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

Chapter 69

We've finally reached the Crown Shrine, and its size leaves us in awe. "So, this is the Crown Shrine..." I remark.

"It looks amazing... now, let's go inside," Alice adds.

Upon entering, we discover that the place resembles an old, weathered castle. There's also a horse barn with two feeding bowls, suggesting it's where the horses are kept.

"Wow...this place is absolutely stunning," Elena exclaims.

As we explore further, we encounter the two Calyrex, and Peony remains by our side. "I've been waiting for you, human children," the king greets us.

"The Crown Shrine was once our home. Spectrier and Glastrier must now view us as helpless, having lost our powers, and they mock us by making this place their own sanctuary," the queen laments.

Noticing the Reins of Unity in our hands, the king acknowledges, "Ah... I see you have indeed brought us the Reins of Unity. You have my gratitude, children."

We hand over the reins to them, and the queen remarks, "Ahhh... The sensation of holding these once more... The vibrant colors... The way they gleam in the light... Oh, how it brings back memories..."

"Glastrier and Spectrier are both incredibly proud Pokemon. Some might even call them arrogant. They won't accept us as their masters again unless we can prove our power surpasses their own," the king explains.

"And we will use the Reins of Unity to infuse our powers directly into the very bodies of our loyal steeds," the queen adds. "This should convince them that we are still worthy of their loyalty."

Alice inquires, "So, what's your plan now?"

"Now, human children, to entice our loyal steeds, place the Iceroot and Shaderoot Carrots into the basket near where Glastrier and Spectrier rest," the king instructs.

Alice and I decide to follow his instructions. Once we've completed the task, we discreetly position ourselves behind a nearby tree. The queen explains, "Now, it's time. Glastrier and Spectrier could arrive at any moment."

"But why are we hiding?" Elena questions.

"They won't willingly approach anyone they perceive as a threat," the king clarifies. "So we must remain hidden and wait for their arrival."

While we remain hidden, the two Calyrexes patiently watch as the two horses make their way into the castle.

"What is that scent..." Spectrier remarks. "It smells like carrots."

"Yeah... those succulent, plump carrots we've been longing for..." Glastrier chimes in as they spot their respective feeding bowls. "And there they are..."

Elena observes, "Wow, those two horses seem to be getting along..."

"They might occasionally bicker over trivial matters, but they're also the best of friends," I add.

Just as the horses are savoring the carrots, the king and the queen stealthily approach from behind and swiftly mount their respective steeds.

"Hey, who dares intrude?" Spectrier shouts, attempting to shake off the king, while Glastrier reacts similarly. They struggle to dislodge their riders who are trying to secure the reins in place. The commotion also startles Peony, who awakens to witness the unusual scene. Elena can only murmur, "Wow..."

Finally, the monarchs successfully place the reins into their mounts' mouths, and the reins begin to emit a soft glow. Gradually, both horses don white capes and a sense of calm washes over them.

"They've transformed..." Alice gasps in amazement.

Peony exclaims, "Wh-what in the world?! Such a huge noggin! And...it's got a ride?!"