This Is The Pokémon Way

by SuperHeroTimeFan

On their way to Tython, Mandalorian Din Djarin and the Child, Grogu travel to a planet in the Unknown Regions to resupply, a world filled with new creatures. With the help of some young trainers, Mando and the Child form a new bond, but when the Empire gets involved, will this new world fall? Do they really expect to take battling to a new level? This Is The Way, The Pokémon Way.

9. The Stranger

Hello again, everyone, and welcome back! I am SuperHeroTimeFan coming back to you with a brand-new chapter of my Pokémon and The Mandalorian crossover, This Is The Pokémon Way! I am so glad that this story has gotten so popular recently. Even I can't get enough of reading so much of this. I would like to thank Cloud4012, Kival737101 and GhostSlinger15 for their continued support and feedback on my writing. The same goes for all of you who read and review my story as well. It all means so much. This is a special chapter that picks up the mystery I left behind in Chapter 7. Please review, rate, and as always, please be sure to enjoy!

Chapter 9: The Stranger

Two Years Ago…

In Lumiose City, Diantha was walking down a hallway, holding a Pokéball in her hand. She had a proud smile on her face before making her way to an intersection, the end of the hallway in front of her having a metal door on it. She prepared to walk up until she closed her eyes and stopped.

"Come to wish me luck, Kathi?" Diantha asked as her agent, Kathi Lee, walked up to her.

"I don't think you need it, especially after winning both the league and the fights against each of the Elite Four," Kathi replied, shaking her head. "Just come to wait on you for your battle to finish. This is the day you've been waiting for, Diantha. The fight against the strongest in Kalos."

"If I were to say I'm calm, I'd be a terrible actress," Diantha said. "I'm getting chills all over just thinking about what lies beyond that door," she went on, looking ahead. "It's finally happened, Kathi. After seeing her battle so many times and going through all of the Gym Leaders, I finally get to battle against the Fennekin Champion. I'll actually get to see her face."

"I'm getting shivers too. You know I'm a fan of hers," Kathi admitted. "But, as the rules state, only the challenger may enter. I'm only here to wait for the match to end, and then guide you to your suite."

"Thank you," Diantha said before taking a deep breath. "Well, here I go."

Kathi smiled as she watched Diantha walk to the door. As soon as she walked through it, she could hear the distant sound of her Gardevoir being released. Since the room was soundproof, she could not hear the rest. However, the smile on her face soon started to change upon hearing a faint yell, followed by the sound of Gardevoir's Moon Blast being used. After that, it was silence once more.

After fifteen minutes of waiting, Kathi saw the door start to open again. She walked forward, hoping to give Diantha her congratulations, but only saw a different expression on her face as soon as the door fully opened up.

Present…

At a camp set up at the Razor Crest, Ash was looking at the new holocron that Dr. Rig Nema had recently given to him. Ever since they helped her in exposing the scam set up by Shamus and the Invincible Brothers, he wanted to know more, more about Calem Xavier and how Rig knew him, and more about the destiny that she had told him about.

"What am I supposed to even do with this?" Ash asked as Pikachu scurried over.

"Pika?"

"No button or switch. I can't seem to find a place to open it from," Ash said as nearby, everyone else were either eating or washing up.

"I still can't believe we got to meet an actual Jedi," Zoey said after taking a bite of a croissant. "You think she has a lightsaber too?"

"You seem very eager to learn more about lightsabers," Iris noted as she finished eating some corn. "But you know…" she started as she began to feel her teeth. "It's not all that easy."

"Yeah," Serena said, her vest off as she was washing up with Bonnie, Dawn and May near the river. "We each had to fight Mando's Gallade, before he was caught, to earn the right to wield it. Ash was the only one to have the skill to use it properly."

"But we've still got another, right?" Zoey asked as she looked to Dawn, who was finishing with washing her feet.

"Oh, yeah," Dawn said as she crawled over to get her socks, placing them back on. "Mando didn't ask for it back yet."

"What are you talking about?" Cynthia asked as Iris continued to try and feel her teeth.

"The Nurse Joy at Zyutu Town said she was from a planet called Lothal, and found another lightsaber before coming here," Dawn explained, putting her boots back on now. "I was asked to hold onto it and the ribbon that Mando won. I guess he forgot about it."

"There's always a second chance, then," Zoey pointed out before noticing what Iris was doing. "What's up?"

"I got something stuck in my teeth, and it's getting hard to get out," Iris replied as she got her glass of water. She drank it and gargled before going to the river and spitting it out. As soon as she did, she felt her teeth again. "Dank Farrik, it's not coming out!"

"I have some floss, if that can help." Brock said.

At that moment, Din walked over. Everyone looked to him as he laid out everyone's blasters, now cleaned from the last battles they were in.

"If you're all ready, I need to teach you something." Din said.

"I guess I can wait until after training to clean this out." Iris conceded as she walked over, just as Grogu walked to where she was, looking up.

Zoey noticed Grogu as he looked up at her from under the table. He turned to Cynthia, his direction still the same, before Dawn picked him up.

"No more peeping!" Dawn scolded, causing Zoey and Cynthia to chuckle.

Soon, everyone had their blasters picked up as Din stood before them. Bonnie stood in the middle of the group, letting Grogu play with Dedenne and Squishy.

"What's this all about, Mando?" Ash asked.

"Shamus and the Invincible Brothers were only amateurs wielding guns," Din started to say. "Trust me when I say this, there will be others who have more experience with firearms that you will struggle with more. I am going to teach you how you can handle them using wits, instinct and speed."

"Sounds like we can handle it," Ash said before looking to Pikachu. "Right, buddy?"

"Pikachu!"

"This is an advanced technique, and others don't usually master it easily," Din said. "However, I see how you all are in battles, and I believe you can handle it just as well."

"What do we have to do?" Iris asked.

"Step up, and find out."

Iris gulped. She took a deep breath, felt her teeth briefly, and walked up. As soon as she was across from Din, she noticed him showing his blaster to her.

"What am I supposed to do?" Iris asked.

"Shoot me."

"What?" Iris asked.

"Mando, are you sure?" Clemont asked.

"Shoot me… or I shoot you." Din repeated.

Iris nodded before reaching for her blaster. However, before she could even aim it after taking it out from her holster, Din whipped out his blaster and sent a stun shot at her, causing her to fall back.

"Iris!" Dawn exclaimed.

"Oh come on!" Iris complained. "First the lightsaber, and now this?! How am I always the first one out?! Can't it be another kid?!"

"That was a low stun setting. You'll recover soon," Din said as Iris slowly got up. "The trick here is to beat your opponent to drawing your blaster, and then shooting before they can. You'll never know when they will do it before you. You have to act on instinct," he instructed. "Now… next."

"One more time!" Iris exclaimed, preparing to reach for her blaster. However, a Pokéball flew from Cynthia's side and hit her in the head, causing her to jerk forward, and something to fly from her mouth.

"You okay?" Bonnie asked before seeing Grogu holding the Pokéball, which released Cynthia's Glaceon.

"Glace…" Glaceon said, rubbing her head against Grogu.

"Actually, I needed that," Iris said, feeling her teeth. "I think I had a piece of corn stuck there. That blow to the head knocked it right out. Thanks, Grogu."

Grogu cooed before Iris sat back down.

"Next." Din ordered.

"Let me try," Clemont said, getting up. He walked in front of Din and readied his blaster. "Let's go."

Din remained quiet and let his hand leave his blaster. Clemont watched closely as he cradled his own blaster. After a while, he took it out just as Din did, but he managed to fire, only for Din's shot to hit him while the blast instead hit the ramp of the Razor Crest.

"What did I do wrong?" Clemont asked, slowly regaining feeling in his body.

"You need to aim, not carelessly draw. But you need to be quick about it too."

"Yeah, I figured."

Next, Dawn went up. She was about to reach for a holster before remembering she had none. Instead, she unfolded her spear blaster and cradled it as Din stood ready again. The two lifted their weapons, with Dawn firing right at Din. However, he shot her blast before shooting at her, resulting in yet another stun.

"Okay, how do you counter a laser blast?" Dawn wondered.

Brock stepped up and held his Carbine at the ready. Din waited for him before he aimed it out. Din whipped out his blaster again, this time keeping it close to his holster, and fired, causing Brock to fall.

"Don't spend too much time aiming." Din advised.

May gulped as she walked up. She looked to her new Bo-Rifle at her side and patted it as Din watched her. The two stared each other, feeling only the wind blow as the tension started to rise. After a while, May drew her weapon first, followed by Din. The two fired, but Din's blast sent her Bo-Rifle out of her hand while her own blast hit the ground in front of him, only a few centimeters away.

"Be pragmatic too."

Zoey took a deep breath as she walked up. She felt her new scabbard at her side, which held her Blastsword. Drawing it, she held it as a rifle as Din kept his hand at the ready. The two raised their arms and fired, but after a while of keeping their stances, Zoey fell to her knees.

"How did she miss?" Dawn wondered.

"She didn't, hit me in the Beskar," Din replied. "That's close, but not enough to make a perfect shot."

"How about me?" Cynthia asked, walking up. She revealed her holstered blaster as Din readied himself again. The two stared each other down, as everyone else had done with him before. They continued to stare each other down before whipping their blasters out. But as Cynthia drew quicker, Din was able to fire before even raising his blaster, sending her to the ground.

"Close." Din said.

Dawn and Zoey, whose body had regained feeling again, went to help Cynthia over to the sidelines as Serena walked up.

"You can do it!" Ash cheered.

"He likes to support her a lot, I see." Dawn noted.

Serena took a deep breath and held her hand at her blaster. Din did the same as they stared each other down. Before they could even narrow their eyes, Serena prepared to pull out her blaster, but stopped herself, still remaining calm. Din, on the other hand, mistook her for taking her weapon out, and shot at her. However, she dodged to the side and shot at him. He dodged in return and shot at her while she was trying to get back up, sending her onto her back.

"Nice move." Din complimented.

"Yeah, I figured to move instead of just standing still," Serena said, getting up and feeling her shoulder. "Guess that feeling only lasts for so long."

"Yeah! Great going, Serena!" Ash cheered before getting up. He looked to his side and patted his hybrid weapon as he stepped across from Din.

"Blast only." Din reminded Ash.

Ash nodded as he and Din stared each other down. The two held their hands to their sides, slowly reaching for their weapons. Their eyes continued to narrow before both drew their guns, aiming and firing quickly. However, Ash fell back from one shot while his blast only skimmed Din's helmet.

"I thought I had you." Ash said, groaning from the shot as Pikachu ran over.

"Pika-Pi!"

"You were actually very close, in a fair draw," Din said. "Just need to know to draw first, and to aim carefully."

"Right," Ash said as Serena and May helped him up. "Thanks for the lesson."

Din did not respond, instead turning around to aim his blaster again. Everyone watched before a blonde woman with her hair in a ponytail, a white shirt and cargo pants, walked over, a camera in hand.

"Sorry for the surprise," the woman said. "I just saw Ash nearby, and when I saw this, I didn't want to intrude."

"Viola!" Ash exclaimed.

"Hi, Ash!" Viola replied, smiling.

"You know her?" Iris asked.

"Viola is the Gym Leader of the Santalune Gym," Clemont explained. "And the first Gym Leader in Kalos that Ash challenged."

"She's great with bug-types." Bonnie added on.

"And we've met her sister, Alexa, a few times too." Serena also added on.

"Oh, wow!" Brock exclaimed, hearts in his eyes as he ran over, getting on one knee to Viola. "Dear Viola, I too know about being a Gym Leader, Pewter City. My Ground types are a perfect place for Bug types to settle on, and I would be honored if you would see the leadership I can offer you!"

"Croagunk!"

Everyone chuckled as Brock was Poison-Jabbed by Croagunk, while Viola stood surprised.

"Of course… other things fall to the ground too!" Brock groaned before falling onto his face.

"Uh…" Viola said as Croagunk grabbed Brock by the shirt, dragging him away.

"Well, at least it wasn't me this time." May said, chuckling awkwardly.

"So, Viola, what brings you here?" Ash asked as he, Serena, Bonnie and Clemont all turned to Viola. "Taking time off from the Gym again?"

"Yeah, I came to do some photographing," Viola explained. "I had a challenger a few days ago, someone with a strong Charizard, and I needed a break."

"Wait," Serena said, remembering something. "Viola, this is going to sound strange… but did you ever meet anyone known as the Fennekin Champion?" she asked, getting the attention of everyone else. "She was known as the Fennekin Trainer before, and we heard she challenged you."

"Why, I haven't heard that name in a long time." Viola said.

"She's real?" Din asked.

"Of course," Viola replied. "My battle with her was quite memorable. Only a Fennekin, and she still managed to defeat both Vivillon and Surskit too. It was amazing, when I was down to Surskit against her Fennekin…"

Flashback…

"It was fun, Trainer, but it's over!" Viola called out in her younger years with Alexa watching. "I have the type advantage! You can't win with just a Fire-Type! Don't try it!"

The Fennekin on the arena eyes Surskit before seeing the reflection of someone wearing a black and orange dress behind her.

"But instead of being easy, Fennekin attacked the ice, creating a steam cloud that made it impossible for me to see. Then, all around, it happened."

Viola gasped as from everywhere around the steam, Hidden Power was launched, hitting Surskit from all directions. It went on until the steam faded away, revealing Surskit out cold with eyes swirling.

"Surskit is unable to battle, so the victory goes to the Fennekin Trainer!" Alexa announced.

"That Fennekin was amazing! Even Type Advantages couldn't take her down. Just one Pokémon, a Fennekin, and she didn't even suffer a scratch!"

Present…

"But I never did know who she really was," Viola went on as everyone was in awe at the story. "Never showed her face to anyone."

"I guess she was just that strong," Cynthia said. "Do you remember anything else about her?"

"Not much else. Sorry," Viola said. "How'd you find out about her?"

"My last job was to track down someone named Damien. He was trying to find the Fennekin belonging to the Fennekin Champion." Din explained.

"Well, I can understand why. She's one of those lesser-known figures. Powerful, but not well-heard of," Viola said. "But knowing people like you, Ash," she said, turning back to the Kalos Quartet. "I know you'll figure it out."

"Thanks." Ash said, nodding.

"By the way, we should go into town and stock up on more supplies," Serena said. "Anyone want to come with me?"

"Count me in!" Ash volunteered.

"I'd better come along too," May said. "Gonna need to walk off that stun blast."

"And I, for one, am actually glad that Grogu hit me," Iris said as Viola felt one of her Pokéballs fly out from her belt. "It really hit the–"

Before Iris could finish, Grogu pulled the Pokéball towards him, which hit Iris in the back of the head. She yelled and fell on her face, causing everyone to look in surprise.

"You know what? This is fine too," Iris groaned. "I was shot in this same spot. Needed something to get the pain away."

Everyone chuckled awkwardly before realizing Viola had just witnessed what had happened.

"Son of a Mudscuffer." Din cursed.

"Hey!" Cynthia hissed, turning to glare at Din. "I can live with 'Dank Farrik', but when you say something like 'Son of a Mudscuffer', that's a little too dangerous for the others to say."

"Dank Farrik." Din said.

"Much better." Cynthia said, now with a sweet smile on her face.

"Um, Viola?" Bonnie said. "You should probably sit down for this."

Later, Ash, Serena and May were now walking to town, with Pikachu on Ash's shoulder.

"It's still hard to believe that for once, Damien was telling the truth." Ash said.

"I can't help but wonder how much training you'd have to give a Fennekin to be so powerful," Serena said, looking to her Pokéball that had Braixen in it. "And I wonder if Braixen could reach the same level."

"I'm more thinking about Mando's lesson," May said, quickly drawing her hand out as a finger gun. "I'm betting he's never lost a duel with his kind of strategy."

"Well, he is a warrior," Serena said, making a finger gun of her own. She and May eyed each other before turning and miming a shot. "Gotcha!"

"No, that was me!" May teased playfully.

"Good going," Ash said before Pikachu felt something as his tail went up. Ash noticed and turned to him as he jumped onto a nearby rock, now on alert. "What's wrong, Pikachu?"

"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu said, looking up.

Ash, Serena and May, the latter two now having stopped playing around, turned to where Pikachu was looking. They had reached the town, but close to them was a tall building. They saw on the top what appeared to be someone in a brown coat looking at the ground below. They turned to where he was looking to see a limo pull up before he walked out of sight.

"Who's that?" Serena asked.

"Let's go find out." Ash said, walking to the ladder leading up.

"At least we know there's an easy way up this time." May said before she picked up Pikachu. With him in hand, she and Serena climbed up after Ash.

Ash, at the top, helped Serena up first, before the two helped May up together. They all hid behind the doorway shed and peeked around. There was the man in the coat, and up close, they could make out that his skin appeared to be blue, and his head was covered by a hat.

"He doesn't look like he's from around here." Serena whispered.

"What's he up to?" May asked.

Ash looked further before the man took out what appeared to be a blaster.

"Another Bounty Hunter?" Ash asked.

"Then who's his target?" Serena asked.

All of a sudden, Pikachu heard a whirring behind him. He, Ash, May and Serena turned around to see a small droid with little arms and boosters, watching them.

"What are you kids doing here?" the droid asked.

Quickly, May took out her Bo-Rifle and shot at the droid, causing the man to turn around. He was shown to lack a nose, and had red eyes.

"Rotten kids!" the man snarled, aiming his blaster out.

"Take cover!" Ash yelled as he, Serena and May all dodged while Pikachu tackled the droid to prevent him from getting any closer.

May aimed her Bo-Rifle and fired at the man, which Serena followed. The man shot back, causing them to take cover while Ash strafed from the side. He aimed his arm out at Ash, causing fire to be sent at him.

"He's got a flamethrower?!" Ash exclaimed as he got down to avoid getting scorched. Having gotten down near where the man was looking, he turned to see Kathi Lee helping Diantha out of the limousine. "He's after Diantha! I have to warn her somehow…" he said before looking to his blaster.

"I won't miss this time, kid." The man said in a guttural voice, walking towards Ash again.

Ash aimed at the man before firing. However, he aimed at the ground in front of him instead, which made louder noises upon making impact.

"What was that?" Diantha asked down below as two Officer Jennies ran over. They saw the man and grabbed Diantha.

"To your suite! Go!" one of the officers ordered before they covered her, now escaping.

"Gah!" the man growled before turning to Ash. "I don't have time for this, but next time, I won't go easy on you," he said before walking to the back edge, where Pikachu was keeping the droid down. "Todo, we're leaving!"

"Coming!" Todo called out, flying away from Pikachu as the man flew away with rocket boosters on his boots.

"You okay?" Serena asked as she and May ran to help Ash.

"Yeah," Ash replied, being helped up by the two girls. "But that guy… he was targeting Diantha!"

"The Kalos Region Champion?" May asked.

"We need to go!" Ash exclaimed before running off. Serena and May nodded before running after Ash, Pikachu jumping back onto his shoulder.

"So… this little guy has powers?" Viola asked back at the camp, where everyone else was recovering. "And you're all trying to train him?"

"Plus, there's the Empire that's after him, really scary people!" Bonnie added on. "They want his blood!"

"Oh my!" Viola exclaimed.

"Can I trust you to keep him a secret from anyone else?" Din asked.

"Yes, of course," Viola replied. "You have my word."

"Mando!"

Everyone turned to see Ash, Pikachu, Serena and May running towards them. Cynthia saw the dirt on them and ran over as they stopped to rest and catch their breaths.

"What happened?" Cynthia asked. "Why are you so dirty?"

"Mando, we have a problem," Ash said. "There's a Bounty Hunter here."

"What?" Din asked, causing everyone to look on in surprise.

"He was targeting Diantha," Serena added on. "And he's tough too."

"What did he look like?" Din asked. "Did he have a tracking fob on him?"

"I didn't see one, because we didn't get close enough." May replied.

"But we know what he looked like," Ash said. "His eyes were red, his skin was blue, he had a brown coat, and a sort of tacky hat. There were also some cables attached to the sides of his face."

"Come on," Din said. "Into the Razor Crest."

Everyone followed Din until they reached the cockpit. Once there, he activated his comlink, where Greef Karga soon appeared.

"Mando, friends… hello," Greef Karga said. "I see you've made a few new ones too."

"Mr. Karga…" Ash started out.

"No need for formalities." Greef Karga reassured.

"There's a Bounty Hunter here." Din said.

Greef Karga turned to Din. "I thought you were the only one there." He said.

"Ash, Serena and May saw one, and targeting an important figurehead of this planet," Din explained. "They said blue with red eyes. It had to be a Duros."

"I don't recall giving any jobs to any Duros recently," Greef Karga said. "Is there anything else I should know?"

"He had a hat and a coat, and a small droid," Ash explained. "We heard him call the droid Todo."

"I'll look into my sources, see what I can find," Greef Karga said. "Was he after the young one?"

"We don't know," Serena said. "But please, find out what you can quickly."

Before Greef Karga could say anything, another hologram appeared, this one of Rig Nema.

"Dr. Nema!" Clemont exclaimed.

"Tell me, do you know what it means when a Jedi is livid?" Rig Nema asked. "I have just been contacted by Officer Jenny about gunfire heard in Eastwood Town, near where the Champion, Diantha, had just arrived. I demand an explanation… now!"

"I had to do it!" Ash replied. "That Duros with the tacky hat—"

"What did you just say?" Rig Nema asked in a surprised tone.

"There was a blue-skinned Bounty Hunter after Diantha," May explained. "A Duros, as we just learned. He had a hat and a droid named Todo—"

"360. Todo-360," Rig Nema finished. "A service droid who worked alongside the Bounty Hunter Cad Bane."

"Cad Bane?" Brock asked.

Greef Karga turned to the hologram of Rig Nema. "That's impossible," he said. "Cad Bane was blacklisted from the Guild. He was abandoned on Ord Mantell."

"Well, if his most recent attempt meant anything, your sources were wrong," Serena stated. "Dr. Nema, who is Cad Bane?"

"Cad Bane is a cold-blooded killer who worked with the Sith," Rig Nema replied. "As a Bounty Hunter, he lived back during the Clone Wars. He tortured and killed numerous Jedi, kidnapped children, took the Senate hostage, killing at least two Senators in the process, and led a group of other Bounty Hunters on an abduction of the Chancellor, before the truth came out that he was the Dark Lord of the Sith," she explained, bringing horror to everyone's faces. "And each time, he managed to get away."

"So he's a monster like everyone in the Empire then," Cynthia said before looking to Greef. "Karga, you said he was blacklisted from the Guild, right?" she asked.

"He was originally a part of the Guild, but became too extreme in his action," Greef Karga explained. "Eventually, he crossed a line, just like one of my finest before Mando, and left the Guild. In order to unaffiliated ourselves with him, he was then blacklisted. If anything, I would be placing a bounty on him."

"We know he's after Diantha," Din said. "Ash, Serena, May, do you know where he was headed?"

"He left with rocket-powered boots with Todo 360," Ash replied. "But I don't think he could fly so far."

"I will be placing a full alert for Cad Bane," Rig Nema said. "He cannot be allowed to escape us again."

"If you see him, make sure he stays dead this time." Greef Karga said before he and Rig Nema both signed off.

"Think, where could he be?" Brock pondered. "If he jetted away, he probably has a camp set up, like us."

"Something to cloak his ship, maybe?" Zoey asked.

"The Razor Crest would've picked up on his ship otherwise." Din added on.

"Well, if he can't be detected by your sensors, he could possibly be picked up by our Pokémon," Ash said, taking out a Pokéball. "Let's get some extra help!"

"Right!" Dawn exclaimed, taking out a Pokéball as well, followed by everyone else.

Outside of the Razor Crest, everyone stood ready as they held their hands back.

"Talonflame, I choose you!" Ash called out, releasing his Talonflame.

"Togekiss, let's go!" Dawn called out, sending out her Togekiss.

"Come on out, Emolga!" Iris called out, summoning Emolga.

Talonflame and Togekiss came out, bellowing their names. As Emolga came out, however, and called out her name, she noticed Grogu and flew right to him, snuggling against his robe.

"Not the time, Emolga!" Iris drawled, sweat-dropping at the sight. She sighed and shook her head upon seeing her trying to get Grogu's attention. "Dank Farrik, have it your way," she muttered before taking out another Pokéball. "Your turn, Dragonite!" she called out, releasing her Dragonite.

"Now for you, Beautifly!" May called out, letting out her Beautifly.

Dragonite and Beautifly were soon released and stood with Talonflame and Togekiss. As soon as they were together, Pikachu ran up to them.

"We're looking for a Bounty Hunter, with blue skin and a cowboy hat." Ash explained.

"Pika! Pika-Pika! Pikachu Pika!" Pikachu translated before imitating Cad Bane.

All of the flyers of the group roared or hummed in confirmation before flying up. Everyone looked before they all took off in each direction to look for Cad Bane.

"Something's bothering me," Viola said. "This Cad Bane is after Diantha, but Dr. Nema said that he only goes after high-value targets."

"You were pretty calm around her." Zoey recalled.

"Actually, she's one of the few I met before meeting any of you," Viola explained. "One of the people I know really is a man named Zare Leonis. It was thanks to Dr. Nema that we properly met, and that I have a limited knowledge on the Galaxy."

"But you think it's strange for Cad Bane to go after Diantha?" Cynthia asked.

"Yes, because high-value targets bring in large money to whoever placed the hit," Viola said. "Diantha only started her career three years ago, before she beat the Fennekin Champion."

"How did that go, exactly?" Iris asked. "Was it difficult for even her to defeat someone who was unstoppable with just a Fennekin?"

"I don't know. Only she was allowed to enter the room to challenge the Fennekin Champion, but I know it was in Lumiose City, during one of my trips away from the Gym," Viola replied, starting to recall the events. "I saw Diantha enter the building where she was due to fight the Fennekin Champion. About twenty minutes later, she came out, and was declared the new Champion. All I managed to make from their fight was the shake made by Gardevoir's Moon Blast."

"Maybe he thinks she's so strong?" Brock asked. "Not many people go after Champions unless they know they can defeat them."

"With a gun?" May asked. "Wouldn't three years not be that much for someone to be able to defend themselves from an assassin?"

"Well, maybe…" Dawn started before hearing something.

"To-kiss!"

"Togekiss?" Dawn asked as everyone turned to see Togekiss return with Talonflame.

"Talon!" Talonflame screeched.

"You found him?" Ash asked. "Where is he?"

Both Talonflame and Togekiss motioned to the side. Talonflame then went to Pikachu, telling him something in Pokémon language. Pikachu nodded and ran ahead, waiting for Ash.

"Let's go," Din said as Ash nodded. "Cynthia, you'd better come too," he advised as he turned around. "Another Champion might be able to talk Bane out of this."

"Never convinced another alien to stop before, but I'll try." Cynthia said, joining Din and Ash.

"Watch over Grogu," Din ordered everyone else. "We don't know if he actually did have a fob on him or not."

"Right." Dawn said, nodding before Din, Ash and Cynthia walked after Pikachu, leading them away.

A while later, Pikachu stopped at another clearing in the forest. Din, Cynthia and Ash looked to him before seeing another ship up ahead.

"Well, that looks nothing like the Razor Crest." Cynthia said.

"That's a Porax-Class fighter," Din said. "Ad advanced version. Modified at that too."

"Looks like it's seen better days," Ash said as Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder before taking out his blaster. "Give the word."

"I wouldn't move if I were you."

Din, Ash and Cynthia all turned to see Cad Bane walking out from behind a large rock by the ship. Todo 360 flew alongside him. Upon seeing Pikachu, he tried to get onto Cad Bane's shoulder, but was brushed off.

"I know who you are," Din said. "You're not with the Guild."

"I don't join clubs," Cad Bane said. "I know about you too, Mandalorian. Caused quite a racket on Navarro."

"What do you want?" Cynthia asked. "Why are you after the Champion of Kalos?"

"Your creatures weren't all that stealthy. I saw them a mile away," Cad Bane said. "As for your question… payback."

"What?" Ash asked. "Are you her rival?"

"She's a competitor of mine," Cad Bane replied. "Been getting in my way ever since the start of the Empire."

"Um…" Ash said before looking to Cynthia, who had an eyebrow raised. "Not that it sound right, but Diantha isn't that old, is she?" he whispered.

"I was born two years after her. I don't know at all." Cynthia whispered back.

"You have the wrong person," Ash said, stepping up, but stopping when Cad Bane prepared to take out a blaster. "The Kalos Champion is an actress, not a fighter."

"You don't know everything about your champion," Cad Bane spat. "She is an assassin who can take out a berserker without even a struggle."

"Who's paying you for her death?" Din asked.

"No one," Cad Bane answered. "This is no job, Mando. This is personal, and I want to get even."

"Or is there another motive to this?" Din asked, preparing to take out his blaster.

"I have no quarry with you," Cad Bane replied. "I crossed paths with a Mandalorian before. I would be foolish to challenge one again."

"What do you plan to do to the champion of Kalos when you see her?" Cynthia asked.

"Get creative, little lady," Cad Bane replied. "I think you already know the answer."

Cynthia narrowed her eyes in realization. "Not in your life!" she yelled, reaching for her blaster.

Before Cynthia could draw, Cad Bane pulled his second blaster out, shooting first. Cynthia yelled as she was shot in her right shoulder, falling back in pain.

"Cynthia!" Ash yelled, running to her aid as Din aimed his blaster.

"Looks like if I had a grudge with anyone from this Region, she would be less lucky," Cad Bane spat. "Stay out of my way, Mando. Last warning." He said before walking away, with Todo 360 flying after him.

"Ah, that's my good arm!" Cynthia winced as she felt her arm after yelling once she tried to touch where she was shot at. "Sorry, Mando."

"Get back to the ship," Din ordered. "Quickly, now!"

Back in Eastwood Town, at the inn, Kathi Lee was walking outside of a room. She looked to her tablet before pulling out her phone.

"How is security looking?" Kathi Lee asked. "All entrances covered? Good. The Champion is all guarded up here," she told the officer on the other end as nearby, one of the Officer Jennies guarding the floor collapsed, causing her to turn. "Double it." She ordered before walking over.

Kathi Lee made her way closer to the fallen officer slowly. She knelt down and looked to her, seeing a blaster mark left on her chest. She gasped softly and got back up, only to come face to face with Cad Bane.

"Scream, and everyone in this building dies." Cad Bane threatened.

"You… you're the one who tried to kill the Kalos Region Champion," Kathi Lee realized, trying not to use Diantha's name in case of emergency. "What do you want?"

"Tell the Champion that I want to settle things," Cad Bane ordered, walking around Kathi Lee. "She cares for Kalos, doesn't she?"

"Been looking after everyone for two years," Kathi Lee replied. "You caught her after a meeting she had with a friend. She doesn't want to see any good people die… not again."

"Tell her to meet me at noon, and no one will have to," Cad Bane said. He took out his blaster, causing Kathi Lee to gulp, before he handed it to her. "In case she forgot how to shoot."

"You want… a duel?" Kathi Lee asked.

"I'm giving her a fair chance," Cad Bane said. "Fully loaded, like mine," he said, showing his other blaster. "No dirty tricks."

"She won't need a weapon to defeat you." Kathi Lee said sternly, glaring at Cad Bane while trying not to flinch at his red eyes.

Cad Bane grinned before placing his pistol away. "Noon," he repeated. "Not a moment later." He said before walking away.

Kathi Lee took a deep breath as she watched Cad Bane walk to the elevator. An adult trainer was about to walk out until seeing him. She gulped and stepped aside, allowing him to enter before the elevator took him down.

Back at the camp with Din and the group, Brock was busy with a hot towel as he placed it on Cynthia's shoulder, causing her to wince from the heat.

"Don't move as much, please," Serena said, tending to the injury as well. "It's my first time helping to heal a Champion. I still can't believe you tried to shoot him."

"He wanted to go after Diantha," Cynthia said, groaning a little before Brock let out a roll of gauze. "After he said that, I wasn't about to be civil with him."

"You're still gonna take a while to heal," Din said as Serena got up after tending to Cynthia. "I'm just glad it wasn't worse."

"I'll listen next time, I promise." Cynthia said, smiling as best as she could.

"So let me get this straight," Viola said as Ash brought some more healing herbs over. "This Bounty Hunter wants Diantha… because of something she did to him?"

"No, that can't be right," Clemont said while Chespin was making a sling for Cynthia. "My dad fought Diantha before she became Champion. When I saw her, she didn't have a bad bone in her body."

"And not even in any of the movies she starred in too," Bonnie added on. "And we went to see them all."

"But everyone could have some sort of double life," Ash said, recalling some others he met with similar cases. "I only learned she was an actress and the Champion. There could be something more to it…"

"Absolutely not!" Serena argued. "Ash, I know what you're saying, but do you think Diantha could have even tried to kill anyone when we met her?"

"There's no way to know for sure," Viola pondered before receiving a call. "Hello? Hey, Alexa," she said before her eyes widened. "What?!"

"What is it?" Dawn asked.

"Alexa just said that she heard from Diantha's agent, Kathi Lee," Viola said. "Cad Bane came and challenged her! And not to a Pokémon battle!"

"She's not going to make it if she goes up against him!" Ash exclaimed as he looked to everyone. "There's gotta be something we can do!"

"We can't alert the New Republic here, we're in a neutral system." Din said.

"But we can't just…" Ash started before seeing the torn cape that Din used before his armor was coated entirely with Beskar. Looking to it, he then saw a cloak disguise. "Zoey?" he asked. "Do you still have that lightsaber Mando got from the Contest?"

"Ash?" Serena asked as Zoey got up. "What are you thinking?"

"Dr. Nema said that Cad Bane made a talent of facing Jedi," Ash said before Zoey came over with the lightsaber, still in its cloth. He took it and unwrapped it before hooking it onto his belt. "I'm no Jedi, but he knows nothing about any of us," he went on before placing the cloak on and then getting some of the torn cape. "I'm sure he'd settle for a Jedi instead of a Champion."

"Are you sure about this?" Serena asked.

"So far, he doesn't know about Grogu, and it's best that it stays that way," Ash replied. "We have to do something."

Din nodded. "Stall as long as you can," he ordered. "I'll come to help as soon as Cynthia gets better."

Ash nodded. "This is the way."

Back in town, Viola had arrived. She walked towards a crowd that was being held back by Officer Jenny. Everyone was clamoring before she showed a badge of her status as Gym Leader, allowing her to get to Officer Jenny. Upon getting to the front, she saw Cad Bane walking to the end of the street, his hat covering his face.

"How soon until we can get proper authorities to handle this?" Viola asked.

"They've been contacted," Officer Jenny replied. "But until then, we can't do anything without breaking our neutrality."

Cad Bane continued to wait until he heard footsteps.

Everyone looked to see Diantha approaching, a livid expression on her face. She held out her Pokéball and clicked it open, letting Gardevoir out.

"I was wondering when you'd make it," Cad Bane said. "Didn't think you had it in you."

"You've crossed enough lines already." Diantha said.

The stoic expression on Cad Bane's face changed after hearing Diantha's voice. He turned around to face her, now glaring at her upon getting a full view of her.

"And you are?" Cad Bane asked.

"Diantha," Diantha introduced. "Kalos Region Champion. I don't know what you're talking about, Bounty Hunter," she started as Cad Bane bore his teeth. "But if you think you can get away with—"

"Are you a fraud or a decoy?" Cad Bane interrupted, getting Diantha to stop. "I'm not stupid, little lady."

"What?" Diantha asked as the crowd around went silent.

"Where is she?" Cad Bane asked. "Where is the Fennekin Champion?"

Diantha gasped. "What did you say?"

"The grudge I have is with the Fennekin Champion," Cad Bane said. "My sources told me she was here in Kalos."

"I succeeded her," Diantha replied. "Her time has passed."

"Then I suppose you must be very proud of what you've accomplished," Cad Bane spat. "Walking out of that room. You must have wiped the floor with the Fennekin Champion. The very person everyone struggled to defeat, and you cleared her in seconds."

Diantha only stood aghast at what he was saying.

"Do you feel confident you can defeat me? Like you did her?" Cad Bane asked.

"How could I have defeated the Fennekin Champion… when she wasn't even there?"

The crowd gasped at what Diantha had said.

"What?" Officer Jenny asked.

"A fraud, then." Cad Bane said.

"No, it's not like that," Diantha said. "I went to challenge the Fennekin Champion that day… I had just won the Kalos League and defeated the Elite Four…"

Two Years Ago…

"I was still in Lumiose City, after defeating all four members of the Elite Four. There was a room where I would go for my final challenge, but only I was allowed in there, with the Champion. Kathi Lee couldn't enter, and only came to wait outside for my next appointment. I thought I was going to face the Fennekin Champion when I entered the room for it to happen… but I was wrong…"

Diantha closed the door behind her and turned, taking a deep breath. She put on a smile and turned back around to face who she thought would be the Fennekin Champion waiting for her as she released her Gardevoir, but to both of their surprises, Professor Sycamore was there instead.

"Hello there, Diantha." Professor Sycamore said.

"Professor Sycamore, hello," Diantha said, walking up to meet with the Pokémon Professor of the Kalos Region. "It's good to see you and all… but I was expecting the Fennekin Champion."

"Um, yeah. About that…" Professor Sycamore said. "She told me that she really wanted to be here for when the day came for someone to challenge her for the title…"

"She wasn't here?" Diantha asked in surprise. "But… I saw her… standing with you during the Lumiose Conference!"

"She was there, I can assure you." Professor Sycamore said as Diantha started to panic. "But something came up, and she had to leave."

"Was she ever really here?" Diantha asked as her Gardevoir looked on in concern.

"Gar…"

"Diantha, please listen—"

"Was that just a decoy or a double watching me defeat Magnus at the Kalos League?" Diantha asked, her temper starting to grow. "I saw her when she battled against Valerie. Don't tell me she wasn't here!"

"She was, but she had to leave," Professor Sycamore repeated as calmly as he could. "Listen, Diantha—"

Diantha did not listen and only yelled, which caused her Gardevoir to send a Moon Blast into the air. The attack caused the ground above to shake, which was felt by many, before she collapsed onto her knees, tears slowly starting to form.

"I dreamt of meeting her, fighting her…" Diantha said. "And she just left. Why, Professor?" she asked. "Why did she leave?"

"Because the universe we live in is a dangerous place, and it wasn't safe for anyone who was close to her," Professor Sycamore replied. "She told me, however, that while she would regret not being able to challenge you, that she would officially settle things when she returned. She gave me her word," he said, causing Diantha to look at him, now with tears forming. "Until then, I have been asked to hand the title of the new Kalos Champion onto you. She told me to do so."

"But… that's not right," Diantha said. "That wouldn't make me a real Champion."

"For all intents and purposes, you have earned it fairly," Professor Sycamore said, placing his hand on Diantha's shoulder. "Don't let yourself ever think otherwise. The Fennekin Champion will return, and when she does, she will make sure you have the battle that earns you the title as you wish. For now… rise," he said, helping her back up. "The new Champion of the Kalos Region."

"It took me almost the whole allotted time to get over what had happened. For all everyone knows from the room where it happened, I had defeated the Fennekin Champion. When I came out, I put on a brave face… but couldn't keep it once Kathi and I were alone. She was the only other to know the truth. But on that day…"

Present…

"I was handed the title of the Champion of Kalos," Diantha finished, tears forming in her eyes as they did in the past. "No one knew where the Fennekin Champion went, only that her wish was for the victor of the Kalos League to be her successor. And I hold that title with a heavy heart."

Cad Bane scowled as everyone stood silent with shock.

"Honest can only get you so far, Diantha," Cad Bane said. "I wanted to settle my score with the Fennekin Champion… but it seems her foolishness will have to do for her martyr."

Diantha gasped as she looked up, seeing Cad Bane reveal one of his blasters. All she could do was stand in shock.

Gardevoir, on the other hand, moved in front of Diantha, narrowing her eyes at Cad Bane as he stared both of them down. Everyone watched as the tension grew, with Diantha only with the same shocked and frozen look on her face.

"War." Gardevoir said quietly, starting to let a Shadow Ball form from her hand.

Cad Bane kept his expression as he inched his hand closer to his blaster. Everyone watched as the two's hands continued to move and fiddle before it happened.

Gardevoir raised her hand as Cad Bane took out his blaster. Gardevoir was able to shoot her Shadow Ball attack, but Cad Bane shot it apart, causing it to explode before it could even hit him, before shooting again.

Everyone clamored in fear as the blast moved past Gardevoir and towards Diantha. However, before it could reach her, a blue blur flew in the way, sending the blast into the air.

"What?" Cad Bane asked before seeing the blue blur clearly, revealed to have been a thrown lightsaber. He turned around and watched as it spun into the hand of Ash, now with the cloths to make himself a makeshift Jedi robe.

"Stay away from her!" Ash ordered.

"So, kid… you're a Jedi?" Cad Bane asked. "You've been holding out on me."

"There's no worth in killing Diantha," Ash said. "Wouldn't you prefer a challenge like me instead?"

"Now that you mention it, a group of the Imperial Remnants are paying twice than what the Separatists did for a head of a Jedi," Cad Bane said. "Fifty Million Credits."

Diantha snapped out of her unresponsive trance before Serena moved in, grabbing her by the arm.

"Quick! While he's distracted!" Serena whispered.

"Serena?" Diantha asked before Gardevoir helped to cover them. Serena smiled at her before taking Diantha away, just as Cad Bane now used his blasters from his gauntlets to shoot at Ash.

Ash lifted up the borrowed lightsaber, deflecting each blast sent at him as he led Cad Bane away from Diantha and Serena as they fled. He spun around to deflect more shots before Todo 360 flew closer in.

"Pika!" Pikachu called out, jumping up and tackling Todo 360 away to prevent him from getting close. Todo flew at Pikachu and tried to ram into him, but Pikachu leapt out of the way, using Iron Tail to slam at him. As Todo flew back, he found a metal rod and slammed it at Pikachu, who clashed back with Iron Tail before they started to clash just like Ash and Cad Bane.

From the walkway above, unseen by anyone else, the Eighth Brother was making his way to the battle as metal ringing and blast pulses could be heard. Walking to the end of a building nearby, he looked down and focused on Ash, now starting to use other lightsaber forms to help him deflect the shots better.

"Pika… CCCHHHUUUUU!" Pikachu called out, sending forth an Electro Ball at Todo, who could only dodge before the two clashed tail and pipe again.

The Electro Ball made its way to the construction above the Eighth Brother, causing it to fall on him. However, without even looking, he took out his lightsaber and spun around, activating both crossguard ends and slashing up just as the debris fell. Once it cleared, he was unscathed as it lay around him.

Ash continued to deflect the blaster shots from Cad Bane until he sent a stream of fire from his flamethrower. Ash gasped and dodged out of the way, only for some of it to get caught on his cloak. As he landed, he threw it off, but another shot from Cad Bane sent the lightsaber out of his hand.

"Not bad, kid," Cad Bane said, shooting at Ash as he tried to get the lightsaber, only missing him by a few inches. "But playtime is over."

Ash panted before recalling the lesson that Din taught him and the rest of his friends. He took a deep breath before taking a calmer stance.

"No more running away, Bane!" Ash called out as the crowd came over again, with Pikachu and Todo nearby as well.

"Ash…" Serena said as she and Diantha watched from a safer position.

Ash tipped his hat to Cad Bane before spinning it around to face backwards. As soon as he did, he revealed his own weapon on his belt before getting into a ready stance.

"So that's it," Cad Bane said, deactivating his flamethrower. "Guess it's just us now… Ash Ketchum."

Ash said nothing as Cad Bane showed his blaster. He made little movement in response, feeling the tension between himself and Cad Bane rising.

Pikachu and Todo 360 noticed what was happening as well, and stopped their own battle. Everyone's attention was now on Ash and Cad Bane, watching and waiting to see what would transpire next.

Ash continued to hold his stance, his hand positioned above his weapon. Cad Bane did little to move as well, slowly inching his hand close to his blaster.

Ash and Cad Bane continued to stare each other down, everyone watching in suspense as inch by inch, their hands moved closer to their blasters. Viola could only slowly lift her camera, no one daring to make any sudden movements. Even the Eighth Brother above found himself drawn into the tense situation.

Finally, Cad Bane pulled out his blaster quickly, just as Ash did as well. Quick as lightning, the two fired, with Viola only snapping a few pictures upon the sound of the gunshots.

Both Ash and Cad Bane kept their weapons raised at each other, smoke coming out of them. As Ash kept his stance, Cad Bane suddenly staggered back, his hat now seen flying in the air. He groaned and felt his head, where a metal plate was sparking, while only the right collar of Ash's jacket was singed. Ash held his left hand up, grabbing the hat as it fell, before twirling his blaster lightsaber around, placing it back onto his belt afterwards, followed by him putting the hat on his head.

Everyone, save for the Eighth Brother, let out a sigh of relief before cheering for Ash, Serena especially. Diantha could only smile a little as Ash dusted his shoulder.

Cad Bane groaned as he felt his head. He looked to Ash and chuckled. "Those hats look good on you, kid," he said. "Keep mine for the time being. You've earned it."

"Thanks," Ash said, inspecting the hat before putting it back on. "Now… get out of here… before we make you."

At that moment, Din and the rest of the group came out from the bushes nearby, aiming their weapons at Cad Bane. Din walked to Ash, patting him on the shoulder as Pikachu joined his trainer.

"If I can't get my revenge, then this town will pay," Cad Bane said, causing Din to nudge his head at Clemont stealthily. Clemont nodded before running off with Bunnelby and Chespin, leaving Din with his blaster aimed. "In the event I lose my appointed rematch, bombs were planted to level this place to the ground."

"I have some smart friends," Din said as Clemont came back, now with all the bombs deactivated and dropped to the ground. "Now leave."

"Your Beskar is looking real shiny," Cad Bane said as everyone got out of the way. "Hand it over, and I leave in peace."

"We can bring you in warm…" Cynthia started out, now with a Beskar cast for her arm and shoulder.

"Or we can bring you in cold." Din finished up, lowering his pulse rifle in his left hand to show his blaster.

Cad Bane grinned. "I know your kind all too well." He said.

Din said nothing as Cad Bane showed his other blaster. The two of them stared each other down before Cad Bane pulled the blaster out. However, Din was quicker, and as he drew his blaster, he shot at Cad Bane's right shoulder, getting him to stagger back holding his blasted arm, while Din twirled his blaster and placed it back into its holster.

Cad Bane growled before running off. Todo flew after him, getting Thunder-Bolted by Pikachu as he tried to join his master. Everyone simply watched before a helicopter arrived, Rig Nema on it in her Nurse Joy disguise, now with black stockings, with her astromech, R2-O14, beside her.

The Eighth Brother scoffed and turned around. "I have what I need." He remarked before walking off. As he did, the debris around where he was collapsed, forming the symbol of the Empire.

Back at the inn, as Rig Nema's crew was working on repairing the damage, Din and the others were talking to a holographic projection of Greef Karga.

"You defeated Cad Bane in a duel?" Greef asked as Ash just tipped his new hat. "You could give Mando a run for his money if you could best Bane."

"I bet he could." Serena agreed.

"Oh, and speaking of Bane, Dr. Nema alerted me to his escape. The Justifier was placed on alert on all New Republic outposts by an anonymous tip," Greef said. "There are two ways this could turn out; he could be spending the next few years in service for his crimes against the Jedi and the Galactic Republic, or he could escape and find someone else to work for. Either way, I think he's now out of your hair."

"Thanks," Din said before seeing Rig Nema now walking over. "Keep us posted." He said before signing off.

"Well, I spoke with Viola, and I have to say, I am impressed, Ash," Rig Nema said. "Not many are able to defeat someone as skilled as Cad Bane. Even the Jedi Masters had a difficult time with him."

"How's Diantha?" Ash asked as R2-O14 rolled up to him. He smiled and rubbed his dome before turning back to Rig Nema.

"See for yourself," Rig Nema said, letting the group inside. "I still need to have a few words with her."

Everyone nodded and made their way to Diantha, who was taking breathing exercises before giving them her attention.

"So… now you all know the truth?" Diantha asked sadly.

Everyone looked to Ash and Serena, having told them everything they heard from before. They all turned back to Diantha, and nodded.

"Serena and I arrived in time to hear the tale before we could get into position," Ash said. "You don't have to worry around us. We're not the kind to judge."

"So… you never faced the Fennekin Champion?" May asked.

"I've been a Champion because the title was handed to me," Diantha lamented. "I've tried to be the best that the Region has… but an empty victory means nothing."

"It doesn't matter if you were handed the title or not. You've managed to prove you are the Champion time and time again," Serena said, putting a comforting hand on Diantha's shoulder. "Don't let what Bane said get to you. You're always our Champion, no matter what."

"I really hope everyone else still sees me that way." Diantha said, sighing after giving Serena a smile.

At that moment, a chant was heard from outside. Diantha heard it and her eyes widened. She got up and walked to the window, opening it to show everyone from before with smiles on their faces.

"DIANTHA! DIANTHA! DIANTHA! DIANTHA! DIANTHA! DIANTHA!"

"CHAMPION! CHAMPION! CHAMPION! CHAMPION! CHAMPION! CHAMPION!"

Diantha smiled, tears of happiness flowing from her eyes at the chants of support. Even the group smiled at the outpour of support.

"Looks like they still accept you," Cynthia said, walking to Diantha and placing her hand on her shoulder. "No matter what… we stand by you."

Diantha turned to Cynthia and hugged her. Cynthia smiled back, but felt her wound.

"Ow! Hey! Shoulder!" Cynthia groaned.

"Love hurts. Get used to it." Cynthia replied, chuckling a little.

Everyone smiled before Serena turned to the others. "This proves Damien wasn't lying," she said. "And now, we know a bit more about the Fennekin Champion."

"What else is there that we don't know?" Zoey asked.

A while later, Rig Nema watched as the group flew away in the Razor Crest. She patted R2-O14 on the dome before walking to Diantha.

"The galaxy out there is bigger than we thought, isn't it?" Diantha asked.

"You now have more to your mission to protect Kalos, and that is to help defend the planet," Rig Nema said. "You are about to learn more about the Galaxy, and its history, than you ever knew… and a way to stop the return of an enemy that I believe has set their sights on Earth."

"The team that Olympia foretold?" Diantha asked.

"They are called the Empire," Rig Nema explained. "Formed to rule over the galaxy with an iron fist. A few years after I began my new life here, they ended over Endor, and then disappeared after the Battle of Jakku… but they are never gone," she said. "If you are willing, I would like you to join a cause."

"What kind of cause?" Diantha asked.

"It is small for now, we are working with a few within the New Republic," Rig Nema went on. "A force to resist the Empire should they return in greater strength and numbers. To do this, we must gather as much support as we can," she said. "For Earth, for Kalos, and for the Galaxy… are you willing to help?"

Diantha got up. "What do I have to do?" she asked.

Back on the Razor Crest, Ash was looking to the new hat. He inspected it before putting it in his backpack, which Pikachu decided to try on. As he was, Ash looked to the borrowed lightsaber before putting it back into its cloth. He walked over to Zoey and handed it to her.

"Not sure whose lightsaber that was, but it sure came in handy when we needed it." Ash said.

"I still can't believe that the Fennekin Champion was real after all," Brock said, walking over. "And from how Bane put it, it sounded as if she was a Bounty Hunter like him."

"Now I'm not so sure if we'll like what we find out about her." Cynthia said.

"We'll find out together, all of us," Serena said. "This can't be all there is to her. I know there's something more to this story than any of us know."

"You're right," Zoey agreed. She looked to the lightsaber, peeking at it after undoing the cloth a little. "And if more people like Cad Bane try to come after her or Diantha, we'll be waiting."

"You know, since you're new, you could give that a try," Dawn suggested as Zoey turned to her. "Mando's Gallade tested us all before Ash got the first lightsaber. While that could belong to someone else, I'm sure that we could train some more in case we need another person on the team to use a lightsaber."

"I'd be happy to give it a try." Zoey said, smiling.

In the cockpit, Din was looking through files on various Bounty Hunters. However, none of them matched anything from what he or the others had learned about the Fennekin Champion so far. Turning off the holograms, he looked to Grogu, playing with one of his empty Pokéballs.

"Let's work on getting you some training too." Din said.

Grogu cooed in response as he started to levitate the Pokéball. Din watched before it dropped, rolling down into the cargo area.

"Ow! Hey!" Iris's voice called out, getting Din to pat Grogu and turn back around slowly. "Who did that?!"

Later, Viola was walking around on a higher area of the town. She looked to the damage done by the fight and took as many photos as she could. However, upon seeing where the Eight Brother left his crater, she gasped. Narrowing her eyes, she quietly took a picture of the symbol of the Empire before turning around, taking out a comlink.

"It's happened," Viola reported. "They're back."

At a New Republic Base in the Outer Rim, pilots Carson Teva, Trapper Wolf and Sash Ketter were alerted to a call. They approached the holo-transmitter and turned it on, seeing a strange symbol appear, no face identified with the caller.

"New Republic, this is Fulcrum," the caller said. "There is a problem relating to the case of the strange occurrences being passed off by the Core Worlds."

"Fulcrum?" Carson asked. "The only Fulcrum we know of is the one who helped us in the Battle of Jakku, the one who supposedly killed Sergeant Kreel."

"Marooned him. Pretty sure his isolation killed him," Fulcrum said. "But back to the point, the Empire is here in the E-97 System," he went on, concerning the New Republic officers. "I'm not asking you to send anyone over or anything to violate the treaty that has stood for years, but I only ask for you to initiate investigations of happenings in the Unknown Regions. It could give us clues about whether or not the Empire is growing in strength."

"We've had this going on for a while, but the Core Worlds aren't believing in it as much," Trapper said. "Keep a detail on E-97, Fulcrum. If anything else turns up, let us know."

"Will do. Fulcrum out."

Back on Earth, someone in a robe was putting away a comlink, the symbol of Fulcrum fading away from it. The figure looked around before spotting the Razor Crest. The figure then took out a chart, marking their area, before placing a box in a hole. They opened it for one last look, inside being several items, two of which were a normal lightsaber hilt and a Double-Bladed Lightsaber hilt, normal instead of crossguard like the Eighth Brother's, covered in sand and with a slight split in the middle. They then got up and walked away, taking off on a speeder.

Author's Notes: Well, everyone, what did you think of my newest Chapter? This was actually one that I was not sure about doing, since at the time, I had no knowledge that Cad Bane was still alive until he was seen in The Book of Boba Fett. I am still pleased to have done this nonetheless, as I feel it was a good start to me doing chapters with Quick Draw duels. More about the Fennekin Champion will be revealed later on, so be sure to keep all the hints in mind. Please review, rate, and as always, if you can, Private Message me for anything on the story. After all, I do like to hear from you, so long as what you say is positive. For now, this is SuperHeroTimeFan signing off. Have a great week, everyone! See you soon!