Chapter 3: The Manor in The Woods

(Eterna Forest)

Ash, Pit, Dark Pit, Goh, Dawn, and Cynthia were walking through the forest.

Dark Pit- You know, I'm surprised a Poke'mon League champion like yourself would be tagging along with us.

Cynthia- Well, I can't have Ash be late for our battle in the World Coronation semifinals and win by default. And besides, I'm worried about Cheryl too. And as Sinnoh's champion, I feel it's my responsibility to help any trainer in need in Sinnoh, Dark Pit.

Dark Pit- Wait…you just called me Dark Pit and not Pittoo?!

Cynthia- You want me to call you Pittoo?

Dark Pit- No…I'm just not used to people getting my name correct right away. Huh…I think I like her already.

Ash- Palutena, are we close to whatever you sensed in the forest?

Palutena (telepathically to Ash)- Actually, you're on the path to it. But why do you want to go near that? Whatever it was Viridi and I sensed didn't seem pleasant.

Ash- Something is telling me that it must've been responsible for what happened to Cheryl.

Then Pikachu spotted something in the distance.

Pikachu- Pika Pi! Pikachu!

Ash- What is it, Pikachu?

Then Ash looked towards where Pikachu was pointing and saw a Chateau in the distance.

Dawn- Is that a mansion over there?

Pit- Sort of giving a Luigi's Mansion vibe to it.

Cynthia- It couldn't be…

Ash- Huh…you know something, Cynthia?

Cynthia- Well, it's said that there is a mansion in the Sinnoh region that was abandoned by its previous owner long before even I was born. It's never said why the owner left such a large and luxurious manor, but it was rumored to also be cursed. Everyone in Sinnoh called it the Old Chateau. During the day, it's home to just about every ghost type Poke'mon found in Sinnoh, but it's said after the sun sets, whoever goes inside of it is never seen again.

Goh- Yikes! Hey, you think that's what happened to Cheryl?

Ash- It would make sense. Cheryl and Chansey must've needed a place to stay for the night and decided to take shelter in there.

Palutena (telepathically to Ash)- You sure that's a good idea? The sun sets in two hours. And whatever was sending that dark vibe…I'm detecting is coming from inside that mansion…

Pit- Hey, I'm sure Ash and I can handle anything that this mansion tries to throw our way. And I'm sure your light and neutralize any ghost, even King Boo.

Then Dawn clings to Pit.

Pit- Can I help you with something…?

Dawn- I'm a little scared about going in there. Could you stay close to me, Pit?

Pit- I seriously doubt anything that dangerous will be coming for you in that mansion.

Ash- And besides, Ho-Oh usually comes to my aid when things get that dangerous.

Cynthia- Ho-Oh? You mean the legendary phoenix Poke'mon?

Ash- Yeah. You know the original Super Mario Brothers' Team that defeated Tabuu 1,000 years ago? Well, one of them was a Poke'mon Trainer named Prince Calmly.

Cynthia- I think I remember reading something about that in one of my grandmother's books. Calmly was the crowned prince of the Kanto region and was a very strong Poke'mon Trainer. It also said he had earned the trust and respect of a legendary Poke'mon…wait…is that…

Ash- Yeah, he's the same Ho-Oh who battled alongside Prince Calmly. And he's chosen me as his new master, but Ho-Oh only comes when he's needed. And he's very good at showing up precisely when I need him. Like when I was launched off of Poke'mon Tower in Lavender Town, Ho-Oh was right there to catch me before I hit the ground.

Cynthia- That does sound interesting. But why not use Ho-Oh in the World Coronation? I'm sure Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire would've been useful against Steeven's Mega Metagross.

Ash- Like I said, Ho-Oh only comes when I need him. And Kyrin explained to me that if I used Ho-Oh whenever I wanted, he would give me a complete unfair advantage against almost all of my opponents. And believe me, Ho-Oh is as strong as the stories say he is. But I'm getting distracted. We should be looking for any clues about Cheryl in the Old Chateau.

Goh- And maybe catch any ghost type Poke'mon!

Ash- Goh, we're here to find Cheryl first! Please don't get distracted with filling the Poke'dex like you did when you tried to catch that Waking Wake in the Origami Temple!

(Prince Calmly's Castle in Kanto)

Ho-Oh was standing on the roof of the castle as he had made a bird's nest to rest in. As Ho-Oh stepped in the nest, he closed his eyes and lowered his legs. However, Ho-Oh noticed there was someone standing behind him even with his eyes closed.

Viridi- Sorry to bother you, Ho-Oh.

Ho-Oh- This had better be important, Viridi. I just got comfortable.

Viridi- Hey! That's no way to talk to a goddess! Even if you are a legendary Poke'mon.

Ho-Oh- Forgive me if that seemed rude, but a Poke'mon's respect go towards their master. And that is currently Master Ash for me. But anyway, what is it you want from me?

Viridi- Well, Ash and Pit are looking for this missing trainer in the Sinnoh region and I picked up some strange presence in that area. It felt like something demonic. Something too dark and powerful for a Poke'mon to cause. It seemed to be coming from this abandoned mansion in this forest near Eterna City and I was wondering if you know anything about the Old Chateau…

Then Ho-Oh's eyes instantly opened and he turned his head to look at Viridi. Ho-Oh's expression also changed from tired to anxious in the blink of an eye.

Ho-Oh- Did you say…the Old Chateau?!

Viridi- Yes…

Then Ho-Oh presses is face right up to Viridi's.

Ho-Oh- And you're telling me that Master Ash is there right now?!

Viridi- I left the group so I could talk to you, but it's possible…

Ho-Oh- Oh shit!

Then Ho-Oh spread his wings and began to fly into the air.

Viridi- What are you doing, Ho-Oh?

Ho-Oh- I'm heading for Sinnoh! I need to get to Master Ash as soon as possible! And hopefully before the sun sets…and it comes out!

Then Ho-Oh dashes off into the sky and towards the Sinnoh region. Viridi just stood on the roof of Prince Calmly's castle and watched as Ho-Oh flew out of sight.

Viridi- That's not a good sign…