1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 14: Under Lunar Shadows

Unilanet Town looked like a city built out of tomorrow.

Ash and Serena entered Unilanet Science Park beneath silver buildings, glass walkways, and holographic signs glowing above the plaza.

Serena turned slowly as she tried to take everything in. "This place is amazing."

Ash grinned. "Unilanet Town is where Sevestar studies space, Legendary Pokémon, and things most people would call impossible."

"That sounds like your family," Serena said.

"It sounds like Team Alpha," Ash corrected. After a moment, he added, "Actually, maybe that is the same thing sometimes."

Serena stepped closer to a display showing a rotating image of a meteor. "Is it true that Legendary Pokémon appear more often in Sevestar than in other regions?"

"Sometimes," Ash said. "But seeing one does not mean it trusts you. Legendary Pokémon are not trophies."

Serena smiled. "That sounds like something your parents taught you."

"Mom did," Ash said. "Dad added the part about not getting vaporized."

Serena covered her mouth, laughing softly. "That part definitely sounds like your family."

Beyond the plaza stood a dome-shaped station with Team Alpha's crest above the entrance.

"Is that the way to Lunar Villa?" Serena asked, pointing toward the dome.

Ash nodded. "The booth connects to Lunar Villa's Gym, space center, shops, and hotel. The whole town is beneath the moon dome."

Serena's eyes widened. "A town on the moon."

"That was pretty much what I said the first time," Ash admitted with a grin.

Serena glanced toward the dome again. "Are your parents there?"

"Probably," Ash said. "Dad said he was watching a Gym battle with Dave. Mom might be helping with space research security."

Serena straightened her shoulders and faced the station. "Then let us go."

The teleportation booth hummed like a giant sleeping Pokémon.

Ash and Serena entered while a scientist checked their clearance. Serena gripped her bag tightly as the doors waited open behind them.

"First time to Lunar Villa?" the scientist asked kindly.

Serena nodded. "Is it safe?"

"As long as nobody touches the emergency controls for fun," the scientist said.

Ash immediately pulled his hand away from the glowing panel beside him.

Serena turned and gave him a sharp look. "Ash."

"I was not going to touch it," Ash said quickly.

The booth doors sealed before Serena could answer. Blue light rose around them, and for one breath everything went silent.

A moment later, the doors opened again.

Serena stumbled into a glass corridor overlooking silver craters. Earth hung beyond the dome, and Ash quickly caught her arm.

For a moment, Serena could only stare.

Ash understood. He had been here before, but seeing Earth from the moon still stopped him every time.

"That is beyond beautiful," Serena whispered.

Ash nodded as he looked out with her. "Yeah, it really is."