Chapter 40

As we traverse the Obsidian Fieldlands en route to Lake Verity to meet Mesprit, we eventually reach the cave where the elusive Pokémon resides. Upon entering, we are greeted by Mesprit itself.

"Hello again," Mesprit says. "I understand your purpose, but first, I'd like to witness your strength."

We exchange surprised glances at Mesprit's unexpected proposal, realizing it's open to being captured only after a battle. Determined, I respond, "If it's a battle you seek, then let's do it."

I select Kleavor as my partner for the impending confrontation. Utilizing X-Scissor, Kleavor lands a powerful blow on Mesprit during the battle. Seizing the opportunity, we then unleash an Ultra Ball to capture Mesprit.

As Mesprit materializes, it speaks, "If you seek your fragments, I regret to inform you that I do not possess one. Perhaps Uxie or Azelf could assist you."

I furrow my brow, puzzled. "But that doesn't add up... If you don't have one, where can we find the remaining three?"

"Perhaps recalling something might lead us to the answers we seek," Alice suggests as we depart from the cavern, hopeful for clues elsewhere.

Upon reaching the Crimson Mirelands, they arrive at the Diamond Settlement and are welcomed by Adaman. With a smile, Adaman exclaims, "Well, well, if it isn't Ash, Alice, and Rei! Perfect timing. I found some treasure you'd be interested in."

"A treasure?" Rei inquires, his curiosity piqued.

Adaman grins, "Did that make your ears perk up? Happy to fill you in, if you're curious..."

"Did that grab your attention? Well, I'll gladly spill the details if you're keen..."

"Yeah, I'm really curious, so get straight to the point," Ash interjects.

"There's that Survey Corps spirit! Curiosity's what moves science forward, according to good old Mr. Professor. But come to think of it, what I've found seems too valuable to just let you in on it for free. You'll need to work a little!"

"We've already put in our fair share of work," Alice responds. "Just tell us what you need."

"Here's the deal. I want you to show me what's in your mind, your heart...your soul! In short: battle me!" Adaman proposes.

"You could have just said that," I remark. "We're up for a battle."

"Then it's on! Time to see what you've got," Adaman declares, releasing Vaporeon, Umbreon, and Leafeon. I choose Pikachu and Infernape as my partners for the confrontation.

"Here I come, knowing full well how tough you are...For the future of the Diamond Clan!"

Adaman orchestrates a coordinated attack from all three Eeveelutions, catching both of our Pokémon off guard, but despite their synergy, the battle culminates in me emerging victorious.

"You're really something...and I'm a man of my word. So, here's that treasure," Adaman says, presenting an object. our eyes widen in recognition. Though it's more of a crystal than an orb, we know it's the Adamant Orb.

"This used to be my grandfather's. He said it was somehow related to almighty Sinn-I mean, to mighty Dialga. So, now that I've put you through the wringer a little, it seems right to give it to you since you're the one who caught mighty Dialga!" Adaman explains.

"That could be true," Alice agrees.

"Y'know, I ought to tell you...I'm glad it was you who fell out of the sky to us. You taught me another way to get along with Pokemon...another way to relate to the world!" Adaman adds warmly.

After we bid farewell, Rei says, "Ah, the Adamant Crystal... I really miss this one."

"You probably still have one in your dimension. I want to take this one for your copy." I say, causing him to sigh a little.

As we reach Lake Valor, Azelf approaches us, floating gently as it speaks, "Ash, Alice, Rei. Welcome back. I've missed your presence."

"Hello, Azelf. I presume you're aware of our purpose for being here?" I inquire.

"I don't possess Father's fragment; that's with Uxie. However, it doesn't mean I'm unwilling to join you. After all, you're the one linked to me, even across time," Azelf responds.

"That's perfectly alright," I reply, smiling. "You're welcome to join our team."

After we capture him, Rei remarks, "With Lake Valor completed, the only one remaining is Uxie, located at Lake Acuity near the Pearl Clan's domain."

"But before we return to Alabaster Icelands, we're planning to head to Cobalt Coastlands first. There, we aim to locate Heatran," Alice states with determination.

Upon reaching the Beachside Camp at Cobalt Coastlands, we encounter Palina and Irida eagerly waiting for us. "The festival attended by everyone in the clans and Galaxy Team alike...Oh, it was wonderful! Being able to spend time with Iscan in front of everyone was like a dream come true," Palina shares with a joyful expression.

"Ash, Alice, Rei, Lina—ah, I'm sorry—Palina here has something she wants to discuss with you." Irida asks.

"That's right. You should also hear this, Irida." Palina begins. "It seems something is once again very much amiss on Firespit Island."

"O-oh? Firespit Island?" Irida's expression shifts to one of concern.

"Or dear. You seem reluctant to get involved." Palina remarks.

"It's just...very hot there," Irida hesitates.

"My, you speak in such disparaging terms of the seat that my lord, Arcanine, calls home! And to think, you call yourself our leader, Irida," Palina teases.

"N-no, Lina, I didn't-" Irida stutters, interrupted by Palina's annoyance. "Oh, stop with that silly old nickname in front of others, won't you!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything by it! It's just an...an old habit..." Irida mutters. "Well, anyway, you heard her! Please get to Firespit Island so we can resolve this! Truly please hurry. I might melt out there..."

We look at one another with concern, before we set off. Arriving at Firespit Island, we encounter Iscan awaiting our arrival. "Ash, Alice, and Rei. Thank you for coming so far out of your way," Iscan acknowledges gratefully.

"Er, Warden Iscan, wasn't Palina joining us?" Irida queries, puzzled.

"O-oh, yes. About that...um..." Iscan hesitates. "It seems she wanted some time with her lord, so...she's asked us to check the Lava Dome Sanctum. Without her."

"What! The nerve of - She knows I can't stand sweltering places like this!" Irida protests.

"I-I'm sure she meant no ill will. The warden of the Lord of the Isles is such a kind, gentle soul...A-anyway, Ash, Alice, and Rei, shall we go? Might as well get this over with." Iscan suggests hesitantly.

"Absolutely," Alice agrees. "Let's move forward."

As we venture deeper into the volcano, we encounter Heatran awaiting our arrival. Suddenly, Heatran becomes engulfed in flames and charges toward us. We manage to evade its fiery assault.

"Hey, what's happening?" I ask, visibly concerned.

"I'm not sure, but we have to find a way to stop it," Rei responds. "We can't get too close; its body is pure magma."

"What do we do then?" Alice queries.

I notice some mud balls scattered on the ground. Grabbing one, I realize, "If we use water, it'll just evaporate. We need to use mud balls to halt Heatran."

"I hope your plan works," Alice remarks as both Rei and she also start collecting mud balls, dodging Heatran's Earth Power attacks. As we pelt Heatran with enough mud balls, we notice it becoming stunned.

"I hope this is enough," I say cautiously.

Carefully approaching, I throw a Gigaton Ball from behind, and to our surprise, Heatran is successfully captured. "Was it that easy?" Alice wonders aloud.

"I'm not sure," I reply, noticing a plate on the ground. "It's the Iron Plate!" Picking it up, I read the inscription, "That which fills the other side of the world can shape the rage and mold it."

"Phew. At least the heat's let up a bit," Irida murmurs, fanning herself to alleviate the heat.

"With both Arcanine and Heatran spewing flames about on a volcanic island, it certainly does get a bit toasty..." Iscan remarks.

"Warden Iscan, I have to ask...Do you think there was any need at all for me to be here?" Irida inquires.

"Uh, well, um... Y-Yes, of course, there was! After all, you are the leader of the Pearl Clan, and this trouble cropped up right around the seat of one of your clan's nobles so...um...Yes, it was surely best for you to come to see it. Admirable of you to look after your clan's affairs."

"Do you really think so? I was wondering if it might not be revenge for all the times I pushed Lina to train her Growlithe harder..." Irida mumbles.

"Th-th-that's...surely not the case!" Iscan hastily assures Irida. "Even if Warden Palina may have mentioned something about the need for, um, tough love..."

"I thought so. To think, she was so patient and kind with Growlithe, but when it comes to me..." Irida murmurs.

"Well, Ash, Alice, and Rei, you did great! I'll, um, just head back ahead of you, then..." Iscan says, receiving nods from the group.

Once we head outside, I say, "Our next destination is Coronet Highlands. There are a few things left for us to take care of there," he announces.

With unanimous consent, we depart from the Cobalt Coastlands and set course for the Coronet Highlands.

Arriving at the Summit Camp in Coronet Highlands, we are taken aback to find both Melli and Calaba at the Moonview Arena.

"I don't suppose grunts as you would even know, but I guess it behooves me to ask...Do you know the Pokemon called Cresselia?" Melli inquires. "We're quite familiar with it," Rei replies.

"Well, I figured you'd know. I wouldn't expect any less from someone who managed to defeat me, even if it was just a fluke!" Melli remarks. "Excuse me?" We struggle to contain our irritation, but Calaba intervenes, diffusing the tension for the moment.

"Cresselia is said to be the very embodiment of the crescent moon. Her feathers are called Lunar Feathers, and legend says that if you hold one as you fall asleep, you'll be visited with wondrous dreams."

"Well, I call her a nightmare, that pesky Cresselia! She descended upon Moonview Arena and caused my lord to hide itself away!" Melli exclaims. "I'm so worried about Electrode that I can't even sleep, never mind dream!"

"Think you might be able to catch Cresselia and perhaps even claim one of those Lunar Feathers?" Calaba asks us. We decide to focus solely on crucial information from Melli henceforth. "Oh, do catch that pesky flying croissant! Do it for my poor Electrode...Though I suppose Cresselia can't be all bad, if she at least recognizes the perfection of the arena looked after with loving care by the great Melli!"

Alice and I hurriedly enter the Moonview Arena, spotting Cresselia, but the Pokémon seems oblivious to our presence. Suddenly, Cresselia emits an intense aura, causing both of us to stumble and collapse.

"What's happening? I feel so dizzy," I remark, struggling to regain my bearings.

"Yeah, but we have to reach Cresselia somehow," Alice insists, determined to make contact.

"They seem disoriented," Rei observes, being the only one that isn't confused.

His worry heightens as Alice and I inadvertently collide. "Sorry!" we both apologize simultaneously, our voices finally reaching Cresselia, who takes notice of us.

Hovering closer, Cresselia addresses us, "I've been anticipating your arrival."

"That's good to know," I respond as we decide to sit down and converse with Cresselia. "I know you're from the future, and I permit you to capture me."

"That's fantastic," Alice says, swiftly capturing Cresselia with a thrown Pokéball.

In the aftermath of Cresselia's capture and release, the radiant Pokémon surprises us by presenting us with the Dread Plate. I read the inscription aloud, "Two make matter, and three make spirit, shaping the world."

As Cresselia is recalled into the Poké Ball, the group gathers around. Calaba, observing the unexpected acquisition of the Dread Plate, remarks, "Well, well, this is unexpected. Instead of a Lunar Feather, you got some kind of a plate... I do feel power emanating from it, though. In any case, if Cresselia did not gift us with any of her feathers, then I suppose she thought we had no need for them."

"Not bad at all, grunts. Though I suppose anyone with enough luck to best the great Melli should be able to handle at least that much. Thinking about it, halfway competent people like you might actually make a decent sparring partner to help my lord and I grow stronger still!" Melli concedes, albeit grudgingly.

Calaba sighs and says, "I will go back to the settlement and tell the others about the feathers...that we didn't get."

"We can ask Cresselia to provide you with some; I'm sure she'd be willing to help," I suggest.

Grateful for the offer, Calaba expresses her gratitude after Cresselia willingly offers them the feathers. Once the exchange is complete, we set course for Alabaster Icelands.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, Ash and his group are doing some Legendary Pokemon quests and I hope you like it.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon (Hisui):

Pikachu, Arcanine (Hisuian), Electrode (Hisuian), Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Lucario, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Cresselia, Manaphy, Samurott (Hisuian), Lilligant (Hisuian), Zoroark (Hisuian), Braviary (Hisuian), Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Goodra (Hisuian), Avalugg (Hisuian), Decidueye (Hisuian), Wyrdeer, Kleavor, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler, Overqwil

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon (Ultra Dimensions):

Charizard, Butterfree x2, Lapras, Meganium, Steelix, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Milotic, Absol, Glaceon, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha