Team Galactic had left.
Ash stood alongside his Gengar and Sceptile, watching their retreating figures disappear into the distance.
Saturn and Mars left seething with resentment.
Just now, Ash had extorted another two hundred million Poké Coins from them!
Of course, the saying goes: "Third time's the charm," and Ash had already struck twice. There definitely wouldn't be a third. Probably.
Three hundred million Poké Coins total—it was likely the maximum Team Galactic could stomach.
Even though Cyrus had the money, the Red Chain he wanted hadn't even been created yet.
And while Cyrus had already laid out a contingency plan, Saturn still had to report back.
When Saturn briefed Cyrus, there was a moment of cold silence on the other end.
"…Very well. The money of Team Galactic isn't so easily taken. Let that boy enjoy his moment while it lasts. Pluto has already discovered a method for forging the Red Chain. Now, we just need the location of the Spear Pillar…"
In a hidden base in Eterna City, Cyrus's eyes gleamed with greed.
"…Understood," Saturn replied.
With Team Galactic's withdrawal, the signal jamming over Veilstone City was lifted.
Ash naturally left the area shortly after.
By the time he returned to Reggie's house, Reggie gave him a curious look, but chose not to ask anything.
Ash was planning to call it a day and get some rest, but then—his Pokégear buzzed with a call request.
"Huh? Pokémon Ranger Jack Walker? What's he doing calling me this late?"
The caller was Jack Walker, the Pokémon Ranger who had once helped return Manaphy to the Sea Temple when Ash was still in Kanto.
Back then, Jack had promised to nominate Ash for the honorary title of Pokémon Ranger as thanks for his help.
Could this be about that?
Ash accepted the video call.
"Hey, Ash! Long time no see! Got some great news for you!"
Jack's cheerful voice filled the screen, and next to him stood Solana, another Ranger from the mission.
"Ash, I've done you a solid this time!" Jack grinned.
Ash smiled, gently stroking the head of his sleeping Pikachu. "So it's you two. Let me guess—the honorary Ranger thing went through?"
"Exactly!" Jack beamed. "HQ has officially approved it! The honorary Pokémon Ranger title is awarded only to trainers who aren't Rangers themselves. Think of it like being on par with a high-ranking official in the Pokémon League."
He kept the explanation short—Ash could tell from the screen that Jack was in a hurry. People bustled behind him, supplies being packed and gear distributed.
Even though Rangers had near cheat-level tools like the Capture Stylus, the responsibilities on their shoulders were immense.
"Anyway, that's all. Ash, I've gotta run—missions to handle. But remember, you owe me a meal next time we meet!" Jack chuckled. "Our captain will personally deliver your honorary badge. Just make sure to accept his friend request on your Pokégear."
The call cut out abruptly.
Almost instantly, a friend request popped up on Ash's device.
The name?
Kellyn—the Chief Pokémon Ranger.
Jack and Solana's team leader himself.
Once they were connected, they'd be able to video call and track each other's locations at will.
—
The next morning, Ash, Dawn, and Anabel prepared to set out again after their long stay at Reggie's place.
Reggie saw them off warmly. "Come back anytime. Veilstone City will always welcome you."
Departing Veilstone, their next destination was Pastoria City. But first, their path took them through the foothills of a remote mountain range.
"Let's stop here for the day," Ash suggested. "Time to let everyone out and prep for lunch!"
"Pika Pi!"
"Piplup!"
The familiar, cozy chaos of lunchtime kicked off as all the Pokémon were released.
After lunch, Dawn and Anabel cleaned up and took a break.
That's when Ash suddenly felt something strange—a ripple in the air, a wave of energy.
"Pika?" Pikachu sensed it too.
The two of them turned toward the same direction at once.
"What is it, Ash?" Dawn asked as she walked over.
Activating his Aura powers, Ash quickly discovered the source.
A wild Riolu, injured and hiding just ahead in the tall grass.
Riolu?
That had to mean Kellyn was nearby.
And if Riolu was on the run… then J's henchmen must be close.
"Riolu!"
The little Pokémon stumbled out from the underbrush, clearly exhausted.
A nasty wound was visible on its left arm—deep and raw.
"Whoa… is that a Riolu?" Dawn quickly pulled out her Pokédex. "It's the pre-evolved form of Lucario—just like Maylene's!"
"That injury looks serious," Anabel noted. "We'll need to treat it soon, or it might leave permanent damage."
"But it's wary of us… doesn't look like it wants to come any closer."
"Rio…"
As if to prove her right, Riolu let out a low grunt and began backing away.
But Ash acted fast, channeling his Aura to connect with Riolu's own.
Feeling the familiar and gentle presence, Riolu paused… and looked at Ash.
Ash's Aura radiated nothing but calm and kindness.
Slowly, Riolu's guard began to drop.
"Riolu! There you are!"
A new voice called out as a man in a Ranger's uniform appeared— Kellyn.
"Rio!"
But the moment another stranger appeared, Riolu's fear spiked again. It tensed, ready to flee.
"Easy, Riolu," Kellyn said softly. "Look at this—see what I've got? It's the wooden Riolu carving the old man from the kingdom gave me. You remember this, don't you?"
Seeing the small wooden figure, Riolu's eyes lit up.
It carefully approached, touching the carving with trembling paws. Finally, its wariness faded.
"Thanks for helping," Kellyn said, nodding at Ash and the others. "I'm Kellyn—a Pokémon Ranger."
"I know who you are," Ash replied with a grin. "Jack and Solana told me. I'm Ash."
"I'm Dawn."
"Anabel," she added.
Introductions complete, Kellyn's eyes widened. "Wait… you're Ash?"
He hadn't recognized him at first—his attention had been entirely on Riolu.
But now that he took a good look, he remembered the photo Jack had shown him.
"Well, what a coincidence," Kellyn smiled. "I'm actually on another mission, but I was also tasked with personally delivering this…"
He reached into his bag and pulled out a golden, gleaming badge shaped like an emblem of authority.
"With this, Ash—you're officially an Honorary Pokémon Ranger."
He placed the badge in Ash's hand.
It felt surprisingly heavy.
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T/N:
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