//------------------------------//
// A Ruin with a View. 
// Story: Twilight's Realm: Advanced Generation 
// by CosmicAlchemist24 
//------------------------------//

Narrator: Ash and Twilight continue their trek to Oldale town as Twilight also continues her tales of Equestria and the life she left behind.

“Wait, so you faced a God of Chaos AND a mare who wanted nothing but to blanket the world in darkness?” Ash asked in shock. 

“Yup, that was during my first and second year in Ponyville.” Twilight replied. 

“That’s awesome, You’re like a superhero Twi.” Ash said with a smile. Twilight blushed and smiled back. 

“Oh stop it, it wasn’t as impressive as you might think it is.” She said. 

“Are you kidding, I wish- hey, look at that.” Ash said pointing ahead. Twilight, Marill and Pikachu all looked ahead as well to see a bipedal Pokémon that had a red body with a yellow, flame-shaped marking on its stomach. Its head is covered with large lumps, and a rounded, yellow beak. 

“What is that?” Twilight asked before pulling out her Pokedex. 

“Magby, the Live Coal Pokémon. Magby is the pre-evolved form of Magmar. Despite its small size, it is a tough opponent and produces an extremely hot flame.” 

“So it’s a fire type, huh?” Twilight asked. 

“Yup, and one with the potential to become really strong to.” Ash said with a confident smile. Marill and Pikachu both looked at one another. 

“I know that smile.” Pikachu said shaking his head. 

“What do you mean?” Marill asked. 

“You’ll see.” Pikachu said. 

“Pikachu, how about we catch our first new teammate?” Ash asked his partner. 

“I knew it.” Pikachu said with a chuckle. 

“Pika Pika!” Pikachu said jumping off of Ash’s shoulder. 

“Alright let’s-” “Ash, do you mind if I catch this one?” Twilight asked cutting Ash off. Ash’s excitement dropped as soon as he heard that. 

“Aww come on Twi.” Ash whined. 

“I’m sorry, but how am I supposed to grow as a trainer if I don’t have practice?” Twilight said with a pout. Pikachu and Marill looked at each other again. 

“You wanna take this?” Pikachu asked. Marill smiled excitedly and jumped out of Twilight’s arms. 

“Marill?” Twilight asked. Marill ran up to Pikachu. 

“I got this.” She said winking at Pikachu. Pikachu nodded and went back to Ash. 

“Pika Pika, Pikachu.” Pikachu said to Ash. 

“You too huh?” Ash asked. 

“Pika.” Pikachu said with a smile. 

“Ok ok, go on Twi.” Ash said. Twilight nodded and stepped forward. 

“Thanks Ash. Ready Marill!” Twilight asked. 

“Mar!” Marill said facing the Magby. Looking back at Pikachu one more time, she readied herself with a mental thought

“Just watch Pikachu, I’ll show you just how amazing I am!”

Pokemon: Advanced

Twilight and Marill were facing off against the Magby and were ready to battle. “Ok Magby is a fire type, that means Marill has the advantage since she’s a water type.” Twilight thought with a smile, remembering what she read in the library last night. 

“Good luck Twi.” Ash cheered. 

“Good luck Marill” Pikachu cheered. Twilight and Marill smiled at the support they’ve been given. 

“Thanks guys. Alright Marill, use Water Gun!” Twilight commanded. Marill quickly jumped into the air. 

“MA-RILLLL!” She yelled as she fired a stream of water from her mouth. The Magby dodged out of the way and glared at Marill. 

“Magby, MAG-BY!” Magby yelled as he fired a Flamethrower at Marill. 

“Marill, Dodge and use Bubblebeam!” Twilight commanded. Marill swiftly moved to the left and fired her bubblebeam hitting the magby in it’s face. 

“Direct hit and Super effective. Not bad, huh buddy?” Ash asked his partner. 

“Pika pika.” Pikachu said with a nod, admiring Marill’s battling ability 

“So far so good.” Pikachu noted. 

Twilight smiled and took a pokeball from her bag. 

“Moment of truth time, Go Pokeball!” Twilight yelled as she threw the ball at Magby. From what she had read at the library, the lower the Pokemon’s energy, the greater the chance of capture. And after a super effective attack like that, how much energy could that Magby possibly have. 

The ball connected with Magby’s head, bouncing off Magby and opening mid-air. A red beam shot forth from the inside of the ball, connecting right where the ball had initially hit. Magby’s body then turned entirely red, becoming some kind of energy, and returning back to the center of the ball. The ball quickly snap shut and dropped back down to the ground, finally deciding to obey the laws of gravity once again. Twilight looked back at Ash, giving him a curious look.

“Are you sure there’s no magic in this world?”

“Uh, no, why do you ask?” Ash replied.

Before Twilight could respond, the ball began to shake, making a quiet noise as it tilted from left, to right, to left, and back to the right. Forgetting her original question due to her immeasurable anticipation, she kept her eyes glued to the position of the red and white ball. 

“This is the best and most intense moment in a trainer’s life.” Ash said with a smile, remembering his first capture. 

“Pika.” Pikachu said smiling as well. The ball shook one more time and soon…….it popped back open and released the Magby. 

“WHAT?!/MAR?!” Twilight and Marill screamed in simultaneous disbelief. 

“Did I mention this might also be the most disappointing moment in a trainer's life?” Ash asked with a chuckle. Pikachu wanted to laugh, but he quickly covered his mouth as both Twi and Marill turned toward him with a scowl. 

“Oh be quiet you two, I’ll catch him ne- HEY!” Twilight said as she watched the Magby run away. 

“Oh no you don’t!” Marill said running after the Magby, not thinking after hearing Pikachu’s stifled chuckle. Pikachu saw this and he began to worry. 

“Marill hold on, don’t go on your own!” Pikachu said jumping off of Ash’s shoulder and following her. 

“Pikachu!/Marill!” Ash and Twilight said going after their respective partners. 

With Marill

“Where are you?” Marill thought as she looked around for the Magby. 

“MARILL!” Marill turned to see Pikachu running up to her. 

“What are you doing here?” Marill asked. 

“What am I doing? What are you doing? You know better than to go off on your own.” Pikachu scolded. 

“I’m just trying to help Twilight.” Marill said. 

“How are you going to help her if she’s not even around, she’s your partner and you need to stay by her side.” Pikachu said. Marill looked down and sighed. 

“I’m sorry, I just wanted...to show you I can handle this.” Marill said with a light blush on her face. Pikachu raised an eyebrow at Marill. 

“What do you mean ‘Show me’ Marill, You make it sound like I doubt your abilities.” He said. Marill looked down abit and Pikachu noticed this. 

“You think I do, don’t you?” He asked. Marill nodded. 

“Why?”  He asked again, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his eyes. 

“Well because, I...I don’t. *sigh* You’re just so much better than me!” She yelled, although not being her intention to. Pikachu, rightfully a little shocked, quickly composed himself and looked quizzically at Marill. 

“What do you mean?” He asked. 

“You know exactly what I mean! Ash has said so many great things about you and how many battles you’ve won. Your Thunderbolt can destroy massive machines. I bet you could beat any Pokemon that challenges you. Including me.” She paused, looking down at the ground, remembering their battle. 

“You beat me without breaking a sweat. And now here we are, me chasing a Magby that I couldn’t even damage enough to be caught even though it was a direct hit with a super effective move. So yes, you have every right to doubt my abilities. Any Pokemon would, let alone an amazing one like you.” Marill said in a sad tone. Pikachu just looked at her and stared at Marill before putting a paw on her shoulder. 

“Ok, let me tell you why I’m not all that great and why what you’re saying is crazy.” Pikachu said. Marill raised an eyebrow. 

“What do you mean?” She asked. 

“Well, you see-” 

“THERE THEY ARE!”

Pikachu and Marill turned around to see the same Magby, but this time he had friends. “Those are the guys who attacked me!” The Magby yelled. Standing behind him were a Magmar and a Magmortar, looking just as aggravated as the Magby. 

“How dare you hurt my son!” The Magmar said angrily. 

“Let’s teach them a lesson!” Magmortar said readying his arm cannons. Pikachu quickly got into a defensive position. 

“I’ll tell you the story later, you ready for this?” Pikachu asked as his cheeks began to spark. Marill just stared at the Magby line with wide eyes. 

“I..I..” Marill couldn’t bring herself to speak, her words getting stuck in her throat while staring at the group of powerful fire types, remembering the Haunter’s she had feared before. 

“Marill, pull yourself together!” Pikachu said. Magby saw Marill hesitating and smiled. 

“GET THE BLUE ONE, FLAMETHROWER!!!” Pikachu turned his head back the the Magby line who all fired their Flamethrowers at Marill. Marill was brought back to her senses, but she had no time to dodge the attack, three sets of fire closing the distance between the two. 

“This is bad.” Marill said closing her eyes. 

BANG

Marill waited for the attacks to hit, but it never came. She slowly opened and saw something that shocked her. 



A/N: No Pun intended.



Pikachu was standing in front of her, arms stretched out, covered in burn marks, his breaths heavy and forced. He slowly turned around, clearly an arduous action given his current state. However, despite the severe injuries and Marill’s expression, which was a perfect mix of shock and sorrow, he had a grin plastered on his face.

"S-see, I'm not that...great” Pikachu said in a strained tone. Marill stood there, tears filling her eyes, clouding her vision like mist. 


“Pikachu, I…” but before she could finish, Pikachu cringed in pain and collapsed. Marill’s voice pierced the air like a knife 

“Pikachu!” She then quickly scuttled up to him and began shaking him quickly, yet still gently. 

“Pikachu wake up!” Marill said. Her eyes were glued to Pikachu’s still body, seemingly forgetting the predicament she was in. All she could focus on was Pikachu. 

“Well that’s one down!” Magmortar’s deep voice brought Marill back to reality, realising the danger she was still in. However that thought didn’t last long, as she closed her eyes solemnly. “Now it’s your turn.” the Magmortar said aiming his arm cannon at Marill and an unconscious Pikachu. Marill looked at the Magby and it’s family with anger in her eyes. 

“How dare you...HOW DARE YOU!” Marill yelled jumping in the air and firing a Water Gun at each of the fire types. The Magby line did their best, but Magby and Magmar both fell to the ground with swirls in their eyes as the powerful stream of water hit both of them. Marill landed back onto the ground and began breathing deeply. 

“That should..oh crap.” Marill said seeing the Magmortar still on it’s feet, despite being soaked with water. 

“You’re a strong little shrimp aren’t you? But you can’t take me down that easily.” Magmortar said before firing another Flamethrower at her. Marill quickly got out of the way, but she remembered Pikachu was behind her, glancing over to see his unmoving body in the flame’s path. 

“MARILL YOU IDIOT!” Marill thought scolding herself. The massive torrent of flames kept closing the gap between it and Pikachu. A sudden voice, however, rung from through the trees 

"I’M COMING BUDDY!” Ash said as he ran in through a group of bushes and grabbed Pikachu and rolled out of the way before the Flamethrower could hit him. 

“That was too close for comfort.” Twilight said running up the same way Ash had dramatically entered. 

“You’re telling me.” Ash said holding Pikachu in his arms. Twilight quickly ran up to Marill and picked her up. 

“You ok?” She asked. Marill didn’t look her partner in her eyes, but she nodded. 

“Good.” Twilight then looked at the Magmortar. 

“How dare you gang up on our partners.” Twilight said angrily. 

“Yeah, who do you think you are?” Ash said as well. The Magmortar looked at the two humans and he pointed to his family unconscious on the ground. Ash and Twilight saw this and understood. 

“I see, you're mad Marill attacked you and your family.” Ash said. The Magmortar nodded.

“If that’s what you’re mad about then we’re sorry, we didn’t know that Magby was part of your family.” Ash said with a bow. Twilight looked at what Ash was doing and stepped forward and bowed as well. 

“Please this was my fault, I was so eager to battle and capture a new first Pokemon. I didn’t mean to hurt your Magby.” She said. The Magmortar looked at the two humans in front of him and he aimed one of his arm cannons at them. Ash and Twilight both stepped back and Marill cover her head. 

“MORTAR! MAGMORTAR!” The Magmortar yelled before he raised his arm cannon in the air and fired a bright light into the sky. Twilight and Ash looked up to see the light heading for the sun and after a few seconds the rays of the Sun intensified. 

“Whoa,is it me or did it just get hotter out here.” Twilight said fanning herself. 

“It’s not you, I think that was Sunny Day.” Ash Explained. 

“What’s that?” Twilight asked. 

“It’s a fire type move that intensifies the heat of the sun to increases the power of other fire type moves.” Ash said as he took off his hat and fanned himself with it. 

“Mortar!” Magmortar said as turned to his family and aimed his cannons at them. 

“MAG-MORTAR!” He yelled before releasing a huge Flamethrower for him cannons and hitting the Magby and Magmar. Twilight looked on in horror. 

“What is he doing, he’s hurting-” “Calm down Twi, just watch.” Ash said putting a hand on her shoulder. Twilight looked at Ash as if he had gone crazy. 

“But-” “Shhh, look.” Ash said cutting her off. Twilight sighed in defeat and looked at the Magmortar who she thought was burning his family alive, but what she saw next very much surprised and perplexed her. Magmortar stopped his attack and the flames around his family vanished. After a few seconds, both the Magby and the Magmar opened their eyes and jumped to their feet. Twilight’s eyes were wide. 

“How!”? She asked. 

“The Magby Line can survive on very intense heat, Magmortar used Flamethrower on them just to replenish their energy.” Ash explained. 

“Mar...Magmar?” The Magmar asked. 

“Mortar Mag Magmortar.” The Magmortar said pointing at the two trainers. 

“What are they saying?” Twilight asked tilting her head. 

“I think Magmortar’s explaining the situation to the other two.” Ash said with a small smile. Magmortar continued to explain, Magmar understood the reason behind their actions but the Magby wasn’t having it. 

“BY MAGBY MAG!” Magby yelled as he pointed directly at Marill. Marill just looked down and frowned. Twilight saw this and began to walk up the the Magby Line. 

“Twilight?” Ash said reaching out to her. 

“Trust me.” Was all Twilight said. Ash nodded and cradled Pikachu in his arms. 

Twilight stopped and crouched down to the Magby who got into a defensive position. 

“Don’t worry no one’s going to hurt you.” Twilight said with a reassuring smile. Magby didn’t let his guard down and glared at the girl. 

“Look I know you’re still mad and you have every right to be. I was in such a hurry to catch my first pokemon, I didn’t think about your feelings. I’m...new at this. I just saw you and thought that all I had to do was catch you and that would be that. But I understand that that’s not how this works. I need to prove that I’m somepon….I mean someone who deserves you, not someone who’s just strong enough or tough enough to catch you. All I can say is...I’m sorry. I hope you can understand and forgive me but...I know that’s a long shot. I’ve made it a habit of messing stuff up recently.” Twilight said looked down a bit. Ash, Marill and the Magby Line all just stared at the young pony turned girl with shocked looks on their faces. 

“Wow, she really did take friendship lessons.” Ash said to himself. 

“Pika...Pika.” Ash looked down to see Pikachu stirring in his sleep. 

“Oh man, Twilight we have to get Pikachu to a Pokemon Center.” Ash said. Twilight and Marill both looked to see that Ash was right, Pikachu needed medical attention. 

“Pikachu.” Marill said in a worried tone. 

“You’re right.” She then turned back to the Magby. 

“Again I’m really sorry, I have to go, our friend needs help.” Twilight said before standing up and walking over to Ash. 

“Let’s go, Oldale Town is just up ahead.” Twilight said, double checking her Pokedex just to be sure. Ash nodded and with that the two trainers ran off to Oldale Town. The Magby line watched as they left and the Magby had a sad look on it’s face.

Timeskip, Location: Outside of Oldale town

“How close are we?” Ash asked. Twilight took out her Pokedex and looked at the map. 

“We’re almost there, we just need to go over this hill.” She said. Ash nodded and looked down to Pikachu. 

“Don’t worry buddy, we’ll get you fixed up in no time.” Ash thought to himself. Marill couldn’t take her eyes off Pikachu in his weakened state. 

“First the kidnapping, then the whole too much electricity thing and now this, Pikachu’s been suffering ever since he got here.” Marill thought as a tear fell down her face. Twilight felt the tear on her hand and looked to Marill. 

“Hey don’t worry, Pikachu’s going to be just fine.” She said with a small smile. It didn’t help, Marill still felt responsible for Pikachu’s condition. 

“Hey Twi, check it out.” Twilight looked ahead to a bunch old rock formations on top of the hill. The two stopped and looked around a bit. 

“What are these?” Twilight asked. 

“Marill?” Marill said tilting her head. 

“I’m not sure, but they look like ruins.” Ash said. 

“You’re right, these are the Oldale Ruins.” Ash and Twilight turned to as a man with spiky brown hair walk up to them. 

“The Oldale Ruins?” Twilight repeated. 

“That’s right, Oh where are my manners. My name is Professor Alden and I’ve been investigating these ruins for a while now.” The man said with a slight bow. 

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Ash and this newbie next to me is Twilight.” Ash said with a smirk. 

“Watch it buster. It’s nice to meet you sir.” Twilight said with a tic mark on her head. 

“Likewise, so why are both is such a hurry?” Alden asked. 

“Oh right, we have to get Pikachu to a Center.” Twilight said spastically. Alden raised an eyebrow and looked to Pikachu who looked burnt and hurt. 

“Oh my, that does not look good, follow the path that way and the center is right at the end.” Alden explained. 

“Thank you, come on Twi.” Ash said as he began running. Twilight nodded and followed.

Location: Oldale Town Pokemon Center

The doors to Pokemon center opened automatically as Twilight and Ash, partners in hand, came running in. As Ash ran for the counter, Twilight couldn’t help but looking back and admiring the door moving all by itself, interested by the technological prowess this world seemed to possess. Marill, confused about her trainer’s confusion, looked up at her quickly before returning her attention forward at Ash and Pikachu. Ash had arrived at the desk as a lady with pink hair in a nurse’s outfit turned to Ash, smiling as she waved at a trainer carrying away their now healthy Linoone. She took one look at the burnt up Pikachu in front of her and that smile became one of worry. 

“Oh my.” she gasped. 

“Pikachu was hit by three Flamethrowers. He needs immediate medical attention.” Ash said frantically. The nurse immediately gained a look of determination and took the Pikachu into her arms. 

“Of course. I’ll make sure Pikachu feels better in no time. Chansy, over here, we need to get this Pikachu to the intensive care unit.” From behind a swinging door, a pink, egg-shaped pokemon came through wearing the same nurse hat as the pink-haired lady. 

“Chan-Chansey”. Pikachu was set on a padded stretcher and wheeled away by Chansey as Twilight and Marill walked up to the counter. Marill could do nothing but watch as the Pokemon that saved her was whisked away unconsciously.

“Please be ok.” Marill said to herself before covering her eyes and crying. Twilight gave the blue mouse a hug. 

“It’s ok, Marill.” She said comforting the partner. 

“Ash has told me a lot about Pikachu. He’s been through worse than this I imagine.” Twilight said, trying to make her partner feel better. However, despite Twilight’s cheery exterior, she still was worried for Pikachu. Twilight didn’t see what happened, but all of those burn marks told the whole story in painstaking detail. Marill, while glad Twilight was trying to cheer her up, she couldn’t stop thinking about Pikachu. It was all her fault he was hurt anyway

“Why didn’t I just move? If I just moved out of the way and didn’t stand there like an idiot Pikachu would be…” Marill felt terrible. For attacking the Magby, letting Pikachu get hurt, everything. She just felt guilty, and that guilt stuck with her all the way through the forest. She needed to tell Pikachu she was sorry. It was the least she could do.

As they were sitting at a table at the cafe, waiting for Ash to return from the cafe’s counter, Twilight couldn’t help but think about all that's happened since she spoke to Arceus and came to this place. As Marill was staring off into space, she lifted up her hands, still foreign and new to her, despite the practice. 

"This is all so weird. I’m glad I met Ash but...even still. I wonder how everypony is doing back home.” She thought to herself. But she went from a look of contemplation to rage. “Who cares about them. If they don’t want me there, then I’ll just stay here where I’m actually appreciated”

“Hey, are you okay? You look like you got something on your mind.” 

“What, I uh…” Twilight sputtered as Ash surprised her holding two drinks and a bowl of Pokemon food. As he put down the brown cup with a white lid on it on the table, Twilight still flustered, stared at it. 

“Uh, this is…” 

“Frappachino, thought we could both use a treat.” he answered prematurely, setting the bowl of Pokemon food next to Marill on the floor. 

“Isn’t it like, 5:30?” Twilight said, keeping eye contact with Ash as he took his seat across from her. 

“Eh, so what.” he said, shoulders shrugged. 

“So, what’s on your mind?” Ash asked, seeing the stress on Twi’s face.

“It’s nothing, really” Twilight said, unconvincingly. Ash wasn’t buying and pushed the subject. 

“Come on Twi, you don’t have to hold anything back from me. If we’re going to be traveling together we need to be honest with one another and that means one telling the other if something’s wrong.” He said in a tone of concern. Twilight listened to Ash’s words, which sounded an awful lot like something one of her friends would say, making her feel even more homesick than she already was. 

“I’m sorry Ash, I just...Ever since I came here you’ve been nothing but nice, and I’m honestly glad I met you. It’s just...I just can’t stop thinking about my friends.” 

“You mean the ones back where you came from?” Ash asked, still an entirely foreign concept to him. 

“Yeah, I mean, I just left them. They don’t know where I am or what I’m doing. All they know is why I left, and even though I’m still mad at them, it just feels wrong leaving them with that feeling of guilt. I know something was off about Cadence and I just wanted to help, but instead, they all turn their back on me. My brother, my teacher, my friends, even my faithful assistant. I just…” tears started to form in her eyes. 

“Did I make the right choice?” She asked, not really to Ash, but more of a general question to herself. Ash saw Twilight was about to break down, so he did what any supportive friend would do, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. Twilight was startled by this at first, but before she could get a word out Ash pulled back, looked her in the eyes, and spoke up. 

“Listen, whether you made the right choice or not is entirely up to you. I can’t even imagine what you’re feeling right now and I doubt I ever will, but know that if you ever need to talk or cry, just know you got someone who will listen and offer a shoulder.” Ash said. 

Twilight didn’t know what to say. She has been studying friendship for two years at this point, but this has been the kindest, most sincere thing anyone had ever said to her. She didn’t know what it was, but there was something about Ash that made it impossible for her to not believe him. His voice just  seemed so sincere,and she could tell he meant what he was saying. 

“Ash I...Thank you. Thank you so much. I...I *sob* that means a lot to me.” Almost starting to let her tears get the better of her, Twilight smiled at Ash, thankful that she had met someone able to make her feel better at a time like this, when his own friend was in danger none of the less. 

“Wow, Marill, aren’t you glad we met someone as nice as Ash?” Twilight said, looking down below her where Marill’s bowl of food should be. And the bowl was there. Just the bowl. Marill, however, was nowhere to be found. 

“Marill? Marill!” Twilight called, looking all over the cafe. They both stood up at the same time and turned to each other, their eyes filled with worry.

Location: Pokemon Center Intensive treatment

“Where is it? Where is it?” walking down the hallway. 

“I know he has to be through one of these doors.” She had managed to sneak away from Twilight and Ash during their little heart to heart. She listened to Twilight’s problem and thought about stepping in, but once she saw Ash hug her, she knew he had it covered, and rushed to find Pikachu

“Vibrava, Numel, Teddiursa, Pikachu, Wooper, Lombr- Wait, Pikachu!” She exclaimed, peeking through the doors and listing the Pokemon residing in each room. Finding, and initially skipping his room, she waddled in and made her way to the side of the bed. She jumped and climbed up the large bed until she stood on the comfy red blankets and gazed sorrowfully at the Pokemon underneath them. Pikachu was still asleep, body still burnt and bruised, and his head turned. His mouth was covered by a respirator, and he was connected to an IV via his arm. In short, he didn’t look good. Seeing him like this once again, Marill’s eyes watered up, and tears began to flow from her eyes. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. 

“I-I’m sorry Pikachu. I know you can’t hear me but...but I want you to know that I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have chased that Magby, I should’ve moved out of the way, I should’ve been the one to be hit. I...I just wanted to impress you. You’re so strong and brave and courageous and I wanted to show you that I could be that way to. But instead all I did was get you hurt. I’ll do everything and anything I can to make it up to you, I promise. But you probably never want to talk to me again, let alone travel with me.." Marill’s eyes were flooding at this point. She tried closing them to block the flow but they kept streaming from her face. But it was a raspy, familiar voice that pried her eyes open again. 

“Hey, I thought I told you to stop talking like that.” 

“H-huh?”

Pikachu turned to Marill, eyes opening, although he was straining to do so. He managed to shake the respirator off his mouth, feeling he could breath and speak just fine. Marill was in shock, not immediately caring Pikachu had heard her lament. She was just happy he was awake. 

“You...listen and you listen good Blue, I’m not perfect….I never was. I understand why you look up to me, but I wasn’t always like this.” Pikachu said in a serious yet sad tone. While his words may have seemed harsh, Marill could tell he did it out of concern rather than anger 

“When I met, and even before I met Ash, I was nothing more than a jerk. I was arrogant, cocky and selfish, I always thought I didn’t need anyone else but myself. Then I met Ash and he took me on as his first pokemon.” Pikachu smiled at bit remembering his first day with Ash, but he quickly frowned. “I shocked him without any hesitation, I didn’t want a trainer, I didn’t want some goofy kid holding me back, but one thing I learned about Ash that day was that he never gave up.” He said with a slight cough afterward. Marill couldn’t believe her ears, there was no way the Pikachu she had traveled with up to this point could act like that. 

“We soon began our adventure and I hated every moment of it. Me and Ash would argue a lot too and I would shock him just to get a laugh and to piss him off. Man, looking back on it now I still wonder why Ash put up with me.” Pikachu said scratching the back of his head. Marill still didn’t know how to reply to Pikachu. This was a whole new side to him Marill hadn’t seen before.

“That’s not who you are now though.” Marill said with newly dry eyes.

“Hm?” Pikachu mumbled, side glancing at Marill.

“I don’t care what you were like then. I care how strong and kind and brave you are now. So stop with your self loathing. Would that Pikachu have taken three Flamethrowers for me? No! So you messed up in the past, I don’t care. It's about what you do-”

“To make up for it?” Pikachu asked, eyebrow raised. Marill stopped her rant and looked at Pikachu with wide eyes. 

“How did-” “Because I learned that lesson a long time ago. You see Ash and I were attacked by a flock of Spearow and Ash did everything in his power to make sure I was safe. The flock caught up to us though and they injured me pretty bad, so Ash stood up and shielded me. I saw something in Ash that day, I saw someone who would go to the ends of the earth and back for me and I, in good conscience, couldn’t let him get hurt. So, I got up, jumped into the air and I put all my power in one Thunderbolt. I scared them off with that display, but Ash and I were injured. We were facing each other and Ash just gave me a goofy smile and said ‘Well, we beat’em.’ He then carried me to the nearest center where I started to do some thinking. Even though I treated him so badly, he cared enough to save my life and I’ll be forever grateful to him for that. That’s when I made up my mind, I was going to help Ash become a Pokemon Master no matter who I battle, I’ll give it 110%.” Pikachu said as he strained to put a fist in the air.

Marill, who was listening very intently, widened her eyes as she listened to Pikachu, hearing a very familiar story.

“When I made that promise, I wanted to make up for everything I had done to Ash. I wanted him to trust me more than he did and Ash saw what I was doing guess what her said?” Pikachu asked. Marill leaned in wanting to know. “He said stop being someone you’re not. He told me that I don’t have to change who I am for anyone other than myself. At first, I was shocked by the fact that a 10 year old gave me some wise words, but then I realized that he was right. I was changing myself for the wrong reason. I didn’t need to change for him I needed to change for myself, if I hadn’t I would never have had made such good friends over the years. Bulbasaur, Charizard, Squirtle, Bayleef, all of them. And I’m happy they're apart of my life. I’m happy you’re in my life to Marill, so take your own advice and stop doubting yourself, you are only as strong as you allow yourself to be. Push against your past and move forward.” Pikachu said with a smile. A strained smile, but a smile all the same.

Marill’s eyes were wider than ever. Pikachu was right. Marill spent all this worrying about how to make it up to Pikachu, how weak she was, and how she could make it up to him. Of course she still felt bad for hurting him, obviously, but she realised how narrow minded she really was. She didn’t need to get strong for Pikachu, she needed to get strong for herself. She was blinded by her admiration, just as Pikachu was blinded by his stubbornness. However, even after hearing about Pikachu’s rough history and learning this lesson, she couldn’t help but feel an even greater admiration for Pikachu. How he overcame all of it and became so kind and strong. Even though she wouldn’t be proving herself to Pikachu like before, she was still determined to make it up to Pikachu on her own way. By giving everything 110% of her effort.

“Thanks Pikachu. And just so you know, I think you’re pretty great.” Marill said, significantly more calm  

“Heh, well I’m glad I have my fans.” Pikachu said sarcastically sharp. Marill just rolled her eyes and giggled. 

"There you are.” The two Mouse pokemon turned to see Ash, Twilight and Nurse Joy walking into the room. 

“Pika..Pi.” Pikachu said in a strained, yet joyful tone. 

“Marill Mar.” Marill said jumping into Twilight’s arms. 

“Mary, what are you doing in here, Pikachu needs to rest.” Twilight said in a scolding tone. Marill just nodded and nuzzled Twilight. Twilight knew she couldn’t stay mad at the blue mouse, so she just hugged her. Ash smiled and went over to Pikachu. 

“Hey buddy, how ya feeling?” He asked his partner. 

“Pika...Pika.” Pikachu said with a small smile. 

“I’m sorry you two, but Pikachu’s treatment isn’t over. I’m going to have to ask you both to leave for now.” the nurse said in a soft tone. 

“No problem Nurse Joy. I’ll see you later pal.” Ash said with a smile. 

“Pika Pi.” Pikachu said with a nod. Twilight and Ash, with Marill in hand proceeded to walk out and leave Pikachu to his treatment. 

“So do you know her or something? I thought you were new here.” Twilight asked. 

“Call it an educated guess.”

Location: Pokemon Center Cafeteria

“Eating time!” Ash declared at he dove into his place of curry. 

“You always eat like that?” Twilight asked with a slight giggle.

“Yeah, sorry.” Ash replied with a sheepish smile. 

“It’s fine.” Twilight said before taking a bite of her salad. 

“Just a salad?” Ash asked. 

“Yes, why?” Twilight asked. 

“I thought you would get the curry, it’s really good and the meat is….oh.” Ash said remembering Twilight was a pony. Twilight gave him a deadpanned stare and turned her head away from him. 

“Aww, Twi come on, I’m sorry, I forgot.” Ash said trying to apologize. 

“Hmpf.” Was all Twilight said before taking another bit of her salad. 

“Twilight, don’t be like that.” Ash said. Twilight then turned back around and glared at him. 

“How could you POSSIBLY forget something like that!” Twilight seethed. Ash flinched and noticed that there were some people staring at them. 

“Uh-Oh, that guy’s in the dog house now.” A trainer behind them said. 

“I wonder what he forgot.” another trainer said. 

“It better not have been her birthday or their anniversary or else he’s really in for it.” a third trainer chimed in. Ash began to sweat after hearing all of the gossip. 

“Look, I’m sorry I forgot, but making a scene isn’t-” Ash quickly put a hand over his mouth, but the damage was done. 

“WHY I OUGHTA-” Before Twilight could say another word, she felt a hand on her shoulder. 

“Whoa there little lady, I don’t think should be fighting with your friend here.” Twilight turned to see Alden with a smile on his face. 

“Oh hey Alden…..Thank you.” Ash said as he whispered the last two words. Alden gave him a thumbs up and spoke up. 

“I’m glad you both made it her safely. How is your Pikachu holding up?” “Pikachu is doing fine, thanks for asking. He’s being treated right now but they say he’ll be better tomorrow morning.” 

“That’s great to hear! Mind if I join you two for dinner? As long as I’m not interrupting anything that is.” Both Ash and Twilight looked at each other and nodded turned back to Alden. 

“I don’t see why not.” Ash said with a smile. 

“Take a seat.” Twilight added. 

“Thanks, so tell me you two what brought you to this small town?” Alden asked. 

“Well we were actually going to register to the Hoenn League…..which we still haven’t done yet.” Ash said palming his face. 

“Aww you’re right we were so caught up in other things we forgot.” Twilight said pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Hey, don’t look so down, I bet Nurse Joy would be happy to register you both once she’s done with the Pokemon she’s taking care of.” Alden said with a reassuring smile. 

“I guess you’re right. So you told us you were investigating the Oldale Ruin,Why?” Twilight asked. 

“Well you see, it’s said that in the Oldale Ruins, is an old stone chamber, and according to an old legend, it’s a bridge or portal between our world and the Ancient Pokemon world.” Alden explained. 

“Wow.” Twilight said with intense interest, being a big fan of any kind of ancient history. 

“That’s sounds pretty cool.” Ash said. Alden nodded and continued. 

“But because of it’s strange construction, any attempts to enter the chamber would cause it to crumble so it’s contents remain unknown.” He said. 

“When you say Ancient Pokemon, do you mean like Kabutops and Aerodactyl?” Ash asked. 

“Nope, I mean Pokemon that have been living since ancient times without changing at all.” Alden explained. Twilight and Ash looked at Alden with amaze and wonder. 

“There are actually Pokemon that have lived that long?” Twilight asked. 

“I’d like to believe so, I want to know about how these Pokemon lived and where they lived. I’ve wanted to solve this mystery for a years now and each day I’m getting one step closer to solving it.” Alden said with a smile. 

“There are so much more to Pokemon than I thought.” Twilight said with stars in her eyes. 

“You always get like this when you learn something new?” Ash asked with a smirk. “So what if I do?” Twilight said glaring at the boy. Alden chuckled. 

“Have you both been traveling long?” He asked. 

“No, we actually started our journey together yesterday.” Ash said. 

“Really now! From the way you two argue is looked like you’ve been together for months, maybe longer.” He said. Ash and Twilight looked at one another before sharing a laugh. 

“I guess you’re right.” Ash said. 

“Yeah, we really shouldn’t be arguing like this.” Twilight said before turning turning to Ash. 

“I’m sorry.” She said. 

“Why are you apologizing, I’m the one that made you mad. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut.” Ash said scratching the back of his head. 

“It’s alright, don’t worry.” Twilight said with a smile. 

“There we go, Nice to see you two getting along.” Alden said. The group shared a laugh and Ash spoke up. 

“Ancient Pokemon, I’d love to meet one someday.” Ash said. 

“Well you might get your chance.” Alden said reaching into his bag and pulling out a small stone tablet. 

“What’s that?” Twilight asked. 

“It’s an old text I discovered during the research. I translated it last week, it says that there is only one way to open the stone chamber without it collapsing in on itself. I need to find four special keys, what kind of keys they are, where I can find them, what they look like, that, I don’t know. But I’m gonna find them, no matter how far I have to go to get them.” Alden says, eyes shining with hope. 

“Wow, this means a lot to you, doesn’t it Alden?” Twilight asked, seeing his determination. 

“Heh, I guess you could say that.” Alden said with a chuckle. They all shared one more smile before a sound rung out throughout the Pokemon Center. 

*Ding-Dong-Ding*

They all turned toward the chiming electronic clock and looked at the time. “Wow it’s late!” Ash said, surprised by how fast time flew. 

“Huh, seems it's pretty late.” Alden began. 

“Well, I have an early morning tomorrow. So sorry but I’m gonna go get some sleep.” He finished with a quick yawn. 

“No, it's fine. We’re probably gonna get some sleep to. It's a miracle we’re still awake in the first place.” Ash said, standing up from his chair to stretch his arms and legs. 

“It's been a long day for us, isn’t that right Marill.” Twilight said, not getting out of her seat just yet, but turning to face Alden who was already gathering his things. “Mar-marill” Marill said with a sigh. 

“Hehe, well I guess we’re all calling it a night. In that case, I wish you all good dreams. Maybe I’ll see you before I head back out to the ruins tomorrow.” 

“Maybe. Good night.” Ash said turning toward the direction of the inn as Twilight stood up with Marill in hand and joined him, saying her goodbyes as well. 

“Ancient Pokemon, This world is just filled with mystery.” She said with a smile. 

“I know, it’s amazing.” Ash said. 

“Mar.” Marill said with a nod. Ash was about to say something, but he quickly remembered something. 

“Oh crap, we need to register!” He said frantically. Twilight eyes widened and she grabbed Ash’s hand. 

“Then what are we waiting for, let’s get going.” Twilight said pulling Ash to the front desk. 

“Hey, don’t pull my arm off.” Ash said. The two made their way to the front desk where Nurse joy was about to close up for the night. 

“Wait Nurse Joy.” The nurse turned to the two trainers, one awkwardly gripping onto the other’s hand. 

“Oh, you two. It’s good to see you again. If you are here to ask about Pikachu, he’s been recovering just fine.” She said with a smile. 

“Thanks Nurse Joy, I really appreciate it but that's not why we’re here.” Ash said. 

“Yes, we’re here to enter the Hoenn League ma’am.” Twilight said. 

“Oh of course, I just need both of your Pokedexes.” Nurse Joy said. Ash and Twilight pulled out there Dexes and handed them to Nurse Joy. The kind nurse put their Dexes under a sort of scanner and pressed a yellow button. 

“Ok Ash Ketchum From Pallet Town in Kanto and Twilight Sparkle from Undella Town in Unova. Is that right?” 

“That’s right/Correct.” they both confirmed. 

“Alright, you two are all set.” Nurse Joy said handing their Dexes back. 

“Thank you Nurse Joy.” Ash and Twilight said with a bow.  

“No problem, you both have a good night.” Nurse Joy said before walking into the back. 

“Well since that's done I guess we should-” Before Ash could finish the power in the Center went off. 

“What the, What happened?” Ash asked looking around. Marill jumped out of Twilights arms and looked around as well. 

“Marill Mar.” She said. 

“What the...why did the lights go out?” Twilight asked, obviously confused. 

“It's probably just a blown fuse. It could be a blackout though.” Ash explained. Twilight, however, was obviously lost. 

“What! You don’t have electricity where you come from?!” Ash asked, surprised about this development. 

“We have electricity, it’s just rarely used and underdeveloped. We haven’t really figured out how to use electricity for...anything really. All our machines are run by steam, coal, wind, solar energy, and mainly, magic. But you don’t have magic here so…” Twilight explained. 

“Yeah, you’re gonna have to explain this whole magic thing to me sometime, but right now we-” 

AAAAAHHHHHHH!

Twilight and Ash jumped when they heard the scream. “Was that Nurse Joy?” Twilight asked in a worried and frightened tone. Ash ignored the question and ran in the direction of the scream.

“Ash wait, come on Marill.” Twilight said following Ash. Marill nodded and followed as well. The trio made their way down the hall of the center and found an open storage room. 

“Come on.” Ash said. Twilight nodded and picked Marill up. 

“Just so you don’t wander off. “ She said. Marill nodded, pouting a little. The trio walked in and saw Nurse Joy tied up and gagged.

“Oh my gosh.” Twilight said, placing her still new hands over her mouth. She and Ash walked over to the Nurse and untied her.

“Nurse Joy, wake up.” Ash said, shaking her. 

“Twilight go and get help, I’ll stay with her.” Ash said. 

“Right.” Twilight said before running out, but as she did someone was watching her. 

“One’s getting away sir.” The mysterious figure said talking into a headset. 

“It’s fine, trap the nurse and the boy.” the voice from the headset said. 

“Consider it done” The figure then ran up to the storage room and pulled a small device from his pocket. 

With Ash

Ash was still tending to Nurse Joy, but soon heard footsteps. “Is that Twilight?” He asked himself, wondering why anyone else would be up this late. But just as Nurse Joy was waking up, a man stepped around the corner, not the person Ash expected to see. 

“H-huh? You’re…” Nurse Joy stuttered as she came to. But they both turned to the man standing in the doorway. His face was almost unseeable, as his hood cast a shadow over it. Combined with the already masking darkness, his face was shrouded in mystery. Said hood was red, with horns coming from the top. The rest of his ensemble was the same red shade. An “M” was marked on the center of the man’s shirt, and he was wearing dark, black pants that blended in with the darkness. What was most noticeable, however, was a strange blinking device in his left hand. 

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” The man said, his voice suggesting he was a man in his late 20’s. 

“Who are you?” Ash asked, sensing something was off about the strangely dressed man. 

“That’s of no concern to you. What you should be worrying about is the predicament you’re in now.” He said with surprising casualness. 

“And what do you mean by that?” Ash asked, standing up, getting ready for what he thought was about to happen. 

“Man, you ask a lot of questions.” He said, taking a step back and began to close the doors. 

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing! Ash yelled running at the double door the man was currently shutting. 

“Ugh, Houndoom! Roar!” As Ash began to get close to the door, the man called over his Pokemon, and from the right, a large, dog-like Pokemon jumped in, wearing gold armor on its back and a helmet on it’s head. The Pokemon had black fur and a long snout. It had bone-like extrusions all over its body, almost like its spine was outside its body. And once it was clearly in sight, it opened its mouth and let out a loud screech, creating a visible wave of sound that pushed Ash back all the way to the back wall, which was tens of feet away. Ash made contact with the wall with a powerful thud as he slid down it slumped over. 

He struggled to pick his head up as he watched the man smile as he shut the doors. Once closed, he placed the device in his hand where the two doors met. With a satisfying click, it stuck to the wall. Ash picked himself and ran toward the door, Nurse Joy just sat there, dumbstruck. Ash began pounding on the door, his fists getting red as he hit the metal doors repeatedly. 

“Open...the...door!” Ash yelled, his voice strained as he used all his energy with the attack on the door. On the other side, the man ignored the child’s futile escape attempts and turned to a woman and a man wearing a very similar get up. She had a man with her, his arms tied and mouth gagged. If either Ash or Twilight had seen said man, they would have recognized him immediately as Alden. 

“Target acquired” the woman said. 

“Good, we can proceed as planned. All the trainers here are asleep and the only awake one is locked in their with the center’s nurse. One trainer got away, but it won’t be a problem. She just signed up for the Hoenn League so she is one of those newbie trainers.” He explained smugly. 

“Good, as long as she doesn’t intervene. Let's get this guy to the ruins. We need him to get into the shrine.” the other male hooded figure said. 

“Right, Houndoom, come back.” He pulled a pokeball out of his pocket and aimed it at the Dark Pokemon. With a small sound, a red beam came from the center of the ball and enveloped the Houndoom, returning him back to his ball. Ash could hear muffled sounds through the door, but he couldn’t make anything out of it. 

“I can’t understand what they’re saying. Nurse Joy do you know who those people are?” Ash asked. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t, but I know they’re the one’s who caused this black ou….Oh no the Pokemon!” Nurse Joy said in a panic. 

“What are you talking about?” Ask asked. 

“All the pokemon being treated in the center! Without the power of all of our healing equipment, the Pokemon's conditions will only get worse, especially those in intensive treatment.” Nurse Joy explained. As she explained, the color drained from Ash’s face. 

“Pikachu….I HAVE TO GO!” Ash said before charging the door again. 

“Ash, stop it’s no use.” Nurse Joy said trying to calm the boy down. Ash slammed into the door only to stagger back a bit. 

“Dammit...Twilight hurry.” Ash said to himself.

With Twilight

Twilight and Marill ran through the Center to find find help, but no one was around. “Darn it, No one’s here. Come on Marill let’s get back to Ash.” Twilight said. 

“Mar.” Marill said with a nod. The two walked back to the storage room but stopped when they heard footsteps. Twilight slowly looked around the corner and saw a tied up Alden and a bunch of people wearing red and black dragging him. 

“Oh no.” Twilight thought as she quickly ran into a single restroom and slowly closed the door. 

“Team B is waiting at the ruins, everything is ready.” Twilight listened from behind the door, petrified. 

“Good, let’s move.” After that was said, Twilight heard them running away from the door. She the took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. 

“ *sigh* Gone, good. Let's hurry  Marill.” Twilight said before her and her partner ran back to Ash and Nurse Joy. Upon Arriving, Twilight found the storage door closed. 

“What the- Ash, Nurse Joy are you still in there?” She said banging on the door.  Hearing her, Ash and Nurse Joy both ran up to the door. 

“Twilight, thank Arceus. Can you open the door?” Ash Asked on the other side. Twilight grabbed the door and pulled as hard as she could but the door didn’t budge. 

“It’s no go, I can’t open it. There’s...some kind of machine on it” She said. 

“Twilight, listen to me, you have to turn on the reserve power in the back of the center. All the Pokemon, including Pikachu, might not survive unless the machines they’re hooked up to are running” Nurse Joy said. Twilight began to sweat, the pressure getting to her. She barely understood how a light switch worked. Restoring power to an entire building felt dealing with alien magic, which was almost what it was. 

“Um...I...I-” “She can’t Nurse Joy, Twilight’s not familiar with technology here.” Ash said covering for her. 

“Huh, what do you mean by that? It isn’t rocket science. Anyone who has ever used electricity before could do it.” 

“...” 

“...” Both Twilight and Ash had nothing to say to that, as Nurse Joy had said everything they needed to. The nurse widened her eyes and bit her lip. 

“Then what do we do?” Nurse Joy asked in a panic. 

“Those hooded guys took Alden. They tied him up and took him away.” Twilight stated, fearfulness building as she spoke.

“.....I have an idea, but neither of you are going to like it.”Ash said. 

“What is it?” The Nurse asked with tempered expectation. 

“Twilight, you have to go and save Professor Alden. Those guys have to have a key to this device. You need to get the key from them, come back and open the door. Then Nurse Joy can turn the power back on.” Nurse Joy and Twilight (If she could) looked at Ash as if he were crazy.

”Ash, I don’t...I don’t think I can…” Twilight stuttered, eyes widened from uncertainty. 

“Ash that’s insane. From what I saw on her trainer info, she’s just starting out as a trainer. She can’t handle something like this. Those were actual criminals. We don’t know what they can do” Nurse Joy explained. 

“Do we have any other option?” Ash asked. Nurse Joy began to think. 

“I mean...none of the trainers staying here have healthy Pokemon other than Twilight.” Nurse Joy started. 

“I-I guess you’re right, but…” Twilight gulped. She looked down at her partner, who was already looking up at her, eyes filled with determination. 

“Mar-Marill” she said with a nod. 

“This is something I need to do. I need to make it up Pikachu...in my own way.” Twilight could feel Marill’s determined stare sink its way into her soul, filling her with some of her own willpower 

“Ok...I’ll try.” Twilight said with uncertainty in her voice. 

“Did they say where they were going?” Ash asked. 

“Y-yeah, to the ruins. They said some people were waiting there.” Twilight said, still frightful.  Ash heard this and put his hand in the door. 

“Twilight, you got this. Don’t be scared, I have faith in you.” He said in a soft tone. Twilight looked at the door for a few seconds and put her hand on the door as well. Twilight didn’t know why but she could feel another hand against hers, it was like the door wasn’t there and her and Ash’s hands were connected. She smiled and pulled her hand off the door. 

“Thanks Ash, I’ll be back. Mariil, let’s go!” Twilight said with determination in her voice. “Marill Mar!” Marill said with a nod. With that Twilight and ran back down the hall and headed for the Center exit. 

“Ash do you really think she can do this?” Nurse Joy said. 

“You bet I do. She’s got this Nurse Joy.” Ash said with a smile. 

“If you say so.” The Nurse said. Ash nodded and looked to the door. 

“Be Careful Twi.”

With Twilight

Twilight and Marill ran to the front of the Center and stopped at the front door. Twilight looked to Marill. “Are we ready for this?” Twilight asked, clearly concerned about what might happen. 

“I-I just got here two days ago and now the lives of all those Pokemon...The life of Pikachu…” Twilight began, obviously starting to panic. 

“Are in my...hands.” She finished, having to look down at what she was using to carrying her partner to remember. 

“I’ve barely have gotten used to walking on two legs and using...these, and now I have to fight criminals. How am I supposed to…” Twilight thought to herself as her expression got more and more panicked. It continued until a blast of water was shot into Twilight’s face. It succeeded in breaking her concentration. As the stream of water finishing assaulting her. She looked down angrily at Marill with her face soaking wet. 

“What was that for!?” Twilight scolded Marill. 

“Mar-Mar Marill Mar!” Marill said, obviously upset at Twilight.

“Worrying isn’t going to help Pikachu and the other Pokemon. We need to get going, now!” Marill pointed out. Somehow, Twilight knew exactly was Marill was trying to tell her. “I know you’re new here. I’m not entirely sure about the specifics, but I get it. Its all new to you. But I can tell you’re a strong person. Wherever you came from, I know you were just as brave there as you are now. So stop worrying and let’s do this!” Marill continued, using her stubby little arms to help explain her point. Twilight, while not literally understanding what she was saying, knew what she was trying to convey. Her angry face, turned intrigued face, now became a friendly smile directed toward her partner. 

“You’re right Marill, now’s not the time to worry. C’mon! We got some Pokemon to save!” Twilight said, standing up, beginning to run through the town and toward toward the ruins.

Location: Oldale Ruins

The three strange hooded people  in red dragged the professor to the Oldale Ruins, still tied up and gagged. Once in front of the ruins, they placed Alden on the ground and looked around for something. 

“Team B?” One of the men said. 

“Over here.” The men turn to see a woman with short purple hair, purple eyes and a very creepy smile walking around the side of the ruins with three other people, garbed in the same robes. 

“Admin Courtney, we didn’t know you were-” “I know you didn’t, I just came to make sure the mission was going well and from what I can see….You did a good job.” The woman known as Courtney said in a sadistic tone. Alden flinched at what she said and began to sweat. Courtney walked up to Alden and removed the cloth covering his mouth. 

From behind some rocks a few yards away, Twilight and Marill silently approached. Once hidden, they peeked their heads over their cover, Marill having to stand on a smaller rock behind the larger one. Twilight saw six people in hoods, the darkness masking their faces like before, although some features were now visible. However, her attention was mainly held by two other things. First were the black and red dog-like creatures scattered among the grunts. The Houndoom were looking around, looking out for intruders, causing Twilight to instinctively lower her head a little. One of them caught her attention in particular, as it was coated in gold armor. 

“That’s the one we saw back at the Pokemon center.” Twilight said to herself very quietly. The other thing she was paying attention to was the lady standing in front of a tied up Alden. Twilight immediately identified her as the leader of this group of ruffians. 

“What is she doing with Alden.” Twi asked herself just as quietly as before. 

Alden, mouth now freed, still didn’t say a word, only looking up at the smiling lady with a mixture of fear, anger, and confusion. “Aw don’t worry little man, I won’t hurt you….unless you don’t do want we say.” Courtney said with a giggle.

”...” Alden continued his silence, not wanting to talk with his captors. 

“Oh don’t give me the silent treatment puddin. I just want some cooperation, that’s all“ Courtney asked with a troubled tone in her voice. 

“Just what do you want from me?” Alden finally asked with both anger and fear in his voice. 

“Oh calm down, don’t be so dramatic. We just need your help getting into that stone chamber over there.” Courtney said pointing behind Alden. Alden looked to to see the stone chamber and frowned. 

“I can’t, If you try to force your way in, the chamber will collapse.” He said. Courtney smiled at the professor and pulled out the stone tablet Alden found and had in his possession earlier. Alden had to do a double take, wondering how she had managed to get that into her hands 

“But you yourself said the only way to open the stone chamber is written on this tablet correct?” She asked. Alden realised they must have been eavesdropping on his conversation with Twilight and Ash. He growled and looked away. 

“That maybe true, but I also need the four keys, but....” He began to explain. 

“Oh yes, of course.” Courtney then snaps her fingers. 

“The key’s please.” She said in a sweet tone. One of the grunts walked over with a small black box, he then opened it to reveal a four small shining orbs one red, one green, one blue and one yellow. Alden looked at the keys and then to Courtney with shock. 

“How...how-” Alden stuttered, eyes once again fixated on the orbs. 

“We have friends in high places professor.” Courtney then pulled out a knife, causing Alden to flinch. She began to slowly walk toward him with a sadistic smile, making Alden even more disturbed. 

“Now if you don’t mind Professor.” She pulled the professor close and swiftly…..cut the ropes off. 

“Open the stone chamber, pretty please.” She said with puppy dog eyes. Alden massaged his wrists, red from being tied up tightly and looked at the woman in confusion, he didn’t know if this girl was plain insane or plain adorable. 

“I won’t... I can’t.” He said quietly, not sure what these people would do once inside. Courtney’s sweet puppy dog face quickly turned into a dark scowl. 

“Well, then I guess you don’t care about those poor people and Pokemon at the Pokemon Center! With the power shut down, those pokemon in intensive care won’t survive the night! You want to be the guy who killed a bunch of innocent pokemon for some rocks moron?! Not only that-” Courtney without any warning spun behind Alden frighteningly quick and put the knife to his neck. “I’m holding a knife to your neck.” She giggled in her sweet yet sadistic tone. 

Twilight, who was still watching from afar, put a hand to her mouth to muffle her gasp. Her eyes widened and expression turned fearful as she saw Courtney place the blade on Alden’s neck. 

“Sh-she's insane” Twilight, barely able to speak from shock, said to herself. She had seen evil before, but this was something else, something...different. 

“Mar-Marill” Marill also quietly spoke. Alden and even most of the grunts were getting very creeped out by the Admin’s…..unique personality. 

“F….fi...fine.” Alden said in defeat, face pale from the sharp steel held firmly on his throat. Courtney smiled and removed the knife from his neck. 

“Good boy.” Courtney said patting him on the head. The grunt holding the box handed the keys to Alden. “Now go on and open it or I’m going to be dissecting my first Professor.” Courtney said in a sweet tone. Alden glared at the girl and faced the door of the chamber. He then proceeded to insert the four keys into the door in the positions he had deciphered from the tablet. And once he did that the chamber began the shake and the door began to open. 

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Brilliant, just Brilliant! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Courtney laughed sadistically.

Twilight, with a sigh of relief due to Alden’s temporary safety, continued to watch behind her rock. But as she watched, she remembered why she was in these ruins in the first place. 

“These guys clearly want whatever is in those ruins. I don’t know what it is, or why they need it. All I know is that they are dangerous. And if I want to save Ash and all the Pokemon...I need to stop them.” Twilight thought to herself, trying to think of a plan as she readied herself for a battle. “How I’m going to do it, that is beyond me” she thought reluctantly. “This is way above my skill set.” 

“Marill Marill Mar” Marill said, quiet enough to not draw attention from the grunts. Twi turned to her partner and saw her ready expression 

“Don’t doubt yourself. We’ve got this.” She said, remembering what Pikachu had told her. Even though Twilight couldn’t understand what she meant exactly, the message was received loud and clear. 

“You’re right. I believe in us. I believe in you, Marill. I know we can do this.” Twilight said with renewed determination. 

“Hopefully.” she added with an anxious smile on her face, still having that “what if” mindset she’s always had. 

As the doors to the ruins fully opened, the grunts walked toward the ancient structure and readied themselves. Alden stepped back, only to be met with handcuffs locked around his arms. Feeling the cold metal on his still sore wrists, he turned to see a smiling Courtney. 

“Well done Professor. That wasn’t half bad. I knew you wouldn’t let me down”. She said with a bubbly voice and equally innocent tone. “Unfortunately, we’ve got nothing left for you to do I’m afraid, so it looks like we don’t need you anymore. Boo-hoo.” She said now with a devilish grin. 

“What are yo-” Alden began with a confused look. But before he could finish, Courtney rolled her eyes and quickly spun him around and swiftly kneed him in the gut. Alden let out an ‘oompf’ and dropped to the ground curled up in pain as Courtney immediately began walking toward the ruin’s doors, her grunts following behind. 

“Sorry about that puddin, but we can’t have you runnin away now can we. You just stay there like a good little boy or you won’t have any legs to run away with, understand, gooooood.” she explained to a groaning Alden.

“Wait.” he was able to speak out. Courtney stopped without turning around, signifying that she was listening. 

“What...about the Pokemon in the...in the center. They won’t last without the...power.” 

Courtney still didn’t turn around. After a few moments of silence, she spoke up. 

“I don’t remember saying anything about helping those Pokemon. If they die, they die. No big deal.”

“You...you monster!” Alden strained to yell, air not properly flowing through his lungs. 

Courtney turned her head slightly so Alden could hear her better.

“Just sit still so I don’t have to mutilate you. No one's coming for you and I’m not in the mood to clean up your blood. This monster has a job to do.”

Twilight heard the entire conversation and was utterly disgusted by the woman’s words and her actions. 

“Ok this woman is making me both scared and mad.” She said quietly. 

“Mar Mar!” Marill said. 

“Alright, time to go, ready?” Twilight asked her partner. 

“Mar!” Marill said with a nod. Twilight nodded back and picked Marill up. 

“Time for action.” She thought before running off.

“Alright boys let’s-” “Hold it!” Courtney raised an eyebrow and turned around to see Twilight and Marill running up. 

“Oh, we have a few sleepwalkers.” Courtney said with a smile. Marill jumped  out of Twilight’s arms and got into a fighting position. 

“I don’t know what you’re up to, but I’m not letting you get away with this.” Twilight said, her voice only slightly shaky. 

“Oh, isn’t that just the cutest thing. Unfortunately, the grown ups are busy right now.” While she carried on with her jovial retort, the Houndoom began growling in Twilight’s direction. 

“I’m not letting you endanger those Pokemon.” she continued with a weaker tone, intimidated by the snarling Pokemon .Courtney raised her eyebrow yet again, confused about Twilight’s ramblings. 

“What are you talking about kid? You clearly know about your little power problem. Go back to the center and flip a  few switches if you’re so concerned and stay outta my ruins.” Courtney replied. 

“I...That’s…” Twilight had nothing to say. There’s no way she could figure how to bring the power back. Electricity and machinery were mostly beyond her. Courtney just stared at Twilight’s visible trepidation and smirked. 

“Heh, you’re an odd one Lavender. I like you; you’re weird. So I think I’ll leave you a little present.” She smirked and turned to three of her grunts. “Boys…” she began before turning back to Twilight with a malicious grin. “Rip her to shreds.” she ordered before quickly turning around and walking into the ruins with her three other grunts. 

“Houndoom, get ready.” One of the grunts said. The Houndoom growled and walked closer. Twilight began to sweat, but she didn’t lose her resolve. 

“Ok Marill, Ready?” She asked. “Marill!” Marill said. 

“Enough talk little girl, Houndoom, use Shadow Ball!” All three grunts commanded. All three Houndooms opened their mouths and a large black and purple ball was formed. The three balls got even larger and were soon heading for Marill. 

“Marill, Use Rollout the dodge and use Water Gun on the one on the left.” Twilight commanded. 

Marill curled up into a ball and began rolling at high speeds to avoid the Shadow Balls. She then stopped on the side of the Houndoom on the left and fired a Water Gun. The Houndoom was pushed into the middle one, but the third one jumped out of the way just in time. The other two Houndoom were sent flying into one of the stone statues. One, however, still possessed the strength the get back up while the other laid on the ground, unconscious, much to his  master’s dismay. 

“Argh! Son of a…” The owner of the standing Houndoom then commanded his Pokemon further. “Houndoom, get up and use Flamethrower!” The Houndoom set his sights on his target and unleashed a current of flames from his mouth. Twilight readied herself and cried out her orders. 

“Marill, Water Gun!” “Mar-Marill!” Marill cried as she unleashed her own attack at the Flamethrower. The two moves collided, the streams not giving an inch. Both trainers had unsure looks on their faces as they hoped their attack would win out. Twilight, however, saw a pile of rocks that were stacked up on the Houndoom’s left side. She immediately developed a plan in her head and pointed toward the rocks. 

“Marill jump out the way and use Water Gun on those rocks!” 

“Huh?” the grunt said, baffled by her strategy. Marill, however, saw the rocks with a quick glance and without hesitation, executed the plan. 

“Marillllll!” she cried as she jumped to the side, the Flamethrower barely missing her, and aimed her Water Gun at the base of the pile. With the satisfying crash of water with the rocks, they shook violently before tipping over. The Houndoom barely had time to cease his attack and look up at the rocks before they came crashing down on him. A large dust cloud formed at the point of impact, and when it cleared, it revealed an unconscious Houndoom surrounded by heaps of rubble. Twilight looked really shocked by what just happened. 

Courtney, with a swing in her step, walked down the ancient steps, torches lining the walls. Three grunts were behind her shining flashlights down the stairs, adding extra light to the dark catacombs. 

“Spooky, isn’t it boys.” she said with a giggle. The grunts behind her just turned to each other and shrugged. Courtney kept her head straight and eyes forward, unwavering. She had her sights set, and her quirky attitude had become something more focused, her smile still positioned firmly on her face, however. Finally, the flashlights revealed their destination. A flat floor, cracked from time’s onslaught, was illuminated by the grunt’s directed light. 

“About time.” Courtney said to no one in particular, continuing to walk down the stairs. Once she reached the room, she was met with a decently sized room with a pool of water in the middle. The walls were covered with ancient imagery. The artwork looked like it was peeling of the walls, however still clearly showing its ancient messages. 

The few torches scattering across the room, mysteriously still lit after all this time, weren’t enough to allow a full viewing of the prehistoric art display unfortunately. So, as Courtney stepped into the room, the three grunts all came running from behind her and began scouring the room. Courtney only paid some attention to her grunts. She was mostly just looking around the dark room, taking it all in. 

“Hehehe, his perfect world is finally within our reach.” Courtney said to herself, a grin plastered on her face as she looked around. She turned toward one of her grunts who was currently examining one of the images with plastic gloves on. With one hand on the wall and the other holding the flashlight, he didn’t even notice as Courtney walked up behind him and gazed at the image he was lighting up. The image displayed what appeared to be people and Pokemon gathered around a large red beast. 

“This, This is Master’s dream. His perfect world. And I would do anything to make that dream, that world, a reality. The key to that, is this Pokemon. The  Ancient Pokemon…”

“Groudon!”

“Holy Luna, that actually worked.” She said with glee, excited her plan was a success. 

“Marill.” Marill said with a smile. 

“Thunder Fang!” One of the Grunts said. Twilight heard this and she paled. Her jubilation came crashing down and crumbled around her as she immediately remembered the type chart she memorized at the lab’s library. The Houndoom in golden armor pounced onto Marill and bit down on it’s ear causing her to be engulfed by electricity. 

“MARILL!” Marill yelled in pain. 

“MARILL, BUBBLEBEAM!” Twilight yelled. Marill slowly opened her eyes and fired a flurry of bubbles into the Houndoom’s face causing to let go of Marill’s ear. Marill staggered a bit, but stayed up. 

“You ok Mary?” Twilight asked, concerned considering how vicious that attack was.. Marill nodded and gave Twilight a small smile. 

“Good, now let’s finish this.” Twilight said. One of the grunts growled and turned to his comrade, still battling Twilight. 

“Is this that girl you said got away!” he asked, clearly angry at him. 

“You said she wouldn’t be a problem!” 

“Tell Courtney we might need to pull out soon, this girl seem to actually know what she’s doing.” the other said. The previous grunt, begrudgingly, nodded and returned his fallen Houndoom to its pokeball. Once that was done, he ran inside the ruins, leaving the last grunt with Twilight, since the other one was preoccupied with some sort of communicator, his Houndoom already back in it’s ball. 

“You got guts little girl, I’ll give you that. But that will only get you so far against me. Houndoom use Fire Spin!” The grunt Commanded. The Houndoom fired a spiral of flames from his mouth that soon surrounded Marill and trapped her. 

“Oh no.” Twilight said in slight panic. Marill did her best to shield herself from the flames, but they were too intense even if she was a water type  the damage was piling up. 

“Nice job Houndoom.” The Grunt said with a smirk. The Houndoom howled and smirked as well. Twilight glared at the two and gritted her teeth. 

“I have to get Marill out of there, but ho- Wait….I think I’ve got something Marill use Rollout and Water gun while you’re spinning!” Twilight commanded unsure hope filling her eyes.. Marill opened her eyes and used every bit of strength she had to curl into a ball and roll in the same direction the vortex was spinning. She wasn’t entirely sure where Twilight was going with this, but she decided to put all her trust into Twilight. It was rough due to the extreme heat, but once she gained enough momentum she released her Water Gun. Once she did, the water went in random directions hitting the wall of flames and extinguishing them. 

“What!?” The grunt said in shock. After a few seconds, the wall of flame was completely gone and Marill was still Rolling. 

“Let’s end this, Marill, Rollout!” Twilight commanded with a smile on her face. Marill quickly changed directions and headed straight for the Houndoom and full speed. 

“Oh no you don’t, Shadow Ball!” The grunt ordered. The Houndoom Opened his mouth and fired three black and purple balls at Marill. Twilight smirked. 

“Marill one more time, use Water Gun!” She commanded. Marill knew what Twilight was thinking and she soon fired Water Gun which once again went in random directions. The three Shadow Balls kept closing in on Marill, but just before any of the hit her they were destroyed by a random flurry of water and caused small explosions. The grunt, thinking he succeeded, smiled triumphantly. “Ha, Well I guess that’s that.” He said. Twilight smiled as well. “Yup it’s over...for you that is.” She said with passion, finally understanding the appeal to battling.. If it wasn’t so dark Twilight would have seen the confused looked on the grunts face, which was soon replaced with shock when he a blue ball rolling out of the explosion. 

“What...it can’t-” 

“It can, Go Marill!” Twilight yelled.. Marill grew closer and closer to Houndoom before slamming into him and knowing him down a few feet away. The grunt looked at his Houndoom unable to battle and he frowned. 

“Damn.” He muttered before returning Houndoom to his Pokeball. Marill quickly went back to Twilight and jumped into her arms. 

“Marill Mar.” Marill said nuzzling her trainer. 

“You were amazing Mary.” Twilight said hugging her. 

“I can’t believe I lost to a newbie trainer.” The grunt said. 

“It’s your fault for getting cocky.” The grunt turned around to see Courtney walking out of the ruins with the rest of the grunts. 

“I’m...I’m sorry ma’am.” The grunt said in a scared tone. 

“It’s fine, no big deal.” She then turned to Twilight. 

“You on the other hand are a big deal.” Courtney said with a interested grin. Marill jumped out of Twilight’s arms and got ready to fight again, even though it was clearly exhausted. 

“Oh calm down little mouse, our work here is done.” Courtney said before looking at the grunt that lost his battle to Twilight. 

“Give me the remote to the lock.” She ordered. 

“Um, yes ma’am.” The grunt said handing her the remote. 

“Thank you. Hey Lavender, catch.” Courtney said casually tossing the remote to Twilight. Twilight struggled a bit but she caught the remote but succeeded after having it bounce around in her hands.. The grunt looked at her as if she was crazy…..well crazier. 

“Admin Courtney, why-” “Because I felt like it, you got a problem with it?” Courtney said with a cold stare. All the grunts flinched and shook their heads.

“Good. Now sweetie, press the yellow button on the left. It will open the door that your friend and the nurse are trapped in, that sounds like a fair reward for beating these scatterbrains, right? ” She said in a sweet tone. Twilight couldn’t tell if she was lying or not, she didn’t trust her, but she really had no choice. 

“If this will free Ash and Nurse Joy, then they can save the Pokemon at the center. … I’ve got no other choice but believing in her.” she mentally processed.  She then looked at the remote and pressed the yellow button.

With Ash

Ash and Nurse Joy sat on the floor waiting for Twilight to return. 

“It’s been over 30 minutes, you think she’s ok?” Nurse joy asked, clearly concerned about her. 

“She’s fine, I know she is.” Ash said with a small smile, brimming with confidence. Nurse Joy then looked up to Ash. 

“Tell me, how long have you and Twilight known each other?” She asked. 

“We actually just met a few days ago.” Ash answered. Nurse Joy’s eyes widened. 

“Really, you talk to each as if you’ve been friends for years.” She said. 

“Really?” He asked. The Nurse nodded. 

“That’s the second time I’ve heard that today. I guess we’re just give off that impression.”  Ash said shrugging his shoulders. 

“Tell me this then, why have so much faith in her if you just met her?” Nurse Joy asked, honestly interested in Ash’s thought process. She couldn’t lie, it was a little concerning Ash but their lives and the lives of the Pokemon in a person he just met.. Ash looked down and shrugged his shoulders again. 

“I’m not sure really. People say I’ve always been too trusting all my life and I won’t deny that I am. Twilight….she saved my Pikachu the first day we met. When I wasn’t around she protected him for me and I’m grateful for that. You see Nurse Joy...I can’t explain too much, but Twilight has gone through a lot and always come through it. Like I said I can’t explain it, but I know she will come through.” Ash said with a smile. Nurse Joy kept staring at Ash, she saw how much faith he had in his friend and she smiled back at him.

“You’re a strange one Ash.” She said. 

“I’ve been told.” He replied with a chuckle. Before the Nurse could say anything more to the boy, The door to the storage room opened. 

“Sweet Arceus, she did it.” Nurse Joy said getting up, genuinely surprised, yet still thankful. Ash got up as well and walked out of the storage room with Nurse Joy. 

“Nice job Twi.” Ash said to himself. 

“Ash hurry we have to turn the power back on.” Nurse Joy said. 

“Right.” With that Ash and Nurse Joy headed to the Center’s generator room.

With Twilight

Twilight pressed the button and looked back at Courtney. She stood there grinning without a care in the world, and that bothered Twilight. 

“Why?” She asked. 

“Why what?” Courtney replied. 

“Why did you give me the remote, you could have just left without doing this.” Twilight explained. 

“Are you complaining Lavender?” Courtney asked with a fake look of confusion. 

“No, it just...doesn’t make any sense.” Twilight said. Courtney giggled a bit. 

“What’s the fun in making sense.” She said with a smile. Twilight’s eyes widened upon her remark. 

“Now I’m really convinced she either related to or friends with Discord.” Twilight thought. 

“Oh Lavender look.” Courtney said pointing behind Twilight with a confusing tone of joy. Twilight hesitated at first, but she turned to see the light’s in the center back on. 

“Oh thank Luna.” Twilight said to herself. 

“Well Lavender it’s been real. Pull out Men!” Courtney ordered. 

“Yes Ma’am!” They answered as the all ran off. 

“Wait, Courtney was it?” Twilight asked. As the last Grunt left, Courtney turned to Twilight and smiled. 

“Yes Lavender, you need something else?” She asked in her sweet tone. 

“Just...tell me, who you people are and why you’re doing this.” Twilight asked softly, too tired and confused to raise her voice.. Courtney put a hand on her cheek for a few seconds in thought, before shaking her head. 

“Nah, not today Lavender, but something tells me we’ll be seeing each other again someday.” Courtney then pulled a small black ball from out of her pocket. 

“So until then, You have a good night.” She said with a wave before throwing the ball on the ground. Once she did the ball emitted a thick layer of black smoke. 

“Agh, Marill come back!” Twilight said. Marill did as she was told and jumped back into Twilight’s arm. Twilight then hid behind a tree until the smoke cleared. 

“Marill, you ok?” Twilight asked her partner. Marill looked up to Twilight and nodded. She looked back to see the smoke had cleared. She didn’t know what kind of gas that was. It seemed like a stunt Trixie would have pulled, except this time, the person performing the trick actually disappeared. 

“Good, come on we have to get Professor Alden.” Twilight said running to the stone chamber. They soon saw the professor lying up against a wall still unconscious, hands cuffed behind his back and groaning in pain. 

“Professor Alden.” Twilight said running up to him. 

“Are you ok?” Twilight asked shaking him a bit. Alden groaned and slowly opened his eyes. 

“Ugh...T..Twilight?” He asked. 

“Yes it’s me, can you stand?” Twilight asked. Alden nodded a bit and pushed himself up. 

“Where are those people?” He asked, needing Twilight too hold him up. 

“Gone but-”

Beep...Beep...Beep

“What is that noise?” Twilight asked, looking around her for the source. 

“It sounds like...it's coming from...the ruins.” Alden answered slowly. After giving each other a brief glance, they turned to look down the ruins. Twilight, Alden, and Marill turned to see a bunch of barrels and a countdown timer placed on the steps going down to the cave. A quick look at the timer showing the timer only had five seconds left on it. Alden’s face paled. 

“What are-” “Run….RUN!” Alden yelled. Twilight, taken aback by Alden’s scream, instinctively ran away from the old structure. Twilight and Alden ran as fast as they could and didn’t look back. The timer then reached zero and the barrels began to glow red. And in second, multiple massive explosions went off and Twilight and Alden jumped away just in time. The pair turned around to see the Oldale Ruins completely destroyed. Silence from the three of them ensued, speechless about the events that just transpired. Finally Alden spoke up. 

“Sweet, merciful Arceus...Twilight are you ok?” Alden asked, now thoroughly awake.  “...” Twilight couldn’t respond, she was too mesmerized by the destruction she had witnessed. 

“T-Twilight?” Alden asked again, concerned. Wha...yes...yes I’m alright. But that was...intense.” Twilight said, still staring at the blast zone was, for lack of a better description, blown away by the destructive capabilities this world possessed. 

“Yeah. I just can’t believe the ruins are destroyed. Those bastards” Alden said in a sad, angry tone. 

beep...beep...beep

Another quieter beep began to ring throughout their ears, causing Alden, Twi, and Marill to immediately tense up again 

“I-is the gonna be another explosion?” Twilight asked frantically while her face grew unhealthily pale. Alden tried to locate the source of the beeping, and all he could see was a small metal remote lying on the ground. 

“That remote, I think the beeping is coming from that.” Alden said, pointing at the tiny device. 

“The...remote?” Twilight asked, face paler, eyes widened. 

“Stand back, if history repeats itself, that remote will probably…” 

Bam

“...explode” Alden warned Twilight, holding out the arm to keep her back. The explosion was small, but still loud and bright. Twilight screamed for a moment, her breathing now heavy, scared that another massive explosion would occur. She then remembered her train of thought from before the remote’s explosion. Turning back to where the remote way laying mere seconds ago, all that was left was a layer of ash and dust. Twilight couldn’t help but stare endlessly, eyes widened at where the remote was, putting two and two together surprisingly quickly. 

“Well that was anti-climatic.” Alden began with a slight, almost concerning chuckle, commenting on the explosion’s size. 

“I think it's safe to assume that remote was the bomb’s detonator.” he continued, looking at the remotes current state, although with much less intensity than Twilight. 

“I wonder who set it off. Probably one of those hooded guys or that Courtney girl. Perhaps-” “It was me.” Twilight said with almost no emotion other than disbelief, an odd tone considering how certain of an answer it was. 

“Huh? What do you mean?” Alden asked. 

“I...I pressed that button on the remote, it was me!” She replied louder, turning to Alden with tears in her eyes. Alden looked back with shock. 

“But...how could it be you?” he asked quizzically. 

“That girl...Courtney...she gave me that remote. She told me it would open the door Ash and Nurse Joy were in and at first I thought she had a change of heart. But now...now I understand she just wanted to mess with me. And now these ruins, this ancient history, is destroyed because of me.” Twilight said, her tone bouncing from angry to sad to confused and back to sad again. Alden just looked at Twi, who had turned away with tears still in her eyes. He then donned a new look of determination and put a hand on Twi’s shoulder. 

“Twilight this isn’t your fault. Courtney tricked me into opening the door as well. She’s a crafty, deceitful person. You have no experience with criminals like these.” Alden said, trying to comfort her. But Twilight kept her head held low. On one hand, Alden was right. This world is so new to her and all this and technology and organized criminals were things she would dream/have nightmares about. 

But Twilight did have experience helping ponies. Whether it was Nightmare Moon or Discord, she always knew how to handle, or at least had a rational mind about situations. And even though she couldn’t give her villain stopping resume to Alden for multiple reasons, that didn’t matter. What mattered was she prided herself on her rational thinking and problem solving skills, and now because of her lack of said skills, this important piece of this world’s history has been completely destroyed, and she couldn’t help but remember another, recent time she made a similar mistake.

“This is just like the wedding.” she cried to herself. “How *sniff* could I be so stupid to push a button a criminal gave to me.” she continued to lament. “Why do I keep messing everything up?” she asked, now continuing her sadness with light sobs, Aldin’s hand still resting comfortingly on her shoulder. Aldin looked down and then back to Twilight. 

“Listen Twilight, I don’t know anything about a wedding or any of your past mistakes. And yes, maybe pushing that button was a rash decision. But think what might have happened if you didn’t come. Who knows what those goons would’ve done to me if you didn’t show up. No matter what, once they set those charges, they would’ve gone off. If you didn’t press it, they would’ve. So please don’t cry, it's unbefitting of a strong trainer like yourself. You came to my rescue when no one else could. That’s pretty brave for a new trainer such as yourself.” He said with a smirk at the end. Twilight looked up, tears still falling from her eyes. She saw how much Alden was trying to comfort her. And as much as she wanted to feel sorry for herself, she couldn’t deny it was working. 

“Thank you Alden. I-I promise to make this up to you somehow.” she replied, hoping she would be able to fulfill that promise. 

“You already have.” he answered, not demanding any more payment than her saving his life. 

“Still, I’m sorry, I know you put a lot of work into discovering the secret of these ruins.” Twilight said. 

“Mar Mar.” Marill said looking down. Alden took a deep breath and smiled at Twilight. 

“Oh well, the end of one project just means I can start a new one. I’m not letting something like this stop my research on Ancient Pokemon.” He said. Twilight smiled back at him. 

“Nice to know you haven’t lost your resolve professor.” She said wiping a tear from her eye. 

“Marill Mar.” Marill said smiling as well. 

“Come on let’s get back to the Center.” Alden said. Twilight nodded and the pair began walking back to the Center.

With Ash

Ash kept pacing back and forth in the center lobby waiting for Twilight. 

“Come on Twi, where are you?” He said to himself. He kept wondering why she was taking so long. the power was back on and the pokemon are safe. 

“Still no sign of her?” Ash looked behind him and saw Nurse Joy walking over to him. His face was filled with visible uncertainty.

“No and I’m getting worried.” He said, still pacing around the front lobby. 

“Don’t worry Ash, she’ll be back.” Nurse Joy said putting a hand on the boys shoulder with a reassuring smile. 

“Yeah, you’re right.” Ash sighed, trying to calm down. How are Pikachu and the others doing?” Ash asked, trying to get his mind off what danger Twilight and Marill might be in.. 

“He and the other Pokemon are doing just fine, we got the power back on just in time.” The Nurse explained. Ash sighed in relief and smiled. 

“Thank goodness, I thought-” Just as Ash was about to finish his sentence, The door to the Center opened to reveal Twilight, Marill and Alden. Ash and Joy both smiled. 

“Welcome back you three.” Nurse Joy said. 

“Good to be back Nurse Joy.” Alden said. Ash then walked up to Twilight. 

“I knew you could do it.” He said ruffling her hair. Twilight giggled and pushed his hand away. 

“Was there ever any doubt?” She said in a mocking tone. Ash could obviously see she had been panicking the whole time, giving her cheap “everything went fine” smile and the sweat pouring from her forehead. He also noticed her read eyes, a clear sign she had been crying. Something he would be sure to question about later. Ash then looked to Marill. 

“You don’t have to worry about Pikachu, he’ll be A-OK.” Ash said with a smile. Marill smiled back and she sighed. 

“Thank goodness. You’ll be just fine Pikachu.” Marill thought. Nurse Joy and Alden then walked over to the two teenagers. 

“I think you both deserve a good night sleep after tonight.” Nurse Joy said. 

“Especially Twilight and Marill, you both worked really hard.” Alden continued, giving Twilight a wink.. 

“Thank you, Professor.” Twilight said with a slight bow. 

“It’s no problem. Hopefully we’ll meet again someday. Good luck with the Hoenn League.” And with a wave, Alden headed for his room for the night. 

“Well, shall we go?” Ash asked holding out his arm after waving goodnight to Alden 

“We shall.” Twilight said hooking her arm around his. 

“Good night Nurse Joy.” Twilight and Ash said. 

“Good night to you both and I hope to see both tomorrow.” Nurse joy sad with a slight bow. Ash and Twilight walked off to their room and Nurse Joy smiled at them both. 

“They say they just met and yet they have such a strong bond.” Nurse Joy thought, heading behind the counter to finally close up for the night.

With Twilight and Ash, Location: Center bedroom.

Twilight was sitting on her bed reading a book about Pokemon Mythology. She always found a good history book would calm her nerves after life-threatening peril. She had lived a pretty active life since moving to Ponyville too, so she had made sure to stock an extra amount of history books in her library. This book however, she found at a gift shop in the center. Seeing as how ancient history and mythology are, or now was a big tourist attraction for Oldale Town, they made sure to have plenty of merchandise to capitalize on said tourism. Of course, seeing as how Twilight just arrived in this world, Ash was kind enough to pay for it. 

“The legends of the Hoenn region. The emperor of the sea Kyogre and the emperor of the land Groudon. Amazing!” She thought to herself. She then looked to her side to see Marill sleeping peacefully.

“You earned the rest Mary.” Twilight said softly, very impressed by her performance that night.. 

“She sleeping?” Ash asked coming out of the bathroom. 

“Yea she’s knocked out.” Twilight replied looking at Marill, giving her back a rub. 

“That’s good.” Ash said, wishing his own partner was there. 

“I imagine she put up one heck of a fight.” Twilight looked up at Ash and gave him a warm smile. 

“Well I think she had something to fight for.” Twilight replied, her voice matching her exhaustiveness. 

“Huh? Whaddya mean?” Ash questioned. Twi just scowled at Ash. 

“Oh come on! You’d have to be blind to not see that Marill is trying to impress Pikachu!” Twi replied, shouting slightly. She immediately covered her mouth and looked back to make sure she didn’t wake Marill up. Ash just looked at Twilight with wide eyes. 

“*sigh* I may not be the most socially adept and observant, but I can see that Marill just wants to make an impression on Pikachu. And whether that be for her sake or his, I certainly have no complaints.” she explained, looking back at her exhausted partner. 

“Huh.” Ash replied. 

“I guess I’m not that good at picking up on stuff like that, huh?” he continued while scratching the back of his head. 

“I guess not.” Twi replied with another smirk. 

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Ash asked. Twilight just giggled and laid down. 

“Nothing Ash.” She said. Ash just shrugged his shoulder and went to his bed on the other side of the room. “Well today was pretty eventful huh?” Twilight asked, wanting to change the subject. 

“Let’s see: Battling the ‘Magby Line’ and fighting a bunch of insane criminals, yea it’s been one crazy day. I’m just shocked Team Rocket didn’t make an appearance....not that I’m complaining mind you” Ash replied. Twilight giggled and yawned. “Yeah, those guys are...odd.”

They both shared a laugh and suddenly the room was silent, other than Marill’s quiet breathing. Ash then turned to Twilight once again. 

“You did amazing today Twi.” he began. “What you did was one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen anyone do.” Twilight just blushed, not sure what to say.

“Well...I couldn’t just let those Pokemon, let Pikachu…” she replied, not wanting brag about her achievement. She hadn’t even told Ash about the bomb at this point, and how it was her fault it went off.

“Heh, I know you couldn’t” he said with a yawn. Twilight yawned along with him.  

“Alright, i’m going to sleep.” She said. 

“Me too, you have a good night, alright?” Ash said. 

“You too.” Twilight said before closing her eyes. Ash watched the girl drift of sleep and he smiled. 

“You did great Twi.” he said again quietly before falling asleep.