A Marvelous Feast

All of the other trainers gathered with their Pokemon atop Mount Silver and ate dishes of Galar-Style curry. Thanks to Alex bringing several jars of Gigantamix seasoning, there was plenty to go around for all the people and Pokemon. Alex's team walked around, socializing with the Pokemon belonging to the others. Aside from the Pokemon that battled, Alex had also brought over his Orbeetle, Corviknight, Galarian Darmanitan, the fossil Pokemon Dracovish, his own Snorlax (nicknamed Mongo) and Lucario (nicknamed Alpha), an Obstagoon, a Shiny Galarian Slowbro and the Legendary Pokemon Urshifu, which Alex received as a Kubfu from Mustard at the Isle of Armor Dojo years ago. While Urshifu was certainly one of Alex's strongest Pokemon in his arsenal, he opted to use Sirfetch'd instead to inspire Alexa and her newest teammate.

Eating together was Ash's Infernape and Alex's Toxtricity, who each had a newfound respect for the other after the battle they had put on earlier. In order to liven up all of the people and Pokemon, Alex had his Rillaboom play an upbeat song on its wooden drum set as they ate. While the rest of the group ate, Lance, Harrison and Gary took their curry and decided to take the first shift keeping an eye out for any dangers, people or Pokemon alike. Still unsure whether or not Giovanni would attack their campsite, they wanted to make sure the group was safe at all times, so patrol duty became a necessity while they stayed on the mountain.

Paul, Dawn, Alexa, Ross, Ritchie, May, Ash and Alex all sat around in a circle, eating curry and sharing laughs. Ross, who was still relatively new to the group, found himself enjoying the company of the group of people he was sitting with. He was glad that he was able to surround himself with a group with such whimsical spirits, after being very far from his true home. Even though some of the darkest times any of them had ever experienced had fallen upon them, they couldn't help but enjoy the bright side of things at the moment. Ash, having some of his closest friends in the past years, couldn't help but be thankful for the trainers that came together to help save the world.

Sitting together was Blue and Delia, who sat down and recollected memories of her, him, and Red when they were in their twenties. While Delia was heartbroken about the loss of Red at the Tree of Beginning, she never held any resentment towards Blue. Now, in their 40's, the two were glad that they had the ability to reconnect, both hopeful that after Giovanni was through, the two adults could bring back the most important person in their lives.

Once everyone had finished eating, and the look outs rejoined the group, Alex stood up and pulled a laptop out of his backpack. He pulled up a couple files full of research on the Tree, and shared his screen with the 12 other group-mates, who all viewed the screen intently. "Mission briefing everyone, gather 'round. For those of you that don't know, the Tree of Beginning is a large rock and crystal formation located to the north of Pewter City and Mount Moon. The 'Tree' is actually a living organism that feeds on sunlight, which shares a symbiotic relationship with the Mythical Pokemon Mew. When one Mew decides that its time spent at the Tree has come to an end, another one from a different universe will come and take its place. Now, it has been theorized that the Tree of Beginning grew from a large Wishing Star radiating Dynamax Energy that struck Kanto long ago. No trainer has ever tried Dynamaxing at the Tree to confirm this, though."

"That could explain why Giovanni is using a Gigantamax Charizard," Ash said. "If it is a Power Spot he could be waiting outside with an army of Dynamax Pokemon. It's certainly one way from keeping us from getting to him."

"As you know, Regice, Regirock and Registeel act as guardians of the Tree, but the Tree also has an antibody system to get rid of humans. However, I have recently developed these," Alex said pulling out his briefcase and opening it up. Inside were six white bracelets that resembled Dynamax bands. "Prototypes, but they emit a certain energy which ought to mask your presence from the Tree's immune system. I still have a few more bugs to work out though."

"And what happens if the bracelets aren't ready in time?" May asked.

"Then we Aura Guardians will be able to pass through no problem," Blue added. "Red and I did it before the first time we traversed the tree. It's Giovanni meeting us in there that concerns me..."

"Giovanni would be a fool if he wasn't expecting us. The man was capable of interdimensional travel, I'm certain he has a method of getting through the Tree's immune system too," Ash said. "He will probably be waiting for us with an army of his own, so while Alex leads the charge from the outside, May, Paul, Ross, Blue, Alexa and I will sneak into the Tree. We'll find Giovanni, take back my crown and save the world."

"Really?!" Alexa said, after spitting out her drink. "You want me to go into the Tree with you guys?"

"I know it's dangerous, but mom and I have discussed this and we think you're ready to fight with the big kids," Ash said to his younger sister. "But not only that... Alexa. I want to take you under my wing and train you as an Aura Guardian. Your Aura is strong, and I think with the proper training for you and your Pokemon we will see some amazing results."

Delia smiled at her daughter, who could tell she was excited to be a part of such a crucial task for saving the world. "You've come such a long way, honey. I thought that I was proud of Ash's growth as a Pokemon Trainer, but watching you put this much effort into your training is inspiring. I just know you're going to help your brother take Team Rocket down for good!"

Alexa smiled as tears filled her eyes. Ever since Team Rocket had killed her birth parents, Alexa wanted justice, and idolized her brother for everything he had stood for while taking them out in this universe. Now she had the chance to get back at the criminal organization that had changed her life forever, on a much larger scale. However, she also realized that mastering her Aura with Ash would be a spiritual journey that could change her life forever. To be an Aura Guardian, keeping peace and balance in the Pokemon world, like her brother, was one of her dreams."

"I don't know what to say," Alexa said, putting her hands over her mouth.

"Just be prepared for our training session tomorrow," Ash said. "We're going to spend the entire day working together with your Pokemon. Paul, Alex, Ross, May and I are all gonna keep you on your toes. Hopefully you learn a thing or two."

"Yes sir!" Alexa said, bowing her head to her brother.

"Now, Blue," Alex said. "From what Ash has told me, you have your own fair-share of knowledge about the Tree as well."

"The reason why Giovanni is attacking six days from now and not right away is because of a natural event known as the 'Arceus Eclipse Phenomenon,'" Blue said standing up, sharing his knowledge with the group. Blue made several small spheres of Aura appear around the group which was meant to represent their solar system. "It is an extremely rare event, but when the planets align and the moon eclipses the sun, the doorway to the Hall of Origins will open in Mortal Realm when in the presence of the Sinjoh Gems. The Sinjoh Gems that are located in the Indigo Crown, which Giovanni has. Once he enters those doors, Arceus will crown him as its Champion and grant him his deepest desire, which is total God-like power. With the power from Arceus, Giovanni will have total control over the multiverse."

"We're going to keep that from happening though," Ash said. "Latios informed me that Giovanni's ship has entered the waters south of Cinnabar Island, and has dropped anchor there. While it seems a little suspicious, my legendary Pokemon are keeping an eye on it."

After that bit of information Darkrai, along with Lance and his dragon Pokemon, kept watch so the group could have a restful night sleep within the cottages atop Mount Silver. In Ritchie's house was Ritchie, Gary and Harrison. In Paul's house slept Paul, Dawn and Ross. In May's house slept Delia and Alexa, and in Ash's house roomed Ash and his Meowth, May, and Alex. With full bellies, and better knowledge of dangers to come, the trainers retired to their homes for the night.