~One Year Later~
"No good... they've been destroyed..." A young boy was rummaging through remnants of Shadow Pokémon in a grassy plain. The vast majority of Shadow Synergy crystals that had been corrupting them were rusted, dented, or just broken in general, but there was a chance that they could find one that was still active; this hope always brought him here.
He picked up another Shadow Synergy crystal, examining it. "The joint stone... it's also broken." Sighing, the boy tossed it away.
"It's completely useless." The boy stood back up, let out a sleepy yawn while stretching, and collapsed within the shade of a nearby tree.
While dozing off, a wild Yanma hovered over the site before flying off. Its noise woke the boy back up, so he followed the Yanma's movements when it rested on a tall stalk of grass, noticing more destroyed Shadow Pokémon behind it while he was at it.
The boy slightly lifted his head, and opened his eyes wider upon noticing one piece in particular.
"A Shadow Parasect!" he exclaimed with a start. Scrambling, he ran straight for it, seeing the Shadow Synergy crystals that corrupted it in good condition. "Purifying its crystals would make them perfect for crafting a shield!" he said, grabbing the crystals. As hard as he was pulling, they refused to budge a bit. "If I can just... get it off...," he gritted out, "I should be able to-"
Abruptly, the pieces moved, and the boy lost his grip and quickly stepped backward, drawing his weapon to prepare for a battle.
"Ash!"
Ash's friend charged in, gunlance in hand. Running in front of Ash, he swung its shield into the Shadow Pokémon, smashing it backwards and away from the two.
[BGM - Time to Fight!]
"Gary!" Ash said, grateful for the assistance, and watching as pincers reached out from within the Shadow Pokémon. Two eyestalks emerged, and the decayed amalgamation of crystals turned to face them. "It's not a Shadow Pokémon! It's just a Dwebble! It was using the Shadow Pokémon's crystals to replace its shell!"
"I'll lure it away and Topple it!" Gary said, eyes fixed on the Pokémon. He sidestepped away from the Dwebble as it tried to slash at him with its pincer. "When it's down, use your Arts to finish it off!"
Landmark:
Shadow Synergy Wreckage Site
In a much brighter setting, a Wild Dwebble appeared! And unexpectedly, the Dwebble was able to attack Ash before the pink orb could explain a new tutorial.
"When your HP gauge is depleted, you'll be incapacitated," the pink orb explained.
"I'm already like a fifth of the way there, thanks!" Ash snarked.
"You currently have access to two different Arts: Use Back Slash to deal damage, and use Light Heal to restore HP to yourself or your allies," the pink orb continued.
Judging by their fighting styles, Ash was the glass cannon; he could deal more damage than Gary in exchange for having less in the way of defense. Gary, on the other hand, could take hits for longer periods of time, so it was better if the enemies attacked him instead of Ash. After using Back Slash on the Dwebble's backside to deal more damage, the pink orb returned with some more tutoring.
"You can't use the same Art repeatedly; after a set amount of cooldown time dependent on the Art, you can use it again," it explained.
Ash and Gary kept peppering the Dwebble with their physical combos, which eventually allowed them access to their Talent Arts.
"Talent Arts are Arts that are built specifically for certain characters, human or Pokémon alike," the pink orb explained, "In order to use Talent Arts, you must use physical combos. After a set amount of hits, it'll be ready for use." In Ash's case, his Talent Art was known as Turn Strike, an offensive Art that inflicted a status that he called Break. By itself, the Break status was meaningless, but it opened up a chance to inflict another status that Gary referred to as Topple. Hence the name, Topple would paralyze the enemy, rendering them unable to do anything for the duration. This would be Ash and co.'s goal in many battles to come, yet he didn't see any point in trying to go for it now since, well, the Pokémon had already fainted. Upon defeating it, it dropped its iron shell and a smaller shell. However, Ash and Gary still couldn't leave by the looks of it, due to there being a barrier in the way.
"During barrier battles, a green barrier will prevent you from escaping, hence the name," the pink orb explained, "Defeat all enemies to make the barrier disappear."
"Don't forget to be aware of aggro, too," it continued, "Aggro is the measure of an enemy's feelings of animosity towards each ally. The more damage they take from a party member, the greater their aggro will be towards them. Certain arts are also more effective from certain positions. Ash, your Back Slash, for example, will deal more damage if you use it from behind your targeted enemy. This is known as the Art's Bonus Effect. Use aggro in your favor to help find the best position. When Gary has the aggro, for example, you have an opportunity to use Back Slash from the rear."
In the Dwebble's place, a Caterpie was there. Ash spent the last battle charging up his Talent Art, so he could open with Turn Strike to inflict Break. Ever so coincidentally, Gary had an Art that would inflict Topple. While an enemy was toppled, they were completely helpless, meaning Ash and his cohorts could deal larger amounts of damage and also couldn't miss, so they could attack away!
[BGM - Everyday Life - Xenoblade Chronicles]
"Thanks, Gary," Ash said, returning his sword to his back. "That was a close one."
Gary also returned his gunlance to his back, after which he chastised his friend. "Man, what were you thinking wandering off by yourself?" he asked. "Just stay where I can keep an eye on you. It's pretty dangerous outside the town; there are all kinds of hostile Pokémon."
"Yeah..." Ash replied with a smile of embarrassment. "But thanks to you, we got its Shadow Synergy crystals. Everyone in the town's gonna be really happy once they're purified."
"I'm more worried about you than the crystals..." Gary said, scratching his head. "Ah, whatever... Knowing what you like, at least you can make a decent weapon out of them. This Scrap Driver's excellent," he added, referring to his gunlance.
"I just learned from watching Alain make weapons from purified Shadow Synergy crystals," Ash said with a shrug.
"Course, Calem's weapon still beats them all."
"The Bonding Blade..." Ash mused, stroking his chin. "I hope I can find the secret of its power one day."
"You will, Ash," Gary sincerely said, comforting his friend with confidence. "Anyway, we'd best get back to the town. If I'm late for drills again, Lt. Surge is gonna kill me."
"Like the Vermilion Gym Leader?" Ash said, briefly confused. "Oh, he's also a Defense Force Lieutenant. His bad side is pretty scary," Ash knowingly nodded.
"Tell me about it," Gary said while looking away.
"Sorry; I didn't mean for you to come all the way out here during your break," a guilt-filled Ash said.
"Don't worry about it," Gary said, turning to face the route back to the town. "Let's get back."
Once the conversation was behind them, the pink orb returned with more exposition. "Don't forget that you can review our teachings at any time. But what if you weren't listening to this teaching that tells you that you can review our teachings? You would be completely screwed, right? NO, of course not! More of our expositions will be added throughout your journey, so you just have to ask me to review topics that have already been introduced before. Really nice and thoughtful, huh?"
[BGM - Colony 9]
On the way back to the town, Ash saw something glowy. Glowy was second only to shiny, so of course he had to pick it up.
"Run over the glowy item orbs to gather collectables," the pink orb tutored. "The latest additions to your collection can be registered in the Collectopaedia. Fill in a row or collect every item in the area to receive a reward." With this knowledge, it would be very worth Ash's time to collect every item orb he saw; he just needed to walk into them to collect their items. As an example, the item orb he collected was known as a Dance Apple. From there, more item orbs littered the road ahead of them, taking the form of two more Dance Apples, a Cool Potato, and a Buneary Diode. At the end of their trail, Ash and Gary found themselves welcomed back to Pallet Town.
[BGM - Hometown - Xenoblade Chronicles]
"Here we are," Gary said upon re-entering their hometown. "I'd better stop in at HQ. You off to Professor Oak's Lab?"
"Yes," Ash replied, nodding, "when I've sold any parts that I can't use."
"All right. See you later."
When Ash headed into towns, there would usually be shops near the entrance. It was during this time that the pink orb returned for yet more exposition. "Make money through winning Pokémon Battles. Completing quests people give can also get you money, alongside items. This might sound like busy work, but it's actually not! Most of the time, you'll find items they want, for example, without really trying just from journeying normally, or stumble upon the Pokémon they want to get rid of accidentally on your beaten path. In other words, the rewards from these sidequests will offset any grinding necessary," it explained. "Alternatively, you can trade with certain people; they can gladly take an item you don't need in exchange for a rare item. Enjoy both these things throughout your journey; it can progress even if you don't do any trading or complete any quests. However, using these features will work out in your favor throughout your adventures."
Unlike in the original timeline, Pallet Town was more populated, and came with shops and a military base on top of the houses and laboratory that the original timeline's Pallet Town had. People were bustling about, humans with their Pokémon, joined by the self-sustaining cloned Pokémon. Of course, it was midday, and shops were open, so it was only natural for it to be busy. Humans and clones alike were socializing and bargaining alike as they purchased groceries, clothes, and anything else that they needed in their everyday lives.
Landmark:
Main Entrance
Location:
Commercial District
"I can feel the power!" Ash shouted to himself. Defeating Pokémon, winning battles, completing certain sidequests, or just exploring the vast world of Pokémon would all contribute to strengthening his resolve, and would all add up in the end of his journey.
Landmark:
Gaia Light
Upon entering this landmark, Ash noticed a shop that wasn't here in his previous timeline, and took this opportunity to upgrade basically every piece of equipment possible. More specifically, with 3000 Pokémon Dollars, he bought a Parlour Jacket (Clothing popular with night owls; keeps you toasty in the small hours) for 1200, spent 840 on a Protector Amulet (A charm bracelet popular with kids; wards off danger and brings love), and 840 more on Town Pants (Light, comfortable trousers fashionable in Pallet Town).
Once the expenditures were said and done, Ash went over to a fellow resident and asked him about his problem.
"Good day," the resident greeted Ash. "My niece asked me to get her something cute. I just wish I was better at finding stuff like that! Will you help me?"
Quest Name: Collection Quest 1
From: Pallet Town Resident
Information: A resident wants to find something cute for his niece. Collect 2 Buneary Diodes in Pallet Town (1/2).
Rewards: 500 Pokémon Dollars
"Great! She'll be thrilled!" the resident said.
Afterwards, Ash met up with another resident that was in need of assistance.
"A verdant Caterpie's near Anti-Air Battery 1," he explained. "I can't stand the sight of it. Disgusting thing that's more dangerous than it looks. You'll take care of it, won't you?"
Quest Name: Challenge 2
From: Pallet Town Resident
Information: You have been asked to eliminate a gigantic Pokémon because it looks hard to defeat.
Rewards: 1800 Pokémon Dollars
"Good. I hope it doesn't come too close to the Anti-Air Battery itself," he hoped. "I feel ill just thinking about it, never mind looking at it!"
While it looked like the quests were piling up, Ash still had another resident at Gaia Light who needed help.
"Deary me," Marcia began. "My grandsons are having quite the altercation! And now to get the upper hand they are both in training."
"That doesn't sound good," Ash replied.
"Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous? I certainly haven't. I do hope the younger of the two wins, though. He is my flesh and blood, after all. That's why I'd like someone to take him the biscuits I've made. It might encourage him to train harder!"
Quest Name: Biscuits for a Grandson
From: Marcia
Information: Take Marcia's biscuits to her grandson, Jiroque. Jiroque is in the Residential District, training to win a fight with his older brother.
Rewards: 800 Pokémon Dollars, 30 EXP, Swimming Sandals
"I'm most grateful," Marcia added. "My legs aren't what they used to be, you see. Even getting to the Residential District is awkward. I'll make you some biscuits."
"No problem," Ash confidently answered. "Leave it to me!"
"Make sure my grandson gets those biscuits. All of them, preferably."
Once Ash gained Marcia's biscuits, he continued on his way to the lab when he saw another resident in need of help.
"Oh, good gracious!" the resident said. "You won't believe what a silly fool I am! I've lost something I really need. Will you help me find it?"
Quest Name: Search Quest 3
From: Pallet Town Resident
Information: A resident has lost her key and can't get back into her house. Find the lost key for her.
Rewards: 1000 Pokémon Dollars, 50 EXP
"I knew I'd get you all fired up if I did my damsel in distress act!" she said, knowing that all hope wasn't lost yet. "But I am a fool, losing my door key. My fate is in your hands!"
Landmark:
Gem Man's Stall
Curious as to what the man's contraption did, Ash figured it wouldn't hurt to ask him.
"Hello there, young'un," the Gem Man said, "I got something that might interest ya. Rather, somethin' to tell ya. It's about this here furnace. When Pokémon, wild or Shadow, faint, they leave Synergy crystals behind. Everyone knows that, don't they? Gaia particles in the body are... Oops, that stuff's too complicated. Just remember that wild or Shadow Pokémon drop Synergy crystals when they faint. But I haven't got to the best part yet. Ready? Don't be shocked. This furnace compresses (Shadow) Synergy crystals and removes impurities. You can use it to make Synergy gems! What? No reaction? Hmph, kids these days... You don't know how amazing this thing is. You can use the furnace to make Synergy gems. They've got the powers of Synergy crystals but highly condensed. In the case of Shadow Synergy crystals, they are also purified into regular Synergy crystals. These Synergy gems can give you all sorts of powers! They're great for use in the home or by the Defense Force! Just put 'em in weapons or armour that have slots, or any Poké Balls! What? That's not much of a reaction. Never mind... It'd probably be quicker for you to try it. If ya wanna give it a try, just put gems in your weapon slots. That weapon of yours'll do fine." After this explanation, the Gem Man gave him two Synergy gems: a Strength Up II, and an HP Up II.
Immediately after Ash gained them, the pink orb returned with some exposition regarding the gems.
"Use gems to strengthen your equipment," the pink orb began. "Gems have various qualities. If a gem is inserted into a piece of equipment that has a slot, the equipment takes on that quality. Later in your journey you will gain the ability to make gems yourself."
Once this was done, Ash continued on his way to the lab only to find yet another resident in need of help.
"I got attacked on my way to Viridian Forest earlier," the resident explained. "I think they were Wood Buneary. I was on Route 2 at the time. You wouldn't mind sorting them out, right?"
Quest Name: Pokémon Quest 3
From: Pallet Town Resident
Information: Defeat the Wood Buneary that are threatening the safety of Pallet Town (0/2).
Rewards: 800 Pokémon Dollars
"Wonderful!" he responded to Ash accepting the task. "Next time I can feel more safe as I stride blindly into danger."
With this out of the way, Ash wanted to talk to one last resident before getting to the Central Plaza.
"Do you know where to find Spearow Teeth?" the resident asked. "My grandma keeps on telling me that she needs two of them. They must be for her handicrafts. If you don't find them for me, I'll never hear the end of it!"
Quest Name: Material Quest 3
From: Pallet Town Resident
Information: A resident's grandmother doesn't have enough materials for her embroidery. Help by collecting 2 Spearow Teeth in Pallet Town (0/2).
Rewards: 800 Pokémon Dollars
"Thanks a million!" she said. "I don't know if getting them will be dangerous, but if so, be careful!"
Landmark:
Central Plaza
Ash couldn't help but admire the underside of the massive iron spire that he was underneath; it closely resembled Lumiose City's Prism Tower. From here, it was just a short walk to the Military District, a tall base built into the cliffside.
Landmark:
Fortress Entrance
"Cool!" Ash felt stronger from just venturing through Pallet Town, seeing landmarks that weren't here before. This served as a cue for the pink orb to bring more exposition.
"The world of Pokémon features landmarks (important places and secret areas) and locations (points of interest)," the pink orb explained, "Discovering landmarks and locations will help strengthen your resolve. Find all of an area's landmarks/locations to open up the entire area map."
Without any further delays, Ash headed inside this district's open plaza, surrounded by buildings and tall walls.
"You idiots!" a man shouted just as Ash entered the district. "What the Distortion World are you playing at?!"
"Uh-oh!" Ash thought to himself, stopping to look in the direction of the shouting voice. "The lieutenant's gonna explode."
Lieutenant Surge's entire build amplified his fury, two of his unfortunate soldiers shrinking in fear.
[BGM - Riki the Legendary Heropon]
"Crashing the mobile house into artillery?!" Surge shouted, wildly flailing his arms in rage. "How long have you been in the force?!"
"Sorry, sir..." one soldier stammered. "We were just trying to go as fast as we could, like you ordered..."
"But it's impossible to get back to the Military District in only 40 seconds," his braver companion defended.
"I don't want any excuses!" Surge angrily yelled. "Champions don't whine, they dine with wine!"
"44 seconds, perhaps?"
The lieutenant leaned closer to the two soldiers, who shrank back further. "You're a disgrace to the uniform! Are you forgetting the shame you brought on this force during joint maneuvers with New Park Town?! Stick your back into it, maggots! Move it!"
"Yes, sir."
"Get the artillery back to the Military District, double time!" Surge ordered. "Then I want a billion push-ups from both of you, and you better not stop until your biceps explode!"
Even if he was facing the wrath of his lieutenant, one of the soldiers cleared his throat. "Lieutenant. We can't move the artillery."
"WHAT?" Surge exploded, "You'd better give a damn good reason why!"
"Sir!" the soldier bravely continued. "The impact of the crash damaged the Gaia conduction cable! The Gaia fuel ignited after leaking out, destroying the cylinder!"
"THEN CHANGE THE CYLINDER!" the exasperated lieutenant yelled. "Can't you even do something as easy as that?"
"The auxiliary cylinders have all been used up; it'll be three days until more come in, sir."
"I told you to keep a stock of fuel in reserve!"
"Sorry, sir..."
"YOU'RE NOTHING BUT SLACKERS!" Surge shouted, punching the soldier in the face.
Ash flinched, placing a hand before his face. "Same old lieutenant..." he remarked. "At this rate, the men will all have died before they can see any action."
[BGM - Hometown - Xenoblade Chronicles]
Location:
Military District
Upon entering this District, a Defense Force soldier needed help next.
"I want you to defeat some Stone Dwebbles near Cinnabar Shore," the soldier demanded. "We cull them regularly to stop their numbers from growing too high."
Quest Name: Pokémon Quest 2
From: Defense Force Soldier
Information: Defeat 2 Stone Dwebbles (0/2) on Cinnabar Shore to preserve the balance of Pallet Town's ecology.
Rewards: 800 Pokémon Dollars
"Sorry to have to ask you," he apologized. "Cinnabar Shore is south of the town. It's a bit far, but you'll get there eventually."
Afterward, Ash skirted away from the angry lieutenant and the two soldiers.
Location:
Professor Oak's Laboratory
Just before heading inside, Ash noticed another resident in the form of a cloned Gloom.
"Me run out of materials for my research," the cloned Gloom explained. "But too busy to go get more! Friends maybe go get for me?"
Quest Name: Material Quest 1
From: Pallet Town Resident
Information: There aren't enough materials to proceed with the research. Collect 2 Small Shells (1/2) in Pallet Town.
Rewards: 500 Pokémon Dollars
"Friends will really go? Th-thank you!" the resident expressed. "Dwebbles always dropping Small Shells."
Afterward, Ash entered the lab, climbing up the stairs that led to the Bonding Blade, resting on a bank of metallic infrastructure that kept it parallel to the ground. He always found his gaze glued to the sword, even if he was working on another project.
"Hello, Ash. How are you?" a familiar voice rang out.
"Professor Oak! And Alain as well!" Ash happily cried out. Professor Oak was holding a stack of papers in one hand, while Alain was sitting at a desk. "When did you both get back to Pallet Town?"
"Just now; I see you've been busy." Alain continued.
"Looks like your Bonding Blade research has been going well." Oak raised the pile of papers while Alain got up to approach Ash.
"We made the right choice leaving you in charge." Alain stated.
"Your research notes really helped," Ash said.
Professor Oak also got closer to the Bonding Blade, curious as to what Ash found out about it and its powers. "So you can activate it now then?"
"Well... anyone can activate it," Ash said, leaning towards it. "The challenge is controlling it."
"Yeah..." Alain said, straightening. "For everyone except him." he flatly stated.
"Yes." Ash answered. "If anyone other than Calem were able to control the Bonding Blade, they could become the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world."
"You think so?" Oak asked with general curiosity. "What are these hidden functions that you've mentioned?"
"It's still only conjecture," Ash explained, "...but it's starting to look like the Bonding Blade could be something far more significant than just a weapon for use against Shadow Pokémon."
"I see..." Alain slowly noted. "And the evidence to support it?"
"It's the symbol that appears at the guard when it's activated," Ash said, indicating the crossguard that joined the blade and hilt. "From my information, the symbol appears at the base of the blade, and it alongside the crossguard and hilt are all constructed differently. If we could just... unlock... the Bonding Blade's power..."
As he reached for the symbol-less base of the blade, Ash instantly thought back to one year prior.
[BGM - Sorrow - Xenoblade Chronicles]
"Calem! Calem!" Serena cried, standing over the stretcher carrying her brother. From the waist up, he was covered in bandages wrapped around his chest and right arm, and they were soaked in sweat glistening on his exposed skin.
"Prioritize the most severely injured! Come on! MOVE IT!" Surge could be heard calling, as more and more transports returned with their wounded passengers. Yet Ash joined Serena, his childhood friend, with the injured Calem, as the injured Trainer's head rolled back in forth, and his body was in glaring pain.
"Calem!" he coughed up, scarred by the Trainer's condition.
"Don't look like that," Calem choked out, turning to Serena. "I haven't gone yet."
He then moved his head back to face Ash, managing to open his eyes a bit. "Ash..." he painfully breathed.
Startled, Ash crouched to Calem's height, planting his ear to the Trainer's lips.
His voice was barely audible amidst the blaring siren, the shouting orders, the roar of transports, and the stomping of boots as soldiers rushed all throughout the pandemonium. But Ash still heard.
"Serena... take real good care of her... for me. And the Bonding Blade... it was... controlling me. Even so... it saved us... saved... our future. Next... it'll be up to you..."
Shocked, Ash froze in place, standing tall over the passing stretcher and watching as it carried the injured Calem, with Serena closely following it. In an attempt to get his mind off of Calem's health, Ash looked over to the interior of the transport that carried Calem. Sure enough, the Bonding Blade was propped in one corner, like it was forgotten.
"Calem..." Ash quietly said to himself.
"Well," Alain abruptly said, "I'd best get supplies delivered to the Defense Force. I'll drop around HQ and see how they're doing." At the same time, Professor Oak was ready to follow Alain and leave his laboratory as well.
"Alright," Ash said. "I'll see you both later."
Alain and Oak glanced at each other before the latter heavily sighed. "Ash," the latter replied, "You're spending too much time in my lab. And when you're not doing that, you're either playing your Nintendos or rummaging for Shadow Synergy crystals in the rough junk. It's just not healthy for a soon-to-be Trainer like you."
"That also explains why you always look so pasty," Professor Oak added. "You should get out and get some fresh air every once in a while."
Ash didn't quite know how to reply, but it may not have mattered anyway. Almost instantly, Alain turned away and waved. "Alright, we're off."
After some time, Ash also left the lab, leaving the Bonding Blade behind.