Sorry, not sorry, for the long chapter. But we have a lot of groundwork to cover. Again, I just want to say that the plot will not be exactly like the games, so if you PM me saying "this or that is inaccurate," I will probably not respond…haha—the amount of PMs I'm getting is actually insane. However, mostly, it's SUPER fun and thank you to all of you who are messaging me with encouragement, fun questions, banter, etc. I'm always down to gib gab about anything related to SatoSere and bounce ideas off each other and take future story prompts.

A big thank you to Void Reader, Thor94, Ri2, Cyan Quartz, Fangs of Death, Vigilante Spider, AliciaMirza, and Geekgirles for reviewing! Thank you to everyone else following/favoriting this story.

A quick note: There was an amendment in the last chapter. Serena does not know Ash is in Paldea. Dramatic Irony is a great thing. I honestly had planned for both of them not to know each other being in Paldea before reuniting, but then wrote literally the opposite of what I had planned, kicked myself in the head the next day, and then decided to change it. So there you go. Also, it was better explained that Goh was NOT kidnapped, just sort of "pushed out of the way.

Alright, onto the next chapter

Chapter4: Mesagoza

The later afternoon sun elongated the shadows along the coastal cliffs on Poco Path as Arven led Ash and company towards the lighthouse that stood on a cliff up the road. The Mabosstiff trainer appeared a bit embarrassed by the idea of having visitors. He leaned his bike against the threshold of the building before unlocking the doors.

As Ash stepped in, Pikachu on his shoulder, he thought the place looked more like a laboratory than a lighthouse. The interior, with its circular walls and narrow windows, bathed the advanced scientific equipment in streams of natural light. Wooden beams intersected with sleek metal and glass, encapsulating a world of research and strange botanic specimens. Shelves, crowded with books, vials, and eclectic artifacts, revealed an extensive collection.

"Geez, Arven, this place is a mess," Nemona sniffed, observing the mess of papers and food wrappers all over the various desks.

Arven ignored her, leading the group into a small kitchen and dining area, where he quickly cleaned off a sleek metal table to make room for his visitors. Mollified by his attempts, Arven nodded and motioned for them all to sit. He then removed his backpack, throwing it onto the floor with a loud thud, before moving over to a large, double door fridge.

"I've got tomato sandwiches, leftover saffron rice, potatoes in a spicy sauce," Arven brought everything out as he went through his list.

Ash could feel his mouth already watering as he reached for the closest thing. He'd never been picky. He took one of the ceramic plates Arven offered and began helping himself, Pikachu nibbling off his dish.

Soon, silence descended upon all of them as they devoured their late afternoon lunch. Only the clatter of silverware on plates and the muted noises of people chewing echoed quietly around the room.

"Wow, this food is amazing," Ash exchanged a grin with Pikachu before taking another large bite of his sandwich.

"I guess it's pretty good," Nemona admitted in between mouthfuls of potato.

Arven looked mollified. "Why thank you. I actually enjoy cooking and take great pride in Paldean food." He scooped some rice into Mabosstiff's bowl and set it down beside the table for the canine-pokemon to enjoy. "The more seasoning, the better, in my opinion. And saffron is essentially red gold."

Brock hummed in agreement, slurping up a bowl of garlic soup. "I guess we agree there."

The pokemon doctor's gaze then settled on the Mabosstiff with a mix of concern and curiosity. The Pokémon had a robust frame that spoke of strength and agility, yet there was an unmistakable lethargy in its movements. It pushed the rice around its bowl listlessly, its normally lustrous coat dull and its eyes lacking their characteristic sharpness. There was a certain hollowness to its stance, as if it were merely going through the motions without genuine energy or appetite. Every now and then, it would pause and seem to lose focus, its body swaying slightly as though struggling to maintain balance. It was the faintest waver, but to a doctor like Brock, it was a clear sign that something was amiss.

As everyone made themselves more comfortable, the earlier tension seemed to dissipate. Ash burped and gave a cheeky smile before patting his stomach, satisfied. "So, Arven," the young champion began, curiosity lighting up his eyes, "what's up with all the weird, uh, plants?"

Ash motioned to the rows of delicate, exotic plants lined across Arven's shelves. He noticed they were carefully housed in specialized containers, creating a living library of sorts. A nearby workstation was equipped with microscopes, specimen discs, and other tools for studying Arven's specimens.

"Arven's obsessed with plants," Nemona shrugged, utterly unimpressed. "He studies botany or whatever at the Academy. Kind of useless."

The botany student glared at Nemona, "Sorry we can't all be divas obsessed with pokemon battles. And botany is anything but useless!"

Nemona rolled her eyes and reached across the table for an orange.

"How did you get mixed up with Koraidon, then?" Brock asked, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "What's a strange pokemon such as that have to do with your work?"

Arven held his breath then sighed. He stared down at the table for some time, his arms crossed.

"Has to do with his daddy," once again, Nemona interjected.

"Arceus, do you ever shut up?" Arven growled.

Nemona smirked, pointing a fork towards the dirty-blonde trainer. "I'll shut up as soon as you your dad stops performing freak experiments on pokémon!"

And the bickering began.

Ash and Pikachu watched the two go at it; the young champion leaning over to Brock to whisper, "Man, they really don't get along…"

Brock exhaled, his own arms crossed over his broad chest, assessing the situation. Eventually, he lifted both hands to try and pacify the two Academy students. "Alright, guys, let's just try to remain civil."

"Tell her that!" Arven cried, waving an arm angrily at Nemona. He turned to glare at the student council president, though his expression lacked conviction. "Look, I don't speak to my dad anymore. He's…not exactly around…"

Nemona appeared conflicted. She said nothing, opting instead to peel her orange absently.

"So your dad is after Koraidon?" Ash prodded, feeling a bit empathetic towards Arven. Maybe the guy was misunderstood. Maybe he really had been trying to help the Pokémon's—after all, he did let Ash protect it. "What did Nemona mean by the experiments?"

"His father is Professor Turo, former professor of Violet Academy. He went crazy during his research on things like pokémon lore or whatever," Nemona interjected quickly, handing Pawmo a piece of her orange before looking at Ash.

Arven rolled his head back as if exasperated. "Look, I don't exactly know what my dad does, okay? I just know it's shady and has to do with mysterious pokemon in Area Zero. Again, I don't have anything to do with it, but…last time I saw my dad, he'd, uh, brought Koraidon to the lighthouse and as though he'd been trying to hide it. Said it was one of the pokémon from the crater, and—I don't know. He appeared nervous; said people were after him—Some experiment gone wrong. I don't know."

"I thought you didn't speak to you dad?" Nemona's narrowed on Arven suspiciously.

Arven's reaction to Nemona's probing was a mix of frustration and resignation. He rubbed his temples briefly, as if to ward off a headache. "Yes, Nemona, I don't speak to him. That was the first time in a year he'd shown up. It's not like we have regular family dinners," he replied with a hint of sarcasm, his voice tinged with a mixture of annoyance and underlying sadness.

Arven leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting away as if lost in a distant memory. The usually composed botanist's demeanor shifted, revealing a more vulnerable side. "He just appeared out of nowhere, looking worried and haggard. It was like he was on the run from something... or someone. He didn't even stay long enough to explain everything. Just left Koraidon here and disappeared…again."

Arven's eyes then refocused, meeting Ash's with a newfound earnestness. "That's why I've been tracking Koraidon. Not just because of my dad, but because I felt responsible. And there's something about that pokémon... I think it…." Arven looked as though he were about to say more be clamped his mouth shut into a thin, white line.

The room fell into a contemplative silence as everyone digested Arven's words. Even Nemona, usually quick with a retort, seemed to mull over this new information, her earlier combative stance softening slightly.

"But, what even is Area Zero?" Ash repeated, rubbing Pikachu between its ears. He felt uneasy. Parts of Arven's story weren't adding up. "What kind of experiments are they doing there? Why are pokémon like Koraidon being hurt?"

"I don't think he knows," Brock said, coming to Arven's defense.

"Uh, thank you!" Arven extended his hand towards the pokémon doctor as though incredulous that no one else had picked up on that.

"Look, my realm of study is botany," Arven sighed, pushing his hair back away from his eyes, "I don't know much about the pokemon coming out of Area Zero. I do know, however, that Koriadon doesn't belong here and a lot of people are looking for it. And apparently another pokémon is looking for it too…"

Ash, sensing the complexity of the situation, nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like you've been dealing with a lot, Arven. But we're here to help now. Right, Pikachu?" He turned to his faithful companion, who chirped in agreement.

"So, correct me if I'm wrong, but Area Zero is that crater in the center of Paldea's map?" Brock scratched his chin, thinking, "If Koraidon came from there, could one theoretically put it back? Would it be safe there?"

"Area Zero is strictly off limits," Nemona interrupted before Arven could respond. Even she looked fascinated now, as though the crater were a delicious mystery students loved to wonder about. "No one goes in and no one goes out. Some people think that if you fall in, you enter into an alternate dimension!"

Arven looked about to scoff, but then stopped to consider. He decided to ignore her and respond to Brock's question.

"Koraidon doesn't belong here, period. Neither does the other creature following it," Arven said gravely. "I have this theory…" the botanist paused, as though weighing whether or not he should continue. He stood abruptly and moved towards a desk where a pile of sketches lay strewn about. Arven collected them all into his arms and brought them over to the table for Brock and Ash to study.

"Koraidon has features of a primeval pokémon—like some sort of ancient version of a Cyclizar, which is a common pokémon here in Paldea," Arven explained excitedly as though eager to finally share his research with others. He pointed to the sketches of the two pokémon, and then pulled out a third sketch.

"That's the pokémon from the portal!" Ash exclaimed, pointing to the final drawing. "It looked as if it were made of metal and moved unlike any pokémon I had ever seen!"

"That's because I think it's from the future. Miraidon." Arven replied grimly. He motioned to all three sketches. "Look. All of these pokémon appear related but look as though they are from different dimensions or timescapes. So whatever is happening in Area Zero, well—,"

"So the crater is a portal to different dimensions!" Nemona jumped out of her chair, "I knew it! Oh, I can't wait to tell Aliquis I was right!"

"You can't tell anyone Nemona! It's just a theory, but it could get others in trouble!" Arven grunted irritably, unnerved by the girl's seemingly bipolar temper. "There are some shady people involved in all of this. The less they think we know, the better."

"Miraidon," Ash mused, removing his cap for a moment to run his hand through his hair. "Well, if these pokémon are sort of one and the same, but from different time periods, no wonder they'd feel threatened by one another. They shouldn't exist in the same dimension."

"Exactly," Brock agreed, staring at the sketches. The pokemon doctor looked between everyone at the table. "We do need to tell someone though. Ash can't hold on to Koraidon forever and get caught up in all this…as much as he'd like to."

Ash grinned. "I think it's a bit too late for that. I won't rest until I know Koraidon is safe."

"We tell Clavell," Nemona announced confidently, raising a gloved fist in the air. She loved solutions, and this seemed like a no-brainer. "He will know more about Area Zero than anyone and will know what to do with Koraidon!"

Nemona's suggestion to inform Clavell, with her characteristic confidence and flair for the dramatic, was met with nods of agreement from Ash and Brock.

Arven, however, couldn't help but interject doubtfully. "Sure, let's just casually drop in on the head of Scarlet Academy and tell him we're having issues with multi-dimensional pokémon trying to kill one another. He'll love that. Maybe I should bring my plant sketches too, just for fun," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You said so yourself that it wasn't a bad idea, so don't start chickening out now!" Nemona rolled her eyes, standing to take her plate over to the sink. She then turned to the group and crossed her arms, "Can we start thinking about how we're even going to get to Mesagoza? I can not be late to the Student Council Orientation Social."

Arven snorted, but then appeared to really think about this new dilemma. "There's a Cyclizar farm nearby," he shrugged, uncertain, "I don't know, Señora Álvarez sometimes lets travelers rent them. Not sure how it works, though."

At the sound of this idea, Nemona jumped up and down with excitement. "Oh! This is an amazing idea! A Cyclizar will get us to Mesagoza in just under two hours from here!"

Nemona's elation was quickly tempered by Brock, who pointed towards the window. "That's great and all, but it's about to get dark. I don't think we're getting to the city today," the pokémon doctor stated soberly. He turned to Arven, "Is there a Pokémon Center nearby we can stay in? Or an inn?"

Arven waved the question off. "Nonsense. You all can stay here tonight. We have plenty of room, don't we Mabosstiff?"

The canine-pokémon let out a hoarse, but happy bark.

Nemona chewed her bottom lip and eventually relented. "Okay, but we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning! Orientation week is like the best week of Scarlet Academy…well, not including homecoming, spirit week, the midterm gala…"

While the enthusiastic girl continued, Arven stood up, pushing his chair back with a resigned sigh, his irritation with Nemona's ceaseless chatter barely concealed. With Brock's help, the botany student moved to clear the table, gathering plates and cutlery with a clatter that unsuccessfully vied for dominance over Nemona's enthusiastic descriptions of school events, as she had taken it upon herself to delineate each event in detail for Ash, who listened politely despite having no clue as to what Nemona was talking about. As Arven washed the dishes, his actions were brisk, the water splashing slightly over the edge of the sink.

Once the kitchen had been cleaned, Arven rummaged through various cabinets, pulling out extra blankets and pillows. "Okay, Nemona, I think the World Champion gets it. You're a nerd, who really loves school," Arven rolled his eyes and tossed Ash some sheets for one of the guest beds.

Nemona's eyes glinted with irritation, but she decided to ignore the comment and keep her focus on Ash. "I'm just trying to prepare you," she remarked exuberantly, "it's just going to be so amazing to have a World Champion at our Battle School! But why? I have to know, Ash. What brought you here?"

Ash, with a contemplative expression, glanced at Pikachu perched on his shoulder before addressing Nemona's question. "You know, being the Monarch of the World is incredible and all, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and expectations," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. "I felt like I was losing touch with what I love most about being a Pokémon Trainer—the adventure, the excitement of exploring new regions, and the thrill of battling new and challenging opponents."

He adjusted his cap, a familiar gesture that accompanied his more reflective moments. "I wanted to get back to the basics, you know? To test my strength against new trainers and opponents in a completely different league. Paldea seemed like the perfect place for that—a new region, new challenges, and new pokémon to discover."

Pikachu chirped in agreement, its ears twitching as if in excitement at the mention of new adventures. Ash's face lit up with a boyish grin, the familiar spark of enthusiasm returning to his eyes. "And honestly, I just wanted to have fun again. Battle School sounds intense and awesome, and I'm excited to go through it so I can start collecting gym badges around here—to get on the road and experience everything a new region has to offer without the constant pressure of being the Monarch." He leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting towards the window.

Nemona listened, her eyes wide with admiration and understanding. "Sounds like your Treasure Hunt is going to involve Victory Road," Nemona's bright eyes glinted with challenge, "defeating the eight gyms and taking on the Pokémon League. Well, if you want to do that, you'll have to get through some pretty tough opponents. Paldeans are known for their creative and artistic way of battling. I think you'll find challenges all around—and of course, I'll be one of them!" Nemona raised an excited fist.

Ash chuckled, raising a fist of his own and returning Nemona's challenging tone. "You're on."

"Okay, yea, but let's just chill first, right?" Arven asked, almost pleadingly. The young trainer looked exhausted enough to go straight to bed despite the early evening hour. "I'd really prefer for all of us to lay low until we can sort this whole Koraidon thing out."

Brock agreed with Arven, and soon everyone dispersed to their respective rooms. The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs provided a soothing background melody, lulling them towards a peaceful end to an eventful day.

Ash, before retiring to his room, paused to look out one of the narrow windows, gazing at the starlit sky and the vast ocean beyond. It was moments and scenes like these, tranquil and serene, that always made Ash pause—as though he were missing something. This feeling wasn't new to Ash. It was a gentle tug at his chest, a whisper in the back of his mind that he couldn't quite grasp or understand. It was like the echo of a dream upon waking—a fleeting, wistful sensation that vanished before he could fully comprehend it.

As he gazed out into the night, images flashed through his mind: the thrill of battles, the joy of discovering new Pokémon, the laughter and camaraderie of friends. Yet, amidst these vibrant memories, there was an absence, a space that felt unfilled. It was as if a piece of a puzzle was missing, but he couldn't figure out what it was.

Ever since becoming Monarch, Ash had begun to feel a longing, a desire for something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. It wasn't a feeling of loneliness; after all, he was surrounded by friends, his accomplishments, and the thrill of his journeys. It was something more subtle, a gentle yearning for a connection that went beyond the adventures, beyond the excitement of pokémon battles.

Ash, ever focused and determined, often brushed these feelings aside. He was more comfortable with the tangible—the next gym battle, the next quest or crusade. Acknowledging this unknown longing felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory, a path he wasn't sure how to navigate.

For a moment, he allowed himself to dwell in this rare introspection, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. Who was he missing? Why did this feeling surface now, in the stillness of the night, while looking out at the endless sea?

With a soft laugh, Ash turned away from the window, deciding to leave these thoughts for another day. Right now, he had a new region to explore. Rare introspective moments would have to wait. Pikachu, sensing his trainer's shift in mood, nuzzled against his cheek, offering silent support and companionship.

As Ash headed to his room, the feeling of longing lingered, a quiet echo in the back of his mind, waiting to be understood.

Despite his intriguing encounter with what he had dubbed the "creepy guys," Goh had spent the last week exploring the Southern Province of Paldea. His activities had ranged from capturing pokémon and analyzing the terrain to subtly investigating the whereabouts of those mysterious men. However, on the third day of traversing the grassy knolls around Los Platos, Goh received a notification on his Rotom that served as a timely reminder for the start of Scarlet Academy's Orientation Week.

"Hm," Goh considered the email while Nurse Joy finished tending to his pokémon. He had been staying at the settlement town's sole Pokémon Center ever since being conveniently teleported there. Goh had had to admit that there were worse places he could have suddenly been apparated to. "Um, Nurse Joy. How do I get to Mesagoza from here?" Goh asked, returning all of his pokémon to his bag, save Grookey, who climbed atop his trainer's head.

Nurse Joy, with her characteristic warmth, replied, "There's a bus that passes through every two days. You just missed it yesterday, but another will arrive tomorrow."

Goh's face fell slightly. "Uh, well, I need to be there by this evening," he said, scratching the back of his head in mild frustration.

"You could try Señora Álvarez's farm," Nurse Joy suggested helpfully. "She rents Cyclizars and it's just southeast of here, along Poco Path."

Goh waited for more of an explanation, but when he realized the nurse was finished, he simply replied, "Yea," as though he'd understood exactly how this would solve his dilemma. Nonetheless, Goh waved a cool goodbye to Nurse Joy before sauntering out of the Pokémon Center.

With his hands in his pockets, Goh strode through the charming and picturesque settlement town, past red-tiled roofs and the flower-laden balconies and children playing on the streets with their pokémon. He stopped by the main street, where cart vendors sold a variety of local crafts and delicacies, from intricately woven textiles to mouth-watering street foods. Goh purchased a few potions from a pokécart and picked up a jamón sandwich before making his way out of the town towards the Cyclizar farm.

"Grookey, Grook!" the small monkey-pokémon began hitting Goh in the head with its stick after seeing the trainer had no intention of sharing his food.

Goh grunted and ripped a piece of his sandwich, handing it to his familiar. "Just ask nicely next time, alright?"

As he strolled towards Señora Álvarez's farm, Goh reflected on his recent experiences in Paldea. He had encountered a variety of local pokémon, some of which exhibited unique characteristics he hadn't seen before. One phenomenon, in particular, had caught his interest – Terastallization. The trainers he'd battled had been able to temporarily alter Pokémon's appearance and change their type with something called Tera Orbs. Ash was going to think this was just "awesome," but how the phenomenon actually worked, Goh had no idea. Someone had told him, almost accidentally, that it had to do with Area Zeo. However, whenever Goh broached the topic of Area Zero, the mysterious crater in the center of Paldea, he was met with evasive responses or outright refusal to discuss it. This only fueled his curiosity.

Fifteen minutes down the path, Goh and Grookey came across an expansive, lush fields that stretched out before them. The pastures, nestled amidst rolling hills, were a sprawling expanse of greenery, with neatly arranged rows of crops and orchards that added to its rustic charm. In one large, fenced-off area, Goh saw several green reptilian pokémon grazing peacefully. The young trainer ran up to them, standing on the fence to get a better look and direct his Rotom Phone at the creatures.

Cyclizar. The Mount Pokémon. Apparently Cyclizar has been allowing people to ride on its back since ancient times. Depictions of this have been found in 10,000-year-old murals.

"Cool," Goh mumbled, his blue eyes squinting at the sunny scene. "I guess that means we found the farm."

The main building of the ranch was a large, traditional structure, with whitewashed walls and a terracotta roof that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Around it, smaller outbuildings and stables formed a quaint, organized layout. Workers moved about, tending to the fields and pokémon with practiced ease.

Goh jumped off the fence and began to approach the main house when—

"Goh! Hey!"

The city boy whirled around at the sound of his name. A crooked smile spread across Goh's face at the sight of Ash Ketchum running up the path with his characteristic energetic stride. Ash's cap was slightly askew, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Hey!" Goh greeted, stepping forward to meet his friend, his hands on his hips. "I thought you'd be at Mesagoza by now."

Ash reached Goh and clapped him on the shoulder, his grin matching Goh's. "It's a long story, but we missed the bus."

Grookey, now excited by the new arrival, jumped from Goh's head onto Ash's arm, chattering happily. Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, greeted Grookey with a friendly nod and a cheerful "Pika!"

Just then, Brock, Nemona, and Arven caught up, slightly out of breath from trying to keep pace with Ash's enthusiastic run. Nemona, not missing a beat, vivaciously extended her hand to Goh with a bright smile. "Hey there! I'm Nemona, student council president at Scarlet Academy. You must be Goh, Ash's roommate, right?"

Arven offered a preoccupied nod. "I'm Arven. Nice to meet you."

Goh smirked and shook Nemona's hand and nodded at Arven. "Yeah. Nice to meet you both."

As the group exchanged pleasantries, Ash explained how he and Brock had met Nemona and Arven, not omitting the story about Koraidon and the grotto, much to Arven's evident horror.

"Oh, don't worry, Goh won't tell anyone," Ash reassured the dirty-blonde trainer with a cheeky grin.

"So you're telling me that you're carrying around some ancient pokémon from an alternate dimension, like, right now?" Goh looked pumped. "You gotta show it to me!"

"Not right now!" Arven cut in, looking as though he were about to have a stroke and a heart attack at the same time. He glanced around furtively. "We can't risk anyone seeing it and spreading the word."

Ash looked annoyed. "I'm not dumb. Besides, Koraidon's hurt. We need to wait until we get to Scarlet Academy, where Brock can take a better look at it."

Goh's interest was piqued by Arven's paranoia. Were people looking for this thing? Goh wondered briefly if the strange men he'd seen were connected somehow to the pokémon in Ash's possession. However, Gary had seemed pretty adamant about Goh saying nothing to Ash…which meant Goh would just give it a few days before telling Ash about the "creepy guys."

"Well, I guess we all have a shared mission now," Brock observed with a smile, his hands on his hips. "Shall we see about renting these…," the pokémon doctor motioned to the Cyclizar, having forgotten what to call them.

"Let's do it!" Nemona exclaimed excitedly.

The Cyclizar farm was run by a sturdy, middle-aged woman with a warm smile and leathery hands that bore the marks of hard work.

"Hola, young ones. How can I help you?" Señora Álvarez asked with a warm smile and wiping her hands on an apron stained with the day's labor.

Ash explained their need to rent Cyclizars to reach Mesagoza by evening. Señora Álvarez listened attentively, nodding as he spoke. With a thoughtful look, she led them all towards the stables where the Cyclizars were housed.

Inside, the air was filled with the earthy scent of hay and the faint sound of the reptilian pokémon. The stables were immaculately kept, each stall spacious and clean, with fresh straw bedding. Ash noted how Cyclizar indeed bore an eerie resemblance to Koraidon.

"Do all of you know how to ride Cyclizar?" Señora Álvarez asked dubiously, appraising Ash's blank expression.

"I do! I do! I do!" Nemona practically screamed, her voice ringing loudly in Arven's ear as he'd had the great fortune to be standing right beside her at that moment.

"I'm officially deaf," the dirty-blonde student sighed, his Mabosstiff looking about as depressed as its trainer.

"It is not hard," Señora Álvarez looked amused, introducing Ash to a particularly spirited Cyclizar, its coat of green scaled catching the light. "You must only be respectful. My Cyclizar are trained to be kind to new riders, and they will respond to distinct commands."

Señora Álvarez, with her seasoned expertise, beckoned a farmhand to assist in preparing the Cyclizars for their. The farmhand, a young man with sun-kissed skin and a friendly demeanor, moved efficiently, fetching saddles specifically designed for Cyclizar riding. Each saddle was robust, crafted from durable leather, and fitted with sturdy handles for the riders to grip.

As the farmhand began outfitting the Cyclizars, Señora Álvarez explained the nuances of the saddles. "These are specially made for Cyclizars," she said, her voice rich with pride. "They provide stability for the rider and comfort for the pokémon. The handles here," she pointed to the front of the saddle, "are for you to hold onto. Cyclizars can be quite swift, so it's important to stay secure."

The farmhand adjusted the straps and buckles with practiced ease, ensuring each saddle was snug and secure on the Cyclizars' backs. He then demonstrated how to mount and dismount the Pokémon safely, his movements fluid and confident.

Ash exchanged excited glances with Pikachu. "This looks amazing!"

Señora Álvarez watched the group intently, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. "You'll find that riding a Cyclizar is a unique experience. They are gentle creatures, but they love to run. Just remember to hold on tight and trust your Cyclizar," she advised with a knowing smile.

Once the Cyclizars were fully equipped and ready, the group took turns mounting their respective pokémon under the watchful eye of Señora Álvarez and the farmhand. Nemona was the first to hop onto her Cyclizar with enthusiastic gusto, followed by a more cautious but determined Ash. Brock, with his experience as a pokémon doctor, mounted with a calm assurance, while Goh, a bit arrogantly, followed suit. Arven returned Mabosstiff to its pokéball before hesitatingly taking his own mount.

The farmhand smiled at them. "It's '¡Vamos!' to go and '¡Para!' to stop."

As they each settled onto their Cyclizars, adjusting their grips on the handles, Señora Álvarez gave them a final nod of approval. "Buen viaje, my friends! Enjoy your ride to Mesagoza. When you reach your destination, the pokémon are trained to return," she called out as they prepared to set off, her voice carrying a blend of farewell and good luck.

"¡Vamos!" Nemona cheered, Pawmo clutching onto her with excitement. Her Cyclizar took off as a sprint, leaving a cloud of dust before the others.

"H-hey! Wait up! Uh, vamos!" Ash commanded with uncertainty. However, the creature leapt forward with surprising agility, bolting after Nemona. Ash, initially taken aback by the sudden burst of speed, quickly adjusted his grip on the saddle's handles, a mixture of exhilaration and focus on his face. Pikachu, securely nestled between Ash's arm and torso, let out an excited "Pika!"

Behind them, Brock guided his Cyclizar into a steady pace behind them. The pokémon doctor glanced over at Goh, who, with a cocky grin, urged his own Cyclizar forward, reveling in the thrill of the ride. Arven brought up the rear looking as though he might vomit.

The group, now spread out along the path, made their way through the picturesque countryside. The Cyclizars moved with a fluid grace, their long, reptilian bodies undulating rhythmically as they ran. The landscape blurred past them – green fields, quaint cottages, and the distant outline of mountains painting a serene backdrop.

Ash, leading the pack alongside Nemona, laughed with unrestrained joy, the wind whipping through his hair and tugging at his cap. He glanced over at Nemona, who was whooping with delight, her Pawmo squealing in excitement.

"If you like this, you'll love Blitz!" Nemona called out beyond the breeze, her face alight with elation. She spurred his Cyclizar even faster, her bright eyes gleaming as though eliciting a challenge towards the young champion.

Ash picked up on her dare and urged his own pokémon to speed up as well. The playful race between the two picked up pace, with each urging their Cyclizars to go faster, their competitive spirits igniting. Ash's face was split into a wide grin, his eyes shining with the thrill of the chase, while Nemona's laughter echoed through the air, her spirit as untamed as the wind itself.

Pikachu, holding onto Ash with one paw, raised the other in the air, cheering them on, its excitement palpable. Ash's Cyclizar, responding to his enthusiasm, stretched out its long body, each powerful stride bringing them closer to Nemona.

The scenery around them became a conglomerate of colors, the fields and cottages whizzing by in a dizzying array of green and brown. The Cyclizars' powerful legs covered ground effortlessly, their movements a testament to their strength and agility.

Nemona, one step ahead, looked back at Ash with a challenging glint in her eye. "You're going to have to do better than that, Ash!" she shouted over the zephyr, her voice filled with playful taunting.

Just as Ash was about to respond, Brock's voice cut through their excitement. "Hey, you two! Take it easy! This isn't a Rhyhorn race!" he called out, his voice firm yet tinged with amusement. His own Cyclizar maintained a steady, controlled pace, reflecting Brock's more cautious approach.

Ash, hearing Brock's voice, suddenly felt as though he'd been knocked off his saddle. He glanced at Nemona and then slowed down, his competitive fervor cooling under his friend's sensible advice. Their Cyclizars gradually decelerated to a more manageable pace, allowing the riders to regain their bearings.

"You okay?" Nemona asked, arching an eyebrow towards Ash, "You look like someone pegged you in the head with a blitz ball!"

Ash chuckled, patting his Cyclizar appreciatively, grateful for the exhilarating experience. Pikachu, still buzzing with excitement, chattered animatedly to its trainer. But Ash still felt as though he were a thousand miles away in some memory.

xxxxx

As Ash, Nemona, and the rest of the group settled into a more leisurely pace, unbeknownst to them, a pair of familiar figures observed them from a safe distance. Hidden among the trees that lined the path, Jessie and James of Team Rocket peered out, their eyes fixed on the group with a mix of curiosity and scheming.

Jessie, her fiery red hair barely contained under a wide-brimmed hat, held a pair of binoculars to her eyes, tracking every movement of the Cyclizar riders. "Look at them, James, just gallivanting around on those lizard things. They think they're so smart," she sneered, her tone dripping with disdain.

James, adjusting his own disguise—a rather unconvincing mustache and a floppy hat—nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Jessie. But little do they know that Team Rocket is always one step ahead," he said, his voice a mixture of confidence and his usual dramatic flair.

Meowth, perched on a branch above them, rolled his eyes. "Yeah, one step ahead into another disaster," he muttered under his breath, but loud enough for the other two to hear.

Jessie lowered the binoculars, turning to face her companions. "Quiet, Meowth! We need to get to that pokémon school quickly before that giant gaggle of twerps!" she declared, her hands clenched in determination. "There, we will disguise ourselves as powerful professors—,"

"Where we'll snatch Pikachu right up!" James concluded with a squeal.

With their plan set and their spirits high, Team Rocket began their preparations to execute their latest scheme

xxxxx

The group rode on, the sun slowly moving across the azure sky casting long shadows over the landscape.

The journey to Mesagoza, which might have seemed long and tedious on foot, was transformed into an exhilarating adventure atop the Cyclizars. The creatures' speed and stamina made the distance melt away beneath their swift strides, and in about three hours the group neared the outskirts of Mesagoza.

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the plateaued city, a sprawling metropolis perched atop a raised platform made of layers of sedimentary rock. The Cyclizars began to slow down as they approached the more populated areas, their pace reducing to a gentle trot.

A grand stone archway adorned with intricate carvings and wrought iron gates decorated the southern entrance. As soon as the riders passed through this arch, they dismounted their Cyclizars, thanking them with pats and words of praise. The Cyclizars, in turn, nuzzled their riders affectionately before turning around and beginning their journey back to the farm, as trained.

"Well, guys!" Nemona beamed, lifting her hands in demonstration, "Welcome to Paldea's beautiful capital!"

Mesagoza's streets were lined with cobblestones, polished smooth by centuries of footsteps. Colorful banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, adding a festive touch to the already picturesque scene. The buildings, made of sun-kissed stucco and adorned with terracotta roofs, featured ornate balconies, wrought iron railings, and arched doorways. Each structure seemed to tell a story of the past, reflecting the rich heritage of the city.

Nemona led the way, her eyes wide with excitement as she expertly navigated the bustling streets. Pokémon-themed shops and cafes lined the avenues, offering a delightful mix of traditional and modern Pokémon culture. Ash, Goh, and Brock followed their enthused tour guide, taking in the sights and sounds of the metropolis. Arven, after allowing his Mabosstiff to come back out of its pokéball, caught up to them with a nervous stride.

"Looks a little like some of the cities in Kalos," Goh noted as they ventured deeper into the city. They encountered a grand plaza adorned with a majestic fountain, where water cascaded from the outstretched wings of a bronze Lugia statue. The plaza was a hub of activity, with street performers entertaining the crowd, and locals and tourists alike enjoying the ambiance.

Ash had to admit that it did and the thought of Kalos left him a little unsettled. "This place is awesome," he decided to say, and kept busy by taking in all the sights.

"And just like in Kalos, the women are…hermosas!" Brock's eyes twinkled with his usual amorous glint as they passed a group of local women chatting animatedly near a flower stall. Without missing a beat, he straightened his posture and smoothed his hair back before boldly approaching: "Ah, the beauty of Paldea is matched only by its charming residents," he remarked, a suave smile playing on his lips.

As he stepped forward, ready to deliver more flirtatious greetings, a familiar, foreboding presence emerged from his pokéball. Croagunk, ever vigilant, appeared beside Brock, its gaze fixed sternly on him. The poison-frog pokémon's timing was impeccable, as always.

Brock, momentarily lost in his romantic reverie, turned to greet the women but was abruptly stopped by Croagunk dragging him away by the collar of his shirt.

Goh chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Never change, Brock," he said with a smirk. Grookey chirped in hilarity.

Nemona watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and disbelief. "Um, does he do that a lot?"

"Yes," Ash and Goh replied in unison. Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, let out a chuckle of its own, clearly familiar with Brock's antics. Ash scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

"I suffer from severe second-hand embarrassment," Arven informed them all anxiously, "so if he can refrain from doing that again while I'm around, I might be able to live to 50."

Nemona snorted.

Beyond the plaza, the city's layout revealed itself in layers, each level connected by winding staircases, terraced gardens, and charming funicular railways. The layers of sedimentary rock on which the city was built gave it a unique topography, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The group made their way through the thronging streets filled with people and pokemon, passing by quaint cafes and bustling shops. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and savory dishes wafted through the air, tempting Ash to make a mental note of all the local delicacies he wanted to try.

"Isn't this place amazing!?" Nemona exclaimed vibrantly and spread her arms wide as though hugging the vast metropolis. "It's huge and anything you could ever want is here. I would give you the official grand tour, but we really should be getting to the Academy."

Goh, striding at his own leisurely pace, stopped every so often to cooly examine the storefronts and stalls beckoning with all sorts of pokégear. At one cart, he and Grookey were picking over the gum selection, deciding what to get. The city boy then noticed a stack of newspapers off to the side and smirked.

Ash walked over to Goh, his curiosity piqued. As he caught sight of the newspaper Goh held in his hands, his expression shifted slightly. The front pages were splashed with bold headlines, featuring none other than himself, captured in various candid shots around Paldea. "Champion Ash Ketchum's Arrives!" one headline blared, accompanied by a photo of him looking slightly bewildered in the midst of the bustling Cabo Poco port.

Ash winced slightly, the reality of his notoriety sinking in. He had hoped to get around with a bit of anonymity, but it seemed the press was always one step ahead. "Guess I can't really escape being the Monarch of the World, huh?" he said with a half-hearted chuckle, trying to brush off the slight discomfort he felt.

Pikachu, perched comfortably on his shoulder, chirped sympathetically, sensing Ash's mixed feelings.

"Hey, don't worry about it, Ash," Goh reassured him, patting his friend on the back. "At least no one's mobbed you yet, right? That's something."

Ash set back out in pursuit of Nemoan and the others, mentally shrugging off the weight of his fame. He was determined not to let it dampen his spirits or hinder his adventure.

"Goh, come on! We don't have all day!" Nemona called out, her tone a mix of impatience and excitement. Goh glanced back at the kiosk to pay the vendor for the gum before hurrying to catch up with Nemona and the others.

xxxxx

As the sun began to set over the sprawling cityscape of Mesagoza, Ash and company stood before the grand entrance of the Scarlet Academy. The prestigious school loomed before them, an architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

The academy's facade was a harmonious blend of ancient grandeur and modern elegance. Ivy covered the warm brown brickwork, lending it a dreamy and classical appearance. Towering spires and pointed rooftops, painted in a rich, royal blue with gold trimmings that added a touch of opulence, suggested a medieval history. These spires were accentuated by conical roofs and ornate windows that shimmered in the sunlight.

A unique feature of the building was the array of observatory-like domes. One particularly large dome lay adorned with a band of windows and topped with what looks like a Poké Ball, infusing the structure with a sense of adventure. A smaller dome, capped with a metallic finish, reflected the sky and surrounding environment.

"Alright, time for the stairs of death!" Nemona said cheerily, pointing to the only obstacle now separating their group and the Academy.

"We have to climb those?!" Goh moaned melodramatically.

"Yea, and it's as terrible as it looks," Arven sighed as though deeply depressed by the sight of those stairs.

Nemona, ever the bundle of energy, started the ascent with a spring in her step, her voice carrying back down to the others. "Come on, it's not that bad once you get going!"

Goh, however, hung back, his gaze fixed on the daunting climb. "I didn't sign up for a workout," he muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched upwards in a reluctant smile.

Arven, whose enthusiasm seemed inversely proportional to the number of steps, trudged forward with a resigned determination, Mabosstiff at his side matching his plodding pace.

Ash, undeterred, began the climb with Pikachu on his shoulder, the electric Pokémon's bright eyes scanning the heights they were about to conquer. "Think of it as the first part of our training," Ash called out, his voice filled with encouragement.

Brock fell into a steady rhythm beside Ash. "Just pace yourself," he advised, more to himself than anyone. Croagunk had conspicuously returned to its pokéball by this point.

With each step, they rose higher above the city, the sounds of Mesagoza fading into a distant hum. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting the sky in a tapestry of oranges and pinks that bathed the academy's façade in a warm glow.

Halfway up, Goh's complaints subsided, replaced by grunts of effort as he focused on the climb. Nemona continued to lead, occasionally turning to encourage the others with a shout of, "You're doing great!"

Goh paused to catch his breath. He looked at Nemona with slight irritation before continuing. "Does this girl have an off button?"

"No," Arven replied automatically, him and Mabosstiff taking the stairs in more of a slow march.

Finally, as the rays of sunlight crowned the tips of the academy's spires, the group reached the summit of the stairs. Panting, sweating, but triumphant, they took a moment to rest and appreciate the view they had earned. The city of Mesagoza lay sprawled below them, a beautiful mosaic of life and light.

"Well, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Nemona teased, her cheeks rosy with the climb.

Goh, leaning heavily on his knees, managed to grunt out, "Speak for yourself."

Ash, still catching his breath, simply smiled and nodded, taking in the sight of the academy's entrance now before them.

The plaza before Scarlet Academy was a hive of activity, alive with the buzz of students preparing for the new academic year. The air filled with the cacophony of youthful voices and the occasional pokémon's cry. Fresh-faced students, some accompanied by their parents, lugged boxes and suitcases, their contents brimming with the essentials for dormitory life.

Groups of friends reunited after the long break, their greetings punctuated by laughter and the excited chatter of upcoming classes and battles. Pokémon, ranging from the tiniest Budew to the most imposing Charizard, lounged beside their trainers or assisted with the moving, their presence adding a colorful vibrancy to the scene.

Some students were engaged in impromptu pokémon battles, the plaza doubling as an arena where they could show off the results of their summer training. It was a display of friendly competition, with others gathering around to watch and cheer.

Around the edges of the plaza, vendor stalls had been set up, offering a variety of Pokémon-themed merchandise and snacks. The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of new books and stationery being sold.

Ash, Goh, and the rest of their company took a moment to absorb the lively atmosphere. Despite the fatigue from their climb, they couldn't help but be swept up in the excitement of the start of a new school year.

"Look at this place," Ash said, his fatigue replaced by a growing sense of anticipation. "This is amazing!"

Goh straightened up, his eyes scanning the crowd, noting potential rivals and allies. "This is going to be one interesting year," he murmured, a competitive glint in his eye.

Nemona bounced on the balls of her feet, eager to dive into the fray. "I can't wait to get started!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.

Arven, finally regaining his composure after the climb, simply nodded, a quiet determination settling over his features as he watched Mabosstiff wag its tail at the sight of so many new friends.

"I think this is where I leave you guys," Brock announced, wiping the sweat that had accumulated on his dark brow. He grinned. "I'll see you all around, but I've got to go check in the director of the medical school; let them know I'm here. Fill me in on what Director Clavell says. I'll look at our injured friend when I can."

"Sounds like a plan," Ash nodded. He and the rest of the group waved Brock off before returning their attention to the plaza. After observing the scene a few more minutes, Ash felt as though he were about to burst with excitement. "Alright, Nemona! How do we get signed in and all that!"

The student council president was about to respond when a myriad of voices began shouting her name.

"Nemona! Great, you're back!" a boy with a confident, almost cocky, demeanor grinned and raised a fist. "We are having that rematch now!" The boy held a spirited glint in his eyes. He sported a distinctive hairstyle with short, vibrant blue hair swept to one side, contrasting with his darker skin tone. A few strands fell across his forehead, adding a touch of casualness to his appearance. His attire, like many of the students milling about, was a crisp white short-sleeved shirt with a sharp collar. Scarlet Academy badge emblazoned the chest.

"Nemona!—Aliquis, leave her alone!" a young girl came running up behind the boy she'd addressed as Aliquis. The girl, as opposed to her friend, held a somewhat reserved demeanor. She had shoulder-length brown hair that framed her face, with a slight wave and red horn-like tufts peeking out at the front that suggested a fiery element to her personality. Her eyes were wide and expressive, with a gaze that seemed to convey intelligence and perhaps a touch of skepticism or curiosity. She wore a light gray jacket with rolled-up sleeves. One of her hands clutched the fabric of her jacket, suggesting a moment of hesitation.

"Coco, Fuecoco!" barked a bipedal crocodilian pokémon—mostly red bodied with a white stomach and face—as it followed the girl enthusiastically.

"Ohara! Hi!" Nemona greeted the girl with her energetic grin before turning serious. "Now tell me how the Student Council brunch went. Did I miss anything important?"

The girl, Ohara, smiled nervously. "No, nothing! We just talked about a few changes to the Orientation Week schedule, and then Professor Lebarón gave us a new program for the Welcome Ceremony tomorrow and so we went over that. Apparently, there's a performance of some sort after the orchestra plays and—,"

"The tortas were kind of bland and soggy," Aliquis yawned, already bored by the conversation, "and you forgot to order churros."

"Do you really have churros every day for breakfast, because that is wild," Nemona looked peeved, finally turning to address the blue-haired boy. She drove a finger into his chest, "And you'll get your rematch, Aliquis, on the very first day of Battle School, we'll make it official."

Aliquis was about to reply when he spotted Ash. Recognition ignited his features, and he couldn't help but blurt out his shock. "No way, that's Ash Ketchum, the World Champion!" he exclaimed, glancing between Nemona and Ohara as though waiting for them to join in his surprise.

Ohara, meanwhile, blinked in mild stupor. "Um, who?" Despite not recognizing him, the demure girl gave Ash a shy nod. Even if she didn't know who he was, Ohara had enough sense to see that the young trainer was handsome, with tousled black hair, bright eyes, and a charming grin.

"Are you serious? Urgh!" Aliquis threw up his hands before turning suddenly to Ash, "Wait, so what the heck are you doing here? Forget our rematch, Nemona, I gotta battle this guy!"

"Hey! Not before I battle him first!" Nemona protested, putting herself between the two young men.

"Ash is here to take over this Battle School," Goh folded his arms in front of his chest and allowed a lazy smirk to curl his lips. "And then add the Paldea League trophy to his stash."

Ash winced at Goh's open arrogance. He then glanced around a bit self-consciously, noticing that other people had begun to stare and whisper. "Um, yea, I thought Paldea would be a nice change of pace," Ash said distractedly, feeling Pikachu's tail twitch by his ear.

"He's actually trying to not bring attention to himself, maybe you all can give the guy some space," Arven spoke up, shifting uncomfortably behind Ash and Goh.

Aliquis finally noticed Arven and made a face. "Um, why are you traveling with plant boy?" Aliquis actually started chuckling at Nemona, but she appeared unperturbed.

She waved her rival off and shrugged. "None of your business, Aliquis. Official matters only the student council president matters."

"Oh how you love making yourself all self-important," Aliquis snorted.

Ohara stammered, "Um, maybe Arven is right." She had noticed many students staring at them, and picked up on Ash's discomfort. "Ash," the brown-haired girl smiled warmly, if not shyly, "have you gotten all signed in? Have you been assigned a dorm?"

"No, I guess I should do that!" Ash chuckled, adjusting his cap. He looked at Aliquis with friendly eagerness. "If you want a battle, you're! But I'm just realizing that I might need a Pokémon team while I'm here. Normally, I start out adventures fresh with no one in my party except Pikachu here, and then I just collect friends along my adventure. But I think it's going to be a different story here since I gotta attend Battle School before taking on the league."

"That is how it works around here," Aliquis nodded with a sigh, "Paldea has to be the only region where you actually have to attend a year of school before hunting down gym badges. It's so annoying."

"It's only that way because the gym leaders here are so tough!" Nemona admonished, detesting anyone who insulted this procedure. "Some students aren't even allowed to pursue Victory Road until their third or fourth year at Scarlet Academy. All depends on their marks, of course. I was able to begin collecting badges after my first year, naturally." The tall, tan girl grinned victoriously. "I got two more this summer.

Aliquis scoffed, but still looked mildly impressed.

"Well," Ohara said, cutting in again, "why don't Fuecoco and I take you and your friend to registration?" She gave Ash and Goh a kind, timid smile. The red crocodile Pokémon by her leg croaked happily.

"Pika, Pikachu!" Ash's Pikachu scurried off its trainer's shoulder to greet the new friend.

"That might be a good idea," Arven looked tiredly at Ash. "You get settled while I figure out when we can see Director Clavell. He's going to be too busy to track down anyway, especially during Orientation. Why don't we reconvene at the library before the Welcome Ceremony tomorrow, and I can fill you in. Just…lay low." The aspiring botanist looked ironically around the plaza at all the students beginning to hover towards the young champion.

Ash, oblivious to the growing attention, nodded solemnly before giving Arven an encouraging thumbs up, "You got it. See ya then!"

Nemona chuckled at the mob beginning to form around the Monarch. She placed her hands on her hips and flipped her ponytail before making her way conspicuously beside the raven-haired trainer. "Don't worry, Ash, people will get used to you being around real soon," Nemona winked at him, "just give some time to adjust."

"I bet you literally flipped your shit when you saw him." Aliquis muttered coolly and rolled his eyes.

"Did not!" Nemona flushed and followed Aliquis with a verbal berate as the blue-haired trainer began to walk away, a humanoid feline Pokémon with light green fur suddenly appearing at his side with some type of candy.

Ash looked at Goh to see him and his Grookey staring down at the city boy's Rotom Phone, which he'd pulled out to identify Meowscarada and Fuecoco, two popular Paldean pokémon.

"Lead the way, um, Ohara?" Ash asked tentatively, his grin charming.

The Fuecoco trainer blushed and smiled in return before beckoning the Kanto boys to follow.

I don't know if you all saw Paldean Winds, but I found the webisodes quite charming. That being said, I really loved Aliquis, Ohara, and Hohma so much so that I wanted them in this story…however, I'm not really taking events in the Paldean Winds as canon for this fic. Their characters might be slightly altered to fit the role they will serve in this story, so please don't PM me about inconsistencies between this fic and Paldean Winds.

Okay guys, I promise we get our blessed reunion next chapter. I'll drop it 12/28 so you're not kept in agony. But on a separate note, HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! I wish I had time to write a short Christmas Fluff fic, but alas. I really don't. Either way, enjoy the holidays. See you later.