"Awesome, Garchomp—you finally evolved!"
"Gar-chomp!!"
Garchomp roared joyfully. Ash had been training it with all sorts of moves, but due to its level, it hadn't been able to evolve until now. Finally, it happened.
Everyone was thrilled. Afterward, Ash released Snivy from its Poké Ball.
"Come on out, Snivy!"
"Sni~vy!"
Cynthia and Sabrina were already preparing some food again.
"Come, Snivy, let's eat together. Garchomp, Pikachu, everyone—dig in!"
Ash was in a great mood. He pulled up Snivy's info:
[Pokémon]: Snivy
[Category]: Grass Snake Pokémon
[Type]: Grass
[Ability]: Overgrow
[Potential]: Blue
[Level]: 15
[Moves]: Tackle, Leer, Attract, Vine Whip, Wrap, Growth, Grass Mixer, Leaf Blade
The little guy actually had pretty strong potential—Blue tier already.
Ash didn't hesitate. He used a Potential Boost Card, upgrading Snivy's potential from Blue to Purple.
"Snivy?"
Snivy, happily munching on berries, felt something shift within it—but didn't dwell on it for long.
Once everyone finished eating, Ash led the group toward Eindoak Town.
Along the way, Cynthia and Sabrina's cooking had been steadily improving, thanks to Ash's coaching.
Though, Cynthia still needed help every time. She suffered from food choice anxiety—whenever she had to pick something to eat, she'd freeze up for minutes.
Sabrina had naturally taken on the role of her culinary assistant.
___
Eindoak Town
An ancient settlement, home to the People of the Earth.
This time of year was harvest season in Eindoak. As Ash, Cynthia, and Sabrina neared the area, they spotted it from afar—the Sword of the Vale, embedded in the peak of the highest mountain in the surrounding range.
Each mountaintop housed a cluster of homes belonging to the People of the Earth.
Their town was literally built upon the mountains.
Life here was mostly self-sufficient. On average, they only ventured out twice a month to bring in necessities from the outside.
"It's breathtaking, Ash. I think I understand now why you wanted to come here," Cynthia said, stretching beside him.
Her graceful curves caught the sunlight just right.
"It really looks like a hidden paradise," Sabrina added, gazing in wonder at the mountaintop settlements.
The three of them began hiking toward the towering Sword of the Vale.
As they reached the base of the mountain, they noticed something happening on a nearby cliff:
Two Sawsbuck had been trying to nibble on some blue Oran berries growing precariously on the edge. On their way back, one of the Sawsbuck accidentally slipped, its hoof losing grip.
The other Sawsbuck reacted fast, clamping its jaws on the fallen one's tail.
But if Ash and the others didn't act fast, both Pokémon would surely fall.
"Garchomp, help those two Sawsbuck—now!"
"Chomp!"
Garchomp leapt into action, soaring through the air. With a swift swipe, it scooped both Sawsbuck in its claws and returned to the cliff safely.
Cynthia gently approached the terrified pair. "Don't go to such dangerous places again, alright? If you want Oran berries, go to the forest. They usually grow…"
She began explaining which kinds of berries grow where, and what environments were safest.
Glancing around, she saw that the most likely spot with plenty of Oran berries was the forest across from the cliff.
"Cynthia, let me take care of it," Sabrina volunteered.
Using her psychic powers, Sabrina gently levitated the two Sawsbuck across the cliff, setting them safely down in the forest.
Ash spread out his Aura. According to the original timeline, Victini should be nearby—hidden in the shadows, watching.
Yet despite reaching out with his Aura, he couldn't sense Victini anywhere.
But just minutes after they left the cliff…
Right where they had just rescued the Sawsbuck, a small, adorable Pokémon suddenly appeared from thin air.
It resembled a bunny, with big, pointy ears forming a "V" shape. Its creamy-colored body had orange accents on the ears, forehead, and limbs.
As it watched Ash and the others walk away, it let out a curious giggle, showing two little fang-like teeth.
Two tiny, wing-like appendages fluttered from its back, flapping excitedly when it was happy.
"Vee-vee?"
It was the Victory Pokémon, Victini, sealed long ago beneath Eindoak's sacred sword.
Every harvest season, the town celebrated with a massive Fruit Festival, offering free fruit to everyone. Victini, being an insatiable little glutton, always came out during this time to sneak snacks.
Victini chuckled softly, then vanished again, slipping back into invisibility—and even Ash's Aura couldn't detect it. That's why he hadn't sensed it earlier.
___
By the time Ash and his companions finally reached the heart of Eindoak, the sun was already setting.
The entire town was bursting with vibrant displays of fruits and berries.
Laughter and joy filled the air as the People of the Earth gave thanks to the land for its generosity.
Notably, Cynthia was recognized almost immediately by the townsfolk.
Mannes, the mayor of Eindoak Town and a descendant of the People of the Vale, personally welcomed the trio with heartfelt enthusiasm.
"Welcome to Eindoak! Champion Cynthia, it's an honor to have you here. Please, enjoy everything our Harvest Festival has to offer—you'll soon see just how passionate and generous the People of the Earth are."
He arranged for Ash and his companions to stay in a cozy villa with a beautiful view.
He made one thing clear—don't miss the evening celebration. The night sky would erupt with fireworks, symbolizing their gratitude to the land.
And just like that, Ash, Cynthia, and Sabrina made Eindoak their temporary home.
Later that night, Ash quietly released his Aura again, hoping to investigate the massive sword at the center of the town.
Was the White Hero really the truth?
Or was it the Black Hero?
Somewhere deep inside that sacred blade, the answer awaited.
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