The silent field echoed with the hollow sounds of the captain's feeble attempts to move. His once authoritative presence was reduced to a pitiful struggle as he crawled toward the imposing figure of the Sovereign of Shadows striding through the battlefield with authority.
"Mi Señora!" The captain's voice quivered with a mixture of desperation and fear as he reached out to her, his body trembling with each effort. But his pleas fell on deaf ears as the Sovereign continued her relentless march, her gaze fixed ahead on the invaders, ignoring the broken man at her feet.
Ash and his companions watched in silent disbelief as the scene unfolded before them. Sabrina's eyes narrowed with resentment and disgust but she held her tongue, aware that any overreaction could provoke further retaliation from these individuals and their deadly arsenal against people like her.
As the woman finished addressing the intruders, the captain's desperate cries pierced the tense atmosphere once more, his voice cracking with newfound intensity as he begged for her forgiveness.
"Mi Señora!"
The woman paused in her stride, her gaze flickering briefly toward the broken figure crawling towards her. A look of thinly veiled annoyance crossed her features, her patience wearing thin at the persistent intrusion.
"Why is this piece of Thrubbish still speaking to me?" Her words were like the sharp blades of a Scyther cutting through the air, a silent command that prompted two of her loyal followers to seize the captain and drag him away from her presence. Despite his continued pleas for forgiveness, his voice gradually faded into nothingness as he was forcefully removed, leaving behind only a lingering sense of despair in his wake and a stark reminder of the consequences of failure in the Sovereign’s unforgiving rule.
Despite his atrocious deeds, Ash and Pikachu couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for the man, whose fate under such ruthless rules seemed undeniably grim.
"It's true what they say," the woman interjected, her voice laced with a hint of amusement as she observed Ash's expression. "Even the World Monarch can't help but show his compassionate side toward the lowest scum. I wonder if that extends to Giovanni after he took your friend's life."
"Enough with the taunts, Zeke," Gladion intervened, stepping forward and prompting the entire legion to instinctively reach for their belts in unison, ready to summon their Pokémon. However, the woman raised her fist, stopping her people’s advance.
"Mi culpa," she conceded, her tone a curious blend of mockery and sympathy. "I was merely probing further. Didn't mean to disrespect Iris's memory."
Zeke's sharp, authoritative amber eyes scanned each member of the invading group, taking note of their individual traits that revealed their identities.
“The World Monarch himself, ‘La Bruja Mayor’ from Kanto, Looker’s successor and the former Hero now vigilant pest from Sinnoh. I'm not sure whether to feel threatened or flattered by the unexpected visit of such renowned individuals," she remarked once her scrutiny was complete.
"Threatened?" Ash interrupted with indignation. "Your people hurt my friend, not to mention all the innocent ones who live in fear because of you!"
Ash's accusation caused a murmur of incredulity among the crimson-clad keepers at such a brazen affront toward the most powerful person in the Underworld. Gladion turned to Ash with a stern look, silently commanding him to be quiet. Zeke, however, dismissed the noise with a slow, deliberate hand gesture.
"Your status makes you essentially untouchable, Su Alteza. But those affronts and misdemeanors are eventually paid off by those close to you. So let me give you a word of advice, from one ruler to another," she said, her voice commanding absolute silence from her people once again. "Cierra la boca."
After her firm response, she then turned her attention to Gladion, and with a quick nod of her head, she gestured for him to follow her.
"Wait here," Gladion advised his friends as he proceeded to follow Zeke. Ash tried to give him a last word of caution, but he was quickly stopped by Paul.
"He'll be fine," Paul said, grabbing him by his shoulder. "As long as you shut up."
Gladion then reached Zeke, who led him toward a more isolated part of the battlefield. Her personal guard followed closely as a safety measure, ensuring that the conversation remained private but under her control.
"I expected your friend to be an idiot, but Looker's protégé did disappoint me today," Zeke said as they slowly walked, but Gladion remained silent despite the scolding. "Our first interaction ever, and you completely blew it. I wonder what the International Police will do to the one responsible for escalating an already volatile relationship. Maybe due to your status and wealthy background they will just give you a slap on the wrist and move on. But don't worry, I'll make sure to take full advantage of the disaster you and your friends have caused here."
Zeke continued to taunt Gladion relentlessly. Though he remained composed, his fist clenched with each fact the Sovereign mentioned, making a mockery of his reputation and threatening to tarnish his future as an agent.
"Una lástima. Looker should have taught you better," she concluded as they reached the perfect spot just below the walls adorned with the Ren symbols.
"At least you've mastered his unbending stand," Zeke stated after witnessing Gladion's refusal to give in to her taunts. "You've risked your career and the delicate balance between the Underworld and the surface. So tell me, Detective Gladion. What drove you and your friends to make such a reckless invasion into my domains?"
"We have some questions," Gladion responded, making Zeke raise her brow.
"Those questions must be quite important if you committed such a dangerous enterprise," Zeke remarked amusingly. "Information is pricey, and you already have a huge debt after your friend's defiance. A bit more, and I will end up owning you. I don't mind having a high-ranked agent, but are you sure you want to continue?"
"Let me make something clear, Zeke," Gladion finally spoke, his voice steady and defiant. "You won't go through with whatever dark scheme you're plotting. The slates are even after what you did."
Zeke chuckled, the laughter dripped with amusement and a hint of curiosity at Gladion's boldness.
"Oh, really? As far as I'm concerned, I merely defended my domain after you and your friends barged in and broke the agreement without any provocation. You owe me."
Gladion's eyes narrowed with a confident glint. "I don't know, Zeke. I'm pretty sure the higher-ups will be very interested when they hear about you possessing a weapon that targets specific people."
Zeke's smirk faltered. "As if they care about these 'Brujas' and 'Weirdos’. Your bosses don't trust them either. If anything, we'd find common ground on how to deal with such pests."
Gladion leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a challenging tone. "Guess who sits on the board now? Superior Anabel will be very concerned about anything deadly to people like her being used by you."
Zeke's ideas plummeted as the weight of potential retribution dawned on her. She realized that proceeding with her plans for compensation could backfire dangerously if she was not careful. Just like Gladion, her own people had committed a serious mistake, and now she had to face the repercussions.
"Be thankful nothing serious happened to Sabrina," Gladion pressed, seeing the contemplative look on the Sovereign's face. "A response from the International Police would be one thing, but the rage and might of Caitlin's family retribution would be unstoppable if something worse had happened to her wife."
"You underestimate the Underworld's resources and expertise in dealing with such people," Zeke stated, making a last concession to avoid escalating their complicated relationship. But for now, she was willing to take her losses.
"Quid pro quo. And I expect your complete honesty," she said, moving to the point. "I was ready to move places as soon as my people were aware of your intrusion, but when I found out about your sudden appearance miles away, I couldn’t help but wonder. How did you transport so easily between regions?"
Gladion was cautious, balancing the need to maintain her temporary trust without revealing too much. "Sabrina's family has its own resources, but they prefer to keep them discreet," he responded, a more than enough hint that caused Zeke to nod as she figured out the only types of Pokémon capable of such feats.
"My turn: what's that weapon your people use to suppress Sabrina's powers?" Gladion asked.
"A defensive measure," Zeke responded with similar ambiguity. "It's still in an alpha state but has proven its effectiveness. I'm honestly surprised she could endure four charges at once. She lives up to her reputation."
"You better stop using it and provide the remedy Paul used to cure Sabrina if you don't want a thorough investigation here," Gladion suggested sternly. "I’ll have to look at who’s providing you with such technology."
Zeke smirked confidently, savoring Gladion's naivety about her true capabilities. "As I said, you're underestimating us," she replied, then moved on to her next question. "Why were you looking for me?"
"There was a situation in Galar, specifically in the Slumbering Weald. Two men threatened Ash and Sabrina's respective children," Gladion said. For a moment, Zeke seemed to react to the endangerment of two young trainers, as if the mention of that story triggered a long-buried memory.
"And what does that have to do with me?" Zeke questioned, ignoring the quid pro quo they had agreed upon.
"Those are two questions now, so I expect you to attend to my demand," Gladion said. "They weren't after the children but the Rusted Sword and Shield. Fortunately, they were stopped and arrested before they could succeed, but I must know if you were somehow involved."
Zeke laughed dismissively at the implication, her laughter echoing across the still silent battlefield. A reaction that made Ash and the others exchange puzzled looks, wondering what the conversation was about.
"Had you been anyone else, I would have ordered my people to hang you like a piñata and smash you for such a ridiculous accusation," Zeke stated with a mix of amusement and indignation.
"If you want to know, one of the criminals gave me a hint about the ones who hired him after some questioning. He said it was someone with a Paldean dialect," Gladion explained.
Zeke shook her head in disbelief. "I have to change my previous statement. You are not only a disappointment as Looker's successor, but as a detective in general," she said contemptuously. "All of this disaster for such ambiguous facts? No sé si reír o llorar."
"Come on, Zeke. We both know about your kleptomaniac obsession with relics and mysterious artifacts," Gladion accused, revealing a weaponized fact known to only a few. "I know you have a functioning replica of the Red Orb, the key of the Ultimate Weapon Team Flare discarded when they decided to use Zygarde, and a map that marked the routes and travels of the legendary explorer Lucius. And those are just some that Looker confirmed were in your possession. So don't act so innocent."
Zeke approached Gladion, her amber eyes glaring with barely contained annoyance. The detective's accusations and detailed knowledge of her private collection were pushing her patience to its limits.
"It wasn't me," she responded simply, then turned her back, already exhausted by their interaction. "A funny coincidence, I'm sure. There's no way someone who knows about me would dare to incriminate me as well.”
"Maybe, because it wouldn't have made sense for the Sovereign of Shadows to hire former Team Rocket members considering what they did to you," Gladion said. As soon as the words left his lips, Zeke stopped immediately.
Suddenly, the massive Heatran, which had stood guard without moving a single inch since entering the battlefield, roared again. The flames inside its body seemed to urge the steel titan to release them, mirroring Zeke's boiling anger.
"So... that's the reason. Yes, it makes perfect sense," Zeke responded, clenching her fists. She turned to Ash, Sabrina, and Paul, the ones who, ironically, shared with her the loss of someone precious at the hands of the criminal organization. "Those relics are not important. What you want is any information about them."
"If there's someone who knows about their whereabouts and real force after their fall, it is you," Gladion said with a more humble tone.
Zeke remained silent for a moment, reflecting on Gladion's request.
"I assume Looker told you more about me," she said as she fixed her amber eyes on him once more. He simply nodded.
"Centinela Alina!" Zeke yelled, her commanding voice breaking the silence.
"Sí, mi Señora!" One of her two bodyguards quickly answered her call, hitting her chest as she waited for her lady's command.
"What happened to the last one who came here flaunting about being a former Team Rocket executive?" Zeke asked.
"We don't know, Mi Señora," the bodyguard responded.
"Why?" Zeke pressed.
"The person committed the highest transgression, even worse than being a Weirdo or a Bruja," she responded, hiding the true motive as Zeke's law demanded. "And for that, any trace of its existence has vanished forever."
The grim response hung in the air, a chilling reminder of the ruthless order Zeke maintained. Her expression remained impassive, yet the message was clear: having being a Team Rocket member could carry dreadful consequences in her domain.
She then got closer to Gladion, whispering a last statement right in his ear to ensure it would be clear.
"Me and La Bruja at least have something in common: we both lost dear people due to that scum's actions, and are willing to do whatever it takes to get justice," she said, her voice tinged with the pain and anger of old memories, recalling the face of Team Rocket's boss as she turned her emotions into a repressed boiling rage. "I am committed to destroying any trace of its existence and punishing those foolish enough to still consider themselves members, all in honor of my husband and son who perished in the Ecruteak fire. If you suspect they are still out there, it's happening in your civilized world, not mine."
Gladion swallowed the revelation and nodded. Though Looker had already told him about Zeke's background and her ruthless rule, he couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for her. A dreadful woman who, like many others, had lost dear people during Team Rocket's last stand, and was dealing with the grief in her own twisted way.
"You cannot continue like this forever, Zeke," Gladion said, recalling Ash’s reckless, though noble actions. "Our hands are tied today, but there will come a moment when we'll return and disperse the shadows of your temporary rule."
More than a threat, it was a promise. The resolve in Gladion's hopeful eyes stirred memories within Zeke, recalling a time when she was just another small soul struggling in the shadows of the Underworld.
"You think of me as some kind of greedy Eelektross, feeding on the needs of the vulnerable until someone else comes and removes me from my place," Zeke said. "Looker had the same look in his eyes when he came here, but he quickly realized the important role I play as the current Sovereign of Shadows. Did he tell you what it was?" she asked, flaunting her position.
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Gladion remained silent, recalling the function even someone as despicable as Zeke served until they could begin fixing things.
"I keep the darkness at bay so it doesn't threaten your world. Remember that the next time you and your friends dare to come here, trying to give these people the worst poison of all: Hope."
Zeke raised her hand once more, her silent command causing her people to finally move from their positions. Some retreated back to their duties but most remained, awaiting Zeke's ultimatum, while Heatran waited patiently for her return to ensure her safety. Ash and the rest still took cautious stances, unsure of what was coming until Gladion would return with an explanation.
"One more thing," Gladion raised his finger, then pointed at the walls adorned with the numerous rebellious ‘R’ symbols. "This is the kind of dark deed you are supposed to keep from entering 'my world’."
Zeke chuckled as she stared at the wall. "Ah, sí. La 'R'. I misunderstood it at first, and an unlucky young man dealt with the consequences of my mistake," she said. "But you can't blame me for something that easily captivated your susceptible young ones."
"I'm serious, Zeke," Gladion warned. "This started with the clandestine Pokémon battles your people organize in Unova. Put an end to them, and I'll ensure we don't bother you with this again. I know you don't condone Pokémon being treated this way either."
With that last statement, Gladion turned and went back to his friends, but as soon as he reached them, Zeke's men moved in unison, closing every exit once again. Heatran's massive stomps reverberated through the area, prompting Ash and Pikachu to adopt a cautious stance. Sparks emitted from Pikachu's cheeks, ready for a possible retaliation.
"Now, now. Who said that you were free to go? Didn't I tell you that at least one of you was not going to leave this place?" Zeke's voice rang out with the cold reminder of her previous warning.
Gladion stayed quiet, hoping to avoid escalating the situation further. But his patience quickly waned.
"Yeah, why would you ever be the reasonable one?" Gladion said sarcastically, then turned his gaze back to her. "No one got anything of real value. Leave it like that."
Zeke's expression hardened. "You and your friends tracked me, invaded my domains, issued a challenge, and attacked my guard. Do you think I’m just going to take my losses and let you go? Leaving this affront unpunished would severely damage my reputation, inviting others to try and seize control of this chaotic world. If that happens, then you will realize how reasonable I really was compared to them."
She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. "I don't have time for infighting within my domain. So... will you choose the unlucky one who will bear the punishment for the entire group, or shall I?"
“Don’t do this, Zeke,” Gladion advised her.
Tension hung thick in the air. Sabrina, though feeling her powers slowly returning, was still not ready to even command her Pokémon partners. Ash and Pikachu, buoyed by their confidence in Articuno, along with the rest of their team still in full force, were more cautious than ever, wary of not repeating past mistakes, especially with the challenge that the colossal Heatran could represent by blocking a possible escape.
But Paul, fed up with the unnecessary drama, rolled his eyes and took a step forward.
“Enough of this nonsense. It will be me, then”.
A wave of disbelief rippled through the group, catching not only Ash and his companions off guard but even reaching Zeke.
“Paul, no!” Ash immediately shouted as he stepped forward, but Paul shot him a withering look.
“I’ll be fine,” he retorted. “Also, I have no intention of staying here more than necessary”.
Zeke's eyes gleamed with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Interesting," she mused. “I’m genuinely curious about how you knew about disabling the device, Paul, ‘Hero of Cinnabar’. Don’t worry though, I respect your commitment to hunt what remains of those Team Rocket bastards, so I’ll make some exceptions with your punishment.”
“You talk too much,” Paul said dryly.
Ash clenched his fists, torn between respecting Paul’s choice or trying to save him from a grim fate. Pikachu's cheeks sparked with anger, eager to intervene, but he held back due his partner’s command.
“Very well,” Zeke said, turning to her people. “Tráiganlo ante mi.”
Two of Zeke's guards approached the submissive Paul, grabbing his arms and bringing him before their ruler. Once in her control, Zeke then turned her attention back to the rest of the group.
“You can go,” she said dismissively. “And pray we don’t meet again under such unfortunate circumstances.”
Gladion begrudgingly nodded, signaling for the others to follow him, but not before glancing back at Paul with a mixture of resentment and admiration. “We’ll see you again,” he promised silently. Sabrina, still regaining her strength, gave the man who saved her life a nod of respect, acknowledging his selfless sacrifice and praying for his well being.
Paul didn't stop looking at Ash and the rest until he was sure they had left safely. Heatran and Zeke's legion finally moved and opened the pathway that would lead them out of her domains. As their figures disappeared in one of the dark alleys, the aloof trainer was now ready as well.
"Okay, I think this was more than what I intended to spend with you," he said. "Time for me to go."
Paul's casual, confident remark left Zeke confused for the very first time during their encounter.
"Left pocket,” Paul said, just adding to Zeke’s confusion.
The keepers, still grabbing him, looked at their leader as if waiting for her permission. She nodded, and one of them searched Paul’s pocket, taking out a small balled-out napkin.
“What’s that?” Zeke asked.
“It’s yours,” Paul responded.
The keeper unfolded the napkin carefully, revealing an old, cheap-looking white earring. As soon as Zeke saw it, a torrent of emotions flickered across her face, filled with a deep sense of nostalgia. It was as if the earring had materialized into the ghost of a promise she once made—a favor that, under her rule and principles, forbade her to ignore. For a moment, her commanding presence faltered, her mind racing to puzzle out why Paul had such an object. This earring, the only thing in the entire world that could challenge her authority and rule, held her in a grip of bittersweet memories of a time before her heart was ripped apart by grief.
“Can’t tell you why I have that, but I’m sure you have an idea,” Paul said firmly as he met her gaze. "I expect you to honor your word… Seika".
Zeke's amber eyes widened, the weight of the earring and Paul’s knowledge of her real name hit her like a Snorlax’s Breakneck Blitz. Reluctantly, and although she had many more questions, she commanded her still confused keepers to let Paul go. As the guards released their grip, Paul straightened his coat and prepared to leave, casting a defiant glance in her direction.
But before he walked away, he turned back to Zeke. "You will ignore Gladion's request to stop the Purging Pits battles, but the one who gave me that earring would say the same thing. So… as another favor, just do it."
Zeke's expression hardened, but she nodded slowly, understanding the unspoken power behind Paul's words. As he walked away and disappeared into the opposite dark alley Ash and the rest had used to leave, her mind churned with questions and a reluctant respect for the man who had just walked out of her grasp.
"Contact Bertram," Zeke commanded one of her Centinelas. "Tell him that his little enterprise is over. The Purging Pits, along with any future events, are canceled until the situation cools down. Also, start searching for anyone suspicious of trafficking relics and antiquities with a Paldean background."
The crimson-clad Centinela nodded and departed to comply with her leader’s order.
"Excuse me, Mi Señora. If I may," Centinela Alina interjected. "Why didn’t you tell the detective about Dorian? Considering his family’s background, I’m sure they would move the entire International Police force and find him for us."
Zeke sighed, her patience fraying. Such a foolish idea, disguised as something clever, was the last thing she needed on an already exhausting day.
"Pero por supuesto. Let’s give the International Police a lead to the only person who stole the knowledge to destroy us, so they can use it instead," she replied with biting sarcasm. "Do you have any other brilliant ideas, or will you stop failing in finding Dorian before any other does?"
Centinela Alina bowed her head in a shameful apology and departed as well.
As Zeke watched Alina go, her mind was now dealing with the burden of the day’s events and the mysteries that remained unsolved. As if it wasn’t enough with Dorian’s threat, the balance between the Underworld and the surface was more delicate than ever, and any further misstep could lead to their fall.
As she issued her final orders for the day, she returned to her loyal Heatran, which bowed its head in relief at its partner’s safety. She stood alone for a moment, reflecting beneath the many blurring ‘R’s that had endured the extreme conditions of the previous battle. Then, as if being called by a voice of the past, she looked at the old earring once more. The significant value of such a seemingly meaningless object at least offered her some comfort.
For the moment, her thoughts ceased to dwell on the day's strategies and contingency plans. A day where, for the very first time, the iron grip of the Sovereign of Shadows had lightened.
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"What is there to discuss? I'm not leaving Paul behind. So, who's coming with me?"
Ash's determination was matched by Pikachu's resolute chirp. Though they had departed from Zeke's domain, the night in the outskirts felt no less daunting.
"I owe Paul my life. I won't stand idly by while he's in danger," Sabrina declared with unwavering resolve as she exchanged a look with Hoopa. "Even in my weakened state, I'll do whatever it takes. Once Caitlin learns of this, Zeke will rue the day she crossed us."
Gladion sighed, weary of the ongoing debate but still stood firm with arms crossed.
"I understand your concern, but do you truly believe Paul would allow himself to be captured without a contingency plan? Ash, you haven’t met him in years, but I've seen his resourcefulness firsthand during his vigilante missions. Trust me, he's elusive like a Dugtrio with Sand Veil in a sandstorm."
But Ash remained resolute. "Whatever, I'm going back. Who knows, maybe I'll unleash an early winter once again."
Before Gladion could halt his friend's reckless advance, a sharp object was shot from the woods and landed right in front of Ash.
Sabrina, recalling the incident that had almost cost her life, momentarily froze in fear. Hoopa hovered protectively before her, ready to defend against any threat.
"Wait!" Ash exclaimed, kneeling down to examine the object. It was a small ice stake emitting a dark and faint aura that quickly dissipated.
"Who shot that?" Gladion demanded, scanning the bushes for any sign of the culprit, but found none.
Ash contemplated the unexpected attack, exchanging a knowing look with Pikachu. After a few moments, he chuckled. "That's so typical of Paul. What a strange way to say ‘Im fine’," he said, causing Gladion and Sabrina to exchange confused glances. "I suppose it's time to go home as well."
Gladion didn’t exactly understand what Ash meant and regretted not having the chance to further question Paul about his knowledge of the Underworld, as well as his rapid escape from Zeke’s retaliation. Sabrina sighed in relief at Paul’s apparent safety after his sacrifice, confirming that things hadn’t gone as badly as she initially thought. However, for Gladion, explaining everything to his superior, Anabel, would be a matter for later.
“Very well, gentlemen. It’s been quite the adventure, but I think we all deserve a well-deserved rest. Never in my life have I so desired to cuddle with my wife,” Sabrina said, exchanging a nod with Hoopa. “Do you want us to send you back to your doorsteps to spend more precious time with your beloved ones as well?”
“I appreciate the offer, but protocol dictates that I cannot leave my original position for personal reasons, so I’m afraid I’ll have to go back to Galar,” Gladion responded.
Sabrina, however, was not about to let him get away with his boring, bureaucratic excuses. As he continued delivering his by-the-book speech, Hoopa had already opened a portal behind him, just waiting for Sabrina's cue.
“Yeah, yeah. Just go to your wife already,” Sabrina interrupted with a playful yet firm tone. With a swift push, she sent Gladion stumbling backward into the portal. “Don’t worry! I’ll ask Anabel to cover for you!” she shouted as the astonished detective disappeared in an instant, his protests swallowed by the glowing ring.
Gladion stumbled through the portal, his abrupt arrival caused him to hit a dresser with his elbow, sending an objet to crash to the floor. The room, previously shrouded in darkness, was momentarily illuminated by the portal’s glow before it vanished, leaving him in a familiar tropical warmth and fragrance.
“Who’s there?” a female voice called out, followed by the sudden flicker of lights being turned on.
As he turned, he saw Mallow standing before him in her nightgown, clutching a ladle like a makeshift weapon, with the loyal Tsareena by her side in an alert position. But their initially alarmed expressions quickly melted into pure joy once they saw him.
“Uh… Hi,” Gladion managed, still taken aback by the sudden change in his surroundings.
“Oh, my! This is so unusual for you!” Mallow exclaimed, rushing forward to wrap her arms around him. “Welcome home, handsome!”
The solemn and strict detective, still processing the whirlwind of events from the last seconds, felt a wave of warmth and relief wash over him. Deciding to set aside his usual formality, he embraced Mallow tightly, feeling the comforting reality of being home.
“Well… surprise, I guess,” Gladion whispered with a smile, petting Tsareena’s head as a gesture of acknowledgement while Mallow’s laughter filled the room with her infectious happiness.
Gladion, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, allowed himself to relax completely. The worries of the Underworld and the weight of his duties faded away, replaced by the simple joy of being with his wife.
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Sabrina and Hoopa emerged from the portal, finding themselves in the elegant lobby of her home. The sophisticated scent of rustic furniture, which she previously found somewhat unpleasant, now filled her with immense relief after her near-death experience and a grateful feeling to be surrounded by the familiar comforts of home.
“Welcome back, my love,” a woman said, her voice carrying the elegant tone Sabrina always found so irresistible.
Caitlin approached, her expression as stoic as their son, as Sabrina rushed into her open arms. Sabrina embraced her wife tightly, conveying and sharing all the tumultuous and fearful experiences of her excursion to the Underworld, thanks to their psychic link
“I should scold you,” Caitlin said, her brow furrowing as she spoke, though she made no move to let Sabrina go. “I’d go insane if something bad happened to you.”
Sabrina sighed, leaning into the embrace, feeling a deep regret for worrying Caitlin with her overconfidence and recklessness. 'I’m sorry. I should have been more careful. How would you bring back The Communion without me?
As they embraced, Caitlin exchanged a look with Hoopa, signaling him to use his ability as previously requested. The mythical Pokémon opened another portal, and from it emerged someone Sabrina didn’t expect at all.
“Mom!” Adrian exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her.
“My sweet, precious child,” Sabrina murmured, responding to Adrian's hug and gently caressing his hair. “I’m sorry that my actions made you halt your journey, but I’m fine.”
As she returned the gesture, Sabrina shot Caitlin a severe look, silently condemning her for using their son as a cheap resource to amplify her feelings of guilt.
But her words had the opposite effect. Far from easing his concern, Adrian embraced her even tighter, to the point of hurting her. In that moment, she realized that his reaction concealed a deeper, more intimate fear beyond the potential loss of his mother. Through their psychic bond, Sabrina sighed in realization after a few seconds, cursing herself for misjudging Caitlin’s true intentions in bringing Adrian. She understood the real cause tormenting their son.
“You did nothing wrong, my child. Everything will be fine,” Sabrina said softly, finally managing to calm Adrian down. She then exchanged a nod with Caitlin, their understanding passing seamlessly through their psychic link.
“It’s time for his Iter Mentis,” Caitlin assured.
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Ash layed on Serena’s lap, feeling the warmth and comfort of her presence enveloping him. Despite the lateness of the hour and his exhaustion from the day's harrowing events, he couldn’t find peace until he had shared everything with her. Serena listened intently, her expression a mix of concern and awe as Ash recounted his journey into the Underworld—a place so alien and dangerous that most people could scarcely imagine it.
"...And then Paul offered himself up so we could go," Ash said, his voice heavy with fatigue. "I couldn’t just leave him there, but fortunately it seems he’s okay. I’m sure of it."
Serena's eyes widened with each detail, her heart aching at the risks Ash and his friends had taken as she gently stroked his hair, offering silent comfort. Pikachu, already asleep beside them, twitched slightly as if sensing the tension.
"That woman seems like someone who appeared from a nightmare," Serena whispered, her fingers weaving through Ash's dark locks. "I can't believe you went through all that just to find some answers. It's terrifying to think what could have happened, especially to Sabrina. Her poor son would have been utterly shattered if something terrible had befallen his mother."
“I would never have forgiven myself if that had happened,” Ash said, closing his eyes and letting the soothing motion of her hand calm him. “But I think we needed to see what was going on there."
For a moment, they remained in silence, with only Pikachu's gentle breathing and the distant hum of the night breaking the quiet. Serena's hand moved from Ash's hair to his cheek, her touch tender and reassuring. He leaned into it, grateful as always for her unwavering support.
“Well, at least it seems that Elysia and her friend’s encounter was just an unfortunate coincidence and nothing else,” Serena reassured. “I suppose we can rest now.”
Ash slowly nodded, but his stern expression suggested that despite everything, he wasn’t completely convinced.
“Do you know what made me feel more uncomfortable?” Ash pondered, concerned.
“Mm?” Serena muttered with curiosity, looking down at him.
“See… when I was a kid, setting off on journeys throughout different regions was what I loved more than anything. Meeting new people and friends, discovering and bonding with new Pokémon through battling, having countless adventures, and… finding love,” Ash said yearningly, lifting Serena’s hand to his lips and kissing it gently. “But while we lived all that, a darkness was incubating, growing stronger partly due to our ignorant bliss, and now it seems to be emerging in the form of those cruel battles many of our young ones want to imitate. It’s just… as if I’m seeing a world slowly becoming something I won’t recognize someday.”
Serena’s eyes softened with understanding as she continued to stroke his hair.
“I know it’s hard, love. The world’s changing, and not all of it for the better ever since you lost Iris, Gary and many others. But as you, Cynthia, and others have said: we can’t let the darkness overshadow the good. We’ll inspire our children by setting an example.”
Ash nodded, allowing his body to relax as Serena’s loving and encouraging words eased his concern and brought him the peace that had eluded him for days
“I’d just like some certainty, you know? All these secrets… are not exactly fun to unveil,” Ash said, his words slurring slightly as exhaustion finally began to claim him. “Maybe… I should… talk to them… once more…”
Serena chuckled softly at her husband’s seemingly nonsensical words. “Who?”
“The ones from Elysia’s favorite podcast… they are the Rocket Trio in disguise,” Ash mumbled, his eyelids growing heavy with sleep.
Serena's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected revelation. The idea that those annoying criminals were hosting the most popular podcast show in the world, all while concealing their tarnished backgrounds and true identities for years, left her utterly perplexed. How Ash had come to know such a startling truth was beyond her comprehension.
However, even as she struggled to make sense of it all, Serena couldn’t bring herself to interrupt her husband’s well-deserved sleep. With a gentle smile, she watched as Ash finally succumbed to the embrace of slumber, his worries momentarily forgotten in the warmth of her soft lap.