1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 64

On the next day, Alice and I are busy preparing our stuff in our respective rooms. It's been a month since we set foot on the Isle of Armor and started staying at the dojo. After completing Mustard's tasks, we celebrate our victory with a party. Even though Klara and Avery don't seem interested, Alice and I still invite them to join in the fun.

We decide to try out Restricted Sparring, a special training where we can only use three Pokémon of the same type. It reminds me a lot of the Battle Frontier. In the end, both Alice and I win many rounds and receive a special prize: T-shirts with Mustard's face on them.

Now, Alice and I are back in our original outfits as we stand at the station. Mustard, Honey, Hop, and even Klara and Avery are here too. Mustard speaks, 'I know it's hard to say goodbye after becoming a part of the Master Dojo family, but we hope you can come back anytime.'

I reply, 'We'll miss you guys too, Master Mustard, Ms. Honey.' Honey gives us each a final hug.

Klara and Avery start to look very sad upon learning that we're leaving. However, they promise that they'll become the new Gym Leaders and challenge the two of us to a rematch. Alice and I agree, promising to meet them again in the future.

Before we return home, we decide to explore the mysterious Forest of Okoya. As we journey deeper into the jungle, we encounter various wild Pokémon and stumble upon a group of scientists from the Biotope Company.

In the heart of the forest, we stumble upon a unique situation. A Zarude named Dada has taken in a human child named Koko, who believes he is a Pokémon. The forest becomes their home, and we can't help but feel drawn to their unusual bond. We cross paths when we encounter some wild Pokémon, and we decide to help him by taking him to Milyfa Town. Little did we know, this journey would reveal a fascinating secret about Koko's past.

In Milyfa Town, we learn about the town's plan to honor Celebi with a grand fireworks display, and we spend time with Koko, helping him adapt to the world of humans. It is during these moments that we realize there is more to Koko than meets the eye. Koko is determined to introduce me to Dada, but it leads to a shocking revelation about his true identity. Dr. Zed from the Biotope Company unveils that Koko is actually a human named Al Molybdenum, and his parents had tragically perished in an accident. Dr. Zed has plans for Koko to continue his parents' research, which leaves Koko torn between his two worlds.

As Koko flees into the jungle in confusion, we try to pursue him. Our journey brings us face to face with Dr. Zed, who exposes his sinister motives and dark past. A fierce battle ensues, with Zed pitted against us, the jungle Pokémon, and the Zarude tribe.

Tragedy strikes when Dada sacrifices himself to protect Koko, leaving us devastated. In that moment of despair, something incredible happens. Koko taps into his latent Zarude abilities, miraculously reviving Dada and defeating Zed once and for all. The forest is saved, and one of the Zarude decides to join our team.

Zarude: The Rough Monkey Pokemon: Dark and Grass Type. Within dense forests, this Pokémon lives in a pack with others of its kind. It's incredibly aggressive, and the other Pokémon of the forest fear it.

Returning to our Dragon Manor, we are surprised to find Elena and Dia waiting for us, in addition to Mom and Dad. "How was your journey in the Isle of Armor?" My Dad asks.

"Master Mustard really taught us a lot, and we even obtained our secret armor," I reply, with Alice nodding in agreement.

Elena chimes in, "That sounds wonderful, Ash, Alice. You both did a great job."

Curious, Alice asks, "So, what brings you here?"

Dia explains, "Elena is preparing to go to the Crown Tundra, a snowy place north of Postwick."