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

Chapter 14: Under Lunar Shadows

Unilanet Town looked like someone had built a city out of tomorrow.

Ash stood at the entrance of Unilanet Science Park with Serena beside him, staring at silver buildings, glass walkways, and holographic signs above clean white paths.

Serena turned slowly, trying to take everything in. "This place is amazing."

Ash grinned. "Unilanet Town is where Sevestar studies space, Legendary Pokémon, and things most people say should be impossible."

"That sounds like your family," Serena said.

"It sounds like Team Alpha," Ash corrected, then thought about it. "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 appearing and trusting someone are not the same thing. Legendary Pokémon are not prizes. Most people who chase them like trophies learn that the hard way."

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

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

Serena covered her mouth to hide a laugh. "That also 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 the Lunar Villa?" Serena asked, pointing toward the dome.

Ash nodded. "The teleportation booth is inside. Lunar Villa is connected to the Gym, the space center, shops, and a hotel. It is like a little town on the moon."

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

"That is what I said the first time too," Ash admitted with a grin.

Serena looked back toward the dome. "Are your parents there?"

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

Serena looked at the dome again, then straightened her shoulders. "Then let us go."

The teleportation booth hummed like a giant sleeping Pokémon.

Ash and Serena stepped inside the circular chamber while a scientist checked their clearance. Serena held very still, though Ash noticed her fingers grip the strap of her bag tighter than usual.

"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 lowered his hand from the glowing panel beside him.

Serena turned toward him with a sharp look. "Ash."

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

The booth doors sealed before Serena could answer. Blue light rose around them, and for one breath there was no sound.

Then the world returned all at once.

Serena stumbled, and Ash caught her arm. The doors opened to a glass corridor above a silver landscape. Craters stretched beneath a black sky, and Earth hung beyond the dome.

For a moment, Serena forgot to breathe.

Ash understood. He had been here before, and the sight still made him feel small in the best and worst ways.