Chapter 147 Curry for Victini

Back at the Night Club, Ash, Lillie, and Yancy are now at the counter as they are going to do another new mission.

Randall: How do you hat-tippin'ly do, partner? Maybe better than some folks up north near Labradorra. Them folks've put in a report about a certain critter hustlin' all through Victory Road. No sign of one them... what's it called... Anon Monies? Yeah, that sounds right. No confirmation of Anon Monies yet, but you never can be too careful. You fixin' to hit it up?

Ash: If it isn't another Anomaly, then it might be another Mythical Pokemon that comes to help like Celebi. We'll do it.

Randall: Good on you, trooper. The reports have all come in from the west end of Victory Road- that is, the one near Labradorra City. Best you start your searchin' on that side, I'd wager.

They decide to go to Victory Road, but just as they enter the place, they find a Mythical Pokemon in front of them.

Yancy: That's a Victini! What is it doing here?

Victini greets Ash before runs off, much to their confusion, so they decide to chase after the Pokemon. After getting to the place where the Category Puzzle is, they find Victini entering a cave while Bennett was behind it.

Bennett: How far can you run... Oh, Ash. You've come to help too?

Ash: I assume you're chasing after Victini?

Bennett: Yeah. Shall we work together to catch this thing? I've been chasing it all around this place for some time already, but cornering it seems nigh impossible... Still, no point in giving up now. How much further could it possibly go? Let's find out.

They rush into the cave after Bennett, only to find another Category Puzzle, and Lillie is the one groaning.

Lillie: Are you kidding me? We have to do the puzzle again?!

Yancy: Sounds like you have been dreaded with this puzzle...

Ash: Believe me...but this time there are some rocks on it, I guess it might have given some easier points...

Bennett: The little thing ran straight through... Jumped over this machine, and here we are. You already got through Victory Road once, so you should already know about these... but this one looks particularly unfriendly. I suppose I'll be your guide to this disaster tonight.

Clues:

1. No two crystals share the same quality.

2. The Purity of the 'Coxcomb' gem is less than the Purity of the 'Miniscule' gem, which is less than the Purity of the 'Vitreous' gem.

3. The Hardness of the 'Eminent' gem is less than the Hardness of the 'Perfect' gem, which is less than the Hardness of the 'Cubic' gem.

4. The Purity of the gem with a Hardness of 5 is less than the Purity of the gem with 'Perfect' Foliation, which is less than the Purity of the 'Pearly' gem.

5. The Luster of the 'Tabular' gem is less than the Luster of the 'Cubic' gem, which is less than the Luster of the gem with 'Indistinct' Foliation.

6. The Size of the 'Coxcomb' gem is less than the Size of the 'Indistinct' gem, which is less than the Size of the gem with a Hardness of 8.

7. The Foliation of the 'Hexagonal' gem is less than the Foliation of the 'Large' gem, which is less than the Foliation of the gem with a Hardness of 7.

8. The Habit of the 'Flawless' gem is less than the Habit of the 'Pearly' gem, which is less than the Habit of the 'Silky' gem.

The answer for the puzzle: Size: Amethyst, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby. Hardness: Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire. Purity: Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire. Foliation: Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst, Emerald. Luster: Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby. Habit: Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst.

Bennett: ...Impressive. As should be expected from you three. I'm a little embarrassed that I was beaten to it, but thanks for getting it. Anyway... Victini awaits.

Lillie: I swear I am not going to do another one of these puzzles again...

Serra: Oh, you're here. I didn't expect to catch up with you so quickly.

Ash and the others are surprised to see Serra in front of them.

Bennett: Mother.

Serra: I- I really do wish you would just call me "Mom" like a normal child.

Bennett: But I'm not just a child, mother, and few would call me normal. Why are you here?

Serra: I heard you were out here looking for something. Thought it could be a good chance to catch up, given that we haven't talked since I nearly fell into a black hole that resulted from your escapade with a world-ending organization... You know, normal parent-child bonding stuff...

Bennett: I won't stop you from accompanying us, on one condition: We are not here as a parent and a child. We are here as equals- both professional representatives of an official league, working to ensure the safety of our region.

Serra: Equals, the newest Elite says to a humble mid-tier Gym Leader...

Bennett: Yes. Equals, with equal respect.

Serra: Professionals. Not family?

Bennett: Both can be true, with equal respect. Consider it. (Leaves)

Serra: I'm confused- (Notices Bennett leaves) Oh, bye. (Turns to Ash) ...Have I not been respectful?

Ash: Maybe you are. But Bennett is just confusing.

Serra: I'd say something like "They grow up so fast," but I think the sentence alone would age me another ten years on the spot...

Then they move past the New World gate and they find themselves in another place.

Yancy: So this was the New World that you guys are talking about...it is beautiful.

Ash: I agree. It certainly is beautiful.

But as they continue to walk down the stairs, they hear Lin's voice again.

Lin: You really think he's changed? I dunno. Something about him just... bugs me.

Yancy: Who said that?

Lillie: Probably Lin, it is not the first time. Ever since Ash beat her, she has been quite stalking...

They find a giant Waterfall and surfs under it, and then they find another cave and they are now in another place in the Reborn Region: Aegir Cave.

Ash: Now this is a new place...I have never seen this place before.

Lillie: This place is much more serene than the New World...and the map also locates that it is to the north of Victory Road...

After getting there, they find Bennett and Victini, who is on top of the cliff, Serra also arrives after thinking about what Bennett said.

Bennett: Our mark has gotten quite cozy up there.

Serra: I don't think there's any way to reach it, is there?

Bennett: Reaching it would be pointless. It would just run away again anyway... We need a different approach.

Serra: Between the five of us, maybe we could corner it.

Bennett: (Looks at the fireplace) This place must've been used as a camp. Look, among the stones- a stirring spoon.

Serra: Aren't we still in a New World?

Bennett: Considering the ecology, I assume not. The generated world must have connected to both Victory Road and this previously isolated cave. This camp was probably left behind by a hiker sometime ago, suggesting that it's impractical- rather than impossible- to get here by foot.

Yancy: Well that's nice, but it doesn't exactly help us with Victini.

Bennett: No, I believe it does. This camp has seen a healthy share of use. And between this lush environment and the water below, I suspect there's no shortage of food here. Rather than desperately chasing after Victini, let's do our best to make ourselves worth approaching.

Lillie: You're going to lure it in with food?

Bennett: It's the choicest course of action. In a worst-case scenario, we can all enjoy a nice meal together ourselves and come up with an alternative.

Serra: ...Oh, fine. If we can find a pot, I'm sure I can whip something up. You don't get to be a single mother without learning to improvise a bit.

Bennett: Our hiker left his spoon behind... With any luck, he'll have left his pot too. Mother, would you mind searching for that, or something equally usable?

Serra: That can't be sanitary. But if and when I find it, I suppose the lake down there looks clean enough...

Bennett: I hear curries are quite popular with Pokémon in Galar... Ash, would you mind helping me gather some ingredients? Considering the ecology here, I think most everything we need could be found in this very cave. I have a rough list for what to look for. Talk to me when you're ready to hear it.

Ash: Sure, tell us about it.

Bennett: I already had a chance to look around the area a bit, and I think I have a pretty good idea of what's available for us to use. I believe our main course tonight will be... Spiced Apple Galarian-style Curry. From this point, we'll need 7 things. One Sweet Apple, for the main course. One Tart Apple, for substance and depth. One Balm Mushroom, for a second texture. One Pecha Berry, for the signature sweetness. Check the Headbutt trees for one. Berry Juice, for sweetness and thinning. A Farfetch'd's Stick. This leek will sauté into a perfect start, and the ends are a good garnish. Rage Powder. Properly treated, this powder stops having adverse effects and starts being a wonderful spice mix. That should be it.

Ash, Lillie, and Yancy nod as they start finding the ingredients, and they are scattered across the cave, but fortunately, they manage to get every single one of them in the end.

Bennett: One Sweet Apple, for the main course. And I see you have it. Good work. One Tart Apple, for substance and depth. And you've got it. Well done. One Balm Mushroom, for a second texture. You've got that. Excellent. One Pecha Berry, for the signature sweetness. Check the Headbutt trees for one. You have the Pecha Berry. Im-pecha-ble. (Notices the three's weird faces) ...Sorry. Anyway... Berry Juice, for sweetness and thinning. You have the Berry Juice. Wonderful. A Farfetch'd's Stick. This leek will sauté into a perfect start, and the ends are a good garnish. I see you have a Stick... Leek. Whatever. I'll take it. Rage Powder. Properly treated, this powder stops having adverse effects and starts being a wonderful spice mix. And you've got it. Expectably reliable work. You got everything then. Fantastic work as always, guys.

Serra: (Comes with a pot) One pot of questionable cleanliness, ready to go as ordered.

Bennett: We were fortunate to find everything we needed. Let's hope our fortune carries forward.

Serra: I guess I'll get started with cooking. What all did you find?

Bennett: Everything we need for Galarian-style Spiced Apple Curry.

Serra: Curry! In a cave! Shall I prepare the other four courses as well?

Bennett: (Sighs) No, In fact, why don't you leave the cooking to me?

Serra: Oh, please. What would you know about cooking? You've never prepared so much as microwaveable Hot Pokétt for yourself.

Bennett: Not under your roof. But I've learned much in my time away, including how to care for myself. I would enjoy a chance to demonstrate as much.

Serra: Well... We could try to do it together. As equals?

Bennett: As equals, then. Would you mind skinning the apples? Volcarona can get the fire going.

Lillie: What about us?

Bennett: You three have done enough. Have a seat and relax. The rest of this meal will be on us.

Ash, Lillie, and Yancy sigh as they relax for a while, and they are waiting for the curry to finish.

Serra: Well, it should be done any minute.

Bennett: Nearly. I'll sprinkle it with the rest of the powder for an extra kick. And garnish with the greens, and... voilà.

Ash and the others are surprised to see plates of curries, and they look delicious.

Serra: Your presentation is certainly better than mine ever was...

Bennett: They say presentation is half the appeal. I'm sure you would know that from your work. But it is not the half that matters. How is the taste?

After they taste the curry, they find it very delicious.

Serra: For cave-made curry, it's not bad.

Bennett: Sweet and spicy is a classic mix. The key is balancing it properly.

Serra: In fact, if you told me this was from the Spyce, I might even believe you.

Bennett: Your praise is appreciated. As was your help in making it. That goes for all of you. (Turns to the Victini) Hello up there, little one. Interested in a bite? There's plenty to go around.

The Victini notices the food and it quickly jumps down the cliff, and Bennett gives the Pokemon a plate.

Bennett: See, there's nothing to fear. Here, allow me to serve you.

Victini starts to gobble down the plate of curry, and after a while, it is already full.

Bennett: Well, someone certainly seems to be energetic after their dinner.

Serra: Is this the part where our wholesome family meal devolves into violence?

Bennett: Sporting violence only. I do believe our little friend here is ready to burn some energy. Ash, this is usually your prerogative, isn't it?

Serra: You're just handing it off to Ash? Didn't you pick up Fire types for your Elite position?

Bennett: My priority here was just making sure Anomalies were contained, and this little guy doesn't seem to be attached to one. There will be other opportunities for me anyway. The floor is yours as you wish, Ash.

Ash nods as Victini is ready to battle, so Ash goes for Greninja to battle the little one, and after using Searing Shot, Greninja goes for a Water Shuriken and defeats the Pokemon, capturing it in the end.

Ash's New Capture in Aegir Cave: Victini (Event)

Bennett: So that's that.

Serra: Well, I appreciate you having me along. Even if I didn't do anything.

Bennett: You did help with the kitchenware and cooking. There's no need to put your own efforts aside. "Equals" includes treating yourself with respect as well.

Serra: ...Oh, well, that's not a lesson I should have to learn from my own child... But from someone who's my equal, I guess it's okay.

Bennett: Everyone needs a reminder from time to time. For now, shall we be off?

Serra: I think so. I have a long night of staring into the middle distance and contemplating my own flawed perspective planned.

Bennett: As long as you're contemplating improving it.

Ash, Lillie, and Yancy smile after seeing the whole thing, and they are heading back to the Night Club.

Serra: That trip from Aegir Cave is NOT a short one. Made for a nice workout, but I'm glad these seats are soft. ...Still, that was a good time, out there. Bennett's grown so much. He's made some bad choices, but he seems to be doing well now. And that was the first I've gotten to just spend time with him in... Well, a long time. Long before he left home. Don't get me wrong. I still hate that old priest, or whatever he's calling himself, but... look at Bennett. Sometimes I wonder if that Elias did more for him than I ever did. I guess there's no use thinking too hard about it. Just got to work on being grateful for what I've got now. That's not something that comes easily to me, but after that camping trip? I am grateful.

Then after a while, they find Laura and Bennett together again.

Laura: I was talking to Serra a little while ago, and she told me about the adventure you had with Victini! It sounds like a nice trip you all had. I wonder why Bennett didn't tell me, though... I never knew he could cook! Haha, I wish I'd been able to see it! Maybe I'll go check out Aegir Cave sometime, when the League's not too busy.

Ash: I'm sure you'll like the place.

Laura: If you wanted to come along, that would be amazing! Maybe we could get some more people to come along, too... We could make a whole picnic! Or even a tea party! Aah, a tea party with friends sounds lovely. I'll talk to everyone and let you know, okay? Before I do, though... I wanted to thank you for being there for Bennett. I know you've had some trouble in the past, and I'm really grateful you're giving him another chance. I know it means a lot to him, too.

Bennett: I'm amazed that something like that was hidden down there. It was... beautiful. I haven't had much chance to make curry in a long time, so it was actually sort of fun getting to cook again. The circumstances were just an extra creative challenge. Even if my mother... Well. She's trying. We both are. But... She can be a little embarrassing at times. I expect most people to feel the same about their parents, but that doesn't make it easier to handle. Still. It was nice, spending time with her. And I enjoyed your company, as well. We certainly couldn't have made such delicious curry without your help. Take good care of that Pokémon, all right? It was pretty cute, and I don't believe it meant any harm. Laura's been dropping hints about a picnic... I didn't tell her anything, but I have a feeling my mother may have been talking to her. If she does end up having one, I think Victini might enjoy it, too.

Ash: I guess so.

After getting back, they also find out that the Victini is actually the same Pokemon that Ash befriended back in Unova a few years ago, just like Celebi, he was here to help Ash, only to get sidetracked and chased by Bennett. Ash sighs as he can't blame the Pokemon, but he's glad to have another Mythical Pokemon to help him out.


I'll end the Chapter right here, as you can see, this chapter is basically Victini sidequest and both Bennett and Serra are trying to be their best as parent and son. I hope you like this chapter.