The scene started with footage of an old video began to play. "Welcome to Republic City, home to dreams and Spirit Wilds. Yes, Republic City is the place for everyone. Visit Air Temple Island, the home for all Airbenders as they travel the worlds helping others. Or take a stroll through Avatar Korra park, named in honor of you know who. We've missed her these past 3 years and wish to welcome her soon. Get well soon Korra. And of course, you'll want to see our most unique attractions...the Spirit Wilds, where humans and spirits live in perfect harmony. Truly this city is on the up and up. Come be a part of the action in Republic City." the video said before ending.
"Time has moved quickly on this world." Ace said.
"What can you expect? Time is different between every world we travel. It may have been 3 years here, but it's been faster since we left." Hope said.
"I never thought we would be back here after so long." Tsuki said.
"So, what exactly is Korra like?" Mark asked Hope. "If I'm going to be working with all of you, I'd like to get to know your team beyond just names."
"Korra is the reincarnation of an Avatar I once knew when I first started my team, Aang. she was new to the whole Avatar business and she joined my team when Katara recommended me to her before Furious Universe. We've traveled a lot together when she was around, but then… then came Zaheer and the Red Lotus." Hope said.
"They used a metallic poison that forced her into the Avatar state so that Zaheer could kill her and end the cycle, but that plan failed. Unfortunately, it paralyzed her from the waist down." Ace added.
"She's been in recovery for the last 3 years since we last saw her." Robin said.
"Revali's news back in the Overworld did trouble me. Korra hasn't been seen for those 3 years. I'm hoping she'll show her face after the tournament starts, but…" Hope said. "David, you think something happened?"
"Quite possibly. I wasn't entirely sure what was going on." David said.
"Hmm…" Mark hummed. "Do you think we should try to find her before the tournament starts?"
"Not enough time. The Opening Ceremonies are gonna happen soon, and if we're not there, we can't enter officially." Hope said.
"Not soon...today." Jexi said.
"Eh?!" Captain Parkour said. "Today?! Why didn't we get here earlier! Now we have no time to get to know our potential opponents!"
"No sweat. Besides, now we'll be surprised." Pinkie said as a Croconaw chewed on her pigtail.
"Hey, watch what you chew! That ain't cotton candy!" Eddy yelled.
"Wait, that looks like the Croconaw I caught." Aria said.
"Yeah. I sorta borrowed him to further my link training in Johto." Pinkie said.
"Dontcha worry about Pinke none, Eddy. She's used to having herself bit." Applejack said.
"Yeah. I mean, her counterpart does have a pet alligator. Albeit with no teeth." Starlight said.
"...You actually have that?" Eddy asked Pinkie-2.
"Oh, very much! Gummi's a real sweetheart!" Pinkie-2 chirped.
"Ahem!" Amethyst cleared her throat. "So...where are the opening ceremonies going down?"
"Right there." Tails said pointing to the city they were approaching as a large crowd was gathered near the harbor.
"Quite a crowd." Zan said.
"Now...we make our descent." Hope said as the ship landed in the harbor. "Now make a mad dash to the registration table!"
"Don't have to tell us twice." David said.
The groups hurried over to the table to their surprise Sunny made it first on a Bayleef. "You guys...gotta do better than that."
"Wait, that's the Bayleef I caught." Aria said.
"Yeah, I took it and we formed a link during training in Johto." Sunny said.
"Thank you. And please take this." the person running the counter said handing her a small gold coin.
"What's that?" Al asked.
"The coin's purpose will be made clear when we begin. I advise not losing it." she said.
"Come on, let's go!" ZS said. "Everybody sign up!"
As quick as they could, everyone who wanted to compete signed in and received their coins. They then gathered at the stage near the harbor.
"Hey hey hey! Welcome one and all to the Perfect Link tournament!" said a young girl dressed in magenta with a music note clip in her hair. "Here from the Idol Universe and your favorite commentator, it's Magenta Voice!" she shouted as most of the audience cheered.
"A Color God?" Tsuki asked.
"Backwoods hick. You don't know Magenta Voice?" one of the competitors said.
"She's only the best commentator in the entire Idol Universe." another said.
"Oh, so that's why. We haven't heard much about the Idol Universe until now." David said. "Our mistake."
"Well...seems it's your wish come true. Two new universes were born from God's Core last year." Jexi said to Hope.
"Okay ladies and gents. Now here to kick off today's events...the organizer of this little tournament! Let's give a welcome...to the president of Talent Corp...Linc!" Magenta Voice said as Linc approached the podium.
"Linc is in charge of this? I never would've guessed." Shuichi said.
"Seems he's making Talent Corp into a better Organization since Diablo's defeat." Ace said.
"Thank you, thank you Magenta." Linc said. "In the year that I've remade Talent Corp, I wanted to create a tournament that celebrates the bonds that bring people together. And I wanted to see those bonds, bonds between People and Pokemon. More to the point, a bond between other universes as well. That is this tournament's purpose...to create a grand link between all 24 universes."
The crowd cheered.
"Now...with that out of the way...I will now explain the tournament rules. As for battles, partners are allowed to fight alongside their links. But should the link be defeated, the partner will automatically lose. As for those who are trainers, switching of Pokemon is allowed only as long as your link remains safe." Linc began.
"But what if we have more than one Perfect Link?" Simon asked.
"Don't get impatient, he's getting there." David said.
"Now...I realize there are those who have more than one link. So this is a special rule only for them. Both links must fight alongside their partner should that be the case. The same rules still apply. If they fall, the partner loses." Linc said.
"So it's all or nothing here. We or our partners lose, were out." Hope said.
"Not quite. And I will explain with this." Linc said holding a gold coin. "These coins were each given to each of you when you registered. For keeping things simple, we'll call them Link Tokens. These are as precious as your blood. In order to advance to the final stage, you will need to collect at least 7, counting the one you already have. If you lose a battle, you must surrender your token to the winner, thereby eliminating you from the competition."
"Just like Star Chips in Duelist Kingdom." Hope said looking at his.
"Or the Locator Cards in Battle City." David said.
"(What the heck are those)?" Starlight thought as she sweated.
"And the same principle applies if you have more then one. Lose and surrender it to the victor. We do allow wagering more than one but that needs to be approved by me first." Linc said. "Now...as for stages... it's everywhere. All across the worlds is your stage. You have no limitations. But keep in mind...the tournament's fighter's stage will only last until we have at least eighty competitors."
"80… That's a big number. Chances are some of us are not gonna make it through." Mayumi said.
"Himeno, Alphamon, I'll be counting on the two of you to keep things afloat outside the competition." David said.
"Emo, Alkal, assist them in their mission." CP added. "I shall look for my first opponent in the meantime."
"Please note...since this is the first day, no fights will be allowed. I would like to give ample time for many of the competitors to spread out across the worlds to make it more interesting." Linc said.
"That's bull right there!" shouted a woman in a pirates outfit. "Come on. I say we throw it all down right here. Send 'em all down to the bottom of the sea!"
"And that would be Captain Sharkfang, a pirate from the Ocean Universe. Careful now, she ain't afraid to bite." Magenta Voice said.
"It's safe to say she wants everyone right now. Look at her Sharpedo, it's chomping at the bit to fight." Hope said.
"Eh, I'm sure she won't be a big problem. I'd be more worried about that lady over there." Emo said pointing to a woman who was standing next to Darkrai. "Her energy seems a bit familiar, don't you think?"
"Oh...yeah. That's Night...she's my big sister and the 1st princess." Onyx said.
"I don't suppose she's the "Cool Big Sis" type?" ZS asked nervously.
"More like the one who likes to crush dreams and leave only nightmares." Onyx said.
"Oh joy, she's a female Freddy Krueger." Emo said.
"She's probably the odds-on favorite to win the whole freakin shebang." Toma said.
"No doubt. With that Darkrai of hers, she's not gonna go down easy, I can tell." David said.
"So...you're trying to say I'm weak, are ya?" Sharkfang said looking at Emo. "You wanna die, you little brat?"
"...Tell me, have you ever been sucked into a black hole?" Emo asked. "If you want to find out what it's like, please feel free to keep antagonizing me."
"Hey! Not right now, you two! Save it for tomorrow!" Hope intervene.
"Calm yourselves immediately!" a voice said as a man in white robes approached. "We must not shed blood or we will defile the great Color God White and her universe."
"Thanks for the save. Er… Who are you?" David asked.
"I am Charge. A Skyian Monk from the Sky Universe." he said bowing a bit.
"N-nice to meet you." David said.
"Hmm… You don't seem to be comfortable around me, are you? Hold on, let me get a closer look at you… Ah, I see. You're the boy Angelique told us about." Charge said. "Yes, I remember now. The one she says is always in need of saving."
"Well, I do get into some reckless situations every now and then, but…" David said nervously.
"You misunderstand. The saving she refers to is the saving of your immortal soul." Charge said.
"Oh yeah. I never really understood what she meant by that." David said.
"..." Mark only stared at Charge. "...I don't know how to respond to that statement."
"Calm yourself, demon slayer and friend. I am not of the same beliefs as Angelique. I believe one has the right to believe in the Color Gods as they please." Charge said.
"That is true, everyone has a right to what they should believe in." Ace said.
"Right." Mark replied.
Now I would advise you to not bare your teeth, Sharkfang, and do as Charge says. I have the power to disqualify you here and now. So if you want to see the tournament… cease your aggression, and save your battles for tomorrow." Linc announced.
"Huh…" she said jumping on the stage as she stood on Linc's foot and stared him down. "I hate people using just my name. You'll do best...and call me captain." she said.
"Uh yes. Captain." he said shaking in fear as she jumped off.
"Yes, Captain Bully." Emo said under his breath.
"Now… if there are no further distractions. I hereby declare the 1st annual Perfect Link Tournament… has officially begun." Linc said as the crowd was starting to disperse.
"Alright, what's the plan, Jexi?" Mark asked.
"It's safe to assume that some of the competitors might stay close to this world so we should stay here and pick them off one by one." Jexi said.
"While you do that, me and some of the non-competitors are gonna head to City Hall." Ace said.
"Don't say things like that. We're all free now that the opening is finished." Rainbow said.
"Well well...seems we do have visitors." a voice said as Revali descended. "I knew you couldn't keep away for long. That you would miss my amazing skills."
"Revali, you know we didn't come for that. We came for the tournament, and to see what happened after all these years." Hope said.
"If you came for Korra, I'm afraid she won't be here till tonight." Revali said.
"So, she does know we're here." Espio said.
"Uh...no." Revali said. "Call it good timing."
"Why is it exactly good timing?" Orchid asked.
"Cause she comes tonight. And of course with the Earth Kingdom almost stabilized." Revali said.
"Almost? That's never followed by good news." Eddy said.
"And what do you mean stabilized?" Gemini asked.
"I'm sure as some of you will recall, during our last meeting here, her majesty, the Earth Queen, was...assassinated by Zaheer." Revali said.
"Oh. That's horrible!" Double D said.
"Too bad we were too focused on the Titans to do anything about it." David said. "That was my fault, sorry."
"Afterwards...the Earth Kingdom was thrown into chaos, bandits all over and people panicking over what to do. Thankfully, help came thanks to Kuvira and her militia." Revali said.
"Kuvira… she was one of Suyin's best if I recall." Nekomaru said.
"Yes. She quickly took charge and started bringing everything back into order, unifying states under her regime. The nations have christened her the "Great Uniter"." Revali explained.
"..." David stayed silent at the words.
"It reminds you of "them" doesn't it?" Ace asked.
David nodded. "And now that they're out of Universal Prison, it's only a matter of time before 'she' decides to come for me."
"...Zombies?!" Ed asked.
"No, he was referring to Regime Wonder Woman." Ace said.
"Oh, I think I read a file about that." Alkal said. "Well, I can tell you, she'll have to go through Team Go-Go first."
"Look...we know you're trying to help David. But this is something he has to face alone." Ace said.
"...Yeah, that makes sense." Emo said.
"Well, that killed the mood…" ZS said.
"Either way...things should be restored to normal on this world soon. Once the Earth Kingdom is under control, we can finally rest in peace." Revali said.
"...Milla." Jude said.
"You're worried about her, aren't you?" Yoko asked.
"That's right. The reason I even became a Spyrite Researcher was so humans and spirits can live in harmony." Jude said.
"She's probably okay. We could see her soon." Hope said. "But for now, we should probably get to Air Temple Island, see how everyone is doing."
"Yeah, that's a great idea! We should throw a welcome back party for Korra there!" Eddy said.
"By the way...how are the champions? And Korra's friends?" Hope asked.
"For us Champions, things are basically normal. We continue to safeguard the four nations. Asami's brought Future Industries to the future. Just today, she brought the trains into the future. Bolin has joined Kuvira's militia in order to help the Earth Kingdom. As for Mako, he's a bodyguard for the prince of the kingdom." Revali said.
"And what about Tenzin's kids, and Opal and Kai?" Hope asked.
"Tenzin and the kids are fine. As for those two, they recently departed to help the struggling states of the Earth Kingdom. And in case you ask about Milla, for the last few years she's been rehabilitating someone who fell into the spirit world." Revali said.
"Someone who fell? What happened?" Jude asked.
"Uh...you probably aren't going to like who it is." Revali said.
"Why would we…" Jexi said.
"Because this person was an enemy." a voice said as a familiar figure stepped out. "Long time no see."
"Ling." Sunset said.
"Who is this?" Elementa asked.
"I am Ling Yao, a prince from Xing." he said bowing.
"You're the guy who gave Sunset trouble in Springdale." Hope said.
"Uh...no. I'm the one who helped her. I even helped all of you." Ling said.
"How can you not remember that?" Sunset asked.
"Ignore him. He jumps to conclusions a lot." David said.
"Understood. Anyway...the person they refer to...happens to be the former leader of the Titan Army." Ling said.
"Centurion? Are you serious?!" David asked.
"I found it hard to believe myself. But he somehow survived after your battle. He fell into the Spirit World where Milla took it upon herself to rehabilitate him." Revali said.
"Considering he hasn't murdered Milla or any spirit, I say things have been turned around for him." Ling said.
"I sure hope so…" David said.
"As for the other titans...since the Olympos XII erased the powers of any titan present on that field, they have been rendered mortal and many of them lost their memories of being titans. Since then, they were sent back to their original worlds...except for one who was arrested here and is currently spending time in prison." Ling said.
"Three guesses on who that is." Himeno said.
"Grimoire." Yoko said.
"Kind of serves him right after all he did. Not to mention raising the dead." Ace said.
"Yeesh. Sounds like a creep." SE said.
"Still...glad to see you all back. And just in time too." Ling said.
"Cause of Korra?" Hope asked.
"Not exactly…" he said giving them a small piece of paper.
"Wait...this is...a bill for every restaurant he's been to since coming here...left in our names?!" Jexi said.
"Don't worry. I know you guys are good for it. So let's head on over to Air Temple Island for dinner." Ling said.
"Okay…" Hope said.
"I know you're worried about Korra, but… Have a little faith." Omnimon said. "She's okay, I know it."
"We'll find her, for right now we should take it easy tonight, and search during the tournament, okay?" Ace said putting a hand on Hope's shoulder.
"I'm not worrying. If Revali's right, she's inbound tonight." Hope said.
Later on Air Temple Island, the group met with Tenzin and the others and got Mark acquainted with Tenzin and his family as well as Mako, and got to meet the Boisterous future king Wu.
"We heard about the opening ceremonies over the radio after the ribbon cutting at City Hall. It sounds like you guys are full up." Mako said.
"Yeah, and Captian Sharkfang made quite the scene." Hope said. "She's quite the bully, and she definitely has something to prove."
"So are you worried about her?" Mako asked.
"Sharkfang's intimidating for sure, but she's not a threat. Nah, the one I'm most worried about is Night. If anyone's a favorite in the tournament and the most dangerous… she's at the top of the list." Hope explained.
"We'll definitely be seeing her in the finals, at least." Scott said.
"Assuming she doesn't come for us beforehand." Francisca said.
"..." David stayed silent in nervousness.
"I know you're nervous David. Heck, I would be from hearing about Night." Hope said.
"Especially since we haven't been in competition this big since the WBC." David said.
"Yeah...this is gonna be intense. I counted over thousands of competitors in the audience." Sci-Twi said.
"And it seemed like most of them are amateurs." Simon said.
"So hopefully things will go smoothly until we get to the finals." Kaede said.
"Like Mayumi said before, not all of us will make it to the final stage. They only have 80 spots." David said.
"I'm sure you're all gonna kick butt!" Meelo said. "As for Korra, when she gets here, I doubt she'll even recognize me."
"Why's that?" Hope asked.
"Cuz Meelo the boy has turned into a man!" Meelo posed.
"Right, because having hair on your head is so convincing. Right Ikki?" Hope said.
"Yup." Ikki nodded.
"I'm excited to meet Korra too." Mark said. "It'll be nice to meet another experienced hero."
"Pardon the interruption, but you won't have to wait." an airbender monk said. "Because a Southern Water Tribe ship just pulled into the harbor."
"Korra!" Ikki And Meelo said in excitement as they ran out.
"Heh. Told ya you didn't have to worry." Revali said.
They headed down to the docks as Naga jumped out as Tonraq and Mipha followed.
"Tonraq, Mipha. It is good to see you both." Tenzin said.
"Likewise." Tonraq said. "Is Korra here already?
"What th… but… Revali said she was with you two." Hope said.
"I think there has been a mistake. Korra left the south pole 6 months ago." Mipha said.
"Man… Just where could she be?" Marco asked.
Not far from Republic City, inside an Underground Earthbending Cage Fight arena, Korra was battling another opponent and lost. It was later that the host gave Korra her winnings.
"Here. For your lackluster participation." he said.
"Thanks." Korra said.
"You know, you look kinda familiar. You kinda look like that Avatar Girl, don't ya?" the host asked.
"I get that a lot." Korra said as she turned to leave.
"Hey, whatever happened to her anyway?" the host asked.
"I wouldn't know." Korra said.
Back at the Air Temple, David was outside the temple after finishing dinner, watching the stars as Himeno and Alphamon came out.
"Something eating at you?" Himeno asked.
"I'm just a little nervous." David said.
"About the tournament, I figure." Alphamon piped in.
"Got that right. I haven't been in a tournament this big in a while, and well… I'm not just worried about everyone's chances, but...also if something happens behind the scenes." David said.
"It's not gonna be like the Grand Prix, or the WBC. Linc is spearheading and overseeing the tournament. Nothing will get by him." Himeno said. "After all… wasn't he a factor in destroying Danganronpa for good? You trust him."
"I guess you have a point." David said. "Not to mention the worlds we're in have something going on too."
"You guys just let me and Alphamon worry about that. That is why being leaders of our respective sub-groups made us Co-Leaders after all. We'll keep things afloat while you guys are out there." Himeno said.
"And you will be sure we will have your back for the tournament." Alphamon said.
"Thanks for that. We will need all the support we can get out there." David said.
"For now, you should get some rest. We'll make sure any outside forces give you enough space to focus on the competition." Alphamon said.
"Thanks. I'll be counting on you two." David said as they headed back inside.
"Geez...Hope's gotta be taking the news hard." Aria said.
"I know. Korra was a star member of his group. Hope he doesn't do anything crazy." Jexi said.
"Please, even he wouldn't…" Aria said before hearing revving. "Wait...that sounds like…" she said running out. "My bike!" she said seeing Hope revving it.
"Hope, wait!" ZS said, running out next to the bike, holding a box. "Give this to Korra when you see her. It's a welcome back cake."
"How about stopping him?!" Aria asked.
Simon snapped his fingers as Madama Butterfly's hand appeared and grabbed the bike to prevent Hope from going anywhere.
"Ah great… oh, duh. Wait a minute, I don't need a bike." Hope said grabbing the cake as Lunala flew down as he jumped on her back, the two flying off before Madama Butterfly could grab them.
"You son of a...well at least my bike is…" she said before seeing the demon accidently take off a tailpipe. "Safe…" she said before growling as she turned to Simon.
"Simon, run." Sonata said. "She's gonna kill you."
"Oh...I'm not gonna kill him…" Aria said grabbing the fallen tailpipe. "I'm gonna murder him!"
"Run for your life, Simon!" Ed called.
"Quick Simon! Follow Hope!" ZS said as he skated after Lunala.
"*Whistle*" Simon whistled as a portal opened and out came Malphas as he quickly jumped onto its back. "I'll bring back Hope and Korra safe and sound!" He called as Malphas chased after the two.
"Get back here you son of a bitch! You better not come back without Hope. Cause I'm gonna murder both of you when you get back!" Aria shouted.
"Well, this tournament has gone off to great start…" Tenzin sighed.