"Senior Natsume, we'll escort you to this point."
"If you continue straight through that cave ahead, you'll quickly pass through Mt. Moon."
The two Pokémon Researchers, assuming Natsume was simply passing through, led the group to the largest cave entrance, waved goodbye, and departed.
"Nii-san Natsume, can we stay here for a few days?" Ash asked hopefully. He was eager to challenge a visiting Elite Four member rumored to be in the area.
"No problem. I planned to stay here anyway," Natsume replied, flashing his League Researcher ID at Ash. "I'll talk to the site coordinator and arrange for temporary accommodation. Shouldn't be an issue."
"Um, guys... I think I hear something—like a distress call—from that cave over there," Brock said, pointing toward a narrower side tunnel.
"Huh? You're right, I hear it too!" Misty leaned in and nodded.
"Let's check it out," Natsume said, intrigued, and led the way into the smaller cave.
Inside, dim torchlights barely lit the rocky passage.
"Nii-san Natsume, why isn't this tunnel lit like the main one? It's so dark in here."
Ash stumbled over a rock.
"These are natural caverns," Natsume explained. "Not reinforced or lit like the League's main access routes. Wild Pokémon live here—many of them are nocturnal and light-sensitive."
"Makes sense... but this path is seriously bumpy," Ash grumbled.
"You could always hold Misty's hand. She's less clumsy."
"Wha—"
BONK.
A bump grew on Ash's head.
Soon, they reached the cave's deepest chamber, pitch black. Brock pulled out a Pokémon Tech-Grade Flashlight.
"Help!"
Natsume froze. He recognized that voice.
"There!"
Brock's flashlight revealed a researcher in a white Lab Coat, curled on the ground, papers scattered, shielding himself from a swarm of Zubat.
Zubat, the Bat Pokémon. It emits ultrasonic waves as it flies and prefers pitch-dark caves.
"This looks bad! Nii-san Natsume, let's help him—huh? Where'd he go?"
Ash blinked. Natsume had vanished.
"He's there," Brock pointed. Natsume was already by the researcher's side, rummaging through a Field Kit.
"What are you doing, Nii-san?" Ash leaned closer.
"Seeing if there are any Poké Balls with a Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur."
"Wait, why would those starters be in here?" Misty asked, peering over with Brock. Natsume's secretive behavior had everyone curious.
"Less talking, more rescuing!" cried the researcher.
Instead of starters, Natsume pulled out Shōko's League Researcher Credentials. He sighed. Why couldn't it have been Professor Birch instead...
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Pika-chuuu!"
Electricity surged, sending the Zubat flying.
"Ah, thank you! I'm Shōko—Senior Natsume?! You're here too!"
She adjusted her glasses and lit up upon recognizing him.
"Senior Natsume, I submitted my research to the Pokémon League Science Council! It's in peer review now!"
"Nice work."
Natsume wasn't surprised. Shōko's theoretical research just needed verification from a Rotom AI Review System.
"Oh! I listed you as second author!"
Natsume's steps halted. For a moment, Ash thought his expression matched Professor Oak's on that strange night.
He quickly composed himself.
Shōko had clearly prepared well. Her thesis showed effort—unlike the rush job Natsume once submitted himself. This wouldn't be an embarrassment.
In fact, second authors still earned journal royalties.
Tier 1 Journals: ¥1M–¥10M/month
Tier 2: ¥500K–¥2M
Tier 3: ¥100K–¥1M
Placement affects earnings (cover vs. inner pages)
Natsume's annual royalties neared ¥100 million, but in this world, that didn't go far.
He dreamed of building a god-tier Pokémon lab, where even basic Pokémon Genome Sequencers could cost tens of millions.
Some experimental rigs had disposable modules priced at hundreds of thousands per use.
His current earnings? Barely enough for maintenance.
But now, Shōko had sparked a new strategy: volume through second authorship.
"You've got potential. Ever thought of working with me full-time?"
Natsume smiled, tapping Shōko's shoulder.
"Really?! That would be an honor!"
"Perfect. In a few years, I'll start my own research institute. You have to join."
Shōko froze. She had thought Natsume was helping Professor Oak. But starting his own institute? That was next-level.
"Let's get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps," Misty whispered.
"Right. I'll take you to the summit—shelters are already being set up there."
Shōko took the flashlight from Brock and led the way.
Mt. Moon's caves twisted and branched like a maze, but eventually they emerged.
"Whoa! This crater-like summit is huge!" Misty exclaimed.
"And that rock in the center—" Ash pointed. "Is that a Moon Stone?"
"Yes," Brock confirmed. "Pewter City has legends about Clefairy arriving from space. Some say this stone is a piece of their spaceship."
"Our resting area is over there," Shōko said, pointing to a cluster of prefab shelters. "I've already cleared it with the site supervisor."
The group started walking, but Natsume lingered.
"Senior Natsume?" Shōko asked.
"Is there a temporary lab I can use?" he replied, turning a Poké Ball between his fingers.
"Yes, right this way."
She led him to a modular lab area full of League tech researchers.
"I'll borrow this for the night. Look after the others, please."
Natsume entered the lab and shut the door.
Back at the shelter, Ash and friends settled in for the night.
Click—
Suddenly, everything dimmed. Machines powered down.
"Huh? What's happening?"
"Oh, that's normal," Shōko said. "The Clefairy come out during full moons. They're sensitive to light, so the power system auto-dims. But don't worry—it won't cut off completely."
She pointed to a side cavern. "Look! They're coming out now."
Sure enough, dozens of Clefairy with chubby pink bodies and tiny wings emerged, bathed in moonlight.
Clefairy, the Fairy Pokémon. Known for mysterious moonlit dances. Rarely seen outside Mt. Moon.
"They're so cute!" Misty sparkled, hugging her Pokédex.
"They're gathering around the Moon Stone," Brock observed. "This is exactly like the Pewter legend!"
Ash, however, looked serious.
"Hey, Shōko—who was that Elite Four member that came to Mt. Moon?"
"That Elite Four Trainer is—BOOM!"
A huge explosion cut her off.
From above, a Meowth-shaped hot air balloon floated down.
A massive net launched, scooping up the Moon Stone and the Clefairy in one sweep.
"Oh no, it's Team Rocket!"