Ash and Pikachu III: Journeys

by Ivy the Snivy

Ash, Pikachu and Ashachu are back! In this third instalment, the bonds between our heroes begin to break down. Will Hunter ever be able to forgive Ashachu for what he did with Blade? Worse, how does Hunter really feel about Geyser. Poor Ashachu has conflict of his own. Does he love Hunter or Blade. They'll have to figure it out soon. Because an old enemy is preparing to strike!

58. Mesmerising beauty, mysterious stranger

Chapter 57 – Mesmerizing beauty and mysterious strangers

"The darkest day occurred three hundred years ago when Eternatus awoke," explained Zacian, as they continued to make their way through the woods. "I had never seen a Pokémon like that before. It didn't look any other Pokémon I'd ever seen before or have seen since. She was…Like a skeleton made of crystal. When it came it brought with it dark clouds that blocked out the sun and plunged the land into darkness. The humans all thought it was the end of the world. Eternatus caused all the Pokémon of the land to go into a rampage. My sister and I fought it. It was a hard battle, but we defeated Eternatus. We stopped it and everything went back the way it had been before. When the Ultra Wormhole open…I thought it was happening again."

"Wow," Ash murmured as he listed to Zacian's story. "I'd never heard of any of that before."

"Few remember," said Zacian. "The darkest day has just become a legend the humans tell now. A story that parents tell their children. They even say that the hero of Galar was a human and not my sister and me. You lot really can't stand not being the centre of everything."

If Ash felt slighted at Zacian's remark about humans he decided not to show it, instead asking, "So what happened to Eternatus."

"She hid away and never rampaged again." Zacian smiled weakly. "We became friends after that, and I would spend many just sitting and talking with her. All that ended when Team Rocket captured me."

"Wait, so Eternatus is still out there," Ash asked with a frown, to which Zacian nodded.

"Oh yes, she's harmless enough though."

Ash glanced at Pikachu and the two exchanged silent looks, each confirming to the other that they had no idea what to make of Zacian's tale. Pikachu just shrugged when Ash raised his eyebrow at him.

Zacian didn't notice this behaviour, preoccupied by raising her snout and sniffing at the air trying to catch Dragonite scent. "It was really strong a moment ago, and now it's so weak. Dragonite must have left the area. I smell something else too. Ugh." She wrinkled her nose. "What on earth is that. Doesn't smell like any Pokémon I've smelt before."

[Pokémon]

Meanwhile – Back on Oak's Ranch…

"…I was born in the Galar region, by the shores of the Ballimere Lake in the very far sought of the region. There were no humans living in the area. I was an older Dragonaire before I ever saw my first human. Occasional and adventurous trainer would wander through the area and stay for a little bit. I usually stayed away from them, as did most of my family and friends. Occasionally one would get themselves into trouble, and I would rescue them, but they are usually too weak after that, and too grateful for the help, that nobody ever tried catching them. There were a lot of strong Pokémon living in that part of the region, including many other dragon types. Most of us would battle every day, testing our strength and getting stronger. It wasn't long before I evolved into a Dragonite. And I was very quickly the strongest Pokémon in the lake…"

"That was until I came along."

Flygon has a cheeky grin on his face as he interjected into Dagonite's tale, making Dragonite scowl at him.

"Flygon," he groaned.

"Well, that's the next part of the story isn't," the dragon fly like Pokémon said smugly. "I kicked you arse. And you got caught."

Ashachu, Charizard, Sylveon, Sniveon, Axew and Geyser were sitting under a tree in a little circle, listening to Flygon and Dragonite tell their tale. Or in Flygon's case, retell the tale. Flygon grinned and continued.

"I was a wild Pokémon too. I came from the wild area, just outside of the city of Hammerlocke, many miles to the north of where Dragonite comes from. My trainer was the gym leader, Raihan. Well, our trainer shortly after that."

"Hmmp don't remind me," Dragonite snorted, folding his arms.

Flygon rolled his eyes. "Oh, don't pout. I won that fight fair and square, and Raihan caught you. But you shouldn't be upset about it. After all, if I hadn't have knocked out that day, we never would have become friends." Flygon leaned out and nuzzled the side of Dagonite's cheek.

Dagonite's face relaxed a little. "When you put it like that. And so, we were the gym leaders Pokémon for a while. I got to battle all sorts of powerful Pokémon, including the champion's. But then." He smiled weakly and sighed.

"We were released," said Flygon. "I already told you that part. It was when Raihan left the gym to train in Alola."

"Raihan didn't think I was strong enough," Dragonite added with a heavy sigh. "He was like that. Had high expectations for the Pokémon he trained and if we didn't meet them, we were either traded or released. Flygon didn't want to leave me, so he left the team too."

There was a murmur from the other Pokémon gathered there, and Charizard let out a low growl.

"That's awful," said Sylveon. "How could your trainer do that!"

Flygon shrugged. "Raihan wasn't an affection human. At least not to his Pokémon. He didn't mistreat us, but it was very clear he didn't think of us as friends or family the way some trainers do. When he wasn't training or battling with us, he usually let us roam free and do our own thing."

"I didn't like that trainer," grunted Dragonite, pulling a face. "He was self-absorbed and hot headed. Thought he was going to be champion. Yeah, that's going to happen."

"Besides," said Flygon. "Being released in a tropical paradise like Alola. What could have been better." A smile returned to his face as he remembered.

Dragonite scoffed. "If we'd actually got to spend much time there. I got caught again! A group of humans had some sort of device. They used it to make me go after this Sneasel for them."

"Yeah, we know," said Axew.

"We saw you there in Po Town," added Geyser.

This information surprised Dragonite and he coaxed his head curiously. "Really, you were there. But…Ugh." He rubbed his temples with his claws. "To be honest, everything that happened after I met those humans is kind of blur. The only thing I remember is…him." He pulled a face, a look of fear flashing across his eyes.

Ashachu shuddered, knowing exactly what was bothering Dragonite. Flygon pattered Dragonite on the shoulder. "You know the rest of the story from here," he said. "Dragonite was attacked by some dark thing, and we were forced to flee Alola."

"It was a Darkrai," said Dragonite in a shaky voice. "It froze me solid when I was chasing Blade across Ula Ula Island. He told me he'd be back to kill me for what I did to Sneasel. And after that the nightmares started. Then a couple of nights ago, there was a storm and something. Something came out of the darkness and attacked us. Flygon and fled, but we got separated in the storm. And that's how we ended up here."

Sylveon took a deep breath. "Well, that's quite a story. What are you going to do now?"

Flygon and Dragonite looked at each other. "We don't know," said Dragonite with a sigh. "That Darkrai…That thing. Whatever it is, it's still out there and its coming for us."

Charizard grunted, tilting his head causing Ashachu to frown at him and whisper, "what's wrong Chari."

"I'll explain later," Charizard grunted back.

"If that's true then maybe you ought to stay here with us for a bit," Sylveon suggested. "Our trainer Ash should be around here soon. He'll know what to do!"

[Pokémon]

Zacian continued to move purposefully through the forest, continually raising her nose in the air, or placing it to the ground, to try and find the scent again. Pikachu followed behind, while Ashachu brought up the rear, once again tripping and stumbling over roots and brambles.

"Zacian, wait up," he shouted, panting heavily.

Zacian came to a halt and sighed. "Honestly Ash, I would have thought you'd be faster."

Ash ran up to her and double over, breathing heavily. "I don't see why you had to throw us off your back."

"Because I'm not a common Ponyta," Zacian replied coolly. "I'm legendary. I don't normally give rides to humans. Not now the danger has passed."

"Well thanks a lot."

But, to Ash's surprise, it was actually Pikachu who was the most exhausted, doubled over on all fours and panting heavily, his face having extremely gone red.

Pikachu, buddy. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Pikachu replied, his voice a little hoarse. "I'm just…" He made a choking sound midway through the sentence and threw up, a puddle on some unpleasant yellow fluid pouring out of his open maw. "Aww."

"Pikachu," Ash cried, bending down, and scooping his partner up.

"I'm, I'm alright Pikapi," Pikachu groaned, shifting himself so he was lying down in Ash's arms. "Just…" He trailed off, his eyes moving to his belly.

"It'll be okay Pikachu," Ash assured him. "It'll take care of you. Zacian, I think we need…"

Ash cut off mid-sentence when he noticed Zacian's strange behaviour. She was standing with her paws apart, and her hackles raise, a low growl coming from her muzzle, which was twisted in a snarl.

"Zacian?"

"Something's wrong," the legendary wolf replied. "terribly wrong."

Ash started to feel uneasy again. "What is it."

"This scent. It's overwhelming now. I can't smell anything else. It's like…."

"WHOA!"

Ash saw it first. It moved so gracefully from out of the trees that it appeared to be gliding though it actually had legs. As it drew closer, Ash could see that it was a tall feminine cockroach like creature, with a body comprised of round discs.

It didn't look like any Pokémon Ash had seen before, and he realised as soon as laying eyes upon, that it wasn't a Pokémon at all, but an ultra-beast. He quickly whipped out his Pokédex…

Pheromosa, the Lissome Pokémon. ABugandFightingtype. One of the dangerous Ultra Beasts, it has been spotted running across the land at terrific speeds. WARNING. This Pokémon is extremely dangerous. Trainers are warned not to approach.

Pikachu and Zacian both did double takes as they saw the creature approaching, Zacian leaping into a battle-ready position.

"Pikachu!"

"Is that…"

"An Ultra-Beast," said Ash. "Looks like it. But I haven't seen one like that before."

The Pheromosa stopped a few meters away from them. Ash felt his heart thump and he hugged Pikachu tightly against him. "A bug and fighting type huh. Well, it may be an ultra-beast, but I bet it's still weak to fire and flying. Charizard…"

He reached for his belt, unable to find his Pokéballs, before remembering, "Oh yeah, Charizard's back at Oak's. Zacian, it looks like it's up to you…Zacian!"

Zacian's demeanour had changed all of a sudden. Where only a brief moment ago she had been battle ready with her hackles raised, now she stood upright staring at Pheromosa with eyes wide.

"Zacian what's wrong."

He took a closer look and noticed at Zacian's eyes had glazed over, and he wasn't entirely sure if she had heard him. or indeed could hear him. She seemed entirely mesmerised by the creature standing before her.

And she was not alone. He felt Pikachu shift in his arms and glanced down to see his buddy sitting upright and gazing at Pheromosa, the same vacant expression on his face. Did this Ultra Beast have some sort of effect on Pokémon?

"Pikachu. Zacian. Snap out of it." Ash fought hard to stop himself panicking. He was cornered by a mysterious and probably extremely dangerous Ultra-Beast, without it seemed, any Pokémon to protect or help him. "Pikachu. You have to listen to me." He hugged Pikachu a little closer to himself, willing him to break free of whatever trance he was in.

"Phera Phera…" Pheromosa made a strange high pitched clicking sound and raised one of its slender arms. What was it doing? Was it preparing to attack?

Ash swallowed. It his Pokémon were in trouble or couldn't fight, then it was up to him to protect them. He held Pikachu tightly, slipping the mouse underneath his shirt and putting both arms around him. "Look Pheromosa. I don't know what you want. But leave my friends alone. Make them snap out of it."

Ash suspected shouting at the Ultra Beast would not be particularly fruitful and indeed the creature did not respond to or even acknowledge him. It wasn't clear that it had even understood him.

"Phera."

Again, it made the strange clicking sound and stretched out it's arm in the direction of Zacian, opening the palm of its small harm flat as if reaching out to her. Zacian stumbled forward, still gazing blankly at Pheromosa.

"Zacian," Ash cried in alarm. "Stop!" Using one hand, he tried to grab a hold of Zacian's tail, but she was too strong, and he wasn't able to hold her back. "STOP!"

"Type: Null, use take down attack."

Ash heard the sound of paws pounding the ground before a grey creature shot from behind and threw itself into Pheromosa. The cockroach like creature, was sent flying, crashing into the trunk of a nearby tree and slumping to the ground.

Ash stared at the creature that now stood where Pheromosa had only a second before. He recognised what it was immediately, though he couldn't believe it was here. A chimeric Pokémon comprised of traits of a variety of different creatures.

The tail and hind legs of a Samurott, the front legs of a staraptor and the frilly neck of a skarmory, with its head encased in a wooden contraption complete with an axe on its crown. The artificial Pokémon known as Type: Null. Cameron had caught one just like it in the Alola Region.

The only difference between Cameron's and this Type: Null, was that this one a lighter complexion; it's skin and scales shiner and the axe on its head had a yellow colouration to it.

"Alright. Gotcha now beastie!" No sooner had Type: Null appeared than a burley bearded man ran alongside it. The man was dressed in a sleeveless vest, clearly trying to portray a tough guy look, and had a large cannon like firearm slung over his shoulder.

He stopped beside Type: Null and fired his oversized weapon. There was a loud bang. Pheromosa has been steadily pushing itself back to its feet, when it was encased in a large net. As Ash watched, the net electrified, glowing yellow as it shocked it creature captured within. Pheromosa seemed to silently convulse, falling back to the ground.

"Excellent. Nice work Type: Null. Now return!" No sooner than Type: Null had appeared, than it disappeared again, a beam of red light shooting from the direction it had come, causing it to disintegrate and return to a Pokéball.

Ash spun around and came face to face with two people, and man and a woman, each wearing similar white and black outfits complete with baseball caps and dark sunglasses.

"Well, that was an easy capture," the main said in a gravelly voice. "Not even sure why we needed muscles here. I reckon that Type: Null's worth ten of him."

"You can say what you like," the bearded man grunted. "So long as I still get paid! It's a shame. I was looking forward to the hunt!"

Ash glanced at him, feeling a sense of revulsion. Whatever the big man had meant by that, he had a feeling it wasn't benevolent. It was at then that the other two noticed that he was there for the first time.

"Oh, and look at this," the woman commented, eyeing Ash up. "What have we here. A new trainer out with his partner."

"I'm not a new trainer," an annoyed Ash said back. "My name's Ash Ketchum. Who are you!"

"Whoever you are you're lucky we were around to help," her partner added. "No telling what UB two would have done to your Pokémon. Eaten them and laid her eggs in their rotting corpse most likely."

Ash's face and ears felt warm. Even in a situation like this, he hated being patronised to as if he were a child or a newbie trainer. He felt and intense dislike towards these people and wasn't sure if he could trust them or not. "I wasn't in any danger," he said stupid. "My Pokémon and I have fought Ultra Beasts before. We knew what we were doing."

"Oh really," the man exclaimed. "Because it sure looks like UB two had your Pokémon trapped with its pheromone."

"It's pheromone?" Ash repeated, unsure what he was talking about.

The woman provided an explanation. "UB two produces a chemical known as a pheromone that caused Pokémon who inhale it to become awestruck by it. It's believed to be a mechanism for disarming opponents. And given the way your Pikachu and…Whatever your other Pokémon is…were acting, I'd say they were influenced alright!"

'That explains why Pikachu and Zacian were acting all spaced out,' Ash thought to himself. He wanted to know more about who these people were, and how they knew so much about this Pokémon, so he inadvertently blurted out, "Who are you?"

"How rude of us for not introducing ourselves," replied the woman. "My name is Brenner, and this is Monaro."

"We represent a research company in the Galar region with a particular interest in Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Beasts," the man, Monaro, added. "Our organisation is going to be the first to actually analyse and study UB two and it's pheromone. So far it's only been observed."

"You want to be careful from now on kid," continued Brenner. "If you see anything weird like this again. Strange lights in the sky. Run. And report it to us." She reached into her pocket and took out a business card, handing to Ash. Ash pocketed it.

"Hmm. What in Moltress flame." Zacian shook her head, looking around confused. Whatever trance she had been in, she seemed to have snapped out of it.

Pikachu too poked his nose out the top of Ash's shirt.

"Who are these people?"

Monaro frowned at Zacian. "You know kid, I don't think I've ever seen a Pokémon like that before. What species is it."

Zacian raised her eyebrows. "It. Excuse you mister. My name is Zacian, thank-you very much."

Ash started to feel uneasy again. "Zacian's a Arcanine," he blurted out. It was the first Pokémon he could think of who looked like Zacian. After all, Zacian did disguise herself as one when around humans…usually.

"I've never seen an Arcanine like that before," exclaimed Brenner. "You dye her fur or something."

"Err yes," Ash said. "It's for…Pokémon contests." Again, the first thing he could think of.

"Alrightly," the big man exclaimed, thankfully dragging Brenner and Monaro's focus away from Zacian. "I think beastie's finally down for the count. Shall I suggest we get moving before the wakening hour!"

Ash turned back around. Pheromosa was lying motionless on the ground, still trapped in the net. The big man had tied a rope to the opening and slung it over his shoulder, undoubtably to drag the Ultra Beast out of the woods and to…Wherever they were taking it.

"Yes, I don't want to spend too long here," said Brenner. "Now remember kid. The National Pokédex has been updated to identify and warn trainers about Ultra Beasts. If you have a Rotom phone it will also give you the number for the international police and the Ultra Guardians. Call neither. Contact us using the number on the card."

"Uhm." Ash wasn't sure how to respond to that.

"See you round then kiddo," said Monero before the three of them departed the scene.

Ash watched closely as they walked away, particularly as the big man dragged Pheromosa away in the net. He briefly wondered whether or not he ought to them take it, whether he should intervene.

He would if they were treating any other Pokémon this way. But Pheromosa wasn't a Pokémon, it was an Ultra Beast, and an extremely dangerous one at that.

"Come on," he said to his two Pokémon. "We should get going too. Zacian, do you still think you can find Dagonite's scent."

As they headed off into the forest again, Pikachu felt a cold droplet of water land onto his nose. "Burrrr." He shook his head and looked up in surprise, to see the once blue-sky filling again with rain clouds.

Ash groaned. "Oh great. Looks like it's going to rain again!"

[Pokémon]

A few hours later and a long way away….

"So, the experiment was success. Dat is good to know…"

Nine O'clock in the evening and the sun had well and truly set over the city of Wyndon, but the working day still continued for Oleana. For the secretary to Chairman Rose, the working day never ended. Not that Oleana minded – She loved her work, admired the Chairman, and had little to no family or social life outside the company.

Her office was on the second level before the top of Rose Tower, offering spectacular views of the city and the landscape beyond. She stood by the glass window, staring at the buildings below. They were so far up, the people and Pokémon in the streets below looked like little more than black dots. Without form or feature…Or worth.

Behind her stood a large mahogany desk, with a telephone sitting in the right-hand corner, a red light flashing on one side indicating the speakerphone was on.

"And UB two?"

"Is secured and ready for the trip back to headquarters," said the man on the other end of the line, his voice on the loudspeaker filling the large office.

"Good. I will let the lab know to expect it. Did Ultra Guardians turn up!"

"No, they didn't that was a surprise."

"Yes! I suspect they do not have way to detect appearance of wormhole outside Alola. At least, dat is what I gather from notes operative managed to retrieve!"

"There's something else you should know to, Lady Oleana. When we found Pheromosa, there was a young boy and a Pikachu there. I think Pheromosa had tried to attack him first."

"Probably trainer. What of it."

"Ma'am it was the same boy from the trainer incident!"

This made Oleana raise her eye brows and look over her shoulder at the phone, even though she knew Monero couldn't see him.

"Lady Oleana?"

"Was it the Ketchum child."

"I believe so, yes!"

A cold smile crossed Oleana's face. "Most interesting. Dat is second time he has found his way into our business. Inadvertently, but still. I will need to keep eye on him from now on, it seems. Anything further to report."

"Yes," Monero replied. "It seems that Dragonite may have fled to Kanto region too. You know the one."

"Indeed. Is dat all."

"Yes, Lady Oleana."

"Very well. Safe Travels. Phone. Terminate Call."

BING…The phone cut out and the light stopped flashing. Oleana strolled back to her desk, pressing a button on the side. This was linked not to the phone, but to her personal intercom, allowing her to contact her assistant.

"Yes Ms. Oleana," a female voice said over the intercom, after a brief buzzing.

"Is Lusamine here yet."

"I believe so," said the woman. "She's being escorted up the lift now."

"Very good. Inform the Chairman I will be joining him shortly and have my evening dress brought to my office…."

[Pokémon]

Oaks ranch…

"Wh-What! Why didn't you tell me an Ultra Wormhole appeared!"

Charizard chuckled at the worried expression on Ashachu's face, as the mouse gazed up at him from his comfortable position on Charizard's chest, his eyes wide and shinning and his mouth open.

The flame Pokémon put a claw on his back and rubbed him gently. "So that really is what that thing was called. And I thought that Dragonite and otter boy were high on Poké nip." He snorted then grinned. "Don't tell me you're high as well."

The two lovers were back where Ashachu had wished they could spend the whole day: In their cave on Oak's ranch. Charizard sat at the back of the cave, with his back resting against the wall, slumped over enough to permit his smaller partner to lay on his chest.

The weather outside didn't seem to be able to make up its mind about what it wanted to do. Whereas it had been clear and sunny earlier, the winds had brought in more storm clouds from over the sea and the rain and storms had returned to southern Kanto. This has caused the Pokémon resident on Oak's Ranch to flee to their dens, nests, and various hidey holes.

"Charizard," Ashachu whined. "It's not funny! The Ultra Wormholes are a portal to other worlds where the Ultra Beasts live. I got trapped inside one." He shuddered at the memory of the Centurion.

Charizard coxed his head and gave him a quizzical look.

"No really," said Ashachu. "The remnants of Team Flare captured me, Hunter and…Blade." He winced as he saw Charizard's eyes flash at the sound of the Sneasel's name, but the flame Pokémon didn't say anything. "They trapped us onboard a giant spaceship and we flew into the Ultra Wormhole. That was where I lost my." He shivered again, unable to complete the sentence.

Charizard had been about to make a remark of kinds, but stopped himself, letting out a grunt instead. He knew what Ashachu was referring to…the time the poor chu had suffered his tail being cut off.

Charizard didn't know exactly what had happened, though he knew Shadow had been involved. But he had not expected the story to involve spaceships, portal to other dimensions and Ultra Beats. Maybe Ashachu had been drugged or this was a result of the trauma.

He let Ashachu continue. "There was this planet. It was barren and rocky. It was filled with these Ultra Beasts. They were black and looked like walking cables." He briefly told the story of some of the events that had transpired whilst he had been trapped in Ultra Space.

Finally, he concluded with, "I don't know what they are, but all I know is that whenever those Ultra Wormholes appear the Ultra Beasts appear with it. They're really strong and really dangerous. And to think that while you were there one. Ugh." He gripped Charizard's scales with his paws. "It doesn't bare thinking about."

Charizard let out a little snort. "Ashachu," he said reassuringly. "Nothing happened. That thing. The Ultra Wormhole apparently. Appeared and then it disappeared. Nothing came out of it."

No sooner had Charizard said that last line than he started doubting himself. Hadn't he seen a shadow flicker at the mouth of the wormhole. Just for a second. He couldn't quite remember. Either way, he was sure he hadn't encounter any so-called Ultra Beasts.

"I know, you said that" Ashachu replied. "I'm just… After what happened with Shad…In Galar, I-I." His voice waivered a little. "I-I can't lose you again. I don't…You're really important to me Charizard. You're my guardian angel. Without you, I'd lose everything holding me together."

Charizard smiled, and gripped Ashachu a little tighter with his large claw. "Ashachu I'm fine. Nothing happened." He leaned forward and touched the crown of Ashachu's head with his tonged. A gentle kiss from the Flame Pokémon. "I'm not going to leave you Ashachu. Whatever happens, I'll stay by your side, I promise. Okay. I love you."

Ashachu looked into his green eye and felt a great sense of comfort. It has hard to worry about Ultra Beasts and monsters here in this secluded little cave when he was laying so comfortably against Charizard's chest with his claw resting on his back like a blanket. The dragon's scales warm beneath his fur. "Okay. I love you too."

"How was our egg today, while I was out." Charizard cast his eye to his side, where sitting by his side, resting on a bed of leaves, Chari and Ashachu's egg. Orange and cream, the same colour as Charizard's scales and only a little bit smaller than Ashachu was himself.

"Fine," Ashachu replied. "Nothing happened."

"Did it move or light up?"

Ashachu shook his head.

"Oh." Charizard's face fell, and a note of disappointment entered his voice. "I guess it could be a while before it hatches."

Ashachu wasn't sure how to respond so he just murmured "Pika," which could have been taken as agreement. The prospect of the egg hatching still worried him, even though it seemed to really excite Charizard. His ears twitched as he wondered if he should tell Charizard how he felt but ultimately decided that now was not the time.

In any event, they were interrupted at that point by the sound of scraping of claws against the rocky ground and somebody calling out, "Hey do you mind if we join you. Nobody else's den is big enough?"

Ashachu and Charizard looked up to find Flygon and Dragonite in the opening of the cave. Their scales were covered in droplets of water, which ran quickly off the smooth surface creating a muddy pool at their feet. Charizard scowled and immediately raised his tail a little higher off the ground.

"Uh, I guess that wouldn't be a problem," Ashachu replied a little awkwardly. In truth, he didn't really want his intimate moment with Chari interrupted, though thought it best to be polite. No Pokémon should be caught out in the storm.

Charizard snorted, given Ashachu a disapproving look. Personally, he didn't want either of these two in the cave and would have been perfectly happy to send them both back into the rain. Unfortunately, the damage was done.

"Oh thank-you." Dragonite beamed before giving Charizard a big hug – A far too intimate hug for the fire type's liking. He threw himself onto the Flame Pokémon, practically lying on top of him, and putting his paws around his neck.

Poor Ashachu found himself squished between the firm and formidable torsos of the two dragons…

"Dragonite," Flygon said exasperatedly with a roll of his eyes.

Charizard tried to push Dragonite off him with his claws. "Hey! What in the distortion world do you think you're doing? Get off!"

"Can't breathe," Ashachu gasped from his snug – to say the least – position caught between the two Pokémon.

"Rwah." Unable to push Dragonite off him, and becoming increasingly irate at the situation, Charizard belched a jet of flames into Dagonite's face.

Dragonite winced and leapt off Charizard, so quickly that he tripped and laned on his tail. Ashachu felt a great sense of relief as the pressure on top of him lifted and he was able to take a large breath.

"Thank Arceus," he panted. "Another minute under there and I would have been a Pika Pancake."

Dragonite roused on Charizard. "Hey, what was that for," he snapped as he got back to his feet. "You didn't need to flame me."

Charizard quickly pushed himself back up as well, Ashachu having to scurry very quickly up his chest and onto his shoulder to prevent falling off.

"What did you expect," Charizard growled back. "Molesting me like that!"

"Okay guys, there's no need to fight," said Flygon calmly, putting himself between Charizard and Dragonite and holding up his claws. Then he added to Dragonite with a grin, "I keep telling you not to keep hugging every Pokémon you meet."

Dragonite gave him a pouting looked and mumbled, "but I like hugging cuties." He then stuck his tongue out a Flygon.

Flygon sighed and rolled his eyes, before turning to Ashachu and Charizard and saying, "I'm sorry about my friend. He's a little over affectionate sometimes. All the time."

"Hey, is that an egg," Dragonite said, his eyes having fallen on the egg resting on the bed of leaves behind Charizard, visible to him now the flame Pokémon was standing. "I didn't know you'd laid. Aww. A new friend."

To Ashachu and Charizard's great surprise, Dragonite stretched out his arms and lumbered forward as if wanting to hug the egg. Charizard picked it up in his claws and held it tightly, giving Dragonite a threatening glare.

"Don't touch it."

Flygon put a claw on his shoulder and said, "Dragonite dear, I think we should wait for it to hatch before we do that."

Dragonite huffed and said, "Fine…" It was then that his eyes fell on Ashachu. "But at least let me hug your little cutie here."

His claws clutched firmly on the egg, Charizard had no way to prevent Dragonite snatching Ashachu off his shoulder and hugging him tightly against his chest. "Aww. He's adorable," the dragon type cooed as he nuzzled the top of Ashachu's head.

"Pika chu." Ashachu blushed and let out a soft groan, not quite sure how to feel. Being folded in the arms of the much larger Pokémon was familiar yet odd somehow. Dagonite's embrace felt similar to Charizard's; tight without being too tight, comforting, and safe.

Yet Dagonite's scales were not as warm as Charizard's, and the sound of his heartbeat felt different. But beyond that it just lacked the familiarity, safety, and love that he always felt with Charizard. There was just something a little too awkward about it.

"Char." Charizard let out a disapproving growl, glaring at Dragonite.

Flygon, sensing danger, gently pulled on Dagonite's arm, and said, "I think you should let the poor chu go now!"

[Pokémon]

Meanwhile – Rose Tower, Wyndon, Galar Region…

"You should try the wine madame president. It's a nice little number imported specially from the Ransai region. Hard to get hold of due to the war…"

The food was excellent, and it was probably being served at the best table in all of Wyndon; the top level of the Rose Tower, looking out over the city and the mountains and hills beyond. But this was not a friendly dinner and the host and his guest sitting at the table were not friends.

"I think we can dispense with the pleasantries," the President said sharply as the waiter poured the special Ransai wine into her glass. "Mister Chairman. I didn't come all the way to Galar for a vacation and I have limited time."

The chairman raised his eyebrows. "Well, madame president, I've never known you to be one to eschew mixing business and pleasure. Can we not observe the niceties of taking meal together before discussing the matters at hand? You did, after all, request this meeting."

"I requested to speak with you! You were the one whom insisted it be in person here in the Galar Region."

It was perhaps fitting that the dinner table was positioned so far above the rest of the city and the Galar region, for the host and his guest were two of the most powerful people in all the Pokémon world.

The Host was Chairman Rose of the Marco Cosmos, the largest and most powerful company in Galar. Lusamine, the president of the Aether Foundation, was his guest.

"I did not believe it something that should be discussed over the phone or video conferencing. Not when I know Pokémon Nation authorities are still investigating your organisation. I have many advisors who believe I should not be funding you for that reason."

If that was a veiled threat, Lusamine chose not to take it as such, replying coolly, "Dunbar is watching my every move They will know I have left the country unexpectedly and will know I have travelled to Galar."

"But they will have no way to know what was said between us here," said Rose. "A meeting between us, even a late scheduled one, is hardly unexpected, given your involvement in the wild area project, and our ongoing donations."

Lusamine raised an eyebrow. "Even though we were scheduled to meet in Castelia City in only a few weeks' time for the annual Aether fundraising formal event."

Rose let out a sigh. "You know, in high Galar society, it is generally considered impolite to question your hosts motives. Seeing as how keen you were to get to business; I suggest we not play games. Had you been concerned about how your government might view our meeting; you would not be here now. What is it you wanted to discuss?"

"Shadow the Darkrai," said Lusamine simply.

A knowing look crossed Rose's face. He placed his elbows on the table and put his fingers together, pointing them at the ceiling and then at Lusamine. "Ah yes. I assure you. Every precaution."

"Regardless of your precautions, he still managed to escape," Lusamine interrupted. "You assured me he would be eliminated if I arranged for him to be transferred to you!"

"There were complications. We had no way to predict the involvement of Team Rocket."

It was Lusamine's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Really! A man of your influence, resources and, dare I say, connections, could not foresee an evil organisation that exists solely to capture and use powerful Pokémon might attempt to acquire Darkrai for themselves."

Rose did not appreciate the subtle swipe and his eyes flashed dangerously. "Forgive me. Team Rocket are not active in the Galar region. The attack came as a surprise. We had no way of knowing."

Lusamine felt a little thrill at being able to get such a rise out of the usually stoic business and decided in spite of herself to pick up her wine glass and take a swig. "Oh, come now Mister Chairman. We both know the train was based on your companies patented designs. Either you were involved, or you security and intelligence aren't up to scratch."

"The leak of the train designs we were aware of," Rose replied sharply. "But those particular designs did not belong to Marco Cosmos Rail. They belonged to Steelix Railcars who licenced and modified our Patent. Our company had been looking into the situation, but you'll appreciate I can't really discuss that matter with you directly."

Lusamine smiled. "Of course not. Now tell me. Is it true? Did Shadow perish."

"He did not return from the valley after his fight with Zacian," said Rose. "She mortally wounded him at the very least, but it's unclear if he actually died. The area was searched, and we have not found a body."

"I thought not," sighed Lusamine.

"Did you really come all the way to the Galar region to ask me about that wretched Darkrai?" the Chairman asked curiously. "Surely not!"

"He's quite a liability to the Foundation given the investigations and lawsuits," said Lusamine. "And he is a threat to some of the Pokémon in my facility. I need him gone."

Rose drummed his fingers together. "Interesting. You brought the monster to life. At that P2 laboratory of yours. And now you cannot control him. I am reminded of Mary's book which I was required to read at school. A favourite of my literature teacher."

"Like you said," said Lusamine. "Business only. What about our arrangement."

Rose gave her a gruff smile. "It can continue. I am not happy about your Foundation's carelessness in brining Shadow into this world in the first place. But intend to remain a donor of the Foundation's work, given how important it was in establishing the wild area as a nature preserve. I am also happy to pay your legal fees, though I suspect you don't require that."

"I don't."

"I thought not. Now, with that the way, I suggest we enjoy our soup and mains before broaching the remaining topics…" Rose raised a hand and snapped his fingers, and in an instant three more waiters appeared, carrying bowls and a large soup dish and ladle.

[Pokémon]

Back on Oak's ranch…

To Ashachu's somewhat relief, at Flygon's suggestion, Dragonite put him back down on the floor of the cave, allowing to scurry back to Charizard and climb back up his tail and onto his shoulder.

Charizard continued to glare at the pair of dragons. "Okay, I think I've been polite long enough here," he growled. "I want both of you out of my cave." He waved his claw angrily at them, gesturing to the entrance.

Dagonite's face fell, and Flygon bowed his head.

"Oh wait, don't say that cutie," pleaded Dragonite. "You wouldn't send us out in the rain would you!"

Charizard snorted, a puff of smoke emitting from his nostrils. "Not my problem."

Flygon sighed, "Look we're sorry we bothered you. Dragonite here need to learn to keep his claws to himself. Please just let us stay here until the rain goes. After everything that's happened, we don't want to fly through the storm in case…it…comes back."

"Yeah Charizard. We have to let them stay," Ashachu added. "That's the right thing to do."

Charizard sighed. "Fine. You can stay. But as soon as the suns out you can find somewhere else to sleep. Build a secret base or something, don't either of you know hidden power."

Dragonite beamed at him once again. "Oh thank-you," he cried, stretching out his arms until Flygon gave him a warning look.

"What are you planning to do when the rain stops anyway," Charizard grunted.

"We haven't decided that yet," said Flygon. "We can't go back to the Alola region, it's not safe. Not with that thing chasing us. We considered joining another team, since we got kicked off the last one, but we don't only one of us to end up caught and be forced to separate."

"Yeah, that would suck," agreed Dragonite. His eyes then lit up as he added, "Hey, maybe your trainer!"

Charizard eye's widened. "Oh, Arceus no!"