it up to him.

Ash nods, staring at the giggling pokemon.

Mai just continues dragging them through the forest, searching for the Cherrim.

The sun was starting to rise at this point, turning the sky a deep red and gold. Akari wants to groan, are they gonna spend yet another day on this? They can't, they need to be moving forward.

"Mai, let's drop this. we're almost to the top, and we know it's not Munchlax who did this. Let's not waste time on this." Akari reasons. Mai huffs but pauses. Yeah, she supposes it's time to move on. She's proved Munchlax's innocence, is it really worth it to make a mountain out of a cascoon hole?

She supposes not, she sighs.

"Yeah you're right, we should head up the mountain, we already spent an entire day in this." Mai concedes.

Akari nods, "let's figure out where we're going."

Mai helps figure out where they are in the sunlight of the rising sun, pleasantly surprised when they found they were only half a day away from the top.

Mai looks up, ready to be finished with the mission and drive away the alpha Kricketune from her noble Wyrdeer, only to catch sight of a pokemon on a branch nearby. The giggling purple petaled pokemon as it stares at the group.

Mai frowns, watching it, the sun rising to reach the pokemon with its rays.

Mai stares as the light starts to cover the pokemon, making it glow. She stares in confusion as the petals start to perk up, brighting to a pink color.

"That's the Cherrim!?" Mai shouts, Akari next to her watching in wonder.

"Cherrim must change forms!" Akari realizes, a grin brightening on her face.

Mai huffs with narrowed eyes at the Cherrim.

"You can't be serious, it was playing with us the entire time." Mai groans, Ash laughs.

"Yup!" Ash agrees, with laughter.

"Ugh." Mai groans, burying her face in her hands.

"Cherrim!" Cherrim chirps as it jumps down, approaching Munchlax.

The group watches curiously as the Cherrim shyly gives Munchlax a berry.

Munchlax blushes, holding a paw over its mouth as it turns away slightly. It takes the berry, scarfing it down in a second. Before pulling out its own berry from under its fur, and gifting it to the Cherrim.

"Cherrim!" The Cherrim says happily, waving before bouncing away.

"Awh, that's why Munchlax blushed when we interrogated it, it had a crush on the Cherrim." Ash grins brightly. Mai groans louder, making Akari giggle.

"Let's get going already, we solved the mystery." Akari grins, dragging Mai along the path. Ash laughs, quickly catching up.

"So now that we're almost where we've been traveling..." Ash starts, making Akari look towards him.

"What exactly is a noble pokemon?" Ash asks, making Mai and Akari freeze.

"Wait, you don't know?" Mai questions.

"Ash, we've been traveling for two weeks and you didn't ask before!?" Akari bursts making Ash chuckles awkwardly.

"I thought you would catch me up eventually!" Ash defends making Akari squawk.

Mai laughs, shaking her head. Who knew she would have this much fun traveling with two galaxy members.

Munchlax

Pokedex number 51

Normal type

This pokemon has quite a large appetite, seemingly to prepare for its evolution. But unlike its evolution, it has plenty of energy to scour for food, running around if it has any chance for food. Its strong stomach allows Munchlax to eat practically anything, having no regard for flavor. It can even eat rotten food with no reaction. It hides food under its fur, but tends to forget in the quest for more food. Leading to its fur gaining a rotten smell. It often searches villages and towns for thrown away food.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Cherrim

Pokedex number 67

Grass type

Cherrim has two forms, its bud form and bloomed form. During times of sunlight its petals peel back to blossom, gaining energy from the sunlight. While in bud form it largely stays still, its tough petals surrounding it allowing it to stay still without predators attacking. It seems like a trade off, the bloomed form allows it to move around quickly and gather food but leaves it weak to attacks. The bud form keeps it protected but can't move around and gather food as efficiently.

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

“We finally made it!” Ash cheers as they make it up the mountain, coming to the clearing on top of Deertrack Heights. 

“Finally,” Mai smiles, greeted by the sight of the holy place she's so familiar with. 

“Yeah, and it only took us two weeks longer than it should have.” Akari snorts, making Mai grimace. 

“Someone once told me that it's the journey that matters, not the destination.” Ash comments wisely. 

“And something tells me that that someone got lost frequently,” Akari grins, teasing Ash. 

“Well, no matter, all that matters is that we're here now and we've got no time to waste!” Mai says determinedly. 

“Wait!” the group hears a voice shout from behind them, making them turn around. 

“Oh, so you brought your Professor with you?” Mai blinks, surprised. 

“I didn't know Professor Laventon was coming.” Akari shakes her head, equally surprised. 

“Hi Professor Laventon!” Ash waves as Professor Laventon continues running up the wooden steps to Deertrack Heights. The Professor catches up, leaning over to pant when he finally catches up.

“I thought I wouldn't make it here on time,” Professor Laventon says between puffs, “and here I was surprised when I got here before the three of you!” 

“Yeah…” Akari sweat drops, suddenly a little disappointed in herself for letting them get so off track. 

“But I have plenty of additions to the pokedex!” Akari brightens, pulling out her journal to show Professor Laventon. 

“That's great! What did you find?” the Professor asks, a curious and fascinated look on his face as Akari opens her journal. 

“Can we finish this first?” Mai cuts in before Akari can get started, making Akari deflate and pout. 

“Oh yeah, what are we here for again?” Ash asks, he had forgotten why they were coming here.  

“The alpha Kricketune, remember? I need you and Akari to drive it away so the Noble Wyrdeer will come back.” Mai reminds Ash, a frown on her face as she catches sight of the alpha Kricketune. 

“Then why are you here Professor?”  Ash asks, looking back at Professor Laventon. 

“As a pokemon researcher I couldn't miss a chance to see an alpha pokemon up close, could I?” Professor Laventon grins as he pulls out a camera and a journal. 

“I've gotten a few glances at it, but I can't get safely close enough to get a photo yet.” Professor Laventon sighs. 

“But I've certainly heard plenty of it,” the Professor grimaces. Akari and Ash tilt their heads confused as Mai gives a sympathetic wince. Yeah, she gets what the Professor is getting at. 

“We certainly have!” a familiar voice agrees, walking up the stairs to greet them. 

“Volo!” Akari and Ash recognize, greeting the familiar face. 

“It's nice to see my favorite customers again!” Volo smiles broadly. 

“What are you doing here?” Akari asks, Volo grins. 

“I was sent to set up the newest campsite as a representative of the Ginkgo Guild,” Volo explains, Professor Laventon nodding next to him. 

“Yes, Volo here has been my guide up Deertrack Path.” Professor Laventon pats Volo’s shoulder. 

“It's been a challenge of its own.” Volo whispers to the kids, who giggle. They know how clumsy and distracted the Professor can get, especially Akari. 

“As long as you two make sure to stay out of the way, this alpha pokemon is tough.” Mai says sternly.

“It was able to wound the Noble Wyrdeer’s pride, and drove it away from its home. Until it's scared away the Noble Wyrdeer won't come back.” Mai shakes her head, catching a glance of the Kricketune fluttering around the holy place. Acting like it owns the place. 

“De-le-le-wooooop!” the Kricketune chirps, its cry piercing the air harshly. 

“That's it, the trouble maker set out to disturb the peace with its racket.” Mai glares, turning to Ash and Akari. 

“A battle should be enough to bruise its pride and drive it away from here.” she says, Ash perks up. 

“Leave it to us!” Ash grins, Professor Laventon smiles.

“I think this'll be the first time I'll see you battle, Ash.” Professor Laventon says warmly. 

“Well he's got talent from what I've seen in our battle when Ash first came to Jubilife Village. That Pikachu is no push over.” Volo shakes his head, remembering his togepi’s defeat. 

“You haven't seen the half of it.” Akari deadpans towards Volo.  

“I'm still not very good at battling though, so I guess it's up to you Ash.” Akari nods to Ash, who smiles. 

“You ready Shinx?” Shinx perks up, pouncing forward with a bark. 

“We’ll stand to the side,” Mai says, pulling the rest of the group to the outskirts of Deertrack Heights, close enough to still watch Ash battle. 

Ash stands at the edge of the battlefield, eyes narrowed. 

“Lets go get its attention Shinx, thunderbolt!” Ash bursts, Shinx immediately pounces forward, raising its tail to generate a burst of electricity, hitting right in front of the alpha Kricketune. 

“De-le-le-wooop!” the Kricketune shouts, turning to see what attacked it. 

Ash and Shinx stand determinedly, not flinching at the red glare aimed their way. Shinx does flinch as the Kricketune flies towards them so fast they could barely blink before it was right in front of them. Angry chirping coming from its belly. 

“Be careful Ash! Alpha pokemon arent just bigger but faster and stronger then normal pokemon.” Akari shouts out, she knows Ash can handle his own with an alpha pokemon, the alpha rapidash a testament to that, but still. She can be worried for her friend and mission. 

“Right! Then we'll match speed with speed! Shinx, quick attack!” Ash orders, Shinx bursts forward with a bark trying to match the Kricketune’s pace, ducking under an arm as it slashes at Shinx. Shinx comes to a stop behind Kricketune, and snaps out a thundershock. hitting it with close range thundershock, Shinx barks proudly. But the Kricketune quickly snaps out of the pain, and hits a slash right to Shinx’s back. 

“Shinx!” Shinx yelps as it gets flung by the attack. 

“Shinx!” Ash shouts, worried for his pokemon. Shinx grits its teeth as it stands up, having taken a lot of damage from just the one attack. 

Shinx huffs, digging its paws into the dirt and flicking its tail. It's not going to go down that easily. It pounces away from another attack, much like Pikachu does when it dodges Shinx’s pounces. 

“Keep that up, Shinx!” Ash grins, Shinx dodges each slash weaving in and out between the two sharp arms with expertise. Its tail whips around wildly, and that turns out to be a mistake. Since it wasn't tucked close to its body the tail was hit by one of the slashes, making Shinx shout in pain. 

“Thundershock Shinx!” Shinx huffs, lifting its sore tail and letting out a sharp thundershock, warding the Kricketune away. 

It gives Shinx a few precious seconds to breathe as the Kricketune disengages, but as soon as Shinx stops with the thundershock it dives back into it. White streaks surround the Kricketune as it flies with impossible speed, Akari and Professor Laventon recognize the move immediately. 

“Aerial ace! It's almost impossible to dodge.” Akari realizes, “it made that super quick Kricketune even faster!”

She's itching to pull out her journal, but she doesn't want to miss a single second of this battle. 

The attack hits, and Shinx is sent straight into one of the nearby rocks. 

Shinx isn't able to get up before Kricketune hits it with another slash, making it cry in pain. 

“Thundershock Shinx, get it away from you.” Shinx lets out a cry as it shocks everything around it, shakily standing as it glares at the Kricketune. 

It wont let itself go down yet. 

It's strong! It'll prove it's strong!

“Shinx, use a quick attack to jump up the rocks!” Ash narrows his eyes, an idea forming. 

“What's he doing?” Mai tilts her head confused. 

“Maybe he's trying to get high ground,” Volo suggests. 

“Maybe.” Akari narrows her eyes, watching the battle with rapt attention. 

“De-le-le-woooop!” Kricketune chirps, following the blue blur as it jumps up the rocks, but it cuts its wing slightly short, hitting itself in one of the rocks and sending it falling. 

“Yes!” Ash cheers, grinning at the outcome, “keep running around Shinx, confuse it and use the rocks as cover!” 

“Shinx!” Shinx barks as it quickly disappears in a flash of blue, bouncing off the rocks surrounding Deertrack Heights as the Kricketune quickly takes chase. It's fast enough it can keep up with Shinx, but it doesn't have the same reaction time as Shinx using quick attack, meaning when Shinx changes directions and bounces off one of the rocks, the Kricketune slams head first into it. But it's strong enough that the rocks are just another distraction, and it shakes them off quickly, but not without gaining a bit of damage. And it slows just a bit every time. 

It looks like Shinx is starting to get the upper hand, being able to do this enough to weaken it and slow it, before using thunderbolt and thundershock to finish it off. But suddenly, the alpha pokemon comes to a stop in the middle of the field, its wings twitching. 

“de-le-le-Wooooop!” The Kricketune lets out a loud, piercing cry, rubbing its arms together to create a loud sound. The humans grimace at the loud sound, a terrible screeching sound. Like nails on a chalkboard. It's painful to hear, and the humans have to cover their ears as it gets louder. Shinx loses its footing at the painful sound, slamming head first into a rock. It shakes its head pawing at its ears, whining in pain.

The Kricketune appears behind the downed Shinx, giving a painful slash towards the distracted pokemon, Shinx is flung several meters away. 

It shakes its head, but it's confused. The sound grating on its ears and making it hard for it to do what Ash's orders, even when the sound had stopped. 

“Watch out Shinx!” Ash calls, but Shinx can't hear it, the Kricketune crosses its arms, before slashing outward. Sending an X shaped cut straight towards Shinx, which hits dead on. 

Shinx lets out a shock as it gets flung backwards, managing to hit Kricketune even as it flung. 

Shinx gets to its feet, quickly diving out of the way with the little time it bought itself with the shock. Kricketune flies itself into the dirt Shinx just was, letting out an angry cry at the pain. 

The Kricketune quickly stands, picking itself up from the dirt. 

“Quick attack Shinx, get behind it!” Ash shouts, Shinx barely manages to hear it through its ringing ears, but it does what Ash said. Diving through the long arms before they can start to slash and turning in the dirt, flinging some dirt with how hard it turns. 

“We need to limit its movement.” Ash mutters to himself before his eyes widen with an idea, “bite down on its wing Shinx!” 

Shinx lets out a cry as it bursts forward, diving onto the Kricketune and biting deeply on its left wing. 

“Now hold on Shinx!” Ash grins, the Kricketune tries to fly upwards but with the uneven weight on its wings it sends itself into the dirt. 

“De-le-le-woop!?” The Kricketune cries in confusion, trying to figure out why its wings wont work. It figures out why quickly, and tries to fling Shinx off, but Shinx keeps its fangs buried in its wing, a growl in its throat. 

It holds on tight, only digging in deeper as the Kricketune flaps its wings quickly trying to fling its hitchhiker off. 

“Thundershock Shinx!” Ash orders, Shinx digs its fangs in deeper as it releases a point blank thundershock. It hits harshly, making the Kricketune release another awful shriek. Ash shakes his head, trying to get the sound out of his head. 

The Kricketune flies upward, but falls to the side again, this time it manages to get Shinx dislodged from its wing from the impact. Shinx huffs, standing and jumping backwards to avoid the swing the Kricketune takes. 

It continues jumping backwards to dodge the swipes, dancing out of the way now that the Kricketune is much slower, its wing badly damaged from Shinx’s fangs. 

It charges up another aerial ace but it misses, its damaged wing throwing off its aim. It breaks the rock it accidentally flings itself into, the rock crumbling under the rough impact. 

“De-le-le-woooop…” Kricketune whines, shaking its head as small pebbles roll off of it. 

Shinx darts forward, hitting it with a thunderbolt and sending the Kricketune a few meters back. 

“De-le-le-wooop!” Kricketune cries, sending a beam of red from its antennae and hitting Shinx square on the head. It wobbles as its energy starts to be drained, its eye drooping. But it shakes its head and rolls away, its movement slightly sluggish, breaking the red beam from hitting Shinx. Shinx dives behind a rock as the Kricketune charges up another absorb, much slower than it was a few moments ago. 

Shinx yelps as the rock suddenly crumbles in front of it, a well aimed X scissor cutting straight through it. It has to jump forward to avoid being hit by another slash, but it loses its footing and hits the ground roughly, flipping forward onto its back. 

But before another slash could be aimed at its back, it rolls over, bursting forward to latch its fangs into the Kricketune’s mustache.

“Good job Shinx! Keep it up!” Ash praises, Shinx lets out a muffled yip, proud of itself. 

“It's an almost even fight!” Professor Laventon marvels, the Kricketune seems so impossibly strong at first, but Ash and Shinx have been able to weaken it so much!

“But is it enough?” Akari asks worriedly, Shinx seems badly hurt, like one more attack and it could fall. 

The Kricketune whips itself around wildly, its arms can't reach its mustache to pry Shinx away. But Shinx keeps a firm grip in its jaws. The Kricketune lets out cries that morph from angry to pained ones the deeper Shinx bites. Shinx lets out thundershocks to continue wearing down Kricketune. 

Just a little more and it'll prove itself. 

It's strong! It's strong! It's strong! 

With every chant Shinx digs its fangs deeper, and shocks harder. Its tiredness is still very present, but it refuses to fail. 

Suddenly, the Kricketune stops trying to buck Shinx off, instead it crosses its arms and starts to play a soft melody. Like a lullaby. 

Shinx’s eyes start to droop, the absorb having taken plenty of its energy, and the lullaby lulling it to sleep. But it shakes itself out of it, fighting valiantly to try and keep its eyes open. 

The Kricketune continues playing its melody, and it starts to fall asleep. It can't fight against it enough, and soon its eyes slip closed, its jaw relaxing. 

Shinx falls. 

It thumps against the ground tiredly, its eyes closed firmly. 

“De-le-le-wooop!” the Kricketune cries, stopping the melody. 

“Shinx!” Ash cries as the Kricketune raises an arm to do a deadly slash. 

Ash bursts forward, scooping Shinx out of the way before the attack could connect. 

“Ash!” Akari shouts in fear, but Ash manages to just barely roll out of the way of the attack. The momentum sends him tumbling forward, Shinx tucked close to his chest as Ash shields any damage. 

“De-le-le-wooop!” Kricketune angrily cries, trying to slash at Ash again, but Pikachu jumps forward, hitting Kricketune with an irontail that sends it stumbling forward. 

The Kricketune cries, Pikachu flips around it to land on its feet in front of Ash, letting Ash get to his feet with Shinx still in his arms. 

The Kricketune brings its arms together to let out another piercing sound, making Ash grimace as he tries to cover his ears without dropping Shinx. Pikachu shakes its head in pain, the screeching sound hurting the pokemons sensitive ears more than the humans. And even then, the humans were struggling to hear the sound without covering their ears. 

Ash grits his teeth, his eyes firmly shut closed as his legs shake at the noise, struggling to stand up. It seems the Kricketune was planning to keep the sound up until they couldn't take anymore. 

It was unfortunately working, Pikachu couldn't do much with the loud sound piercing its ears and confusing it. It wobbles, trying to stay upright, but no matter how much Pikachu shakes its head it can't seem to get the noise out of its head. 

Suddenly, the ground rumbles beneath them, startling the Kricketune and making it pause in its musical assault. The reprieve from the noise was well welcomed, but it still takes a few seconds for the ringing to stop. 

Only when it does do the humans open their eyes, to see the terrain around them has been changed, purple wisps floating through the air, pooling on the ground. The purple glow seems to be dripping upwards, ignoring gravity. 

“What is that?” Akari questions, Mai's eyes widen, recognizing the move. 

“It's the Noble Wyrdeer!” Mai realizes, looking up onto the cliff edge, where the Noble Wyrdeer stands in all of its glory. Its black orbs at the base of its antlers spin quickly as the Wyrdeer glares down at the alpha Kricketune. 

The Noble pokemon lets out a roar, psychic energy bursting in waves around it. 

“Shinx?” Shinx yawns, its eyes blinking open as the psychic energy reaches it in a wave. 

“Hey, Shinx, you're awake!” Ash smiles, Shinx barks. Shinx wags its tail, giving Ash a small lick on his chin before wiggling out of Ash's grip. 

It lands in front of Ash, turning to give Ash a bark before standing ready to finish the fight with Kricketune.

“Alright Shinx!” Ash beams at his pokemon, “let's finish this!” 

“Shinx, quick attack!” Ash orders, pointing out his arm. 

“Shinx!” Shinx cries, bursting forward in a blur. The Wyrdeer stands over them, an unreadable expression on its face. 

Kricketune lets out a swipe with its arm Shinx dodges, flips off the rock behind the Kricketune to bite onto its wing again. Kricketune lets out one final, pained cry, before Ash shouts again. 

“One last thunderbolt Shinx!” Ash orders, Shinx lets out a cry, dropping its bite as it releases its thunderbolt, hitting the Kricketune as it falls. 

The Kricketune cries as it is hit, stumbling backwards and falling to the ground. Shinx hits the ground, before standing, glaring at the Kricketune with a growl. 

The Kricketune stands, but flutters back as it hears Shinx’s growl. It looks between Shinx and Wyrdeer before backing away further, eventually turning and running from Deertrack Heights. 

They did it, they got the Kricketune to leave.

“You did it Shinx!” Ash grins, running forward to pluck Shinx from the ground to hug it close. 

“Shinx!” Shinx beams, its tail wagging quickly. 

“Pikachu!” Pikachu leans off Ash's shoulder to pat Shinx’s head. Shinx barks happily, it won!

“Good job Shinx!” Ash praises happily, Shinx coos happily. 

“Hey good job!” Akari grins, running forward to reach Ash and pat his shoulder. 

“You had me worried for a bit,” Akari nudges Ash, who laughs. 

The Noble Wyrdeer lets out a cry, stomping its hooves and making the humans look towards it again. Mai steps forward, her head bowed. 

“We scared away the Kricketune away for you, great Noble, we hope you can return to your duties.” Mai says. 

“Wyeeeer!” Wyrdeer cries as it dives off the cliff, coming to stand before Ash, Akari, and Mai. 

They stand, waiting to see what the Wyrdeer will do. 

Wyrdeer stands, eyeing the trio. 

Before it lowers its head, showing respect. 

Mai smiles, relieved, “it's thanking us! It looks upon us with kindness.” 

Wyrdeer raises its head, its black orbs at the bottom of its antlers starting to spin. 

The psychic terrain around them start to gather, spinning around above the Wyrdeer. The purple clouds start to condense, combining together to create two objects. 

Suddenly the clouds burst outward, revealing the two objects. A pink slab and a small flute. 

It lowers towards them, Mai reaching out and plucking them from the air. 

“I get the sense this is for you two.” Mai says toward Akari and Ash, looking down at the objects in her hands. 

“I'd say the great Wyrdeer has taken a liking to you two, that is quite fortunate.” Mai smiles over her shoulder to Akari and Ash. 

“But I didn't do anything?” Akari frowns, she stood to the side while Ash battled for the Noble Wyrdeer. 

“I don't question the great Wyrdeer’s actions or reasons. He sees something in you, something in you both.” Mai turns to Akari and Ash, handing them the two objects. Akari, the flute. Ash, the slab. 

The Noble Wyrdeer stomps its hooves again, making the humans turn back to it. The Wyrdeer lowers its head again, Mai smiles and places a hand on its head. 

“I've missed you, old friend.” Mai greets, the Noble pokemon stays still for another second before raising its head. 

“Wyeer.” Wyrdeer softly cries, before galloping off, jumping up the rocks with ease and disappearing from view quickly. 

Mai huffs with a smile. 

Akari looks down at the flute in her hand.

“What is this?” She asks, holding the flute up to the sun. 

“From what I can tell,” Mai says, gently tugging the flute from Akari's hand, “it's a celestial flute, it will call the Noble Wyrdeer to you when you play.”

Mai pulls out her own celestial flute, comparing the two. 

Akari’s is much smaller than hers, and feels like it could crumble if she's not careful. 

“But I would say it's very fragile, and would probably break after it's used.” Mai observes, before nodding. 

“Use it during times of great distress,” Mai says, handing the flute back to Akari, “if you're lost, or in need of guidance, the Noble Wyrdeer will come running.”

Akari nods, looking down at the flute with her brows furrowed. She’ll keep good care of it. 

“And what is this?” Ash asks, holding out the pink slab, Mai shakes her head. 

“I'm afraid i've never seen anything like this,” Mai claims, she's just as curious as Ash. 

“I think I have a clue.” Volo smiles, stepping forward. He holds out his hand for Ash to give the slab to him, he does. 

Volo examines the slab, before smiling brightly. 

“Yes, I believe I've seen something like this.” Volo nods, gifting the slab back to Ash. 

“It's one of Almighty Sinnoh’s plates.” Volo says, Mai gasps, recognizing it. 

“Is it really?” Mai questions, looking at the slab with wonder. 

“What's that?” Ash asks, Mai looks over at him. 

“Long ago there was the ancient hero, a person so great he could defeat anything in his path. He was aided by the ten great pokemon, the ancestor of each of the Noble pokemon of Hisui.” Mai explained. Ash nods, having heard a mini explanation yesterday when he asked what a Noble pokemon was. 

“Yes, and before this ancient hero, Almighty Sinnoh spread eighteen plates among the earth, gifting a bit of its power to boost whoever held it. It was only until the ancient hero did anyone think to gather all of the plates, and it's rumored that he got to speak with Almighty Sinnoh once the plates were gathered at the highest point of Hisui.” Volo explains, Ash's eyes widen. 

“A way to go home.” he realizes. 

“Well, it's a great honor to be given it.” Mai looks at the two, who both nod. 

“Our Noble Wyrdeer is truly a blessing amongst us all.” Mai smiles. 

“Yes, but I suppose it's time for us to start building the new campsite.” Volo says, turning as he sees the construction corps walk up the stairs to deer track heights. 

“Ah, About that, I know that it was a deal made between the Galaxy Team and the Diamond Clan but is it really okay for us to build a campsite on the Noble Wyrdeer's land?” Professor Laventon asks worriedly. 

“The Hisui land is a land created by Almighty Sinnoh for the sake of its pokemon. As long as your goal is to coexist and thrive with Pokemon then I imagine you will have no issue.” Mai says, before turning back to Ash and Akari with a smile. 

“Besides, I believe the Noble Wyrdeer has already given its blessing.” Mai smiles at her two friends, who both smile in return. 

“Then, let's get out of the way for the construction corps.” Volo says, gesturing for them to move to the side. 

It takes a few hours for the campsite to be set up, the sun going down by the time it's finished. Mai takes the time they were waiting to talk with Akari and Ash. 

“You have my sincerest thanks for helping me drive away the Kricketune, our clan leader will hear of how you aided us.” Mai thanks the two. Munchlax nods, waving happily at them. 

“I'm just glad we're no longer lost going through Deertrack Path.” Akari snorts. 

“Well we still gotta make it back, don't we?” Ash points out making Akari shudder. 

Mai smiles before laughing, she steps forward and pulls the two into a hug. 

Ash smiles, patting Mai's shoulder while Akari freezes, unsure what to do. Akari gradually leans into the hug, smiling softly. 

They separate and Mai gives them one last nod, “I need to go meet with my little brother, and tell him that the situation was resolved.”

“So this is goodbye.” Akari frowns slightly. 

“Yes, but we'll see eachother again, I'm sure.” Mai nods, Ash holds out a hand to shake. 

“It's been fun! I'm excited to cross paths again.” Ash smiles, Mai grins. 

“I've had fun traveling with the two of you, even if you're a part of the Galaxy Team.” Mai teases, making Akari laugh. 

“Yeah, even if you're a part of the Diamond Clan.” Akari laughs. 

The two watch as Mai heads down the stairs to Deertrack Heights, waving goodbye.

“Akari! You want to come and update me on what you've found so far?” Professor Laventon calls, making Akari perk up. 

“Sure!” Akari excitedly smiles, bouncing over to the professor and tugging out her journal. 

Ash stands, watching as mai leaves for a second before a voice startles him. 

“So what are you planning to do with the plate?” Volo asks, popping up behind him. Making ash jump slightly. 

“What do you mean?” Ash asks, holding the plate close and looking down at it. 

“Well, I might know some places for the other plates, I could help you gather more.” Volo says, making Ash smile. This may be his way home one day. 

“Really?” Ash asks with wonder.

“Yeah, how about we make a deal,” Volo suggests, holding out his hand for a shake, “you show me any other plates you find, and I'll go searching for more!” 

“But what do you get?” ash questions, frowning slightly. 

“Well, I'm very interested in Hisui’s history, I would love to learn more about it through these plates.” Volo says with a beaming smile. Ash takes Volo’s hand. 

“Then deal!” ash chirps. 

“We should head back to Jubilife Village soon,” Professor Laventon says, approaching the two, “we need to report everything to Captain Cyllene, and update our catalog with all of the observations the two of you made on the journey here.”

“Alright!” Ash agrees and Akari nods with a beaming grin. Excited to discuss what she's seen with the Professor. 

“If you had trouble getting here without getting lost, we have another thing coming trying to do that with the Professor.” Volo winks, leaving over to whisper to Akari, who giggles. 

“Ash and the Professor would make a terrible wayfinding team.” Akari whispers back. 

Ash tilts his head much like Shinx does, “what are you talking about?”

“Nothing,” Akari quickly assures as the group starts heading down Deertrack Path. 

“Well, I bet you're excited to start choosing your own missions, Akari.” Professor Laventon says, making Akari blink. 

“Huh?” Akari lets out a confused sound. 

“The deal, now that Ash is a one star recruit you don't have to travel with him anymore.” Professor Laventon continues. 

“Oh yeah…” Akari realizes, she doesn't have to travel with Ash anymore. 

“Well what do you plan to do now that you can do whatever you want now?” Ash wonders, looking over to Akari. 

“I dont know.” Akari frowns at the ground, continuing to walk back to Jubilife Village with Volo, Ash, and Professor Laventon. 

She doesn't know. 

It was dark in the large basement. the only light coming from the dim tv, playing the news, and the not so dim computer. The clacking of the keyboard sounds through the room, the only sound in the otherwise silent house. 

A silent sigh echoes through the room, as Professor Burnet leans back on her chair to rub at her eyes. She really needs a break. 

For a while the ultra wormholes in alola have been quiet, so she was able to have a few easy months before she gave birth to baby Lei. And had a two year period of near relaxation, since the wormholes were quiet and Lusamine was traveling to find her husband. She was almost antsy and wanted more work. 

She regrets that now.

But no time for that now, it's almost midnight, she needs to head to bed. 

Burnet turns, her eyes catching on the news. 

Oh right, the reason for her sudden increase of workload. 

The giant portal-like rip that's appeared over mount coronet. Big, purple, swirling over the tallest mountain of Sinnoh. 

No one knows why it opened, what it led to, or what may come out of it. 

She sighs, shutting off the tv. 

The real issue she found with the rift, was the fact that Ash disappeared the same exact day it opened. 

One day, Ash was traveling through Jubilife City, meeting up with a friend in the town over, leaving through the south of the city. And the next, he just vanished off the face of the earth. Everyone was baffled at it, no traces, no clues, no ideas for where he could have gone. 

Just gone. And that rift appeared. 

Burnet is sure they have to be connected, in the few months she's spent with the kid, she's found that whenever there's some giant issue forming, Ash is usually not far behind to clean it up. It's why Kukui let the ultra guardians form, because he knew Ash was going to be fixing the ultra wormholes anyway, and the rest of the kids were gonna follow him. At least he could make sure they were safe while doing it. 

Now, Burnet doesn't know. She doesn't know if Ash is safe while fixing whatever that rift is, or where he is. He doesn't seem to be anywhere he could contact them, or else he would have done it by now. 

He's just gone. Burnet can only hope he'll come back, and he'll be safe. 

She can only hope her son will be able to grow up knowing his older brother. 

Burnet is about to stand, moving to turn off the tv when her computer lets out a chiming sound. Signalling an incoming email. 

Burnet sighs, one more email cant hurt. She opens it to find an email chain she's been added to, between Lusamine and surprisingly, her old mentor, Professor Rowan. 

She used to study under Professor Rowan, it's where she got her start as a researcher, before she transferred to study dimensional rifts like the ultra wormholes. Which led her to the aether foundation. It's been a long while since she's spoken with Professor Rowan, she has no clue why he would be emailing Lusamine.

But a single glance over of the emails sent back and forth between Lusamine and Professor Rowan quickly catches her up. He was asking about the rift over Sinnoh… he asked if Burnet could go to Sinnoh to help understand what it was. 

Burnet pauses, Lusamine was asking if she would like to, that she could go and figure that out, before coming back to the aether foundation. 

She pauses over the keyboard, before she turns, leaving the basement. 

She couldn't just leave, she's got a child, a husband. She can't just drop it all just to research an admittedly fascinating phenomenon. 

She shakes her head, heading to her bedroom. She settles on the bed next to her husband. 

“Mm,” Kukui hums, shifting to turn to her. 

“Finished work?” he asks in a sleepy voice, Burnet smiles sleepily. Playing with her husband's hair. 

“Yeah, how's the class doing?” Burnet asks, Kukui frowns.

“Morale is still very low, though Mallow and Lillie are pretty determined to raise those spirits.” Kukui explains, Burnet knows it's not easy for Kukui to see his class so upset. Especially when he's also grieving, losing Ash as well. But he's the adult, he has to try and keep his kids happy and not see him upset as well. 

“Mhm, those two will brighten the class’s spirits in time.” Burnet nods, she knows how determined Mallow can be, and Lillie is a very strong young woman. And she's already found her father after years of hopelessness, she's got enough hope to kill arceus, she is bound to rub off on some of the class. 

“Mhm,” Kukui nods, “anything interesting at work?”

Burnet pauses, before deciding to explain the email chain she was added to.

“You know that rift over Sinnoh that opened?” Burnet asks, Kukui, who had listened to her ramble about it countless times, nods of course. 

“Well, Lusamine thinks it might be a good idea for me to travel to Sinnoh to research it, funded by Professor Rowan.” Burnet explains, Kukui blinks, suddenly more awake. 

“Oh, wow.” he says, blinking. 

“I'm not sure if I'll go.” She says. She really doesnt think she can just go and stay potentially months in Sinnoh. 

“I think it's a good idea.” Kukui says, surprising Burnet. 

“What?” she asks, taken off guard. 

“Well, you are the expert on dimensional rifts, and this could be the breakthrough of your career.” Kukui says, Burnet has to admit he has a point, this is a big deal for her career if she could figure it out. 

“I could handle Lei alone for a few months, and if it's really that long of a project we could think about moving.” Kukui suggest, Burnet frowns, she does not want to move away from alola, she loves alola and couldn't imagine Kukui anywhere else. 

“I don't want to move,” Burnet says quickly, Kukui tilts his head, acknowledging it. She can tell he doesn't want to move either. 

“But I still think it's a good idea, you could take any breaks traveling back here, and call frequently.” Kukui says. Burnet still frowns. 

“Just think about it, don't rule it out just yet.” Kukui says, rolling his head back onto the pillow. 

“Besides, maybe…” Kukui trails off, looking up to the ceiling with a frown. 

“Maybe I'll find Ash connected to it.” Burnet finishes his sentence. 

She tucks herself close to her husband as she starts trying to sleep. 

“I'd like Lei to know who his older brother is.” Burnet says, trailing off into mumbles. 

Kukui hums, leaning into Burnet. 

She'll think about it.

No guarantees.

Kricketune

Pokedex number 40

Bug type

This pokemon can create beautiful melodies with its knife like arms, rubbing them together to create sounds and improvise melodies. It can use its belly to heighten the melody. Kricketune’s melodies vary greatly between each Kricketune, it's thought that the prettiest melodies are what easily attract mates. It seems like the melodies are affected by the Kricketune’s mood, being harsh and piercing when angry, or light and airy when happy. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash. 

Wyrdeer

Pokedex number 50

Normal psychic type

Wyrdeer is very sought after in Hisui, due to its thick fur that's great for winter months. It sheds every few months, allowing for many clothes to be made with it. The orbs on its antlers seem to be where the psychic powers come from, strong enough to distort space and make invisible barriers. Wyrdeer tends to be the leader of its pack, using its strong and sturdy legs to jump up any obstacle. And using its psychic powers to guide the way for many pokemon, not just its pack. Though it is rare to find one, it's rumored that if you are lost and in distress, Wyrdeer can feel it, and will direct you to safety. 

Findings by survey corps members Akari and Ash.

Chapter Text

So, she didn't have to travel with Ash anymore, huh.

Akari ponders as she continues walking to Jubilife Village, they were almost there, she could see the settlement gates from where they were standing. 

Just a little more and she will be a two star recruit, and Ash a one star recruit. 

She no longer had to take on any requests given, and could pick and choose what she did. Which is a relief, she doesn't want to do just any request. She still shudders at that one story she heard about counting the leaves on a wormadam’s hide. That sounds like a personal torture. 

But then again, she bets if she and Ash were to do that request, they would find a way to make it fun and exciting. 

Akari looks over to see Ash and Volo happily chatting, Volo was indulging Ash in some of his research into ancient Hisui. Explaining some of the ruins Volo found while searching for goods to sell as a part of the Ginkgo Guild, Akari knows he only joined the Ginkgo Guild so that he could have an income as he traveled to research. 

Akari looks over at Ash curiously, she wonders what he's going to do now that he wasn't tied to Akari. She decides to ask about it. 

“Ash, what are you planning to do now that you're a one star recruit?” Akari asks, Ash shrugs. 

“I'll probably keep traveling around, trying to figure out a way home while helping the Galaxy corps.” Ash says, Akari hums. 

“Where is your home anyway?” Akari questions, from what she knew Ash fell from the sky. Which could make it slightly hard to get back from wherever he's from. 

“The future.” Ash says, like it's the most obvious thing ever. 

Akari looks at him confused, “I can't tell if you're messing with me or if that's actually true.” 

“Guess you'll have to find out!” Ash says cheekily. Akari rolls her eyes but smiles, nudging Ash's shoulders with her own. 

Ash laughs, nudging her back. 

They were approaching the village, just a few steps away. Akari stops just outside of the village, both happy and uneased. She, of course, loves seeing her village, especially after that way longer of an expedition than she thought. But also… one more step and it's all over. She's no longer a one star recruit, no longer traveling with Ash. 

She's a lone recruit doing what she wants like she was before. 

She's not sure why she's so disturbed by that now. 

She takes a breath before stepping into the village, greeted by the familiar faces she grew up around. 

It only takes a second before she spots her parents worried faces, she beams running over to hug them. 

“Oh, we were so worried!” her mother says, squeezing Akari tightly. 

“What on earth took you so long to get to Deertrack Heights? it's barely a two day trip.” her father asks, his brows furrowed in a way that makes him look angry, but Akari knows he's just worried. 

“We got a… touch lost.” a touch is stretching it, but Akari doesn't want to worry her parents anymore. 

“You have to be more careful about that,” her mother says, releasing Akari from the hug. 

“Do we need to have more lessons on pathfinding?” her father questions, Akari frantically shakes her head. 

“No!” she quickly denies, making her father let out a small huffy laugh, while he pats her shoulder. 

“Very well.” he says, “go report your progress to Captain Cyllene, then come home for lunch.” 

“Right!” Akari nods, stepping back to find Ash already being herded into Galaxy hall, she quickly catches up. 

She follows into the Galaxy hall after Professor Laventon, only to pause as she sees the surroundings around her. 

There were cots set up around the flooring, sick and injured lying on the ground as Medic Joy and Medic Passelle, the cousin to Medic Joy, rush around trying to help all of the people. 

“What happened?” Akari asks, the medical corps seem to be completely overrun with hurt people. Did an attack on the village happen while she was traveling?

Beni shakes his head, walking down the stairs complaining about youngins and their shouting. Akari can sort of hear people shouting up on the floor above them, is that why the medical corps are using the first floor instead of the second floor for healing?

“Did you hear the grave news?” Beni asks, making the three look over at him, “the frenzied Kleavor from the rumors… it ended up mauling some of the Galaxy folks who went out to investigate yesterday.” 

“It's been troublesome for the medical corps to get them back onto their feet.” Beni shakes his head grumpily. 

“Ah, the Kleavor that was supposedly struck by lightning?” Professor Laventon says, gostling Ash slightly with his words. Akari looks over at him confused, but the Professor continues. 

“I did hear he's behaving most erratically since then…” the Professor says concerned. Before he shakes his head. 

“Still, further investigation must happen! The survey corps will, of course, step up to the task.” Professor Laventon says. Akari nods, agreeing. She would go herself if she got the chance, but she doubts she would be allowed to go as a two star recruit if this many people were already injured. 

“A certain amount of danger is expected when investigating strange circumstances, but with our future in the hands of these youths,” Professor Laventon pats Akari’s and Ash's shoulder proudly, “I'm sure we can handle them just fine!” 

“Are you certain, it's said that Kleavor is so mighty even alpha pokemon dont light a candle to it.” Beni says dubiously, eying Ash in particular with doubt. 

“Nonsense! Now let's get to reporting.” Professor Laventon guides them to Captain Cyllene’s office. 

“Captain! I'm proud to announce that Ash and Akari were successful in scaring the alpha Kricketune away and clearing way for a new campsite!” Professor Laventon proudly presents the two, Captain Cyllene nods. 

“Excellent, that promotes Ash to a one star rank, and Akari, a two star rank. And as your mission that means Akari can start taking on missions as you see fit,” Captain Cyllene says, barely looking up from her paperwork, “without Ash.”