Hello everyone! I just started playing Pokemon Scarlet, and with Ash's absence (as of now) from the Pokemon Horizons, I thought it would be a fun project to write a new adventure loosely based on the games, but with Ash and Co. This will be an Amourshipping fic, and will use canon events from the past to further develop Ash and Serena's relationship (yes, including the kiss.) However, our heroes are now a little older—around 18. I envision this being 4-5 years after Serena and Ash's journey in Kalos came to an end. I really want to keep Ash, well, Ash while making him a little more mature.

I'm going to try and write it as anime-style as I can. It might feel a little like a "school fic" at the beginning, but Ash would never actually attend a real school unless there was some "big, awesome challenge" involved…which will be the Treasure Hunt, naturally.

We will also be bringing back some old characters. As of now, I actually don't plan on having Roy and Liko in the fic as this AU takes place before Horizons. Explorers will play a role, however.

Alright! Let's have some fun!

*Chapter Amended 2/14/24*

Note: Wow, I can't believe I used to write short chapters!

The Paldean Saga: Treasures and Trials

Chapter 1: The Golden Shore

In the world of Pokémon, where adventure knows no bounds and mysteries await around every corner, a new chapter unfolds in the picturesque region of Paldea. Nestled on a peninsula between rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine coastlines, Paldea stands as a testament to the diverse beauty of the Pokémon world.

Off the coast of Cabo Poco, a large ferry cut through the crystalline waters like butter. The sun scintillated off the soft waves in the warm afternoon. As the boat floated into port, a familiar raven-haired Pokémon trainer and his Pikachu stood at the ship's railing, huge smiles on both of their faces.

"This place looks awesome, Brock!" The young man lifted a fist into the air, "I can't believe we're about to start a new adventure!"

The young trainer turned towards his companion. A tall and stalwart man stepped up toward the ferry railing. His narrow, half-closed eyes, reflected a similar unwavering excitement, while his spiky obsidian hair blew stiffly in the salt air. Clad in his signature brown vest over a jade green t-shirt, Brock exuded the practicality and readiness a Pokémon doctor should with his lean build and an ever-present backpack filled with essentials.

"Well, you're the one who'll be doing most of the adventuring, Ash," Brock chuckled, patting his younger friend on the shoulder, "I'll actually be trying to do my job. As Scarlet Academy's new Pokémon Medical Professor, I can't necessarily just up and explore whenever I want."

Ash Ketchum didn't seem to hear. He was too busy waiting impatiently for the boat to dock, his mind already imagining the incredible new Pokémon he was about to meet.

After years of unbelievable adventures and countless battles, Ash had finally achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. He'd been crowned Monarch of the World. The title was an honor he had worked tirelessly to earn, and it came with a level of fame and media attention that he had never experienced.

At first, Ash had loved the spotlight. He was celebrated wherever he went, and his accomplishments were the subject of headlines and even a documentary. Fans and reporters followed his every move, hoping for a glimpse of the legendary Pokémon Trainer.

But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Ash began to feel the weight of his newfound fame. He couldn't really go anywhere he wanted or do the things he wanted to do without getting interrupted all the time for autographs and stuff. And then he found his face, and that of Pikachu's, plastered on so much merchandise—T-shirts, tumblers, coffee mugs—and that just got weird. The constant attention soon became suffocating. He had really begun to miss the days when he could wander through towns and forests, discovering new Pokémon without the glare of cameras or the incessant questions from journalists.

That was when Ash and Pikachu met up with Brock in Celadon City and the Pokémon doctor told him about his latest job acquisition. The idea of a new region and new Pokémon was just too enticing for Ash to pass up. Getting away might do him some good.

"In Paldea, they actually might not recognize you as much," Brock had pointed out, "sure they like their Pokémon battles and battle champions, but not as much as other regions. From what I've read, the culture is more…laid back. They don't really keep up with the latest news and seem rather isolated. For instance, even their schools only began allowing foreigners to attend as of last year."

Ash had considered that, and liked the idea of starting fresh as a new trainer. Just him and Pikachu. The young champion's thoughts were soon interrupted by a soft chuckle. He turned and saw Brock shaking his head at him.

"What?" Ash raised an eyebrow beneath his cap.

Brock shrugged and examined his old friend. Years of traveling allowed for Ash to undergo a remarkable transformation. Now eighteen, his face had lost its youthful softness, forming harder lines along his cheeks and jaw. And where he'd once had to look up at Brock, Brock now found himself meeting Ash at eye-level. The trainer's frame overall was more lean and firm. Of course, Ash's characteristic raven-colored hair was still a mess, never bothering to be styled, but there was probably no point as Ash still always wore his trademark red and white cap wherever he went.

"You just seem pensive, which is a first," Brock stretched a finger out towards Ash, "but you do know that you'll actually have to attend the Academy yourself before you go off on the Treasure Hunt and your 'big adventure', right?"

Ash looked at Brock and deflated just a little at the reminder. The young trainer exchanged glances at Pikachu and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself," Ash turned back towards the new region—the golden shore, "I guess I should be grateful you even got me into this place!"

"Pika, pi!" Pikachu squealed to reflect his trainer's delight.

Brock had to laugh at that, patting Ash heartily on the shoulder. "I don't think you would have had any problem getting in all by yourself—being crowned Monarch of the World and all," Brock shook his head as if in slight disbelief that Ash had really gone and achieved so much already towards his dream. "You may not be recognizable to the townsfolk, but you still are going to be quite the celebrity at the Academy's Battle School. So just be ready."

Ash shrugged, his expression unchanging. He didn't care if other trainers recognized him. It was the "fanclubs" and the media that left him exhausted. "Well from what you told me, this place only invites the best of the best from all over the region, so I'm sure they'll be some awesome trainers ready to battle with new Pokémon!" He beamed at the thought. A school all about Pokémon and where you could have Pokémon battles all the time!? This had to be a dream come true. And he would be starting fresh—just like when he first started out.

"Not just trainers," Brock nodded, agreeing partly to what Ash was saying, "but breeders, doctors, coordinators—Scarlet Academy pretty much provides avenues of study for every vocation that involves Pokémon. Usually it's a four year commitment if you want to attend, but 'gifted' students, such as yourself, can take a one year fast-track program in the major they choose to study. It's incredibly intense, I hear, which is why they don't just offer that chance to anyone."

The ship slowed. Waves crashed against the bow in hollow thumps while the excited murmurs of the crowds at Cabo Poco's port became clearer and more distinct. The dock seemed full of activity. Booths and temporary storefronts skittered with movement as hawkers sold ferry tickets, coffee and tea, and other traveling wear for new and old adventurers alike. Ash's gloved hands tightened on the ship's cool railing.

"I just can't wait!" He yelled, and Pikachu jumped from his shoulder to the railing with delight.

As the ferry gently docked, Ash felt the slight shudder beneath his feet, a tangible connection to the solid ground he was about to set foot on. The low hum of the horn faded, replaced by the excited chatter of passengers and the clatter of footsteps. The port was a vibrant tapestry of colors and sounds. Rustic buildings with terracotta roofs lined the waterfront, their golden walls glowing in the sunlight. Ash could hear the faint strains of stringed music wafting from a nearby musician and his Cricketune picking at a guitar. The scent of saffron rice filled the air, making Ash and Pikachu's mouth began to water. As the two disembarked, they were greeted by the warm olive-skinned smiles of locals. Many of the men wore jackets adorned with intricate embroidery and ornate buttons over crisp white shirts while the woman favored dresses vibrant in color with intricate patterns and layers of ruffles that flared out as they moved. Ash looked around…the dresses reminded him of…He quickly cleared his mind.

"Alright, so where is this Pokémon school?" Ash and Pikachu stretched their limbs, taking in all the sights and sounds. A strong rush of wind forced Ash to catch his hat before it blew into the sea.

"Wait a second," Brock dropped his bags as though entering a state of shock. It was a face Ash had seen before… "look at all of these beautiful….WOMEN!"

Before Ash or Pikachu could even make a move to stop him, Brock seemed to teleport from one Paldean woman to the next:

"Hi, I'm Brock—Pokémon doctor extraordinaire, newest professor at Scarlet Academy. And you, gorgeous, are—?"

"Greetings, Miss, but you have to be more beautiful than the full moon's reflection upon a calm sea and—"

"Halt, young maidan! Take not another step yonder before you allow me to profess my—,"

An eruption of red light flashed beside the Pokémon doctor and Croagunk, his face already twitching with irritation, began dragging Brock by the collar and back towards Ash and Pikachu, who both scratched the back of their heads with amused embarrassment. Once completing the job, the frog Pokémon crossed his arms and watched his trainer warningly. "Croagunk, croa, croa!" The Pokémon chastised.

Brock sighed and lowered his head. "Sorry, I must have gotten carried away."

"Um, don't worry about it," Ash offered a strained grin. Ash looked around, adjusting the straps of his backpack. Pikachu sat comfortably on his head. "This place sure is different, though! Look at all the colors!" Ash remarked, entranced by the ceramics and decorative plates being sold all around them. Most pieces were bathed in an opaque creamy white background and then glazed with colorful red, blue, or yellow designs. Even some of the pokeballs being sold seemed to carry similar patterns. After buying a few sandwiches for himself and Pikachu, Ash couldn't help but go over to one of the booths to take a closer look at the poke gear.

"Hola, young man," an accented voice, the owner of the booth, greeted Ash with a friendly smile, "you look familiar. Traveled here before?"

Ash observed the older man, his weathered face warm and tanned. "No, actually," Ash grinned, "this is my first time here. I'm attending the academy!"

"Oh-ho! Vale," the older shopkeeper chuckled and began twisting his graying mustache, "which academy? There are two you know."

"There are?" Ash raised an eyebrow and looked at Pikachu who looked just as confused. "Brock didn't mention that," the young man muttered to himself.

"Si, Scarlet Academy and Violet Academy," the old Paldean began rummaging through his wares and began pulling out what appeared to be school supplies—pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, "Both academies were founded at the same time, making them the oldest schools in the region. They were made to complement each other, but now I hear that they are rival schools. Students from Scarlet are always trying to be better than those from Violet…and the other way around, of course," the old man chortled as though he found the rivalry more amusing than anything, "both schools strive to best each other at the Paldean Cup. Some years, the Scarlet Students win, other years it's the Violet students. Goes back and forth."

"The Paldean Cup?!" Ash's eyes lit up, "sounds like an awesome battle tournament!"

The graying shopkeeper just laughed. "It's not a contest of battling strength. The Paldean Cup is a Blitz tournament."

"Blitz tournament?" Ash repeated, tapping his chin. Before he could ask anything more, Brock appeared, having straightened himself up with Croagunk now at his side. The Pokémon doctor glanced at the booth items and folded his arms across his chest with interest.

"You will need to get some stuff for school eventually," Brock mused, "but we better hurry. We need to catch the bus to Mesagoza. I'm sure there'll be plenty of stores there. It's the biggest metropolis in the region."

"If you intend to catch the bus, you should move quickly," the elderly man offered a warm smile to the two young men, "it is departing in just five minutes."

Startled, Ash, Brock, and their Pokémon suddenly sprang into action. They swiftly headed toward the far end of the dock, their footsteps beating loudly against the wooden floor. "Thanks, sir!" Ash shouted back, waving to the shopkeeper while his face beamed with an enduring youthful enthusiasm that belied his maturing appearance.

The old man chuckled and lifted a tanned, wrinkled hand in farewell.

The double-decker bus was nearly full. Ash glanced around to take in the crowd and he was surprised to see a lot of young people. Pikachu, who was sitting happily on his lap, did the same. Trainers around his age or a little younger clamored excitedly all around them. Pokemon—some of which he'd never seen before—bounded up and down the vehicle aisle. He didn't have time to even pull out his pokedex, as each stop brought in new trainers and new Pokémon.

"Guys!" Someone called out at the next stop. The bus had paused in front of a quaint village littered with sunset colored terracotta houses upon coastal cliffs. One house, however, stood out in particular as its size was enough to make one stand before it in all. It sat high upon a hill and glinted like silver in the sunlight. "Look it's Nemona's house!"

Brock leaned forward to glance past Ash out the window. "That looks more like a chateau than a house," Brock muttered, but looked on with interest.

"It's Nemona!" A young trainer squealed, her arms holding a green cat-like Pokémon Ash had never seen.

"Is she still the president of the student council at Scarlet?" Another trainer asked.

"Didn't she win the Battle School Tournament last year?"

There were affirmative mutterings until the bus went still with a quiet excitement as a tall, black haired girl stepped into the vehicle; her orange eyes bright with a charismatic excitement and confidence. She seemed to relish the attention, giving the crowd a casual smirk. Undoubtedly, this was the Nemona everyone had been talking about, Ash concluded.

"There better be no Violet thugs on this bus," Nemona began, lifting up a determined fist. On her shoulder was a rodent-like Pokémon that reminded Ash of Pikachu. It mimicked her confidence and crossed its arms before its furry chest. "I officially proclaim this bus to be Bus Scarlet!" She grinned and the crowd (well, most of the crowd) cheered. Satisfied, Nemona pushed back her green highlighted side bangs that dangled loose from her high ponytail.

"Wow, this girl sure does have a lot of energy," Ash said to Pikachu. His partner nodded, but appeared overwhelmed.

Nemona seemed to hear him, because she turned to Ash and Brock and froze. "Oh my Arcaeus!" The girl began to visibly jump up and down, waving her hands before her face. She repeated her exclamation numerous times before pushing her way to where the Pokémon doctor and young trainer sat. "It can't be! Guys," she looked around the bus as though in disbelief that no one else was as excited as herself, "It's Ash! Ash Ketchum! Champion of the World Coronation series?! Here in Paldea!?"

At this, it was as though everyone in the bus (even the bus driver) stopped to take a second look at Ash, who now wished he could dissolve into his seat.

Chaos ensued.

Trainers left and right were climbing over each other to talk to him, ask for his autograph, take pictures. Brock had to push the crowds back so that Ash wasn't crushed against the bus window. Pikachu's cheeks began to spark.

Ash saw this, his eyes going wide. "Wait, Pikachu, don't—,"

The entire bus turned yellow and white and electricity filled the air. When the attack stopped, Pikachu returned to sitting calmly on his trainer's lap while the smoke and burning scent in the air settled over the electrocuted trainers.

Ash coughed. Brock twitched.

Nemona settled her frizzed hair. "Well, sorry, that was all a bit much, wasn't it," she grinned, not missing a beat. She looked over at a couple of student-trainers who were sitting across from the famous Pokémon champion and his companion. She grinned and gave them a charged stare.

"Yea, we'll move, I guess," one of them mumbled as they left their seats to make room for Nemona and her Pawmo. The bus resumed its route after jerking forward with a metallic shutter. Many trainers lurched violently forward and groaned, the chaotic energy from before dissipating into hushed whispers and murmurs.

"Now, where were we?" Nemona smiled brightly, looking particularly at Ash, which made Brock chuckle. "Ash Ketchum. I can't believe it. I have to battle you as soon as we get off this bus."

Ash's eyes flashed at the challenge. "You bet!" He raised a determined fist and Pikachu gave an ambitious cry.

"Maybe we can start with introductions before we begin battle propositions?" Brock suggested, amused by the two. This girl seemed about as fired up as Ash when it came to battling. Ash would fit in just fine at this place. The Pokémon doctor decided to take the lead. "I'm Brock. I'll be Scarlet Academy's new Medical Professor."

"And I'm Ash!" Ash declared out of habit and then looked a bit embarrassed, scratching his nose. "But I guess you already knew that." Even after a year, he was not used to being "famous." He had kind of hoped that he wouldn't be recognized so soon, but so far everyone in the bus had seemed to have calmed down and resumed doing their own thing, which was nice. The media was never that polite.

"I'm Nemona," the Paldean trainer beamed, her eyes bright with a confidence that bordered arrogance, "Student council president of Scarlet Academy, champion of last year's Battle School tournament, and captain of the Scarlet Blitz team."

Ash wasn't sure what all of that meant, but he knew it was supposed to be impressive so he said simply, "Whoa."

"Pikachu," the yellow-mouse intoned.

Nemona looked pleased. She settled into her seat and crossed her arms. She appeared to already be wearing the school's uniform consisting of a white polo and a scarlet tie that matched the color of her shorts. The academy emblem was emblazoned on the left side of her upper chest. "What brings the Champion of the World to Paldea, hm?" Nemona hummed with interest. "Wait, are you here on vacation? But then, why are you on this bus…?"

"Oh! Well," Ash chuckled, scratching the back of his head, "I'm trying out a fast-track thing on battling at Scarlet Academy! Brock got me in. I heard the Battle School is pretty intense, and I figured it'd be a great new challenge."

Nemona gasped. "You can't be serious. You're coming to Scarlet Academy? As a student!?" Her voice grew higher in pitch at every word. She tried to calm herself so that the other students wouldn't overhear. She would like to avoid another full-bus electrocution if she could help it. "Oh my gosh, we are so going to beat Violet Academy in the Paldean Cup this year. Ash, you have to join the Blitz team!"

"Blitz?" Ash and Pikachu exchanged glances. "Why do I keep hearing about this 'Cup'? What even is Blitz?"

Brock seemed to cringe. "Isn't that the incredibly dangerous sport popular in Paldea?"

"You don't know what Blitz is!?" Nemona looked as if her soul were about to leave her body. She looked at Pawmo and sighed; she'd never had to explain the sport before and the idea of doing just that was annoying. "It's THE biggest sport in the region. Basically, it's a team sport with people riding Cylizars. I mean, it's really simple. You have seven players (each with a Cylizar) on this huge field that has three big hoops on either side. There are three balls and, well, the players have to get the balls in the opposing team's hoops to get points. Whoever has more points by the end of three fifteen minute rounds, wins!"

"Pawmo!" Nemona's partner asserted as he and his trainer raised both their hands in excitement.

"Um, but you're forgetting one thing," Brock pointed out, "the Pokémon—those Cylizars—on the field are used to attack the other players. Preventing them from getting to the hoops."

"Pokemon attacking people?!" Ash looked stunned. "But…what?"

"Uh, no! You're trying to attack the other Cylizars…people just happen to be riding them. But you wear these pads and a helmet and you're fine," Nemona shrugged and waved it off as though being attacked by a Pokémon's hyper beam was like swatting a fly off the skin. "And, some attacks are off limits, obviously. And there are other restrictions."

Ash and Pikachu didn't look convinced. "Uh, maybe I'll need to see a game—"

"Match," Nemona corrected automatically. "They're referred to as matches. But, anyway, of course! There's an exhibition tomorrow actually and we should totally go," Nemona winked, "as student council president, it is my duty after all to make sure new students feel welcome and ready to take on Scarlet Academy!"

Ash smiled looking down at Pikachu. "I guess that could be fun!"

"Remember, Ash," Brock cut in gently, "you still have to get your school supplies before Monday. That's books, uniforms—not to mention you'll have to get settled into your dorm and all that."

"I can help you!" Nemona beamed, "and once you're all settled, we can have a proper battle!"

Ash's eyes flashed. "You're on!"

Brock sighed, raising his hand to still the two younger trainers. "Let's just all take it one step at a time," he chuckled uneasily, and more to Ash added, "I think it will be nice when we meet up with Goh, he might be able to reign you in a little bit."

Nemona looked curious at this last remark. Ash picked up on her intrigue and chuckled, scratching the back of his head, remembering his partner in crime. He'd almost forgotten that Brock managed to get Goh—after much begging and pleading by the Mew-obsessed trainer—into the Battle School too. "Yea, my roommate," Ash clarified to Nemona.

"Oh, great!" Nemona pulled a notebook and pen out of her leather satchel, "I will make a list of the things you and your friend will need to do and get before school begins. Don't worry. I was born to help!"

Brock shook his head in mild amusement while Ash and Pikachu exchanged uneasy, yet excited grins.

On the crest of a nearby hill, concealed in shadows, a familiar trio watched the bus to Mesagoza through three pairs of binoculars.

"Look at those twerps, James! Ash Ketchum, the 'Monarch of the World,' is starting another journey! And that Pikachu of his is as electrifying as ever," a tall woman with dark magenta hair and blue eyes that exuded a mix of determination and mischief growled to her partners beside her. "How irritating."

James, with a dignified air, nodded. "Indeed, Jessie. Now that they're out of the spotlight, this may be our best chance to snag that Pikachu!"

"Das right!" the last of the trio, a small-cat like Pokémon with a gold bar on its forehead, grinned as he lisped. "And wif all da Pokémon dey'll be catching in Paldea, we'll have plenty to steal!"

Jesse and James nodded.

"According to our EavesDropping device, they're heading to the region's famous Scarlet Academy," Jesse's smile turned feral, "I don't know about you all, but I think it's time for me to put my marvelous abilities as an actress back to good use."

"But of course," James agreed, taking a deep whiff of a rose he'd suddenly procured from his pocket. "We'll disguise ourselves as Pokémon professors that work at the famous institution and offer a tour of the school to the twerp and his precious Pikachu. How about it, Meowth?"

"Excellent!" the cat Pokémon exclaimed, rearing back from the binoculars and raising a small paw in the air, "And then we'll lure them into a trap from which there is no escape!"

The trio began to giggle as they scurried off down the hill to begin the preliminary stages of their scheme.

"Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot!"

Goh ran wildly through the tall grass, Grookey clinging to his shoulders with a mild expression of terror on its face. Behind the two, a herd of Lechonk were chasing them, croaking loudly in a frenzy. The pig-Pokémon were relentless, their large, hooved feet propelling them forward with surprising speed.

As Goh and Grookey scrambled up and down the grassy hills, the Lechonk's growls grew louder, echoing through the lush landscape of the Southern Province.

"Grook, Grookey!" the monkey-Pokémon on Goh's shoulder seemed to be scolding.

"Urgh, how was I supposed to know there were like a hundred of them?!" Goh shot back, irritated by whatever condemnation he was receiving. "I could have sworn the Lechonk I wanted was alone!"

But indeed, it had not been. Goh, too excited to just stay at Mesagoza and wait for Ash, had thought he'd impress his friend by striking out on his own for a little while to catch some Paldean Pokémon. Things had not gone according to plan.

"We have to shake them off," Goh grunted, sliding down another hill and taking a quick pause to study his surroundings. Behind him, the ground seemed to shake as the Lechonk charged forward.

With a quick glance around, Goh spotted a cluster of tall trees ahead, their branches extending high into the sky. An idea sparked in his mind. "Hold on tight, Grookey!" he called out as he altered his course towards the trees. Upon reaching the broad branches, Goh and Grookey quickly climbed up to a sturdy bough, their hearts still racing. The Lechonk, unable to follow them into the trees, skidded to a stop below, croaking loudly in frustration.

Goh couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as he watched the Lechonk disperse, their attention diverted by something else in the distance. "Looks like we're safe for now, Grookey," he said, gently patting his Pokémon's head.

Grookey, who had been clinging to Goh's shoulder throughout the ordeal, let out a relieved sigh of its own and gave its Trainer a grateful nod. As they perched high in the trees, Goh couldn't help but smile. Despite the close call, he knew that these thrilling moments of adventure and danger were all part of the excitement of exploring the Paldea Region and getting closer to his dream of catching every Pokémon. It was for this very reason, Goh had begged Brock to get him into Scarlet Academy as well. He had heard much about the colorful peninsula and its Pokémon over the last year and a half, but more importantly, Goh had heard musings of legendary Pokémon sightings in the region's infamous Area Zero from Gary Oak.

"But they keep Area Zero under wraps," Gary had explained to Goh during one of the vulcan haired trainer's visits to the Cerise Lab for the latest information on the legendary Pokémon. "It's apparently inside of this huge, hazardous crater. Even if I did go to Paldea for research, I doubt I'd be able to get in. It's strictly forbidden."

Goh's eyes had gotten fiery at the thought of a super secret, off-limits laboratory. "They've got to have some information on Mew there!" And then, Goh had realized that Ash had been planning to go to Paldea. "Maybe I can go to Scarlet Academy too and see what I know!" Goh had proposed to Gary, "Kind of incognito, if you know what I mean."

Gary had appeared unsure. "If you think you can get in…" The young researcher had seemed to wrestle with some sort of internal conflict, scratching his auburn hair with uncertainty. However, a light had appeared in Gary's viridian eyes. "Paldea's scientists have also done ample research on this phenomenon called Terastallization…with you as an inside source, we might actually be able to learn some fascinating things…"

"I'd be like a spy," Goh had grinned, completely enthralled by the idea.

Gary had winced at the word 'spy.' He didn't like the idea of being secretive, but the researcher also knew from his sources that some darker entities were at work in Paldea as well. If Goh could go as a student and see what the professors taught about the Terastal Phenomenon and Area Zero, then Gary could look into how some people were trying to use those things for malevolent purposes. He knew that there were musings on some legendary Pokémon involved. As far as he knew, the Mew Project didn't have any trainers in Paldea yet.

That was when Goh had contacted Ash and Brock.

"Grookey…"

The preemptive groan from the Chimp Pokémon acted as a warning to Goh, signaling the approach of a set of footsteps echoing through the nighttime silence. Without hesitation, Goh swiftly seized Grookey and muffled his companion's sounds. He found himself in a secluded region far to the south of Mesagoza, miles away from the nearest trail, and a nagging feeling told him that whatever was approaching spelled trouble.

"The terastal cave should be just over those hills. Roughly a mile," a gruff voice intoned, "you can see the pillar of light faintly—over there!"

Goh's blue eyes silently scanned to see if he could spot the speaker. Grookey chirped soundlessly into his trainer's hand, clearly uneasy. Goh shot a quick warning glare towards the Pokémon and then returned his attention towards the cloaked figures standing just beside the tree.

There were two. In the full moonlight, Goh noticed that they were exceptionally dressed beneath their cloaks, clad in expensive suits fitted with vests and dress coats, dress trousers, and dress shoes pristinely polished.

"What do the energy readings look like?" The other figure, with a voice softer yet more authoritative, chuckled lowly. The gentleman turned abruptly towards the horizon leading towards the coast, and Goh could partially see fine, fair features shrouded by soft waves of black and white hair. Goh recoiled a bit as he caught sight of the man's violet eyes. They were unsettling along with the rest of the shadow-man's features. He was like some sort of dark, princely figure.

"It is difficult to tell," the gentleman's companion, infinitely less refined in tone and manner, replied with a hint of fear lacing his voice.

"Difficult to tell?" The gentleman allowed a small, unsettling curl to form upon his graceful lips, "That sounds powerful, no?"

"Maybe too powerful, Amethio," croaked the gentleman's companion. Goh could not make out any of his features save for noticing that the man was big and burly and definitely not someone he wanted to fight. "The readings are off the charts. It could be the legendary. Shouldn't we get backup?"

Legendary! Goh's attention, though already intrigued by the conversation, became a laser beam directed at every word coming out of this "Amethio's" mouth.

"And risk it running away or exacerbating its energy?" Amethio clucked disapprovingly. "That sounds much like cowardice, Zirc. Gibeon would be so disappointed."

Goh arched an eyebrow. This was all getting surreal. He hadn't spent even twenty-four hours in Paldea as a "spy" and already stumbled upon some sort of shady heist involving terastals and legendary Pokémon. He had to be the best spy ever…

Or he was until the branch on which Goh sat snapped, plunging the young trainer and his Grookey back down onto the earth…hard.

"Oof!" Goh grunted from the impact. He had managed to shield his familiar from the plummet, but absorbed the entire fall himself. For a moment, he tried to breathe but found no air. Hisheart raced as he lay on the ground, pain throbbing through his body. Grookey, startled by the sudden crash, hopped onto his trainer's chest, concern evident in its wide, expressive eyes.

Goh was about to reassure his companion when he felt a pair of large, muscular hands—and he didn't know hands could even be muscular—seize his shirt, lift him off the ground, and slam him into the trunk of a tree.

"Arcaeus, that hurt—" Goh moaned but then immediately went silent upon finding a pair of menacing black eyes inches away from his face. "Heh, talk about crashing a party, right?" Goh quipped with a nervous chuckle as he tried to gauge the intentions of the imposing figure who had just subjected him to an abrupt and rather painful encounter with the tree trunk.

The figure holding Goh against the tree trunk, Wyatt, released him but kept a firm grip on his collar. Goh winced as he adjusted his shirt, which was now crumpled and disheveled.

Amethio, the enigmatic gentleman with the unsettling violet eyes, regarded Goh with a mix of curiosity and irritation. "Well, well, what do we have here? A young trainer who has stumbled upon our little discussion."

Goh glanced at Grookey, who was perched on his shoulder, ready to jump into action if needed. With a gulp, Goh realized he was in a tight spot. He had to think quickly.

Clearing his throat, Goh adopted a confident tone. "You see, I was just lost and trying to find my way back to, uh, that big city over there." He pointed to the illuminated outline of Mesagoza in the distance and hoped his excuse would diffuse the situation.

Wyatt's grip tightened, a cruel smile lifting the dark beard around his lips. "You're telling me you couldn't just follow those pretty lights, huh? You must be really stupid…or a liar."

Amethio, however, appeared more intrigued than confrontational. He espied the Grookey on Goh's shoulder and the pokeballs at the young man's belt. "Paldea can be a dangerous place to be wandering alone in the dark. Even for a trainer, such as yourself."

Goh nodded vigorously, playing up his innocence. "I didn't expect to stumble upon anyone out here. I-I was actually up in that tree trying to—" he yelped as Wyatt's grip tightened on his collar, "trying to escape a herd of Lechonk! Geez! Can you, like, let me go already?"

Wyatt looked at Amethio, who gave a subtle nod. The larger man's grip loosened, but he still kept a rigid hand on Goh's shoulder. "What did you hear, punk?"

Goh shook the hand off defiantly. He hated being manhandled. "Nothing, I—,"

"Ceruledge!"

An explosion of red light illuminated the night air. When the light vanished, a tall humanoid Pokémon with a bipedal stance, its body predominantly black, featuring striking blue accents on its head, arms, and legs, stood before Goh. On either side of its head, there were pointed, pale blue "ears," and above them, a fiery crest resembling the plume adorning a knight's helmet blazes brightly. At its sides were purple-cyan blades created from what Goh identified as a ghostly fire.

It looked intense.

And awesome.

But at this moment, mostly intense, Goh decided. Instinctively, the young trainer began reaching for Cinderace and—

"Cerulegde," Ametho commanded, his hand paradoxically elegant yet menacing and raised towards Goh. "Teleport."

Goh's world went black.

Details changed in amendment:

- There were some mentions of Mew, but the legendary Pokémon will not be a focal point in the story, and so I rewrote that. Gary is more intrigued by Area Zero at the moment, leaving the Mew quest for another day. Goh is along for the ride.
- Amethio's grunt is now named Zirc, as that is a canonical detail I will incorporate.
- Some typos were hopefully polished up and minor details added to the beginning.

Again, with Ash I will try to be following the Scarlet & Violet games...kinda. There will be some plot changes, but we will also see Titan Pokémon, Team Star, and more. R&R