Author's Note: Okay so I was getting this outta the way and seeing how this one was super long and decided to make it into a two chapter so the next one will be posted very soon but figure I get this one out of the way. Hopefully you'll all come to enjoy it and that you'll be excited for the next chapter that will come to later down the road. Hope you guys will enjoy this and that all I want is you to review and let me know what you think, so enjoy!

Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon


Chapter 9 - A Moonment with You

The journey to Mt. Moon filled Ashi and her companions with a feeling of excitement as they steadily made their way towards their goal. She glanced at her brother Toshi, who was now brimming with confidence after earning his first badge. Her Pokemon, Aratiri and Sora, seemed to be in high spirits as well, walking confidently by her side after their recent gym battles.

As they traveled along the open route leading towards the mountain, Ashi marveled at how their group had grown since leaving Pallet town - from just her and Toshi to having five members now in their party. Taking a moment to look at their companions to find Steven in an open discussion with Brock about his recent visit to the Pewter museum and the ancient fossils he had seen on display. Then to where Raihan was busy updating his profile on his Rotom Phone, snapping pictures of himself to upload later for his fans to check out while giving off poses and adding witty captions to them. Misty was engrossed in a deep conversation with Leon about his Inteleon's unique abilities and eager to learn more about the Galar region's water Pokemon.

As they walked past the sign that indicate they were almost there, Toshi curiosity was piqued and couldn't help asking out loud, "Say, why is it called Mt. Moon anyways?"

They all took to turn to Brock as they figured he'd be the most knowledgeable about it having lived around these parts his whole live and offer his own insight on the matter at hand. "Legend has it that meteorites fell from the sky onto this mountain ages ago. These meteorites not only contain evolutionary stones but have also sparked theories about Pokemon originating from outer space."

Steven nodded as he too heard that hypothesis from those within his region. "Yes! Some believe that Pokemon may have come from another planet altogether."

Ashi smiled at their discussion, reminded of old debates like "which came first: the chicken or the egg?" It also struck a personal chord with her since their father was not from this world but another dimension. She wondered how he would weigh in on this topic if given the chance.

Toshi was captivated by the concept of extraterrestrial Pokemon. His mind raced with endless possibilities, envisioning legendary Pokemon soaring through the vast expanse of space and ancient civilizations making contact with otherworldly beings.

Their mother had once mentioned the two legendary Pokemon from the Sinnoh region who possessed the ability to manipulate time and dimensions. Toshi couldn't help but wonder if this was what brought their father to their realm years ago. But before he could bring up this intriguing thought during their conversation, a stern glance from Ashi reminded him to keep that secret to themselves. As much as she would like to bring that up, this was something that cannot, and would not be shared with outsiders! She made a promise to her dad and intend to keep it that way!

As they approached the towering Mt. Moon, Misty's excitement bubbled over. "Do you think there are local legends about outer space too?" Her eyes shining with enthusiasm, "Like Sailor Moon being a princess from another planet who falls in love with someone from Earth?"

Steven chuckled at her comparison and nodded. "In a way, yes. Many traditional tales incorporate celestial beings or cosmic events into their narratives, adding an air of mystique to our understanding of Pokemon."

Leon chimed in with his own knowledge, "Did you know that the idea for Sailor Moon may have come from Princess Kaguya, a famous Kalos legend about a celestial princess from the moon? It's fascinating how folklore and mythology from different cultures inspire new ideas and stories. Perhaps the Pokemon living in Mt. Moon have a similar connection to these ancient myths, bridging the gap between worlds."

Raihan couldn't resist joining in on the discussion. "There's no doubt that there is so much we have yet to discover about our world," he mused. "Maybe we'll get lucky and stumble upon some of these mysteries ourselves while exploring out here."

Ashi could see how invested everyone was in the topic, especially when Misty brought up that Sailor Moon once again. From what she gather it was a very popular show but finding she and her brother have not an iota about it. But judging by the looks on everyone else's faces, they were all very familiar with this.

"…I loved Sailor Mercury the most," Misty gushed. "Her powers are so cool, it looks like she's using Bubblebeam!"

Brock, who was well-versed in the series thanks to his sisters' love for it, couldn't help but chime in, "I have a hard time choosing just one favorite: Sailor Moon is adorable, even when she's a bit ditzy. But Sailor Mars can ignite me with her fire abilities, and Jupiter is incredibly powerful. And don't get me started on Venus - she's simply amazing!" He had that dreamy look on his face that only the other fans could understand.

As Ashi and Toshi watched their friends engrossed in their conversation, they exchanged a glance and wondered what they had stepped into just now. Aratiri and Sora were also perplexed by this line of discussion, looking at one another, wondering if the other had a clue what they were talking about. Litten shrugged his shoulders, indicating his guess was as good as his; he may watch a lot of TV shows, but this Sailor Moon one was totally outside his jurisdiction. Then turning to their trainer who was also finding herself just as lost before seeing Misty turn to her and now bringing her into their open discussion.

"So Ashi, how about you, who's your favorite?" The Dragonslayer was surprised at being brought in so suddenly and looking to find the others were also looking to her, wondering what she had to say.

(Oh Arceus, why me!) Ashi felt unsure how to respond while Toshi was unable to help since he had never seen any of those shows before and couldn't even throw her a bone to salvage her from this uncomfortable situation.

"Well I, um that is to say—" As Ashi searched for a response, her sharp ears picked up a distant sound. Turning towards the direction it came from, she noticed that the source of distress was coming from the very path they were headed towards! The cries for help grew louder and it was clear that someone was in trouble. Without hesitation, Ashi and her companions took off towards the commotion.

Using her own mana to push herself ahead of the group, Ashi led the way with Aratiri and Sora close behind. As they arrived at the mountain's entrance, they saw a man crouched on the ground, desperately trying to protect himself from a swarm of wild Zubats attacking him. Knowing they had to act quickly, Ashi turned to her Pokémon for assistance.

"Aratiri, use Quick Attack! Sora, use your Flamethrower to drive them back!" The Pikachu and Litten obeyed their trainer's commands, using their powerful attacks to distract and ward off the aggressive Zubats. Meanwhile, Ashi darted through the flurry of wings and fangs, determined to reach the man in need. With a swift motion, she grabbed him and pulled him away from danger while her Pokémon continued to fend off the Zubats.

Sora and Aratiri kept up their assault until finally Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, taking out all of the Zubats at once. Seeing his chance, Sora used Ember to take down any remaining stragglers before retreating back into the safety of the cave. "Che! That was too easy," Sora chimed in after catching their breath. "Pika!" Pikachu agreed before joining Ashi by the man's side as others began arriving on scene.

"What happened here?" Leon asked, surveying the aftermath.

"It looks like these Zubats were agitated by something and attacked this man. But he seems to be okay now," Ashi explained, gesturing to the bespectacled young man who was catching his breath. The man stood up, brushing himself off and expressing his gratitude towards Ashi and her Pokémon for saving him. "I can't thank you enough. I thought I was a goner for sure," he said with relief.

He then noticed Sora and Aratiri standing nearby and couldn't resist going over to them, grabbing their paws and shaking them while showering them with praise. "You guys were amazing! Like, super fantabulistic! The best rescue I've ever had!"

"It was nothing, really. Just doing what anyone would do," Ashi replied modestly, watching as the man picked up Sora in a bear hug while Litten squirmed uncomfortably. Sora's face was pressed against the stranger's rough, unkempt cheek and Aratiri couldn't help but find it comical. The Pikachu was rolling on the ground in laughter at the ridiculous sight of his comrade/rival being manhandled by this odd individual.

Growing irritated by the unwanted attention, Sora finally had enough and let out a burst of flames, causing the man to yelp in surprise and release him immediately. Sora hopped out of his arms and into Ashi who made sure to catch the Litten and see he moved to perch himself on her shoulder while glowering at the strange man. Ashi would reprimand him for that later as the man stumbled back, his hands waving frantically in front of him as he tried to put out the small flames that had singed his shirt.

Ashi apologized for her Pokémon's behavior but the man was saying, "It's quite alright, fair miss. I can see now that my actions may have caused discomfort for your Pokémon. I did not mean any harm, as they were the ones who rescued me after all."

"Still, Sora should know better than to go and do something like that," Ashi scolded, looking down at the Litten who was now licking his paws and feeling her eyes on him. He turned to the man and let out a soft meow as a way of saying sorry, although he wasn't truly sorry. Ashi would let it slide for now. The young man observed how Sora and Pikachu now perched on Ashi's shoulders and couldn't help remarking, "They say a Pokémon is a man's best friend, and with those two, I believe it."

"That we can certainly agree on," The Galar Monarch chimed in, feeling that statement held true. But the man was far from finished as he exclaimed loudly, "I am so moved! Such a strong bond of friendship, something I thought I would never witness. When the Zubat began attacking me, I thought it was the end for me. But who should arrive to save me? Some heroes, thanks to whom, I am alive! Thank you so much, thank you!"

Now it was Ashi's turn to have her hands grabbed by the overly enthusiastic man. She couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu and silently hoped he wouldn't make some sappy love confession to her. The other onlookers were thinking the same thing, while those who were now glaring at the man stood back slightly, ready to intervene if necessary.

"Geez, what's with this guy? Did he get hit in the head or something?" Raihan muttered to himself, feeling like they were constantly running into strange individuals ever since he and Leon joined Ashi and Toshi on their journey. Toshi moved towards his sister, unable to resist asking about what happened to the man. "So why were the Zubat attacking you mister?" The odd man turned to zoom in on him, looking shocked at being referred to as 'mister.'

"Never call me 'mister!' My name is Seymour. Seymour the Scientist. Knowledge. Research. I am Seymour the Scientist!" He seemed to lose himself in his own ramblings while everyone else looked on with raised eyebrows and mental sweat drops forming above their heads. Clearing his throat awkwardly, Seymour straightened up and gave a nervous chuckle. "I guess I got a little carried away there! Thank you again for your help."

Ashi nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It was no problem at all. We're just glad we arrived in time."

"Yes, but thanks to your valiant effort- like a knight protecting the weak- and how you swooped in to rescue me from certain peril - it makes me happy to have witnessed such a feat in person!"

"Um, okay…" Ashi couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable around this man. He definitely seemed to have a few screws loose, and everyone else see to think so as well. But then, Steven noticed the laminated badge hanging from Seymour's lanyard and saw that he was from the Pewter Science Museum.

"Are you here researching the origin of the Mountain by any chance?" Steven asked. Seymour whirled around to face the Hoenn Champion and nodded enthusiastically, "Yes! But there's more to it. Follow me and I'll show you."

Seymour carefully guided the group towards the opening of the cave, with Ashi following closely behind. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Brock picking up a lone Pokeball that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere before joining the others. She couldn't help but wonder when he had caught one of the stray Zubats they had encountered earlier during their scuffle.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Leon holding up her bag which she had dropped in the chaos. He had retrieved it for her while she was preoccupied with helping Seymour escape from the Zubats. "Thanks," Ashi said, allowing Leon to assist her in putting her backpack on. However, as she readjusted it, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about it yet pushed it aside and focused on catching up with the rest of their friend as she and Leon hurried inside, being the last to enter the cave itself.

At first, Ashi expected navigating through the dark cavern to be a difficult task. However, they soon came across numerous lanterns hanging from the walls, illuminating their path and making it easier to see. As they continued deeper into the tunnel, they realized that it extended far beyond what they had initially thought. This was strange because no one was allowed to set up artificial lighting in this natural habitat for Pokemon.

"Look at this! The whole cave is lit up!" exclaimed Seymour. "Someone has strung these lights throughout the entire cave." He then pointed out that these bulbs were disrupting the natural darkness that these Pokemon needed to thrive and survive.

"That must be why the Zubats were attacking you," Brock said and Seymour nodded, "Yes and look, they're not the only ones affected." The group's attention was drawn to other Pokemon in the cave who seemed distressed and disoriented.

Ashi spotted an orange cicada-like Pokemon with a round egg-shaped body and three pairs of legs. It had sharp claws on its front pair and was marked with five dots on its forehead. The Pokemon's mouth revealed three visible teeth on each side, and its eyes had large pupils. On its back grew vibrant red and yellow mushrooms, but Ashi could see that some of them were being removed and planted in different areas while others lay helplessly on their backs, unable to move. Looking around at the other Pokemon, she noticed a yellow armadillo-like ground-type lying motionless on its stomach, desperately seeking shade from the hot lights.

"Look here," Seymour pointed out. "These Paras are planting their mushrooms everywhere. And the heat from these lights is drying up these Sandshrews." Ashi could tell by observing the behavior of these creatures that this was not a good situation. The bright lights were having a significant impact on their environment, causing them a great deal of distress.

Despite the urgency of finding whoever was responsible and give them a good thrashing, Ashi couldn't just leave these poor creatures to suffer. She walked over to where they were and pulled out a water bottle and some bowls she always carried for situations like this. "Here you go, drink up," she said softly, pouring water into the bowls and placing them in front of the Pokemon. Some of them were hesitant at first, but soon Sandshrews and Paras came forward eagerly, lapping up the refreshing water as if they hadn't had a decent drink in days. Ashi even used a wet towelette to pat their skin and help them retain some moisture.

"That's it, there you go," she encouraged them, making sure they were all taken care of. As the others saw what she was doing, they joined in and helped distribute water to the distressed creatures.

"I can't believe someone would go and do this, what kind of heartless A-holes would do such a thing." Toshi mutter seeing that he wasn't alone in thinking this. "Your guess is as good as mine there." Brock said as he too felt the weight of the situation bearing down on them. The Pokemon had finished drinking their fill and were now seeking shelter in whatever available shade they could find. The Sandshrew was the last to leave, Leon and Raihan having given it some Oran Berries to take with it and share with any others who may need them on their journey. Ashi couldn't help but worry about the well-being of these creatures, her thoughts turning to whoever was behind this she vowed to give them a piece of her mind.

"Whoever is doing this needs to be stopped immediately." Everyone was of the same wavelength as her and Seymour was glad to see they understood his plight so well.

"That's why I'm here. On patrol to protect the mountain from troublemakers who attack these caves," Seymour explained, relieved to see that these trainers were offering to assist him in any way possible. He sadly admit that he wasn't a qualified trainer and had no Pokemon on him at that time. He fears that there might be other Pokemon just as agitated like the Zubats and could be a hassle dealing with if it had been just himself. Thankfully everyone's Pokemon were in good condition and should be able to handle them if they dare to run into anything while down in these tunnels.

"But why would anyone want to attack a cave?" Misty asked, voicing the question that was on everyone's mind. Seymour gave them a surprising answer: "It's because of the Moon Stone."

"The Moon Stone." Ashi's curiosity peaked at this new information, and her brother shared her interest. They both leaned in as Seymour began his explanation: "The Moon Stone is an ancient boulder, believed to be millions of years old. Deep within these caves lies a hidden meteorite, though no explorer has ever discovered its exact location. We have studied fragments of the stone for countless hours and have found that it can greatly increase a Pokemon's power. And that is exactly why these attackers are here. They want to possess the Moon Stone, and I fear they will stop at nothing to get it."

"Great, more rhyming," Raihan groaned, wondering if this was going to be a constant occurrence on their journey. But everyone's attention was focused on the fact that someone was trying to find and steal what was likely a highly valuable and powerful object hidden somewhere within these caverns.

Seymour continued on in his animated manner, explaining how as a young boy he believed that these Pokemon may have originated from outer space. "We were actually discussing that earlier," Toshi chimed in, knowing that Seymour's occupation as a researcher might shed more light on their theories.

"Yes, there are many tales of Clefairy coming from space, suggesting that they may have been brought here by the grace of the Moon Stone. But unfortunately, the Pokemon are greatly affected by the lights in this cave and you can see the distress written all over their faces." As they ventured deeper into the cave, the group's determination to uncover the mystery behind these disturbances only grew stronger.

"And where, you may ask, is the spacecraft that brought them here? It's right here in this cave. The Moon Stone," Seymour concluded with a flourish. "Well, that's certainly an original theory," Misty remarked, her surprise evident on her face.

"But don't you see?" Seymour implored with passion in his voice. "It means that the Moon Stone belongs to the Pokemon. We humans have no right to take it from them! Don't you agree with me?" Once again grabbing Ashi's hand as if seeking solidarity, she couldn't help but wonder if this would become a common occurrence when meeting new people. "Uh, sure yeah, I agree," she awkwardly replied.

The boys gave Seymour an icy glare once more, and if looks could kill, he would surely be buried six feet under. Wanting to diffuse the tension, Ashi quickly redirected their attention to something hopping nearby. "Hey, look over there!" she exclaimed, hoping to steer them away from this awkward moment.

The group turned to see a small pink Pokemon with tiny wings bouncing up and down, its voice chiming like a bell as it held a small rock in its hand. "Clefairy!" it called out happily. "That looks like a Clefairy!" Brock exclaimed, earning a incredulous look from Raihan. "Well, hearing its name should make that pretty obvious," the dragon-type trainer retorted. Leon moved to elbow Raihan in the ribs, but no one else seemed to notice, all eyes focused on the adorable Pokemon hopping away with its precious rock.

"It's so cute!" Misty cooed, while Toshi quickly whipped out his Pokédex to scan the Pokemon and learn more about it.

"Clefairy, the Fairy Pokémon," Toshi read aloud. "This impish creature is known for its friendly and shy nature. It is said to live inside Mount Moon, though sightings of them are rare."

"Oh wow, that's so cool! I want to catch it!" Toshi reached for one of his spare Pokeballs, ready to capture the unsuspecting Clefairy. But before he could toss it, Ashi placed her hand on his shoulder. "Wait a second, Toshi."

"Huh? What's up?" Ashi removed her hand and turned to Seymour. "While Clefairies are rare to find out here, it's best not to disturb them in their natural habitat. Plus, it probably has family around here somewhere who would miss it if we just caught it without warning." Ashi felt that it would be wrong to take advantage of these peaceful creatures while they were here trying to help Seymour with the intruders. "And besides, we have more important matters at hand, like finding those involved here and putting a stop to them first."

"My thoughts exactly," Seymour agreed, relief that she had intervene before he could and seem to fully understand that they should leave it be. Ashi turned to her brother, who reluctantly put away his Pokeball. He knew Ashi was right, as they did have bigger fish to fry. Yeah it's too bad though, he was really hoping to add another Pokemon to his team and it would've been something to have a—

But then they heard a loud scream and realized it came from the Clefairy they had just let go - it must be in trouble!

"Come on, we have to hurry!" The group rushed towards the sound of distress and found the Clefairy being cornered by a familiar voice standing on a nearby ledge. "Don't be scared, Meowth."

But as they approached, they saw that Meowth was actually leering at the frightened fairy-type with its claws out. "Hey, leave that Clefairy alone!" Toshi yelled, rushing forward with the others close behind.

"Ah, it's you again?!" Sora and Aratiri stood in front of the trembling Clefairy, glaring back at the cat-like Pokemon. Aratiri turned to the Fairy Pokemon and asked if it was okay while Sora kept his eyes trained on Meowth, ready to claw at any moment.

"Meowth! What are you doing here?"

"Oh just taking an afternoon stroll through the tunnels before running into you jerks," Toshi replied sarcastically as he stood next to his big sister. Leon and Steven also stepped forward to lend a hand, while Brock and Misty stayed by Seymour to keep him safe. Raihan noticed that they were missing two more intruders and couldn't help making a snide comment. "So where are dumb and dumber now? Can't handle causing trouble without your partners around?"

And just as if on cue, Jessie's voice echoed through the cave followed by her partner not too far behind. "Trouble?!"

"Make that double!" Everyone groaned collectively, knowing that wherever Team Rocket went, chaos would soon follow with these dummies.

"To protect the world from devastation!/To unite all peoples within our nation!" The two figures came out from the shadows and stood proudly beside their Scratch Pokemon, brandishing pickaxes and shovels as if they were tools of authority.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!/To extend our reach to the stars above!" Everyone notice the pickaxe and shovel hanging over their shoulders and clearly indicating that they were right on the mark as they had to be those that Seymour mention wanting the Moon stone, hence putting up all these lights here and causing issues for all the Pokemon living in these caves.

"Jessie!/James!" Their names rang out loud as they introduced themselves to their opponents who were less impressed since they already knew who these bozos are after the first couple encounters with them. "Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!/Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth, that's right!" The clever cat Pokemon finished up with a mischievous smirk suggesting it was enjoying this confrontation far too much. As the trio looked down upon their captive audience, who simply stared at them with annoyance clearly all over their faces.

"They sure are showoffs!" Seymour remarked while some couldn't help but think that he was one to talk. Toshi couldn't resist voicing his thoughts as he couldn't believe they had to run into these morons again, "Don't you guys ever get tired of saying the same things over and over?"

"You're just jealous, boy!" Jessie sneered, her partners in crime echoing her sentiment, "Because we won't let you join us!" But before Toshi could come up with a witty retort, Ashi stepped in, her tone dripping with sarcasm. The sharpness of her words cut through the air like a knife, and not one to hold any bars against those idiots.

"Like anyone with half a brain cell would consider signing up with a bunch of dunderheads who can't do anything but speak in bad verse and look like total weirdos about it. Who's your wardrobe designer huh? The guy who couldn't decide between clown makeup or excessive amounts of hairspray?"

Jessie gasped dramatically, hand to her chest. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the insult directed towards their personal style. "How dare you insult our impeccable sense of style!" James pouted, his bottom lip sticking out in a childish manner. "We'll have you know, this uniform was tailor-made by the top designer in Team Rocket."

Ashi crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at them, challenging their claims. "Really? Because I think he must not be so good as I can tell that it's way bad taste even for the likes of myself." The Dragonslayer heard her Pokemon sniggering in the background and saw her friends' amused grins as Jessie and James fumed at her comment. "You little brat, you better watch yourself!"

"Oh I'm so scared, like I want to hear that from someone wearing all that heavy makeup to hide those crow's feet," Misty chimed in, enjoying the fun and couldn't resist taking a jab herself. She couldn't help but smirk at the Rockets' exaggerated reactions. "And are those wrinkles I see on your forehead? You might want to take better care of not frowning so much unless you want them to become permanent!"

"Yeah, I'll say. And oh my, what's that you got there? I think you should get that zit looked at while you're at it!" Misty couldn't contain her laughter as she joined in on the teasing.

"Wh-what zit? What are you talking about?" Jessie and James frantically took out their compact mirrors to check themselves, but found no zit where the girls had said it was before they heard loud laughter. "Oops my bad, I guess that was just how your ugly mugs are!"

The girls took turns throwing quips at the Rockets, while the trio were too focused on them to notice Sora and Aratiri carefully sneaking off with the Clefairy. They knew the trainers were keeping those bozos distracted long enough for them to escape.

"—You, shut up shut up shut up!" Jessie screamed as she couldn't take anymore from them, her face turning a puce color.

"Oh but we were just getting to the good part now! I mean here we thought you guys were elites, as you seem to keep on saying."

"Yeah, an elite of what? Being the most ridiculous bunch that were found at the bottom of the barrel for a buck, or maybe at a bargain price cause no one wants to pay full for you two and just threw in the Meowth for free!" Toshi hollered in, unable to resist joining in on the fun. His voice rang out like a bell, echoing through the cave and adding to the chaos of the moment.

"Oh snap, nice one Toshi!" Raihan laughed as he watched the Rockets grow increasingly frustrated. Finally, Meowth had enough and declared, "Okay, that's it no more Mister Mice Cat! Let's show these punks what we're made of!"

"Right Ekans go! Koffing you too!" Jessie and James threw their Pokeballs out and then seeing that a Pokemon battle was coming to play, Toshi and Brock decide to take the chance. "Shinx c'mon out!" Toshi released his as did Brock but Toshi was surprised when instead of Geodude or Onix, a Zubat appeared from Brock's Pokeball.

"Yeah, just caught it before we entered the cave," Toshi groaned, realizing how lucky Brock was but pushing the thought aside for now. They needed to focus on the battle ahead. Leon and Raihan also prepared to step in if needed, but first they turned to the girls and Steven. "You guys go help Seymour with the Clefairy, we'll keep these jokers busy."

"Okay but be careful!" Ashi and the others hurried off, leaving Jessie still stewing with their crude insults. "Don't let those despicable twerpette escape, Ekans!" The serpent obeyed its trainer's command and lunged forward, ready to unleash a deadly Poison Sting upon Ashi's back. "Oh no you don't Shinx, stop them!" A swift Quick Attack from Toshi's Pokemon intercepted the attack, causing Ekans to hiss in frustration. It turned around, eyes gleaming with malice as it prepared to retaliate against the small electric Pokemon.

"Koffing, Smog Attack now!" The poison gas Pokemon expelled a thick cloud of noxious fumes that quickly engulfed the battlefield in a suffocating haze. Toshi's Shinx let out a startled yelp as it struggled to see through the thick smoke, its fur crackling with sparks of electricity. "Zubat Whirlwind!" Brock's Zubat flapped its wings furiously, creating a strong gust of wind that dispersed the smog and allowed Toshi's Shinx to see again. With a renewed sense of determination, Toshi called out his next move.

"Shinx, use Spark!" The small electric Pokemon crackled with energy as it charged forward, its body surrounded by bright sparks that danced along its fur. "Zubat use Supersonic!" The high-pitched sound waves emitted from Zubat's Supersonic attack resonated throughout the cave, causing confusion and disorientation in Team Rocket's Pokemon. Ekans writhed in place, unable to focus on its next move, while Koffing floated unsteadily as if unsure of its surroundings.

"All right now's our chance, Shinx! Let's finish this with a Thundershock!" With adrenaline fueling his every move, the small electric-type Pokemon obeyed without hesitation, releasing a powerful Thundershock that crackled through the air with an intense energy. The bolt of electricity struck the two enemy Pokemon, sending them flying backward and straight into their trainers with a loud thud.

Toshi couldn't contain his excitement as he watched Team Rocket get blasted off again, their hurtling forms disappearing farther into the tunnel. "Looks like we won this so have fun blasting off again!" he taunted before grinning at his partner Brock and shared a high-five. "Heck yeah we did it!" Their respective Pokemon stood proudly by their sides, basking in the glory of their hard-fought victory. Leon and Raihan also couldn't help but feel pleased with how the battle had turned out.

"Fantastic job out there, you two! You were absolutely amazing," Toshi exclaimed, picking up his exhausted Shinx and patting its fur affectionately. Brock mirrored his proud sentiments towards his Zubat, who chirped happily in response. As they were all relishing in their success, Leon suddenly noticed that Raihan was unusually quiet and had a frown on his face. "Hey, what's wrong Rai?" he asked curiously.

Raihan took a moment to reflect on the intense battle before speaking up. "Does anyone else feel like we forgot about something?" he mused. The other three exchanged confused looks before it dawned on them that while they had taken down Jessie and Jame along with their Pokemon, that made four when there was supposed to be one more to the idiotic bunch.

"That means... where's Meowth?!" Toshi exclaimed, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. Without wasting any time, the group rushed out to catch up with their friends finding they hope they got to them before that pesky feline did.


While her brother and the others were busy taking on Team Rocket, leaving it up to Ashi and those who follow her to locate where the Clefairy and her two Pokémon went off to. She found their footprints were easy to follow and saw them lead to where they saw a small opening in the cavern's wall and had to assume they went through not too long ago.

"Guys, look over there!" Ashi exclaimed, pointing to a narrow passage in the rocky surface. It was a tight squeeze to get through, and they had to go in one at a time, slowly making their way to the other side. Ashi was the first to emerge, and see were in a different part of the mountain region now, surrounded by a bit of woods and a small stream that wasn't too far away. In the distance, she could see a large rocky incline and spotted the Clefairy hopping towards it, with Litten and Pikachu following close behind. But they weren't alone on this path; Ashi noticed Team Rocket's Meowth hot on their tail from another direction.

"Sora! Aratiri, watch out for Meowth!" Ashi shouted getting their attention and indicating for them to see the annoying Pokemon was attempting to reach the fairy Pokemon before they could.

"Oh no you don't, not on our watch!" The Litten and Pikachu took to shoot off a few Ember and Thundershock to prevent it from moving further. The Meowth had to quickly dodge them since they kept throwing one after the other and had to avoid the sparks and embers that were flying directly and moving to angle himself out of range.

"Hey watch where you're shooting that, you almost—Nyah?!" While Meowth was yelling at them, one of Sora's Ember caught it by the tail, making the Meowth scream and flail around in a panic while trying to put it out.

Ashi was scrambling halfway up the slope while those two kept Meowth busy, seeing to keep her eyes on the Clefairy who was now hopping over a thin bridge and worried for its immediate safety as she tried to follow after it. Misty and Steven were helping Seymour climb out of the hole and the trio rushing to see where they were and saw Ashi was moving down the unstable bridge, trying to keep up with the oblivious Pokemon that skip towards the other side.

"Ashi, be careful!" Seymour yelled as he saw the rocks were not sturdy enough to hold her full weight. As the Clefairy continue moving ahead but seeing that it had misstepped its leap and a part of the walkway came to crumbled beneath its feet and was now suddenly falling towards the ground below them. The Clefairy let out a frightened cry as it tumbled down but Ashi who didn't waste a second and threw herself forward, diving for the terrified Pokemon and moving to take them into her arms and shifting so that she'd take the full brunt of the impact when they landed. She was sure to handle it but her friends watch as she was plummeting and Misty and Seymour cried out in horror, "Ashi!"

The two were frozen in fear but Steven had already taken to grab one of his Pokeballs and threw it to release a massive, robotic Pokemon with a disc-shaped body, and four legs and had a large cross over its face. "Metagross catch them now!" Metagross reacted swiftly to Steven's command, its powerful psychic abilities allowing it to levitate off the ground just in time to intercept Ashi and the falling Clefairy. The massive Steel/Psychic-type caught them effortlessly in its sturdy metal arms, preventing any harm from befalling them as they gently floated back to the ground.

The group let out a collective sigh of relief as Ashi and the Clefairy were safely carried back towards the others and then let the trainer down without any trouble at all. Seymour rush towards Ashi with a look of concern etched on his features. "Are you alright? That was quite dangerous what you did just now!"

"I know but it's okay now, I'm fine seriously," Ashi turn her attention to the Clefairy who looked up at her savior, "How about you little one, you alright?" The pokemon chirping softly, "Clefairy!" Indicating it was thanks to her. The Dragonslayer was glad to hear this before turning to look back at her two Pokémon, still locked in battle with the Meowth. Aratiri and Sora seemed to have a plan in mind, as they continued to push the Meowth back with their powerful attacks.

Sora launched another Fire Blast, causing the Meowth to quickly dodge out of the way. This was exactly what they were waiting for as Aratiri's tail began to glow. With a swift swing of his Iron Tail, he knocked the Meowth out of the 'ballpark,' or in this case, the surrounding mountains. The group watched as the Meowth soared through the air like a shooting star before disappearing from sight. Misty couldn't help commentating as they watch it zoom away, "It's going—going…and it's outta here folks! Team Ashi wins the game!"

Suddenly, they heard the sound of running footsteps and turned to see the rest of their friends had arrived. Toshi immediately asked if everyone was okay and if anyone had seen Meowth come their way. Ashi reassured them that Aratiri and Sora had taken care of it easily. Toshi let out a sigh of relief hearing this, "Phew, that's good, hopefully that will be the last we see of those bozos." Suddenly he felt a swat to the head and turn to see came from Raihan, "Hey what was that for!"

"That's for jinxing us is what, you know that if you say something like that, it's bound to happen." Ashi looks to Raihan ready to tell him off before Leon step in, "Hey now there's no need to worry, if it does come about we'll take care of it, so let's chill and relax." The tension in the air dissipated as Leon's calming words washed over the group. They all took a moment to catch their breath and appreciate the fact that everyone was safe and sound. The Clefairy was let down and seeing it stood next to Ashi and seeming to find comfort in her presences.

With all the excitement that had happened, and seeing that the sun was starting to go down, the group decided to take a small break by the stream. Steven took a quick walk around with his Pokémon to scope the premise before returning with some intel to share with everyone.

"Well I've got some good news," he said to Seymour. "Metagross and I found the portable generator that was powering up those lights inside the cave. We turned it off and made sure to fully drain the battery completely. If those fools try to turn it on again, they'll be out of luck." The group breathed a collective sigh of relief, knowing that they could cross another item off their list. Hopefully now the Pokémon inside the cave could rest easier without the constant glare of lanterns.

Ashi busied herself with checking over Sora and Aratiri, as well as the young Clefairy before letting them go join the everyone else's Pokémon that were lounging nearby.

"Man, what a crazy afternoon," Raihan muttered as he leaned back against a rock with a groan. He couldn't believe how much has happened since leaving Galar and joining up with these two. Leon agree thought admit he was having a blast as he look to where the Ketchum siblings were and see Ashi had finished attending to Toshi's Pokemon seeing he did use a lot of stamina in today's battle and wasn't too badly injured in the process. "He's all good Toshi and can tell he's coming along nicely thanks to all the training he's done that has helped him a great deal."

"Yeah I agree," Toshi smiled as he stroked his Shinx, proud of his electric Pokémon. He turned to the other trainer that had fought alongside him and sees Brock was feeding his newest addition a special treat from a canister. "Hey what's that?" Toshi asked curiously.

Brock chuckled as he held out the metal container to Toshi. "This is Pokémon food that I made myself. The ingredients are specially blended for each Pokémon to provide them with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Here give it a try." He offer the tin to Toshi who took some to hold it out to his Shinx. The Pokemon took a moment to sniffed it before taking a small bite, it eyes lighting up with delight as it devour the treat eagerly. Toshi watch as his Shinx was enjoying the taste as it happily gobbled up the rest that was laid out. Brock smiled in satisfaction, pleased to see his homemade Pokémon food was a hit.

"I take it he likes it?" Leon asked, watching as Toshi's Pokémon was wolfing it down so fast and reminded him of a Munchlax that he couldn't help looking to Brock asking, "Mind if I take some?"

"Sure knock yourself out, there's plenty to go around." The Galar Monarch took to go grab a handful and hold it out to his Charizard that was next to Raihan's Duraladon and the other Pokemon. They each took a sample of it and while they did seemed to enjoy it, the Pokemon thought they perfer the one's Ashi provided before, especially her Poffins, those were still their favorite.

"So you made these all on your own then?" Misty asked while feeding it to her Goldeen that was swimming about with Staryu and Starmie that each took some nibbles of it. Brock nodded, "I've been developing it for years. I keep improving on the recipe. I'll make a batch for everyone's Pokemon later." Ashi could relate given she had some with her and glad to see another trainer took into consideration of making food and not buying the generic brands all the time. "Yeah I know that feeling all too well, I also whipped up my own for mine and Toshi's. I have the recipe that I can share with you, just give me a second to find it."

Ashi rose from her seat and walked over to the pile of bags, grabbing hers and setting it off to the side. She reached inside to open the flap and search for her personalized booklet, but as she looked inside, her expression froze in surprise. Her face showed a mixture of shock and disbelief. Leon was the first to notice her immediate reaction and couldn't help as he came to join her side and wonder what was the matter, "Is everything alright, Ashi?"

He saw she had her wide eyes glue to whatever caught her attention and as he peered in and then was also mirroring the same dumbfound expression she had when he caught sight of it. The rest of their group now wondering what could've rendered the two speechless and Ashi's brother being the closest got the chance to see what it was.

"Huh what the…" Lying curled up on top of Ashi's neatly folded clothes in a tiny ball was a pale violet bat Pokemon. Its skin was adorned with intricate black markings, giving it a unique appearance. The creature's ears were what truly captured their attention - large, teardrop-shaped organs in deep purple hues that tapered into alternating rings of pale and dark purple before fading into a deep black. Resting behind those powerful ears were two tiny black hands with two fingers each.

"Is that some kind of Zubat?" Seymour adjusted his glasses as he peer closely at the strange Pokemon that was snoozing in Ashi's bag in awe. "Either that or is a different breed that's not found in these parts." But before anyone could respond, the Pokemon began to stir and gave a sleepy yawn before rubbing its face with its claw.

"Ah it's kinda cute when it does that." Misty said and then the Pokemon who realize it had company, blinked its bright yellow eyes in confusion before looking at everyone perplexed by all the sudden attention on it. However the moment its eyes land on Ashi, and without any warning launch straight at her, startling the teen and having her fall onto her back.

"Ashi you alright!" Leon rushed over to help her up, but instead found her lying there with a look of wonder on her face as the Pokemon took to burrow itself under her clothes and now nestled against her body, it's fur so soft to the touch. "What...is this?" Ashi marveled at the creature now hidden beneath her jacket.

"It's a Noibat," Raihan finally spoke up after realizing what had been napping in Ashi's bag. The group turned to look at him for an explanation as he pulled out his Rotom to input the data and show them. "Noibat, the Sound Wave Pokémon. Its ears emit ultrasonic waves that can disturb its prey's sense of hearing and damage opponents."

Toshi hearing all this couldn't help but say, "Whoa that's so cool!" he then turn to his sister, who had been help to her feet by Leon and Steven. Ashi was still reeling at finding a Pokemon had been inside her things but if she had to hazard a guess, she would say that the Noibat was probably among the flock of Zubats when they attacked Seymour earlier that afternoon. While the others had been chased away by Sora and Aratiri, the Noibat sought to escape the assault, seeking the closest source of shelter, hence her discarded backpack.

That would explain why it felt off at that time, she had been carrying along a little stowaway. Ashi turned her gaze to the nuzzling Noibat that was now purring gently. Seymour peered closer at it and remarked, "What a bizarre twist! I never imagined I would see such an astonishing creature like a Noibat before. I wonder if it's closely related to Zubat since they're both cave-dwellers."

"You're not the only one to assume that, bud. They do seem to fall into the same category based on appearance alone. However, Noibat are actually Dragon-type and are not commonly found in Kanto; they are usually seen in Kalos, Alola, or Galar," Raihan interjected. The group was astonished by this information but it was Seymour who couldn't help shouting, "Did you say it's a Dragon?"

The Hammerlocke gym leader nodded, "Yes, that's what I said. I know this because it's my area of expertise but I find it odd to find one roaming here far from its usual habitats." He speculated that it could have been bred by someone due to Zubats being the most likely candidates for mating with these particular Pokemon. Perhaps an egg had been laid here before hatching and joining the others living in these mountains.

"Well, whatever the case may be, it seems to have taken a liking to Ashi," Steven observed as they watched the little Noibat rubbing its tiny head against her chin before its stomach growled loudly.

"Poor little guy, you must be starving, hang on let me get you something to eat then," She turn to Brock who move to grab his canister and hold it out for Ashi to grab some of the Pokefood in there. She held it out for the Noibat who took to sniffed at it before turning away from the offered food. This reaction surprised Brock as he thought for sure it would have like the food since his Zubat had been fine with it moments ago. "They're very particular about their food due to their diets," Raihan remarked as he was familiar by what they eat.

"Really? What do they eat then?" Raihan was ready to answer Toshi's question before Ashi interjected, "It's a Sanguivore, isn't it?" The gym leader's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "No, actually they prefer fruits. Although, I have heard of them attacking Applins or Bounsweets when they are attracted to their sweet scent. Why you think that I'd—" Raihan's explanation was cut short as he and everyone else's attention was drawn to the Noibat that had latched onto Ashi's neck, greedily sucking on her blood.

Gasps and worried murmurs filled the air as Ashi remained frozen in place, not wanting to startle the Noibat. "Is this...normal behavior for a Noibat?" Misty asked hesitantly, her gaze fixed on the tiny creature attached to Ashi's throat. Raihan, given his extensive knowledge about Dragon-type, was at a loss for words.

"I have never seen anything like this," Raihan admitted, his eyes fixed on the Noibat as it continued to slurp hungrily at Ashi's neck. Despite being in such an unexpected situation, Ashi remained calm and showed no signs of fear or discomfort. But everyone else on the other hand was starting to panic, unsure of what to do in this unusual and alarming circumstance. The Noibat seemed to be enjoying its impromptu meal far too much, oblivious to the chaos it had caused.

"We need to get that thing off her!" Toshi exclaimed, moving closer to try and pry the Noibat off. But it refused to budge, holding on tightly to its source of sustenance. "Wait, don't hurt it," Ashi interjected urgently. "You might harm the Noibat if you pull too hard."

"What about you? That thing is literally drinking your blood like it's a Berry soda pop!" Raihan seeing now Brock went to assist Toshi in trying to get it to let go but seeing the claw embedded into Ashi's skin, a thin trail of blood now seeping out from those scratches and knew if they didn't do something fast, then Ashi might sustain some serious injuries in the process!

While everyone was in a right tizzy trying to figure out a probable solution, the Clefairy hopped over and made its way towards Ashi with a gentle smile. "Clefairy, Clefairy…" It began singing a soothing lullaby, its melodic voice filling the air. The Noibat seemed enchanted by the song and gradually released its hold on Ashi's neck, falling into her arms as she caught it. Relief flooded through everyone as the Clefairy had successfully diffused the situation without anyone getting hurt.

Thank you, Clefairy," Ashi whispered gratefully, cradling the Noibat in her arms and checking to make sure it was okay. Even though she was the one who got injured, her focus was on their well-being above her own. The little Pokémon let out a contented chirp/burp before snuggling closer to her in satisfied slumber. Leon moved forward to check Ashi's neck, relieved to see that the puncture wounds were not all that deep, just tiny nicks. "Man he sure went to town with you," Raihan commented with a shake of his head. "I've never seen a Noibat feed like that before."

"It must have been really hungry or something," Misty chimed in, still in shock from the unexpected turn of events. "Yeah, that might be it," Ashi said, seeing her brother looking at her with a sudden expression, indicating what he must be thinking - that the Noibat, being a Dragon type, likely picked up their sire's scent in Ashi's blood and found it tantalizingly sweet. It did seem the more likely theory in this case, and while the Noibat was now satisfied and shouldn't have to worry about it for now.

After grabbing the first aid kit and applying some ointment to Ashi's wound, Leon turned to Raihan with a puzzled expression. "Do you think this little guy will be okay now that it's had its fill?" Raihan studied the sleeping Noibat thoughtfully before replying, "It should be, but I hate to admit this is something I'm unfamiliar with since I never heard of a Noibat having interest in blood before so we may have to be extra cautious just in case."

"Yeah, let's hope it doesn't decide it wants another snack from any of us!" As the group settled down, seeing how that came to be before they could figure out what their next game plan was. Ashi turned to the Clefairy that was right now next to her, still holding onto its moonstone but now feeling its eyes on her.

"Is there something the matter little one?" Ashi saw the Pokemon was pointing its tiny claw at her and at first assumed it was worried about the bite marks on her throat. "Oh, it's alright now; there's nothing to fret about since it doesn't hurt or anything." But it was still staring at her for some reason.

"Maybe it's your markings sis?" He had noticed the Pokemon ogling his sister's face for a while and everything thinking that had to be it. Ashi blinked as she hadn't thought about that and considering she was the only one among them with her birthmarks that were noticeable and clearly must be what caught its attention. "Is that it?" She pointed to her cheek while the Clefairy nods, "Clefairy, fairy!"

"I mean they are unique I must say, but didn't they hurt when you got them?" Misty didn't know how anyone could be willing to let someone put a needle to ink their skin especially on their face like Ashi's. Ashi and Toshi turned to her before Ashi responded, surprising everyone with her words.

"They're not tattoos Misty; I was born with them; our father also had these as well." She moved to reach into her back pocket to pull out a small four by six worn photo to hand to the other teen. When she opened it to see the couple in the picture, an older man with the same uncanny resemblance as Toshi but with Ashi's marking while Ashi looked a lot like the redhead woman that was standing with the person in the picture.

"Oh wow so these are your parents then?" Raihan admitted he could definitely see where Ashi got her good looks from as they saw the two in the photo and imagined that Toshi would be like his father as he reaches puberty. Leon also thought the same thing as he saw how alike they were and passed it onto the next person to look at it.

Ashi smiled. "Yep, those are mom and dad before they got married. That was them during their first year as a couple traveling through the Johto region and then some." She had that photo with her, seeing that mom had the original somewhere safe and kept it for herself whenever she wanted to look at her parents, especially their father. Toshi also had one too for himself, and while Toshi never got the chance to meet their dad in person, Ashi was able to fill in the gaps and let him know what he was truly like to assure him he was an important figure in their family.

"Dad was amazing when it came to treating Pokémon, and since our mom was working to be a researcher, they got to spend a lot of quality time together traveling from one region to the next. Actually, I think mom said they came through this area some years ago, and it was, I believe, six months later when our dad popped the question and asked mom to marry him."

"Oh wow, really, that's so romantic!" Misty couldn't help finding that to be so incredible, just imagining how it must've been for their parents to travel together across the globe, sharing their love and passion for Pokémon while also growing closer in the process. She wished she could have that sort of connection if she ever met that someone down the way.

"Your parents sound like a truly remarkable couple," Seymour smiled warmly, handing back the photo to the teen. Ashi nodded, a wistful smile on her face as she took it and was ready to put it back in its proper hold when the Fairy Pokémon tugged on her pant leg, asking to see for herself. The Dragonslayer had no problems letting it see the picture, giving the Clefairy a chance to take a closer look at the couple in the photo.

"Yep, they are. Especially our dad, he was one of a kind…" Ashi said wistfully, her eyes losing their shine as she spoke. Toshi's expression mirrored hers, and everyone noticed the shift in mood. Leon and Raihan, knowing how sensitive this topic was for them, swiftly changed the subject. But before they could say anything, the Clefairy suddenly became animated, jumping up and down excitedly before darting off towards a different part of the area.

"What's gotten into it now?" The group exchanged uncertain glances, but seeing the Clefairy's eagerness to lead them somewhere, they followed its lead. "Clefairy, fairy!" it called out to them, beckoning them to follow. Seeing that it wanted them to do so and everyone gathered their belongings, including the sleeping Noibat cradled in Ashi's arms despite some reluctance from others due to the most recent mishap.

"Ashi, maybe you should leave it here or better yet put it inside the cave so it can rejoin its flock," Raihan suggested, concerned for her safety. However, Ashi gently placed the small Pokemon into a makeshift sling and responded with determination, "While I appreciate you worrying for my well-being, I just don't think it would be right to up and abandon it until it wakes up and can be safely released back into its natural habitat."

Though her decision was met with some apprehension from the group, particularly Leon and Raihan who decided to stay close by her side in case the Noibat woke and was hankering for another meal from the teen herself. Everyone move to keep up with the Clefairy as it took them from one part of the mountain down a different way.

"I wonder where it's wants to take us," Toshi pondered aloud, looking to Seymour for insight. While none of them could understand what the fairy Pokemon was trying to communicate, they all sensed that it may hold some answers for them. With the Clefairy leading the way up a trodden path through the landscape, they soon found themselves on a mountain trail heading towards another cave. "Clefairy, clefairy," it exclaimed, pointing to the entrance and indicating that they could go inside.

"Alright then." Ashi and the others treaded carefully through the dark cave, using flashlights and Toshi's Charmander and Leon's Charizard's tail flame for light. As they ventured deeper into the cave, it became apparent that it stretched on for miles with numerous winding tunnels branching off in different directions. Steven and Seymour marveled at the vastness of the inner cave while following the Clefairy's lead as it helped them keep track of their path.

The further they went, the colder and more damp the air became, causing a chill to run down their spines. Aratiri and Sora stuck close to Ashi, providing her with warmth and comfort as she held onto the sleeping Noibat, its steady breathing acting as a soothing lullaby. The Clefairy continued to skip ahead, its Moon Stone glowing softly in the darkness. While they couldn't understand where exactly it was leading them, they trusted in its guidance as they delved deeper into the mysterious catacombs within the mountain.

After what felt like an eternity of winding through maze-like passages, the group emerged into a vast open cavern, suffused with an eerie blue light. The source of the glow soon became apparent as they saw the radiant moonlight bathing down on the entire area. And what truly astounded them was the sight of countless Celfairies and Clefable within the vicinity. They were all moving about, each one clutching stones in their tiny hands and placing them next to a humongous meteor that stood proudly in the center of the room.

As soon as they stepped into the cavern, a loud call echoed throughout, drawing the attention of the Pokemon towards Ashi and her companions. The Clefairy that had been traveling with them called out, gathering the others to look their way. As Ashi and her friends waited patiently, they could feel a certain curiosity emanating from the Pokemon's gazes. Misty cooed at the sight of so many adorable creatures gathered in one spot. "Man, look at all these cuties!"

Seymour was also awestruck by the scene before him. He couldn't help but stare at the Pokemon mingling around them. Some even stopped to gaze curiously at the humans in their midst.

Meanwhile, Ashi's focus was on their Clefairy companion who seemed to be speaking excitedly to one of the Clefable nearby. The Clefable had three tiny scars on its chin and appeared to be the leader of this makeshift tribe. It was pointing towards them, particularly at Ashi, while chattering away animatedly. Suddenly, Ashi noticed that the scarred Clefable was making its way towards them, followed by a group of other Pokemon. "Clefable Fable," it addressed them.

"I wonder what it wants?" Brock observed as the Pokemon stood in front of Ashi, pointing at her face. She instinctively reached up to touch her cheek where her own birthmarks were. Before Ashi could respond, the Clefairy pulled out a photograph from her back pocket and handed it over to the leader. "Clefairy fairy!"

The Clefable and the other Pokemon gathered around to look at the photograph before turning their eyes towards Ashi with a newfound interest. "ClEFAIRY! CLEFABLE!" they exclaimed in unison. "Goodness, do you think..." Toshi turned to Ashi, her expression mirroring the same thought that crossed Ashi's mind. "Now that I recall, our mom mentioned something about them traveling through the mountains themselves so maybe it's possible they've met these guys before."

Ashi stepped forward to bend down to their level. "Is that what happened? Were our parents friends with your clan?" The Clefable nodded eagerly, attracting the attention of another Clefable by its side. A few Clefairies also joined them, one of them holding an egg in its hands. "I see, so this must be your family," Ashi remarked. The grateful Clefairy that they had helped earlier nodded excitedly. "Clefairy!"

The Clefable then proceeded to perform some sort of charade, gesturing and making sounds that took them a while to decipher. Eventually, they were able to understand that when it was just a small Clefairy, it had gotten separated from its mother and almost got hurt by a group of wild Zubats. That is until two humans - a male and female - came upon it. The male, who had blue markings on his body, scared away the Zubats and then proceeded to heal its wounds before safely reuniting it with its tribe. The Pokemon was awestruck by the human's abilities and wanted nothing more than to become as powerful as him. And thus, he rose up to become the leader of his clan.

"I see," Ashi nodded in understanding. "You have quite the family here." The Clefable beamed with pride, its eyes shining with affection towards its fellow Pokemon. "Clefable!" Seymour was captivated by the heartwarming story and tears welled up in the scientist's eyes as he listened. "Oh wow, that is simply incredible. It must be fate that brought you two here to this momentous encounter. Your parents were true blessings to those in need, and now they are reunited with a longtime friend here in the mountains." Seymour exclaimed, feeling like he had hit the nail on the head. Even the Pokémon chimed in, shouting excitedly, "Clefairy/Clefable!"

"This is truly remarkable. I am so envious!" Seymour gushed, and everyone could see him reaching out to grab Ashi. However, Raihan quickly pulled her out of reach, saying, "Dude, just a 'thank you' is enough. No more hand grabbing here."

"Oh, yes. Sorry, I got carried away in the moment." But as they looked around, they noticed that the tiny Pokémon had surrounded their group and it had turned into a joyous get-together between humans and these unique creatures. Ashi and Toshi seemed to garner the most attention as all the Clefairies flocked around them. While everyone else was busy socializing, they were being led away by the Clefairies and their own Pokémon.

"Um, wait. Where are you taking us?" Ashi asked, but the Clefairies did not answer. They held onto their hands tightly while the others carried Aratiri, Sora, and Charmander through the air towards a large stone base not far from where the meteorite lay. They were gently placed on the seat of honor atop the stone.

"I'm not sure what's happening but I don't mean to be rude..." Before she could finish her sentence, Ashi felt something being placed on her head - an ornamental headdress made of crystals. Her brother also had one and they appeared to be made of obsidian stones, resembling the rocks they had been dancing around.

The rest of the group eventually noticed their absence and wondered where the two had gone. Misty pointed to the altar and everyone's attention was drawn to Ashi and Toshi, adorned with their crystal crowns and surrounded by offerings. "Well, this is quite an intriguing turn of events," Brock remarked, observing the scene unfolding before them. The Clefable that had approached Ashi now gestured towards the siblings with a sense of reverence, as if paying homage to their lineage. The cavern was filled with a hushed awe as the Clefairies and Clefable surrounded Ashi and Toshi, creating a mystical atmosphere within the ancient chamber.

Ashi and Toshi exchanged bewildered glances, but then the Clefable turned to the other fairies and spoke in its own tongue, "Clefable, fable fable!"

"CLEFAIRY!" With that, the Pokémon rushed off towards the meteorite, leaving the others to witness the enchanting ceremony being put on for their honored guests.

"I must say, I never expected to witness something like this in person," Steven said as he sat down next to Ashi. The air was filled with the sound of the Clefairie's singing and creating a celebratory atmosphere that tingled with excitement. Leon joined them on the other side, giving them all a prime view of the festivities before them. "Yeah this is something else, don't you think so Ashi?"

The teen nodded while doing her best not to let the diadem fall off her head, "Yeah it is though I do find that these crowns do seem a bit excessive." She felt a tad silly wearing it as did Toshi with his but felt it would be rude to remove them when they went to so much trouble putting these on them. The Galar Monarch chuckled as he turned to her and seeing how the tiny crystals adorning her head added a certain sparkle to her already radiant appearance.

"I don't know about that, I think it looks good on you." Ashi blushed at their friends' words and even saw Raihan take a quick photo of them, capturing the unique moment of being designated patrons for the fairy tribe's festivities.

The scene around them was like something out of a dream - adorable Clefairies dancing and singing, while others frolicked around a massive stone that looked like it had been here for centuries. The unobscured moonlight shone down on them, adding a sort of ethereal air to this very chamber.

"Man can't believe this is real, I almost feel like someone should be pinching me or something." Misty said still in awe of what she was witnessing, as did the others who shared her sentiment.

"Yeah you said it," Toshi remarked while offering Charmander one of the juicy berries laid out before them. Ashi also fed her Pokemon and encouraged the others to do the same, enjoying the joyous energy radiating from both humans and Pokemon alike. Watching the cute Pokemon perform their little song and dance around them, jumping and skipping with grace and agility, was truly a sight to behold.

"They sure look like they're having a blast." Leon said as he sat next to Ashi and saw the amazement in her eyes. "It really is, and to think we get to witness this ourselves."

"True, and you have to admit some of them are quite acrobatic with how they move," It wasn't as flashy as a Cirque du Pokemon performance, but it had its own unique charm and style that captivated all who were fortunate enough to witness it. Raihan made sure to record every moment, snapping photos and taking videos to later share on his popular Poketube channel.

Seymour's eyes sparkled with excitement as he watched the Pokemon he had been following for so long finally come to life before him. He couldn't resist reciting a poem he had written about this very moment. "I still can't believe that's the meteorite that landed here, it's just how I imagined it would be!" Even Steven, usually composed and levelheaded, couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer size and presence of the massive meteorite that had collided with Earth millions of years ago.

"It must've been here for ages." Steven marveled at the thought of how much history this iconic stone held within its rugged surface. As an avid lapidary, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets it held and longed to analyze samples from it personally. However, he knew it would be rude to intrude on the Pokemon's hospitality, so for now, he made mental notes and formulated hypotheses based on his observations.

As the crowd was captivated by the breathtaking spectacle before them, a group of Clefairy hopped over to Ashi, some of them eagerly trying to pull her from her seat. Confused, she asked what was going on as Raihan took a break from taking photos and selfies to see what the commotion was about. The fairy Pokemon next to Ashi gestured for her to take part in the dancing.

"I think they're asking if you want to join them out on the dance floor," Ashi looked at the Clefairy in surprise, but they nodded eagerly, insisting that she come and take part in their celebration around the large rock. Feeling honored by their invitation, Ashi wanted to take part of it but didn't want to leave the napping Noibat unattended. Brock saw this and offered to watch over the little one for her. Grateful, Ashi thanked him before being dragged away by the enthusiastic Clefairies.

"Save me a dance!" Brock called after her, but she was already swept up in the merriment. Ashi's brother and the rest of their friends soon joined her, circling the large meteor and dancing to their own beat. Toshi and Misty were having a go as well, while Leon had a small Clefairy perched on his head, making everyone laugh. Another pair joined in on the fun as Leon became popular with the fairies, laughing as they danced around him.

"It seems you are quite popular," Ashi commented as she joined Leon's side. "Well, I'm not the one with a crown on my head. Perhaps I should address you as 'your royal majesty'?" Leon joked.

"Then perhaps you should refer to me as Lady Ashi, Queen of the Fae!" She replied, amused by Leon's humor. Leon, feeling a rush of boldness and captivated by the fiery beauty before him, could not resist the urge to ask, "Then, your highness, may I humbly request a dance?" Ashi, caught up in the enchantment of the moment and taken in by Leon's charm, could not refuse.

With a smile that made the Galar trainer's heart flutter, she slip her hand into his and allowed him to lead her away from the swirling fairies towards the open floor. As they moved together, their steps perfectly in sync, it was as if they were performing a graceful waltz under the twinkling lights of the cavern. The sound of laughter and music echoed throughout the space, adding to the magical atmosphere surrounding them. With each turn and dip, Ashi felt herself falling deeper under Leon's spell, lost in the rhythm of the fairy ritual.

Under a lover's sky
Gonna be with you
And no one's gonna be around

If you think that you won't fall
Well just wait until
'Til the sun goes down

Their movements were fluid and effortless, as if they had been dancing together for years. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own private haven of music and enchantment. Ashi's heart pounded in her chest, matching the rhythm of their dance as she looked into Leon's eyes, feeling a connection that went beyond mere steps and twirls.

Underneath the starlight, starlight
There's a magical feeling so right
It will steal your heart tonight

The other members of their group watched as they moved gracefully on the floor, seeing how elegant Ashi was with the crown on her head and Leon who look so gallant as he took to extend his arm out and see as Ashi was swept off her feet in a daring spin. The fairies around them cheered and clapped, their tiny voices harmonizing with the music that seemed to flow from the very stones of the cavern.

There's no escaping love
Once the gentle breeze
Weaves its spell upon your heart

No matter what you think
It won't be too long (not too long)
'Til you're in my arms

The dance between Ashi and Leon continued, each movement perfectly coordinated as if they were in tune with each other's thoughts. Their laughter mingled with the music, filling the cavern with a joyous melody that resonated with all who witnessed it. As they twirled and swayed to the rhythm of the fairy tribe's celebration, it was as if time stood still, allowing them to be fully immersed in the magic of the moment. The bond between them deepened with every step, creating an unbreakable connection forged through the language of dance and heartbeats.

Underneath the starlight, starlight
We'll be lost in the rhythm, so right
Feel it steal your heart tonight

The dance carried on, each step weaving a strong connection between the two. Ashi felt a bond forming not only with the Pokemon surrounding them but also with her friends who stood watching with smiles on their faces. It was a moment of pure bliss, a memory she would treasure forever. Leon was thinking the exact same thing as he look into those beautiful gem-like orbs and though he could get lost into them.

You can try to resist
Try to hide from my kiss

But you know, but you know that you
Can't fight the moonlight!

Feeling so lost in the moment and then some of the fairies that came to circle the two humans and finding themselves now being surrounded by these tiny Pokemon that made this certainly seem so much more magical than one could anticipated. The meteorite loomed large in the center of it all, a silent witness to the joyous celebration taking place around it.

Deep in the dark, you'll surrender your heart
But you know, but you know that you
Can't fight the moonlight, no
You can't fight it

It's gonna get to your heart!

As Leon reached for Ashi's waist, he pulled her into a graceful dip, causing her breath to catch in her throat. The Galar Monarch led her in a fluid dance, their bodies swaying in perfect synchronization under the moonlight. Their faces were mere inches apart, their eyes locked onto each other, as if drawn together by an invisible force. Ashi felt her heart racing as she closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of Leon's breath on her flushed skin. But just as their lips were about to meet in a tender kiss, a loud commotion disrupted the peaceful moment. The fairies stopped their performance and turned towards the source of the noise, where a loud explosion had shattered the silence.

Startled and confused, Toshi exclaimed, "What was that?!" As they heard the sound again and saw part of the wall crumble before them, they caught sight of three familiar figures standing amidst the chaos. "Oh no, not you guys again!" Ashi groaned as Jessie, James, and Meowth stepped into view with wicked grins on their faces.

"Sorry to interrupt your little love fest," Jessie taunted with a sly smirk. "But we couldn't resist making a dramatic entrance." James added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "It's our specialty to crash parties we're not invited to!"

Meowth chimed in with a grin, "And look they got us a special party gift waiting just for us to take." His gaze landed on the ginormous meteorite in the center of the chamber, causing nervous chatter among the Clefairy and other Pokemon who sensed the disruption caused by Team Rocket's presence.

Leon's hand instinctively went to his belt while he kept his other arm wrapped protectively around Ashi's waist. Seeing the closeness of those two but Team Rocket couldn't help but notice the small bruise on Ashi's neck, mistaking it for a hickey. "Oh my, looks like someone's been getting busy," Jessie commented with a suggestive tone as also James throw in, "Ah did we interrupt you two having your own private moment?"

Ashi tried to maintain her composure despite the lewd assumptions being tossed around. Heat rose to her cheeks, but she refused to back down. Suddenly, her brother's voice rang out, cutting through the chatter with a sharp edge, "You jerks should back off now! No one wants to see your sorry mugs twice in one day unless you're looking for another beat down. So leave now before things get ugly." Brock and Misty also stepped forward next to him, ready to join in if these losers needed another lesson.

But Team Rocket paid no heed to the Toshi's warning and stepped forward confidently, ready to take what they came for. Leon, Raihan, Steven, and the others stood firmly in front of Ashi and the fairies, united against the intruders. Leon stood firmly, his voice strong and unwavering as he declared, "We won't let you take another step in here!"

Raihan's muscles tensed with anticipation, his Duraladon ready to strike at any moment. He was eager to give these intruders a taste of his Pokémon's Iron Head attack, not wanting Leon to handle all the action alone. Steven also joined their ranks, fueled by the personal stake he had in this mission. These goons were after the meteorite, and he refused to let them lay a finger on it.

Seymour, normally one to avoid conflicts, found himself filled with a surge of bravery in this moment. He spoke up, adding his own defiant words to the group's unified front. "You are not welcome here. This is a sacred place, and your presence is disrupting the peace."

Jessie sneered and twirled a lock of her hair. "Oh, we're not here for peace. We're here for a piece of that shiny rock!" She gestured towards the meteorite with greed sparkling in her eyes. "But if that's how you really feel," she continued, "then we'll take our leave."

"Yes but before we do, Koffing Smokescreen!" Before anyone could react, Koffing let out a thick cloud of its noxious fumes that filled the chamber with a hazy fog. Coughs and sputters erupted from the trainers as they struggled to breathe and maintain visibility in the dense smoke.

"Ah hey watch it! Ow who step on my foot! Ah my Glasses!" In the chaos and confusion, Ashi felt a hand grab hers and pull her towards someone else. She recognized Leon's voice immediately, her heart racing with fear and relief at the same time. Her friends' voices mixed with Team Rocket's taunts in the air around them.

"Stay close to me, Ashi," Leon commanded, his grip firm on her hand before calling out instructions to his Charizard to clear the air. Raihan and Steven also sent out their flying-type Pokémon to assist in dispersing the smoke. As it cleared, Leon coughed and waved his hand in front of his face, trying to get rid of the lingering fumes. He turned to Ashi with concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?"

Ashi nodded, blinking away tears from her stinging eyes. She looked around to see how the others were faring, noticing Misty being helped up by Brock and Seymour frantically searching for his lost glasses. But then Toshi's shout broke through the chaos. "The meteorite, it's gone!"

All eyes turned to where it had been before, now a vacant spot where only moments ago it had been resting. Raihan cursed loudly while Steven simmered with anger. Ashi's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. Team Rocket had successfully stolen the meteorite right under their noses during the smokescreen distraction.

Ashi's voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a sharpened sword, fierce and full of edge as she was clearly ticked off by this and wasn't the only one to feel this way. "We need to go after them now!" The group nodded in agreement, Raihan finding to throw out a suggestion that they should split into two groups: those with flying Pokemon take to the air for faster pursuit, while Brock would unleashed his Onix to burrow underground and approach from below.

"There's no escape with all of us coming in from different directions," he stated out loud as he climbed onto his Flygon, signaling for the others to do the same. With swift movements, Brock retrieved his Onix's Pokeball and released it, ready to carry out their swift plan. As everyone sprang into action with Leon and Steven mounted their respective Pokemon, joining the Dragon-type trainer in the sky. Before Leon could urge Charizard to follow, Ashi rushed towards them, "I'm coming with you!"

Her fiery determination left no room for argument as she wanted in on seeking out Team Rocket and showing them what happens when you mess with an angry Dragonslayer. Leon could see those blue orbs burning with intensity and had no qualms about pulling her onto his Charizard with him.

"Okay just hold on tight, cause this might be a rough flight out," he warned before giving a sharp whistle and urging his Charizard to take off. Soon, they were following behind Raihan and Steven who were already soaring through the air towards their designated targets. Meanwhile, Seymour managed to find his glasses and realized what was happening just as Toshi handed him the now stirring Noibat before joining the others in hot pursuit.

"Keep an eye on this little guy," Toshi instructed before taking off with Misty and Brock. Seymour was taken aback by being put in charge of watching a Pokemon; after all, he was a scientist, not a babysitter. Unsure of what to do, he tried to calm the Noibat down as it started squirming in his grasp. The other Pokemon also looked on with uncertainty until Clefairy stepped forward and spoke to the leader, trying to see what they should do. "Clefairy?"

Clefable saw his tribe gather around him, all seeking on what they should do. The tribe leader took to glance in the direction the humans went before before making up his mind. "Clefable fable!" He said and point his finger to the sky and seeing the others understood what he said and follow with his gesture, shouting, "Clefairy/Clefable!"

Then taking to head down the man-um Pokemon made hole as a single unit with two others right behind their fluffy tails to join the rest of their fellow comrades in the hunt.


Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)

Team Ashi -

*Litten (m) - Sora

Pikachu (m) - Aratiri

*Litleo (f) - Sekhmet

*Shinx (f) - Yoruichi

Scyther (m) - Masamune

Beedrill (f) - Suzumebachi

Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)

Team Toshi -

Charmander (m)

Litleo (m)

Shinx (m)

Pidgeotto (f)

Butterfree(m)

Beedrill (m)

Leon Jordan - Age 20, Trainer (Advance) Galar Champion x5

Team Leon -

Charizard (m)

Dragapult (m)

Rillaboom (m)

Cinderace (m)

Inteleon (m)

Mr. Rime (m)

Raihan Tarsha - Age 23, Trainer (Advance) Hammerlocke Gym Leader

Team Raihan -

Duraludon (m)

Sandaconda (m)

Goodra (m)

Flygon (m)

Misty Williams - Age 12, Trainer (Beginner)

Team Misty -

Staryu (?)

Starmie (?)

Goldeen (f)

Brock Harrison - Age 16, Trainer (Intermediate) Temp Pewter Gym Leader

Team Brock -

Geodude (m)

Onix (m)

Zubat (m)

Steven Stone - Age 25, Trainer (Advance) Hoenn Champion

Team Steven -

Metagoss (m)

Skarmory (m)


Omake: A Light in the Darkness

Deep inside the dark, winding caverns of Mount Moon, life was bustling among the Pokemon that called it home. The Paras scattered about, releasing their spores into the air as they went about their daily tasks. The Zubats, with their nocturnal nature, were taking a break from their flights outside and settling into their usual resting spots.

Amidst them all, tucked away in his own private alcove, slept a small purple bat Pokemon. He had carved out this space for himself, only he could fit through its tight passageways, but he didn't mind being alone in the darkness.

Noibat had always been an outsider amongst the others, ever since he hatched without knowing his Memma. Perhaps she had abandoned him because she knew he would be a Noibat and not like the other Zubats. None of them saw him as part of their colony; he was often left out of their hunts and excluded from their kinship. The only one who cared for him as a newborn was the elder Golbat, who had found his egg and raised him as its own.

The other Zubats had been against it at first, finding Noibat "ugly" and "weird-looking," but the Golbat refused to treat him any differently. Still, Noibat couldn't help but feel like he didn't belong - standing out amidst the sea of identical Zubats and shunned by those he grew up with.

He watched wistfully as a Memma Zubat tended to her little ones while her mate wrapped his wings around them protectively. Closing his eyes, Noibat's mind wandered back to when he was a youngling, watching other Zubats hang upside down with their families and friends while he remained on the ground floor, envious of their closeness.

Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over Noibat and a familiar voice spoke from behind. "What's wrong, little one?" Noibat turned around to see a blue, majestic Golbat with purple wings and sharp fangs right next to him. Its small eyes and ears contrasted with its large mouth, filled with two fangs in each jaw and a long tongue. Noibat recognized this Pokemon as the leader of their colony, but also his adoptive grand Memma.

"Grand Memma, why am I so different from the rest?" Noibat asked, hunched over while his fellow Zubats hung above them. He had attempted to join them once before and ended up getting beaten up and told not to try again. It was difficult for him to hide his sadness at being left out of their flock, and Grand Memma could see it too. The elder Golbat, aware of how the others saw Noibat, tried to comfort him. "We are all different in our own ways, little one. Your differences may make you feel like you don't fit in now, but that doesn't mean you're any less special. In fact, those very differences might just be what sets you apart for greatness."

Noibat perked up at Grand Memma's words, hope flickering in his eyes. "Greatness? Me?" With a proud glint in his beady gaze, Grand Memma nodded. "Yes, greatness. You possess a light within you that shines brighter than you realize. Embrace it, and one day, others will see it too."

The magnificent bat stretched its wings, beckoning the Noibat to follow. "Come, let's take a flight outside to stretch these old wings of mine," it said with a gentle rumble. The Noibat eagerly followed its adopted parent, venturing out of the dark cave and into the rugged mountain terrain. The warm breeze carried the sweet scents of wildflowers and pine as they flew alongside other Pokemon. For a brief moment, the Noibat forgot about his troubled past and felt pure joy in the freedom of flight.

They glided for some time before landing on a tree branch to rest. From their perch, they witnessed a scene that piqued the Noibat's curiosity. A strange male two-legger was using a Pokemon to battle and defeat a Sandshrew in the area. The trainer then threw an odd red-white stone at the Sandshrew, causing it to disappear. "Grand Memma, what was that?" the Noibat asked in awe.

"That was a tool used by trainers called a Pokeball," Grand Memma replied, his voice laced with both wisdom and understanding as he seen this happen time and again. "They use them to capture and befriend wild Pokemon for battles and companionship. It is a symbiotic relationship where both trainer and Pokemon grow stronger together as they face challenges and victories side by side."

Noibat's eyes widened with fascination. "Do you think... I could ever have a trainer too?" Grand Memma nuzzled the small dragon-type affectionately. "Of course, my child. You have the potential to form a powerful bond with a trainer who will appreciate your uniqueness and see the light within you."

The Noibat felt a surge of hope and determination coursing through him. He gazed out at the vast world beyond the mountain cave, imagining all the adventures and friendships that awaited him. "Will I know if they are the right one for me?" His Grand Memma saw to also mention to be wary as there were some humans who didn't have the best intention for their partners and Noibat hoping his might not turn out to be like that. "Do you think they'd like me?"

The elder Golbat smiled softly, patting his head with a wing. "I have no doubt that one day that whoever it is will see you as you truly are, just like I do." His words was a sole comfort to him yet then a year after he told him this, the Grand Memma disappeared from their colony without a trace. Noibat wasn't sure what happen and seeing that in his absence, chaos ensued as different Zubats vied for leadership and made sure the Noibat stayed far away from their gatherings.

One day, a sudden burst of light disrupted the colony's tranquility, causing the bats to react with aggression. "Intruder, attack!" they cried out, blindly going after a helpless human who had wandered into their territory. The Noibat, uncertain of what was happening, joined in the chaotic frenzy. Attacking the human outside in the brighter light was not the smartest move but with everyone in a right tizzy and seeing that they were all determine to lash out at the weak human underneath them.

But then he heard a commanding voice shout out, "Aratiri, use Quick Attack! Sora, use Flamethrower to drive them back!" Noibat picked it up quicker than the others and he turned to see two Pokemon launching fierce attacks at his fellow bats. Fear and confusion coursed through him as he desperately searched for a place to hide. That's when he spotted a strange object nearby and quickly flew inside. The darkness and quietness provided much-needed solace from the chaos outside, allowing him to fall into a peaceful slumber.

When he woke up, the sun was starting to set and he could hear voices above. One was familiar - the same one that had commanded the mighty Pokemon earlier - and another joining in with concern. "Is everything alright, Ashi?" As his eyes slowly fluttered open, he became aware of the sounds of voices and the feeling of large shadows looming over him. His gaze immediately fixated on the one with vibrant red fur and striking blue markings that seemed to glow in the dim light. It took a moment for him to take in the rest of the female's features, but some deep instinct inside of him urged him to go to her.

Without hesitation, he lunged towards her, causing a stir among the other two-legged creatures around them. But he paid no attention to them as he nestled against the warmth and softness of the female's body. He could hear the strong beat of her heart against his ear, drawing him in further.

But soon, his stomach reminded him of his hunger, a sensation that had been growing since morning. One of the strange males approached and offered a brown piece for him to sample, but he was immediately repulsed by its lack of fruity scent. Still, his hunger persisted, and he couldn't help but pick up on the sweet aroma coming from somewhere nearby.

With great effort, he pulled himself away from the female's comforting embrace and made his way towards her neck, where the enticing scent was strongest. She chuckled in surprise at his actions and gently stroked his head as he lapped at her skin. But it wasn't enough to satisfy his gnawing hunger, so he slowly opened his mouth and took a small bite.

Oh my Arceus, it's so delicious! The taste exploded in his mouth, overwhelming his senses with pleasure and satisfaction like nothing he had ever experienced before. The energy and flavor coursing through his tiny body made him feel alive in a way he never thought possible. And as he indulged in the delectable nectar, a bond formed between him and the female trainer, connecting them in a way that words couldn't express.

Lost in satisfying his hunger, he didn't notice the sudden reaction of the others until one of the younger males tried to grab him and pull him away from the source of his nourishment. But he refused to give in, wrapping his wings around her neck and holding on tight. The tension in the air was palpable, but he wouldn't let anyone take this away from him.

Suddenly, a soft lullaby reached his ears, causing him to grow drowsy and lose his will to fight. The melodic tune wrapped around him like a warm embrace, and before he knew it, he was falling into a deep sleep. But just before he drifted off, he caught a glimpse of the female's face and thought of his Grand Memma's voice, wondering if this could be the one he had been waiting for all along – his chosen trainer.

When he eventually awoke from his sudden nap, and seeing that much had happen while he was asleep and then saw him being passed onto the bespeckled two-legged creature who had caught his and the other Zubat's attention earlier today. "Keep an eye on this little guy," the younger male instructed before rushing to join the others out of the Sacred fairy cave. Noibat felt out of place, his small wings quivering with confusion as he tried to make sense of the chaos around him. But most of all, he franticly searched for his soon-to-be trainer.

(Where was she? Where did she go?!) His heart raced as he scanned the area, until he spotted her up above riding on the back of a majestic fire beast in the sky. He longed to follow her, but he was trapped in a tight grip and could only watch helplessly as his chosen trainer drifted further away. The human's desperate attempts to hold onto Noibat were in vain as the Dragon-type took to drag him into the large hole in the ground, the Noibat feeling that where it went, his trainer would be waiting for them towards the other side.

"Wait for me, I'm coming!" he cried out in his mind, flapping his wings so hard in pursuit and ignoring the two-legger's cry of distress who was trying to keep from falling over as his legs scramble to not trip over themselves before eventually finding he was simply being dragged and Seymour wondering how did these things happen to him! "WHHY ME!"