Kanto

The travel boat docked at the port of the famous Isle of Maiden's Peak, Ash looked around the port town and noticed the preparations for the summer festival were in full swing. It was interesting, the culture of Kanto, which seemed to be a mix between American and Japanese. Ash touched the little package in his pocket as they disembarked the boat and walked into the town. The Professor had talked to the Mayor of Pallet town and had finally found the ring the warrior had left behind as well as the letter.

The letter was a request to his comrade in arms to return the ring to his beloved, should he die in the war. The warrior had returned home carrying his comrade's letter, but was unable to make the trip himself as he was badly injured and succumbed to his injuries a few months later. Now Ash was carrying the letter and the ring and hoping to return it to the maiden's ghost who still haunted the Isle to this day. Ash hoped, she'll be able to rest in peace after receiving the ring and Gastly will not attempt to kidnap Brock or Jameson like he did in the anime.

Misty, "Ash, look there is a summer fair, we should check it out."

Ash looked at where Misty was pointing, "We don't travel till tomorrow morning, so why not enjoy tonight?"

Jessilina, "That's fine by me."

Brock, "Yeah! Hey who's that pretty girl?"

Jameson, "What pretty girl? All I see is the ocean."

Ash looked at where Brock was looking and saw a Gastly, "That's a Gastly Brock, harmless pranksters, but I'm not sure the Gengar line has any specific gender though."

Misty, "They look the same to me, maybe they are like Staryu and Starmie?"

Jameson, "That's a good question."

Jessilina, "I see the Pokemon centre, let's go get a room."

Brock looked back at the beach disappointed, "That explains how she disappears all of a sudden. That was mean."

Misty snorted, "At least Zubat did not have to get you under control."

Ash snickered, "Yeah!"

Brock humped, "Just wait till you fall in love."

At the centre, they booked their rooms and got their Pokemon the full check up done before deciding to check the town out. The summer festival was in full swing and they decided to split up and check things out on their own before meeting up for dinner. Ash and Lucario went towards the rides and decided to try out the Ferris wheel and got a booth for himself and his Pokemon. Once inside Ash released his Pokemon, who looked around as Lucario explained what was happening and soon they were all looking out the window and marvelling at the beautiful sunset over the ocean. The wheel ride lasted for about fifteen minutes before they had to get off and Ash returned almost all his Pokemon except Primape who could walk beside him and Lucario. Ash was buying cotton candy and letting the two try it out when an elderly voice called out to him making him look around.

Ash, "Eh? Granny? Do you need something?"

Lucario looked at her curiously, -Strange!-

Elderly woman, "Call me Granny Cho, child, you have a strange aura around you like a very old one, as old as the Maiden herself."

Ash blinked before taking out the ring, "You must be talking about this ring then, I'm surprised you felt it's presence. This is the ring that belonged to the warrior that was supposed to be the maiden's lover. But he unfortunately was killed in battle, I was entrusted to return it to her but the shrine gate has not opened yet."

Granny Cho, "Hmmmm, I see! Why don't you come with me child? I can get you inside the shrine."

Ash brightened, "Are you one of the shrine keepers Granny Cho?"

Lucario, -We appreciate the help.-

Granny Cho laughed, "Something like that, yes, I am."

The group of four traveled through the fair towards a set of steps hidden from view of the public. Ash told the elderly woman about his friends and how they met before deciding to travel together because it was safer for them with Team Rocket around. The Granny tsked at the mention of the organization and the trouble they caused for others. Soon they had reached the top of the cliff where the shrine was located and an old monk was cleaning it.

Monk, "Granny Cho, what brings you here?"

Granny Cho pointed at Ash, "This young man has a package to deliver."

Ash bowed in respect, "Hello, I'm here to return the ring that belonged to the warrior, who was the maiden's lover. Hopefully it'll help her move on and meet her lover again."

The moment Ash said that the sky became cloudy and a gust of wind blew from the maiden's peak. Ash looked at the peak and noticed a ghostly glow around it before the glow separated and came towards them. Ash gulped and held the ring out to her and she held out a ghostly hand to touch the old silver ring getting an eerie glow from it too. The next thing that Ash knew there were two ghostly forms standing infront of him, a man and a woman. Lucario and Primeape stood infront of him however Ash calmed them down and put the ring infront of the ghostly woman.

Maiden's ghost, "You came back, my love you came back to me."

Warrior's ghost, "Yes I did, I'm sorry it took so long."

Maiden's ghost shook her head, "You came back to me, that's all that matters."

Warrior's ghost turned to Ash, "Thank you child of my dear friend, for reuniting me with my lover."

Ash shook his head, "No need to thank me Sir. You gave your life so Kanto can have a future and she waited for you loyally no matter what happened. I think the least the rest of us could do was reunite both of you."

Maiden's ghost smiled, "You are a very sweet child little one. If we are reborn one day I hope we meet you again."

The two ghosts glowed a bright light before they left the cliff once and for all. Lucario and Primeape looked around confused by it and Ash saw the ring in his hands had now disappeared and further observation showed it was on the maiden's ring finger. Ash gave a small smile as he decided to turn to leave only to realize he was being stared at by Granny Cho and the monk.

Ash tilted his head, "What's wrong?"

The monk shook his head, "You have done us a great service young lad. For years now the maiden has been wandering this Isle waiting for him to return. Now, however they are finally reunited."

Granny Cho nodded, "Indeed, you did what we were unable to do, give her peace."

Ash shook his head, "Like I told them earlier, it was the least anyone could do especially after all the sacrifices they did during the war."

Granby Cho, "How about I take you back to your friends now young lad, they must be worried."

Ash, "As long as I return by dinner they won't be."

Granny Cho, "This way child."

Lucario stood infront of Granny Cho, -You are not human, are you?-

Granny Cho laughed before she changed into a ball surrounded by mist, -Correct!-

Ash, "A Gastly, hello."

Gastly grinned, -Hello child!-

Ash followed the ghost type Pokemon and returned to the festival grounds where his friends were waiting for him by one of the dining cafes. On the way Gastly, explained what their occupation was to Ash and how they went around places trying to help spirits today either move on or be reborn as a Pokemon. Most chose to become Pokemon in the hopes of maybe one day they will meet their loved ones again although they may not remember their past.

Gastly, -I have a request to make.-

Ash, "What is it Gastly?"

Gastly, -I have been hearing some strange rumours coming from my hometown, Lavender town. I was wondering if you would agree to go and see what is going on there. My children have been agitated and while it is normal for some to leave with trainers, it is not normal for them to disappear all together.-

Ash frowned, "That sounds like the work of a poacher. I'll ask my brother to help, I don't think we can handle it on our own."

Primeape huffed, "Prim prim ape primape."

Lucario, -Calm down, I know, we are strong and but we are not exactly trained to handle poachers.-

Ash nodded, "We'll help, Gastly but we need to tell the others first. We can come up with a plan together."

Gastly nodded, -Very well, child.-

Soon they were at the fair grounds and met up with Brock who led them towards the table they had picked to have dinner together. Ash complimented Jessilina and Misty on their matching kimonos then introduced Gastly to everyone and the little adventure he had with them. he explained the history of the Maiden's ghost and the Warrior's letter that was left behind in Pallet town. He told them how they were finally together after being separated from each other for such a long time. Then he explained Gastly's request to them.

Misty sighed, "I think it's very romantic they are together again. As for the request why not? Even if we can't do anything we can definitely inform someone who can help. Right?"

Jessilina, "I agree."

Brock was pouting, "I can't believe you got to meet the beautiful maiden, Ash."

Ash hit him over the head, "She's taken Brock, don't be a brat."

Jameson snorted, "We'll help."

Gastly nodded, -Thank you youngsters. I appreciate it. Now how about we enjoy the festival.-

The group grinned and celebrated the night away eating, talking, laughing and dancing around the large bonfire. The next day they decided to leave for Lavender town first instead of going directly to Saffron city. They would go around instead, plus who knows maybe they'll get lucky and meet ghost Pokemon who wants to go with them. A few days ago Chloe had informed Misty about the the regional variant Corsula from Galar. To say that Misty was obssessed with it was a huge understatement. Now she was hoping her luck stayed and they would run into one even though the chances were slim at best and zero at worst.

Misty, "I really hope there is one of these beauties available. It's so cute!"

Gastly sweatdrops, -First time I'm hearing a human call a ghost type cute or even a beauty for that matter. Usually we are called mysterious or mischievous or terrifying.-

Lucario snickered, -Water Pokemon lover!-

Ash laughed, "Misty just loves water Pokemon and Corsulas are usually water types but to have a ghost type regional variant. It is something else."

Misty, "I know right, I can't wait."

Gastly, -We are here!-

Ash, "Is this supposed to be so empty? I mean I know most ghost come out at night but this is a bit."

Jessilina, "I agree, it is suspicious. Poacher?"

Jameson nodded, "Definitely poachers!"

Gastly, -This is what I was talking about while it is true there are many ghosts who come out at night, during the day there are still other Pokemon. But they are nowhere to be seen are they?-

Misty grumbled, "I only hope we don't run into Team Rocket, this looks right up their alley."

Ash tensed looking up, "It's getting dark, let's go get rooms at the centre and get our Pokemon checked first hundred percent health. We can scout this place out after that, I'll go with James, Brock with Misty and Jessilina. Hopefully we'll have a clue as to what is going on here then."

Nurse Joy was tense as she welcomed them, "Welcome to the Pokemon centre, what are you all doing here though?"

Misty blinked, "What do you mean Nurse Joy? We were hoping for a few rooms to spend the night."

Nurse Joy nodded, "There is a lock down being put on this town, I cannot tell you the details but I ask you all to quickly leave as soon as you are rested."

Brock, "Lock down? We didn't know that."

Jessilina nodded, "We just arrived here."

Jameson frowned, "How long will this lock down last?"

A voice answered, "As long as it takes to solve the problem."

Misty turned around, "Ah! You are Agatha! One of the Elite four. What is going on here?"

Brock, "If one of the Elite Four is here, I'm afraid the situation here may be more grave then we had previously thought."

Ash turned to Gastly, "What do you think we should do?"

Gastly, -Well I requested you for a specific reason.-

Agatha, "You must be pretty high level to be able to communicate with humans so easily."

Gastly grinned viciously, -Indeed, how are my children Ghost type Elite?-

Agatha grinned back just as vicious, "They are unstoppable as always."

Agatha turned to the group, "You must have done something impressive if a high level Gastly like this one requested for your help."

Jessilina held her hands up, "It was not us who won Gastly's favour though, it was Ash here."

Ash simply sighed, "I just returned something that belonged to someone, that's all."

Agatha looked at him, "It must have been very important then, whatever it is you returned."

Ash nodded, "To them, it definitely was, they were able to pass on after receiving it."

The counter chimed calling their names and announcing that the Pokemon were all healthy with no problems. Ash had offered to get Gastly checked as well but the older ghost type denied the offer saying, it was not at all necessary and they could take care of themselves. Ash accepted that after a bit of hesitation but insisted on getting them checked out by Nurse Joy, if they get involved in battles. Gastly grinned accepting the compromise before nodding to the Elite member and leading them towards the tower where they stayed whenever visiting the place.