He knows Pokémon better than me.

"So, like Prince Bo, you also ran away?"

"Bari."

The Mr. Mime nodded.

It has applied many times with the new curator, hoping to reduce the intensity of circus training and the use of props that force growth, such as experience candies.

But each time it was rejected.

Furthermore, a Pokémon was parachuted in to replace it, becoming the new steward whose power was in no way inferior to its own.

Knowing that he couldn't change the situation, Mr. Mime decided to run away.

If it stays in the Galar region, there's a risk of being caught and taken back, since its employment contract is still being held and can't be terminated.

So at that time it planned to go and seek refuge with its cousin who lived far away in the Kanto region.

Both Mr. Mime possess intelligence comparable to humans and are capable of video calls.

Knowing about her cousin's experience, Xiao Mo also expressed her regret.

However, compared to seeking refuge with oneself, it has a better suggestion.

Just then, Ash, who had acquired the Watchtower Castle property, was about to make his mark in the Galar region.

You could totally join Ash's team!
With Ash's strength, he has nothing to fear from anyone.

Moreover, with my cousin's intelligence, he should be able to help.

So, a few months ago, the weary Mr. Mime, carrying only simple luggage, knocked on the gate of the watchtower.

"I see."

Xiao Zhi nodded in realization. He hadn't thought much about Xiao Mo's request at the time, but it turned out there were other things going on.

Mr. Mime suddenly stood up, bowed to Ash, and looked serious.

"Bari."

It was driven by self-interest; it had investigated Ash's background beforehand and knew he was an exceptionally skilled trainer.

At first, he did rely on Ash's power, so even if the aquarium came knocking on his door, he would be safe.

However, after several months of operation, it has indeed come to love life in the watchtower castle.

Seeing Mr. Mime suddenly acting so seriously, Ash quickly helped him up.

"None of these things matter~"

After all, they are relatives.

Moreover, the Mr. Mime was indeed a great help to him regarding the Watchtower Castle.

With it in charge, I can roam freely throughout the Galar region.

The two smiled at each other. The time they had spent together these past few days had made their relationship more than just that of a trainer and a Pokémon; it was a more subtle and intimate one.

"Bari."

The Mr. Mime turned to look ahead, its usual easygoing expression disappearing, and its expression gradually becoming serious.

At the time, it was only concerned with escaping, while there were many other animals in the ice and snow aquarium. Without its own entanglement, their situation would probably have been even worse.

For example, Prince Bo just now.

There must be other Pokémon that, like me, chose to run away.

This time...
The Mr. Mime clenched his fists, and a wisp of white smoke and cold air emanated from his body due to his emotional agitation.

Just then, a hand landed steadily on its shoulder. Turning its head, it was greeted by Ash's energetic and smiling face.

"Let me help you this time!"

The Mr. Mime paused, its lips parted, and it quickly smiled, nodding solemnly in response:
"Bari!"

Before long, they rode the dragon to the mouth of Zhanjing Bay and disembarked from the north. Ahead, the outline of a town shrouded in snow finally appeared on the horizon.

Put away the dragon mount and cross a stone bridge.

Below is a flowing glacier, and this area is also within the boundaries of Izumi-no-Kōji.

The two officially entered Battlegrounds. Of course, Mr. Mime changed his appearance before entering the town; he wore sunglasses.

Although he had been away for several months, he had returned to his hometown and there was still a chance he would be recognized.

"Is this Zhanjing Town?!"

Ash stood on the high platform at the entrance and looked out, where he could see the southern part of Battlegrounds, including the central square, which was famous for its central Poké Ball-shaped fountain.

Zhanjing Town is an ancient and tranquil town with streets paved with red bricks, and in recent years, some wooden walkways have been added to some slopes.

The snow was swept to the sides to prevent slipping.

Chimneys, roofs, trees, and bushes along the way were all covered with a thick layer of snow.

The houses are all old-fashioned stone brick villas, three or four stories high, with a classic design that is very Galle English.

What Zhanjing Town is most famous for is that small springs and ponds can be seen everywhere, protruding from the ground in various places.

As for the ice and snow aquarium, it is located in the southeast of the town, along the coast where Zhanjing Bay is located, and the two did not go there immediately.

"Bari!"

Mr. Mime pushed up his sunglasses. He planned to pretend to be tourists with Ash and sneak in for a look around to see what was going on.

But what we need to do now is find a place to stay.

Pokémon Centers are fine, but there are even better options—

The two walked to the fountain in the central square, and before they had even had a moment, a series of rapid, panting shouts came from afar.

"Ash, over here!!"

Looking in the direction of the sound, you can see a blond, fat man running quickly towards you, wearing pointed sunglasses and dressed in a flashy manner.

They seem to be very cold-resistant, still wearing shorts even in this snowy town.

It was naturally Magua, whom I had just broken up with not long ago.

When you arrive on someone else's turf, you naturally go find the local bigwigs first.

"Hey Ash, there's Mr. Mime too. I didn't expect you guys to be here so soon!"

Magua, panting heavily, approached the two and greeted them warmly.

Although they haven't known each other for long, their relationship is extremely close.

As for accommodation and such
"Let's go, let's go! Why stay at the Pokémon Center? You can just stay at my house!"

Magua hooked one arm around each of them and, without saying a word, pulled them towards the arena.

"After you've settled your luggage, I'll take you out for a meal first, and then we'll go soak in the hot springs at Hero's Spring. That's the most famous place in our Battleground Town!"

Despite being covered in ice and snow year-round, this place still boasts numerous open-air hot springs.

The largest of these, the "Hero's Fountain," is said to be the place where, in ancient times, heroes who saved the Galar region bathed and healed themselves.

"That sword and shield hero?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi immediately became interested.

Walking through the snow-covered streets, there weren't many people in Zhanjing Town, and as expected, you could see pools of various sizes along the way.

Some of the water surfaces even had steam rising from them, clearly indicating that many of them were open-air hot springs.

The Battle Arena is located on a high slope at the northernmost part of the town. It has a flat structure, with the outer walls being light purple and a triangular ice block pattern on the top.

Every time he came to this spot, Magua would frown and mutter a complaint under his breath:
"Damn it. I'll change it to a rock pattern sooner or later!" (End of Chapter)