Chapter 20: Work-Shopping in the Barrier

The Swan was now an independent country thanks to Kenshi's negotiation with Empress Lashara and partner Ash. It was rather interesting when Queen Flora ruled upon Lashara's judgment and Ash not just defending her but also aligning with going independent as a strike against the Shitoreyu Empire. In the meeting hall, Flora was with other members of the Swan: Lashara, Maria, Aura, Rea and Ash. Behind Flora was Team Rocket's Pokémon. "So, you're all leaving for the Barrier Workshop tomorrow?" asked Flora.

"Yes," Lashara confirmed. "Even Ash and Kenshi can't defeat Gaia with their Sacred Mechanoids alone. It is said that Professor Naua has something for both of them."

"Not that we're doubting our abilities in the least," Ash added. "But considering the heavy damage Babalun's anarchy has reigned, preparation is key."

"Well, that's encouraging," Flora hushed. "Perhaps he can give Sirs Ash and Kenshi a power-up or whatever else they'll need while I negotiate with King Shurifon to prepare a counterattack." Taking a moment, Flora recalled other items. "I believe we're almost done evacuating the civilians. I've got a good hunch that King Shurifon isn't going to sit still and watch everything unfold."

"Of course not," Aura believed. "It would be easier to take action now. We don't have a castle to defend."

"Are you implying that you want to attack on the front?" questioned Ash.

"My father may be prideful, especially around the fallen kingdom," Aura started. "But he knew attacks like that is suicide without honor."

"I didn't think he would do it, either," Ash nodded. "So, we'll be heading to the Barrier Workshop. What about you, your highness? And why are Team Rocket's Pokémon are here in the meeting?" Flora giggled to Ash's question.

"Funny you should ask," she giggled. "After knowing about how you raised your Pokémon like Pikachu and Infernape, I wondered if these three are as stoic about theirs since I have them in the dungeons pending their trials for many crimes on the countries. Needless to say, they probably be in there for life upon conviction." Team Rocket's Pokémon gawked to a possible outcome.

"My, aren't we harsh," Rea sneered.

"Though, I do see her more of Carnivine than as Seviper," Maria nagged. "Just waiting for her latest man to be snared in her flytrap."

"Oh, don't be so contrite, dear daughter," Flora laughed. "Besides, I'm wondering what happened to Kenshi? He's the leader of this new country."

"He may be, but Chiaia and Wahan have… strict business that Ash is ignoring by meeting here," Lashara lambasted.

"Hey, I was trying to be the main guy while Kenshi took care of the trash," Ash shrugged. "Besides, he uses Ena to condense while my Ena's expand."

"Perhaps, but Excalibur can still deal with the heavy lifting," Aura added. Ash gulped but bowed his head. He entered the hangar where Ceres and Hazuki found him.

"Hey, Ash!" called out Ceres. Ash turned to Ceres and Hazuki with interest.

"Hey, you two," Ash greeted. "What's up?"

"Well, first," Hazuki voiced. "We were wondering about what to expect in the Barrier Workshop." Ash stepped away from Excalibur to address the issue.

"It's also gonna be the first time a lot of us will be in the Barrier Workshop," he admitted. "So… I'm in the dark with you." Ceres had another question.

"And when this is all over," he started. "We've been wondering when we come over to your world… how can we find a place to live?" This made Ash laugh.

"That!?" he realized. "That can be helped. Since I was heading back home and to my mom and Professor Oak."

"That same mom that works at this 'Diner'?" repeated Hazuki.

"Yeah, she has that and with Professor Oak's help, they can get you a place to live," Ash finished.

"We can't wait," Ceres giggled. Ash boarded Excalibur before heading to the landfill that Kenshi, in his White Sacred Mechanoid, condensed iron girders into iron balls small enough for their rifles.

"Why do I have to do this?" whined Kenshi. "I mean, I'm suppose to be King of the Swan and Ash is my first officer."

"Oh, really!?" scoffed Chiaia coming in with a MechaWorker. "I see Ash more of the king-type than you." Kenshi sighed in defeat.

"You don't have to be that blunt about it…"

"Hey, quit with the whining. You're the only one who can do this job."

"Chiaia's right, Kenshi," Wahanly agreed. "Ash's Ena abilities expand while yours compress. Besides, these compressed bullets will help down the road. Not to mention the amount of recycling we're doing to fuel the Swan. When I told Lashara about the project, she nearly flew through the roof in glee." Ash finally arrived.

"This is the ammo?" he guessed as he saw the floating bin of iron balls.

"Yep," Wahanly confirmed. "Sure, it may not get through the Shield of Gaia, it can do some damage if shot properly."

"Well, that's more good news after Rea's offer." This made Chiaia and Kenshi pause.

"The church? Are they offering more weapons to here for the Empiric struggle?"

"Talking with Queen Flora and Rea, they may have more powerful tools when Babalun or Dagmeyr show up."

"Hey, we could use as much good news as possible," Chiaia chirped.

"But, it's not like you need the weapons when you have the Ena Sword, right?" wondered Kenshi.

"Let's not get too uppity until we drop off Flora and Team Rocket back in Havoniwa," Ash hushed. "Flora said she'll have James and Meowth help with rebuilding her city and from what she told me about Jessie… I'd… rather not go into detail."

"Why, for your eyes or her dignity?" joked Chiaia.

"Or what dignity she had," Wahanly sneered. The boys joined in the laughter. Hours later, Havoniwa's people and Flora were departing the Swan. Maria and Yukine opted to remain onboard.

"OKAY, WE'RE LEAVING NOW, MOTHER!" screamed Maria.

"TAKE CARE OF MY BABY!" cried Flora. Ash and Kenshi waived as well, as did Pikachu. Not long after splitting, Ash was at the bow of the Swan when Lashara arrived. Torterra guided her to Ash.

"Oh, please don't tell me that you actually enjoyed Aunt Flora," she believed.

"Uh, no," Ash denied. "I'm still thinking how you were great yesterday with Buizel and I believe you have what it takes to be a Pokémon Trainer." Lashara laughed to Ash's claim.

"So, the battle with Team Rocket has shown more confidence between the two of us. Who may be the next Pokémon to try? This guy?" Torterra grunted to the idea with a smile.

"Torterra has some awesome power, especially when he eats is own Energy Ball." Lashara faced Torterra curiously. "By the way, what was up with the Marksman name to Buizel?"

"Easy… With Buizel's attack of Water Gun, it makes Buizel a Marksman. Is that a problem?"

"So, it's a nickname? That might actually encourage Buizel to aim higher." This made Lashara laugh and Maria approaching with Pikachu on her shoulder.

"So, what's this I heard about Cousin Lashara's new occupation as Pokémon Trainer?" she questioned. Ash, Lashara and Torterra turned to Maria while Pikachu leaped off and reached Ash's shoulder.

"Maria?" spoke Lashara. "Perhaps, you could try with Torterra as your command."

"I'll pass… besides, I'd rather be Pikachu's trainer as a starter to the occupation."

"Someone as trained as Pikachu needs an incredible bond that he and Ash have that you wish to obtain. However, you're here to get some advice after we battled Team Rocket."

"Naturally… After all, it may come in handy when we become a couple and return to the Pokémon World." That made Lashara steam.

"Now, now!" voiced Ash. "I can understand you two still want me, but we need to stop the Shitoreyu Empire before we discuss going home." Lashara and Maria sighed to Ash's rebuttal.

"Fine…" they sighed. Rea appeared to meet the kids.

"Head's up, but we're entering the Barrier Workshop," she warned.

"Alright, thanks!" the three others acknowledged. The Swan reached through a doorway within the draft. They flew above a huge chasm before starting to descend. Ash and Pikachu looked around, seeing floating rooms and cells among the chasm walls.

"So, this is the Barrier Workshop?" guessed Ash.

("This is unbelievable!") cheered Pikachu. Koro also awed the sight of the Barrier Workshop.

"A place like this would marvel first-timers like Kenshi, Lashara and Maria," Wahanly spoke. Ash jumped, spooking Pikachu and Koro.

"Wahan, don't do that!" snapped Ash. Wahanly laughed to it.

"Don't get so uppity. Besides, Professor Naua should be expecting us. I just wonder how many years will we stay before we resurface?" Hearing that from Wahanly made Ash and Pikachu blink.

"Years? You mean, we could be down here for a few days and years will pass by?"

"Funny how it works down here. To think, some of that time, I was helping Mexiah -or Doll- raise Chiaia. Not bad for someone about to hit the century mark." That made Ash and Pikachu gasp.

"Century… mark?"

("How… old are you?") squeaked Pikachu. Wahanly faced Ash and Pikachu with a hand on his head.

"Come on, Pikachu," she sneered. "Didn't Chiaia tell you not to ask about a woman's age? I may be three years away from a hundred, but that's still a bit rude." Ash and Pikachu were floored.

("You mean…?") realized Pikachu.

"You're 97!?" figured Ash. "And you look like this!?" Wahanly laughed to their discovery.

"Not bad for someone that old, huh?" she joked. Ash and Pikachu's jaws stretched and slammed the ground hard in shock to Wahanly's age. The Swan stopped and everyone disembarked. Chiaia ran to a man with pale pink hair and glasses. He wore a white jacket and lime green pants.

"Father!" she called out as the two hugged. "Did you hear about Mexiah?"

"Yes, dear," the man confirmed. "I've heard the reports." He looked to Wahanly as she had a brief chat with Lashara. "Wahan, go to the workshop. It's the surprise for everyone."

"Yes, sir!" accepted Wahanly. She took off and the man glanced to the two boys.

"Ash Ketchum and Kenshi Masaki," he named. Ash and Kenshi looked to the man.

"Professor Naua?" addressed Ash. "Or could I call you Professor Flan?" Naua scoffed, not deterred.

"Professor Naua's what they call me," he corrected. "We have a battery of tests that we want to apply to the two of you. My assistant can show you to the labs. Follow him." Ash and Kenshi nodded as a gray-haired man in green bowed.

"Pikachu, you can stay with the girls," Ash pointed out.

("No argument here,") Pikachu sneered as he raced up onto Aura's shoulder.

"I guess it's my turn?" she teased. Just then, a thud. All turned to Rea, collapsed.

"Rea!" gasped Kenshi. He helped Rea up.

"I'm sorry," she weakly sighed. "I'm just tired, that's all."

"Luckily, the infirmary is along the way," the gray-haired pointed out. Kenshi carried Rea and Ash followed. In the infirmary, Ash and Kenshi helped Rea in a bed. The gray-haired brought out a stethoscope and patted around. "I detect no abnormalities so all she'll need is some rest."

"That's good," Ash huffed. The gray-haired led Ash and Kenshi down the hall as the rest of the girls gathered in a room with Naua.

"It will take some time before we receive the test results of Ash and Kenshi," he explained. "For now, I need to address our Ancient Civilizations." To Lashara, the coliseum's battles held a source.

"We believe it has something to do with Mexiah, or Doll," she guessed.

"It does." Naua's answer made Chiaia worried. Pikachu reached and patted Chiaia's side, trying to ease her. Chiaia's reaction was to pet him back. "Unlike now, a previous Civilization was almost entirely unified under one nation. Naturally, they still had divisions such as states, cities, towns and villages." This made Lashara suspect turmoil.

"Did the government eventually grow corrupt or suffer from civil strife?" she questioned. "Otherwise, why would they need Sacred MechaLords?" Maria sensed Lashara's information missing some details.

"I believe they were created well before the unification took place," she added.

"Princess, the Sacred MechaLords were created after the unification," Naua corrected. "Another part may be influenced by the first Sacred MechaLord, though smaller in comparison to other Sacred MechaLords." Aura gasped to the news.

"Wait, are you saying Ash's Sacred Mechanoid is actually a Sacred MechaLord?" she guessed.

"Yes," Naua confirmed. "In fact, Sacred MechaLords were modeled after the discovery of Excalibur's legends. However, unlike the legendary Arthur who led Ashvalha to independence, the Civilization created Sacred MechaLords but not for war. First, there were festivals held to offer cultural exchange. In a sense, it was a worldwide fair in which tournaments were held. Man-made giant robots were on display and due to the popularity, they adapted to the environment. Soon, these robots participated in various games. More games were made, including combat like robotic mixed martial arts and Robot Sumo. These tournaments brought entertainment and before long, the people called them Sacred MechaLords." The girls began to believe the history of Excalibur's role with Sacred MechaLords, though they did question Excalibur as a Sacred MechaLord itself.

"So, Excalibur was a man-made robot that people deemed the first Sacred MechaLord?" asked Aura.

"Judging by the history, Excalibur pioneered the robots, and eventually the Sacred MechaLords," Naua explained. "After all, these Sacred MechaLords were created by the imagination of man for power and wealth. Gambling made the tournaments more enjoyable since the Sacred MechaLords were not as powerful as today's Sacred Mechanoids." For Lashara, the link became noticeable. "In fact, what was believed to be a talented pilot at the time had as much strength as today's second-rank Sacred MechaMaster."

"Is that why people from different worlds were summoned here like Ash and Kenshi?" she assumed.

"Yes," Naua agreed. "Dark Elves for example…" Aura jumped as Pikachu rushed to Yukine, rather startled.

"Wait, we were summoned?" she gasped.

"That's right," Naua informed. "Especially your people's defective period is noticeably informal. This is explainable due to their adaptation to this world." Lashara felt the need to point out something.

"But wasn't the Civilization more technologically advanced?" she brought up. "I mean, why couldn't they remotely control these Sacred MechaLords like Arthur in his heyday?"

"You forget that back then, they engaged in sporting events," Naua reminded.

("It did sound like a more peaceful time,") Pikachu squeaked.

"Even Pikachu's understanding the Civilization's period," Naua smiled. "However, developmental wars began to rise. The more advanced the technology, the more they developed the pilots."

"And creating friction and hostility among each other," Lashara concluded.

"At first, they used… mechanical assistance," Naua continued. "Finding those with advanced Ahou resistance was exhausting… Then, they chose to manufacture pilots."

"So what Babalun said is starting to unravel," Lashara believed. "About Mexiah being 'artificial'."

"There's more, and since seeing Sacred MechaLords fighting became a show, those who enjoyed wanted more entertainment," Naua added. "The Pilot Death Rate ballooned. Pilots feared for their lives, understandably. That's when someone created Core Crystals. They stored pilot's skills and experience inside them. After pilots were killed or retired from age, the crystals could be transferred to a new body, the memories stored and the pilot suggestively reborn. To clarify, the pilots weren't skin and bone but crystal and thus, they became Sacred MechaMasters." However, Yukine had found an issue with this.

"So, the Civilization created Core Crystals hundreds of years after Excalibur's stand against radical forces," Yukine brought up. "If so, how could Excalibur be able to move without someone with a Core Crystal?"

"As unlikely as it sounds, the only explanation is that despite centuries if not millennia passing," Naua pondered. "Arthur is alive, let alone among us." Gasps could be heard.

"Wait, you mean that-" stuttered Maria.

"But- but how!?" wondered Chiaia.

"We've heard the tale of King Arthur of Ashvalha and how he used the Sacred MechaLord, Excalibur, to fend off the rogue forces and become king," Naua restarted. "Arthur and his wife, Queen Xiena, had a daughter named Yelina. As Ashvalha became its own country, an army from across an ocean stormed Arthur's kingdom, assassinated him, then took Xiena and Yelina to breed off and take Excalibur which was hidden to where he was discovered by Ash and Kenshi. Well, as it turns out, someone beat Xiena to have a child. A letter from Arthur clarifies it. According to the letter, after fending off the rogues, he was resting as using Excalibur taxed his energy that he lied down… He suddenly felt skin on him and when he was ready to rule Ashvalha again, a maid was missing. That means the maid had raped Arthur and became pregnant with his initial child that he didn't know about." This made everyone wonder if the two were in fact connected.

"So, what you're saying is that the maid had sex with the king and took his baby away?" guessed Maria.

"Most likely," Naua believed. "The maid would've found a way to escape Arthur's wrath and found a way to escape. Since then, the first-born of each after the maid would carry Arthur's and Excalibur's blood." Naua's explanation made Aura blink.

"Excalibur's… blood?" she repeated.

"Or rather, Excalibur's soul," Naua corrected himself. "In any case, the lineage seems to have continued for millennia and if it's true… he has definitely return to a new era… and with it, Mexiah." Chiaia looked to her father.

"My sister?" she remembered. "Or… who was my sister?"

"Yes, the one who controlled the most powerful Sacred MechaLord, Gaia," Naua added. "The greatest Sacred MechaLord the world began to know about. Mexiah was one of three artificial pilots made specifically to destroy Gaia. In order for that to happen, Mexiah was adopted for a family to interact with as she grew up." Chiaia began to break down, tears in her eyes.

"Mexiah, my sister, is an artificial being?" she gulped.

"Excuse us, but if she's an artificial being," Lashara spoke up. "Why does she look and behave so normal to us?"

"That's easy to answer since she's practically made of the same body structure," Naua replied. "Heck, she can become pregnant and have children." The girls blinked to the item.

"She can?" pondered Maria.

"Perhaps, her acting around Sirs Ash and Kenshi may be in belief of raising Sacred MechaMaster stronger than the three combined," Yukine hypothesized. Lashara and Maria groaned to Yukine's guess.

"Did the three pilots stop Gaia?" asked Aura.

"According to the literature, Mexiah and one other artificial being fought the Sacred MechaLord," Naua recalled. "Records indicated they won, but Mexiah was the one who survived."

"And Babalun?" voiced Chiaia. "Did his Sacred MechaMaster Barrier Reactor belonged to one of them?"

"It must have been," Aura bowed. "Also out of noticing the removal of the limiters, mostly by opposing Gaia." The girls' concerns grew.

"What else can you tell us?" urged Lashara.

"The remaining citizens destroyed the surviving Sacred MechaLords and erased her memory," Naua read. "They managed to revert Mexiah's structure to an infant and sealed her away in the center of the world. They couldn't dissemble the Shield of Gaia, let alone destroy it. We already realized they buried it within the Holy Land."

"And the church? Its role was to guard it from Gaia to have back?" Lashara's answer made Naua nod.

"Gaia wanted annihilation of everything, forcing survivors to struggle. Aside, the church had a precursor: that group covered distribution, transportation, allocation of goods in order to help the citizens."

("Gaia's still a big deal today,") Pikachu reminded.

"I suppose that explains why the church was so influential," Maria summarized. "And in so many countries."

("And no other country could support this?") asked Pikachu.

"It seems Pikachu's understanding more which is remarkable in itself," Naua awed. "Makes me wish I had a device that could help understand him better. Anyway, the church supplied many dangerous forms of technology like Sacred Mechanoids and Ahou barrier reactors so that we'd be free of Gaia's nightmarish carnage. What's more, to keep corruption from the church, they've implanted memories of the event into their subconscious minds." Suspicion grew within Lashara's mind.

"Then why excavate Gaia?" she scorned.

"Keep in mind that millennia had passed and the memories had been purged," Naua excused. "The Shitoreyu Empire excavated Gaia that belonged to them. Upon its return and a botched experiment later, the church claimed the Holy Land for themselves to hide the discovery. To stop other nations from competition over Sacred Mechanoid technology, the church used what they stored to supply them with Sacred Mechanoids in return."

"And these countries started their training on Sacred MechaMasters to control the Sacred Mechanoids?" Naua nodded to Lashara's question.

"20 years ago, a capsule was found in the Holy Land… or rather, the capsule unearthed itself." The information made Chiaia gasp.

"Was Mexiah inside?" she asked.

("It had to be, right?") gasped Pikachu.

"The capsule was meant to return to the surface once it reached its operational limit," Naua continued. "Those who sealed it underground probably felt sorry for Mexiah and I probably couldn't blame them. After all, I raised her as if she was my daughter before you, Chiaia." This made Chiaia cry a little before snapping back.

"But it doesn't make sense!" she hollered. "If you raised her, why is she obeying Babalun!?"

"It's not her fault either," Naua sighed. "I believe Babalun has her as a slave due to a safety feature she has to keep her from going berserk. Unfortunately, independent researchers have the documents from the excavated ruins and Babalun is from a long line of Sacred MechaMechanics. However, it may be up to Mexiah and her heart with Ash as Arthur's successor, should the studies be true or death knell to everyone and everything." Suddenly, an explosion. It ruptured the Barrier Workshop and rattled everyone. Ash raced around, trying to help those in the Workshop evacuate. That's when he saw Rea coming.

"Rea!" he called out. Rea stopped by Ash with something red in her hands.

"Ash, you need to evacuate as well," she issued.

"Yeah and-" That's when he saw the red item. "Something for the Swan?"

"Important data on Gaia that the church needs."

"Great, let's get-"

"Ash!" shouted Chiaia. She and Naua raced after the two. "Don't let her go! She has something we need!" Ash blinked before turning to Rea.

"Unfortunately, I have to commit a sin… your highness," she sneered as she donned the white mask that she wore.

"Wait, the storm!?" he remembered before lunging at "Rea." "I'll see you in the Holy Land!" She ran off as a Sacred Mechanoid's hand smashed through the glass, blocking access. Looking to the Sacred Mechanoid, Ash and Chiaia cringed.

"Chiaia, you need to get back to the Swan!" cried Naua as the other hand smashed through the glass and caught him.

"Father!" cried Chiaia. Looking to the Sacred Mechanoid, Ash and Chiaia found Doll as she sneered.

"It's been awhile… father," she coldly welcomed. Ash now faced Doll and now, part of his connection to Excalibur had been uncovered, but it may be for naught if Doll has anything to say about it.

TO BE CONTINUED…