Bandits in the Marsh

That morning Ash was contemplating his plate, obtained after defeating Kleavor. It was a soft tone of green and had an incision on the side: "Where all creation was born, that is the being's place of origin."

"Well, it should have something to do with Arceus I think. Oh man, if only Goh were here. He would help me with all this mind job."

Pikachu was patting empathetically his trainer's back while nodding.

"Ash, we've been informed that the camp in Crimson Mirelands is finally settled" informed Cellyne, coming into her office.

Ash was there looking at the map Galaxy Team had provided him. Greninja had told him that it was better to look at a map based on the region as it was, instead on relying on a phone map which was based on modern Sinnoh. He had taken note of the two places he needed to head to.

Solaceon Ruins were near a river so it would be easy while the Brava Arena was up north, but it would be easier to head north-west to have a settlement for the night at Camp Diamond, near Like Valor and then head to the Arena.

Arezu and Mai had insisted for this because they wanted him to meet Adaman before the challenge, much to Ash's annoyance. His only goal was to resolve the matter as soon as possible to go in search for the remaining plates but something had happened to change his mind.

All the dots, signaling the plates on his phone, had somehow disappeared and so Ash was now again wondering how to accomplish his mission. Maybe he should try to find Volo again and ask for his help. He somehow had noticed that the guy knew a lot of things. But for the time being, he couldn't know where he was.

On the bright side, since Kleavor had one of those plates, maybe this Lilligant would have one as well.

On the bad side, however, Ash couldn't rely on Greninja for this mission. He was a bit overfatigued and Ash thought it would be better to let him rest. After all, here there weren't Nurse Joy or Pokémon Center. The Ninja frog was now resting on a bed in the Medical Corp's room and Akari was looking after him, Pikachu and Piplup clearly enjoying the new mansion. Akari knew that this meant that Ash would go without her again but was relieved that he would have company and have also some basecamps. In this way, she could keep in touch with him. She felt safer with him but knew that he had missions to accomplish and that, since she had just started her journey, she would be more a burden than a relieve.

But, thanks to Greninja's presence, she could use the time for a bit of training under such a strong Pokémon. Ash had instructed the Ninja Pokémon on what to teach her. She was really glad to have such an opportunity.

"OHI KID! SNAP OUT! I'M TALKING WITH YOU!" shouted Cyllene since Ash wasn't really paying attention.

"Oh right, so let's go!" Ash said, bolting up from the chair and running to the door, but Cyllene stopped him again.

"Wait a minute! You must gather supplies and speak to Mai before everything"

He groaned. "Oh right, I guess, I got overexcited!" he sighed. Pikachu sweat dropped.

With that, Ash got to the basement of the Galaxy Hall and collected supplies from Tao Hua, boss of the Supplies Corp, an old severe man who had somehow taken a liking to Ash.

Then, He headed to the Medical Corp's office and bid farewell to Greninja, who fist bumped with him.

When he turned, he saw Akari at only one inch from him. He backed a bit, surprised by the sudden proximity.

"Where do you think you are going, Mister? I don't even care to bid me farewell?!" she said with a pouty face.

Ash laughed uncomfortably and raised his hands in defeat: "I'm sorry Akari, I didn't mean. It was slipping from my mind."

Akari turned her pout into a warm smile, stunning Ash at the sudden shift.

She came closer once again and, in tip toes, she leaned in and kissed Ash's cheek, on the same spot she had kissed the night they had made return in Jubilife. Ash was again confused, something he was getting used to when it came to girls. Pikachu was tired of sweat dropping at this time. And it was only morning.

"Akari, why did…." Ash was interrupted by Akari's index on his mouth, then she proceeded to hug him tightly, so tight that the boy wondered if she was angry.

She then adjusted her head on his chest and let out a content sigh.

At this, Ash understood that she wasn't angry and for the first time he hugged back, overjoying the girl.

She then whispered: "Please, be careful and come back. Please" and released Ash from the grip.

Ash adjusted his hat, which he was glad to have, and grinned toothily at her: "You can count on it!"

With that, Pikachu hopped on his shoulder, and he finally exited the Galaxy Hall.

Outside, Mai and Irida were waiting outside for him.

"So, here you are" said Mai, a bit pissed off from Ash's lateness. Munchlax only yawned.

Irida approached Ash very closely, making him back away. "Thank you very much for your help, Ash. I wanted to give you this as a thank you gift" she took out a white flute.

Ash looked at the flute slightly intrigued.

"With this, you can call for Wyrdeer when you need help" intervened Mai. "It seems that he likes you, something I don't understand".

"So, I should play this," said Ash; "Crap, I'm not this good with it".

Irida objected: "For Wyrdeer, it is important to remember how your sound is, so it won't be a problem."

Ash finally tried to play the flute and Wyrdeer recognized immediately Ash coming to him and nuzzling him.

"That is quite the surprise" said Commander Kamado coming from the street; "So, Pokémon really likes you…It's like you are a beast on your own"

"Mhh, thank…youuu?!" said Ash, not really paying attention.

"So can we go? Asked finally Mai.

"Yes, please!" answered Ash, clearly impatient.

"Bring my greetings to Calaba, the warden of Ursaluna" Irida said while Ash was hopping on the caravan attached to Wyrdeer. He nodded.

Mai hopped on Wyrdeer and the two were finally off.

..........................................…..

Two days of travel had passed. Ash and Mai had spoken a bit about a lot of things, starting from the rivalries between Pearl Clan and Diamond Clan, going to the relationship with Pokémon in Hisui and arriving to the mission they had to do.

In the end the group arrived at the base camp settled by Galaxy Team and Laventon was waiting for Ash.

Mai and Munchlax bid their goodbye to Ash and headed to the Diamond settlement.

In a way Ash had grown accustomed to Mai's company even if it lasted only few days so he promised her to come as soon as possible to meet Adaman.

But, before everything, he needed to find Calaba.

For the night, he stayed with Laventon, getting to know the man. It was quite an interesting conversation.

That scared man came from Galar. Ash had found himself how the other regions were like in those days and the professor had shared his experiences in that far away region with the boy.

On the other hand, Laventon could easily admire Ash's bond with Pikachu. He couldn't believe Pokémon and people could be this close. During his life, he only saw Pokémon murdering his friends or ending enslaved and killed by humans. This guy was making him question if there was really the need to live without Pokémon. After this, Ash was reminded by Pikachu to write something to tell Akari that he was safe.

All in all it was a peaceful night and soon after Ash and Pikachu found themselves drowsy and hit the sack.

...........................................

Ash and Pikachu were currently approaching the Ruins.

They had traversed the land near a river, knowing that those ruins were next to it.

Crimson Mireland was a very particular ecosystem, the southern part being a great marsh, which reminded Ash of Pastoria City while the further he went up the river, the more he saw the landscape changing into a mountainous one.

It was interesting to observe the geography of the Hisui region but Ash, being Ash, found himself more and more focused on the mission the more he went further into the wild.

Finally, he started to see pillars and traces of human presence when he saw smoke raising in the air from the entrance of a cave.

He ran up as fast as he could only to find an old lady and Arezu laying on the ground unconsciously.

"Shit" muttered Ash.

..........................................…

Serena had now passed the Grand Hotel and the resort area near Pastoria and was heading to Lake Valor.

Approaching the wood surrounding the place, the girl heard a voice saying "Don't give up until it's over!"

It sounded like kid Ash. Serena stopped her walk and observed the scenery around…Nothing.

She went further, finally eyeing a clearing and in a moment she was there. Lake Valor was gorgeous, and Serena would spend time there absorbing the beauty of nature if only she hadn't more impending thoughts.

"Alright, we've come this far. It's time to shine, Milotic!"

A gorgeous Milotic appeared in the water. The Pokémon was happy to be summoned and cooed happily. Serena smiled. Nothing helped her in hard times like having her Pokémon with her.

"Now, Milotic, I need your help to reach that isle in the lake" said Serena pointing to a little isle in the middle of the lake with only some trees and what in the distance seemed like a giant rock.

Milotic lowered her neck and Serena hopped on her.

Only a few moments later, she was on the isle.

"Okay, Thanks so much Milotic" the girl said. She then called Sylveon out and started to inspect the rock when she heard it trembling. A piece of rock collapsed revealing an entrance.

Serena shared a look with Sylveon who wrapped her feeler on the trainer's wrist, in an attempt to give her comfort.

She released a deep breath and clutched the ribbon on her dress: "Let's go!"

...........................................

Fortunately for Ash the two ladies weren't injured but inly unconscious. The first one to recover was the old one, the one that Ash assumed was Calaba.

Ash offered her a sip of water and made her sit down.

"Who are you, young boy?" she asked, still stunned.

"I'm Ash Ketchum. I'm from Jubilife and I was here to ask you something, but I think we have other things to deal with first"

"Don't tell me you are also here for Ursaluna. I'm..." Ash interrupted the woman: "Look. I was sent here by Irida herself. I know you don't like Diamond Clan members and all, but now it's not a problem. What happened here? Why Arezu is also here?!"

The old lady looked at him in the eyes for a bit before relaxing: "She came here for Ursaluna too. I was refusing her request when a group of three bandits came here and stole a fragment of an inscription inside the Ruins. I'm the warden of these ruins as they held the traditions of the Ancient Sinnohians. That girl tried to defend me but in vain."

Ash scratched the back of his head, not really understanding those rivalries between clans. From what he had seen, both Clans were made by good people who wanted to protect the region and its culture and traditions. They were a bit close minded for Ash's taste but, compared with Galaxy Team, at least they held respect for Pokémon.

"Well, I'm going to find them and take you back what they had stolen!"

The lady looked at him again, smiled for a moment before bringing her flute.

She played it, much to Ash's amusement.

A loud roar came from the distance, so loud to wake also Arezu who turned to see Ash and was ready to tell him to mind his own business when a giant brown Pokémon came from the other side of the river, jumped straight from shore to shore, something nearly impossible for anyone but especially for a Pokémon as big and massive as him.

Ash and Arezu stood still from the shock while Pikachu, sensing the peacefulness that was emanated by that Pokémon hopped of Ash's shoulder and went to greet the newcomer.

Calaba came close to the Pokémon and scratched his head: "This is ursaluna!"

Ursaluna was a large, quadrupedal dark brown bear Pokémon with a gray pelt around its back, paws, and round tail. His face was also brown with a light-yellow circle at the center and a light-yellow snout.

Calaba went on, clearly appealed with everyone's reaction to the Pokémon she warded: "Ursaluna's evolution is believed to be triggered by Ursaring being exposed to the swampy terrain of the Crimson Mirelands during a full moon. This one is known to be good at searching for items, and even missing persons, thanks to his sense of smell."

Ash had stars in his eyes, same could be said for Pikachu.

He approached the massive Pokémon with open arms: "So you evolve from Ursaring?! You are amazing! And you are also talented! Wow, this is amazing, amazing! I never saw something like that in my life! And also, you evolve with full moon!? That's so cool!" he exclaimed, patting him, clearly excited by the new Pokémon. Pikachu was on his fur, jumping excitedly.

Ursaluna was very surprised and pleased by this guy and his Pikachu and he reacted standing on his two hinds and improvising a dance to which Ash and Pikachu reacted by imitating him.

While Arezu was shocked, Calaba smiled.

She approached the guy: "Come on, play that flute of yours so that Ursaluna can recognize you and come when you need him."

"What?!" this shocked Ash.

"Ursaluna clearly likes you, so, if you are willing to help us, it's better if you have a track to follow! I never saw in my 99 years of being alive a guy as you."

Ash bowed in respect and then obliged. Ursaluna had learnt Ash's flute sound.

"Now, take this my Ursaluna" said Calaba, showing a piece of what looked like a band.

"What's that?" asked Ash. "It's a piece of clothing from one of those bandits. Now Ursaluna can follow the smell"

"That's so cool!" exclaimed the boy.

With that, he hopped on Ursaluna with Pikachu, petting him, and bid farewell to the old lady, promising her to come back soon. The old woman watched them as they headed south.

Arezu stood there, too shocked by everything to even react. All she felt was sadness because she had failed her mission.

.......................................…

That morning Akari was up earlier than usual. After her routine, she had left home and had gon to the Galaxy Hall.

Cyllene was writing reports and Kamado was in his office, receiving merchants from the Kalos region. Going to Greninja, who was still living in the Medial Corp's office, she found him with a paper on his hand.

"Hi Greninja, ready for training?" she asked maintaining distance. She was now used to the Ninja frog but was still not so comfortable with touching him.

Greninja greeted her and showed her the paper. It was a letter from Ash.

Dear Akari,

Pikachu told me to start a letter this way. I don't know. Anyway, today we arrived at the base camp. We are all good. Pikachu is super hyped to get some battles and of course I am either. The place is looks like a big swamp and the landscape is barren.

I hope you are fine and also Greninja, but I feel like he's doing great.

Take care,

Ash

She held the piece of paper for a while, reading and reading again, learning Ash's calligraphy, and imagining how he was doing.

She smiled: "I'm ready to train, Greninja!"

"Pikaaaaa!" "Pipilup!"

..............................................

As Ursaluna started to slow down, Ash knew that the destination was near. Pikachu was ready. He saw the marks of a campsite. Ursaluna stopped his ride. Ash hopped off and thanked the Pokémon.

He saw three women laughing and drinking what looked like wine, a piece of wall next to them.

"Are you ready, Pikachu?" said Ash, raising from the bush where he was hidden, adjusting his cap.

"Hey there! Don't you know that stealing is a bad thing?"

The women heard him and lifted from the ground, turning to face the stranger.

"Hey Kiddo, I don't know who you are and how did you find us, but we, the Miss Fortunes sisters, won't let you get in our way!" exclaimed one of them.

Ash watched the trio, not caring for their names or proclaims but instead for their appearance.

They looked familiar but honestly, he didn't remember.

They weren't well dressed and had a strange make up. Everything Ash was thinking was dismissed when the three took out three Poké balls releasing an Abomasnow, a Gengar and a Skuntank.

Ash saw the sun setting and decided to act quickly: "Pikachu, our battle is tomorrow. Now, we don't have time to waste!"

Pikachu understood where this came from and was ready. Ash took from his pocket his Z- ring. It was time. Pikachu jumped, fist bumped Ash, took the hat from his trainer, extended his paw. Z energy was now flowing in his body.

"Okay, Pikachu, FULL POWER NOW! 10.000.000 VOLTS THUNDERBOLT!" shouted Ash. Pikachu leapt in the air; electricity of all colors being released by his body.

The women watched that in shock and finally were struck, together with their Pokémon. A huge explosion occurred, and the trio were blasted off in the sky.

"Phew" sighed Ash, Pikachu passing his paw on his forehead like he was drying the sweat.

"That gave me Team Rocket vibes Pikachu! What do you say?" said Ash. They watched each other for a while before bursting out in laughter. Ursaluna was quite confused.

.............................................

"EEEEETTTTCIUUUUU!"

"Ohi, Meowth, are you ill?" exclaimed Jessie from her desk, a book in her hands.

"Yes, I'm allergic to twerps and thinking about them!" he answered sarcastically.

James sighed.

"WOOOOBBUUFETT!"

"Shhhh!" came as a chorus from the whole library.

..................................................

Ash was finally back to the old woman, the fragment in his hands.

"You really did that?" said Calaba, clearly admiring the young boy and the mouse Pokémon.

Ash and Pikachu nodded, embarrassed.

Arezu had it enough.

She kneeled and bowed to Calaba: "I'm sorry" she said.

"Why are you kneeling down, young lady?" asked the Pearl Clan member

"I was so stupid to think I could do everything on my own, and I missed the important things. I hope you could forgive me" she said, breaking out in tears.

Calaba held out her hand, surprising Arezu.

"Come on, stand up. You are a nice young lady. Maybe, it's time for our clans to help each other. This boy here was so brave to challenge those bandits all alone only to help you. Ursaluna likes him. I will help you" she said, extracting from the basket on her back a flower.

"Is that really?" asked surprised Arezu.

"Go and have a nice night of sleep. Tomorrow, I will bring you all the flowers you need to calm Lilligant.

Arezu got up, still crying and hugged the woman, surprising her.

Calaba responded and smiled: "Maybe it's time for the world to change" she thought.

Ash and Pikachu shared a smile, watching the moment when two different worlds finally meet, hoping that they could soon be reunited with their world.