I have decided to release these special episodes to tide out the wait for Season 2 and show what my characters are like in real life. There are three types of special episodes: Before TSI, During TSI and After TSI. Before TSI episodes are spoiler free and can be enjoyed before reading Total Skarmory Island. During TSI will feature what the eliminated contestants are doing and won't be character specific. It is recommended that you read up to a specific point before reading. After TSI shouldn't be read before you finish the whole story.

Oh, if you don't know, this story took place in my universe. Check my profile if you want short descriptions of each country.

Enjoy!


Nosepass' Special Episode: Fight or Fight!

On his way to school, Nosepass looked out the Steelix Bus' window. He sighed in relief as the giant fissure on the road yesterday night had disappeared from sight. Even though the horrifying image cropped up in his mind, he couldn't hear it nor feel it.

Native to Lesteel, the boy was no stranger to natural disasters. They usually happened on a monthly basis: volcano eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms and many more. To the Lesteelytes' indignation, the foreigners perceived it as part of their culture, calling it 'The Curse of the Strong'.

When it happened, the disaster remediation team jumped into action, applying the Torterra patch hastily. The mixture fixed all the damages completely in a matter of hours. Lesteelytes could now resume their restless routine to the pleasure of many and dismay of barely.

Nosepass somewhat enjoyed riding the Steelix Bus. Every day, he took his usual spot at the back. Sitting on the soft cushion and without even lifting a muscle, he would soon arrive at school. Only the last part terrified him.

As the Steelix Bus dived down the parking tunnel, Nosepass' face was enveloped by darkness before receiving dim rays of light from the ceiling again. Habitually, he wished that everything was a dream. Hoping that he would suddenly wake up and realize how silly of him to think about school in the holidays.

As always, he exited the bus last, trailing behind everyone and veering his eyes from the Mawile boy. The two never interacted, but Nosepass wouldn't take any chances.

Reaching a rocky hallway, the students split to their respective rooms. Upon entering, Nosepass lowered his head and opened his bag. Delving down a secret compartment, he retrieved report papers and placed them on his table messily. Sitting down, he formed a paper wall, anxiously rehearsing through the text.

Mr. Chatot held up an attendance list. With one penetrating glance, he ticked off the boxes accurately. Flapping to front of the class with sharp grandeur in his eyes, he smacked the steel ruler against the palm of his left wing.

Mr. Chatot landed on the students' attention.

"Begin the presentation promptly! Reminder that this is ten percent of your grade. No make-ups are allowed, so don't make any blunders!"

"Class, affirmative?!" Escavalier shouted from the front row seat. Attached to his steel armor were badges of various prestigious positions, including class president.

"Yes!" The class responded in unison, except for Nosepass, who gave a meek reply.

"Positive. Teacher Chai, may I begin first to set an example?" Escavalier requested, full of confidence.

"Please do, Calian! You're the pride of our school." Chai's tone changed.

Nosepass lowered the wall and listened obsequiously. Point deductions would be given for disrespectful behavior. Admittedly, Nosepass struggled to understand Calian's complicated presentation about Lesteel's Power Hierarchy and Origin. Apparently, the top student even published scholarly articles and conducted interviews to supplement his presentation. Nosepass' shoulders sank, holding his head; scores were given on a comparative basis.

"…with one mighty swing of his tail, King Steelixyte destroyed twenty Crystalian ships!" Calian swung his needle.

Nosepass trembled.

"…through the tests I have mentioned, a monarch is selected to lead Lesteel by the people. Discriminatory practices don't exist in our country! There's no ceiling; the sky's no limit! Therefore, strive to be strong! Our country has no place for the weak. Anyone here can be a sovereign…as long as you possess all the necessary qualities. You, you and even you!" Calian pointed to Nosepass, making him nearly fell out of his seat. "Thank you for listening." He smirked.

"Give an exuberant round of applause for Calian!" Chai demanded and everyone obeyed. "Up next, any volunteers?"

The majority of students raised their limbs, aiming to impress. Chai locked his sights on the boy at the back.

"Paolo, please present your topic. I'm sure everyone's waiting to hear." Chai beckoned. Nosepass widened his eyes and gaped, pointing at himself.

"Now, now, don't procrastinate." Chai chided.

Paolo gulped as he walked shakily, skimming through his papers. When he was center-staged, he turned to Chai. "Start now?"

Chai responded with a glare. Paolo got the message and buried his nose on his script.

"Um, hello. My name is Paolo. I'm a Nosepass. N-nice to meet everyone. T-today, I will p-present about the natural d-disasters." His classmates gave him looks of disapproval, especially Calian.

"There are many types of natural d-disasters like er, like earthquakes, floods…" Paolo still stuttered even with a script.

After five minutes of regurgitating information from Pokepedia, Paolo lifted his face up. "T-thank you for l-listening." He bowed and returned to his seat, receiving boos from the entire class.

"How can you live with your life?!"

"What a disgrace!"

"Give him a zero, teacher!"

"No, no, negative score!"

"I'm ashamed to be sitting in the same class as a plagiarist."

"I know five years old children that would do a better job than him."

"Pitiful, Paolo."

"How could he-"

Paolo's ears slowly grew numb to the voices and soon he felt the sensation of relief. Relieved to not get hurt physically...for now.


"Argh!" Paolo was pinned against the wall by Calian. A Golem stood next to him with an emotional glare; his solid eyes melted into liquid.

"Do you realize the severity of your impudent action?" Calian pressed harder. "Have you now?!" Paolo nodded apprehensively.

"I doubt it. My friend has something to say." Calian removed his lance and Golem picked Paolo up instead.

"You heartless monster! My parents died because of an earthquake! Do you know what went through my mind listening to your garbage presentation? Do you?!" Golem shook Paolo ragingly. "Instead of trying to create something that could save people lives, you decided to be lazy. You're selfish and worthless to society!"

Paolo cast his eyes downward. "I'm sorry…"

"Sorry won't cut it!" Golem slammed Paolo against the wall, making him yelp. The coward shut his eyes tightly afterwards.

The bell rang. Paolo's heart jumped for joy.

"Hmph! You're lucky. Get your nose outta my sight." Golem's voice grew hoarse as he dropped Paolo. The emotional Pokemon wiped his tears before leaving.

Calian shriveled Nosepass with a glance. "Hurry to your next class."

Paolo hid his fists and clenched them.


During the last minute of his final morning class, Paolo fixed his eyes on the clock. He could feel his heart strumming to the beat of time.

Kliiiink! Klaaang! Klinklaang!" Paolo used to be scared of the bell and the clashing sound it made. However, if there's one fear he could say he proudly conquered for good, it would be this.

Lunchtime could be explained in three words for Paolo: lunch, restroom and homework.

Needless to say, he was never accepted in any cliques or clubs. Not like he wanted to join anyways. When he ate, he ate alone.

Queuing for some spaghetti and meatballs, Paolo watered his mouth until a towering Pokemon loomed over him. Apparently, Onix waited in line after him, stretching tall. Yet, the school's ceiling was beyond even the rock snake's reach.

Paolo trembled as the waiting game began.

A few seconds later, Paolo screamed inwardly and ran to queue for lasagna instead.

"Hmm… Lasagna sounds good." Onix looked tempted. "Nah, spaghetti's cheaper."

After Paolo got two of the three routine things done, he headed to the library. Before he entered, something caught his attention. The primary students' posters got stuck to the wall recently. One was about Lesteel's ranking among the Mainlands.

First in GDP per capita, highest literacy rate, the most advanced industrial sector, highest life expectancy...

While the poster was mostly about positive things, the creators posted their concern about Lesteel's disappointingly low happiness index ranking. They surveyed fellow students about the matter and the results seemed to contradict, raising questions about the validity of their methods versus professionals'.

Unfortunately, the negatives were at the very bottom in small text. Hence, Paolo didn't notice it until too late.

Before the boy knew it, he ripped the poster as a strong feeling coursed through him. Immediately after, he was made aware of the consequences by a female Accelgor in the same class.

"Paolo, your vandalism against school property is unacceptable. Come with me, I will report you to Teacher Chai." Accelgor demanded coldly.

"Acea, I didn't m-mean to-" Paolo defended himself desperately in horror.

"No excuses. I don't care about your reasoning. The crime should be judged and the criminal should be convicted, not the other way around. Come." Acea sounded impatient subtly.

Paolo followed her quietly, fear freezing his mind and heating his feet. No point in running away. She was another top student, rival of Calian to be precise. She even got the title 'Silent Ambusher' for beating him in certain areas.

The two eventually arrived in front of Chai's office. Next to his room was a board listing his qualifications and roles:

Mr. Chai Chana, Ph.D., University of Lesteel, Faculty of Music, 8152. Thesis: "Implementation of Vibration Control Technologies in Reducing Effects of Earthquakes."

Former Avian Disasters Remediation Team Member for Five Years

Homeroom Teacher of Class 11-2

Music Teacher for all High School Years

Volunteered Counselor for Students' Psychological Well-Being

"Wait." Acea ordered tersely as she entered the office with the ripped poster. Paolo scrambled mentally for any excuses to get himself out of hot water.

He didn't have much time, sadly.

"Go inside." Acea gestured. Paolo inhaled before he faced his inevitable demise. Bye, cruel world.

Chai slammed the poster down. "Explain this!"

"I'm, I am tired of this country! All this and that. It's just too much for me. Why can't we just simply forget pride and honor and just be happy?" Paolo questioned seriously.

"Ha. I see…" Chai rotated his eyes to the window. "Fine, I'll admit that we aren't the happiest bunch. However, we aren't sad either! I believe removal of sadness comes before pursuit of happiness. The index itself is quite biased. It measures happiness, but didn't take sadness into account."

"We aren't sad? I'm sad!" Paolo raised his voice, then suddenly lowered his head.

"That's because you refuse to grow. Instead of facing your own shortcomings, you blame Lesteel's education system. Trust me, Paolo. I've seen true sadness before. People died painfully because of the natural disasters. Compare to them, your pain is trivial and childish." Chai clasped his wings sternly. "Now, onto your punishment, you'll make a new poster for the hardworking students you have inconsiderately redirected your anger toward. I believe this is fair and just."

"Yes, Teacher." Paolo bowed without eye contact.

"You may be dismissed." Chai flicked his wing. Paolo left the room, frustrated.


Paolo walked down the suburban streets during sunset. He would soon reach his home. It was a wide one-floor house with many rooms and circular doors designed to increase Probopass' probability of passing through. Normally, he couldn't wait to return to his little alcove bed and opened the shelves underneath it for comic books and games.

Unlike any other day though, his parents waited inside, looking upset.

"Son, Mr. Chai phoned me and told everything you did today!" Mr. Probopass yelled.

"Paolo, why did you rip off Pokepedia and other students' work?" Mrs. Probopass glared.

"I-I… I just can't take school anymore, mom and dad. It's too much for me." Paolo seemed defeated.

"What kind of horrible excuse is this? Son, I'm extremely disappointed in you. Why can't you just try harder?!" Mr. Probopass' nostrils flared.

"But, I'm already trying hard!" Paolo argued, temper rising.

"Then, you aren't trying hard enough!" Mrs. Probopass equalized the loudness.

"How can I try harder when I'm constantly being bullied?!" Paolo adopted a new angle.

"Be more hard-nosed and stop getting bullied then!" Mr. Probopass insisted inflexibly.

"You two were like this all the time! Always telling me what I'm doing wrong but never try to help! I'm done!" Paolo snapped, running inside the restroom and locked the door.

"Son, open the door! I'm not done scolding you yet." Mr. Probopass knocked. "Son?" He pressed his ear against the door and heard sounds of crying, gazing at the ground in shame.

"Is he okay?" Mrs. Probopass asked with a similar expression.

"Give him some time. I think he needs it." Mr. Probopass sounded guilty.

Paolo refused to come out until he smelled spaghetti, stomach grumbling.

The mood on the dinner table that day was uncomfortably silent. No one uttered a word until the meal's finished.

"We're sorry, Paolo. We went through the same thing as you too. We never received any help either." Mrs. Probopass broke the ice.

"If that's the case, you both should understand me, so that's not the case." Paolo doubted. "Sorry won't cut it."

"Son, it's not that we don't understand you. The truth is…" Mr. Probopass sighed. "We can't do anything. In this country, age means very little. No one will listen to us, and we'll probably end up embarrassing ourselves."

Paolo wanted to laugh. Hypocrites…

"I'm sure things will get better. Maybe, we can send you abroad." Mrs. Probopass offered.

"Really?" Paolo lightened.

"Yeah. We both studied abroad as well. That's when life got easier for us." Mr. Probopass recalled, turning to Mrs. Probopass.

"Indeed. The teachers aren't as strict. The students are friendlier. The food still tastes good." Mrs. Probopass had a reassuring tone.

A smile appeared on Paolo' face and lasted until he realized he had one year and one month more of Lesteel's education.

The night ended after Paolo covered his face with a blanket; the nightmare started as the lights left.


The following weekend, Paolo followed his dad to do some grocery shopping. Suddenly, Mr. Probopass halted at the sight of construction in progress.

"Dad?" Paolo nudged.

"Son, look at those construction workers." Mr. Probopass pointed with pity. "Their lives are much worse than ours. They get paid minimum wage and poor working conditions. Society has no place for them. Be grateful."

Paolo saw him quivered and brooded for the rest of the way.


Monday Morning soon arrived. Dragging his feet to the bus stop, Paolo trembled as he spun his backpack to the front. Checking the poster replacement one last time, nervousness and dissatisfaction settled in.

The information was replicated decently enough. However, it lacked the happiness survey. Nosepass couldn't find enough non-scary students to conduct it. The primary kids did a better job than him, unarguably.

Hearing a faint sound in the distance, Paolo put it away and secured his backpack on his shoulders. Unlike most would assume, the bus' slithering sounded slippery smooth. Fortune favored Paolo in transportation. Living in Lesteel had its perks.

Once Paolo arrived in class, he was genuinely surprised to see a new face. Tynamo's eyes darted from person to place, place to person. Seeing a group of socializing students, he floated over and blended in conspicuously. Their inquisitive sights swiftly struck him.

"Uh, just want to say hi. That's all." Tynamo retreated, only to approach awkwardly again. "Um, anything I should know?"

"Please be specific."

"It's probably better to ask the teacher."

"I thought you clearly said 'That's all'."

"Know your schedule and deadline."

"Our school website has everything you need. Prepare better next time."

"Er, thanks." Tynamo looked uncomfortable.

Paolo both sympathized and empathized with the new guy. He could recall a similar experience in the past.

Tynamo exited the room and later, re-entered again with Teacher Chai.

"Students, this is a new exchange student from Boundless Waters. Please help him adapt to his new surroundings. Anyways, introduce yourself." Chai gave the stage to him.

"H-hi, my name is…" He opened the marker and wrote Eiolonse on the board. "It's pronounced Eel-lonse. Haha, hope that's not too difficult to remember. I like cool things and my hobbies are um, water hobbies. Back where I live, there's not much. Hopefully, there's a lot of great things to do a-and…" Eiolonse felt unnerved by the exacting eyes. "…study. That's all."

A few students clapped encouragingly. Eiolonse bowed and chose the back seat, next to Paolo.

"Don't worry. You did better than me when I joined this school." Paolo consoled.

"Really? Assuring to know." Eiolonse smiled.

In the first class, Paolo actually enjoyed working with Eiolonse. The foreigner wasn't scary one bit. During the break, he even showed him around the school to the point he forgot to hand in the poster. Not a big deal though as he could do that during lunch instead.

For the longest time ever, Paolo had someone to sit with in the cafeteria.

"What's your favorite food? I love me lotsa spaghetti, meatball, pasta, pizza and lasagna." Paolo licked his lips. Eiolonse was currently looking behind him.

"Eiolonse?" Paolo called for his attention.

"Oh, sorry. Um, what did you say again?" Eiolonse cocked his head.

"What's your favorite food?" Paolo repeated, slightly annoyed.

"Errr, seaweed." Eiolonse floated up to look over Paolo's head.

"What are you looking at?" Paolo turned his head.

"Oh, nothing. Just trying to remember other faces." Eiolonse had a slight pause in-between.

"Seriously? I don't want to remember their scary faces." Paolo shook.

"I see…" Eiolonse focused on eating now.

The conversation didn't go much further than that. The two finished their food and separated.


Paolo took deep breaths and paced back and forth until his fear had fallen to fatigue. Then, he knocked the door once.

"Come in!"

After one final breath, Paolo mustered his strength and entered.

"Here's the-" Paolo was about to hand in the poster.

Chai shook his wing. "No longer needed. The leader of those hardworking students already submitted a replacement."

Paolo crumpled the edges of the poster. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"To teach you a lesson. How do you feel when your work isn't recognized?" Chai asked rhetorically. Paolo looked down.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in! Speaking of the leader, she's here." Chai smirked. Horror crept up Paolo' face.

A small Sandshrew carried a book titled 'Mind, Control and Discipline' inside. Its size was roughly the same as her body.

"Senior, aren't grown-ups supposed to provide a good example for the next generation? I think you have anger issues, so you might need this." Sandshrew handed the book leisurely.

"Sorry and er, thanks?" Paolo took the book off her hands and nearly toppled.

"Such admirable display of forgiveness and forbearance. Not only you took responsibility for the trouble he caused, you're also trying to prevent it from ever happening again. I think you deserve extra credit." Chai praised wing-high.

"Unnecessary, Mr. Chai. I've met my target recently. Just trying to uproot the cause of problem." Sandshrew rejected politely. Paolo took offense.

"How humble." Chai flipped his tone. "Paolo, you have much to learn from her. Apologize again."

"I'm very sorry." Paolo made it passable.

"Good." Sandshrew turned to Chai. "If there's nothing else, Mr. Chai, I'll excuse myself as there's much more work to be done."

"Do what you must and have a great day." Chai exchanged a wave. Once she left, he glared at the disappointment. "You're dismissed."

Paolo heaved the book out with difficulty and vexation.


Thump! Clink, clink.

The book and other stationary fell out on his way home once again. Paolo groaned as he tried to stuff it inside. Unfortunately, the book was adamant on protruding its head out to discover the world.

"Gah! Stupid book." Paolo grumbled, sighing in exasperation. Holding the straps tightly, he continued walking.

It didn't take long for Unlucky Nose to trip and fell. Even worse, the book hit his head.

"I had enough!" Paolo grabbed the book and dropped it down the closest bin, dusting his hands afterwards. Retrieving his stuff, he was about to abandon it until the price tag crossed his right eye.

"3000 P?!" Paolo lifted it up from the tiny bin. Groaning, he carried it home regretfully.

Dropping down on his bed in exhaustion alongside the book, Paolo took a moment to rest before checking it out. He immediately palmed his forehead after the code for electronic copy was written on the first page.

"Can't believe my own stupidity." Paolo shook his head slightly. Turning to the next page, he quickly flipped to another and another with a sullen look on his face. He held his aching head and opened his laptop, visiting an e-commerce website.

Featured on the front page were some cosmetics. The unfashionable boy would often ignore them. Something caught his attention this time though. The seller of one of them was apparently Acea. With a look of shock, he checked her account.

Paolo didn't expect the Silent Ambusher to sell beauty products and dresses. After a moment, he shrugged and moved on.

Paolo's cursor hovered above the Sell button, hand covering mouth. His eyes vacillated between the book and the screen. The book was of no use to him. However, for some strange reason, he couldn't find the courage to sell it.

Closing the website and his laptop, Paolo forced the book inside the drawer underneath his alcove bed.


The very next day, Paolo and Eiolonse surveyed through the hallway together. The foreigner asked Paolo for his opinion on the other students.

"Scary, scary, scary, super scary." Paolo finished with Calian.

"Hmm? Super scary?" Eiolonse had a look of interest.

"Yeah, he pinned me against the wall not long ago. It hurts." Paolo winced, thinking about it.

"So, you don't trust him?" Eiolonse raised his eye.

"Not one bit." Paolo shook his head.

"I see…" Eiolonse nodded to himself.

"Anyways, who else do you want to know?" Paolo asked impatiently. "Let's get it done and over with."

"Well, there's one more. Her." Eiolonse motioned toward Acea. "I remember fondly that she clapped for me."

"Huh? Acea? Well, I guess she's better than some of the students. She seems to sell stuff online too. I'm quite envious of her honestly. She is already making money." Paolo admitted.

"Thanks for telling." Eiolonse smiled. "Let's meet again later, okay?"

"No problem." Paolo returned the smile. His heart felt…warm.


At lunchtime, Paolo sauntered to the queue, sniffing the smell of appetizing food through his big nose. The day was great so far. This was a rarity and Paolo would enjoy every second of it.

Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for Eiolonse as he watched students ate with envy and gloom.

Paolo approached him with concern. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"I don't have money today." Eiolonse explained.

"You forgot?" Paolo opened his bag. "I can lend you some if you like."

"Y-yeah. Thanks. Just 60 P is enough." Eiolonse looked hesitant as 100 P was handed over. "Um, are you sure this is okay?"

"Of course, I'm just lending. Remember to give it back." Paolo headed back to the queue.

"Thanks. You're a nice friend." Eiolonse looked grateful.

"I would have charged interest." A nearby student commented.


A new morning rose and the remnant of the midnight rain remained only as small raindrops that dripped down sluggishly from roofs.

Paolo got inside the bus and sat next to Eiolonse, giving him periodic eye contacts. His patience waned, but he didn't have the courage to be a debt collector. Eventually, the thought tripped his morality and he decided to put some faith in his friend.

When Eiolonse floated over to him during lunch, Paolo unzipped his bag, ready to reclaim what's his. His proactive action wasn't for nothing.

"Um, can I borrow money again?" Eiolonse sounded embarrassed.

"What?! What happen to your money?" Paolo questioned.

Eiolonse had a moment of silence before he spoke. "It's okay. I don't need to eat." He turned to leave.

"W-wait. I'll give it to you again. Just return it soon. Okay?" Paolo frowned.

"T-thanks. I don't know what to say." Eiolonse accepted gratefully.

At home, Paolo theorized about possible reasons. Perhaps, Eiolonse fell into big debt or maybe he was saving to buy a surprise gift for him. The more he thought about it, the more he was tired.

Eerily, the darkness of sleep enveloped Paolo, transporting him to the land of dreams. It was a wild one. Eiolonse received two mysterious tickets to a strange place. He gave one to Paolo and for whatever reason they decided to check it out together. Found out, it was a trapped set up by a debt collector. The ending roused him awake and he shook for a while before falling sleep again.


"Another 100 P please." Eiolonse begged.

"Eiolonse, I'm your friend. Tell me what has happened. You can trust me. I won't tell anyone." Paolo nodded and shook his head.

"I-I…" Eiolonse looked touched. "You're an amazing friend. H-here's the thing, Calian forced me to sign a debt contract. I didn't tell you because I don't want you to get involved."

"That jerk!" Paolo clenched his fist. "How much do you owe him?"

"Not much. Just 800 P now." Eiolonse stared at Paolo's bag. "Can you help out a friend?"

"Of course. We need to stick together. Other than you, I've nobody else." Paolo handed without a second thought.

"Thank you very much. See you later and try to avoid Calian if you can." Eiolonse left eagerly with a fiendish smile. The warm feeling inside Paolo heated up.


"There's expected to be heavy rain today. Have you heard the news forecast this morning?"

"The new exchange student is acting weird lately."

"I don't see Acea after school for a while now."

"Do you think Calian's cute?"

Paolo ignored the gossip of other students. They were rarely relevant to him. He fixed his eyes at the door, waiting for Eiolonse. To his surprise, both Eiolonse and Acea were absent today.

He found it hard to focus in class. Many worries whirled in his mind and hearing Calian answering questions bugged him.

The sky slowly darkened each passing class. Black clouds finally grouped together after school's over.

Paolo packed his things and left his final class. On his way out, he heard Chai conducting a musical performance. It was loud, grand and solemn at the same time. He had no choice but to cover his ears.

"This music isn't to your preference?" Calian passed by. Paolo seethed, avoiding him.

"I can sense your animosity. Do you have a problem with me?" Calian tapped his shoulder.

Paolo pushed his needle off. "Of course, you jerk! You forced Eiolonse to sign a debt contract!"

"Hahahahohohohahahoho!" Calian threw his needles up.

"What's so funny about forcing someone into debt?" Paolo scowled.

"You have misunderstood. I was laughing at how gullible you were. I do not commit such heinous acts."

"I don't trust you!" Paolo shut his ears.

"Believe what you will. I must beg my leave as I cannot afford to keep my club members waiting." Calian floated away, laughing again.

"Jerk." Paolo muttered before exiting school. Hurriedly, Paolo entered the bus, riding it until he reached the usual stop.

Using his backpack to block the drizzle, Paolo ran as fast as he could. Soon, he would reach his home safe and sound.

Lightning struck and thunder roared.

"Ahhhhhh!" Paolo screamed, shivering.

"Look at the coward." A familiar voice stabbed from behind. Paolo turned around, gaping at the shocking sight.

Eiolonse had evolved into an Eelektrik, styling a sports visor and shoulder bag. His tail held a violet umbrella for Acea. The Accelgor wore jade earrings and got make-up done on her face.

"Eiolonse, y-you have changed." Paolo stepped back slowly.

"What do you mean? I'm always like this. Oh, anyways, take this." Eiolonse threw a 1000 P coin down the storm drain. "Oops, bad throw."

Paolo glared at them as he placed his bag down before peering through the drain.

He was shocked upon the realization that it was made out of chocolate, melting away like mud underneath the golden cover.

"Hahaha…" Eiolonse mocked. "You're so pathetic. Are you seriously that desperate?"

"Eiolonse! You tricked me all along!" Paolo burst in anger.

"Obviously. Took so long to figure it out. Do you think anyone can simply become an exchange student in the country known for utmost exceptional education? Use some common sense. I got everything, manipulation skills, the smarts, the strength. It's just that no one will take me seriously as a Tynamo, so I waited until I evolved before I show you my true colors." Eiolonse eyed Acea lovingly. "Sweetie, tell him the rest."

"I've known Eiolonse for years. He was a patron for my products and we shared many similar views whether it be love, politics or society." Acea paused to arrange her words. "Paolo, you see… Society is just a broad term that means little more than a place where similar people gather to become stronger. Anomaly such as yourself has no place in it. I learned that the hard way."

"Indeed, personality, skills, looks, they all matter. You befriended me because you perceived that I am not scary and also weak. Isn't that true?" Eiolonse reverted to his Tynamo voice for the second sentence.

"I don't get it at all. What do you two jerks want? My money?!" Paolo cocked his head furiously. The two chortled.

"We don't need your scraps of cash, Paolo. There're more productive things that we can do for that." Acea had a condescending tone.

"You're just an idiot. Plain stupid. Let see if pain can wake you up! Sweetie, if you please." Eiolonse cooed.

"Bleed." Acea aimed Water Shuriken at Paolo's nose. The Nosepass cried in agony as he fell. High pressured water forced the warmth in his body out of his nose.

The world around him slowly became blurry and soon faded to black.


"Son, you've woken up! Thank God! If anything happens to you, I don't know what to…" Mr. Probopass sniffed.

"Poor Paolo, what happened?!" Ms. Probopass looked distressed.

The young boy held his light head, taking some time to process the events. The stinging sensation could still be felt at the tip of his nose even with the bandage.

"Mom, dad… My only friend, h-he b-betrayed me." Paolo rained his cheeks.

The passive parents glanced at each other before staring at him sympathetically. They phoned Mr. Chai, telling him their son was unwell and pleaded for a day off.

Paolo wondered why he was alive that day.


From that day onward, Paolo got bullied by Acea and Eiolonse everyday. Whether it be getting his money stolen, receiving a nasty Headbutt to the forehead or strings of insults.

"Eeeek!" Paolo slapped the Joltik plush off his face. A spectating Mawile snickered, sending a flush of humility down the Nosepass' face.

"You seriously fall for that? How dim-witted can you be?" Eiolonse stared him down.

"Screw you!" Paolo pushed him away. His face quickly turned pale as Eiolonse gritted his teeth and lunged at him.

Paolo yelled in pain as he got pinned down.

"Why can't you just stop bullying me? Just get out of my life!" Paolo boiled.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm also a victim. But unlike you, I don't cry and whine all the time." Eiolonse belittled, pushing down his nose. "We will continue to haunt you forever, forever, ever and ever. Enjoy temporary peace, coward." He whisked his tail and left.

Paolo wept, refusing to get off the ground in defeat. Calian passed by, shaking his head disapprovingly.


Paolo exited the exam room, turning left and right. He knew his torture was far from over. However, it would still bring him great joy to slip out of their clutches momentarily. Speeding past the first corridor, Paolo felt adrenaline rushing through his body. He might have a chance.

As he reached the stairs, an alternative path lay ahead of him. He could take the parking tunnel route. Longer, scarier, maybe safer?

Weighing his options, Paolo scurried down the stairs in the end. He halted at the result, feet sinking abstractly.

Calian blocked the way, setting his weighty eyes on Paolo.

"Follow me." Calian demanded, sounding serious. Seeing no way out, the coward obeyed.

In a nearby dark room, Eiolonse and Acea could be seen fainted on the ground.


Paolo shrank in front of a building with traditional roof and golden lamps that illuminated weird symbols. The entire premise was surrounded by a national park. Pokemon usually went there to watch beautiful ponds and relax after hard work.

Calian had brought him to Ministry of Defense.

Like the other students, Paolo knew Calian Congjien was the son of the defense minister—the revered Lady Congjien. Confusingly, Paolo wondered why here? Did he commit a great crime for the state to punish him? The thought terrified him.

Dressed officially, a Claydol came out with a baton and Paolo panicked immediately. "Eeaah! Please don't hurt me!" He shielded his face.

Claydol scratched his head, facing Calian. "Young Master, what's the deal with this kid?"

"Ignore him." Calian sent a sharp look toward Paolo's direction, shutting him up. "I plan on showing this boy particular paragons. Rest assured, I will curb any commotion he may cause."

"Suit yourself, Young Master." Claydol left without further questioning.

"So you're not going to…kill me?" Paolo seemed paranoid.

"Of course not. Be mindful around here or there shall be consequences. Understood?" Calian made it absolute. Paolo nodded submissively.

Calian brought Paolo directly to their destination, disallowing interruptions or sidetracking into other rooms.

The room appeared little more than a trophy storage at first. Shelves and glass containers displayed medals and awards gloriously. Upon closer inspection though, it protected extraneous objects like board games and scarves.

In the top corner was a table surrounded by luxurious stools and one regal chair. Paper and stationary were provided alongside a strange seal. Calian inserted his lance through the handle hole and presented it to Paolo. "This is a royal seal replica. My parents gave it to me as a birthday present. I give you permission to hold it."

"Er, okay." Paolo reluctantly accepted. Despite its size, he found it quite heavy.

"Stamp it." Calian patted the paper on table.

Paolo narrowed his suspecting eyes. "Are you trying to make me stamp a slave contract?"

Calian laughed ambitiously, throwing his needles up. "Preposterous. First off, you're not using your prints. Second, the paper is blank. Even if I apply invisible ink, the contract would be invalid by law. Third, you're under legal age to sign a debt contract."

"Wait, Eiolonse is at the same age as me. So, that means…" Paolo widened his eyes.

"Affirmative. Eiolonse was a bad liar. Yet, you failed to see through it." Calian noticed Paolo's weakening grip and confiscated the seal. "You seem to perceive society lowly. Partly due to your uneducated opinion." Paolo seemed offended.

"Lesteel has laws and regulations to protect its people, including you. However, if you don't take initiatives to enforce them, you will be deemed undeserving." Calian's eyes followed the seal as he placed it down. "Whether that's the right system or not, is debatable. Regardless, most Lesteelytes don't complain."

"That kind of system is so unfair for weak Pokemon like me. It must've been easy being you." Paolo spoke with bitter envy.

Calian chuckled before floating to a display case for rare gemstones. "In this world, finding pure mineral naturally is extremely difficult. Normally, you'll find them as ores and they will need to go through extraction processes first before gaining added value. My question to you then is: How do we add value to the pure minerals?"

"What do you mean? They're already perfect. They don't need any added value." Paolo looked puzzled. Calian chuckled again.

Abruptly, an Escavalier with green mohawk hair entered and closed the soundproof door. "Hey Bro, is that kid one of your Youth Discipline Club members?" On the contrary to Calian's prestigious tone, the taller Pokemon got a goofy voice.

"Nope, Bro. I'm just showing him around the place." Calian lessened formality. "What's with the crazy hairstyle anyways? Seems silly."

"I just got a date, Bro. Go easy on me." Escavalier retrieved a blue scarf then eyed Paolo. "Oh yeah, the name's Congliang Congjien. What's yours?"

"P-Paolo." Paolo answered awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable around Congliang.

"Rad-" Congliang suddenly got his hair messed up by Calian. "Hey! What's your beef with me, Bro?" He tried to re-style his hair.

"Don't make that face. You should be thanking me. With that hairstyle, girls won't like you." Calian folded his needles smugly.

"Haha, funny coming from the guy girls line up for. Always the one sending them back, never has to queue once." Congliang sounded envious. "Ever think about compromising for someone?"

"Never. I only want the best." Calian shook his head, spreading his lances out.

"Boohoo! Even though I'm a goddess, Calian still rejected me." Congliang mimicked a girl's voice and they both exploded in laughter.

Even though Paolo found the conversation weird and awkward, it had awoken a foreign, incomprehensible desire inside him.

Congliang finally found the strength to resist laughing. "Paolo, don't mind Calian. He might seems harsh, but he treats everyone the same. Kids as adults and adults as super adults. Oh, speaking of you, Bro. Just finished finals huh? Got a little gift, for ya!"

Congliang brought out two tickets from his armor.

"Hmm? A ticket for a musical performance?" Calian inspected.

"Not just any musical performance, a great musical performance." Congliang placed his needle over Calian's shoulders. "How does that sound, Bro? You and me, jammin' to muuuuusiiiic."

"It costs 10,000 P?" Calian squinted.

"The things I do for you. Better appreciate your Bro more. It's not easy making money as a freelancer." Congliang complained.

"Freelancer?" Paolo sounded surprised.

"Yeah, I'm way too old to use Mother's money now. Gotta find a job. As a freelancer, I sell a lot of stuff, meet a lot of people, mostly just doing whatever I want. Lots of freedom, little cash. Still, I enjoy it. My motto is even if I'm a freelancer, I don't give away free lances! Yahohohoo!" Congliang was quite expressive.

"I don't think the motto fits your message, Bro." Calian shook his head disapprovingly.

"Yeah, but I think the tone delivered just it, you know? What do you think, Paolo? Like my pun?" Congliang sounded eager to hear.

"Um, y-yeah." Paolo went with it.

"Knew it!" Congliang clapped once. "Anyways, can't afford to be late. See you two later." He got a rhythm to his words.

"Later, Bro." Calian gave a short wave after Congliang did so amiably; Paolo wasn't so enthusiastic about it though.

"He might not seem like it. But, once, he was just like me." Calian addressed Paolo. His eyes penetrated through the wall. "He changed when Hakaon athletes beat him, for good."

Paolo didn't know what to make of it.

Calian shook his head. "No time to reminisce. We shall depart to the final location." He returned to his dignified demeanor.

Honestly, Paolo wanted to go home. Going on this weird tour was like attending an after-school class he didn't like. Actually, he didn't like any of them. Immediately after Calian told him to wait outside, Paolo seized the opportunity. He sprinted as fast as he could.

As expected, it didn't take more than five seconds for Calian to catch up.

"Why can't you just let me go?" Paolo panted.

Calian said nothing, only drawing thin lines on the air, lightly resembling music conducting. Paolo cocked his head.

Afterwards, Calian guided Paolo to a Rapidash carriage. Struggling to climb up, he fell on his nose again and again. Calian watched as the boy took his twentieth attempt.

One hand on the rope, another on the armrest, one leg- "Whoa! Ow."

"Can I, go home, now?" Paolo short-breathed after failing miserably.

"Permission not granted." Calian and the equines started to find it a form of amusement.

Through trial, error and dinner, Paolo finally got up successfully. He was infuriated throughout the process. Even when he succeeded, neither was there joy nor celebration.

The boy suppressed his resentment toward Calian and the giggling Rapidash. They must have found it so funny he failed again and again, watching nonchalantly.

"Scrutinize these two maps carefully. You spot the difference?" Calian handed them over to Paolo, who accepted unwillingly. They were Mainland maps.

Crystalia was at the core center, the biggest by far. Down south at the pitiful bottom was Artern. East countries were Hakao and Axon. The latter edged closer to the northern region, neighboring Piripilon. Evoncel settled in the West.

Lesteel was trapped in Northwest. The slightly crumpled map showed a little dot in the top left corner while the neatly folded one presented it as bigger.

"Lesteel is bigger in this one." Paolo pointed. "Did we threaten the map maker to enlarge our country or something?"

Calian chuckled. "It seems you look down on the institutions. No, any respectable organization will uphold a no-nonsense attitude in a professional environment. Rather, it was because our country constructed artificial land to accommodate a higher population. Even then, currently eighty percent of Lesteelytes migrated to other countries." He drew a line from Lesteel to Crystalia.

Paolo didn't make a comment.

"Lesteel has the smallest population of only one hundred thousand internally and externally. Compare this to ten million in Crystalia. If there's a war, what will be your course of action?" Calian questioned semi-calmly.

"Running away, duh! I'm too scared to- Argh!" Before Paolo could finish, Calian knocked him away into a nearby tall grass field.

"If deserting the country isn't possible because two hundred thousand Crystalian soldiers have surrounded our land, what then?!" Calian floated down with deadly eyes.

"W-well, what do you want me to do? I can't do anything!" Paolo recovered his footing.

"Only one option remains…" Calian's face darkened. "Engage the enemy!" He fired off Energy Ball.

It was no ordinary Energy Ball. Upon impact, it divided into green cluster bombs.

"Ahhhhh! What the hell is this?!" Paolo screamed as one fell to his left, another to his right. No matter where he ran, cluster Energy Balls' blast radius freaked him out. At the very least, he didn't get hit directly yet.

"Our techniques were refined throughout generations. The Congjien Family had and has always been the driver of progress and substance!" Calian continued bombarding Paolo.

"Why are you bullying me?!" Paolo whined.

"This isn't bullying, this is disciplining!" Calian corrected.

"I just want to go home! Waahh!" Paolo cried, ducking.

"There's no home for you to return to! It has already been destroyed!" Calian stopped shooting and pulled his right lance back before speeding through the tall grass, cutting the tips of them impressively. Paolo shut his eyes tightly in the confrontation against Smart Strike. In a flash, Calian appeared behind Paolo with his lance extended out fully.

Paolo fell and fainted. Seemingly, it looked like Calian pierced through him.

Calian turned back, surprised.

In actuality, the boy fainted out of fear.


"Thank God again that you've woken up, son! How're you feeling?" Mr. Probopass asked with concern.

"Wait…" Paolo checked his surroundings. "I am, back home?"

"Yes. Paolo, you better thank Calian! He carried you back home." Ms. Probopass told.

"W-what?! Calian carried me back home? B-but, he hurt me!" Paolo expressed disbelief.

"Ridiculous, son! He even left 5,000 P for you in case you need medical treatment! Look at you, barely getting a scratch." Mr. Probopass pointed out. "Did you trip and fell or something?"

"Did he really do all that?" Paolo found it hard to digest.

"Definitely! I think Calian cares about you. Keep friends like him close." Ms. Probopass encouraged to Paolo's dismay.

"Yeah! How about you join his Youth Discipline Club, son? He'll make a new man out of you." Mr. Probopass raised his mini-nose like a fist.

"No and no! He isn't my friend and I don't want to join his cruel club!" Paolo snapped.

"How rude, son! Fine, if you don't want to move up the world, don't listen to us. At least find something productive to do during your break." Mr. Probopass sounded frustrated. Ms. Probopass had a sour expression on her face. Once they left, Paolo decided to cool down by watching the television.

"The weather is expected to be-"

"Goal! They did it-"

"Our cleaning supplies can be used by-"

"Macho Grubba, we'll beat you with the power of-"

"Tune in for another episode of Mr. Frosty Adven-"

"It's *beep* raw-"

"Wanna get rich-" Paolo turned back to the previous channel fast. "Then invest in stocks, you lazy bum!" He looked annoyed.

"One contestant will win 1,000,000 P and who knows? Maybe that contestant will be you! Send your audition tape to the following address. Now!" Paolo looked interested.

For the rest of the day, Paolo took his sweet time putting his audition together. Setting up the camera timer, he sat on his bed and inhaled deeply. After the signal flashed, he flinched a little before beginning.

"Oh, hello. Um, my name is Paolo and I just want to thank you for not closing this yet." Paolo smiled gratefully and politely.

"I want to join the show because of the money. What else can I get? Never good at making friends and never will be." Paolo pressed his hands down the bed and lifted his head up the ceiling.

"If I win the money, I'll probably use it to hire bodyguards so that I won't get bullied anymore. Yeah, I also want to be in the show because I hate living here." Paolo hid rage.

"I don't have any skills and will probably lose all the challenges. My team will probably hate me and I'll just get voted out early. I'm a big coward, scared of everything." Paolo kept bashing himself until he saw the lens' reflection.

"That's just who I am. I want to know if there's a place in this world that I belong. Even if that's just a dream, I'll take it over any nightmare any day! Gah!" Paolo exploded suddenly, throwing his pillow down and covering his face.

He cried for one full minute. Done wiping his tears, he seemed surprised to see the camera still recording. He must have set the time wrong.

"Sorry for wasting your time." Paolo sniffled before going to turn it off manually.


"I approve of your decision, Paolo. However, it may be in both the school's interest and yours to refrain from mentioning your nationality." Chai advised.

"Okay." Paolo took the letter and left.

The door closed and Chai sighed. "Good luck, troublemaker." He talked under his breath.

On his way out, Paolo crossed paths with Calian. Focusing his eyes on the ground, he passed him coldly. Calian frowned a little, remaining silent.

After mailing the audition tape and other necessary papers, Paolo returned home with pessimism about his odds.


"What?! I seriously got accepted?" Paolo gawked then rubbed his eyes.

"Congratulations, son. Good luck and have fun." Mr. Probopass smiled.

"I still think the Youth Discipline Club is a better choice, but… Just stay safe, alright?" Ms. Probopass looked worried.

"Hopefully." Paolo pondered about his decision to join the show in hindsight.

"You've got a few days left. Let's enjoy our time together, son. How about we go watch a movie?" Mr. Probopass suggested and Paolo beamed instantly. Only if his parents treated him like this every day…


The monumental day soon arrived.

"Take care!" Ms. Probopass waved.

"It's okay if you don't win!" Mr. Probopass cheered with tamed expectations.

"Bye!" Paolo returned the gesture with a bittersweet smile. He would miss home. Each step he took further from them had imperceptible incremental effects to his growth. His sense of fear also heightened gradually.

For a split second, he could have sworn that he was being followed. Hurriedly, he called a Porygon Taxi. The soft cushions assured him and he could relax for now.

Paolo's pregame tribulation wasn't over. By looking at the wing mirror, Paolo saw another Porygon Taxi chasing after him.

"Please go faster!" Paolo told the driver and he nodded.

The chase wasn't bound by traffic, but gas. The beach was far away, resulting in both taxis having to refuel in a secluded gas station. That was the golden opportunity for Acea and Eiolonse to jump out.

Paolo paid the driver early and exited, running for his life. "What do you jerks want with me? Just go away!"

"Simple. Knock you out so that I can take your place in Total Skarmory Island. I'll win the money for Sweetie over here." Eiolonse smooched her cheek. "Unlike you, I can manipulate thirty one losers just fine." (Lucario, get him!)

"Exactly. Why bother competing when chances are you will be eliminated first? Forfeit and give the spot to someone more deserving." Acea dispirited idly. The two still didn't move.

Paolo felt his barely existent confidence wavered. Was he deluding himself that he had a chance all this time?

All of a sudden, Acea and Eiolonse appeared in front of him. Were they that fast or was he that slow?

"So long, Ugly Nose!" Eiolonse prepared a Crunch. Paolo braced for pain, shielding his nose and eyes.

"Urgh!'

Paolo opened his eyes, astounded to be unharmed. In contrast, Eiolonse suffered from Smart Strike.

"Calian, how dare you interfere! Since when did you care for the weak?" Acea's eyes were filled with loathe.

"I treat everyone equally. I've already disciplined Paolo. Now, it's you two's turn." Calian declared. Paolo couldn't care less to watch or listen, running as far away as possible.

"Perfect. Just about time—time for me to get my revenge!" Acea aimed Quick Attack at Calian's face.

Calian nullified the attack with a thin red barrier called Quick Guard. "Justification?" He then blasted the recently recovered Eiolonse away with Energy Ball.

"You knew the answer, Calian! You ruined my life after that evolution trade. Because of you, I turned ugly and my old boyfriend broke up with me!" Acea threw Water Shuriken rapidly from multiple directions. Calian positioned Quick Guard to block all attacks successfully.

"You proposed the idea to me. Your boyfriend is to blame." Calian rammed into Acea and sent her flying into Eiolonse with Smart Strike. The latter managed to catch her with his tail.

"That is precisely why I despise you! The Congjiens are all the same. Perfectionists that can never make mistakes." Acea jumped from place to place, trying to disorient Calian.

"Subjective perfection is imperfection. The existence of objective perfection is but a fallacy." Calian lectured as his eyes followed both opponents closely.

Eiolonse was apparently storing electricity as Acea utilized U-Turn against a tree to temporarily retreat to the gas station. Once Calian looked at her direction, the eel fired electricity using Charge Beam.

Disappointed to boredom, Calian formed Energy Ball at the tip of his left lance and positioned it to block the beam. Witnessing such display of power, Eiolonse converted the leftover charge to boost his Sp. Attack.

Calian began an unorthodox combo, he rushed forward to Eiolonse and slashed upward with Energy Ball. The eel took massive explosion damage before getting blasted around aerially by cluster bombs. Calculating where he would land, Calian drew an X mark there with X-Scissor. Putting on the final touch, Calian stabbed the intersection point and channeled extra bug energy into the ground.

Eiolonse had a look of terror on his face as X-shaped pillar of bug energy erupted from the ground.

"It stings! Ahhrrggh! Euarghh!" Eiolonse's egregious torture lasted short, but excruciatingly painful. Spared with the last sliver of health, Calian placed his needle on his neck.

"Time for interrogation. Why did you collude with her? I would have assumed that you consider the break-up as a blessing in disguise." Calian's orange eyes emitted authority.

"F-f you, ugh." Eiolonse took a light stab and fainted.

Calian instinctively tilted his head, dodging the flaming knife. Acea clicked her tongue in frustration. She had retrieved a red fiery dress with dozens of flaming knives attached to the hem.

"You've missed because your emotions messed with your sharp mind, and consequently, control of the knife." Calian assessed in a matter of fact tone.

"Shut up, I don't want to hear another word from you!" Acea dealt a flurry of attacks, striking vertically, horizontally, diagonally. Regardless, Calian swerved around all attacks.

"There are things you're better than me like art. Acea, true strength is relative. Comparative strength is only meant to foster competition." Calian thrust with Smart Strike, making Acea slid backward from the force.

"Even with resistance, how could he…" Acea mumbled, eyes shaking. Gritting, she made hysterical sounds as she threw flaming knives consecutively.

"Observe the power of true discipline!" Calian deflected all the knives successfully due to focus, great timing and admirable effort.

"Screw you and your discipline! You're just like them!" Acea reached for another knife only to grab thin air. She then completely lost it, tousling her head. "Hwahahahaha, do you think this is over? Do you think this is seriously over?! By now, Paolo is likely captured and locked in some scary place by another accomplice of mine."

Calian widened his eyes. He didn't expect them to have another accomplice. Could it possibly be the…

The Porygon Taxi headed toward them. Calian raised his guard.

Porygon opened the door and yanked the fearful Nosepass out.

Unexpectedly, the driver bowed in front of Calian and freed Paolo. "Please forgive me, great son of defense minister. I have realized the error of my ways. Those two bribed me to assist in their dastardly scheme. Punish me as you see fit."

"Since you've redeemed yourself in my eyes, I shall absolve you from your guilt." Calian pardoned.

"Endless gratitude." Porygon stored the moment inside his memory chip.

"Hrgh! How dare you betray me? You worthless machineeeee!" Acea charged toward Porygon, screeching. The robot felt his circuits heating up.

"Face your punishment!" Calian created a cross mark mid-air with X-Scissor. Charging Energy Ball at his tip, he struck the intersection point with Smart Strike. "Secret Congjien Family Technique: Excalibur!" The ultimate combination move released a gigantic X-Beam of destruction.

"N-no. This attack, pierces through resistance! Ahhhh!" Acea's quivering black pupils were penetrated by gray and green lights. The flames of her dress got extinguished and burned away slowly as the world around her faded to white.

Floating to her fainted body with sympathy, Calian shook his head slowly as he spoke. "You went too far, you fool."

"I never knew she has this extremely scary side." Paolo walked to his side, shaking.

"She's usually the rational type on the outside. What's on the inside, I can't comprehend." Calian couldn't see through her face even when the make-up was ruined.

"Gentlemen, as compensation, I will drive you both to your destinations, free of charge." Porygon intruded when he felt it wouldn't be impolite.


Like he promised, Porygon transported Paolo to the beach. Afterwards, he would drive to Ministry of Defense.

Paolo and Calian sat on opposites sides at the back. They each looked out their respective window. The two didn't interact again after their mutual perplexity over Acea and Eiolonse.

Paolo couldn't forgive Calian, not after what he did. He didn't come here to save him anyways.

Tired of the view, Paolo faced the driver seat. He wasn't comfortable with Porygon either. The robot did capture him without explanation.

Subconsciously, he placed his left hand on the middle seat.

Soon, Porygon parked the car and pressed a button that automatically opened the doors.

Paolo exited, looking around for Lapras hopelessly.

"That way." Calian indicated.

"Thanks." Paolo forced it out.

"Do you, hate me?" Calian stopped him before he went too far away.

"I-I…" Paolo paused. Would Calian beat him up if he answered wrongly?

"It's fine to answer honestly. No matter how immature or childish the reason may be, I will validate it." Calian assured after seeing his face.

"I honestly don't know. This feeling inside me. It m-makes me not want to get c-close to you or be your f-friend. B-but, I don't think it's hatred. I don't wish something bad upon you. I'm just s-scared." Paolo described to the best of his ability.

"I see… I can live with that." Calian smiled slightly. "I look forward to see how much you've grown when you return."

"Calian, one question though. How did you know I'm going to leave today? As well as Eiolonse and Acea. I never tell any of you." Paolo dug it out from the back of his mind.

"Oh, that? Teacher Chai advertised it. Like me, he usually doesn't have time to watch silly gameshows, so he must have high hopes for you." Calian implied something subtly.

Paolo couldn't decide whether to be mad or glad after hearing that.

Considerate of Porygon's time, Calian returned to the car. Looking out the back window one last time reaffirmed his beliefs about the boy being a societal paradigm, especially when he flinched after the waves crashed the beach. It put an endearing grin on his face.


"Let's depart now. I don't want to risk dealing with Lesteel's infamous sea storms." Lapras seemed anxious.

"S-sea storms? Let's leave! Quickly!" Paolo boarded Lapras urgently, finding a balanced spot.

"W-wow. You're not what I expect from a Lesteel contestant." Lapras admitted.

"W-well, I'm not your normal Lesteelyte." Paolo sounded a bit embarrassed. Lapras understood and didn't question further.

Paolo looked back at Lesteel one last time before Lapras swam far out to the open sea. He would miss home. Yes, cruel and unforgiving at times. Still, it was his home. Other than that, he wondered what kind of Pokemon would the second Lesteelyte be. There were two Lapras waiting after all. Would they be like Calian? A top student and a master of discipline? Could he tell when they arrive? Would they be scary?

Thinking about it worried him. If he couldn't befriend a fellow native, could he befriend anyone else? Or would he be alone for the entire game? Would things like nationality even mattered when they were all stranded on an isolated island?

Lapras turned to check. "Are you okay? Your face don't look good."

"I just don't know if I can do anything well in the show at all. Maybe they'll see me as a loser and vote me out first." Paolo looked down pessimistically.

"Don't think like that. I'm sure there'll be someone who likes you. The person who protects you. Someone who you can look up to." Lapras stretched his neck.

"I don't think I ever know that kind of person before." Paolo held his chin. "And I still can't think of one."

"It's okay. You'll find one hopefully." Lapras suddenly had an idea. "How about you hug my neck? It stops you from falling and also let you know how awesome idolizing someone can be." His true intention was ambiguous. Nevertheless, he wouldn't get any thanks from Paolo after reminding him of another threat. The boy was already less cowardly than usual, preoccupied with his mental fears.

"I g-guess." Paolo stepped over a spike carefully.

Paolo did as Lapras instructed, hugging a specific part of his neck, and he was surprised. Listening to the soothing sounds of the sea, looking past Lapras' long neck, gazing at the clouds…

Only one problem though.

"Your neck is slimy! What if I lose my grip and fall? I'm scared!" Paolo didn't feel safe and secured.

Some people were just hard to change.


Hope you like it! If you haven't read TSI yet, this episode should introduce you to my characters' varying complexity levels, humor, author's craft and writing style decently well. One warning though, I have suppressed my impatience and polished my writing style since then, so the difference in quality might be a bit jarring.

A few things you should keep in mind, I left the dialogue and character voices to your imagination most of the time. I don't capitalize words fully unless I write about Dedede for the memes. Don't rely much on italicized words for shifts in tones either. Finally, English isn't my first language as I'm Thai.

Speaking of Dedede, my current main project is a unique Pokemon and Kirby Crossover. If you are a fan of my works in general, try reading Keychain Killer in your free time. It is also a good way to track when I will release a new TSSS chapter.

Since I have been gone for quite a long time, here's extra content! The extra segment took place when Nosepass was 14 years old, so three years before the special episode. No spoilers either, but it might change your view on a certain TSI contestant significantly.


Extra Segment: Against the True Beast

The camera filmed a lively school fair with stalls, booths and balloons. This was a special occasion where on-the-rise Hakaon Pokeathlon stars would challenge the elite Lesteel battle team. A lot of prize money was on the line as the victorious team would take away 100,000 P in scholarship and bragging rights.

In the distance, Paolo left school early, disliking the event.

A Scraggy popped up in front of the camera. "Welcome back to another episode of Lesteel Live. Sir Craigazoo back it again with more entertainment for you viewers so that his hopes and dreams of getting a C won't fly away."

"You already got a C—. That's like a B— in other countries." The Scrafty camerawoman clarified. The two seemed close in age.

"Don't tell the viewers that! I need my daily dose of sympathy." Craigazoo furrowed his brows. "Anyways, remember to vote for Sir Craigazoo so that he gets his extra credit." The link appeared on the screen as he gave a thumbs up.

"Ahem." Craigazoo cleared his throat. "Today, the most action-packed battle will go down in either history books or post-it-notes. Most likely the latter, but still, it will be awesome. Trust me on that one."

Craigazoo started moving around. "I won't repeat old news by telling you about the elite Lesteel battle team. You viewers are definitely Lesteel natives, right? Otherwise, how can you watch this? Wizardry? Divine terminal? Bah, ridiculous."

"Ever heard of internet and visitors? You're just using that as an excuse to be lazy!" Scrafty exposed. Craigazoo gave her an annoyed look.

"Ignore her." Craigazoo waved dismissively. "Let's go and meet the Aura Beast instead, especially their leader. Everyone else is just boring and uninteresting. I know because they don't have their own Pokepedia pages. Still, I might spare a few minutes to interview each of them since I'm a nice guy and I want them to get more exposure. Hey look, one member is nearby."

Craigazoo approached a female Nuzleaf sleeping on the bench with legs crossed over the armrest. The camera then transitioned to an introduction card with visuals and information.


Shaz, the Secret Shill

Background: Pier

Specialty: Disc Catch


"Hello. Today is Year XXXXX, wake up!" Craigazoo's loud voice vaguely resembled something that sent a shiver down her spine.

Shaz's eyes opened immediately, panicking. "Leader, I'm not slacking off, I swear!" She started doing push-ups, then performing a few kicks and punches. Craigazoo was amused so he said nothing and waited until she figured it out.

"Wait, where's Leader?" Shaz glanced around.

"Your leader isn't here right now. You should've seen the look on your face. Craghahahahaha!" Craigazoo pointed while laughing.

"Hey, that's not very nice." Shaz placed her hands on her hips.

"Wow, you're not short-tempered." Craigazoo seemed surprised. "Anyways, introduce yourself."

"My name is Shaz and you're right. I'm quite the opposite of Leader, chill and easy-going. But when he's around me, I need to act all competitive. He likes it that way more, y'know?" Shaz explained.

"Got it, anything else to confess?" Craigazoo jotted it down.

"W-wait, don't tell me you're going to tell Leader. Are you?" Shaz sounded solicitous.

"It depends. Credit or cash?" Craigazoo rubbed his fingers.

Shaz solidified her face. "No. Fine, tell Leader then. I've known him for years. He would still accept me all the same no matter what."

"Touching." Craigazoo rolled his eyes. "Interview's over."

The camera cut to Craigazoo finding a Hariyama queuing for dumplings. Apparently, he switched places with an elderly Torkoal behind him.


Yama, Big like Boulder, Shy like Stone, Personality like Pebble

Background: Waterfall Training Zone

Specialty: Block Smash


"Big guy, ready for an interview or what?" Craigazoo handed him a microphone.

"Er, please don't put it so close to my face. Maybe we should find an area, so we don't block the others." Yama's voice was naturally quiet.

"Fine. Cut!" Craigazoo gestured.

"You're not a director!" Scrafty reminded before the screen transitioned by being chopped in half.

Yama slowly lowered his bottom until it touched the stool. Feeling like it would break any second, the gentle giant removed it and sat on the ground instead.

"First question, you're bigger than anyone else in the team, correct?" Craigazoo passed the microphone.

"Y-yeah. Not the t-tallest though." Yama stuttered.

"So, do you think it means that you're practically stronger than other Aura Beast members except for your leader?" Craigazoo enjoyed asking uncomfortable questions.

"Um, no. We compete as a team. Everyone gives it their all. Strength-wise, Leader is definitely the strongest. As a Pokemon though, we're all equal. Just like you and me are equals." Yama answered wisely. Craigazoo didn't seem satisfied.

"Yama, what are you doing? Whoa!" Tyrogue slipped and fell.

"Tim, are you okay?" Yama pulled him back up.

"Thanks, I'm okay. Oh, so you're doing an interview." Tim turned to the camera, waving.


Tim, Dirt Among Diamonds

Background: Nursery Dojo

Specialty: Nothing


"Tim, from my digging through the Aura Beast fan site, you're the newest member. How did you get recruited?" Craigazoo smirked as he peeked at the follow-up question.

"Newest sure, but I've been in the Aura Beast for three years now. Leader is the best! He saw me getting bullied in a dark alley and bam, he rescued me." Tim punched his palm.

"Three years seems enough time to improve, eh? Do you think you are the weakest because you're newest?" Craigazoo interviewed mercilessly. Yama frowned.

"Er, um, Leader said that he saw my pow-tent-teal or something. I think I just need to keep on trying." Tim looked crestfallen.

"It's okay, Tim. You've improved a lot." Yama cheered.

"You're right, Yama. Let me show my special move, Slipping Kick!" Tim ran before slipping and kicking a male Pinsir's butt by accident.

"Soap Feet, careful!" Pinsir showed no signs of pain, only annoyance.


Chuck, Can Reap and Make You Writhe

Background: Ring Stadium

Specialty: Ring Drop, Projectile Pageant


"S-sorry, Chuck." Tim's legs shook.

"O-K, Chuck not mad. Tim feet weak." Chuck spoke like a caveman.

"Chuck, is it? Can you tell me where your leader is?" Craigazoo preferred to avoid interviewing language disorder Pokemon.

"Chuck not know. Chuck know that Lead-er bestest. Lead-er save Chuck debt con-ter-act." Chuck spoke in third person.

"Can anyone translate for me?" Craigazoo didn't have the effort to decipher.

"Um, I can." Yama volunteered. "Chuck got tricked into signing a debt contract once. Luckily, Leader saved him. Since then, Chuck worked very hard to please Leader."

"Huh, I don't expect a rising star to recruit illiterate Pokemon." Craigazoo disrespected carelessly. Yama whispered to Chuck, and he fumed.

"Chuck hear, Chuck angry, Chuck chuck!" Chuck utilized tricolon. Chuck chucked Craig-a-zoo. Craig-a-zoo, pain, cry, bye, bye.

Intermission appeared on the screen.


Zebstrika tried to find a renowned professor in the field of genes inside the school. She had no luck so far.

"Zeresta, still trying to win Leader's heart? I'm cheering for youuu!" Brionne stretched slightly.

"Love-love, don't say that in public! His fangirls might be listening. I don't want them to start a war with me." Zeresta rebuked lightly.

"Okay, my lips sealed." Lolo did the gesture. "I'm gonna go and find some cute boys, bye now."

"Just make sure he's not taken like-" Zeresta realized that she's gone already. "Why can't she ever listen?"

Minding her own business, she inquired the nearest teacher about the gene professor.

"Excuse me, do you know where this professor is?" Zeresta showed him a piece of paper.

Chai took it and sipped his coffee before reading. "Oh, she's very close. That room." He pointed.

"Thank you very much. Out of curiosity, do college professors really teach in high school here?" Zeresta socialized.

"Indeed, some of us are. Lesteel prides itself in providing the best education in the whole world." Chai nodded proudly.

"I think a close friend of mine would do well here if he didn't already graduate. He's very talented." Zeresta referred to someone.

"Really? Introduce him to me sometime." Chai's eyes lit up with intrigue.

The conversation was soon over and Zeresta knocked the designated door. "Excuse me, may I come in for a short moment?"


The Musharna librarian never expected in a million years for an extremely muscular Lucario to place a pile of books in front of her for purchase. In Lesteel, school libraries often sold books they had ample copies of. However, athletes buying history books?! Perhaps, she stereotyped people too much.

"Stop staring and do your job." Lucario limited his volume.

"In a second." Musharna hurried. He seemed rude. It would be best to get rid of him as soon as possible.

"A total of 6,592 P." Musharna added.

"I've calculated the cost and prepared just enough. No change needed." Lucario placed the money and left with the books. Musharna wasn't even done counting. Nonetheless, Lucario was right. She sighed in relief. Life as a librarian was hard.

Placing the books down on an empty table, he turned to the table of contents page and opened a specific chapter. He purchased the following:

Hakao-Crystalia Conflict: A Retrospective

Hakao-Artern Relations

Romance of the Three Mainlands

Prominent Figures in the Desire Era

Genesect Killer

Legendary Pokemon Genocide

The Invincible General

Lucario only read specific parts of each book. He paid a lot of money, but read a total of thirty pages or so. Intense rage inherent in his eyes, Lucario carried books to the restroom for solitude.

Left alone, Lucario ripped, shred, tore and yelled like a madman.


In the girls' restroom, Acea teared as she stared at her own reflection.

Green stripes cut through her head like some nasty infection.

The star-shaped marking on her head sucked her self-esteem like black hole.

Covered in dull cloth membrane, she couldn't be any less fashionable.

The break-up was still recent and the fresh wound stung hard.

Finally managing to find some semblance of strength, she left the restroom. Avoiding the eye contacts of people, she turned to objects for comfort.

Beautiful dresses, earrings and most alluring—the Everstone necklace. She didn't want to cry over spilled milk, however, her emotions got the better of her.

"Hey, why're you crying?" A Hakamo-o passerby asked in concern.

"Evolution turned me ugly. My b-boyfriend, h-he… Sorry." Acea couldn't bear the pain again.

Hakamo-o pieced the information with a few assumptions together, brooding. Attracted by the Everstone necklace, she lifted it up and tried it. It was very light. The length could also be adjusted. Sold on it, she bought it for 500 P.

"Hickery-o, did you just seriously buy an Everstone necklace? Why do you hate evolving? Like I want to look cuter and stronger." Mareep cocked her head.

"Yeah. Is this seriously going to be the souvenir you bring back to Crystalia?" Buneary gave a look of disapproval.

Hickery-o averted her compliant eyes with a glint of rebellion.


Lolo approached a good-looking Gallade. He was bragging to his male friends about how he won a scholarship. Lolo took this as a sign that he was available.

"I won scholarships before too! All thanks to Leader." Lolo bragged.

"Really? Is your leader a Lucario? Are you from the Aura Beast?" Gallade's eye twitched.

"Yep! Want an autograph? People rarely ask me for one, most of our fans only care about Leader. He's like the best! He won scholarships all the time!" Lolo strayed.

"No thanks." Gallade veered his eyes. "You should be going now."

"Why? I want to know more about you!" Lolo's eyes clung to him.

"My girlfriend gets jealous easily. Oh well, too late." Gallade waved to his Gardevoir girlfriend. Lolo looked heartbroken.

"How dare you try to steal my boyfriend?!" Gardevoir slapped Lolo and pulled Gallade away.

Lolo shed sparkling tears, rubbing her sore face. A female Dewgong rolled over worriedly.

"Love-love, what happened to you? Don't tell me, oh no, again?" Dewgong patted her back.

"Roll-roll, I got rejected again! Why? I'm supposed to be the love expert." Lolo wiped her tears.

"Did you talk too much about Leader again?" Roro questioned.

Lolo nodded, oblivious. "What's wrong with that? It's a good start to a love topic."

"Love-love, I'm not sure if that's a good idea, especially when the guy is a Lesteelyte. He might feel like you're not giving him enough respect. Why don't you just introduce yourself normally as you would when you make friends?" Roro advised.

"Wow, Roll-roll, you're more knowledgeable about love than me. I guess that means you're the lovey-dovey expert!" Lolo granted a new title energetically.

"Yeah. I suppose." Roro went with the flow.

Craigazoo finally recovered after getting chucked. He approached the two for an interview.


Lolo, Crazy About "Love-love"

Background: Love Tunnel

Specialty: Goal Roll, Torrential Torment

Roro, "Roll-roll" Off The Edge

Background: Snow Stadium

Specialty: Snow Throw


"I heard you two calling each other Love-love and Roll-roll, but it's said right here that your actual names are Lolo and Roro. What's going on? Are they nicknames or what?" Craigazoo sneered subtly.

"As if Craigazoo isn't a stupid name." Scrafty muttered under her breath.

"Love-love and Roll-roll are our actual names. The authorities just don't allow it for some reason." Lolo shrugged. "Leader got the best name though! If I give birth to a baby boy, I'm naming him after Leader."

Craigazoo glanced at Roro, who rubbed her head sheepishly.

"Back to the topic, Love-love and Roll-roll, seriously? What kind of parents name their kids that?" Craigazoo ridiculed. Lolo and Roro were suddenly depressed.

"We have…no parents." Lolo sobbed. Craigazoo turned silent.

"We are from the same orphanage. We name ourselves. Even though we aren't blood related, we're sisters. We were nearly victim of child trafficking until Leader saved us. We owe him even to this day." Roro sounded emotional.

"Sorry for being insensitive. Er, let's end it here." Craigazoo had his bounds.

After a while, Craigazoo found a lanky male Mienshao striding toward him.


Mao, Third-in-Command

Background: Pachinko Machine

Specialty: Lamp Jump, Circle Push, Acrobatics Acolyte


"You must be Mao." Craigazoo peeked his research notes. "So, you're the third-in-command." He smirked.

"Precisely. The one and only Mao. Expert of Lamp Jump, Circle Push and Acrobatics Acolyte." Mao flicked his whisker and turned his head stylishly.

"Have you ever been envious of your leader before?" Craigazoo didn't hesitate.

"Yes and no." Mao raised and lowered his hand dramatically. "He's one of the few I consider above myself. I look up to his strength and leadership skills. However, I'm not envious of his cripplingly low emotional intelligence one bit. He used to beat other people up because they forgot to give straws alongside the drinks. He got extreme anger issues, I dare say."

"Thinking that you'll get promoted anytime soon? Replacing a certain someone maybe?" Craigazoo pursued relentlessly. Mao chuckled inwardly.

"Yes, I believe my growing reliability as of late will propel me to greater heights. Let me demonstrate." Mienshao went to rally six other members together.

"Watch the master at work." Mao whispered to Craigazoo before addressing his teammates. "Everyone, if any of you need help with anything. Ask right away!"

"Yama, can you help me tie my shoelaces? These shoes stop me from slipping." Mao walked over.

"No problem, Tim." Mao didn't want to lower himself to tie shoelaces anyways.

"Shop not know Chuck word, help Chuck." Chuck asked for a translator. Mao was about to go to help.

"Don't worry Chuck, I'll translate for you." Shaz reached Chuck before Mao.

"My face still hurts. I need some ice." Mao bought a drink and asked for extra ice.

"Love-love, I'll put my flipper on your cheek and let's see if it gets better." Mao simply couldn't be as efficient as an ice type.

"Wow, some third-in-command you are." Craigazoo seemed amused.

"The circumstances spite me today. I doubt sub-leader Zeresta could've done a better job. Someday, Leader will realize that I'm more worthy of that title than her." Mao damage-controlled arrogantly.

"She's right behind you." Craigazoo pointed out. Mao widened his eyes in fear as Zeresta reared up and pulled his whisker down on the ground before dragging him away, much to his protests and moans.


Zeresta, Zapper Zebra

Background: Track Field

Specialty: Hurdle Dash, Relay Run, Carriage Carnage


Zeresta was available for interview after she dealt with Mao.

"From your experience working with your leader, what kind of person is he?" Craigazoo fiddled with his pen.

"Unless you're close to him personally, you'll never see more than his public personality. He's very kind-hearted. Most of us were saved by him, one point or another. However, he's also very complicated and difficult to deal with at times." Zeresta paused to arrange her words.

"He is very biased and discriminates people based on favoritism. The way he treats his fans and competitors differ extremely. This is no exception even in the team. However, he's also quite democratic. He does listen to everyone's opinions before making decisions. In my eyes, he's a really great Pokemon. But we need to realize that he's flawed like any of us, and he got good undisclosed reasons for why he acts the way he acts." Zeresta took a nice deep breath after she finished.

"Deep, very deep." Craigazo dropped his pen and notebook inside his pants before shaking his tired hand.

Pressed for time, Craigazoo hurried to find the elusive leader of the Aura Beast. Even his team weren't aware of his whereabouts. They told him the location of the female Weavile member though. Sighing in defeat, Craigazoo decided to get her interview over first.

He went to the sand pit.


Dive, Hard Head, Soft Brain

Background: Underwater

Specialty: Pennant Capture


Dive was playing in the sand like a little kid until Craigazoo interrupted her.

"Where's your leader?" Craigazoo asked bluntly.

"Ooh, camera. Don't you want to interview me before the big match? I'm interesting." Dive wanted attention.

"How about you tell me about your leader?" Craigazoo insisted stubbornly.

"Do you know how I got my name? Let me tell. I changed it with my parents' permission because I like diving so much. No, I love diving! I can dive under anything, sand, water, dirt and even concrete. Want to see?" Dive captured Craigazoo's interest.

Dive built up speed before leaping into the air and corkscrewed downward into the concrete. She dived through it successfully, but her head got stuck.

Feeling naughty, Craigazoo picked up a stick and poked her butt continuously. "Tell me your leader's location and I'll stop."

Dive made inaudible angry noises. Cracks started splitting the ground and Craigazoo was alarmed. He placed the blame on the nearest Pokemon without looking, by giving him a stick.

To his demise, that Pokemon was none other than the one he sought after.

"What did you do to my teammate?!" Lucario reddened.


Lukas, the Aura Beast Leader

Background: Dark Wasteland of Destruction

Specialty: Winning


A dark screen showed up with the following:

Due to the brutality of the content, it is deemed not appropriate for all ages. Since the incident, Craigazoo was never seen in public again. He lived a good life, even though he was tad ugly and a narcissistic jerk. Rest in post-it-notes, Craigazoo. History never remembers losers like you.

In the last split second before the episode was over, Jk showed up in big bold letters.


"Lu, did everything turn out okay?" Zeresta asked with concern.

"No! All the books and records told the same thing. My genealogical research has been nothing but a farce! I still despise my ancestry! Gah, this rage will never go away!" Lukas placed a hand on his chest.

"Lu, no matter your bloodline, we're still here for you. The team doesn't care-" Zeresta tried to placate.

"But, I care! This doesn't just affect me. It also affects my family and decades of generational suffering!" Lukas breathed heavily. Discerning that Zeresta was hiding her pain, he tried to calm down. "Sorry, Zeres. I…need some time alone."

Lukas walked away, all alone. Zeresta wanted to reach her hoof out to him, but decided against it.

"Is Leader okay? The battle will start in thirty minutes." Mao came to check. He got a bandage on his damaged whisker.

"No, he's not." Zeresta shook her head miserably. Mao sighed.

"What about you, are you okay?" Mao's tone was surprisingly comforting.

"No, I feel like the distance between us is widening. I want to reach out and close the gap, but I fear that I might make things worse." Zeresta sounded frustrated. "Why do you care about me, anyways? Aren't you trying to steal my position?"

"Steal is a strong word. True, I want all the glory to myself." Mao spread his arms in the air ambitiously. "However, it means very little if my teammates don't see me as competent, reliable and even, caring to some extent."

"I suppose you're right." Zeresta flashed a smile.

"Sub-Leader, excuse my presumptuousness, but I got a question." Mao looked inquisitive and perplexed.

"Ask away. We've known each other for years." Zeresta was prepared to be open-minded.

"Why do you persist on winning Leader's heart? Even though you were his first friend, I thought he made it very clear that he still hates relationships. It's futile in my opinion." Mao stated.

"He doesn't actually hates relationships. He just can't tell his real reason because it's too personal. He has told me about it and j-just trust him, okay? Don't press him about it. He has shared enough with you lot already." Zeresta sounded serious.

"Understood. I'll just assume there's more we don't understand about his ancestry. Anyways, everyone's waiting. Rally their spirits, will you? You're better for it." Mao admitted begrudgingly. Zeresta nodded.


Zeresta and Mao gathered everyone together for a short morale-boosting speech.

Zeresta inhaled deeply before she started. "Everyone, Leader has done so much for us already. We were once pathetic losers with pitiful backgrounds. No one bothered to pull us up. No one saw our potential. No one, but him."

The members remembered vividly the turning point in their lives. All because of Lukas.

"He gave us a place to belong. He taught us how to fight for ourselves. He won money and scholarships for us. Most importantly, he's our friend."

The members showed varying degrees of emotional release.

"No matter what the world thinks of him! No matter how many time he yells at us! No matter what we need to go through! We'll stay by his side! He's suffering right now. He needs us. Let's win the scholarship for his little brother. Let's show him that he's not alone. For Leader, who's with me?"

"For Leader!" They all shouted in unison.


Congliang and his team were currently analyzing past footage of Aura Beast's battles. The leader learned Quick Guard in preparation for Lukas' Bullet Punch.

"Bro, are you confident that you will win?" Calian appeared, eyes lighting up with expectations.

"Bro, of course, I will win. Two hundred percent confident. That Lucario might be tough, but wait until he sees our family technique." Congliang sounded reassuring.

"Bro is the definition of excellence! Make me proud." Calian looked up to him. Congliang couldn't afford to fail now. Although his mother was too busy to watch live, his little brother would be cheering him on.

The elite Lesteel battle team consisted of the following:

Congliang Congjien

Golem E-Type

Dugtrio

Two Steelix

Two Hippowdon

Three Magneton


Lukas returned to his team moments before the battle, looking good as new. The announcement was made and spectators swarmed to the arena, picking the best seats on the bleachers. Understandably, the number of Pokemon cheering for the elite Lesteel battle team overwhelmed the small group of Aura Beast fans. Yet, the Aura Beast fans were more lively and colorful, possessing a wide variety of cheering assortments.

The teachers and staff got their exclusive little zone on the roof. Coach Sableye went down to prep his students.

"Remember kids, win and get an A. Lose and get a B+. No pressure, alright?" Sableye pressured. "In addition, sandstorm is forbidden. Can't allow sand to get in the spectators' eyes, can we?"

"What?! But Coach, Sand Stream is what put the word elite in our battle team."

"This means Sand Veil is useless. How unfair!"

"Core strategy not allowed, percentage of victory has diminished greatly."

"Any extremely generous billionaires out there want to trade sufficient supply of Safety Goggles in exchange for food stamps?"

"I'm incredulous to believe your reasoning, Coach. What happened to the weather immunity barrier?"

"That is beyond my knowledge." Sableye avoided eye contact. "Whatever happened, happened."

"Come on, team. We can't let one restriction put a wrench in our plan. Otherwise, we can hardly call ourselves the best. We're definitely the best, aren't we?!" Congliang emboldened. This recovered their morale significantly. The main facets of Sableye's eyes showed gratitude while the outer facets hid guilt.


Right on schedule, the Exploud announcer introduced only the Aura Beast as Congliang requested to show off his team personally.

"Burning your soul, freezing your courage and shocking your nerves, we're the Trionator Encore!" Congliang proclaimed, flecks of saliva flying. No one cheered, including his own teammates.

"Can I get a loud encore?! Please?" Congliang pleaded unsuccessfully. "C'mon, is this how you treat your top student? Fine, I'll do it myself, backstabbers."

Congliang advanced closer to the Aura Beast. "Watch out, punks. You better steel yourself, because we're gonna rock you into the ground! Trionator Encore, hooray!"

The Aura Beast members all looked indifferent. Congliang sighed, shaking his head.

"Please cheer loudly for the elite Lesteel battle team!" Exploud stole the spotlight. The crowd cheered ecstatically. Congliang was stupefied.

"Humorless freaks." Congliang muttered.

Not in the mood, Lukas didn't disrespect the other team before the battle started. Additionally, Congliang basically disrespected himself by calling his team Trionator Encore. Anything else would be unnecessary.

"Begin!" Exploud boomed.

Lukas used Bullet Punch right off the bat. Congliang blocked with Quick Guard.

"I know your moves, Lucario." Congliang thrust forward with Smart Strike.

"Fascinating. But, do you know my team well?" Lukas parried the blow with Bone Rush.

"Roll-roll, let's use our team move!" Lolo the Brionne initiated. Roro the Dewgong nodded.

The big sister curled into a ball and the little sister jumped on, rolling her around. Lolo used her front flippers to accelerate and turn, pushing forward, while her tail flipper could brake if necessary.

Lolo rolled away from Golem, who charged at them with Galvanize Double-Edge, applying electrical effect to normal type moves. The sisters wouldn't just roll around pointlessly. There's a benefit to attacking in this formation.

Roro froze the ground underneath her with Icy Wind and Lolo sprayed Bubble Beam alongside her, creating a bubbly ice trail. Golem slipped and took bubble damage, which reduced his speed.

Dive the Weavile utilized the ice trail to her advantage, skating around and dodging the Steelix Bros from biting her with Fire Fangs.

Tim, on the other hand…

"So slippery! Help!" Tim lost his balance and slid to Hippowdon's direction. She prepared to bite him with Thunder Fang.

"Hang on, Tim!" Lukas deflected Congliang's Energy Ball at Hippowdon with Bone Rush.

"That won't work!" Congliang smiled knowingly.

Hippowdon hid underground with Dig as the Energy Ball split out into cluster bombs. Tim thought he was a goner for sure until Leader shielded him from the explosions, taking very little damage.

"Leader…" Tim's gratitude flowed out of his eyes.

"No time to cry, let's go!" Lukas jumped up with Tim before Hippowdon could eat them out of Dig.

"Chuck, catch! Mao, Aura Combo!" Lukas threw Tim to Chuck as Mao leaped into the air by his side. The two combined their Aura Spheres together and blasted Hippowdon into oblivion. Congliang was very impressed by their display of teamwork.

Chuck the Pinsir caught Tim with his pincers and jumped sideways to avoid the ramming Steelix. Missing once, the iron snake swung his Iron Tail. Chuck endured the hit and used Vital Throw, struggling to swing him with only two hands.

"Another pair of hands should work." Yama grabbed his tail. Tim decided to jump down and helped as well. Together, the three spun the Steelix around slowly before tossing him a few centimeters away. Their efforts weren't wasted as Lukas slammed down Bone Rush on Steelix's head, finishing him off.

"I've never witnessed teamwork like this before." Congliang addressed Lukas, flying away from Zeresta's Flame Charge.

"You should then." Lukas batted Aura Spheres Mao threw at him against the three Magneton.

Congliang aided one of the Magneton by shielding him with Quick Guard. The Aura Sphere pierced through the barrier and dealt reduced damage to them. Sadly, two other Magneton still fainted.

"I think I admire you." Congliang crossed the ground with X-Scissor and released a pillar of bug energy defensively. Zeresta quickly halted Flame Charge and retreated before Magneton could attach Magnet Bomb onto her.

"A competitor that's a fan of me? You're a weird one." Lukas mounted Zeresta.

Shaz the Nuzleaf shot Razor Leaf at Hippowdon, who evaded with Dig.

"The ground is s-shaking!" Shaz scrammed as the burrowing beast chased her relentlessly.

"Jump on me!" Dive raised her hands up like a platform. Shaz did as instructed right away.

Dive skated away from Hippowdon's resurfacing consecutive Fire Fangs. Shaz finished charging Razor Wind eventually and blasted it downward at the same time Dive jumped. This propelled them high into the sky. Dive corkscrewed them downward as Shaz released Razor Leaf around her, dive-bombing his vulnerable back. They then landed on opposite sides of Hippowdon. Shaz threw out a fast jab with Feint Attack while Dive dropped Icicle Crash down, making him unconscious.

They got no time to rest as Congliang unleashed a volley of Energy Ball at Aura Beast members.

"Even if my team's at a huge disadvantage, it ain't over until you beat the Congliang—eldest son of the defense minister!" Congliang exclaimed.

"With me by their side, my team can't possibly lose!" Lukas dismounted close to Congliang, throwing his bone down like a javelin. Congliang air-dodged, continuing his barrage on the other Aura Beast members.

"Ah!" Lolo fell off Roro after the cluster bomb hit them directly. Yama and Chuck rushed to help. Acknowledging the chance to turn the tide of the battle, Golem crossed arms, emitting shining electrical charge out.

"Golem Boom Boom!" Chuck warned. Yama spread his arms wide and construct a wall around Golem with Wide Guard, containing the explosion. Dugtrio wouldn't allow their victory condition to be wasted like faulty fireworks. Each head blasted either a ball of fire, ice or electricity at Yama. The Trionator Encore's iconic move combined elemental forces together to deal normal damage, bypassing Yama's Thick Fat.

"Argh!" Yama's Wide Guard cracked. However, he maintained it with the last of his strength, ceasing Explosion before collapsing on the ground.

"Yamaaaa! Y-you…" Lolo's eyes were watery. Roro placed a consoling and reminding hand on her back. They glanced at each other, determined to avenge him.

Chuck already got into action ahead of time, trying to claw Dugtrio with X-Scissor. The mole quickly hid underground before popping back up and blasting Tri-Attack from behind. Chuck turned around, stomping the ground because Dugtrio disappeared. His frustration faltered when he saw the sisters rolling toward him, forming a wheel circle by holding each other's tail.

"Chuck Slam!" Chuck grabbed them with his pincers and back-flipped before smashing them into the ground, releasing a bubbly, icy shock wave. Dugtrio got forced out, fainted. Perilously, they took some recoil. Even worse, Congliang's Energy Ball damaged them substantially.

The Aura Beast outnumbered the elite Lesteel battle team severely. Nine against two, in fact. Steelix recently got ganged up by Mao and Zeresta. Lukas, Congliang, Zeresta and Mao looked unharmed. The rest were at risk of fainting, however.

Congliang and Lukas speeded around the battlefield, trading blows so fast the spectators had a hard time seeing.

Congliang thrust his right lance forward, charging Energy Ball on his left. Lukas bent his body and swung Bone Rush. The defense minister's son blocked it by swinging Energy Ball upward, releasing a shower of cluster bombs that prevented Mao and Zeresta from interfering.

"Give it up, loser!" Lukas stabbed the flexible bone in the ground and flung himself overhead, charging an Aura Sphere in each hand. He blasted one down to distract Congliang. Landing quickly behind his back, Lukas squeezed the sphere for a close range burst. However, Magneton activated his Magnet Pull ability to pull Congliang away before getting knocked out by Zeresta's Flame Charge.

Back pressed against the wall, Congliang still had the audacity to smile in front of Lukas.

"You're messed up. Did you get a concussion as a kid?" Lukas' voice sounded peculiar. It was as if he was…joking.

"If it's a concussion, it's a good one." Congliang retorted. Lukas chuckled.

"I've never seen someone who can keep up with me in a one on one match, let alone my age. You struggle, you crawl, but you don't submit. I like that. Why do you fight? Pride and honor for your family?" Lukas showed resonating curiosity.

"That and I don't want my team to get B+." Congliang sounded tired.

"You fight for the same reason as me. You've earned my respect. However, I can't have mercy. It ends here!" Lukas pulled his fist back.

"Same here." Congliang smirked. He slashed the air with X-Scissor, charged Energy Ball and inserted it through the intersection with Smart Strike. "Excaliburrrrr!"

Lukas bent his knees, but didn't jump as he realized the direction of the cross beam. Instead, he summoned Bone Rush and tried to challenge it. The bone evaporated instantly, however. The beast was left wonderstruck as the destructive beam pushed him back. His feet collided against the ground, smoke rising up.

"Leader Lu!" Zeresta galloped forward.

"No, stay back! This is too dangerous!" Lukas demanded. "Hrgh!"

Finally, the elite Lesteel battle team fans screamed wildly as the prospect of a comeback got brighter. Even Calian couldn't control his excitement.

Congliang pulled his lance back, exhausted. The beam ended with a boom, creating a giant crater with an enormous explosion. He anticipated Lukas to faint or be on the verge of fainting. Congliang was right, it was the latter case.

Lukas struggled to push himself off the ground, injuries all over. His team rushed to his aid, supporting him.

"Take it easy, old pal. Get a pillow and let the Congliang have the paper." Congliang degraded the scholarship, getting boos from the crowd. "W-wha? Y'all cheered for me seconds before! It's just a joke, okay? Calm down, calm down." The entire school seemed to love teasing him.

"I'm not done yet." Lukas panted. "You're a worthy opponent. Time to s-show you, my t-true p-power."

"C'mon pal, pull that blanket up." Congliang pitied.

"Lu, you don't need to do this. The eight of us can-" Zeresta saw his adamant eyes and shut her mouth.

Lukas clutched the spike on his chest with a vibrating motion.

Slap!

"I-insolence!" Lucario's hand twitched.

"Mao, what the hell?!" Zeresta was shocked that Mao slapped Leader's hand away. Everyone else didn't know how to react. Sensibly, Roro decided to keep an eye on Congliang, who was arguing with the audience about the team name.

"I should be asking that question, Sub-Leader. What the hell is your problem?! Stop being scared that you'll widen the gap. If you don't do something, he'll be further and further away! I admire Leader like the next member, but that doesn't mean I'll obey him without question. As the third-in-command, I've my responsibility to disagree and knock some sense into him." Mao stood up taller than anyone. Zeresta was speechless.

"M-Mao, I n-need to-" Lukas' usual authority wasn't preeminent.

"Need to what? Self-destruct in front of the public? Spare me the folly. I know you just want to win. Therefore, entrust us with the task. Give us some trust and respect. We aren't babies for you to babysit anymore." Mao's tone was both assertive and persuasive.

"F-fine. You're right." Lukas admitted, gazing into his reliable eyes proudly. "Thank you."

Mao smiled, pulling everyone closer. "Alright, team. Time to listen to your third-in-command. Here's what we'll do…"

"For the millionth time, I didn't hire a drug addict to name the team! Trionator Encore is such a cool and rad name. Elite Lesteel battle team, who still uses that? Ouch." Congliang felt sharp leaves hitting his back.

"Trionator Encore is such a lame name. Leader wouldn't name our team that even if he got sponsored for 1,000,000 P." Shaz taunted.

"Oh, that's it!" Congliang stabbed forward with both lances by Smart Strike. Shaz back-flipped onto Lolo's back. The 'love expert' distracted him for a second with Baby Doll Eyes, reducing his Attack. She then fled with Aqua Jet.

"Love-love, ever consider Trionator as your child's first name?" Shaz asked, according to plan.

"Ew, no way! I would fail as a parent if I do that." Lolo looked disgusted. Congliang blasted Energy Ball at them angrily. Mao canceled it out with Aura Sphere, The cluster bombs didn't travel far enough to hit the two.

Zeresta carried Chuck and Dive, front and back respectively. The zebra sneakily pursued Congliang from behind. She sped up with Pursuit, tackling his back and rearing back. The two riders dismounted. Dive corkscrewed Chuck into Congliang's head. With all his might, he performed Guillotine.

"Arghhh!" Congliang tried to dispatch him. However, Chuck hung on tight. Still, the result was uncertain. Congliang was much, much stronger than Chuck. It was possible that he wouldn't go down in one hit.

That's where Roro came in.

"Sheer Cold!" Roro resorted to her ultimate move. Suffering from two one-hit knock-out moves, Congliang submitted to his slumber in the end.

"They did it! The Aura Beast beat the elite Lesteel battle team!" Exploud announced.

"Our school team only loses because of that stupid name. Trinity Anchor, now that's a name I can get behind."

"I'm delighted to witness a battle of this caliber. Bafflingly though, the Hippowdon duo didn't activate Sand Stream. The battle would have been less lopsided if they did."

"Calian, don't tell anyone I told you this, okay? I saw Coach Sableye broke the barrier contraption by accident."

"Where's Craigazoo? I got popcorn for him."

"Lukas' sooooo handsome!"

"Wassup, the battle started yet? What?! It's already o-over? You're kidding…"

"Wait, Yama didn't faint?!"

The Aura Beast all celebrated euphorically. Chuck lifted Yama's hand up and waved for the fans. Shaz put sunglasses on him to hide his swirly eyes. Mao spread his arms as he bowed for the applause. Lolo formed two hearts on top of each other with her flippers, winking. Roro coiled circles from left to right. Zeresta reared up to hi-five fans. Dive stayed true to her name.

Apparently, Tim supported Lukas when the others fought Congliang. The leader smiled as he stared into the closed sky.

"Klaus, we did it."


Coach Sableye visited Congliang inside the infirmary, guilt-ridden.

"Congliang, you know, after thinking about it, I think you alone deserve an A." Sableye fiddled with his thumbs unstably.

"No, Coach. B+ is fine. It is what it is. We lost as a team. I need to accept responsibility too as the leader." Congliang rejected, relieved.

Sableye felt the words stabbing him and twisting his guts out. "Congliang, I've f-failed you. I've failed Calian. I've failed the defense minister's sons! I've failed Lady Congjien! I've failed Lesteel!" He banged his head against the wall repeatedly.

"Coach, it's okay. I don't-" Congliang was left shook as Sableye stormed out with broken eyes, blaring as if it was the end of the world.

That day, Sableye resigned, packed his things and migrated to Evoncel, living a quiet life as a footwear retailer employee.


Calian soon visited Congliang, looking disappointed. The big brother made sure to keep his composure.

"Bro, it's unlike you to fell for their trick. Tell me, did you sandbag?" Calian accused.

"No, I gave it my all, Bro. It is what it is. I lost." Congliang sounded genuine.

"Bro is the best though! Even without sandstorm, Bro should still be able to mop the floor with them! I won't accept it. This is the first time you ever got anything less than A and you're not even disappointed. What's wrong with you? What happened to my bro?" Calian threw a tantrum.

"Don't be immature, Calian. Winning isn't everything. I have learned a lot from that battle. I've grown to realize that the sky isn't the place for me." Congliang strained his neck to look up the ceiling.

"But, Bro! I've worked so hard because I aspire to be like you. If you give up, I d-don't know what do anymore." Calian averted his eyes.

"I'm not giving up, Calian. I just want to be happy, rather than successful. It's time you stop looking up to me and start looking up to yourself. You're talented. I'm sure you can exceed me." Congliang lifted Calian's face up.

"But, I'm s-scared, Bro. Without you following the same path, I'll be alone." Calian shook.

"You're not alone. I'll be on the ground to catch you if you fall. The life in the sky is for you, Calian. Let your melodies of ambition rise to the sky, with me, or without me. Surpass me, surpass Father and surpass even Mother!" Congliang stimulated Calian.

After a moment of hesitation, Calian nodded with newfound conviction. "I will carry the legacy of our family in your place, Bro. You can trust me on that."

"Good, Bro. Make us all proud." Congliang smiled.

The peaceful winds blew outside. It was a sunny day. Modest temperature. Drifting clouds.

Calian looked out and captured these details one by one, piecing them together to create the ideal sky in his imagination.


Another reason I decided to create these specials is to warm you up for Season 2. It will be more complicated than Season 1 and requires you to have decent knowledge about my world for optimal reading experience. If you want to understand it deeply, practice answering some literature based questions (e.g. 1. How does this chapter explore the link between impulse and brotherly love? 2. Favoritism can be used to motivate people. Do you agree with this statement?). Don't be pressured though because you should read however you like! I'm just an ambitious author that likes creating his own worlds.

Season 2 is actually looking to be my personal masterpiece. As the setting will be an actual, living, breathing world. I have already created celebrities (most of them parody Nintendo characters) and some household brands. Currently, I'm doing case studies on shipping companies and ways of integrating it with the Pokemon world. The special episodes will gradually introduce them ahead of time. Regardless of whether you read special episodes, I will find creative ways to not overwhelm any of you when the time comes.

I also recently joined my faculty's Lakorn (drama in Thai) team as a core writer. I will be contributing to the project pretty soon so expect slow updates. I'm excited to try new things and explore secondary career options. Who knows? Someday you might see my original books in store shelves or the internet. I already got four original ideas.

Enough getting ahead of myself. This Bronzern Direct has one more announcement. Please take a look.


Secret Scene: Deliberate Casting

Somewhere in Skarmory Island…

Skarmory and Furret were deeply moved after watching Paolo's audition.

After they were done watching all the auditions, the married couple discussed with each other.

"The first contestant I choose is Paolo. He reminds me of myself in the Silver Spoon days. I want to see if joining this show will be the turning point in his life just like when I met you the first time." Skarmory remembered vividly.

Furret placed her hand on her cheek, gazing at him fondly. "You've come a long way since then, B-Young."

"You too, S-Cute." B-Young returned. "We've come a long way."

The two shared a blissful nostalgic moment before resuming their job.

"The next Pokemon needs to be Lukas. As we already know, he's the descendant of the Invincible General, Lu Bu. The wielder of Blood Aura." B-Young outlined.

"That can't be helped." S-Cute folded her arms. "Still, I don't like Lukas' personality. I'm not fond of his closed-mindedness and arrogance. If he annoys me, I might end up slashing him into pieces or breaking all of his bones."

"Lady General, have some mercy on the poor boy. He's still young and foolish. Give him time to grow. I would like to give him a chance in spite of his heritage. I want to observe him up-close. What he fights for, how he uses his power, how he interacts with other Pokemon, things of that nature. I know you want the same, deep inside." B-Young soothed, caressing her shoulder.

"I guess he deserves our guidance. After all, it isn't his fault that Lu Bu came into contact with power that shouldn't exist in this world." S-Cute sympathized.

"A power that can plunge the world into chaos… Threatening, indeed. If anything happens, we need to accept responsibility." B-Young fretted.

S-Cute looked sorry. "I wish that I can be there by your side when you host, B-Young. However, you won't be the Pokemon I know anymore. You won't be Byungak the Silver Scholar. I f-fear that the way I act around you-"

"It's okay. You don't need to be sorry." B-Young shook his head understandingly. "I know that you don't have the patience to deal with those kids anymore. If you end up revealing your strength, things might get complicated. The same goes if they find out that I'm a flying encyclopedia. Still, knowledge is usually easier to suppress than strength."

"Stay strong, my husband." S-Cute encouraged affectionately, caressing his face. "I know it must be so hard for you to pretend. Perhaps, it might be easier to have all the contestants refer to each other by their species name. So, you can have an easier time hiding your identity around them."

"Great suggestion, my wife. While revealing our names won't blow our cover, since the Mainlands got zero records of us, we need to lie about our origins cleverly." B-Young had a thoughtful pose. His attention soon shifted to something closer to the heart, however.

"Esque, I know I'm putting myself at risk-" B-Young was cut off by a kiss. It lasted shortly, but the easing effects lingered very long.

"Say no more, Byungak. I know what's in your mind, just as you know what's in mine. We will overcome this crisis together, no matter what." S-Cute pulled him in for an embrace. "I love you."

"I love you too." B-Young cleared his mind and simply enjoyed the moment.

The future's filled with haze.

I lost my way.

Please be my guiding light.


Surprised? You will find out the true history of Skarmory and Furret in my fourth main project, The Silver Scholar That Shines Alongside The Lady General. Historical vibes, anyone?

TSI Bonus Episode will be released after a certain number of special episodes. Season 2 will be released shortly after the bonus.

Last thing before this chapter's over. I'm willing to write about minor characters like Chai, Mao, Love-love and others on demand. Each special episode after this will have an extra segment that won't be any longer than 1,000 words. Just simply leave a review and convince me. Feel free to privately message me if you have any questions or want to discuss something. I won't reply to reviews otherwise. (Update: This has been changed since chapter 3 got uploaded. All requested extra segments will be grouped together in a special chapter that will appear after several character-focused episodes. There will also be no word limit. The original idea was that I want to practice concise writing. However, I find it more efficient to use another method. Your nominated character will get selected as long as you show passion for said character.)

Have a great day!