Ash's Paldea Story

Chapter 87 Another Ones

(Friday)

Now we're going to the deepest part of Area Zero: the Zero Lab, where Professor Sada and Professor Turo are waiting for us.

"I'm still thinking about what happened yesterday." Penny says. "Th-there was definitely something off about the Professor just now, right?"

"Maybe it was just a little dramatic flair to get us all jazzed for more adventuring!" Nemona says.

"What...? That got you jazzed?" Reisa asks with confusion.

"Yeah, maybe even big-time jazzed!" Nemona replies.

"Nemona, you need to go see a doctor! That's just not right!" Luke says.

"Say, I'm pretty sure that call was really— Uh...never mind. It's nothing." Arven mutters.

"What's wrong, Arven?" Lillie asks.

"You seem kinda... down?" I ask.

"No matter how things turn out, I'm countin' on you to see this through, Ash, Lillie." Arven says.

Once we get to the gate of Zero Lab, Arven asks, "Have we finally reached the deepest part?!"

"We made it! Ready to see if those legends of treasure down here are for real?!" Nemona asks.

"Heh. Yeah, right. That's just fluff they write to fill the textbooks." Penny says.

Just then, our Rotom phone rings again and this time both Professor Sada and Professor Turo are calling us. Professor Sada says, "Hello, children. You've done well to make it here."

"The structure you see before you is the Zero Lab." Professor Turo says.

"That's where you are, right? Professors?" Drandon asks.

"But wait... why does it look like the whole place is being swallowed up by crystals?" Luke asks.

"The crystals here in Area Zero possess a peculiar energy. This energy can alter the functions of living things and optimize the performance of machinery. It is the same energy that allows Pokemon to Terastallize." Professor Sada says.

"So, this entire building's been Terastallized? Is that what you're saying?" Arven asks.

"Don't be silly, Arven!" Penny mutters. "The Professor implied something important about Tera Orbs just now. They're made from the crystals down here in Area Zero... aren't they?"

We all gasp in shock, and Professor Turo says, "Indeed. Though not many know it. Since you have disabled all four locks, the gate to the Zero Lab should now open for you. But once you open the gate, you will quickly be confronted with the dangerous Pokemon inside. They will likely make a break for freedom."

"You mean more Paradox Pokemon?" Lillie asks.

"With the eight of you working together, you should be able to best them." Professor Sada says. "Prepare yourselves well, then open the gate."

"You've got Ash, Lillie, and I here! Doesn't matter what we're up against. We'll be fine!" Nemona says.

"Hah! Well then, that puts all my worries to rest." Arven says.

When I'm about to press the button to open the gate, Arven yells, "Hold it!"

"Huh? Why? We're finally on the cusp of getting into the lab!" Reisa asks.

"Look - if it's true that a bunch of really dangerous Pokemon might come at us, then shouldn't we also have Koraidon and Miraidon help?" Arven asks.

Nemona says, "That's a good idea. If Koraidon and Miraidon were like how we first saw in the Inlet Grotto, that'd be a huge help."