1. Ash's Story (Part 8: Ancient Sinnoh and Ultra Dimensions)

Chapter 5

After changing into our uniforms, we keep our hats on as we walk towards the hall. Akari is waiting for us in the hallway and says, "Look how well the Survey Corps uniform suits you! It's almost as if the captain had it tailored just for you."

"Yeah, we are surprised that it is comfortable as well." Alice adds.

"I see you've changed." Cyllene says. "Regarding your accommodations, you may continue to use the room you slept in last night. Now present yourself to the commander!"

We nod as we climb the stairs to the third floor, and we're surprised to see that the commander looks just like Professor Rowan, except he has black hair.

"I have been waiting for you!" He suddenly roars, catching us off guard. "I am Kamado, commander of the Galaxy Expedition Team! Hrrrm... So, you are Ash, Alice, and Rei."

"Yes, sir!" We exclaim.

"Hrrrm! I've been briefed on your situation - including how you fell from the rift in the sky. Now then..." He suddenly opens his arms. "Let's see what you're made of! Face me in combat!"

"What?" We can't believe what we hear, but we try to charge at him, only to be easily blocked. He throws us against the wall, and we fall to the ground in pain.

"Hrrrm! You've got vigor - I'll give you that! You need to work on your sumo technique, but I do see some potential..."

After we manage to get back up, Kamado adds, "Don't expect a warm welcome from everyone! Naturally, some will be slow to trust an outsider who literally fell right out of the blue. The superstitious among us might see your arrival as a portent of disaster!"

"I guess you're right." I say.

"But you passed the trial that was put to you." Kamado says. "No matter how odd you may seem, you're part of Jubilife Village now. Dedicate yourself to the work of the Galaxy Expedition Team, and complete the Pokedex! But I warn you, Ash, Alice, and Rei... Pokemon are terrifying creatures. Keep your wits about you as you work!"

"Okay." We nod.

Once we get back to Cyllene's office, she says, "So the commander has also accepted you. But understand this...You begin as a No Star recruit among our ranks. In other words, you have to have no rank at all. Perform well as a member of the Survey Corps, and you will move up through the ranks."

Laventon says, "Indeed! You see, the more you add to the Pokedex, the higher your rank will become. And working on the Pokedex will also, of course, bring you closer toward that goal of yours... to seek out every last Pokemon!"

"Here. You will need this." Cyllene gives us a recipe, and we notice that it is the recipe to craft Poke Balls. "And $3000 as well. You will have to buy the necessary materials."

"Okay...So we have to make our own Pokeballs as well..." I say.

"Akari. You are an expert at crafting, yourself. Teach our new recruit what he needs to know." Cyllene orders.

"Of course, Captain Cyllene. Now, as the experienced craftsperson here, let me explain a bit to start with. Crafting means making items with your own two hands. You can buy some items at the general store, but self-sufficiency is worth striving for! You can even make our most valuable tools: Poke Balls. Think where we'd be if we couldn't do that! Let's head to the craftworks."

"Just great...this is getting harder and harder." Alice says.

"I mean, we haven't crafted a Poke Ball before." I add.

But as we walk out of the hall, we find a woman walking towards us, "Well done earning a place in our team. My name is Anthe. I'm the local clothier. The professor asked that I ready you a change of clothes, so here you go! I do hope they fit."