Chapter 161 Poaching and Saving Part 2

After getting out of the New World by finding the gate, they find themselves back in Chrysolia Deep Woods.

Ash: Hey...this is the place where I found Regigigas...

Lillie: You mean the place where you took Serena and Lisia? I heard about this place, but this is the first time I'm seeing this.

After walking for a while, they find Arclight in front of them.

Arc: Looks like I pulled ahead of you somewhere along the way. Ein is safe, no sweat. Breslin's taking care of him, and I'll be popping back to check on them in short order. Just thought I'd take a brief survey of how things are out here. The rest of their team isn't far. They've scattered through this area caging 'Mons left and right. Downright deplorable. It's all you, Ash. I'm on support if you need a tune-up.

The three of them nod as they all find the Poachers on the way, to the north, they find the first poacher with the Shinx in cage.

Poacher: All right, little guy, you just stay put until the real prize comes out...

Ash: Release that Pokemon now.

The poacher named Margo is surprised to see them, but she goes for 6 Pokemon to fight against them: Nidoking, Crobat, Shiftry, Umbreon, Venusaur, and the Mega Houndoom to fight the three of them, but Ash, Lillie, and Janine manage to defeat those Pokemon with ease.

Margo: You're not bad for yourself...

A bolt of yellow lightning strikes the cage and the Shinx is being saved. Ash has a feeling about what the Pokemon is, but everything has gone too fast, and he can't watch the Pokemon clearly.

Margo: One down just like that?! It didn't have to damage the cage so badly... Ugh...

Ash: We're here not only to stop you, but your boss wants you guys to go back. We're only letting you guys go because of him.

Margo: So the boss wants us to fall back? I'll trust you for now, but if it turns out you're lying, I'll haunt your dreams at night. (Notices the girls' surprised faces) Relax, they told me they were going to look for help. I just didn't expect someone as frail as you. But I already lost, twice over, so I'll head out. If you're rounding up the others, be careful with Atreus. He can be a bit of a flirt. You'll find him over on that big ruin monument thing in the middle of the place, you can't miss it. Just go up to four flights of stairs, down one flight, and go to the farthest right side. For some reason, someone graffitied those ruins with numbers and bright paint. Baby's first graffiti I'm guessing.

After that information, she leaves, and Lillie and Janine turn to Ash.

Janine: That graffiti must be from the Smeargle, right?

Ash: Yeah, and he was helping us reach Regigigas at that time.

Then they head in the direction that Margo gave, and they find the poacher Atreus there. In his cage is a Pikachu, much to their surprise.

Atreus: Capture the weak ones to lure out the strong... Now we just gotta wait for it- (Notices the three trainers) Oh, right, gotta try and stop you too!

He sends out Nidoqueen, Mightyena, Cradily, Umbreon, Sceptile, and Mega Gengar to battle the three, and just like Margo, those Pokemon are no match for Ash, Lillie, and Janine's Pokemon combined.

Atreus: All right, you win for now... I was going easy on you anyway, 'cause you're cute.

Lillie and Janine don't like the guy's flirting, and then the lightning appears once more and the Pikachu in the cage is freed.

Atreus: Man, that speed is incredible! Strong, too- It rescued the Pokémon in an instant just like that... Well, I guess there's nothing to do but head on out, huh? You've still got some work to do, don't you? Go easy on Willow, will you? She's kinda in a slump these days. See that broken bridge directly across from here? She's on the other side. Someone should really fix that. I'm pretty sure the number one cause of injuries is people falling over broken ancient ruin bridges. See ya!

After that, the man leaves as Ash, Lillie, and Janine are going to find the next poacher at the bridge, the Pokemon in her cage is an Alolan Geodude.

Willow: How did I only find a Geodude?! I was supposed to find some cute, defenseless Electric Type, and well, this was technically one of those... But a Geodude? What kind of Pokémon am I gonna trap with that?! (Notices Ash and the others) Oh! I guess I might as well stop you from going any further too!

She goes for Muk, Vileplume, Victreebel, Swalot, Weezing, and Mega Absol, and as usual, Ash, Lillie, and Janine defeat them with ease.

Willow: Defeat is lonely and hard to bear...

And like usual, the lightning frees the caged Pokemon and they both escape.

Willow: Darn, the prize was too fast! Or was I too slow...? That's three strikes, huh? The client isn't gonna be very happy about you coming, but oh well... She's somewhere northeast of here... I think. I'm sure you'll lose anyway! After all, what is victory, but a goal out of reach? I'll head back- I know the way, don't worry- so just forget about me, okay?

Then Willow also leaves, just like the other poachers.

Ash: I guess the Poachers are gone, the only one left is the client...

Lillie: Then let's stop her.

As they try to find the client, they hear a loud voice.

?: Lay down under my boot, beast! #3, High Horsepower, now!

As they rush towards the voice, they find a bossy woman with a Mudsdale attacking the down Zeraora. Ash recognizes the Pokemon as the same one from Fula City, and he seems like he's going to help Ash, but being chased by these people.

?: Not so tough now, hm? (Recalls Pokemon and walks towards the Zeraora) If this was all it took for you to capitulate, you should've saved us the trouble in the first place.

Ash: Leave Zeraora alone!

?: (Turns around and notices the group) Oh, what the hell? I hired those grunts to do just a few simple tasks- Lure the Pokémon here, weaken it a bit, and keep pests away. How hard is that? I should've known not to hire scum from Orre. But those fools were the first team available, and with all the reports of Legendaries popping up in this region, I couldn't afford to wait... You get what you pay for, I guess. Nothing more can be expected from these bottom-of-the-bargain-bin foreigners. But once I have this Pokémon- a Mythical like this valued for its speed and attack power... It'll be worth millions! And a powerhouse to boot. Notice it's not zipping around now like before. It's because it knows. In the face of true power- born leadership and control like mine- any Pokémon would submit! It's only natural, after all- a Pokémon like this suits someone like me. Mythical- a class above everyone else! A lowborn such as yourself wouldn't understand, even if you are the Champion.

Ash: So you know me.

?: Yes, I know. But then, being the Champion, surely you must have some pretty valuable Pokémon yourself. This is my lucky day!

The Commissioner named Shannon is not only going to take Zeraora, but also Ash's Pokemon, and that only reason causes all three of them to be angry as they try to defeat her Pokemon with rage. Her Pokemon consists of Exploud, which is defeated by Lucario's Aura Sphere, Hippowdon, defeated by Snowy's Blizzard, Mudsdale, defeated by Ash's Mega Sceptile's Leaf Blade, Darmanitan, defeated by Janine's Nidoqueen's Earthquake, Alolan Marowak, defeated by Lillie's Primarina's Oceanic Operetta, and Mega Sceptile, defeating by Janine's Mega Beedrill's Poison Jab.

Shannon: Ugh! To hell with it! I'm cutting my losses... I hope this beast rips you to pieces! (Quickly flees)

Ash, Lillie, and Janine ignore that commissioner as they quickly check Zeraora, who is badly injured.

Arc: (Rushes in) All right, step aside. Medic coming through. Medic might be a strong word- but let's see if we can't jump-start Zeraora's batteries. Jolteon, put that Volt Absorb to work!

Ash: If that's the case, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on Zeraora as well.

Both Pokemon are trying to heal Zeraora, and it seems to be working.

Breslin: Shame that wouldn't work on Ein.

Arc: No need for sparks- some TLC and time off and he'll be just fine.

Breslin: The rest of the crew's safe and extracted thanks to you as well.

Arc: We saw that woman tumbling face-first into the woods just now. Seems like she lives at the crossroads between inelegance and catastrophe.

Breslin: Bit of an understatement, there. My team and I really appreciate your help, Ash. We've also been talking since this all started, and we're thinking about rebranding ourselves. Something like noble poachers, stealin' from those who want to cage and abuse Pokémon... Nothing's set in stone yet, but it's an idea.

Arc: A better direction, to be sure.

Breslin: I'll let you know what we decide. Maybe stop by that Nightclub of yours from time to time. Heard it's fancy- maybe even a good place to train. Especially if the Champion might be around. For now, I'll leave you four to the catch. We've no business with it anymore anyway. Good luck!

After the poacher leaves, Zeraora is now standing back on his feet, feeling better.

Arc: Well, someone's feeling better.

Zeraora: Thank you for helping me, Ash. I was here to find you, but I got caught by those bad people.

Ash: It's fine, I'm glad to have you with us.

Arc: It sounds like it wants to go with you. I guess you earned its respect in that whole ordeal. Just as well- it's likely safer with you than staying wild and a potential target for that woman.

Ash nods as he captures the Pokemon, much to the others' delight

Ash's New Capture in Chrysolia Deepwoods: Zeraora (Event)

Arc: Sounds like that's a wrap, then. Thanks for tuning in to this one with me. I think we did some good here. Are you ready to head back to the club already?

Ash: Sounds like a good idea.


After getting back to the Night Club, Ash and the others decide to talk to some people there. The first one is Terra.

Terra: S4y, Ash. I JUST remmbred u n3v3r g0t to peep the end of my f4nfic! Blah, bl4h, I know u had 2 continue on and break 0ut or whatever, buuuuuutt I was ju5t gettin to the good part! So like. I c0uld totes read it to u if u want :)

Ash: I think I'll pass with that...

Terra: C0ME ON! I KN0W U LOVE MEH BB (Noticing the face Ash's making) ok well. off3r's on the t4ble!

Then they find Eve next.

Eve: I trust you're taking care of the little one Flora left? I'm sure it's in excellent hands. (Sighs) To be honest, I'm glad she's gone. She may have been respectable in her goals- whatever they really were- But I think she was the most unpleasant person I've ever had to deal with. She was certainly... something. I'm still not sure she can be trusted, honestly. But... I did everything I could to impress upon her the dangers of the PULSE machines, and all I can do is hope that she understood.

Ash: I'm sure she would understand. No need to worry much.

Eve: I'm glad, at least, that Lumi didn't run into her. I am so very tired of violence, and of being in the middle of things. And even in Meteor, things were normally settled with Pokémon battles. I've never actually... punched anyone. But if that girl treated my sister the way she treated everyone else- She might have been my first.

Ash: Then I'll be the second since I will not want anyone to hurt her as well.

Eve: But let's not waste time with hypotheticals. She's gone, and some of the ideas she left might be very helpful. I'll fill you in if I get any ideas. In the meantime, take care of that Pokémon, Ash.

They also find Arc again and talk to him at the DJ Bar.

Arc: Glad everything went well with the poachers. I've got to admit, I wasn't so sure about this at first- Working with Pokémon poachers and all- But I'm glad it worked out well. I was surprised, actually. They seem like a pretty good lot, all things considered. A few of 'em have even been stopping by to battle it out at the Pavilion. Just more proof that people can change for the better, I guess.

Then they also find Charlotte reading a book at the tables, so they also greet her.

Charlotte: Huh? Oh, hey. Just finishing up this book. I know this is a weird place to read, but Shelly loaned it to me, and I want to give it back before she leaves. Did you know she has all kinds of wicked books in that library in her Gym? This one's about a warlock whose family died in a fire, so he goes on a suicidal revenge mission ...But he doesn't know that he was actually the one who caused the fire. It's pretty cool, but I've got some... mixed feelings about it. I'm just finishing this up, though. I'll tell you about it after, though, in case you want to check it out.

Ash: Sure. But still, I'm glad you guys had your revenge on the true killer.


After that's done, they decide to head back home, only to find Aria and Acerola also there.

Ash: You girls are here as well.

Aria: Good to see you again, Ash. We got some time to come here and help out the Anomalies.

Acerola: And I'm sure that there are still some missions for us, right?

Ash: Of course, and I think I'm raising a tier because the level bar of my Pokemon is increased again.

Serena: That sounds like a good thing.

Then they decide to chat for some more until they go for the next mission.


I'll end the chapter right here, as you can see, after this mission, Ash is going to Tier 5. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be a new set of Legendary Quests.