Chapter 53 Abducted Gardevoir

Cain decides to go with his Alolan Muk in the battle with Ash as the first Pokemon, and Ash decides to go with Gastrodon.

Ash: (Thinks) So this is the Chess Field...I have to be careful...

Muk goes for Gunk Shot, which slams into Gastrodon and causes it to get poisoned, but Ash has Gastrodon goes for Mud Bomb, which is dodged by the Minimize. Then Muk goes for Power-Up Punch, but it is blocked by Gastrodon's Water Pulse, which also causes the Pokemon to get confused. In the end, Gastrodon defeats Muk with Earth Power.

Radomus: Ash sure is strong when he battles...

Delia: I agree.

Cain's second Pokemon is Primarina, and it is listed as a Bishop, which causes Special Attack and Attack boost on the field. It goes for Sparkling Aria, knocking out Gastrodon, so Ash goes with Florges. Much to Ash's delight, Florges was in the last spot of the party, which means that it is a Queen. It overrides all roles and gains Defense and Special Defense.

Ash: Use Psychic!

But when Florges goes with the attack, the chess piece also moves as it slams into Primarina, much to their surprise. Florges goes for Solar Beam, and the attack causes Primarina to faint in the end.

Cain's third Pokemon is Alolan Marowak, and it is listed as a Rook. It goes for Shadow Bone, but Florges dodges the attack and goes for another Psychic, which damages Marowak a lot because of the Rock Type damage. Marowak goes for Will-o-Wisp, causing the Pokemon to get burned, but then it is defeated by Florges' Psychic again.

Ash: Good thing that the queen is dominating the board...but I have to switch out now...

When Cain's fourth Pokemon is Meowstic, Ash switches into Pikachu to battle.

Cain: (Notices the Pikachu by Ash's side) That isn't Pikachu, right?

Both Pokemon are listed as knights, as all the attacks they use are treated as priority moves. Meowstic goes for Psychic, and the Pikachu turns out to be a Zoroark in disguise. Zoroark goes for Feint Attack, which is boosted because of the field effect, and Meowstic quickly sets up the Light Screen and Charge Beam the Pokemon, hoping to raise the Special Attack, but in the end, a Flamethrower is capable of knocking the Pokemon out.

The fifth Pokemon is Mimikyu, and it goes for Play Rough to defeat Zoroark, but Zoroark manages to break the disguise ability first. Ash goes for Pikachu to battle, and it slams an Iron Tail on Mimikyu, causing it to be in pain. And in the end, it defeats the Pokemon with Thunderbolt.

Cain: You always seem to overwhelm me~ (Sends out Nidoking)

The final Pokemon is Nidoking, and it is the Queen piece, while watching the battle, Luna notices something as she leaves, unknown to Delia or Radomus. Nidoking goes for Earthquake, which dominates the board and deals a lot of damage to Pikachu, but Pikachu goes for Quick Attack and then Iron Tail, eventually knocking out the Pokemon in the end.

Cain: 's cool, I can wait my turn. Just don't keep me on edge too long~ (Recalls Pokemon and sighs) Uhhh, wow! I'll be honest, I wasn't sure half of what was going on in that battle... Guess I'll have to read up on how this arena works? Soften him up for me in the meantime, yeah~?

Radomus: Oh? Do you not believe you can best me yourself?

Before Cain can say anything, Luna rushes back to the room, it is then that they realize that Luna wasn't with them.

Luna: Excuse me, Master? Is Miss Gardevoir with you? I cannot find her anywhere.

Radomus: (Raises an eyebrow) I thought she was with you.

Luna: She was in the foyer when Cain arrived. (Rushes towards the foyer)

Radomus: It would seem that I'll be playing Black in this game.

Ash is a little confused about what his father meant, but Luna comes back with a letter.

Luna: Master? A message was delivered to you. (Shows the letter)

Radomus: A message? Now who might that be?

Luna: The person who delivered it was dressed in a light robe, but I didn't recognize him.

Radomus: Allow me to see it.

Luna: (Gives the letter to Radomus) Pleased to be of service.

Radomus: (Reads) "To one Radomus Vanhanen-" To one? Does that imply there's more than one? I should like to meet the other.

Delia: As much as I like your jokes, can we continue?

Radomus: "To one Radomus Vanhanen, I have captured your precious 'Gossip Gardevoir'. Should you wish to see her again, you will return my daughter to me immediately." Signed, "-El"

Ash and Delia can't believe what they're hearing, that means El has captured Gardevoir so that he could use it as a bargain chip for Luna.

Radomus: What, no "Sincerely"? Not even a "With love"? How rude.

Luna: ...That person isn't my father. You are. I wish he would simply admit this already...I beg of you, Master, please don't send me away with him.

Cain: She was really just captured? But she was like, right there when we came in.

Radomus: It was likely that they were waiting for such a diversion as your battle. Just as well.

Cain: We've gotta get her back right away!

Luna: Absolutely! Miss Gardevoir is my dear friend as well. You will find her, won't you, Master?

Radomus is thinking about the whole thing, but before he can reply, Cain beats him to it.

Cain: Don't worry, we'll take care of it~ Right, Ash?

Luna: But how? We have no idea where they went. What do we do?

Delia: (Looks at Radomus, who nods) We do nothing. There is no need to do anything.

Ash: Mom? What are you talking about? Gardevoir is Dad's Pokemon! Don't you care at all?

Radomus: Before he's my Pokemon, she belonged to your mother, Ash. And we do care about our Pokemon. It's for that reason that I need not act.

Ash hears his father's words and he starts to think, does that mean Gardevoir can escape on her own? But his thoughts are interrupted by Cain.

Cain: Uggh, you make no sense at all sometimes. I'll go find her myself then! (Leaves)

Luna: Please wait- I wish to help as well!

Radomus: (Stops Luna) Luna. It will not do to let you place yourself in check. You are the piece he wants to capture, after all. If you are so determined, allow me to act in your stead.

Just then, Radomus changes his hat into a detective hat, much to Ash's confusion.

Radomus: I'm on the case. Do wait here. It will not do to let yourself fall into his trap. Delia, please help me take care of Luna right now.

Delia: (Smiles) You can trust me, Adam.

Radomus: Ash, you'll come with me, we have a case to go.

Ash: (Still confused) Okay, Dad.

When they get to the doorway, Cain is already waiting for them.

Cain: (Looks at Radomus) So you swapped one silly hat for another.

Radomus: Now, now... There's nothing silly about it. I simply choose the right hat for the job. Will we not be sleuthing out Gardevoir?

Cain: Yeaaaah, quite the change of heart you've had.

Radomus: Do not misunderstand me. There is no need for something as rash as this, but if Luna demands it, I will acquiesce.

Cain: I don't get it. I thought Gardevoir was supposed to only be drawn to the most loyal Trainers, but you make it seem like you don't care at all.

Ash: I think I know what Dad is thinking... If I used it in a chess way, should Black be concerned when the White King places himself in check?

Radomus: (Smiles) As expected from my son.

Cain: (Stares at Ash) Literally what are you even talking about? Look, let's just go find her already.

Radomus: As you wish. Considering his past associations, I suspect he will flee in the direction of Reborn City.

Cain: Right, then we know where to go. The quickest way there is west and then south over Route 1. Let's do this!


When they all rush back to the Reborn City's Gateway, they find El, who notices them and quickly flees to the room.

Ash: There he is!

Cain: I saw him too!

Radomus: It would seem our culprit has been cornered.

When they rush into the room, El is nowhere to be found, there is a dead-end with a giant gear that isn't moving.

Cain: Wait, where did he go? Did he use an Escape Rope?

Radomus: Now who's being silly? Press forward. I believe there is just enough space beyond that gear.

When Ash and Cain walk past the gear, it is Radomus' turn, but he seems to be struggling.

Ash: Dad, can you do it?

Radomus: This may be more challenging for an adult. (He stops between the gear and the wall)

Cain: Are you really stuck? Come to think of it, why doesn't this thing turn anyways?

Radomus: It froze when the Grand Gates did. It was around the time of Reborn City's collapse, nearly a decade ago. Presumably, these mechanisms are linked to the doors themselves. Many have tried to get them to operate again but to no avail.

Cain: Well, whatever. Even if it's tight, just force your way in~...I mean, I don't normally say that to boys, but this is different.

Radomus: I'm going to pretend that I didn't understand that remark.

Ash decides to help his father by pulling him out of the gear, but the strong force causes both of them to fall and the force also pushes Cain down the cliff.

Ash: Cain! (Looks down)

Radomus: Well, now I've done it. Actually, it would appear that the drop isn't too far. It seems to lead into some kind of cave. Are you prepared for some spelunking?

Ash nods as they both jump down, and Ash realizes that they are actually under the Grand Stairway but on a different path.

Radomus: (Looks around) Well, no sign of our friend. Perhaps he wandered off in search of an exit already. Then it looks like it's our move.

When they get further down, Ash notices the door and he realizes that this door is actually the same door that Solaris showed him, as the three items in his pocket are glowing.

Ash: (Thinks) So this is what's behind the Reborn Gate? Does that mean Arceus' offspring is in here?

As he continues forward, they find Cain, who is staring at the tower and the whole thing they're in. There is grass, and the caverns are so blue that one will mistake it to be the sky.

Radomus: Ah, so this is where you've gotten to. I certainly had no intention of landing you down here, but it seems we've found quite the hidden paradise.

Cain: Oh, you were right behind me after all. But that's not the only thing we found- look!

Just then, they see a person with a Gardevoir walking toward them. The figure has silver hair, and Ash can't tell if he's a boy or she's a girl.

?: Oh, so it was true...

Cain: (Confused) Huh, were you expecting us?

?: Not at all! But that older man just came through and explained the situation to me. I'm quite surprised that there's anyone else down here.

Radomus: To be clear, exactly what did he tell you?

?: He told me how he was on the run from some individuals who kidnapped and brainwashed his daughter? Absolutely deplorable behavior- I won't abide by it. But he had your Gardevoir, and- Just- Just what have you done to this poor thing?

Ash, Cain, and Pikachu widen their eyes after hearing what the person has said.

Radomus: (Narrowed his eyes) I beg your pardon?

?: Your Gardevoir doesn't seem to care for you as a Trainer at all. Isn't that right?

Gardevoir: ...Yes. I- had always been too afraid of Radomus to say anything about it, but... You'll protect me, won't you, Adrienn?

Adrienn: I'm not going to stand for anyone who treats their Pokémon badly. You're safe with me, Gardevoir.

Radomus: (Drops the glare) Oh-ho, so that's how it is. What a pointless gambit.

Gardevoir: I've always hated being with him!

Cain: (Confused) But back at the Castle, you seemed perfectly happy.

Gardevoir: It was all a show! I'm expected to be in perfect harmony with my Trainer- But how can I, with someone like that?! All the horrible things he's done...He's neglectful and lies all the time... I was even there when he brainwashed Luna!

Ash knows something is wrong with the Gardevoir, but he doesn't know how to explain it.

Gardevoir: The truth is, I was glad when El stole me away!

Adrienn: There you have it. I can't forgive someone for being so cruel to such a sweet Pokémon as Gardevoir. That's why I will definitely protect her! I'll help him get his daughter, and his stolen property back.

Cain: Stolen property too? What are you talking about now?

Gardevoir: Ash must know. After all, he has them.

Cain: Ash stole something? What?

Ash widens his eyes as the Amethyst Pendant floats from his pocket to Gardevoir's hands.

Gardevoir: This! And...

Cain: What? No, that Amethyst Pendant is Anna's! Return it right now!

Gardevoir: But there's still the Ruby Ring and Sapphire Bracelets, not 2 but 1. These items rightfully belong to El.

Radomus: You have the Amethyst Pendant all this time?

Ash: Yeah, Dad.

Gardevoir: I guess it'll have to do. Only one key is necessary to reach the aerie, so taking three of them would have been ideal...

Adrienn: People are often slow to part with their belongings, even when they hold them back. But it's better to proceed with what we can manage to secure, than keep you around dangerous people and risk further harm.

Gardevoir: As you say. (Leaves)

Adrienn: Ash, right? And Radomus... I'll remember it. This can end as soon as you return the man's daughter. (Leaves)

Cain: That was... strange. I'm surprised Gardevoir felt that way... Radomus, what's this about brainwashing? You wouldn't really have done that, would you?

Ash: Dad won't be doing such a thing! That was a foolish idea.

Radomus: (Sighs in relief) I'm glad you know it, Ash.

Cain: Well, anyway, we should chase after them before they get too far ahead!

Radomus: Perhaps this will be an amusing game after all. (Leaves with the others into the tower)


Here is a new chapter, and as you can see, Ash, Cain, and Radomus arrive at the other side of the Grand Gate, what is the place where they're in? And what is actually wrong with Gardevoir? I hope you like this chapter.