Note: Something worth note is that this is a sequel, or rather 'midquel' if you will of another fanfic called Earth's Protectors. In fact, this was originally going to be the final story arc but after putting off the rest of it for so long, I decided to just end the story on a high note. However, lately I've been thinking about this and with two Pokemon introduced after I completed the original that I think would make for great newcomers, I've decided to go through with it. If you really wanna know what led up to this story, check out the original Earth's Protectors as this is a direct continuation of it, though it is 84 anime episode-length chapters long, so it will be a long read but probably worth it in the end. Also, obvious Disclaimer, I do not own the rights to the Pokemon franchise. Plus this story is heavily inspired by Kinnikuman.

It had been a year since the defeat of Giratina. It was still a mystery where he had gone and what he was doing, but either way, the world had been more peaceful since then. Sure, heroes would still have to face villains here and there, but none of them had even come close to being as threatening as the ghost dragon himself.

It was a fine day in Tokyo as Machoke and his friends decided to spend time at a local club downtown, that being their favourite place to hang out. The lizard-like boy was currently dressed in a black shirt and blue shorts while Gardevoir sported her favourite outfit, the red jersey and spiked collar Machoke had given her to help boost her confidence in battle. She rarely ever wore anything else and it strangely suited her, so everyone was fine with that.

Blaziken was dressed in a sleeveless top and pants while Gallade only wore pants, the boy still finding it unnecessary to get extra dressed up since heroes could actually get away with being naked. And joining the heroes were their three female human friends, Reika, Cici and Tsuya.

While the group sat inside the club on the sofa, Reika had a big smile on her face and sighed, "Scyther sent me another email today. Apparently, she's planning to come up and visit. The others have agreed to stay behind and look after LA for her."

Machoke grinned and replied, "That's great. We haven't seen her in a while," Gallade all the while looking down and sighing, "I wish Hitmonchan would visit more."

Gardevoir, who was seated between Gallade and Machoke, smiled nervously and patted her brother on the shoulder, saying, "There, there, at least she always thinks about you," the green boy nodding and pulling out his cellphone, opening up the Internet and saying, "That's true. She has sent me five emails today already."

He then let out a sigh and added, "Though I envy you, sis. You get to see your boyfriend all the time," Machoke grinning and replying, "Hey, look on the bright side. In two years, you'll be my brother-in-law," resting an arm on Gardevoir's shoulder.

Gallade gave him an odd stare before the two shared a laugh, Gardevoir joining them. Blaziken rolled her eyes at this and turned to Tsuya, asking, "So, any luck with 'Muscle Beak'?" the white-haired girl remarking, "I wish you'd stop calling him that. Deep down inside, Talonflame is a sensitive soul that just needs a little love and care, that's all."

She then let out a sigh and uttered, "Though he hasn't responded to any of my Facebook messages," Machoke raising an eyebrow and asking, "He has an FB account? Seriously?"

Reika then turned to Cici and asked, "So, how's your training been going?" Cici giving her a sweet smile and replying, "It's been going well," flexing her right muscle as Reika stared in envy.

Sure, she had seen these results before, but it still amazed her. After all, the black-haired girl had trained all her life to be a pro wrestler and yet from only a little over a year, her originally wimpy best friend had shown better results than her.

Even so, Reika was never the type to be jealous of friends as she grinned and said, "I am so proud of you. Maybe one day, we can be partners in the wrestling world," Cici blushing and uttering, "I'm not so sure about that. I'm mostly just doing this for self-defence."

At that moment, a round of drinks was brought to the group as the owner grinned and said, "A round for my favourite people in the world on the house," the others giving their thanks. As usual, everyone had some sort of alcoholic beverage save for Machoke and Gardevoir who still hated the taste of alcohol.

But while they drank, Blaziken noticed something on the TV, which was currently set to the news network. Specifically, it was a report from Hero Planet with Beedrill sitting at his desk with his arm stingers folded against it.

"Hello, everyone," the wasp stated as Machoke grinned and said, "Hey, it's Beedrill," the group hoping this would be good news. Normally when the chairman of Hero Planet gave an announcement, it was usually because of a crisis or something equally terrifying.

"I just have to say I am very pleased with how things are on Earth right now," Beedrill stated, "Crime is at an all-time low. Areas that were originally wrought with villainy have been peaceful thanks to the hard work of our capable Hero Planet graduates along with a few others who have decided to join the fight despite having not trained here."

"Well, what do you know?" Gallade asked with a grin, "It's good news for a change," Machoke sighing, "Thank god. Last thing we need is another villain coming back from the dead."

"With things going so well," Beedrill continued, "I have started set-up on something incredible. As you all know, last year marked the return of the Hero Olympics, something that used to be held once every two to three years but had not been seen in twenty. And now I have decided to hold something else that has rarely ever been seen, The Ultimate World Team Tournament!"

Interest had certainly risen now as even the other guests were fixated on the screen, Machoke picking his ear hole and asking, "The what now?" Blaziken staring awkwardly at him as if to imply that he of all people should have known this.

"It's been about the same number of years since this event was held," Beedrill stated, "Though as most people know, Machamp and Combusken won this tournament together."

Machoke nodded and said, "Now that rings a bell," the wasp adding, "Though unlike the Hero Olympics, this one is more difficult to get into. Many will sign up but only sixteen teams of two will be accepted. Originally it was eight teams, but I figured I'd give more heroes a chance at glory."

Machoke blinked as Blaziken smirked, saying, "Well, this sounds exciting," Beedrill adding, "In honour of the Hero Olympics taking place in Tokyo, we've decided to have this take place in the same location. Any hero willing to join must come to Tokyo to sign up, but to truly qualify, you must pass a serious test of teamwork to prove yourself worthy of the tournament."

"Of course," Machoke sighed as Reika smiled and said, "You should totally enter, Machoke. Lucario might join. This could be your chance to finally upstage him," the boy laughing nervously, not sure if he really wanted to face the dog in combat again.

The one time those two had fought in an official match, Machoke had wound up hospitalized with a broken spine. Sure, he had gotten over it, but it was still a painful memory. As if that was not enough, Lucario and Talonflame, another opponent Machoke would rather not face again, were friends now and would most likely team up for this.

But even so, the boy shrugged and said, "Well, I guess it could be fun," the others staring at him in shock.

Sure, Machoke had performed in the Hero Olympics despite being hesitant to join at first. But even so, it was not like him to just up and agree to partake in a series of tough battles when lives were not on the line.

"Well, I know who I'm teaming up with for this," Gallade said with a grin as he looked at his phone, biting his lower lip before noticing an email.

When he read its contents, a big grin formed as he exclaimed, "Yes! Hitmonchan agreed!" Gardevoir giggling in response to this as Machoke smirked, saying, "Funny, I thought for sure you'd want to team up with your sister."

The two green heroes chuckled as Gallade replied, "Well, long ago I might have, but Gardevoir doesn't need me, right, sis?" the girl nodding and replying, "Besides, I already have someone in mind."

Machoke blinked before nodding and grinning, saying, "Of course. Why wouldn't I agree to that?" Gardevoir biting her lower lip and uttering, "Sorry, sweetie, but I wasn't referring to you."

The boy gave her a look of disappointment as she whimpered, "I'm really sorry, but I was thinking of teaming up with Blaziken," the red and white chicken raising an eyebrow and asking, "Wait, me? Really?" Machoke nodding and reiterating, "Really?" the others equally confused.

"Of course," Gardevoir replied while smiling at Blaziken, "Remember in the Reverse World when we fought Blitzle and Aegislash?" Blaziken nodding and replying, "You're right. We actually made for a really good team," a grin on her face as Machoke uttered, "Oh yeah, I wasn't around to see that, was I?"

"Wait, those two fought together?" Tsuya remarked, "I didn't even think that combination could work!" Reika uttering, "Me neither," as Gardevoir and Blaziken laughed.

Gardevoir then gave Machoke a look of concern as the others bit their lower lips, not sure what to say. However, it seemed they had little reason to worry as the boy shrugged and gave his girlfriend a warm smile, saying, "Hey, if you two really make for such a good team, I look forward to seeing it," a grin forming on Blaziken's face.

Gardevoir breathed a sigh of relief and gave Machoke a hug, squealing, "Thank you so much! You're the best!" kissing him on the cheek.

However, that did leave Machoke with one major problem, and this was made clear when Reika asked, "So, who are you going to team up with?" the boy's eyes widening.

However, he soon replaced his look of shock with a forced grin and replied, "Hey, we have friends in other areas. I'm sure I could get one of them to team up with me," Blaziken nodding and replying, "That's the spirit."

And soon enough, the group disbanded to head home. Needless to say, those partaking would need to prepare while Machoke looked for a team mate for the tournament. But while he had his doubts before, that was soon lifted when he remembered just how many friends he had made in his time spent on Earth.

As he returned home and entered, Aipom was in the middle of cleaning when she noticed him and smiled, saying, "Hey, Machoke. Say, in all this time, there is one type of match I've never seen you partake in," the boy sighing, "Save it. I'm joining the tournament."

The monkey's eyes widened. Not only was she shocked that he actually knew what she was hinting at but the fact that he was actually willing to join a tournament without hesitation was astounding. He had matured so much since his loss to Lucario, it was hard to believe this was the same boy who would get frightened every time a major conflict revealed itself.

"So, you teaming up with Gardevoir?" the monkey asked with a grin as Machoke sighed, "No, she's already partnered up with Blaziken," Aipom groaning, "Wait, so does that mean you're gonna be with Gallade?"

"What? No," Machoke remarked, "He and Hitmonchan have already agreed to team up. I'm just gonna call up one of my other friends," Aipom nodding and replying, "Oh, okay," glad that her student did not need her to remind him of that.

On that note, the boy headed to his room and whipped out his cellphone, looking over his contacts. He then let out a sigh and thought, 'Alright, let's see who we got here.'

The first name to stand out to him was Bisharp, though he figured the knight would most likely team up with Scrafty since the two had become quite formidable together since they became heroes. However, he then remembered someone he was certain would likely be happy to team up with him.

With that, he dialled up the number and held the phone to the side of his head, waiting in anticipation before getting a response, grinning and saying, "Hi, Lopunny."

The Indian rabbit grinned and exclaimed, "Hi, Machoke! What's up?" the boy replying, "Hey, just wanted to let you know there's a tournament coming up here," the rabbit saying, "Yeah, we all saw the report. We might get to face each-other again."

The boy blinked and uttered, "Actually-" only for the rabbit to cut in, adding, "I warn you, though, Heracross has been preparing for a rematch with you, so he's not gonna go easy."

Machoke stood silently for a few seconds before realizing where she was going with this. With that, he asked, "So does that mean Scyther doesn't have a partner?" Lopunny replying, "Not yet, but she has someone in mind," the boy nodding and replying, "Well, that's cool. I look forward to seeing you guys again," ending the call and sighing.

With that, he looked through the numbers again. He figured Tyrogue and the rest of the Hitmon family would likely have found partners already, so he did not bother with them. Though now this left him with fewer options than he figured he had.

He scrolled through more names and found one he could definitely trust, thinking, 'There's no way she has a partner,' dialling up the number and getting a response, a deep female voice exclaiming, "Machoke! It's been a while! How have you been?"

As it just so happened, the boy had called up Octillery, an octopus who had not only helped him with his entrance in the Hero Olympics opening ceremony but had also helped train him in his time of need. And after a bit of smalltalk, Machoke soon got to the point, asking her if she would be his partner.

The octopus gasped, "Oh, I am so sorry, Machoke! It's flattering that you'd want little old me on your side, but I already have a partner for the tournament," Machoke asking, "Wait, you mean Gothitelle's actually going to compete? I thought she hated this sort of thing."

"Well, it's funny," Octillery replied, "She actually saw this as a great opportunity to help Mawile build her self-esteem, so she's gonna fight alongside her," Machoke then asking, "Oh, then who are you with?" the octopus replying, "Kecleon."

Machoke went silent for a few seconds before uttering, "You mean the villain you defeated in the Reverse World?" Octillery nodding and replying, "Come on, you know we've made amends now. He and Mawile have been such a big help lately."

Machoke nodded and after talking a bit more, he said, "Yeah, I understand. It's all good," the boy giving a quick goodbye and hanging up, groaning, "This isn't good at all!"

He then called up Golduck. Perhaps she would be happy to team up with him. After all, she was currently his biggest fangirl, even more so than Gardevoir. But unfortunately, it seemed she already had a partner too, a friend of hers from Ireland.

With that, the boy took a deep breath. After all, it was not as if this was a life-or-death situation. Sure, his father may have partaken in every tournament, but that did not mean he had to do it, right?

However, that thought came to an end when Machoke imagined Machamp folding his arms and shaking his head. Sure, he did not seem like the type to do that, but the mental image was scary on its own, the boy groaning and bonking himself on the head, whining, "Come on, think!"

It was then he realized someone he could likely count on, quite possibly the best ally he could have. But as he scrolled down to his name, he bit his lower lip, thinking, 'Come on, it's all in the past. Just swallow your pride and do this.'

With that, he took a deep breath and pressed the icon for the contact, holding his phone up to the side of his head and waiting in anticipation. And soon enough, he got a response as a female voice said, "Oh, hey, Machoke. I haven't heard from you in a while."

"Hi, Amanda," the boy replied, "Is Lucario there?" the girl replying, "Oh no, he and Clauncher have gone out to book a flight to Tokyo."

"Is this for the tournament?" Machoke asked as Amanda nodded and said, "I'd go too, but I have stuff I need to do back home," Machoke nodding and replying, "Does he have a partner already?"

"Well, yes, Clauncher," Amanda replied as Machoke's eyes widened.

After having seen the dog and Talonflame in action, he figured if Lucario did have a partner, it would have been the falcon. But as Talonflame had taken no interest in the Hero Olympics, Machoke figured he might not be interested in a team tournament either. Even so, he really should have known better seeing as Clauncher was the dog's first real friend since he quit villainy.

Unfortunately, this truly left the boy with no more options. He scrolled through his contacts just to see if he had missed anyone and sure enough, he had not. He really had no one to turn to right now.

With that, he let out a sigh and headed out of his room, Aipom turning and asking, "So, did you find someone?" Machoke not even dignifying that with a response as he headed out the front door. He needed to clear his head right now, so he did not wish to be distracted.

As he walked along, he could not help but find this all so unfair. He had been lucky to even get a spot in the Hero Olympics, but that was only because he had waited until it was quite literally too late to sign up. If the other contestants in the elimination tournament had not suffered horrible inconveniences preventing them from competing, he would not have had so much as a shot.

However, this time he chose not to wait until the last minute. Unlike the Olympics, he was actually eager to join this. After having come close to winning one tournament, he really wanted to take a crack at it again. Even if he did not win, it would have been nice to compete with his friends a second time.

"Why did it have to be a team tournament?" the boy groaned while seated on a bench with his chin against his hands, "Why couldn't it be a singles tournament like the Hero Olympics?"

As if that was not enough, would Machoke have even been ready for this? It was like Aipom said. He had never fought alongside someone else in a match before. He had always faced his opponents alone. Perhaps he would not have been ready.

However, his thoughts of doubt left him when he heard a familiar Spanish voice say, "Hey there, Senior Machoke. It's been a long time. How have you been?"

The boy looked up as his eyes widened. He could not believe it. Standing before him was a parrot he had not seen since the Hero Olympics ended, namely Hawlucha, the hero he had defeated in order to qualify for the competition. But why was he here?

Machoke was about to find out as he asked, "Did you decide to take a vacation?" Hawlucha shaking his head and replying, "No. I've decided to move here," the boy staring in stunned silence as he asked, "Are you sure that's okay? I mean, you still have an area to protect, right?"

"Oh no," Hawlucha replied, "I'm not a Hero Planet graduate like you. My family wasn't well-known enough for that. So I'm not really assigned to any areas," Machoke nodding and smiling, asking, "Still, what made you want to move here?"

"Well, remember how I became a big celebrity after almost cleaning your clock?" the parrot asked with a grin as Machoke uttered, "Uh, yeah?" before thinking, 'Did he have to put it that way?'

Hawlucha then shrugged and replied, "Well, as you know, my sponsor, Yoshigai, lives here in Tokyo. I figured after a year of getting long-distance orders, I may as well move here so he doesn't have to pay every time he calls me up. I told him all about it and he figures me working in the same location as the Hero Olympics would be muy bueno for business. The family's just settling in right now. As for me, I'm just looking around to get used to the place again."

Machoke grinned and replied, "Well, that's great. Now we can actually hang out," Hawlucha sporting a grin of his own and slapping Machoke on the shoulder, replying, "Si. It'll be so nice to spend time with you again, mi amigo."

At this moment, it hit Machoke like a brick. This must have been a sign. After all, Hawlucha was a very strong fighter. Like the parrot said, he had come very close to defeating Machoke in the elimination tournament. Perhaps this could work.

But then the boy realized this might not have been a good idea. After all, Hawlucha and his family had just moved to Tokyo. The last thing Hawlucha would have on his mind is partaking in a team tournament.

However, it seemed Machoke's thoughts might have been wrong as Hawlucha said, "By the way, Senior Machoke, I hate to ask this of you, but could you help me with something?" the boy nodding and grinning, replying, "Sure, anything for a friend," all the while feeling relieved. If anything, doing something useful could take his mind off of the tournament.

"You see, there was this news report earlier today about a team tournament," Hawlucha stated, Machoke's eyes widening as the parrot continued, "You see, Yoshigai wants me to compete and represent the company. But there's, well, a little problem with that."

Machoke blinked and asked, "Do you not have a partner?" Hawlucha hanging his head and sighing, "Si. I was hoping maybe you knew someone who could join me," Machoke's eyes sparkling as he had a big open-mouth smile that got bigger every second, the parrot adding, "I'd ask you to join me, but I assume someone of your stature would already have-"

"I'll do it!" the boy exclaimed with a big grin as he took Hawlucha's hand and shook it without warning, "I will be your partner in The Ultimate World Team Tournament!"

Hawlucha's eyes sparkled as he smiled wide, giving his friend a tight embrace as Machoke's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, the parrot exclaiming, "MUCHOS GRACIAS, SENIOR! YOU ARE THE BEST AMIGO A PARROT COULD EVER ASK FOR!"

With that, Machoke smiled and replied, "Hey, it's like I said. Anything for a friend," Hawlucha taking a deep breath and sighing, "Though I do feel sorry for whoever you were already teamed up with," Machoke shrugging and replying, "I'm sure he'll be fine with it. He didn't even want to be in the tournament anyway," the boy refusing to bring up the fact that everyone had declined his invite.

Either way, the boy could not believe how excited he was for this. A year ago, he would have passed this off as a waste of time, but now that he was used to this sort of thing, he felt more ready than ever before.